DE102019115645B4 - ELECTRIC DOOR CLOSING ALGORITHM - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for operating an automatic moveable panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising: a moveable panel (12) forming a portion of an exterior of the motor vehicle (10) and providing access to and from an interior of the motor vehicle (10); an actuator physically connected to the moveable panel (12) and operable to move the moveable panel (12) through a first range of motion (26); a proximity sensor (40); a control module housed within of the motor vehicle (10), the control module having a processor (60) configured to execute control logic stored in non-transitory computer-readable memory (62) and a plurality of input/output ports, wherein the actuator and the proximity sensor (40) are in electronic communication with the input/output ports of the control module, the control logic comprising:a first control logic that determines a position of the moveable panel (12);a second control logic that receives a plurality of passive inputs;a third control logic that selectively uses the actuator to move the moveable panel (12) through the first range of motion (26) based on the plurality of passive inputs;a fourth control logic that uses the proximity sensor (40) to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the moveable panel (12) through the first range of motion (26) with the actuator; andfifth control logic that notifies a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the moveable panel (12) via a human-machine interface (HMI) (70);wherein the fifth control logic further comprises presenting a notification to an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) on the HMI (70), the notification notifying the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) of a process powered movement event for the moveable panel (12), the notification further informing a cancellation option that allows the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) to selectively cancel the motion event powered during the process, and wherein when the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) selectively cancels the motion event powered during the process, the control module executes sixth control logic that continuously informs the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) of a position of a moveable panel (12) when the moveable panel (12) is in an open position (44). .

Description

INTRODUCTION

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

The present disclosure relates to obstacle detection related to the position of moveable panels, particularly moveable panels of motor vehicles. The pace at which automation is implemented in automobiles has accelerated in recent years and the trend is likely to continue. Automobile manufacturers are increasingly producing vehicles with automated powertrain systems, as well as a variety of other cost-reduction systems, such as automatically actuated moveable panels. In particular, more and more vehicles are being equipped with automatically operated doors, trunk lids, flaps, hoods and the like. However, automatically operated moving panels also pose a challenge because without a person controlling the movement of the moving panels, there is a chance that the panels will encounter obstacles in their path, or stay open at inconvenient times. In order to avoid damage to automatically operated moveable door panels, trunk lids, hatches, hoods and the like and to avoid injury to pedestrians and vehicle occupants, the automatically operated moveable panels can be activated by physically initializing the movement of the automatically operated door panels by operating a switch or by manually closing them of the door panels are closed. However, requiring a user to operate a physical switch or manually close the moving panels places physical and mental demands on the user and can create stressful situations.

DE 196 49 698 A1 describes a powered barrier control device which is configuration independent and can be remotely and directly operated in a variety of ways. Sophisticated safety measures use an adaptation strategy to enable highly sensitive obstacle detection by learning the system's force requirements and providing a safety margin. The control system allows fully manual handling of the barrier.

DE 10 2017 107 559 A1 describes methods, systems, and vehicles for determining whether one or more doors of a vehicle are expected to contact one or more objects when open. The vehicle includes one or more sensors, a memory, and a processor in addition to the one or more doors. The one or more sensors are configured to generate sensor data related to one or more objects in proximity to a vehicle. The memory is configured to store door geometry for the one or more doors. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and the memory and is configured to at least determine whether the one or more doors will contact one or more objects when open using the sensor data and the door geometry .

DE 10 2017 113 805 A1 describes a motor vehicle having a door attached to the motor vehicle by a hinge mechanism that provides both full flap opening of the door and full scissor opening of the door. The motor vehicle includes apparatus to assist in the selection of a preferred door opening mode based on an assessment of the environment in which the motor vehicle is located. The evaluation of the environment and the selection of the preferred door opening mode is carried out by an electronic controller based on information received from a scanning device.

US 2018/0 038 148 A1 describes a system for a vehicle. The system includes a door; an electric actuation motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuation motor being configured to actuate at a hinge of the door; a push-to-open actuator mounted to a rear of the door, the push-to-open actuator configured to push against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured to communicate with the vehicle.

