EP1839275A1

EP1839275A1 - System and components thereof for carrying out signal processing operations including a synthetic aura suitable for presence detection

Info

Publication number: EP1839275A1
Application number: EP05818771A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Richter
Original assignee: Ident Technology AG
Current assignee: Microchip Technology Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2004-11-23
Filing date: 2005-11-23
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Also published as: WO2006056424A3; JP2008520864A; EP1820164A2; US20080088413A1; WO2006056425A1; WO2006056424A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and to the components thereof for carrying out signal processing operations including a synthetic aura which is suitable for presence detection and which is optionally user-specific. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions enabling improvements in handling and user security to be obtained synergetically while producing comfort-increasing keyless access circuit systems. This aim is achieved, according to a first aspect of the invention, by means of a system for carrying out signal processing operations, taking into signals which are indicative of an area intrusion. Said system comprises means for generating the signals which are indicative of an area intrusion, based on electrical field interaction effects and circuit provisions, for automatic initiation of operations according to signals which are indicative of an area intrusion.

Description

System and its components for processing signal processing sequences including a synthetic aura suitable for presence detection

The invention is directed to a system and its components for processing signal processing operations, including a synthetic aura which is suitable for detecting presence, possibly user-specific. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to signal processing methods based on indicative signals obtained with regard to a user presence.

The object of the invention is to provide solutions in which in the context of implementing comfort-increasing circuit systems, in particular ,, Keyless Access ^λΛ circuits handling and user ^{security gains} can be achieved synergistically.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a system for processing signal processing sequences taking into account signals which are intrinsic to intrinsic signals, this system comprising means for generating the area intrusion-indicative signals on the basis of field-electrical interaction effects and making circuit-related provisions, for automatic process initiation based on the area intrusion indicative signals.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible, in particular, to protect equipment / vehicles from unauthorized use, for example by unauthorized persons, to increase the safety of persons in dangerous-relevant phases, eg to improve the lighting situation by automatically switching on certain vehicle models. lighting equipment when approaching)

Reduction of the risk of injury in the area of clamping points at closing edges, windows, doors, flaps and Verde¬ bridges.

Protection against loss (loss during boarding) Protection against false tripping (correct handling, clear opening intention, codable triggering)

The control of processes depending on detected danger zones (warning, slowing down, stopping)

On the basis of the solution according to the invention, it becomes possible to provide advantageously "keyless" access systems which can be implemented in a circuitically advantageous manner.These access systems can be implemented in such a way that they are characterized by low power consumption and low system costs -) Processing time projections and thereby allows the use of relatively slow mechatronic components.

In conventional keyless access systems, a signal transfer serving as proof of authorization is usually radio-based.

Achievable results based on the invention:

Existing radio key systems are made more comfortable by the invention:

Less user action without contact In addition, safety near the door is increased by: detecting unauthorized persons avoiding dangerous situations (entrapment) Recognition of correct preconditions for action (start button can only be actuated from the driver's seat) Only a single sensor with several selectable electrodes identifiable proximity / touch-sensitive areas Shield to ground

Signal output via electrode surface (multiple function: either sensor, ground or emitter)

Proximity sensitive means

Approaching from the outside to a handle / control knob, etc. Preparatory action (eg wake-up control unit) for slower and therefore cheaper mechatronics; Position detection (distance (range), inner / outer enclosure)

Triggering means

Bridging of one or more key functions in remote controls (radio key) Codable (data modulation) Energy-saving sleep state

System Description:

components:

Ident approach sensor e.g. According to the patent application DE 103 05 342.5 -52, according to the invention, circuit arrangement for electrode control of body emitter unit (BEU) and body detector unit (BDU)

A special synergetic effect is achieved by the concept according to the invention in that the presence detection technology also serves for the data transfer. With the data transmitted in the presence of the presence state, circuit processes can be initiated on the side of the detected object. These circuit operations may be signal generation operations that utilize other physical effects to accomplish signal transmission. Specifically, in the context of the detection of sufficient, or other criteria fulfilling presence of the limbs of a user in a grip area of a vehicle via the detection system a user-guided remote key can be controlled.

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. It shows:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation to explain the structure of a door handle with a plurality of electrode devices for detecting the penetration into the surrounding area of the grip of intrusion-indicative signals, which in addition make an authorization proof possible; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of a handle side provided variant of an intended for the output of signal sequences emitter ünit;

Figure 3 is a further schematic diagram for explaining a preferred structure of the emitter ünit;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of a detector provided on the key side for receiving a signal intended for the further initiation of key functions;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of a remote control according to the invention with capacitive resonant activation;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation for illustrating the mode of operation of a door-locking system realized with the inclusion of the technology according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a further schematic diagram for explaining the use of the technique according to the invention in conjunction with a classic radio key;

1 shows a variant of a circuit arrangement according to the invention for the electrode control of a vehicle door handle device with an integrated "sandwich sensor." Capacitive fields can be detected in particular via insulated and preferably ungrounded electrode systems by conductive components per se, or film surfaces and or are also formed by wire sections. The sandwich sensor comprises three films (outer, shield, inner), as well as a Umschalt¬ device (eg el. Changeover switch) for switching between an external and internal query, each supplying a film to the detector, while the other film to ground is placed. The intervening shield foil is controlled in phase by the sensor via a shield driver. An additional Um¬ switching device allows the control of the body emitter unit. This then generates an alternating current signal of low current intensity with a high voltage level (from 80vpp) via the selected foil, which can be modulated with data (eg ASK, FSK, (Q-) PSK). Furthermore, the arrangement according to the invention allows the connection of hazardous or contact-relevant areas (vehicle door) to the detector, which is preferably integrated into an ASIC. Hazardous areas are all terminal points such as the closing edges of the door. Preferably, a detecting wire can be accommodated together with a shield in the sealing materials. Since these are often removed from the actual closing edge, the sensitive area is directed by special arrangement and execution of the shield in this area. Touch-sensitive areas can be start button or other functional elements, as well as the seats of the driver and front passenger.

