US20160083995A1 - Method and system for operating a closure panel of a vehicle - Google Patents
Method and system for operating a closure panel of a vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20160083995A1 US20160083995A1 US14/890,184 US201414890184A US2016083995A1 US 20160083995 A1 US20160083995 A1 US 20160083995A1 US 201414890184 A US201414890184 A US 201414890184A US 2016083995 A1 US2016083995 A1 US 2016083995A1
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- proximity sensor
- vehicle
- sensor
- sensors
- liftgate
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/70—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
- E05F15/73—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
- E05F15/76—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects responsive to devices carried by persons or objects, e.g. magnets or reflectors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
- B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
- B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
- B60R25/2054—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off by foot gestures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
- B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
- B60R25/24—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
- B60R25/241—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user whereby access privileges are related to the identifiers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/70—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
- E05F15/73—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/70—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
- E05F15/77—Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation using wireless control
-
- G07C9/00111—
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
- G07C9/28—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J5/00—Doors
- B60J5/10—Doors arranged at the vehicle rear
- B60J5/101—Doors arranged at the vehicle rear for non-load transporting vehicles, i.e. family cars including vans
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/44—Sensors not directly associated with the wing movement
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/80—User interfaces
- E05Y2400/85—User input means
- E05Y2400/852—Sensors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
- E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
- E05Y2900/546—Tailboards, tailgates or sideboards opening upwards
Definitions
- This invention relates to the field of hands-free operation of devices, and more specifically, to a method and system for operating closure panels of vehicles and other devices.
- a liftgate (also referred to as a tailgate or closure panel) is typically mounted to the vehicle body or chassis with hinges for pivotal movement about a transversely extending axis between an open position and a closed position.
- the liftgate may be operated manually or with a power drive mechanism including a reversible electric motor.
- a method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
- an apparatus such as a controller, a method for adapting same, as well as articles of manufacture such as a computer readable medium or product and computer program product or software product (e.g., comprising a non-transitory medium) having program instructions recorded thereon for practising the method of the disclosure.
- FIG. 1 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hands-free operation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a capacitive sensor in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations of modules within a hands-free operation system for operating a liftgate of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a first alternate hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a second alternate hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating operations of modules within a hands-free or motion activated operation system for operating a liftgate of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating alternate operations of modules within a hands-free or motion activated operation system for operating a liftgate of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 9 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple body-mounted sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 10 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple bumper-mounted sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Down” hand or foot gesture in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Stop” hand or foot gesture in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating reflected infrared light intensity versus time for “Up” and “Down” hand or foot gestures in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 15 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple vertically oriented sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 16 is top view illustrating the hands-free operation system of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 17 is a front perspective view illustrating a capacitive sensor system for use with the hands-free operation system of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the capacitive sensor system of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture and a “Down” hand or foot gesture for the capacitive sensor system of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure;
- FIG. 20 is a front perspective view illustrating an alternate capacitive sensor system for use with the hands-free operation system of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the capacitive sensor system of FIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture for the capacitive sensor system of FIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating a capacitive sensor module for use with the hands-free operation system of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 24 is a front perspective view illustrating the capacitive sensor module of FIG. 23 with its case installed in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 25 is a front perspective view illustrating another alternate capacitive sensor system for use with the hands-free operation system of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the capacitive sensor system of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the capacitive sensor system of FIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 28 is top view illustrating the capacitive sensor module of FIG. 23 installed on a flat portion of an inner surface of a bumper skin, fascia, or bumper in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure;
- FIG. 29 is top view illustrating the capacitive sensor module of FIG. 23 installed on a curved portion of an inner surface of a bumper skin, fascia, or bumper in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 30 is rear perspective view illustrating an alternate hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple vertically oriented, horizontally oriented, and angled sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- controller is used herein to refer to any machine for processing data, including the data processing systems, computer systems, electronic control units (“ECUs”), and network arrangements described herein.
- ECUs electronice control units
- the present disclosure may be implemented in any computer programming language provided that the operating system of the controller provides the facilities that may support the requirements of the present disclosure. Any limitations presented would be a result of a particular type of operating system or computer programming language and would not be a limitation of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure may also be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software.
- FIG. 1 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hands-free operation system 10 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the hands-free operation system 10 is shown operatively associated with a closure panel 12 of a motor vehicle 14 .
- the closure panel is a liftgate 12 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the hands-free operation system 10 may be used with other closure panels and windows of a vehicle or other device.
- the liftgate 12 is mounted to the body 16 of the vehicle 14 through a pair of hinges 18 to pivot about a transversely extending pivot axis with respect to a large opening 100 in the rear of the body 16 .
- the liftgate 12 is mounted to articulate about its hinge axis between a closed position where it closes the opening 100 and an open position where it uncovers the opening 100 for free access to the vehicle body interior and assumes a slightly upwardly angled position above horizontal.
- the liftgate 12 is secured in its closed position by a latching mechanism or latch 110 .
- the latch 110 must be released or unlocked for the liftgate 12 to open.
- the liftgate 12 is opened and closed by a drive mechanism 20 with the optional assist of a pair of gas springs 21 connected between the liftgate 12 and the body 16 .
- the drive mechanism 20 may be similar to that described in PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2012/000870, filed Sep. 20, 2012, and the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the drive mechanism 20 may be or include a powered strut 21 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,473, issued May 20, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
- the hands-free operation system 10 includes one or more proximity sensors 22 and a controller (or electronic control unit (“ECU”)) 26 .
- Each sensor 22 may be positioned in the rear bumper 120 , for example in the bumper skin or fascia, of the vehicle facing the rear wheel 130 to cover an area or volume 140 of the rear wheel-well 150 between the bumper 120 and the rear wheel 130 .
- the sensors 22 may be electrically coupled to an optional wire harness (not shown) adapted to plug into the controller 26 .
- the controller 26 controls the latch 110 and drive mechanism 20 to open the liftgate 12 in the event it receives an appropriate electrical signal from one or more of the sensors 22 and other elements of the system 10 .
- Each sensor 22 may have an associated proximity range 220 within which it may sense an object (e.g., a user's foot, etc.).
- the controller 26 includes a processor or central processing unit (“CPU”) 520 , memory 530 , and an interface device 550 .
- the memory 530 may include a variety of storage devices including internal memory and external mass storage typically arranged in a hierarchy of storage as understood by those skilled in the art.
- the memory 530 may include databases, random access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), flash memory, and/or disk devices.
- the interface device 550 may include one or more network connections.
- the controller 26 may be adapted for communicating with other data processing systems (e.g., similar to controller 26 ) over a network 551 via the interface device 550 .
- the interface device 550 may include an interface to a network 551 such as a local area network (“LAN”), etc.
- LAN local area network
- the interface 550 may include suitable transmitters, receivers, etc.
- the controller 26 may be linked to other data processing systems by the network 551 .
- the CPU 520 may include or be operatively coupled to dedicated coprocessors, memory devices, or other hardware modules 521 .
- the CPU 520 is operatively coupled to the memory 530 which stores an operating system (e.g., 531 ) for general management of the controller 26 .
- the controller 26 may include a data store or database system 532 for storing data and programming information.
- the database system 532 may include a database management system (e.g., 532 ) and a database (e.g., 532 ) and may be stored in the memory 530 of the controller 26 .
- the controller 26 has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed.
- the controller 26 may contain additional software and hardware a description of which is not necessary for understanding the invention.
- the controller 26 includes computer executable programmed instructions for directing the controller 26 to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the programmed instructions may be embodied in one or more hardware modules 521 or software modules 531 resident in the memory 530 of the controller 26 or elsewhere (e.g., 520 ).
- the programmed instructions may be embodied on a computer readable medium or product (e.g., a memory stick, etc.) which may be used for transporting the programmed instructions to the memory 530 of the controller 26 .
- the programmed instructions may be embedded in a computer-readable signal or signal-bearing medium or product that is uploaded to a network 551 by a vendor or supplier of the programmed instructions, and this signal or signal-bearing medium may be downloaded through an interface (e.g., 550 ) to the controller 26 from the network 551 by end users or potential buyers.
- an interface e.g., 550
- the sensor 22 In operation, when a user waves his or her foot in the volume 140 of the wheel-well 150 proximate to a sensor 22 , the sensor 22 is activated. Alternatively, the sensor 22 may be directed for activation adjacent the side of the vehicle 14 such that standing beside the vehicle 14 may activate the sensor 22 without requirement to wave the foot in the volume 140 or under the vehicle 14 . The activation of a sensor 22 is detected by the controller 26 . In response, and upon the user moving to the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 and being detected and authenticated there, the controller 26 releases the latch 110 and operates the drive mechanism 20 to move the liftgate 12 to its open position.
- the vehicle 14 may attempt to authenticate the user when the proximity sensor 22 is activated and to ensure the user is not behind the vehicle 14 while another object separate from the user is in proximity of the sensor 22 .
- the vehicle 14 may then attempt to authenticate the user at the rear liftgate 12 within a given amount of time following activation of the sensor 22 , and then release the latch 110 , if necessary, and move the liftgate 12 to the open position.
- the latch 110 and drive mechanism 20 are controlled in part by the hands-free operation system 10 .
- the hands-free operation system 10 may be applied to any motorized or automated closure panel structure that moves between an open position and a closed position.
- closure panels includes window panes, sliding doors, tailgates, sunroofs and the like.
- the sensor 22 may be mounted on the body 16 of the vehicle 14 , and for applications such as powered liftgates and sliding doors the sensor 22 may be mounted on or within the bumper 120 .
- the sensors 22 may come in different forms, including non-contact proximity sensors which are typically based on capacitance changes. These are referred to as capacitive sensors in the following.
- Capacitive sensors typically include a conductive strip, including, for example, a metal strip or wire.
- the conductive strip may be embedded in a non-conductive material, such as a non-conductive plastic or rubber strip, which is routed along and adjacent to the periphery of the bumper 120 or wheel-well 150 .
- the metal strip or wire and the chassis of the vehicle may collectively form the two plates of a sensing capacitor.
- the sensor 22 may incorporate two discrete electrodes separately, or embedded together within the non-conductive material. An example of such a sensor 22 is described below. An obstacle placed near these two electrodes changes the dielectric constant and thus varies the amount of charge stored by the sensing capacitor over a given period of time.
- the charge stored by the sensing capacitor is transferred to a reference capacitor in order to detect the presence of the obstacle.
- the capacitive sensor is typically driven by a pulsed signal from a controller 26 .
- Example sensors and possible mountings to a fascia are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/791,472 by Pribisic, et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/791,322 by Pribisic et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- Example driving of a sensor, particularly to minimize electrical noise, is described in U.S. Patent Application No.
- capacitive sensors 22 and other capacitive proximity sensors, or non-capacitive proximity sensors, such as, for example, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, or radio frequency (fob based) sensors could be used.
- the controller 26 may be a separate electronic control unit (“ECU”) or may be coupled to or incorporated in the vehicle's main or central ECU system (e.g., a vehicle ECU, a body control module (“BCM”), etc.).
- the controller 26 may be coupled to an authentication system, such as a passive entry passive start (“PEPS”) type system 200 , a remote keyless entry (“RKE”) system 250 , a front end antenna 170 associated with at least one of the PEPS system 200 and the RKE system 250 , and a rear end antenna 180 also associated with at least one of the PEPS system 200 and the RKE system 250 .
- PEPS passive entry passive start
- RKE remote keyless entry
- a front end antenna 170 associated with at least one of the PEPS system 200 and the RKE system 250
- a rear end antenna 180 also associated with at least one of the PEPS system 200 and the RKE system 250 .
- both the PEPS system 200 and the RKE system 250 work with an electronic keyfob or fob 230 that
- the PEPS and/or RKE systems 200 , 250 receive signals from the fob 230 through one or more of the front and rear antennae 170 , 180 to initiate an operation such as, for example, controlling the liftgate 12 to open or close, etc.
- a PEPS system 200 does not require the user to push a button on the fob 230 to initiate an operation.
- a RKE system 250 does require the user to push a button on the fob 230 to initiate an operation.
- the PEPS system 200 is a stand-alone, unmodified system coupled to the antennae 170 , 180 and the controller 26 intercepts required signals from the PEPS system 200 to implement the method of the example embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a capacitive sensor 22 in accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the invention.
- the capacitive sensor 22 is a two electrode sensor that allows for a capacitive mode of obstacle detection.