US 2016/0 208 537 A1 describes a door protection system, a method for protecting a vehicle door and a vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need for new and improved methods of initiating operation of automatically operated moveable panels of a motor vehicle that reduce the mental and physical burden on users while improving safety and maintaining or reducing costs.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

According to the invention, a system for operating an automatic moving panel of a motor vehicle includes: a moving panel that forms a portion of an exterior of the motor vehicle and provides access to and from an interior of the motor vehicle, an actuator physically connected to the moveable panel and operative to move the moveable panel through a first range of motion, a proximity sensor, and a control module, disposed within the motor vehicle, wherein the control module includes a processor configured to execute control logic stored in non-transitory computer-readable memory and a plurality of input/output ports, the actuator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the input/output connections of the control module. The control logic includes: a first control logic that determines a position of the movable platen; a second control logic receiving a plurality of passive inputs; third control logic that selectively uses the actuator to move the moveable panel through the first range of motion based on the plurality of passive inputs; fourth control logic using the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the moveable panel through the first range of movement with the actuator; and fifth control logic that notifies an automobile user of movement of the moveable panel via a human-machine interface (HMI).

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the proximity sensor further includes a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a LiDAR sensor, a resistive sensor, and a capacitive sensor.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first control logic determines the position of the moveable plate based on a moveable plate latch position, the second control logic receives a position of a gear ratio switch position, a position of a brake pedal, a vehicle speed, and a seat belt buckle status.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the control module further includes a body control module (BCM) in communication with a side access module (SAM).

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the third control logic further includes commanding the SAM to start a motor move event for the moveable panel.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the third control logic further includes commanding the SAM to start motoring the moveable plate from an open position to a closed position when the moveable plate is in an open position, the gear ratio selector switch becomes off moves to a park position, the brake pedal is in a released position, the vehicle speed is greater than zero, and an occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing a seat belt.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the third control logic further includes commanding the SAM to start motoring the moveable platen from a closed position to an open position when the moveable platen is in a closed position, the gear ratio selector switch is in moved to a park position, the brake pedal is in a depressed position, vehicle speed is approximately zero, and an occupant of the motor vehicle unbuckles a seat belt.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the fourth control logic further includes using the proximity sensor to determine if an obstacle is present within the first range of motion and selectively preventing a motor movement event for the moveable panel when an obstacle is present.

According to the invention, the fifth control logic further comprises presenting a notification to an occupant of the motor vehicle on the HMI, the notification informing the user of the motor vehicle of a moveable panel movement event powered during the process.

According to the invention, the notification further includes a cancellation option that allows the user of the motor vehicle to selectively cancel the motion event in progress.

According to the invention, when the motor vehicle occupant selectively cancels the motion event powered during the process, the control module executes sixth control logic that continuously notifies the motor vehicle occupant of a moveable panel position when the moveable panel is in an open position.

According to the invention, a method for operating an automatically moving panel of a motor vehicle is also specified, which comprises: determining a position of a moving panel of the motor vehicle, the moving panel forms a portion of an exterior of the motor vehicle and allows access to and from an interior of the motor vehicle; receiving a plurality of passive inputs by a control module located in the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic stored in non-transitory computer-readable memory and a plurality of input/output ports wherein the plurality of input/output ports are in electronic communication with a proximity sensor and an actuator, the actuator being physically connected to the moveable panel and operable to move the moveable panel through a first range of motion. The method further includes selectively using the actuator to move the moveable panel through the first range of motion based on the plurality of passive inputs; selectively determining when to initiate movement of the moveable panel through the first range of motion with the actuator based on the outputs of the proximity sensor; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the moveable panel via a human-machine interface (HMI).

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method for controlling operation of an automatic moveable panel of a motor vehicle further includes: determining the position of the moveable panel based on a locked position of the moveable panel; and receiving a position of a gear ratio selector, a position of a brake pedal, a vehicle speed, and a status of a seat belt buckle within the control module.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method of controlling operation of an automatic moving panel of a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the proximity sensor further includes a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a LiDAR sensor, a resistive sensor, and a capacitive sensor.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method of controlling operation of an automatic moveable panel of a motor vehicle, wherein the control module further comprises a body control module (BCM) in communication with a side access module (SAM), the SAM managing the position of the moveable panel.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method for controlling operation of an automatic moveable panel of a motor vehicle further includes: instructing the SAM to initiate a motor move event for the moveable panel.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method for controlling operation of an automatic moveable panel of a motor vehicle further includes instructing the SAM to start powered movement of the moveable panel from an open position to a closed position when the moveable panel is in is in an open position, the gear ratio selector switch is moved from a park position, the brake pedal is in a released position and vehicle speed is greater than zero, and an occupant of the motor vehicle fastens the seat belt and commands the SAM to stop powering the moveable plate from a closed position to an open position when the movable panel is in a closed position, the gear ratio selector switch is moved to a park position, the brake pedal is in a depressed position, the vehicle speed is approximately zero and an occupant of the motor vehicle fastens the seat belt .

