External Voice Liftgate Control With Key Fob Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access systems require physical activation gestures, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities or those carrying heavy objects to operate lift gates, and voice control from outside the vehicle is unreliable due to environmental noise and weather interference.
Innovation Solution
A voice-activated lift gate system that combines existing key fob authentication with an independent voice recognition module, using exterior microphones and software to filter out ambient noise and verify voice commands, only activating the lift gate when an authorized key fob is in proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice command devices are used inside the vehicle, then voice control functionality is achieved, but voice control from outside the vehicle remains unreliable due to environmental noise and weather interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates voice command detection from the interior voice recognition system by adding exterior microphones dedicated to capturing external voice commands. This segmentation allows the exterior microphones to be optimized for outdoor acoustic conditions while the interior system handles in-vehicle commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior microphones act as an intermediary between the external environment and the voice recognition system. They capture and transmit external voice commands to the voice actuation unit, which processes them through the existing authentication framework, bridging the gap between outdoor voice input and reliable system response.
2Ease of operation
If physical activation gestures are required, then system security is maintained, but accessibility is reduced for persons with disabilities or those carrying heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical foot-wave gesture with a voice-based activation method. The voice actuation unit detects spoken commands through exterior microphones and translates them into electronic signals that trigger the liftgate mechanism, eliminating the need for physical balancing and gesturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice activation system provides a universal control method that works for all users regardless of physical ability. By using voice as the activation input, the system serves both able-bodied users and those with disabilities or heavy loads, making the activation mechanism inclusive while maintaining security through key fob authentication.
3Ease of operation
If voice commands are accepted from outside the vehicle, then user convenience is improved, but system security may be compromised without authentication verification
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the new voice activation capability with the existing key fob authentication system. The voice actuation unit does not operate independently but integrates with the receiver-processor that verifies key fob identification codes, combining two authentication methods into a unified security framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by requiring confirmation from the authentication system before executing voice commands. The receiver-processor monitors and notifies the voice actuation unit when an identification code is received and verified, creating a feedback loop that ensures only authenticated users can activate functions via voice.
Data Source
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AI summary
An independent add-on automated vehicle lift gate system utilizing existing key fob authentication circuits in combination with an independent voice control system. The system uses microphones in connection with audio acquisition hardware and voice recognition hardware that actively listen for one or more voiced commands from a user outside of a vehicle. Before activating the mechanical system, which is for example the actuator of the lift gate and lock mechanism for the lift gate, the system will wait for confirmation from a separate vehicle system that monitors and notifies the vehicle lift gate system when an identification code is received from a key fob transponder located in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle, thereby authenticating the one or more voiced commands detected by the microphones.