Vehicle Tailgate Access Control Using UWB Movement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and tailgate operation systems in transportation vehicles require additional installation costs and are not intuitive, as they necessitate specific approaches and foot movements, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when carrying baggage or in varying environments.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an access control device with a communication module for UWB communication, which determines the presence and movement of the operating person using a neural network, allowing for flexible and intuitive operation by verifying operating movements within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, reducing installation complexity and enhancing user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If capacitive sensors are installed in door handles or tailgate handles to enable hands-free operation, then convenience is improved, but installation costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operation convenienceVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical capacitive sensor system with a wireless communication-based detection system. The access control device uses UWB communication to detect the operating person's presence and movements without physical sensors, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware installation while maintaining hands-free operation convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The access control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects presence, recognizes operating movements, and controls door/tailgate operation all through a single communication module. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate capacitive sensors, reducing device complexity while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specific approach trajectories and foot movements are required for operation, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation securityVSAvoidoperation intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to the user's natural movements rather than requiring fixed approach trajectories. The neural network recognizes various operating movements (approach, kick, step) and triggers door/tailgate operation based on detected movement patterns, allowing flexible and intuitive operation while maintaining security through verified movement recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and recognizes the operating person's movements without requiring them to perform specific predetermined actions. The access control device monitors the operating area and autonomously determines when to trigger door/tailgate operation based on detected movements, eliminating the need for users to learn complex operation sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If UWB communication is used for proximity detection, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidcommunication module energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UWB communication module operates in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuously. The system performs presence detection and movement recognition at intervals, triggering high-precision UWB measurements only when needed (when presence is detected), thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

This solution reduces installation costs and enhances user convenience by allowing flexible movement for door or tailgate operation, eliminating the need for precise approaches and reducing the risk of stumbling, while maintaining high accuracy in proximity detection using UWB signals.

Implementation Method 1

at least one communication module (172, 220) which is designed for wireless communication with the authentication element (200)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUWB signal propagation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS11897420B2Method for door or tailgate operation in a vehicle, authentication element and vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 VOLKSWAGEN AG

AI summary

A method for door or tailgate operation in a transportation vehicle, wherein the transportation vehicle is equipped with an access control device with which determines whether the operating person is present with an authentication element within a proximity area around the transportation vehicle. The device is equipped with at least one communication module for wireless communication with the authentication element, wherein access authorization information is transmitted from the authentication element to the device, the information being checked in the device, and wherein access is granted to the device following verification of the access authorization. It is determined whether the operating person is located in the immediate vicinity of the door or tailgate to be operated, and whether the operating person performs an operating movement in the immediate vicinity for the door or tailgate operation.