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method for controlling operation of an automatic moveable panel of a motor vehicle further includes: determining whether an obstacle is present within the first range of motion using the proximity sensor, and selectively preventing a motor movement event for the moveable panel, when there is an obstacle.

According to the invention, the method for controlling operation of an automatic moveable panel of a motor vehicle further includes: presenting a notification to the vehicle occupant on the HMI, the notification informing the vehicle occupant of an operationally powered moveable panel movement event; presenting a cancellation option that allows the occupant of the motor vehicle to selectively cancel the in-service powered motion event; and when the occupant of the motor vehicle selectively cancels the motion event powered during the process, continuously notifying the occupant of the motor vehicle of the position of the moveable panel when the moveable panel is in an open position.

Further, in examples: determining a position of a moveable panel of the motor vehicle based on a locking position of the moveable panel, the moveable panel including a portion of an exterior of the motor vehicle forms and allows access to and from an interior of the motor vehicle; Receiving a plurality of passive inputs by a body control module (BCM) located within the motor vehicle, including a position of a gear ratio selector, a position of a brake pedal, a vehicle speed, and a status of a seat belt buckle, the BCM having a processor configured to to execute control logic stored in non-transitory computer-readable memory and a plurality of input/output ports, the plurality of input/output ports in electronic communication with a proximity sensor and an actuator, the proximity sensor including a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a LiDAR sensor, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor, and the actuator is physically connected to the moveable plate and is operable to move the moveable plate through a first range of motion. The method further includes selectively commanding a side access module (SAM) to use the driver to move the movable platen through the first range of motion based on the plurality of passive inputs; selectively determining when to begin a motorized movement event for the moveable panel through the first amount of movement with the driver based on the outputs of the proximity sensor; and determining whether an obstacle is present within the first range of motion using the proximity sensor, and selectively preventing a powered motion event for the moveable panel when an obstacle is present. The method further includes commanding the SAM to start motoring the moveable panel from an open position to a closed position when the moveable panel is in an open position with the gear ratio selector switch moved out of a park position, the brake pedal in a disengaged position, vehicle speed is greater than zero and an occupant of the motor vehicle engages a seat belt buckle to increase speed, and commanding the SAM to start powering the moveable panel from a closed position to an open position when the moveable platen is in a closed position, the gear ratio selector switch is moved to a park position, the brake pedal is in a depressed position, vehicle speed is approximately zero, and an occupant of the motor vehicle unbuckles a seatbelt. The method further includes presenting a notification to the vehicle occupant on a human-machine interface (HMI), the notification informing the vehicle occupant of a moveable panel movement event powered during the process; presenting a cancellation option that allows the occupant of the motor vehicle to selectively cancel the motion event powered during the process; and continuously notifying the occupant of the motor vehicle of the position of the moveable panel when the moveable panel is in an open position.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be noted that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

character list

• 1 ist eine Ansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs, das mit Näherungssensoren gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung ausgestattet ist;
• 2 ist ein Flussdiagramm eines Algorithmus für ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer elektrischen Tür, die den Mechanismus gemäß einem Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung schließt; und
• 3 ist ein Flussdiagramm eines Algorithmus für ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer elektrischen Tür, die den Mechanismus gemäß einem weiteren Aspekt der vorliegenden Offenbarung schließt.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

• 1 FIG. 14 is a view of a motor vehicle equipped with proximity sensors according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
• 2 12 is a flow chart of an algorithm for a method of operating a power door closing mechanism according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and
• 3 12 is a flowchart of an algorithm for a method of operating a power door closing mechanism according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used in the drawings and the description for the same or like parts or steps. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope thereof to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of FIGS convey the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details may not be required, that exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that no embodiment should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural forms as appropriate, unless the context clearly excludes it. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "include" and "have" are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of, but do not exclude the presence or addition of, the specified features, integers, steps, acts, elements and/or components one or more other characteristics, integers, steps, acts, elements, components and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as requiring the order described or illustrated to be mandatory unless specifically stated as the order of performance. It should also be noted that additional or alternative steps may be used.

