Vehicle Panel Opening Control Using Infrared Signal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for opening a motor vehicle's movable panel without physical contact are prone to false activations due to noise oscillations in infrared sensor signals, which can be triggered by objects or animals, rather than authorized users.
Innovation Solution
A method that filters noise from infrared sensor signals to identify specific waveform patterns by segmenting user movements into phases and applying time constraints, ensuring the movement follows a predefined sequence and timing, thereby differentiating intentional user actions from illegitimate movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single infrared sensor is used to detect user movement for opening the movable panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but false movements by objects or animals may trigger opening due to noise oscillations in the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple independent stages: signal acquisition, filtering, waveform pattern recognition, and validation against predefined sequences. This segmentation allows each stage to focus on specific aspects of movement detection, improving overall reliability without adding complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines valid triggering sequences and waveform patterns before operation. By establishing expected movement patterns in advance, the system can quickly compare actual sensor signals against these predefined models, enabling reliable distinction between legitimate user actions and false movements from objects or animals
2Reliability
If noise filtering and waveform pattern recognition are applied to distinguish legitimate user movements, then the reliability of movement detection is improved, but the complexity of signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based filtering systems with software-based signal processing algorithms. By using digital filtering and waveform analysis techniques, the system achieves sophisticated noise rejection and pattern recognition without requiring additional physical components or complex circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts signal processing parameters such as filtering thresholds, waveform characteristics, and time constraints based on the detected signal patterns. This allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain high detection accuracy while keeping the processing logic relatively simple
3Reliability
If predefined triggering sequences with time constraints are required, then false activations are reduced, but the ease of operation decreases as users must perform specific movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires only partial completion of specific movement phases to trigger opening, rather than demanding perfect execution of complex sequences. By accepting approximate matches to predefined patterns and allowing some flexibility in timing and movement precision, the system maintains ease of operation while still preventing false activations from random movements
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 approach effectively reduces the risk of false openings by requiring a precise triggering sequence and time conditions, ensuring the vehicle's movable panel can only be opened by an authorized user performing the correct action, thus enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
In the infrared range of the sensor measurement, the textures of different materials have different reflectivity. The sensor can measure the variation from the reflectance of the floor to the reflectance of the shoe as a change in a one-dimensional signal.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for opening a movable panel of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps of: —projection of at least one light spot (102) with which an authorized user (U) has to interact, —determining if there is an intention to open the panel (100), and if so—authorizing the opening of the panel (100). The step of determining if there is an intention to open the panel (100) comprises: —acquiring a measurement signal of a movement performed by the user (U), —filtering the signal, —identifying if the movement performed by the user (U) is in a predefined correct order with at least the following steps: moving the user's part towards the light spot (102), keeping it in the light spot (102) and moving it outside the light spot (102), and —determining if the movement performed by the user (U) meets a predefined specific time condition.