Optical Sensor Module for Passive Vehicle Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle authentication systems require active user action and proximity to initiate an authentication check, which is time-consuming and inefficient, as they rely on multiple sensors and visible control panels.
Innovation Solution
An assembly module with a single optical sensor system that monitors both detection and actuation areas, allowing for early and unnoticed authentication by recognizing users in the detection area and triggering a signal only when they enter the actuation area, using IR light to create an invisible detection area and a visible actuation area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and visible control panels are used for authentication, then the authentication check can be reliably initiated, but the device complexity increases and the user experience becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (detection and actuation area monitoring) into a single optical sensor system. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining authentication reliability by using one sensor to perform multiple monitoring tasks throughout the authentication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is designed to serve multiple functions: monitoring the detection area for user approach, monitoring the actuation area for authentication trigger, and providing feedback signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each stage of authentication.
2Reliability
If the user must consciously enter a visible control panel to start authentication, then the authentication can be reliably triggered, but the time required for authentication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the detection area to detect user approach before the authentication is actually triggered. When the user enters the detection area, the system prepares and automatically initiates the authentication sequence when the user reaches the actuation area, eliminating delays caused by requiring conscious user action to start the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system operates autonomously by automatically detecting user approach and initiating the authentication sequence without requiring the user to consciously activate it. The system serves itself by monitoring and triggering authentication based on user presence and movement patterns.
3Ease of operation
If the detection area is made visible to the user, then the user can easily understand the system, but the security is reduced as the detection area becomes predictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visibility characteristics to different areas: the detection area uses invisible infrared light for security, while the actuation area uses visible light for user guidance. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain security in the detection phase while providing user feedback during the authentication phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different types of light (invisible infrared vs. visible light) in different areas to achieve both security and usability. The invisible infrared light in the detection area prevents visual detection by users, while the visible light in the actuation area provides clear feedback.
4Device complexity
If a single optical sensor system is used to monitor both detection and actuation areas, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring space into distinct detection and actuation areas with different functional requirements. The single optical sensor system processes different spatial zones separately, applying appropriate monitoring strategies to each area to maintain precision while using unified hardware.
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 passive keyless entry by initiating authentication checks without user action, reducing energy consumption and enhancing security by recognizing users early and specifically within defined areas, thus improving the efficiency and convenience of vehicle access.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor system (30) which is suitable for monitoring an area outside the motor vehicle (1), in particular suitable for monitoring a detection area (21) and for monitoring an actuation area (22)
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor system has a sensor and a light module with which light can be emitted in order to create a detection area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounted module (20) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising an optical sensor system (3) that is suitable for a) monitoring a detection area (21) located outside the vehicle (1), b) triggering a signal for starting an authentication process between an ID generator (13) and the motor vehicle (1) if a user (10) is detected in the detection area (21), c) monitoring an actuation area (22) which is located outside the vehicle (1) and differs from the detection area (21), d) providing an operating signal for the vehicle (1) if a user is detected in the actuation area (22).