When an element or layer is described as "on", "engages with", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can either be directly attached to the other element or the other layer located, engaged, bonded, or coupled thereto, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as "directly on", "directly in connection with", "attached to" or "directly coupled to" other elements or layers, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements are to be understood in the same way (e.g., "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms . These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another area, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

The term "computer", "controller", or "module" as used herein generally includes any electronic control device having a pre-programmed digital computer or processor, memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium capable of storing data such as control logic, software applications , instructions, computer code, software or applications, data, look-up tables, etc., and a transceiver (or input/output ports). Computer-readable medium includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD) or any other type of storage. A “non-transitory” computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communications links that carry transitory, electrical, or other signals. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium includes media on which data can be permanently stored and media on which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as a rewritable optical disk or an erasable storage device. Computer code, software, or applications includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The processor is configured to execute the code or instructions. In some examples, the computer or server also includes a dedicated Wi-Fi controller configured for wireless communication with wireless communication hotspots using IEEE 802.1X Wi-Fi protocols.

The computer or server also includes one or more applications. An application is a software program that is configured to perform a specific function or set of functions. The application may include one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, methods, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or a portion thereof, suitable for implementation in suitable computer-readable program code. The applications can be stored in memory or in additional or separate memory. Examples of applications include audio or video streaming services, games, browsers, social media, network management systems, directory access and management systems, and the like without departing from the scope or convenience of the present disclosure.

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

Referring to 1 1, a motor vehicle is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 10. Although the motor vehicle 10 is illustrated as a car, it should be understood that the motor vehicle 10 may be a car, including but not limited to a coupe, sedan, hatchback, or station wagon; or may be a truck, SUV, van, semi-trailer, bus, or other similar motor vehicle 10 without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The motor vehicle 10 is equipped with at least one moveable panel 12 that allows access to and from an interior (not specifically shown) of the motor vehicle 10 . In several aspects, the interior of the motor vehicle 10 is a trunk, an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, or the like. In several aspects, the motor vehicle 10 may include any number of moveable panels 12, such as a driver's door 14, a passenger's door 16, rear passenger's doors 18, a trunk 20, a rear hatch or tailgate (not specifically shown), a hood or hood 22 , a fuel flap 24 or other such movable plate 12.

Each moveable panel 12 articulates through a first range of motion 26 via a hinge connection 28 with the body 30 of the motor vehicle 10. The hinge connection 28 includes, in several aspects, a pivot pin (not specifically shown) that is supported by hinge pin receptacles (not specifically shown) in the moveable panel 12 and the body 30 of the motor vehicle 10 is used. However, depending on the particular moveable platen 12 and design constraints, the hinge joint 28 may take a variety of forms, including a gooseneck hinge, a scissors hinge, an offset hinge, a cushioned hinge, or the like. In the example of 1 the hinge connections 28 of the driver's door 14, the passenger's door 16 and the rear passenger's doors 18 are arranged towards a door front side 36 of each of the motor vehicle doors 14,16,18. Thus, each of the motor vehicle doors 14, 16, 18 pivots horizontally outward through the first range of motion 26. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the hinge connection 28 for a particular moveable panel 12 may allow each moveable panel 12 to be divided into a plurality of pivot in different directions without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example, in some automobiles 10, the articulation 28 allows the movable panel 12 to pivot vertically in a gullwing, scissor, or butterfly configuration. As another example, in some other motor vehicles 10, the hinge connection 28 allows the movable panel to pivot horizontally in a swan motion, or in a so-called "suicide" motion, where the motor vehicle doors 14, 16, 18 have hinge connections 28 mounted at a door rear 38 are arranged. In other examples, the articulation 28 allows the movable platen 12 to pivot in a combination of vertical and horizontal movements, such as in a movable platen 12 with a dihedral synchronous helical actuation. In still other examples, the articulating joint 28 may be described more as a sliding joint (not specifically shown), where the moveable panel 12 is mounted or suspended from a track and opens by sliding horizontally along or into the motor vehicle 10 . In some aspects, the sliding linkage may be oriented vertically such that the moveable panel retracts into a roof or floor (not specifically shown) of the motor vehicle 10 .

