Vehicle Kick Sensor Using Acceleration Peak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation input detection systems for vehicular opening-closing bodies face challenges in maintaining balance and accuracy, especially when users have baggage or poor footholds, due to the reliance on single-foot proximity sensor inputs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a side-surface proximity sensor at the lower side surface of a vehicle, which detects operation inputs based on sensor output changes, including specific peak patterns in acceleration to ensure accurate detection without requiring precise foot placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a proximity sensor is provided at a lower surface end portion of a rear bumper to detect operation input in a non-contact manner, then ease of operation is improved, but user balance and stability deteriorate when the user must support weight on one foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical balance requirement with an electronic detection system. Instead of requiring the user to maintain physical balance while inserting their foot, the system uses a proximity sensor to detect the foot's approach non-contactually, and an acceleration sensor to recognize the characteristic acceleration pattern of the kicking motion, thereby eliminating the need for the user to support their weight on one foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple proximity detection to acceleration-based motion pattern recognition. By detecting the acceleration component of the sensor output and identifying specific peak patterns (first peak followed by second peak in the same direction), the system can distinguish the intended operation from other movements, allowing more flexible sensor placement that does not compromise user stability.
2Measurement precision
If a second proximity sensor is provided at a side surface portion of the rear bumper to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single proximity sensor multi-functional by using it in combination with an acceleration sensor. The proximity sensor detects both the presence and motion characteristics of the user's foot, while the acceleration sensor provides additional information about the motion pattern. This multi-functional approach achieves accurate detection without requiring multiple proximity sensors, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of proximity detection and motion detection into a coordinated system. The proximity sensor and acceleration sensor work together, with the acceleration component of the sensor output being used to identify the characteristic two-peak pattern of the kicking motion. This combination achieves high detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sensors.
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 enhances detection accuracy and stability by using peak pattern recognition in sensor output to confirm operation inputs, preventing false detections and ensuring reliable operation even with unstable user postures.
Implementation Method 1
a side-surface proximity sensor that is provided at a lower side surface portion of a vehicle; and an operation input detection portion that detects an operation input based on a sensor output of the side-surface proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An operation input detection device includes: a side-surface proximity sensor that is provided at a lower side surface portion of a vehicle; and an operation input detection portion that detects an operation input based on a sensor output of the side-surface proximity sensor, wherein the operation input detection portion determines that the operation input is performed in a case where when a change in the sensor output indicating proximity of a detection object is detected, after a first peak is detected in an acceleration of the sensor output, a second peak is detected in the same direction as that of the first peak at a first predetermined interval that is set in advance.