Vehicle Trunk Opening via Smart Key and Rear Camera Motion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for opening a vehicle trunk can be difficult for individuals with heavy objects or physical handicaps, and require costly sensors like capacity sensors or passive infrared sensors for foot-operated hand-free systems.
Innovation Solution
A device that determines user approach and intent through a combination of wireless communication, image processing, and motion analysis, using a smart key for authentication and image difference generation to control trunk opening without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacity sensor or passive infrared sensor is added to enable hand-free trunk opening, then the trunk can be opened using foot motion, but the cost increases due to additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The existing rear camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for backward viewing and now also detects user approach and motion for automatic trunk opening. This eliminates the need for separate sensors while enabling hand-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive passive infrared sensors to detect user presence and motion, the system uses a standard rear camera to capture visual information. The camera creates a visual copy of the scene that is then processed to detect approach and motion patterns, achieving the same functional result at lower cost.
2Ease of operation
If the user must press the trunk open button or insert the key, then the trunk opening function is reliable, but it becomes difficult for users holding heavy objects or with physical handicaps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user approach and intent through image analysis, then autonomously triggers trunk opening without requiring the user to manually press buttons or insert keys. The system serves itself by using its own camera to detect and respond to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of user approach and motion intent before executing the trunk opening action. By analyzing the sequence of images to detect approach followed by specific motion patterns, the system ensures the opening action is truly intended before activating it.
3Ease of operation
If the user must take out the vehicle key to open the trunk, then the security is maintained, but the operation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical action of removing and inserting the physical key is replaced by an optical detection system. The rear camera captures images and software analyzes motion patterns to detect opening intent, substituting the mechanical key operation with an automated visual recognition system that eliminates the need to handle the physical key.
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 easy and error-free trunk opening without the need for additional sensors, reducing costs and improving accessibility for users with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an authentication and location recognition unit for authenticating the user and recognizing the location of the user through wireless communication with a wireless communication unit held by the user
Implementation Method 2
The image photographing unit may acquire the first and second images using at least one selected from between infrared light and visible light
Implementation Method 3
a light emitting unit for emitting light in response to a light emission control signal, an illumination sensing unit for sensing illumination intensity around the trunk
Implementation Method 4
a signal transmission unit for transmitting a signal toward the front of the trunk in response to the acquisition control signal, a signal reception unit for receiving a signal reflected by the body of the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A car trunk opening device of one embodiment comprises: an approach checking unit which checks whether a user approaches a trunk of a car and outputs the checked result as an access signal; a movement information acquisition unit for acquiring movement information of the user by responding to an acquisition control signal; a movement analysis unit which analyzes whether the user's movement corresponds to a desired target movement of opening a trunk through the acquired movement information, and which outputs the analyzed result; a trunk opening unit for opening the trunk by responding to an opening control signal; and a main control unit which generates the acquisition control signal by responding to the access signal, and which generates the opening control signal by responding to the analyzed result.