In some aspects, the moveable plates 12 are automatically actuated. That is, at least one of the movable plates 12 can be operated without being physically manipulated by a person. The motivation for the automatic actuation of the moveable panel(s) 12 is provided by a magnet, linear actuator, spring and damper, cable and pulley mechanism, electric motor, hydraulic or pneumatic system, or other such door drive mechanism or actuator (not specifically shown) provided. The actuators may be located on the moveable panel 12, on an interior aspect of the body 30 of the motor vehicle 10, within the hinge joint 28, or the like be arranged. In some examples, the actuators actuate the moveable platen 12 via a cable mechanism (not specifically shown).

The moveable panel or panels 12 are used in conjunction with at least one obstacle detection or proximity sensor 40 . In several aspects, the proximity sensor 40 is a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a LiDAR sensor, a non-contact capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor such as a clamp strip sensor, or other such proximity sensor 40. In some examples, multiple proximity switches 40 can be associated with a or more of the movable plates 12 can be used. That is, multiple proximity switches 40 can be mounted in a variety of locations on or around one or more of the moveable plates 12 . Furthermore, the plurality of proximity sensors 40 may all be of the same type (e.g., all ultrasonic sensors), or the plurality of proximity sensors 40 may be of a variety of different types (e.g., ultrasonic and resistive clamp-type sensors). In one aspect, an ultrasonic sensor and resistive clamp strip are used in conjunction with a single moveable platen 12 to collect both ultrasonic data and physical disturbance data. In some examples and as in the US patent application 16/006141 As described in detail, the proximity sensors 40 are mounted on an articulating mount (not separately shown). Depending on the particular application, the articulating mount can take a variety of different forms. However, while as in the U.S. Patent Application 16/006141 described, some or all of the proximity sensors 40 can be mounted on an articulating mount, it should be noted that some or all of the proximity sensors 40 can also be mounted directly on the moveable plate 12 or on the body 30 without being arranged on an articulating mount without depart from the scope or purpose of the present disclosure.

Now looking at 2 and with continued reference to 1 A method of using the automatically actuated moveable panels 12 of the present disclosure is illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 100 . At block 102, at least one moveable panel 12 of the motor vehicle 10 remains in the open position 44. At blocks 104, various passive user or occupant inputs are combined by the automatically actuated moveable panel 12 to determine whether the moveable panel 12 is in the remain in the open position 44 or is to be moved to the closed position 42 instead. Passive input from the user includes input from a variety of onboard systems of the motor vehicle 10. In one aspect, the passive input includes moving a gear ratio selector 46 from a "park" to a non-"park" position, such as moving the gear ratio selector 46 from Park or Neutral to Drive or Reverse. In another aspect, the passive input is the release of a braking system or brake pedal 48, such as the driver of the motor vehicle 10 releasing their foot from the brake pedal, or the release of a parking brake. In another aspect, the passive input includes a driving speed or speed of the vehicle. When the motor vehicle 10 is in motion, it may be dangerous for the occupants of the motor vehicle 10 to find various moveable panels 12 in the open state 44 throughout the vehicle. This is especially true at high speeds. Speeds above a predetermined threshold speed, such as about 3 kilometers per hour, when the translation switch 46 is not in a neutral position, ie, when the translation switch 46 is in Drive, Reverse, or a Manual mode, for example. The passive inputs may also include a seat belt position, as sensed by a seat belt sensor 50, or a seat usage sensor 52, such as a galvanic sensor or a weight sensor in a seat of the motor vehicle 10, which indicates the presence or absence of a person in a particular seat in the Motor vehicle 10 displays. The passive inputs may also include user inputs, such as pressing an "ENGINE START" button 54 or turning a key in the ignition of the motor vehicle 10 to crank the engine of the motor vehicle 10 or start the engine. While in the foregoing description the passive inputs have been variously described as movement of a gear shifter 46, release of a braking system 48, vehicle speed, seat belt buckle position, engine start, and the like, it is to be appreciated that the passive inputs may include a variety of other user inputs without the scope or depart from the intent of the present disclosure. Additionally, in several aspects, a combination of passive inputs of different types are used to affect the position of a moveable platen 12 . Accordingly, the foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting.

