Optical Sensor Gesture Actuation for Vehicle Tailgates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle actuator systems, such as those for tailgates, require complex and specific gestures for operation, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to unnecessary dead times and the need for special movements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an optical sensor system that detects and recognizes a person's approach and intended gesture through step recognition, allowing actuation of the actuator before the foot reaches the operating area, using a dynamic detection area and frame rate adjustment based on walking speed, and incorporating keyless entry authorization for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If special gestures such as kick gestures or stepping on a spot are required for actuation, then the actuator can be operated, but the operation becomes complex and requires specific movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the user's approach and intention before the actual actuation occurs. By detecting steps and analyzing movement direction in advance, the system prepares for actuation beforehand, eliminating the need for complex on-the-spot gestures and simplifying the final operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical gesture recognition systems with an optical sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical interaction with mechanical components or specific foot movements, the optical sensor detects approach and intention through light-based measurements, substituting a simpler optical system for complex mechanical gesture requirements.
2Reliability
If the sensor system remains active continuously for gesture detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates detection when triggered by initial approach signals and deactivates when no further activity is detected, creating a periodic operation pattern that maintains detection accuracy during active periods while reducing overall power consumption during inactive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection at a distance to determine if actuation is likely needed before fully activating the sensor system. This preliminary check allows the system to remain in a low-power state most of the time while still providing reliable detection when actually needed.
3Loss of time
If the detection area is fixed and large, then user approach is detected early, but passing by persons may be incorrectly detected as intended users
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation criteria dynamically adapt based on the detected movement pattern. Instead of using a fixed detection rule, the system adjusts its assessment of user intention based on whether the movement direction and pattern are consistent with approaching the vehicle or passing by, allowing early detection while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors movement direction and provides feedback on whether the detected approach is consistent with intended use. By analyzing the trajectory and direction of movement in real-time, the system can distinguish between users approaching the vehicle and persons passing by, reducing false detections while maintaining early detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If the frame rate is high for accurate step detection, then detection precision is improved, but data processing load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor operates at different frame rates periodically. During periods when precise step detection is needed, the frame rate is increased. During periods when no detection is required, the frame rate is reduced, thereby maintaining measurement precision when needed while reducing overall data processing load and energy consumption.
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
Enables early recognition of the user's intention, reducing dead times and power consumption, allowing operation without special gestures and improving the reliability of actuation by using both feet for evaluation, while adapting to various environments and lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an approach of a person in an approach area of the optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
Recognizing, within a detection range of the optical sensor, a targeted approach of a person's steps
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the external actuation of a vehicle actuator (10) using an optical sensor (20). The method includes the following steps: detecting the approach of a person within a detection range (22) of the optical sensor (20); recognizing, within a detection range (24) of the optical sensor (20), a targeted approach of a person's steps to an actuation range (26) of the optical sensor (20); and actuating the actuator (14) when a step (36, 48) into the actuation range (26) of the optical sensor (20) is detected. The invention aims to simplify the actuation of a vehicle actuator by means of a gesture.