- the two electrodes 1 , 2 function in a driven shield configuration (i.e., with the upper electrode 2 being the driven shield).
- the case 300 positions the two electrodes 1 , 2 in an arrangement that facilitates operation of the sensor 22 in a capacitive mode.
- the lower electrode 1 acts as a capacitive sensor electrode
- the upper electrode 2 acts as a capacitive shield electrode
- a dielectric 320 e.g., a portion 320 of the case 300
- the controller 26 is in electrical communication with the electrodes 1 , 2 for processing sense data received therefrom.
- the capacitive sensor 22 may be similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,946,853 to Gifford et al., issued Sep. 20, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.
- the capacitive sensor 22 includes an elongate non-conductive case 300 having two elongate conductive electrodes 1 , 2 extending along its length.
- the electrodes 1 , 2 are encapsulated in the case 300 and are spaced apart.
- an obstacle such as a user's foot enters the volume 140 between the bumper 120 and the wheel 130 of vehicle 14 , it effects the electric field generated by the capacitive sensor electrode 1 which results in a change in capacitance between the two electrodes 1 , 2 which is indicative of the proximity of the obstacle to the wheel 130 and bumper 120 .
- the two electrodes 1 , 2 function as a capacitive non-contact or proximity sensor.
- the capacitive sensor electrode 1 may include a first conductor 1 a embedded in a first partially conductive body 1 b and the capacitive shield electrode 2 may include a second conductor 2 a embedded in a second partially conductive body 2 b.
- the conductors 1 a, 2 a may be formed from a metal wire.
- the partially conductive bodies 1 b, 2 b may be formed from a conductive resin.
- the case 300 may be formed from a non-conductive (e.g., dielectric) material (e.g., rubber, etc.). Again, the capacitive sensor electrode 1 is separated from the capacitive shield electrode 2 by a portion 320 of the case 300 .
- a portion 320 of the case 300 electrically insulates the capacitive sensor electrode 1 and the capacitive shield electrode 2 so that electrical charge can be stored therebetween in the manner of a conventional capacitor.
- the inner surface 2 d of the capacitive shield electrode 2 may be shaped to improve the shielding function of the electrode 2 .
- the inner surface 2 d may be flat as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the sensor 22 is used by the controller 26 to measure a capacitance (or capacitance value) relating to an electric field extending through the volume 140 between the bumper 120 and the wheel 130 .
- the capacitive shield electrode 2 functions as a shielding electrode since it is positioned closer to the sheet metal of the body 16 . As such, the electric field sensed by the capacitive sensor electrode 1 will be more readily influenced by the closer capacitive shield electrode 2 than the vehicle sheet metal.
- the sensors 22 may be optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, motion detectors, or any other form of sensor that can detect a user's foot within the volume 140 of the wheel-well 150 between the bumper 120 and wheel 130 .
- the system 10 includes a two step method of operation.
- the user is authenticated to establish that he or she is allowed to operate the liftgate 12 hands-free. A user may indicate his or her identity though his or her possession of a fob 230 associated with the system 10 and/or vehicle 14 .
- the fob 230 is authenticated by the system 10 (e.g., by the PEPS system 200 ) when the user subsequently moves to the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 .
- the user signals his or her intent to operate the liftgate 12 hands-free while outside of the rear antenna 180 range 1800 of the PEPS system 200 .
- Each antenna 170 , 180 may have an associated authentication range 1700 , 1800 within which a fob 230 may be authenticated.
- the sensor 22 is located in the bumper 22 out of range of the liftgate 12 .
- the bumper 22 of the vehicle is non-conductive and the sensor 22 may be a trim sensor.
- the user activates the sensor 22 .
- Third, visual feedback indicating activation of the sensor 22 is provided to the user.
- Fifth, the user is authenticated and the liftgate 12 opens.
- Intent may also be inferred from an approach to the proximity sensor 22 followed by approach to the rear authentication antenna as discussed in this paragraph and later below.
- Approach to the proximity sensor 22 may be inferred from the sensor 22 being inactive followed by activation. Activation may be required for a period of time to reduce the possibility of inadvertent activation from a passing object.
- Approach to the rear antenna 180 may be inferred from the antenna 180 failing to authenticate (as the fob 230 is out of range) followed by authentication at the rear antenna 180 within a relatively short time window allowing the user a reasonable period of time to move into range of the antenna 180 (keeping in mind that the user may be carrying an awkward load).
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations 400 of modules (e.g., software or hardware modules 531 , 521 within a controller 26 ) within a hands-free operation system 10 for operating a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 , in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the invention.
- the software or hardware modules 531 , 521 may be located in the controller 26 or in a vehicle ECU, or distributed between the controller 26 and the vehicle ECU.
- the hands-free operation system 10 wakes up from a sleep mode and attempts to confirm its environment.
- weather e.g., rain, snow, humidity, heat, etc.
- stationary objects e.g., trees, poles, sign posts, etc.
- two or more sensors 22 or sensors 22 of different types may be located in the wheel-well 150 to facilitate noise reduction adjustments. Two sensors 22 may also more accurately determine directions of motion to identify a gesture indicating intent to open the liftgate 12 . If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is required, operations continue to step 404 . If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is not required, operations continue to step 406 .
- an environment criteria adjustment is made by the system 10 .
- a threshold level of the capacitance value of the sensor 22 may be adjusted.
- the adjustment described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0192489 by Pribisic, published Aug. 2, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference, may be made.
- the system 10 confirms criteria that will be indicative of a user's intent to operate the liftgate 12 hands-free. As mentioned above, a user may show this intent by waving his or her foot in the volume 140 . This intent is referred to herein as a “hands-free operation gesture” or simply “gesture”.
- the detection of the presence of a tree, for example, by the system 10 would lack the necessary intent to be a hands-free operation gesture.
- the presence of a tree or other fixed object may be determined by storing the initial capacitance from the sensor 22 following placing the vehicle 14 in park, and using the initial sensed capacitance as a baseline for further comparisons until the vehicle 14 is moved again.
- an object placed in the field of the proximity sensor 22 for a significant period of time that does not result in authentication at the rear antenna 180 within the specified time period after proximity activation may result in a change in the threshold trigger levels for the proximity sensor 22 . This might be the case for rain, or for a person standing at the proximity sensor 22 not intending to authenticate.
- a gesture may be replaced by recognition of an approach to the sensor 22 as discussed previously.
- any threshold adjustments made previously are processed, the system 10 enters a sleep mode, and operations return to step 402 .
- the internal communications bus (not shown) of the vehicle 14 wakes up, an indication that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 is optionally provided to the user and the system 10 requests a fob 230 check from the PEPS system 200 using the PEPS system's rear antenna 180 alone. Note that in the normal operation of a PEPS system 200 , both the rear and front antennae 180 , 170 or other antennas would be used to cover the area around the entire vehicle 14 . According to one example embodiment, the system 10 controls one or more of the taillights 160 to flash to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 .
- the system 10 controls one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) (not shown) mounted in the wheel-well 150 to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 , or an audible sound may be emitted, such as the beep often heard from an authentication system when providing feedback to a user.
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- the fob criteria includes, first, the fob 230 not being in range of the rear antenna 180 and, second, the fob 230 being moved into range of the rear antenna 180 in a prescribed fashion.
- the prescribed fashion is within a predetermine time period.
- the fob 230 must not be at the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 to begin with. Movement of the user from the side 195 of the vehicle 14 to the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 must occur.
- the system 10 controls the latch 110 to open and the liftgate 12 to be raised.
- the operation of the liftgate 12 may be as described, for example, in the patent documents referenced earlier above or in United States Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0250720 A1 to Oxley et al, published Oct. 16, 2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a first alternate hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the system 10 has separate controllers 261 , 262 , 263 which are used to implement different functions of the system 10 .
- a combined PEPS/RKE system 200 , 250 is used which is in communication with the front and rear antennae 170 , 180 and which is coupled to a general or body control module (“BCM”) 261 .
- the BCM 261 is coupled to a liftgate controller 262 which controls the drive mechanism 20 and latch 110 .
- a sensor electronic control unit (“ECU”) 263 monitors one or more sensors 22 and is in communication with the liftgate controller 262 .
- the sensor(s) 22 are coupled directly to the BCM 261 .
- the sensor(s) 22 are coupled directly to the liftgate controller 262 .
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a second alternate hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the system 10 includes a hands-free operation antenna controller 264 operatively coupled to the sensor ECU 263 .
- the antenna controller 264 is for communicating hands-free operation related signals to and from a dedicated rear-mounted hands-free operation antenna 181 . Transmissions from the dedicated antenna 181 may be directed to a narrower or different authentication range 1810 at the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 than the authentication range 1800 covered by the PEPS/RKE system's rear antenna 180 .
- the antenna controller 264 broadcasts a low frequency, short range beacon signal via its associated antenna 181 .
- a fob 230 detects the beacon signal, it may begin communicating with and issuing commands to the existing PEPS/RKE system 200 , 250 to carry out hands-free operation of the liftgate 12 .
- the antenna controller 264 may be operatively coupled directly to the vehicle's lights 160 for user signalling purposes.
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating operations 700 of modules (e.g., software or hardware modules 531 , 521 within a controller 26 ) within a hands-free or motion activated operation system 10 for operating a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 , in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the operations 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be used in vehicles that do not implement PEPS fob approach detection.
- the steps 701 - 711 shown in FIG. 7 are similar to the respective steps 401 - 411 described above with respect to FIG. 4 , except, at step 702 , the term “hands-free ECU” is used denoting a hands-free or motion activated operation system 10 .
- locations for sensors 22 may include the bumper 120 , taillights 160 , and in or behind the rear quarter glass or panel 165 as described below.
- FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating alternate operations 800 of modules (e.g., software or hardware modules 531 , 521 within a controller 26 ) within a hands-free or motion activated operation system 10 for operating a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 , in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the operations 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be used in vehicles that implement PEPS fob approach detection.
- Locations for sensors 22 may include the bumper 120 , taillight 160 , and in or behind the rear quarter glass or panel 165 .
- a fob 230 is detected within a predetermined range or distance from the vehicle 14 by the PEPS system 200 .
- the vehicle's internal communications bus (not shown) wakes up, the PEPS system 200 authenticates the fob 230 , and the hands-free or motion activated operation system 10 is activated.
- the system 10 attempts to confirm its environment and stays awake until the fob 230 is out of range.
- the system 10 controls a green light emitting diode (“LED”) (not shown) mounted in or behind the rear quarter glass 165 (or in or on the taillight 160 or bumper 120 ) to indicate that the PEPS system 200 is active.
- LED green light emitting diode
- two or more spaced apart sensors 22 located in or under the rear quarter glass or panel 165 may be used to more accurately determine directions of motion to identify gestures indicating intent to open or close the liftgate 12 .
- Example use of multiple sensors 22 for opening and closing vehicle panels is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/844,533 by Kalliomaki et al., filed Jul.
- two or more sensors 22 or sensors 22 of different types may be used to facilitate noise reduction adjustments. If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is required, operations continue to step 804 . If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is not required, operations continue to step 806 .
- an environment criteria adjustment is made by the system 10 .
- a threshold level of the capacitance value of the sensor 22 may be adjusted.
- the adjustment described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0192489 by Pribisic, published Aug. 2, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference, may be made.
- the system 10 confirms criteria that will be indicative of a user's intent to operate the liftgate 12 hands-free. As mentioned above, a user may show this intent by waving his or her foot in the volume 140 . Alternatively, a user may show this intent by waving his or her hand, arm, or shoulder adjacent the rear quarter glass 165 of the vehicle 14 .
- This intent is referred to herein as a “hands-free operation gesture” or simply “gesture”.
- the detection of the presence of a tree, for example, by the system 10 would lack the necessary intent to be a hands-free operation gesture.
- the presence of a tree or other fixed object may be determined by storing the initial capacitance from the sensor 22 following placing the vehicle 14 in park, and using the initial sensed capacitance as a baseline for further comparisons until the vehicle 14 is moved again.
- an object placed in the field of the proximity sensor 22 for a significant period of time that does not result in authentication at the rear antenna 180 within the specified time period after proximity activation may result in a change in the threshold trigger levels for the proximity sensor 22 . This might be the case for rain, or for a person standing at the proximity sensor 22 not intending to authenticate.
- An indication that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 is optionally provided to the user.
