Vehicle Panel Opening via Projected Light Spot Sequence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for opening a movable vehicle panel, such as trunks or side doors, require physical contact with a switch or handle, which is inconvenient when both hands are occupied or unavailable, and lack effective prevention of unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A method using detection devices to identify authorized individuals and project virtual light switches on the ground, requiring a specific sequence of steps to activate the panel opening, ensuring only authorized persons can open the vehicle without continuous electrical consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact with switch or handle is required for opening, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based opening system with an optical sensing system. The sensor detects hand movements and gestures in the air near the vehicle panel, substituting the need for physical contact with a mechanical switch. This allows hands-free operation while managing complexity through electronic sensing rather than mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensor field between the user and the opening mechanism. Instead of direct hand-to-switch contact, the sensor detects hand gestures and movements within its detection field, serving as a mediator that translates physical gestures into opening commands without requiring direct contact with the opening device.
2Ease of operation
If sensor-based opening is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized access risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires preliminary authentication actions before granting access. The sensor detects specific predetermined hand gestures or movement patterns that must be performed in sequence. These preliminary actions serve as a verification step to ensure the user is authorized before the panel opens, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the sensor continuously monitors hand movements and provides real-time detection of gesture completion. The system waits for confirmation of the correct gesture sequence before activating the opening function, creating a feedback loop that verifies authorization before executing the opening action.
3Reliability
If light spot projection is used for authentication, then reliability improves through gesture verification, but use of energy increases due to continuous projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic rather than continuous light projection. The light spots are projected only during the authentication phase when hand gestures need to be detected and verified. After authentication is complete, the projection stops, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable gesture-based authentication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the light projection based on detection needs. The projection is activated when authentication is required and deactivated when not needed, making the energy-consuming component dynamic rather than static. This allows the system to maintain high reliability during authentication while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
4Reliability
If multiple light spots with sequence requirement are projected, then reliability improves for preventing impromptu opening, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into multiple distinct steps corresponding to different light spots. Instead of a single complex gesture recognition, the system divides authentication into sequential actions at different locations (light spots). This segmentation simplifies the control logic by breaking down the authentication process into manageable, discrete steps that are easier to implement and verify than a single complex gesture sequence.
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 allows hands-free operation of vehicle panels while ensuring secure access by requiring a predefined sequence of interactions with projected light switches, preventing unauthorized openings and reducing electrical usage.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the approach of a person in the vicinity of the vehicle by a detection device
Implementation Method 2
projecting at least a first light spot on the ground on which the motor vehicle stands, projecting at least a second light spot on the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for opening a movable panel of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps of: detecting the approach of a person (U) in the vicinity of the vehicle (V) by a detection device (3), identifying if the detected person (U) is authorized to unlock the vehicle (V) through authentication means, determining if there is an intention to open the movable panel (7), and—authorizing the opening of the movable panel (7) when an authorized person (U) with an intention to open the movable panel is detected. According to the invention, the step of determining if there is an intention to open the movable panel (7), comprises the sub-steps of: projecting at least a first light spot (12a) on the ground on which the motor vehicle (V) stands, —projecting at least a second light spot (12b) on the ground on which the motor vehicle (V) stands with a predefined distance from the first light spot (12a), identifying if the identified authorized person (U) performs a predefined triggering sequence: by stopping in a pre-determined order on the first light spot (12a) and then on the second light spot (12b) and with a predefined time interval between the step of stopping on the first light spot (12a) and the step of stopping on the second light spot (12b). The invention also relates to an associated opening control device (1).