The motor vehicle 10 is equipped with at least one body control module (BCM) 58 . The BCM 58 is an electronic controller with a pre-programmed digital computer ter or processor 60, memory 62, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium used to store data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, software or applications, data, look-up tables, etc., and a transceiver (or I/O Output ports) 64. Computer-readable medium includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD) or any other type of storage. A “non-transitory” computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communications links that carry transitory, electrical, or other signals. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium includes media on which data can be permanently stored and media on which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as a rewritable optical disk or an erasable storage device. Computer code, software, or applications includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code. Processor 60 is configured to execute code or instructions stored in memory 62 . In some examples, the BCM 58 also includes a communication means such as a dedicated Wi-Fi controller configured for wireless communication with wireless communication hotspots using IEEE 802.1X Wi-Fi protocols.

The BCM 58 also includes one or more applications. An application is a software program that is configured to perform a specific function or set of functions. The application may include one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, methods, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or a portion thereof, suitable for implementation in suitable computer-readable program code. The applications may be stored in memory 62 or in additional or separate memory 62 . Examples of the applications are audio or video streaming services, games, browsers, social media, network management systems, directory access and management systems, mobile actuation management systems for the movable panel 12 of the motor vehicle 10, and the like, without departing from the scope or intent of the depart from this disclosure. The BCM 58 of some examples is supplemented by a side access module (SAM) 66 . The SAM 66 uses the proximity switches 40 to determine the presence or absence of an obstacle and/or the presence or absence of an occupant of the motor vehicle 10 . The SAM 66, like the BCM 58, includes a processor 60, memory 62, and a variety of input/output peripherals or ports 64 in communication with the proximity sensors 40 and the BCM 58.

Referring back to the method 100, once the passive inputs are received from the moveable panel 12, and more particularly from the SAM 66 at block 106, the SAM 66 passes the various sensors, door lock sensors or lock position sensors 68 and other devices that the passive input information generate, derived information to the BCM 58. In some aspects, the passive input information also includes a status of the automatically actuated moveable panel 12 or door. That is, the passive input information also includes a position of the moveable panel 12, such as a signal from a door latch or latch position sensor 68 indicating that the moveable panel 12 is in the closed 42 position or the open 44 position. Also at block 106, having received a door open condition from the door lock sensor, in combination with movement of a gear ratio selector switch 46 and/or an indication of the buckle sensor 50, the BCM 58 sends a command to the SAM 66 to power close the open door or the moving platen 12 via the actuators.

At block 108, the SAM 66 checks for the presence of obstacles or users that could physically interfere or impede the movement of the moveable panel 12. In some examples where the motor vehicle 10 is equipped with non-contact proximity sensors 40, such as a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a LiDAR sensor, a non-contact capacitive sensor, as described above, the SAM 66 checks for the presence of obstacles or users before initiating a moving panel 12 movement event. In several aspects, the moving event is a closing event when movable panel 12 begins in open position 44 and the moving event is an opening event when movable panel 12 begins in closed position 42 . In other examples where the motor vehicle 10 is only equipped with contact sensors, such as a resistive sensor, clamp strip sensor, or other such proximity sensor 40, the SAM 66 checks for the presence of obstacles or users during movement of the moveable panel 12 during the closing process . In several aspects, the closing event is movement of the movable panel 12 from the open position 44 to the closed position 42.

At block 110, after determining that there are no obstacles or users in the first range of motion 26 of the moveable panel 12, the SAM 66 activates the moveable panel 12 actuator and confirms movement of the moveable panel 12 with the BCM 58. At block 110, the BCM 58 sends a prompt to the driver of the motor vehicle 10 via a human-machine interface (HMI) 70. In several aspects, the HMI 70 is a display screen that may be located in a center console of the motor vehicle 10, in a dashboard of the motor vehicle 10, mounted in an instrument panel interior of the automobile 10 or in a heads-up display of the automobile 10 . In some examples, the HMI 70 is at least part of an infotainment system (not specifically shown) within the motor vehicle 10. In some examples, the HMI 70 may even be a wirelessly connected device, such as a cell phone, tablet, or other such device that is electronically coupled to the motor vehicle 10 . The prompt displayed on the HMI 70 of the motor vehicle 10 indicates that the moveable panel 12 is closing and allows the driver or other user of the motor vehicle 10 to end the closing event. That is, in several examples, the prompt displayed on the HMI 70 includes a notification such as, "An electric door close event is in progress, hold to cancel the command."