- the system 10 controls one or more red light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) (not shown) mounted in or behind the rear quarter glass 165 (or in or on the taillight 160 or bumper 120 ) to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 .
- the system 10 controls one or more of the taillights 160 to flash to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 .
- the system 10 controls the emission of an audible sound, such as the beep often heard from an authentication system when providing feedback to a user, to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by the system 10 . If it is determined that the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has not been met, operations continue to step 806 .
- a gesture may be replaced by recognition of an approach to the sensor 22 as discussed previously.
- any threshold adjustments made previously are processed, the system 10 may enter a sleep mode, and operations return to step 802 .
- step 807 a a determination is made as to whether a second PEPS system authentication is required and operations proceed to step 807 b.
- step 807 b if it is determined that a second PEPS authentication is required, operations continue to step 808 . If it is determined that a second PEPS authentication is not required, operations continue to step 810 .
- the system 10 requests a second fob 230 check from the PEPS system 200 using the PEPS system's rear antenna 180 alone.
- the fob criteria includes, first, the fob 230 not being in range of the rear antenna 180 and, second, the fob 230 being moved into range of the rear antenna 180 in a prescribed fashion.
- the prescribed fashion is within a predetermine time period.
- the fob 230 must not be at the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 to begin with. Movement of the user from the side 195 of the vehicle 14 to the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 must occur.
- the system 10 controls the latch 110 to open and the liftgate 12 to be raised.
- the system 10 may also control the liftgate 12 to be lowered and closed by the latch 110 .
- the operation of the liftgate 12 may be as described, for example, in the patent documents referenced earlier above or in United States Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0250720 A1 to Oxley et al, published Oct. 16, 2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the sensors 22 may be installed in or behind the rear quarter glass or panel 165 , taillights 160 , or bumper 120 of the vehicle 14 .
- the embodiment of FIG. 7 may be used in vehicles having PEPS systems without approach detection/authentication. In this case, the embodiment of FIG. 7 operates similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 4 .
- the embodiment of FIG. 8 may be used in vehicles having PEPS systems with approach detection/authentication. In this case, the system 10 does not require a deep sleep polling strategy. The system 10 is active upon approach by a user with a fob 230 .
- the PEPS system 200 is an aftermarket PEPS system.
- the PEPS system 200 is used to detect approach and has an extended range (e.g., around 5-6 meters hence the ability of a user with fob 230 to approach from the side 195 of the vehicle 14 ).
- the PEPS system 200 turns on the system 10 and the second optional authentication occurs at the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 .
- FIG. 9 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 having multiple body-mounted sensors 22 , 23 , 24 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 10 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 having multiple bumper-mounted sensors 22 , 23 , 24 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 23 , 24 may be used to more accurately determine directions of motion to identify gestures indicating intent to open or close the liftgate 12 .
- Each sensor 22 , 23 , 24 may be a capacitive proximity sensor 22 as described above and shown in FIG.
- the two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 23 , 24 are located on the body 16 of the vehicle 14 , for example, in or under the rear quarter glass or panel 165 , and are activated by the motion of a user's hand 920 .
- the two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 23 , 24 are located on the bumper 120 of the vehicle 14 , for example, at one end or at each end of the bumper 120 under the bumper skin or fascia, and are activated by the motion of a user's foot 1020 .
- the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 are sequentially activated.
- the activation of the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 is detected by the controller 26 which operates the latch 110 and drive mechanism 20 to move the liftgate 12 to its open, partially open, or closed positions in accordance with the user's hand movement.
- the user 910 may make an upward hand wave motion or gesture 902 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 up, the user 910 may make a downward hand wave motion or gesture 901 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 down, and the user 910 may make an inward hand motion or gesture 903 (i.e., toward closer proximity to the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 ) while the liftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of the liftgate 12 .
- an upward hand wave motion or gesture 902 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 up
- the user 910 may make a downward hand wave motion or gesture 901 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 down
- the user 910 may make an inward hand motion or gesture 903 (i.e., toward closer proximity to the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 ) while the liftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of the liftgate 12 .
- the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 are sequentially activated.
- the activation of the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 is detected by the controller 26 which operates the latch 110 and drive mechanism 20 to move the liftgate 12 to its open, partially open, or closed positions in accordance with the user's foot movement.
- the user 910 may make an upward foot wave motion or gesture 1002 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 up, the user 910 may make a downward foot wave motion or gesture 1001 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 down, and the user 910 may make an inward foot motion or gesture 1003 (i.e., toward closer proximity to the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 ) while liftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of the liftgate 12 .
- user hand or foot gesture sensing is performed using two or more sensors 22 , 23 , 24 and the controller 26 .
- the motion of a user's hand 920 or foot 1020 is detected by the controller 26 which monitors respective signals from the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 which are spaced (e.g., vertically) appropriate distances apart along the rear quarter glass or panel 165 or bumper 120 to maximize signal differentiation between them.
- FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture 902 , 1002 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Down” hand or foot gesture 901 , 1001 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Stop” hand or foot gesture 903 , 1003 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- detecting a capacitive signal peak from the lower sensor 24 followed by a capacitive signal peak from the upper sensor 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand or foot gesture 902 , 1002 .
- detecting a capacitive signal peak from the upper sensor 22 followed by a capacitive signal peak from the lower sensor 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand or foot gesture 901 , 1001 .
- FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating reflected infrared light intensity versus time for “Up” and “Down” hand or foot gestures 902 , 901 , 1002 , 1001 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the system 10 uses two or more infrared sensors 22 , 23 , 24 .
- two or more infrared (“IR”) emitters e.g., IR light emitting diodes (“LEDs”)
- LEDs IR light emitting diodes
- reflected infrared light from individual emitters 22 , 24 is captured by the infrared sensor 23 and measured periodically under software control by the controller 26 .
- the infrared sensor 23 captures higher intensity reflected light from an IR emitter 22 , 24 when an object is proximate than when the object is further away.
- time shifted signals from multiple emitters may be observed when a user moves his or her hand 920 or foot 1020 sequentially over the emitters.
- the infrared emitters and sensors 22 , 23 , 24 should be spaced apart appropriately as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- User hand and foot gestures 902 , 901 , 1002 , 1001 are detected by observing two or more reflected light signals at the infrared sensor 23 from the infrared emitters 22 , 24 , which are spaced by an appropriate distance to maximize signal differentiation. Detecting a reflected light signal peak from the lower infrared emitter 24 followed by a reflected light signal peak from the upper infrared emitter 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand or foot gesture 902 , 1002 .
- Detecting a reflected light signal peak from the upper infrared emitter 22 followed by a reflected light signal peak from the lower infrared emitter 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand or foot gesture 901 , 1001 . If no time delay between reflected light signal peaks is detected, or if reflected light signal peaks overlap, or if a reflected light signal magnitude change is detected during liftgate motion, such may be interpreted as a liftgate “Stop” hand or foot gesture 903 , 1003 .
- the sensitivities of the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 and/or controller 26 may be adjusted.
- the location of the sensors 22 , 23 , 24 may be selected to avoid or reduce false activation.
- FIG. 15 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 having multiple vertically oriented sensors 22 , 24 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 16 is top view illustrating the hands-free operation system 10 of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 24 may be used to more accurately deter mine directions of motion to identify gestures indicating intent to open or close the liftgate 12 .
- Each sensor 22 , 24 may be a capacitive proximity sensor 22 as described above and shown in FIG. 3 .
- the two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 24 are vertically oriented.
- the two or more sensors 22 , 24 are spaced apart along the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the two or more sensors 22 , 24 may be spaced along the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 at or on either side of the transition 1610 between or corner 1610 formed by side panels 165 and rear panels 166 of the vehicle 14 .
- the two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 24 may be located in, on, or behind the bumper 120 of the vehicle 14 , for example, at one end or at each end of the bumper 120 under the bumper skin or fascia and may be activated by the motion of a user's foot 1020 .
- the two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 24 may be located in, on, or behind a taillight 160 of the vehicle 14 and may be activated by the motion of a user's hand 920 or foot 1020 .
- the two or more spaced apart sensors 22 , 24 may be located on the body 16 of the vehicle 14 , for example, on, in, or under the rear quarter glass or panel 165 and/or rear glass or panel 166 and may be activated by the motion of a user's hand 920 .
- the use of vertically oriented sensors 22 , 24 helps reduce the occurrence of false sequential sensor activations caused by water running down the exterior surfaces of the vehicle 14 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 are sequentially activated.
- the activation of the sensors 22 , 24 is detected by the controller 26 which operates the latch 110 and drive mechanism 20 to move the liftgate 12 to its open, partially open, or closed positions in accordance with the user's hand or foot movement.
- the user 910 may make an forward directed (e.g., to a first side, horizontally or approximately horizontally, across, etc.) hand or foot wave motion or gesture 1502 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 up; and, the user 910 may make a rearward directed (e.g., to a second side, horizontally or approximately horizontally, across, etc.) hand or foot wave motion or gesture 1501 to generate a command to move the liftgate 12 down.
- the user 910 may make an inward directed hand or foot motion or gesture (i.e., toward closer proximity to the sensors 22 , 24 ) while the liftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of the liftgate 12 .
- user hand or foot gesture sensing is performed using two or more sensors 22 , 24 and the controller 26 .
- the motion of a user's hand 920 or foot 1020 is detected by the controller 26 which monitors respective signals from the sensors 22 , 24 which are spaced (e.g., horizontally or approximately horizontally) appropriate distances apart along the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 in, on, or behind the bumper 120 , taillight 160 , or panels 165 , 166 to maximize signal differentiation between them.
- the gestures (e.g., 1501 , 1502 , etc.) described herein may be made with a user's hand 920 , foot 1020 , arm, leg, limb, body or part thereof, or a combination of these.
- FIG. 17 is a front perspective view illustrating a capacitive sensor system 1700 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the capacitive sensor system 1700 of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the capacitive sensor system 1700 of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the capacitive sensor system 1700 includes first and second elongate capacitive proximity sensors 22 , 24 mounted on the inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 of the vehicle 14 and coupled to a sensor ECU 263 .
- the sensor ECU 263 is described above with reference to FIG. 5 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 are vertically oriented and are spaced apart along the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 may conform to the contours of the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the sensor ECU 263 may be mounted on the inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 proximate to the sensors 22 , 24 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 may be coupled to the sensor ECU 263 by an appropriate wiring harness or wiring 1701 .
- FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture 1502 and a “Down” hand or foot gesture 1501 for the capacitive sensor system 1700 of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- Detecting a capacitive signal peak from the rearward sensor 24 followed by a capacitive signal peak from the forward sensor 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand or foot gesture 1502 .
- Detecting a capacitive signal peak from the forward sensor 22 followed by a capacitive signal peak from the rearward sensor 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand or foot gesture 1501 . If no time delay between capacitive signal peaks is detected, or if capacitive signal peaks overlap, or if a capacitive signal magnitude change is detected during liftgate motion, such may be interpreted as a liftgate “Stop” hand or foot gesture.
- FIG. 20 is a front perspective view illustrating an alternate capacitive sensor system 2000 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the capacitive sensor system 2000 of FIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the capacitive sensor system 2000 of FIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the capacitive sensor system 2000 includes first and second elongate capacitive proximity sensors 22 , 24 mounted on the inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 of the vehicle 14 and coupled to a sensor ECU 263 .
- the sensor ECU 263 is described above with reference to FIG. 5 .
- Each sensor 22 , 24 may have a vertical or approximately vertical portion 221 , 241 for extending along a vertical or approximately vertical portion 2010 of the inner surface 1710 and a horizontal or approximately horizontal portion 222 , 242 for extending along a horizontal or approximately horizontal portion 2020 of the inner surface 1710 .
- the horizontal portion 2020 may be the lower lip or rim of the bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 and may extend inwardly along or toward the underside of the vehicle 14 .
- the horizontal portions 222 , 242 of each sensor 22 , 24 provide for improved detection of foot wave motions or gestures 1501 , 1502 made in the volume 1510 proximate the sensors 22 , 24 and under the bumper 120 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 are vertically oriented and are spaced apart along the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 may conform to the contours of the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the sensor ECU 263 may be mounted on the inner surface 1710 (e.g., on the vertical portion 2010 ) of the bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 proximate to the sensors 22 , 24 . And, the sensors 22 , 24 may be coupled to the sensor ECU 263 by an appropriate wiring harness or wiring 1701 .
- FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture 1502 for the capacitive sensor system 2000 of FIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. Detecting a capacitive signal peak from the rearward sensor 24 followed by a capacitive signal peak from the forward sensor 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand or foot gesture 1502 . Detecting a capacitive signal peak from the forward sensor 22 followed by a capacitive signal peak from the rearward sensor 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand or foot gesture 1501 . If no time delay between capacitive signal peaks is detected, or if capacitive signal peaks overlap, or if a capacitive signal magnitude change is detected during liftgate motion, such may be interpreted as a liftgate “Stop” hand or foot gesture.
- FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating a capacitive sensor module 2300 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 24 is a front perspective view illustrating the capacitive sensor module 2300 of FIG. 23 with its case 2400 installed in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 28 is top view illustrating the capacitive sensor module 2300 of FIG. 23 installed on a flat portion 2800 of an inner surface 1710 of a bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 29 is top view illustrating the capacitive sensor module 2300 of FIG.
- the capacitive sensor module 2300 is a prepackaged version of the capacitive sensor system 1700 of FIG. 17 .
- the capacitive sensor module 2300 includes a printed circuit board 2310 upon which is mounted or formed the first and second elongate capacitive proximity sensors 22 , 24 and the sensor ECU 263 .
- the printed circuit board 2310 maintains a fixed separation or spacing 2320 between the sensors 22 , 24 .
- the sensor ECU 263 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 2310 between the sensors 22 , 24 . As shown in FIG.
- the capacitive sensor module 2300 may be enclosed in a housing or case 2400 for protection and ease of installation in a vehicle 14 .
- the printed circuit board 2310 may be a flexible printed circuit board to allow the printed circuit board 2310 and the sensors 22 , 24 mounted thereon to conform to the contours (e.g., flat and curved portions 2800 , 2900 of the inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, or bumper 120 , etc.) of the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the housing or case 2400 may also be flexible.
- the sensors 22 , 24 may operate in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 3 .
- each sensor 22 , 24 shown in FIG. 23 may have a height of approximately 100 mm and a width of approximately 50 mm.
- the sensors 22 , 24 may be separated by a distance 2320 of approximated 70 mm.
- the circuit board 2310 may an overall height of approximately 100 mm and an overall width of approximately 170 mm.
- FIG. 25 is a front perspective view illustrating another alternate capacitive sensor system 2500 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 of FIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- the sensors 22 , 24 are elongate capacitive proximity sensors as described above and shown in FIG. 3 .
- the capacitive shield electrode 2 of these sensors 22 , 24 is in the form of a metal wire.
- the capacitive shield electrode 2 of the sensors 22 , 24 shown in FIGS. 17-24 and 28 - 29 is in the form of a flat metal strip.
- Each sensor 22 , 24 shown in FIGS. 7-24 and 28 - 29 may operate in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 30 is rear perspective view illustrating an alternate hands-free operation system 10 for a liftgate 12 of a vehicle 14 having multiple vertically oriented, horizontally oriented, and angled sensors 22 , 24 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 30 shows that the sensors 22 , 24 may be mounted in a number of different locations on the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 may also be mounted in, on, or under one or more of a side body panel or glass 165 , a rear body panel or glass 166 , and a headlight or taillight 160 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 may be mounted on the inner surface of the lens of the headlight or taillight 160 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 may be mounted on an inner surface or an outer surface of the bulb housing of the headlight or taillight 160 (i.e., behind the lens).
- the sensors 22 , 24 may be formed on, printed on, or molded into a bumper skin or fascia 120 , a body panel or glass 165 , 166 , a headlight or taillight 160 lens or bulb housing, and/or a housing of an ECU 263 .
- the sensors 22 , 24 described above with reference to FIGS. 15-30 may be horizontally or approximately horizontally oriented and vertically or approximately vertically spaced. According to another alternate example embodiment, the sensors 22 , 24 described above with reference to FIGS. 15-30 may be oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) and vertically or approximately vertically spaced. In these alternate example embodiments, and referring to FIG. 30 , to reduce the occurrence of false sequential sensor activations caused by water running down the exterior surfaces of the vehicle 14 , sequential activations of the lower sensor (e.g., 24 ) followed by the upper sensor (e.g., 22 ) may be recognized first or may be the only sequential activations recognized.
- the lower sensor e.g., 24
- the upper sensor e.g., 22
- the above embodiments may contribute to an improved method and system 10 for hands-free operation of liftgates 12 of vehicles 14 and other devices and may provide one or more advantages.
- the system 10 reduces unintended operation of the latch 110 and liftgate 12 by requiring a user to indicate his or her intention to operate the latch 110 and liftgate 12 hands-free at the side 195 of the vehicle 14 and then move to the rear 190 of the vehicle 14 to be authenticated.
- the system 10 allows for true hands-free operation. A user need not touch or pull a handle or push a button on a fob 230 to operate the latch 110 and liftgate 12 .
- there may be a simplification in the indication of intent such that the user is not required to add motions such as changes in direction that may require awkward movements.
- a method for operating a closure panel 12 of a vehicle 14 comprising: using a processor 520 , determining whether a first proximity sensor 22 and a second proximity sensor 24 located on a periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 have been sequentially activated to indicate an object 1020 moving across the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 ; and, controlling the closure panel 12 to open or close when the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 have been sequentially activated.
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be spaced apart 2320 horizontally or approximately horizontally along the periphery 1600 .
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be elongate capacitive proximity sensors.
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be vertically or approximately vertically oriented.
- Each of the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may have a respective horizontal or approximately horizontal portion 222 , 242 , the horizontal or approximately horizontal portion 222 , 242 extending horizontally or approximately horizontally along or toward an underside of the vehicle 14 .
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be mounted or formed on a printed circuit board 2310 .
- the printed circuit board 2310 may be a flexible printed circuit board.
- the flexible printed circuit board 2310 may conform to a contour 1610 , 2900 of the periphery 1600 .
- the printed circuit 2310 board may be enclosed in a case 2400 .
- the printed circuit board 2310 may have mounted thereon a controller 263 for monitoring the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 .
- the controller 263 may be communicatively coupled to a central controller 26 for the vehicle 14 .
- the object 1020 may be moved in a volume 1500 adjacent, over, or proximate the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 .
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be sequentially activated by a horizontal or approximately horizontal movement of the object 1020 .
- the object 1020 may be one or more of a user's hand 920 , foot 1020 , arm, leg, limb, and body or part thereof.
- the method may further include: determining an order of activation of the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 ; when the first proximity sensor 22 is activated before the second proximity sensor 24 , controlling the closure panel 12 to close; and, when the second proximity sensor 24 is activated before the first proximity sensor 22 , controlling the closure panel 12 to open.
- the method may further include: when the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 are activated simultaneously or approximately simultaneously while the closure panel 12 is moving, controlling the closure panel 12 to stop moving.
- the determining of the order of activation of the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may further include comparing respective occurrences of capacitive signal level peak magnitude for the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 .
- the method may further include authenticating a fob 230 with an authentication system 200 , wherein the determining whether the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 located on the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 have been sequentially activated may be performed when the fob 230 has been authenticated.
- the authenticating the fob 230 with the authentication system 200 may further include monitoring an antenna 170 , 180 located on the vehicle 14 to determine whether the fob 230 is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 14 .
- the determining whether the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 located on the periphery 1600 of the vehicle 14 have been sequentially activated may be performed when the fob 230 is within the predetermined distance and has been authenticated.
- the closure panel may be a liftgate 12 .
- the periphery 1600 may be a side 195 of the vehicle 14 .
- the periphery 1600 may be an end 190 of the vehicle 14 .
- the periphery 1600 may be a corner 1610 of the vehicle 14 .
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be mounted in, on, or under a glass or panel 165 , 166 of the vehicle 14 .
- the glass or panel may be a rear quarter glass 165 or rear quarter panel 165 , respectively.
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be mounted in a taillight 160 or headlight of the vehicle 14 .
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be mounted on an inner surface of a lens of the taillight 160 or headlight.
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be mounted in a bumper 120 of the vehicle 14 .
- the bumper may be a rear bumper 120 .
- the first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be positioned at or on either side of a corner 1610 of the periphery 1600 .
- the corner may be a rear corner 1610 .
- first proximity sensor 22 and the second proximity sensor 24 may be formed on, printed on, or molded into one or more of a bumper skin or fascia 120 , a body panel or glass 165 , 166 , a headlight or taillight 160 lens or bulb housing, and a housing (e.g., 2400 ) of a controller 263 .
- each of the above described method steps may be implemented by a respective software module 531 .
- each of the above described method steps may be implemented by a respective hardware module 521 .
- each of the above described method steps may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware modules 531 , 521 .
- sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed by the controller 26 may be contained in a data carrier product according to one embodiment of the invention. This data carrier product may be loaded into and run by the controller 26 .
- sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed by the controller 26 may be contained in a computer software product or computer program product (e.g., comprising a non-transitory medium) according to one embodiment of the invention. This computer software product or computer program product may be loaded into and run by the controller 26 .
- sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed by the controller 26 may be contained in an integrated circuit product (e.g., a hardware module or modules 521 ) which may include a coprocessor or memory according to one embodiment of the invention.
- This integrated circuit product may be installed in the controller 26 .
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Abstract
A method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
Description
- This application claims priority from and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/823,533, filed May 15, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/865,027, filed Aug. 12, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/919,412, filed Dec. 20, 2013, and the entire content of such applications is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to the field of hands-free operation of devices, and more specifically, to a method and system for operating closure panels of vehicles and other devices.
- In motor vehicles such as minivans, sport utility vehicles and the like, it has become common practice to provide the vehicle body with a large rear opening. A liftgate (also referred to as a tailgate or closure panel) is typically mounted to the vehicle body or chassis with hinges for pivotal movement about a transversely extending axis between an open position and a closed position. Typically, the liftgate may be operated manually or with a power drive mechanism including a reversible electric motor.
- Systems exist for providing assistance in opening or for automatically opening the litigate of vehicles. These systems make use of manually-actuated remote controls and typically require at least one hand of a user or operator to be available. This can be problematic if the user is carrying a load to be placed in the vehicle via the liftgate. In addition, systems exist which use sensors mounted under the rear bumper of the vehicle which may be activated to open the litigate by a user waving their foot under the bumper. However, these systems can be complex when attempting to avoid unintentional operation.
- A need therefore exists for an improved method and system for operating closure panels of vehicles and other devices. Accordingly, a solution that addresses, at least in part, the above and other shortcomings is desired.
- According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
- In accordance with further aspects of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus such as a controller, a method for adapting same, as well as articles of manufacture such as a computer readable medium or product and computer program product or software product (e.g., comprising a non-transitory medium) having program instructions recorded thereon for practising the method of the disclosure.
- Features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hands-free operation system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a capacitive sensor in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations of modules within a hands-free operation system for operating a liftgate of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a first alternate hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a second alternate hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating operations of modules within a hands-free or motion activated operation system for operating a liftgate of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating alternate operations of modules within a hands-free or motion activated operation system for operating a liftgate of a vehicle, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple body-mounted sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 10 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple bumper-mounted sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Down” hand or foot gesture in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Stop” hand or foot gesture in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating reflected infrared light intensity versus time for “Up” and “Down” hand or foot gestures in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 15 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple vertically oriented sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 16 is top view illustrating the hands-free operation system ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view illustrating a capacitive sensor system for use with the hands-free operation system ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the capacitive sensor system ofFIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture and a “Down” hand or foot gesture for the capacitive sensor system ofFIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view illustrating an alternate capacitive sensor system for use with the hands-free operation system ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the capacitive sensor system ofFIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand or foot gesture for the capacitive sensor system ofFIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating a capacitive sensor module for use with the hands-free operation system ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 24 is a front perspective view illustrating the capacitive sensor module ofFIG. 23 with its case installed in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 25 is a front perspective view illustrating another alternate capacitive sensor system for use with the hands-free operation system ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the capacitive sensor system ofFIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the capacitive sensor system ofFIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 28 is top view illustrating the capacitive sensor module ofFIG. 23 installed on a flat portion of an inner surface of a bumper skin, fascia, or bumper in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 29 is top view illustrating the capacitive sensor module ofFIG. 23 installed on a curved portion of an inner surface of a bumper skin, fascia, or bumper in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure; and, -
FIG. 30 is rear perspective view illustrating an alternate hands-free operation system for a liftgate of a vehicle having multiple vertically oriented, horizontally oriented, and angled sensors in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. - It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.
