Vehicle Access Point Automation via Audio Video Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in opening vehicle access points, such as trunk doors, when they lack a free hand or are unable to manually operate a key fob or kick switch, especially in scenarios involving loaded hands, shopping carts, or disabilities, leading to inconvenience and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with sensors and actuators that detect user intentions through audio and video data, determining whether the user intends to access the vehicle's interior and automatically opens the appropriate access point, even if the user lacks a free hand to operate a remote controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual operation with a key fob is used to open the access point, then the access point can be opened, but the user requires a free hand to operate the remote controller which is not available when hands are loaded with items
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the access point to open itself automatically by detecting the user's approach and intent through sensors, eliminating the need for manual operation of the key fob. The vehicle serves itself by autonomously determining when and which access point to open based on detected user presence and intent signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation of pressing key fob buttons with an automated sensor-based detection system. Optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and other detectors substitute for the mechanical action of hand-operated remote controls, enabling contactless and hands-free operation.
2Ease of operation
If a kick switch is provided to open the access point without manual operation, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the user must be physically close to the vehicle and the operation may cause imbalance especially when hands are loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary detection layer between the user and the access point opening action. Sensors detect user approach and intent from a distance, serving as intermediaries that trigger automatic opening without requiring the user to physically kick or touch the vehicle, thereby maintaining balance and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence and intent before the access point opening action is executed. Sensors detect and analyze user approach, hand loading status, and opening intent in advance, allowing the system to prepare and execute opening at the optimal moment without requiring reactive physical interaction from the user.
3Extent of automation
If the access point is automatically opened when the user approaches with the key fob, then opening is automated, but the access point opens even when the user does not intend to access the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor user behavior, position, and intent signals. The detection system analyzes multiple parameters including approach trajectory, hand loading status, gaze direction, and acoustic signals to confirm genuine opening intent before triggering the access point opening, preventing false activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its detection and response behavior based on real-time sensor inputs. Rather than a static automatic opening trigger, the system continuously evaluates changing user signals and contextual information, adapting its decision-making process to accurately distinguish between genuine opening intent and mere proximity, thereby preserving user intent information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for opening an access point of a vehicle. A system and a method may involve receiving wirelessly a signal from a remote controller carried by a user. The system and the method may further involve receiving audio or video data indicating the user approaching the vehicle. The system and the method may also involve determining an intention of the user to access an interior of the vehicle based on the audio or video data. The system and the method may also involve opening an access point of the vehicle responsive to the determining of the intention of the user to access the interior of the vehicle.