At block 112, the driver makes a selection of the closing operation. In several aspects, the selection of the closure involves either allowing the closure event to continue or selecting the option to override the closure event. If the driver does not indicate at block 112 that they wish to abort the closing event, the method 100 proceeds to block 114 and the SAM 66 and/or BCM 58 initiates movement of the actuator and the closing event continues. If the driver elects not to abort the closing event, the method 100 proceeds to block 116 where the SAM 66 and/or BCM 58 does not initialize movement of the actuator and the closing event is aborted. Additionally, if the closing event is aborted, the BCM 58 will continue to alert the operator or user of the motor vehicle 10 that a moveable panel 12 is in the open position 44 by displaying the position of the moveable panel 12 on the HMI 70 and/or or an audible "door open notification" such as a bell, chime, verbal statement, or the like is generated.

At block 118, the method 100 also assists the driver or user of the motor vehicle 10 in determining whether a moveable panel 12 was left in the open position 44 after a change in state of the gear switch 46 and/or buckle position. That is, if after the motor vehicle 10 begins moving, if a moveable panel 12 is opened with or without determining the gear ratio selector switch 46 and/or seat belt buckle position, the method 100 proceeds to block 102 and the SAM 66 and BCM 58 are notified that the moveable panel 12 or door has been placed in the open (or partially open) position 44. The method 100 then proceeds through blocks 104-116 as described above.

Now looking at 3 and with continued reference to the 1-8 A method of using the automatically actuated moveable panels 12 of the present disclosure is illustrated and generally identified by the reference numeral 200 . At block 202, the driver of the motor vehicle 10 uses the transmission ratio selector 46 to place the transmission of the motor vehicle 10 in the "park" position. At block 204, at least one occupant of the motor vehicle 10 removes their seat belt from the seat belt buckle. The BCM 58 receives both the position information of the gear ratio of the selector switch 46 and the position of the seat belt, and at block 206 the BCM 58 directs the SAM 66 in several aspects to open the moveable panel 12 or the door that the occupant of the motor vehicle 10 is closest, who has removed his seat belt. In several aspects, the BCM 58 only sends the instruction to the SAM 66 to open the moveable plate when the transmission of the motor vehicle 10 is in "park" to limit the potential for occupants who have removed their seat belts to limit that they can get out of the motor vehicle 10 during the movement of the motor vehicle 10 . At block 208, the SAM 66 checks for the presence of obstacles within the first range of motion 26 before triggering a moveable panel 12 open event. The open moveable panel 12 event is the powering of the moveable panel 12 from the closed position 42 to the open position 44 to facilitate occupant exit from the motor vehicle 10 . At block 210, the SAM 66 activates the actuator to open the moveable panel 12 and confirms movement of the moveable panel 12 with the BCM 58. At block 212, the BCM 58 transmits via the HMI 70 a prompt to the driver of the motor vehicle 10. The prompt displayed on the HMI 70 of the motor vehicle 10 indicates that the moveable panel 12 is opening and allows the driver or other user of the motor vehicle 10 to end the opening event . That is, in several examples, the prompt displayed on the HMI 70 includes a notification such as, "An event to open a power door is in progress, hold to cancel the command."

At block 214, the driver makes a selection of the opening operation. In several aspects, selecting the opening event includes either continuing the opening event or selecting the option to cancel the opening event. If the driver does not indicate at block 214 that they wish to abort the opening event, the method 200 proceeds to block 216 and the SAM 66 and/or BCM 58 initiates movement of the actuator and the opening event continues. Additionally, if the opening event is aborted, the BCM 58 will continuously alert the operator or user of the motor vehicle 10 that a moveable panel 12 is in the open position 44 by displaying the position of the moveable panel 12 on the HMI 70 and/or or an audible "door open notification" such as a bell, chime, verbal statement, or the like is generated. If the driver elects not to abort the opening event, the method 200 proceeds to block 218 where the SAM 66 and/or BCM 58 does not initialize movement of the actuator and the opening event is aborted.

A door closing algorithm of the present disclosure offers several advantages. These include the ability to use automatically actuated moveable panels 12 to avoid hitting obstacles and thereby reduce the potential for damage to automatically actuated door panels 12, decklids 20, hatches, hoods 22, gas caps 24, and the like. Because the power door closing algorithm of the present disclosure operates substantially automatically and on pre-existing physical and/or electronic hardware, the physical and psychological demands on the driver or user of the motor vehicle 10 are reduced while improving safety and productivity - and development costs are maintained or reduced.