- In the following description, details are set forth to provide an understanding of the disclosure. In some instances, certain software, circuits, structures, techniques and methods have not been described or shown in detail in order not to obscure the disclosure. The term “controller” is used herein to refer to any machine for processing data, including the data processing systems, computer systems, electronic control units (“ECUs”), and network arrangements described herein. The present disclosure may be implemented in any computer programming language provided that the operating system of the controller provides the facilities that may support the requirements of the present disclosure. Any limitations presented would be a result of a particular type of operating system or computer programming language and would not be a limitation of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software.
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FIG. 1 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. And,FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hands-free operation system 10 ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. - The hands-
free operation system 10 is shown operatively associated with aclosure panel 12 of amotor vehicle 14. According to one example embodiment, the closure panel is aliftgate 12. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the hands-free operation system 10 may be used with other closure panels and windows of a vehicle or other device. - The
liftgate 12 is mounted to thebody 16 of thevehicle 14 through a pair ofhinges 18 to pivot about a transversely extending pivot axis with respect to alarge opening 100 in the rear of thebody 16. Theliftgate 12 is mounted to articulate about its hinge axis between a closed position where it closes theopening 100 and an open position where it uncovers theopening 100 for free access to the vehicle body interior and assumes a slightly upwardly angled position above horizontal. Theliftgate 12 is secured in its closed position by a latching mechanism orlatch 110. Thelatch 110 must be released or unlocked for theliftgate 12 to open. Theliftgate 12 is opened and closed by adrive mechanism 20 with the optional assist of a pair of gas springs 21 connected between theliftgate 12 and thebody 16. Thedrive mechanism 20 may be similar to that described in PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2012/000870, filed Sep. 20, 2012, and the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thedrive mechanism 20 may be or include apowered strut 21 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,473, issued May 20, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. - According to one example embodiment, the hands-
free operation system 10 includes one ormore proximity sensors 22 and a controller (or electronic control unit (“ECU”)) 26. Eachsensor 22 may be positioned in therear bumper 120, for example in the bumper skin or fascia, of the vehicle facing therear wheel 130 to cover an area orvolume 140 of the rear wheel-well 150 between thebumper 120 and therear wheel 130. Thesensors 22 may be electrically coupled to an optional wire harness (not shown) adapted to plug into thecontroller 26. Thecontroller 26 controls thelatch 110 and drivemechanism 20 to open theliftgate 12 in the event it receives an appropriate electrical signal from one or more of thesensors 22 and other elements of thesystem 10. Eachsensor 22 may have an associatedproximity range 220 within which it may sense an object (e.g., a user's foot, etc.). - The
controller 26 includes a processor or central processing unit (“CPU”) 520,memory 530, and aninterface device 550. Thememory 530 may include a variety of storage devices including internal memory and external mass storage typically arranged in a hierarchy of storage as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, thememory 530 may include databases, random access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), flash memory, and/or disk devices. Theinterface device 550 may include one or more network connections. Thecontroller 26 may be adapted for communicating with other data processing systems (e.g., similar to controller 26) over anetwork 551 via theinterface device 550. For example, theinterface device 550 may include an interface to anetwork 551 such as a local area network (“LAN”), etc. As such, theinterface 550 may include suitable transmitters, receivers, etc. Thus, thecontroller 26 may be linked to other data processing systems by thenetwork 551. TheCPU 520 may include or be operatively coupled to dedicated coprocessors, memory devices, orother hardware modules 521. TheCPU 520 is operatively coupled to thememory 530 which stores an operating system (e.g., 531) for general management of thecontroller 26. Thecontroller 26 may include a data store ordatabase system 532 for storing data and programming information. Thedatabase system 532 may include a database management system (e.g., 532) and a database (e.g., 532) and may be stored in thememory 530 of thecontroller 26. In general, thecontroller 26 has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed. Of course, thecontroller 26 may contain additional software and hardware a description of which is not necessary for understanding the invention. - Thus, the
controller 26 includes computer executable programmed instructions for directing thecontroller 26 to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. The programmed instructions may be embodied in one ormore hardware modules 521 orsoftware modules 531 resident in thememory 530 of thecontroller 26 or elsewhere (e.g., 520). Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be embodied on a computer readable medium or product (e.g., a memory stick, etc.) which may be used for transporting the programmed instructions to thememory 530 of thecontroller 26. Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be embedded in a computer-readable signal or signal-bearing medium or product that is uploaded to anetwork 551 by a vendor or supplier of the programmed instructions, and this signal or signal-bearing medium may be downloaded through an interface (e.g., 550) to thecontroller 26 from thenetwork 551 by end users or potential buyers. - In operation, when a user waves his or her foot in the
volume 140 of the wheel-well 150 proximate to asensor 22, thesensor 22 is activated. Alternatively, thesensor 22 may be directed for activation adjacent the side of thevehicle 14 such that standing beside thevehicle 14 may activate thesensor 22 without requirement to wave the foot in thevolume 140 or under thevehicle 14. The activation of asensor 22 is detected by thecontroller 26. In response, and upon the user moving to the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 and being detected and authenticated there, thecontroller 26 releases thelatch 110 and operates thedrive mechanism 20 to move theliftgate 12 to its open position. For more secure activation, thevehicle 14 may attempt to authenticate the user when theproximity sensor 22 is activated and to ensure the user is not behind thevehicle 14 while another object separate from the user is in proximity of thesensor 22. Thevehicle 14 may then attempt to authenticate the user at therear liftgate 12 within a given amount of time following activation of thesensor 22, and then release thelatch 110, if necessary, and move theliftgate 12 to the open position. - The
latch 110 and drivemechanism 20 are controlled in part by the hands-free operation system 10. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hands-free operation system 10 may be applied to any motorized or automated closure panel structure that moves between an open position and a closed position. For example, a non-exhaustive list of closure panels includes window panes, sliding doors, tailgates, sunroofs and the like. For applications such as window panes or sun roofs, thesensor 22 may be mounted on thebody 16 of thevehicle 14, and for applications such as powered liftgates and sliding doors thesensor 22 may be mounted on or within thebumper 120. - The
sensors 22 may come in different forms, including non-contact proximity sensors which are typically based on capacitance changes. These are referred to as capacitive sensors in the following. - Capacitive sensors typically include a conductive strip, including, for example, a metal strip or wire. The conductive strip may be embedded in a non-conductive material, such as a non-conductive plastic or rubber strip, which is routed along and adjacent to the periphery of the
bumper 120 or wheel-well 150. The metal strip or wire and the chassis of the vehicle may collectively form the two plates of a sensing capacitor. Alternatively, thesensor 22 may incorporate two discrete electrodes separately, or embedded together within the non-conductive material. An example of such asensor 22 is described below. An obstacle placed near these two electrodes changes the dielectric constant and thus varies the amount of charge stored by the sensing capacitor over a given period of time. The charge stored by the sensing capacitor is transferred to a reference capacitor in order to detect the presence of the obstacle. The capacitive sensor is typically driven by a pulsed signal from acontroller 26. Example sensors and possible mountings to a fascia are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/791,472 by Pribisic, et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/791,322 by Pribisic et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Example driving of a sensor, particularly to minimize electrical noise, is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/791,779 by Pribisic et al., filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. It is to be recognized that these are only examplecapacitive sensors 22 and other capacitive proximity sensors, or non-capacitive proximity sensors, such as, for example, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, or radio frequency (fob based) sensors could be used. - The
controller 26 may be a separate electronic control unit (“ECU”) or may be coupled to or incorporated in the vehicle's main or central ECU system (e.g., a vehicle ECU, a body control module (“BCM”), etc.). Thecontroller 26 may be coupled to an authentication system, such as a passive entry passive start (“PEPS”)type system 200, a remote keyless entry (“RKE”)system 250, afront end antenna 170 associated with at least one of thePEPS system 200 and theRKE system 250, and arear end antenna 180 also associated with at least one of thePEPS system 200 and theRKE system 250. For reference, both thePEPS system 200 and theRKE system 250 work with an electronic keyfob or fob 230 that is located with the user. The PEPS and/orRKE systems fob 230 through one or more of the front andrear antennae liftgate 12 to open or close, etc. In general, aPEPS system 200 does not require the user to push a button on thefob 230 to initiate an operation. In contrast, aRKE system 250 does require the user to push a button on thefob 230 to initiate an operation. According to one example embodiment, thePEPS system 200 is a stand-alone, unmodified system coupled to theantennae controller 26 intercepts required signals from thePEPS system 200 to implement the method of the example embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating acapacitive sensor 22 in accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the invention. Thecapacitive sensor 22 is a two electrode sensor that allows for a capacitive mode of obstacle detection. In general, the twoelectrodes upper electrode 2 being the driven shield). Thecase 300 positions the twoelectrodes sensor 22 in a capacitive mode. The lower electrode 1 (optionally comprising aconductor 1 a embedded inconductive resin 1 b) acts as a capacitive sensor electrode, and the upper electrode 2 (optionally comprising aconductor 2 a embedded in aconductive resin 2 b) acts as a capacitive shield electrode. A dielectric 320 (e.g., aportion 320 of the case 300) is disposed between thecapacitive shield electrode 2 and thecapacitive sensor electrode 1 to isolate and maintain the distance between the two. Thecontroller 26 is in electrical communication with theelectrodes capacitive sensor 22 may be similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,946,853 to Gifford et al., issued Sep. 20, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference. - According to one embodiment, the
capacitive sensor 22 includes an elongatenon-conductive case 300 having two elongateconductive electrodes electrodes case 300 and are spaced apart. When an obstacle such as a user's foot enters thevolume 140 between thebumper 120 and thewheel 130 ofvehicle 14, it effects the electric field generated by thecapacitive sensor electrode 1 which results in a change in capacitance between the twoelectrodes wheel 130 andbumper 120. Hence, the twoelectrodes - According to one embodiment, the
capacitive sensor electrode 1 may include afirst conductor 1 a embedded in a first partiallyconductive body 1 b and thecapacitive shield electrode 2 may include asecond conductor 2 a embedded in a second partiallyconductive body 2 b. Theconductors conductive bodies case 300 may be formed from a non-conductive (e.g., dielectric) material (e.g., rubber, etc.). Again, thecapacitive sensor electrode 1 is separated from thecapacitive shield electrode 2 by aportion 320 of thecase 300. - With respect to capacitive sensing, a
portion 320 of thecase 300 electrically insulates thecapacitive sensor electrode 1 and thecapacitive shield electrode 2 so that electrical charge can be stored therebetween in the manner of a conventional capacitor. According to one embodiment, theinner surface 2 d of thecapacitive shield electrode 2 may be shaped to improve the shielding function of theelectrode 2. According to one embodiment, theinner surface 2 d may be flat as shown inFIG. 3 . - The
sensor 22 is used by thecontroller 26 to measure a capacitance (or capacitance value) relating to an electric field extending through thevolume 140 between thebumper 120 and thewheel 130. According to one embodiment, thecapacitive shield electrode 2 functions as a shielding electrode since it is positioned closer to the sheet metal of thebody 16. As such, the electric field sensed by thecapacitive sensor electrode 1 will be more readily influenced by the closercapacitive shield electrode 2 than the vehicle sheet metal. - According to another embodiment, the
sensors 22 may be optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, motion detectors, or any other form of sensor that can detect a user's foot within thevolume 140 of the wheel-well 150 between thebumper 120 andwheel 130. - The
system 10 includes a two step method of operation. First, the intent of a user to operate theliftgate 12 hands-free is determined. A user may show this intent by waving his or her foot in thevolume 140 at theside 195 of thevehicle 14. This intent is referred to herein as a “hands-free operation gesture” or simply “gesture”. The detection of the presence of a tree, for example, by thesystem 10 would lack the necessary intent to be a hands-free operation gesture. Second, the user is authenticated to establish that he or she is allowed to operate theliftgate 12 hands-free. A user may indicate his or her identity though his or her possession of afob 230 associated with thesystem 10 and/orvehicle 14. Thefob 230 is authenticated by the system 10 (e.g., by the PEPS system 200) when the user subsequently moves to the rear 190 of thevehicle 14. Note that the user signals his or her intent to operate theliftgate 12 hands-free while outside of therear antenna 180range 1800 of thePEPS system 200. Eachantenna authentication range fob 230 may be authenticated. - According to one embodiment of the operation of the
system 10, first, thesensor 22 is located in thebumper 22 out of range of theliftgate 12. Thebumper 22 of the vehicle is non-conductive and thesensor 22 may be a trim sensor. Second, the user activates thesensor 22. Third, visual feedback indicating activation of thesensor 22 is provided to the user. Fourth, the user moves with his or herfob 230 in range of therear antenna 180 of thePEPS system 200 at theliftgate 12. Fifth, the user is authenticated and theliftgate 12 opens. - Intent may also be inferred from an approach to the
