Vehicle Entry Authorization Using Garage-Aware Intent Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles equipped with sensor systems that automatically unlock or open doors when a driver approaches may inadvertently do so when the driver does not intend to enter, leading to inconvenience, increased risk of theft, and unnecessary battery drain.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle entry authorization system that uses dimensional information of the garage interior, captured by cameras and distance measurement devices, to determine if a smart device is inside or outside the garage, thereby preventing false activations of vehicle components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vehicle computer automatically unlocks or opens doors when a driver approaches, then convenience is improved, but false activation occurs when the driver does not intend to enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of automatic door unlockingVSAvoidaccuracy of driver entry intent detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from detecting only proximity (one dimension) to detecting both proximity and directional intent (multiple dimensions). By analyzing the angle between the driver's facing direction and the vehicle's orientation, the system adds a directional dimension to the detection, enabling it to distinguish between approaching with intent to enter versus passing by without intent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameters from simple distance-based triggering to a composite parameter that includes both distance and angular orientation. By monitoring changes in the angle parameter over time, the system can determine whether the driver is approaching the vehicle with intent to enter, thereby reducing false activations while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the vehicle computer executes operations when a driver approaches, then access is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to inadvertent activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidtheft risk from false activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of driver intent before executing the door unlocking operation. By first detecting the driver's facing direction and calculating the angle with the vehicle, the system validates the driver's intent to enter before triggering the access operation, preventing premature or unintended activation that could compromise security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the angular parameter between the driver's facing direction and the vehicle orientation, providing feedback on the detected intent. This feedback mechanism allows the system to confirm whether the driver's approach indicates genuine intent to enter, thereby preventing false activations that could create security vulnerabilities while maintaining convenient access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the vehicle computer activates components when a driver approaches, then functionality is improved, but battery drain increases due to unnecessary activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle access functionalityVSAvoidbattery drain from false activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by only activating vehicle components when specific conditions are met - namely when the driver is approaching with detected intent to enter. By requiring the angular parameter to indicate proper orientation toward the vehicle, the system avoids excessive activation of components during incidental approaches, thereby reducing unnecessary battery drain while maintaining full functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents unnecessary activation of vehicle components when the driver is outside the garage, enhancing security and conserving battery life by ensuring that components only activate when the driver intends to enter.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor system that can detect a driver approaching a vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

distance measurement devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11981288B2Activating vehicle components based on intent of individual near vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for eliminating false activation of components of a vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a garage. Example components can be a door lock, a door latch, a door activation servomotor, or a light. In an example method, a vehicle entry authorization system of a vehicle operates a sensor system to obtain dimensional information of an interior portion of the garage. The vehicle entry authorization system may then detect a presence of a mobile device (such as a smartphone, smart device, or a vehicle key fob) and determines the location of the mobile device based on the dimensional information. If the mobile device is located outside the garage, the vehicle entry authorization system refrains from activating a component of the vehicle. However, if the mobile device is located inside the garage, the vehicle entry authorization system activates the component.