The description of the present disclosure is intended to be exemplary only, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

A system for operating an automatic moveable panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising: a moveable panel (12) forming a portion of an exterior of the motor vehicle (10) and providing access to and from an interior of the motor vehicle (10). ; an actuator physically connected to the moveable panel (12) and operable to move the moveable panel (12) through a first range of motion (26); a proximity sensor (40); a control module disposed within the motor vehicle (10), the control module having a processor (60) configured to execute control logic stored in non-transitory computer-readable memory (62) and a plurality of input/output ports wherein the actuator and the proximity sensor (40) are in electronic communication with the input/output ports of the control module, the control logic comprising: a first control logic that determines a position of the movable plate (12); a second control logic receiving a plurality of passive inputs; third control logic that selectively uses the actuator to move the movable panel (12) through the first range of motion (26) based on the plurality of passive inputs; fourth control logic using the proximity sensor (40) to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable platen (12) through the first range of motion (26) with the actuator; and fifth control logic that informs a motor vehicle occupant of the movement of the moveable panel (12) via a human-machine interface (HMI) (70); the fifth control logic further comprising presenting a notification to an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) on the HMI (70), the notification informing the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) of a motion event for the moveable panel (12) powered during the process wherein the notification further comprises a cancellation option that allows the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) to selectively cancel the motion event driven during the process, and wherein if the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) selectively cancels the motion event driven during the process, the control module executes sixth control logic that continuously informs the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) of a position of a moveable panel (12) when the moveable panel (12) is in an open position (44). System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensor (40) further comprises a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a LiDAR sensor, a resistance sensor and a capacitive sensor. System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 2 wherein the first control logic determines the position of the moveable plate (12) based on a locked position of the moveable plate (12), the second control logic receiving a position of a transmission ratio switch position, a position of a brake pedal (48), a vehicle speed and a seat belt buckle status . System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 3 wherein the control module further comprises a body control module (BCM) (58) in communication with a side access module (SAM) (66). System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 4 , wherein the third control logic further comprises commanding the SAM (66) to start a motor movement event for the movable panel (12). System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 5 , wherein the third control logic further comprises instructing the SAM (66) to start powered movement of the moveable panel (12) from an open position (44) to a closed position (42) when the moveable panel (12) is in is in an open position, the gear ratio selector switch is moved from a park position, the brake pedal (48) is in a released position, vehicle speed is greater than zero and an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) is wearing a seat belt. System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 5 , wherein the third control logic further comprises instructing the SAM (66) to start powered movement of the moveable panel (12) from a closed position (42) to an open position (44) when the moveable panel (12) is in is in a closed position with the gear ratio selector switch being moved to a park position, the brake pedal (48) being in a depressed position, vehicle speed being approximately zero and an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) unbuckling a seat belt. System for operating an automatically moving panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10). claim 1 , wherein the fourth control logic further comprises using the proximity sensor (40) to determine whether an obstacle is present within the first range of motion (26) and selectively preventing a motor movement event for the movable panel (12) when an obstacle is present, includes. A method of operating an automatic moveable panel (12) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising: determining a position of a moveable panel (12) of the motor vehicle (10), the moveable panel (12) forming a portion of an exterior of the motor vehicle (10). and allowing access to and from an interior of the motor vehicle (10); Receiving a plurality of passive inputs by a control module disposed in the motor vehicle (10), the control module having a processor (60) configured to execute control logic stored in non-transitory computer-readable memory (62) and a plurality of input/output ports, the plurality of input/output ports being in electronic communication with a proximity sensor (40) and an actuator, the actuator being physically connected to the moveable panel (12) and operable to move the moveable panel (12) to move through a first range of motion (26); selectively using the actuator 12 to move the moveable panel (12) through the first range of motion (26) based on the plurality of passive inputs; selectively determining when to initiate movement of the movable platen (12) through the first range of motion (26) with the actuator based on the outputs of the proximity sensor (40); and informing a motor vehicle occupant of the movement of the moveable panel (12) via a human machine interface (HMI) (70); presenting a notification to an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) on the HMI (70), the notification informing the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) of a move event for the moveable panel (12) powered during the process, the notification further including a cancellation option includes allowing the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) to be powered during the process selectively canceling the motion event, and wherein if the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) selectively cancels the motion event powered during the process, the control module executes sixth control logic that continuously informs the occupant of the motor vehicle (10) about a position of a moveable panel (12) informed when the movable panel (12) is in an open position (44).

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