proximity sensor 22 followed by approach to the rear authentication antenna as discussed in this paragraph and later below. Approach to theproximity sensor 22 may be inferred from thesensor 22 being inactive followed by activation. Activation may be required for a period of time to reduce the possibility of inadvertent activation from a passing object. Approach to therear antenna 180 may be inferred from theantenna 180 failing to authenticate (as thefob 230 is out of range) followed by authentication at therear antenna 180 within a relatively short time window allowing the user a reasonable period of time to move into range of the antenna 180 (keeping in mind that the user may be carrying an awkward load). - The detailed operation of an example hands-
free operation system 10 may be further illustrated with the aid of a flowchart. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations 400 of modules (e.g., software orhardware modules free operation system 10 for operating aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the invention. The software orhardware modules controller 26 or in a vehicle ECU, or distributed between thecontroller 26 and the vehicle ECU. - At
step 401, theoperations 400 start. - At
step 402, the hands-free operation system 10 wakes up from a sleep mode and attempts to confirm its environment. - At
step 403, a decision is made as to whether an environment criteria adjustment is required. For example, tests may be conducted to determine the difference in capacitance value of thesensor 22 when a user's foot is present as opposed to when a user's foot is not present. As another example, the capacitance value read from thesensor 22 may be adjusted based on environmental or weather conditions. In general, thesystem 10 may make adjustments in order to more accurately determine whether a user is present at theside 195 of thevehicle 14. To do this, adjustments to account for weather (e.g., rain, snow, humidity, heat, etc.), the presence of stationary objects (e.g., trees, poles, sign posts, etc.) at theside 195 of thevehicle 14, and other noise may be made by thesystem 10. According to one embodiment, two ormore sensors 22 orsensors 22 of different types may be located in the wheel-well 150 to facilitate noise reduction adjustments. Twosensors 22 may also more accurately determine directions of motion to identify a gesture indicating intent to open theliftgate 12. If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is required, operations continue to step 404. If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is not required, operations continue to step 406. - At
step 404, an environment criteria adjustment is made by thesystem 10. For example, a threshold level of the capacitance value of thesensor 22 may be adjusted. For adjustments relating to rain, according to one embodiment, the adjustment described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0192489 by Pribisic, published Aug. 2, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference, may be made. In addition, thesystem 10 confirms criteria that will be indicative of a user's intent to operate theliftgate 12 hands-free. As mentioned above, a user may show this intent by waving his or her foot in thevolume 140. This intent is referred to herein as a “hands-free operation gesture” or simply “gesture”. The detection of the presence of a tree, for example, by thesystem 10 would lack the necessary intent to be a hands-free operation gesture. The presence of a tree or other fixed object may be determined by storing the initial capacitance from thesensor 22 following placing thevehicle 14 in park, and using the initial sensed capacitance as a baseline for further comparisons until thevehicle 14 is moved again. Similarly, an object placed in the field of theproximity sensor 22 for a significant period of time that does not result in authentication at therear antenna 180 within the specified time period after proximity activation may result in a change in the threshold trigger levels for theproximity sensor 22. This might be the case for rain, or for a person standing at theproximity sensor 22 not intending to authenticate. - At
step 405, a decision is made as to whether the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has been met. If it is determined that the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has been met, operations continue to step 407. If it is determined that the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has not been met, operations continue to step 406. As an alternative, a gesture may be replaced by recognition of an approach to thesensor 22 as discussed previously. - At
step 406, any threshold adjustments made previously (e.g., at step 404) are processed, thesystem 10 enters a sleep mode, and operations return to step 402. - At
step 407, the internal communications bus (not shown) of thevehicle 14 wakes up, an indication that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10 is optionally provided to the user and thesystem 10 requests afob 230 check from thePEPS system 200 using the PEPS system'srear antenna 180 alone. Note that in the normal operation of aPEPS system 200, both the rear andfront antennae entire vehicle 14. According to one example embodiment, thesystem 10 controls one or more of thetaillights 160 to flash to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10. According to another example embodiment, thesystem 10 controls one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) (not shown) mounted in the wheel-well 150 to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10, or an audible sound may be emitted, such as the beep often heard from an authentication system when providing feedback to a user. - At
step 408, a check as to whether fob criteria is met is conducted by thesystem 10. According to one embodiment, the fob criteria includes, first, thefob 230 not being in range of therear antenna 180 and, second, thefob 230 being moved into range of therear antenna 180 in a prescribed fashion. According to one example embodiment, the prescribed fashion is within a predetermine time period. According to one example embodiment, thefob 230 must not be at the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 to begin with. Movement of the user from theside 195 of thevehicle 14 to the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 must occur. - At
step 409, a decision is made as to whether thefob 230 has been authenticated by the system 10 (e.g., by thePEPS system 200 or by the RKE system 250). If it is determined that thefob 230 has been authenticated, operations continue to step 410. If it is determined that thefob 230 has not been authenticated, operations continue to step 406. - At
step 410, thesystem 10 controls thelatch 110 to open and theliftgate 12 to be raised. According to one embodiment, the operation of theliftgate 12 may be as described, for example, in the patent documents referenced earlier above or in United States Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0250720 A1 to Oxley et al, published Oct. 16, 2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference. - At
step 411, theoperations 400 end. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a first alternate hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. InFIG. 5 , rather than having asingle controller 26, thesystem 10 hasseparate controllers system 10. In particular, a combined PEPS/RKE system rear antennae BCM 261 is coupled to aliftgate controller 262 which controls thedrive mechanism 20 andlatch 110. A sensor electronic control unit (“ECU”) 263 monitors one ormore sensors 22 and is in communication with theliftgate controller 262. According to one embodiment, the sensor(s) 22 are coupled directly to theBCM 261. According to another embodiment, the sensor(s) 22 are coupled directly to theliftgate controller 262. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a second alternate hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. InFIG. 6 , in addition to the components described above with respect toFIG. 5 , thesystem 10 includes a hands-freeoperation antenna controller 264 operatively coupled to thesensor ECU 263. Theantenna controller 264 is for communicating hands-free operation related signals to and from a dedicated rear-mounted hands-free operation antenna 181. Transmissions from thededicated antenna 181 may be directed to a narrower ordifferent authentication range 1810 at the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 than theauthentication range 1800 covered by the PEPS/RKE system'srear antenna 180. By using theseparate antenna controller 264 andantenna 181, no changes need be made to the vehicle's existing PEPS/RKE system antenna controller 264 broadcasts a low frequency, short range beacon signal via its associatedantenna 181. When afob 230 detects the beacon signal, it may begin communicating with and issuing commands to the existing PEPS/RKE system liftgate 12. Theantenna controller 264 may be operatively coupled directly to the vehicle'slights 160 for user signalling purposes. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations 700 of modules (e.g., software orhardware modules operation system 10 for operating aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. According to one example embodiment, theoperations 700 illustrated inFIG. 7 may be used in vehicles that do not implement PEPS fob approach detection. The steps 701-711 shown inFIG. 7 are similar to the respective steps 401-411 described above with respect toFIG. 4 , except, atstep 702, the term “hands-free ECU” is used denoting a hands-free or motion activatedoperation system 10. In addition, locations forsensors 22 may include thebumper 120,taillights 160, and in or behind the rear quarter glass orpanel 165 as described below. -
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustratingalternate operations 800 of modules (e.g., software orhardware modules operation system 10 for operating aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14, in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. According to one example embodiment, theoperations 800 illustrated inFIG. 8 may be used in vehicles that implement PEPS fob approach detection. Locations forsensors 22 may include thebumper 120,taillight 160, and in or behind the rear quarter glass orpanel 165. - At
step 801, theoperations 800 start. - At
step 802, afob 230 is detected within a predetermined range or distance from thevehicle 14 by thePEPS system 200. The vehicle's internal communications bus (not shown) wakes up, thePEPS system 200 authenticates thefob 230, and the hands-free or motion activatedoperation system 10 is activated. Thesystem 10 attempts to confirm its environment and stays awake until thefob 230 is out of range. According to one example embodiment, thesystem 10 controls a green light emitting diode (“LED”) (not shown) mounted in or behind the rear quarter glass 165 (or in or on thetaillight 160 or bumper 120) to indicate that thePEPS system 200 is active. - At
step 803, a decision is made as to whether an environment criteria adjustment is required. For example, tests may be conducted to determine the difference in capacitance value of thesensor 22 when a user's hand or foot is present as opposed to when a user's hand or foot is not present. As another example, the capacitance value read from thesensor 22 may be adjusted based on environmental or weather conditions. In general, thesystem 10 may make adjustments in order to more accurately determine whether a user is present at theside 195 of thevehicle 14. To do this, adjustments to account for weather (e.g., rain, snow, humidity, heat, etc.), the presence of stationary objects (e.g., trees, poles, sign posts, etc.) at theside 195 of thevehicle 14, and other noise may be made by thesystem 10. According to one example embodiment, which is further described below, two or more spaced apartsensors 22 located in or under the rear quarter glass orpanel 165, for example, may be used to more accurately determine directions of motion to identify gestures indicating intent to open or close theliftgate 12. Example use ofmultiple sensors 22 for opening and closing vehicle panels is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/844,533 by Kalliomaki et al., filed Jul. 10, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. According to another example embodiment, two ormore sensors 22 orsensors 22 of different types may be used to facilitate noise reduction adjustments. If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is required, operations continue to step 804. If it is determined that an environmental criteria adjustment is not required, operations continue to step 806. - At
step 804, an environment criteria adjustment is made by thesystem 10. For example, a threshold level of the capacitance value of thesensor 22 may be adjusted. For adjustments relating to rain, according to one embodiment, the adjustment described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0192489 by Pribisic, published Aug. 2, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference, may be made. In addition, thesystem 10 confirms criteria that will be indicative of a user's intent to operate theliftgate 12 hands-free. As mentioned above, a user may show this intent by waving his or her foot in thevolume 140. Alternatively, a user may show this intent by waving his or her hand, arm, or shoulder adjacent therear quarter glass 165 of thevehicle 14. This intent is referred to herein as a “hands-free operation gesture” or simply “gesture”. The detection of the presence of a tree, for example, by thesystem 10 would lack the necessary intent to be a hands-free operation gesture. The presence of a tree or other fixed object may be determined by storing the initial capacitance from thesensor 22 following placing thevehicle 14 in park, and using the initial sensed capacitance as a baseline for further comparisons until thevehicle 14 is moved again. Similarly, an object placed in the field of theproximity sensor 22 for a significant period of time that does not result in authentication at therear antenna 180 within the specified time period after proximity activation may result in a change in the threshold trigger levels for theproximity sensor 22. This might be the case for rain, or for a person standing at theproximity sensor 22 not intending to authenticate. - At
step 805, a decision is made as to whether the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has been met. If it is determined that the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has been met, operations continue to step 807 a. An indication that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10 is optionally provided to the user. According to one example embodiment, thesystem 10 controls one or more red light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) (not shown) mounted in or behind the rear quarter glass 165 (or in or on thetaillight 160 or bumper 120) to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10. According to another example embodiment, thesystem 10 controls one or more of thetaillights 160 to flash to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10. According to yet another example embodiment, thesystem 10 controls the emission of an audible sound, such as the beep often heard from an authentication system when providing feedback to a user, to indicate that the hands-free operation gesture has been received by thesystem 10. If it is determined that the criteria for a hands-free operation gesture has not been met, operations continue to step 806. As an alternative, a gesture may be replaced by recognition of an approach to thesensor 22 as discussed previously. - At
step 806, any threshold adjustments made previously (e.g., at step 804) are processed, thesystem 10 may enter a sleep mode, and operations return to step 802. - At
step 807 a, a determination is made as to whether a second PEPS system authentication is required and operations proceed to step 807 b. - At
step 807 b, if it is determined that a second PEPS authentication is required, operations continue to step 808. If it is determined that a second PEPS authentication is not required, operations continue to step 810. - At
