Vehicle Access Control Using Gesture Recognition and RF Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic unlocking systems for motor vehicle doors face issues such as untimely unlocking, high energy consumption, and security risks due to the need for precise location awareness and awkward handling of transponders, leading to potential unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A remote opening system that uses a central unit inside the vehicle to authenticate a portable identification device via radio frequency and incorporates remote optical recognition of body gestures to unlock doors, optimizing energy use and security by activating optical recognition only when the device is within a predefined perimeter and the user is nearby.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If transponder technology is used for hands-free access, then automatic unlocking is enabled, but the user must precisely locate antennas which is awkward and energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of vehicle accessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using cyclic radio frequency signal emission from the central unit to detect portable identification devices, and by activating optical recognition means only during specific periods when a device is detected within the predefined perimeter. This intermittent operation pattern significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while maintaining the ability to provide hands-free access when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If optical recognition means are continuously active, then gesture recognition is available, but energy consumption increases and battery discharge accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the activation state of optical recognition means changeable based on detection conditions. The system dynamically transitions between inactive and active states: inactive when no portable identification device is detected, and active when a device is detected within the predefined perimeter. This dynamic adaptation ensures high reliability for gesture recognition when needed while minimizing battery consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the system unlocks all openings, then access is provided, but unauthorized access and theft risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle opening accessVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by enabling different opening systems to operate independently with different unlocking states. Instead of uniformly unlocking all openings, the system can selectively unlock specific openings based on local conditions such as which portable identification device is detected and where the gesture is performed. This localized control maintains ease of operation for authorized users while reducing the security risk of unauthorized access to all vehicle compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 ensures secure and convenient vehicle access while minimizing energy consumption by activating the system only when the user is near, preventing unauthorized access and prolonging battery life.

Implementation Method 1

a central unit (5) intended to be installed inside the vehicle, capable of authenticating a portable identification device (17) by radio frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

means for the remote optical recognition of a predetermined gesture by a member of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical recognition: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2350983B1Device for automatically unlocking an openable panel of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
  • EP2350983B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2350983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for automatically locking and/or unlocking at least one openable panel (3) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising a remote-opening system (4) comprising a central processing unit (5) designed to be installed inside the vehicle, and a portable identification element (17), said central processing unit (5) being capable of authenticating by radiofrequency the portable identification element (17). Said device further comprises means (13) for the remote optical recognition of a predetermined movement of part of the body for locking and/or unlocking said openable panel or panels in front of which the movement has been executed in the event of positive recognition of the movement and in that the central processing unit comprises activation means (11) for activating said remote optical recognition means (13) when the portable identification element (17) is located within a predefined perimeter (19) around the vehicle (1).