Vehicle Kick Sensor Segmentation for Accurate Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion determination devices for vehicle opening/closing operations often erroneously detect a person or small animal's approach as a kicking motion, and may require an increased number of parts to prevent erroneous determinations.
Innovation Solution
A motion determination device using two sensors with relative vertical spacing in a vehicle, where the determination of a kicking motion is based on specific threshold value patterns, time criteria, and ratios of maximum detection values to accurately differentiate intended user actions from other movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to prevent erroneous determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple regions (first detection area and second detection area) within a single sensor, allowing the sensor to detect different positions independently. This segmentation enables the system to determine kicking motions accurately by comparing signals from different regions, reducing erroneous determinations without requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are assigned different detection functions - the first detection area detects kicks at one position while the second detection area detects kicks at another position. By evaluating the spatial distribution of detection signals across these regions, the system achieves accurate motion determination using a single sensor with differentiated local detection capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If sensor detection areas are distinguished to improve determination accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor's detection area is segmented into multiple independent detection regions, each capable of generating detection signals for specific spatial zones. This allows the system to distinguish between kicks at different positions without requiring physically separate sensors, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the detection by dividing the detection area into multiple regions. Instead of using multiple sensors at different locations, the invention creates virtual spatial differentiation within a single sensor plane, allowing position-based discrimination of kicking motions through signal processing rather than physical arrangement.
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
Correctly determines the kicking motion intended by the user, reducing erroneous openings and the need for additional components, while maintaining cost-effectiveness by eliminating the requirement for distinguishing sensor regions.
Implementation Method 1
both sensors are electrostatic capacitance sensors and have a sensor electrode that faces a kicking motion detection area
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a motion determination device and a method capable of correctly determining a kicking motion by a user about to open or close a gate of a vehicle. The motion determination device includes sensors respectively mounted on positions spaced apart from each other and detecting approach of an object, and a determination device which determines that the predetermined kicking motion has been performed, when each detection value shows a predetermined pattern, a time until each of the detection values becomes less than a first threshold value after it becomes the first threshold value or more is within a predetermined time, and a ratio of a maximum value among detection values by a first sensor and a maximum value among the detection values by a second sensor different from the first sensor is within a predetermined range.