Vehicle Proximity Detection Zone Segmentation for Welcome Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems initiate 'welcome' functions simultaneously with door unlocking, which can fail to distinguish the vehicle from others and may not effectively deter undesirable individuals, as these functions are tied to the unlocking event rather than the user's approach.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a mobile unit and detection device that automatically initiates vehicle functions by detecting the unit's proximity through different zones, allowing 'welcome' functions to occur independently of door unlocking, using RF and LF signals to differentiate between zones and trigger specific vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If welcome functions are initiated simultaneously with door unlocking, then the system is simple to operate, but the vehicle cannot be distinguished from others and security deterrent effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the approach zone into multiple zones (first zone at greater distance, second zone at lesser distance) and assigns different vehicle functions to each zone. Welcome functions are triggered in the first zone while unlocking occurs in the second zone, separating these functions that were previously simultaneous. This segmentation allows each function to serve its purpose independently: welcome functions provide early identification and security deterrent, while unlocking provides access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by triggering welcome functions before the door unlocking event occurs. The system detects the mobile device entering the first zone and initiates welcome functions (lights, sounds) in advance, before the device reaches the second zone where unlocking is triggered. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to establish its presence and provide security warning before the actual access grant, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and functional adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If welcome functions are triggered by proximity detection at a distance, then vehicle identification and security deterrence are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single detection device that performs multiple functions: it detects mobile devices in the first zone to trigger welcome functions, detects mobile devices in the second zone to trigger unlocking, and potentially tracks device movement between zones. This multi-functional detection device reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate detection systems for each function, while still enabling the adapted behavior of distance-based welcome function triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection and control logic for multiple zones and functions into a unified controller system. The same detection device and controller that manage unlocking also manage welcome function triggering based on zone detection. This merging of functions into existing system components avoids adding separate complex subsystems, thereby implementing the adaptable distance-based triggering while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables the vehicle to illuminate lights and produce sounds to welcome the user from a distance, enhancing visibility and security before the vehicle is unlocked, thereby distinguishing it from others and potentially deterring unwanted individuals.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device is operable to transmit a first interrogation signal within a first zone. The mobile unit transmits a first identification signal in response to the first interrogation signal when the mobile unit is disposed within the first zone.
Implementation Method 2
The detection device is operable to transmit a second interrogation signal within a second zone, wherein the mobile unit transmits a second identification signal in response to the second interrogation signal when the mobile unit is disposed within the second zone.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for automatically initiating a plurality of vehicle functions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mobile unit and a detection device operable to automatically detect whether the mobile unit is within a first zone. The detection device is further operable to automatically detect whether the mobile unit is within a second zone. The first zone and the second zone are outside the vehicle, and the first zone encompasses the second zone. The apparatus further includes a controller that is operable to initiate a first vehicle function when the detection device detects that the mobile unit is within the first zone. The controller is also operable to initiate a second vehicle function when the detection device detects that the mobile unit is within the second zone.