step 808, thesystem 10 requests asecond fob 230 check from thePEPS system 200 using the PEPS system'srear antenna 180 alone. Note that in the normal operation of aPEPS system 200, both the rear andfront antennae entire vehicle 14. In addition, a check as to whether fob criteria is met is conducted by thesystem 10. According to one embodiment, the fob criteria includes, first, thefob 230 not being in range of therear antenna 180 and, second, thefob 230 being moved into range of therear antenna 180 in a prescribed fashion. According to one example embodiment, the prescribed fashion is within a predetermine time period. According to one example embodiment, thefob 230 must not be at the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 to begin with. Movement of the user from theside 195 of thevehicle 14 to the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 must occur. - At
step 809, a decision is made as to whether thefob 230 has been authenticated by the system 10 (e.g., by thePEPS system 200 or by the RKE system 250). If it is determined that thefob 230 has been authenticated, operations continue to step 810. If it is determined that thefob 230 has not been authenticated, operations continue to step 806. - At
step 810, thesystem 10 controls thelatch 110 to open and theliftgate 12 to be raised. Thesystem 10 may also control theliftgate 12 to be lowered and closed by thelatch 110. According to one embodiment, the operation of theliftgate 12 may be as described, for example, in the patent documents referenced earlier above or in United States Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0250720 A1 to Oxley et al, published Oct. 16, 2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference. - At
step 811, theoperations 800 end. - According to the example embodiments of
FIGS. 7 and 8 , thesensors 22 may be installed in or behind the rear quarter glass orpanel 165,taillights 160, orbumper 120 of thevehicle 14. The embodiment ofFIG. 7 may be used in vehicles having PEPS systems without approach detection/authentication. In this case, the embodiment ofFIG. 7 operates similarly to the embodiment ofFIG. 4 . In contrast, the embodiment ofFIG. 8 may be used in vehicles having PEPS systems with approach detection/authentication. In this case, thesystem 10 does not require a deep sleep polling strategy. Thesystem 10 is active upon approach by a user with afob 230. The option to re-authenticate thefob 230 upon activation is still available, as described above, to insure that the user andfob 230 are within range of theliftgate 12. According to one example embodiment, thePEPS system 200 is an aftermarket PEPS system. ThePEPS system 200 is used to detect approach and has an extended range (e.g., around 5-6 meters hence the ability of a user withfob 230 to approach from theside 195 of the vehicle 14). Again, thePEPS system 200 turns on thesystem 10 and the second optional authentication occurs at the rear 190 of thevehicle 14. -
FIG. 9 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 having multiple body-mountedsensors FIG. 10 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 having multiple bumper-mountedsensors sensors liftgate 12. Eachsensor capacitive proximity sensor 22 as described above and shown inFIG. 3 . InFIG. 9 , the two or more spaced apartsensors body 16 of thevehicle 14, for example, in or under the rear quarter glass orpanel 165, and are activated by the motion of a user'shand 920. InFIG. 10 , the two or more spaced apartsensors bumper 120 of thevehicle 14, for example, at one end or at each end of thebumper 120 under the bumper skin or fascia, and are activated by the motion of a user'sfoot 1020. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , in operation, when auser 910 moves his or herhand 920 in thevolume 900 proximate to thesensors sensors sensors controller 26 which operates thelatch 110 and drivemechanism 20 to move theliftgate 12 to its open, partially open, or closed positions in accordance with the user's hand movement. In particular, theuser 910 may make an upward hand wave motion orgesture 902 to generate a command to move theliftgate 12 up, theuser 910 may make a downward hand wave motion orgesture 901 to generate a command to move theliftgate 12 down, and theuser 910 may make an inward hand motion or gesture 903 (i.e., toward closer proximity to thesensors liftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of theliftgate 12. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , in operation, when a user moves his or herfoot 1020 in thevolume 1000 proximate to thesensors sensors sensors controller 26 which operates thelatch 110 and drivemechanism 20 to move theliftgate 12 to its open, partially open, or closed positions in accordance with the user's foot movement. In particular, theuser 910 may make an upward foot wave motion orgesture 1002 to generate a command to move theliftgate 12 up, theuser 910 may make a downward foot wave motion orgesture 1001 to generate a command to move theliftgate 12 down, and theuser 910 may make an inward foot motion or gesture 1003 (i.e., toward closer proximity to thesensors liftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of theliftgate 12. - In
FIGS. 9 and 10 , user hand or foot gesture sensing is performed using two ormore sensors controller 26. The motion of a user'shand 920 orfoot 1020 is detected by thecontroller 26 which monitors respective signals from thesensors panel 165 orbumper 120 to maximize signal differentiation between them. -
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand orfoot gesture FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Down” hand orfoot gesture FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for a “Stop” hand orfoot gesture - Referring to
FIG. 11 , detecting a capacitive signal peak from thelower sensor 24 followed by a capacitive signal peak from theupper sensor 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand orfoot gesture FIG. 12 , detecting a capacitive signal peak from theupper sensor 22 followed by a capacitive signal peak from thelower sensor 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand orfoot gesture FIG. 13 , if no time delay between capacitive signal peaks is detected, or if capacitive signal peaks overlap, or if a capacitive signal magnitude change is detected during liftgate motion, such may be interpreted as a liftgate “Stop” hand orfoot gesture -
FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating reflected infrared light intensity versus time for “Up” and “Down” hand or foot gestures 902, 901, 1002, 1001 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. According to one example embodiment, rather than using two or morecapacitive sensors system 10 uses two or moreinfrared sensors infrared sensor 23 may be used. - According to this example embodiment, reflected infrared light from
individual emitters infrared sensor 23 and measured periodically under software control by thecontroller 26. Theinfrared sensor 23 captures higher intensity reflected light from anIR emitter hand 920 orfoot 1020 sequentially over the emitters. For reliable gesture detection, the infrared emitters andsensors FIGS. 9 and 10 . - User hand and foot gestures 902, 901, 1002, 1001 are detected by observing two or more reflected light signals at the
infrared sensor 23 from theinfrared emitters infrared emitter 24 followed by a reflected light signal peak from the upperinfrared emitter 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand orfoot gesture infrared emitter 22 followed by a reflected light signal peak from the lowerinfrared emitter 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand orfoot gesture foot gesture sensors sensors controller 26 may be adjusted. According to another example embodiment, the location of thesensors -
FIG. 15 is rear perspective view illustrating a hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 having multiple vertically orientedsensors FIG. 16 is top view illustrating the hands-free operation system 10 ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. As mentioned above, according to one example embodiment, two or more spaced apartsensors liftgate 12. Eachsensor capacitive proximity sensor 22 as described above and shown inFIG. 3 . InFIGS. 15 and 16 , the two or more spaced apartsensors more sensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. The two ormore sensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14 at or on either side of thetransition 1610 between orcorner 1610 formed byside panels 165 andrear panels 166 of thevehicle 14. The two or more spaced apartsensors bumper 120 of thevehicle 14, for example, at one end or at each end of thebumper 120 under the bumper skin or fascia and may be activated by the motion of a user'sfoot 1020. Alternatively, the two or more spaced apartsensors taillight 160 of thevehicle 14 and may be activated by the motion of a user'shand 920 orfoot 1020. Alternatively, the two or more spaced apartsensors body 16 of thevehicle 14, for example, on, in, or under the rear quarter glass orpanel 165 and/or rear glass orpanel 166 and may be activated by the motion of a user'shand 920. - Advantageously, the use of vertically oriented
sensors vehicle 14. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , in operation, when auser 910 moves his or herhand 920 orfoot 1020 in thevolume 1500 proximate to thesensors sensors sensors controller 26 which operates thelatch 110 and drivemechanism 20 to move theliftgate 12 to its open, partially open, or closed positions in accordance with the user's hand or foot movement. In particular, theuser 910 may make an forward directed (e.g., to a first side, horizontally or approximately horizontally, across, etc.) hand or foot wave motion orgesture 1502 to generate a command to move theliftgate 12 up; and, theuser 910 may make a rearward directed (e.g., to a second side, horizontally or approximately horizontally, across, etc.) hand or foot wave motion orgesture 1501 to generate a command to move theliftgate 12 down. In addition, theuser 910 may make an inward directed hand or foot motion or gesture (i.e., toward closer proximity to thesensors 22, 24) while theliftgate 12 is in motion to generate a command to stop movement of theliftgate 12. - In
FIGS. 15 and 16 , user hand or foot gesture sensing is performed using two ormore sensors controller 26. The motion of a user'shand 920 orfoot 1020 is detected by thecontroller 26 which monitors respective signals from thesensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14 in, on, or behind thebumper 120,taillight 160, orpanels - According to one example embodiment, the gestures (e.g., 1501, 1502, etc.) described herein may be made with a user's
hand 920,foot 1020, arm, leg, limb, body or part thereof, or a combination of these. -
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view illustrating acapacitive sensor system 1700 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating thecapacitive sensor system 1700 ofFIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. And,FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating thecapacitive sensor system 1700 ofFIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. InFIGS. 17 , 18, and 26, thecapacitive sensor system 1700 includes first and second elongatecapacitive proximity sensors inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 of thevehicle 14 and coupled to asensor ECU 263. Thesensor ECU 263 is described above with reference toFIG. 5 . Thesensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. Thesensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. Thesensor ECU 263 may be mounted on theinner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 proximate to thesensors sensors sensor ECU 263 by an appropriate wiring harness orwiring 1701. -
FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand orfoot gesture 1502 and a “Down” hand orfoot gesture 1501 for thecapacitive sensor system 1700 ofFIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. Detecting a capacitive signal peak from therearward sensor 24 followed by a capacitive signal peak from theforward sensor 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand orfoot gesture 1502. Detecting a capacitive signal peak from theforward sensor 22 followed by a capacitive signal peak from therearward sensor 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand orfoot gesture 1501. If no time delay between capacitive signal peaks is detected, or if capacitive signal peaks overlap, or if a capacitive signal magnitude change is detected during liftgate motion, such may be interpreted as a liftgate “Stop” hand or foot gesture. -
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view illustrating an alternatecapacitive sensor system 2000 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating thecapacitive sensor system 2000 ofFIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. And,FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating thecapacitive sensor system 2000 ofFIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. InFIGS. 20 , 21, and 27, thecapacitive sensor system 2000 includes first and second elongatecapacitive proximity sensors inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 of thevehicle 14 and coupled to asensor ECU 263. Thesensor ECU 263 is described above with reference toFIG. 5 . Eachsensor vertical portion vertical portion 2010 of theinner surface 1710 and a horizontal or approximatelyhorizontal portion horizontal portion 2020 of theinner surface 1710. Thehorizontal portion 2020 may be the lower lip or rim of the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 and may extend inwardly along or toward the underside of thevehicle 14. Thehorizontal portions sensor gestures volume 1510 proximate thesensors bumper 120. Thesensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. Thesensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. Thesensor ECU 263 may be mounted on the inner surface 1710 (e.g., on the vertical portion 2010) of the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 proximate to thesensors sensors sensor ECU 263 by an appropriate wiring harness orwiring 1701. -
FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating capacitive signal level versus time for an “Up” hand orfoot gesture 1502 for thecapacitive sensor system 2000 ofFIG. 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. Detecting a capacitive signal peak from therearward sensor 24 followed by a capacitive signal peak from theforward sensor 22 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Up” hand orfoot gesture 1502. Detecting a capacitive signal peak from theforward sensor 22 followed by a capacitive signal peak from therearward sensor 24 may be interpreted as a liftgate “Down” hand orfoot gesture 1501. If no time delay between capacitive signal peaks is detected, or if capacitive signal peaks overlap, or if a capacitive signal magnitude change is detected during liftgate motion, such may be interpreted as a liftgate “Stop” hand or foot gesture. -
FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating acapacitive sensor module 2300 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.FIG. 24 is a front perspective view illustrating thecapacitive sensor module 2300 ofFIG. 23 with itscase 2400 installed in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure.FIG. 28 is top view illustrating thecapacitive sensor module 2300 ofFIG. 23 installed on aflat portion 2800 of aninner surface 1710 of a bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. And,FIG. 29 is top view illustrating thecapacitive sensor module 2300 ofFIG. 23 installed on acurved portion 2900 of aninner surface 1710 of a bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. Thecapacitive sensor module 2300 is a prepackaged version of thecapacitive sensor system 1700 ofFIG. 17 . Thecapacitive sensor module 2300 includes a printedcircuit board 2310 upon which is mounted or formed the first and second elongatecapacitive proximity sensors sensor ECU 263. The printedcircuit board 2310 maintains a fixed separation orspacing 2320 between thesensors sensor ECU 263 may be mounted on the printedcircuit board 2310 between thesensors FIG. 24 , thecapacitive sensor module 2300 may be enclosed in a housing orcase 2400 for protection and ease of installation in avehicle 14. The printedcircuit board 2310 may be a flexible printed circuit board to allow the printedcircuit board 2310 and thesensors curved portions inner surface 1710 of the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120, etc.) of theperiphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. The housing orcase 2400 may also be flexible. Thesensors FIG. 3 . - According to one example embodiment, each
