Vehicle Access Control Intent Verification via Localized Field Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle access and control systems often misinterpret user intentions, leading to unintended activation of devices such as rear hatches, due to the contemporaneous nature of sensor responses and user actions.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a localized field is generated, and a perceivable system response is provided to acknowledge the user's presence, allowing the user to indicate their intent to activate a device by moving away from the field or performing a specific motion within a predetermined time, thereby confirming their activation intent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sensor is configured to open the tailgate upon detecting a kick action below the bumper, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to misinterpretation of user actions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a perceivable system response (feedback) to the user when a gesture is detected, indicating that the system has registered the action. This feedback loop allows the user to confirm whether the system correctly interpreted their intent before the tailgate actually opens, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability by giving the user a chance to correct misinterpretations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the system activates the device contemporaneously with user action, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates regarding user intent

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary action by providing a perceivable response before actually activating the tailgate. This preliminary step allows the system to verify user intent before committing to the activation, thereby improving measurement precision of user intent while maintaining productivity through rapid verification and activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9972150B2Method of verifying user intent in activation of a device in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 HUF NORTH AMERICA AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MANUFACTURING CORP
  • US9972150B2 patent drawing
  • US9972150B2 patent drawing
  • US9972150B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Vehicular systems and related methods offer improved user control over activations of vehicular components. User intent to perform an action can be detected using one or more sensors. The user may be prompted by the vehicle to verify the intent by further user behavior. The intent may also be confirmed by requiring that a set of conditions be fulfilled before the action associated with the intent is performed. For example, a sensed gesture and specific position of a key fob may need to both be established before the vehicle performs the action associated with the intent.