sensor FIG. 23 may have a height of approximately 100 mm and a width of approximately 50 mm. Thesensors distance 2320 of approximated 70 mm. And, thecircuit board 2310 may an overall height of approximately 100 mm and an overall width of approximately 170 mm. -
FIG. 25 is a front perspective view illustrating another alternatecapacitive sensor system 2500 for use with the hands-free operation system 10 ofFIG. 15 in accordance with an example embodiment of an aspect of the disclosure. InFIG. 25 , thesensors FIG. 3 . Thecapacitive shield electrode 2 of thesesensors capacitive shield electrode 2 of thesensors FIGS. 17-24 and 28-29 is in the form of a flat metal strip. Eachsensor FIGS. 7-24 and 28-29 may operate in a manner similar to that described above with reference toFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 30 is rear perspective view illustrating an alternate hands-free operation system 10 for aliftgate 12 of avehicle 14 having multiple vertically oriented, horizontally oriented, andangled sensors FIG. 30 shows that thesensors periphery 1600 of thevehicle 14. For example, in addition to mounting on the bumper skin, fascia, orbumper 120 as described above, thesensors glass 165, a rear body panel orglass 166, and a headlight ortaillight 160. With respect to headlight ortaillight 160 mounting, thesensors taillight 160. Alternatively, thesensors sensors fascia 120, a body panel orglass taillight 160 lens or bulb housing, and/or a housing of anECU 263. - According to an alternate example embodiment, the
sensors FIGS. 15-30 may be horizontally or approximately horizontally oriented and vertically or approximately vertically spaced. According to another alternate example embodiment, thesensors FIGS. 15-30 may be oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) and vertically or approximately vertically spaced. In these alternate example embodiments, and referring toFIG. 30 , to reduce the occurrence of false sequential sensor activations caused by water running down the exterior surfaces of thevehicle 14, sequential activations of the lower sensor (e.g., 24) followed by the upper sensor (e.g., 22) may be recognized first or may be the only sequential activations recognized. - The above embodiments may contribute to an improved method and
system 10 for hands-free operation ofliftgates 12 ofvehicles 14 and other devices and may provide one or more advantages. First, thesystem 10 reduces unintended operation of thelatch 110 andliftgate 12 by requiring a user to indicate his or her intention to operate thelatch 110 andliftgate 12 hands-free at theside 195 of thevehicle 14 and then move to the rear 190 of thevehicle 14 to be authenticated. Second, thesystem 10 allows for true hands-free operation. A user need not touch or pull a handle or push a button on afob 230 to operate thelatch 110 andliftgate 12. Third, there may be a reduction in the numbers of components required for proximity sensing and authentication. Fourth, in some embodiments, there may be a simplification in the indication of intent such that the user is not required to add motions such as changes in direction that may require awkward movements. - Thus, according to one example embodiment, there is provided a method for operating a
closure panel 12 of avehicle 14, comprising: using aprocessor 520, determining whether afirst proximity sensor 22 and asecond proximity sensor 24 located on aperiphery 1600 of thevehicle 14 have been sequentially activated to indicate anobject 1020 moving across thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24; and, controlling theclosure panel 12 to open or close when thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 have been sequentially activated. - In the above method, the
first proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be spaced apart 2320 horizontally or approximately horizontally along theperiphery 1600. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be elongate capacitive proximity sensors. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be vertically or approximately vertically oriented. Each of thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may have a respective horizontal or approximatelyhorizontal portion horizontal portion vehicle 14. - Also in the above method, the
first proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be mounted or formed on a printedcircuit board 2310. The printedcircuit board 2310 may be a flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printedcircuit board 2310 may conform to acontour periphery 1600. The printedcircuit 2310 board may be enclosed in acase 2400. The printedcircuit board 2310 may have mounted thereon acontroller 263 for monitoring thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24. Thecontroller 263 may be communicatively coupled to acentral controller 26 for thevehicle 14. - Also in the above method, the
object 1020 may be moved in avolume 1500 adjacent, over, or proximate thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be sequentially activated by a horizontal or approximately horizontal movement of theobject 1020. Theobject 1020 may be one or more of a user'shand 920,foot 1020, arm, leg, limb, and body or part thereof. - The method may further include: determining an order of activation of the
first proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24; when thefirst proximity sensor 22 is activated before thesecond proximity sensor 24, controlling theclosure panel 12 to close; and, when thesecond proximity sensor 24 is activated before thefirst proximity sensor 22, controlling theclosure panel 12 to open. The method may further include: when thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 are activated simultaneously or approximately simultaneously while theclosure panel 12 is moving, controlling theclosure panel 12 to stop moving. The determining of the order of activation of thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may further include comparing respective occurrences of capacitive signal level peak magnitude for thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24. The method may further include authenticating afob 230 with anauthentication system 200, wherein the determining whether thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 located on theperiphery 1600 of thevehicle 14 have been sequentially activated may be performed when thefob 230 has been authenticated. The authenticating thefob 230 with theauthentication system 200 may further include monitoring anantenna vehicle 14 to determine whether thefob 230 is within a predetermined distance from thevehicle 14. The determining whether thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 located on theperiphery 1600 of thevehicle 14 have been sequentially activated may be performed when thefob 230 is within the predetermined distance and has been authenticated. - Also in the above method, the closure panel may be a
liftgate 12. Theperiphery 1600 may be aside 195 of thevehicle 14. Theperiphery 1600 may be anend 190 of thevehicle 14. Theperiphery 1600 may be acorner 1610 of thevehicle 14. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be mounted in, on, or under a glass orpanel vehicle 14. The glass or panel may be arear quarter glass 165 orrear quarter panel 165, respectively. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be mounted in ataillight 160 or headlight of thevehicle 14. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be mounted on an inner surface of a lens of thetaillight 160 or headlight. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be mounted in abumper 120 of thevehicle 14. The bumper may be arear bumper 120. Thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be positioned at or on either side of acorner 1610 of theperiphery 1600. The corner may be arear corner 1610. And, thefirst proximity sensor 22 and thesecond proximity sensor 24 may be formed on, printed on, or molded into one or more of a bumper skin orfascia 120, a body panel orglass taillight 160 lens or bulb housing, and a housing (e.g., 2400) of acontroller 263. - According to one example embodiment, each of the above described method steps may be implemented by a
respective software module 531. According to another example embodiment, each of the above described method steps may be implemented by arespective hardware module 521. According to another example embodiment, each of the above described method steps may be implemented by a combination of software andhardware modules - While this disclose is primarily discussed as a method, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatus discussed above with reference to a
controller 26 may be programmed to enable the practice of the method of the disclosure. Moreover, an article of manufacture for use with acontroller 26, such as a pre-recorded storage device or other similar computer readable medium or computer program product including program instructions recorded thereon, may direct thecontroller 26 to facilitate the practice of the method of the disclosure. It is understood that such apparatus, products, and articles of manufacture also come within the scope of the disclosure. - In particular, the sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed by the
controller 26 may be contained in a data carrier product according to one embodiment of the invention. This data carrier product may be loaded into and run by thecontroller 26. In addition, the sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed by thecontroller 26 may be contained in a computer software product or computer program product (e.g., comprising a non-transitory medium) according to one embodiment of the invention. This computer software product or computer program product may be loaded into and run by thecontroller 26. Moreover, the sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed by thecontroller 26 may be contained in an integrated circuit product (e.g., a hardware module or modules 521) which may include a coprocessor or memory according to one embodiment of the invention. This integrated circuit product may be installed in thecontroller 26. - The embodiments of the disclosure described above are intended to be examples only. Those skilled in this art will understand that various modifications of detail may be made to these embodiments, all of which come within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (30)
1-66. (canceled)
67. A method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising:
using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor in a single activation direction; and
controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
68. The method of claim 67 further comprising:
locating the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor in a horizontally spaced-apart orientation along the periphery of the vehicle.
69. The method of claim 68 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are elongate capacitive proximity sensors.
70. The method of claim 68 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are vertically oriented.
71. The method of claim 68 wherein each of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor has a respective horizontal portion extending along or toward an underside of the vehicle.
72. The method of claim 67 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are mounted or formed on a printed circuit board.
73. The method of claim 72 wherein the printed circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board.
74. The method of claim 73 wherein the flexible printed circuit board conforms to a contour of the periphery.
75. The method of claim 72 wherein the printed circuit board is enclosed in a case.
76. The method of claim 72 wherein the printed circuit board has mounted thereon a controller for monitoring the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor.
77. The method of claim 76 wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to a central controller for the vehicle.
78. The method of claim 67 wherein the object is moved in a volume adjacent, over, or proximate the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor.
79. The method of claim 78 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are sequentially activated by a horizontal movement of the object.
80. The method of claim 78 wherein the object is one or more of a user's hand, foot, arm, leg, limb, and body or part thereof.
81. The method of claim 67 , further comprising:
determining an order of activation of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor;
controlling the closure panel to close when the first proximity sensor is activated before the second proximity sensor; and
controlling the closure panel to open when the second proximity sensor is activated before the first proximity sensor.
82. The method of claim 81 , further comprising:
controlling the closure panel to stop moving when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are activated simultaneously while the closure panel is moving.
83. The method of claim 81 wherein the determining of the order of activation of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor further comprises comparing respective occurrences of a capacitive signal level peak magnitude for the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor.
84. The method of claim 67 , further comprising:
authenticating a fob with an authentication system; and
determining whether the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor located on the periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated after the fob has been authenticated.
85. The method of claim 84 wherein authentication of the fob with the authentication system further comprises monitoring an antenna located on the vehicle to determine whether the fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.
86. The method of claim 85 wherein the determination of whether the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor located on the periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated is performed when the fob is within the predetermined distance and has been authenticated.
87. The method of claim 67 wherein the closure panel is a liftgate.
88. The method of claim 67 wherein the periphery of the vehicle is at least one of a side of the vehicle, an end of the vehicle, and a corner of the vehicle.
89. The method of claim 67 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are mounted in, on, or under a glass component or panel of the vehicle.
90. The method of claim 89 wherein the glass component or panel is a rear quarter glass or rear quarter panel, respectively.
91. The method of claim 67 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are mounted in a lens of a taillight or a headlight of the vehicle.
92. The method of claim 67 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are mounted in a rear bumper of the vehicle.
93. The method of claim 67 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are positioned at or on either side of a rear corner of the periphery of the vehicle.
94. The method of claim 67 wherein the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are formed on, printed on, or molded into one or more of a bumper skin or fascia, a body panel or a glass component, a headlight or taillight lens or bulb housing, and a housing of a controller.
95. The method of claim 67 further comprising:
a module for determining whether the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and
a module for controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
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US15/845,309 US9982474B2 (en) | 2013-05-15 | 2017-12-18 | Method and system for operating a closure panel of a vehicle |
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US14/890,184 US20160083995A1 (en) | 2013-05-15 | 2014-05-14 | Method and system for operating a closure panel of a vehicle |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN105209706B (en) | 2018-11-02 |
DE112014002441T5 (en) | 2016-02-25 |
CN109629953A (en) | 2019-04-16 |
US20170204650A1 (en) | 2017-07-20 |
CN105209706A (en) | 2015-12-30 |
WO2014199235A2 (en) | 2014-12-18 |
US10107026B2 (en) | 2018-10-23 |
US20180106093A1 (en) | 2018-04-19 |
DE112014002441B4 (en) | 2023-08-10 |
US20180266165A1 (en) | 2018-09-20 |
US9845632B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 |
WO2014199235A3 (en) | 2015-07-16 |
US9982474B2 (en) | 2018-05-29 |
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