The special circuit arrangement makes it possible to use the elements mentioned either for proximity detection or contact detection and / or for the transmission of activation signals of the BEU. This is to ensure that unlike in known transponder systems operations are always the result of human actions, such as gripping, pulling, setting, pressing, etc. FIG. 2 shows a circuit variant with a body emitter unit BEU arranged in the vehicle handle. The BEU is the interface between the pulse generator and the human being. It provides impulses for awakening, detection and identification to the skin of the human being. The entire unit also includes a proximity sensor, a level shifter, a pulser (high-voltage generator, for example, resonant circuit and / or transformer) and a microcontroller which contains the identification code and further logic (firmware).

Body emitter unit BEU in the vehicle:

In addition, it is possible to accommodate separate BEUs in switches and operating elements, which, for example, can also be activated in a tactile manner during the switching process. The activation signal is then capacitively guided via the skin of the operator to a BDU and evaluated either there or in a control unit.

FIG. 3 shows a module according to the invention which can realize all the required functions with only a few gate functions. The external components (such as shield and sensor foils or wires) are connected via integrated high-side switches.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a body detector unit BDU in the radio key (so-called remote key). The body detector unit BDU is the interface between human and pulse receiver. They are used to transmit pulses for waking, detecting and identifying to the system in the RemoteKey.

The whole unit still has a filter, one as a comparator switched, power-saving operational amplifier, a switch (ZPS). The ZPS wakes the BDÜ, which in turn activates the radio module in the RemoteKey.

Body Detector Unit BDU also in the vehicle:

Trigger pulses generated by approaching or touching switches and components in a vehicle are detected, evaluated and converted into switching operations by one or more BDUs. In addition to the BDU in the remote key, it can also be used in other switching elements in the vehicle to initiate switching operations when in contact or close to the body (in the seat). For example, it is possible to determine if a driver or passenger is pressing a particular button.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred circuit implementation of a BDU. Basically, a BDU consists of a capacitive pickup, a selective amplifier and a data recovery device. There are numerous variants for the realization. The solution according to the invention uses due to the compelling demand for lowest power consumption and effort (cost, circuit) an arrangement which consists in the core of a power-saving comparator. Its positive input is connected to a reference voltage via a resistor. The negative input is biased so far that the switching threshold is just not reached. Via a capacitor, a parallel resonant circuit is applied, which is connected at one end to ground and at the other end with an advantageous capacitive receiving surface. The resonant circuit is chosen so that it resonates with the output frequency of the BEU and negatively turns on the comparator. At the output there is an RC element as a filter, so that the input change Selstrom generates a logical zero during its detection. If the input signal pulses according to a specific scheme, this can be interrogated at the output of the comparator as a corresponding data signal (ASK). By selecting different capacitors in the input resonant circuit also different frequencies can be detected. This makes it possible to use other modulation methods (FSK, PSK). The signals are connected to the negative input of the comparator for 2 reasons:

1. is to prevent the output signal is fed back to the input and so the device gets into vibration.

2. can be cyclically switched on and off to further save power of the comparator.

The high signal at the output, which clearly differs from the shutdown, then indicates readiness for operation and, if no trigger signal has been detected, leads to immediate shutdown.

Since the input level for the trigger threshold is crucial, approach detection can also be easily determined: The trigger signal on the outer release foil of a handle has a constant AC voltage level due to the capacitive coupling to the hand extended to it, only at a certain distance to the Handle in the BDU reaches the Schalt¬ threshold. Thus, an approach could be determined even without explicitly constructed proximity sensor, since then a radio signal is sent from the activated remote control, which confirms the process. However, unknown persons can not be recognized with this solution. Therefore, a passive proximity sensor is additionally used in the invention. in the Interaction with the BDU, which is switched on from a certain distance, can then be achieved in addition, that the switching threshold is reached only with continued approach to the handle, which significantly increases the fault tolerance.

Of course, the highest level is transmitted when the handle is touched, because the capacitive coupling is the largest there. Basically, such a circuit is also suitable for installation in lock cylinder stationary doors. Instead of a wireless switch there may be a logic that unlocks the lock. An operator could then carry a BEU with the appropriate access code.

As a further special feature, the exemplary surfaces for receiving the capacitively transmitted signals are spherical in order in each case to achieve a uniform field coupling, regardless of where the remote control is located on the body of the operator. A structured or roughened (and thus enlarged) surface k to improve the capacitive coupling at the same volume,

The operation of the system according to the invention is further illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. The user of a car approaches the car. He carries a classic RemoteKey with him, which was supplemented by a Body Detector Unit (BDU), close to body.

Body close means also:

in the wallet, which is in clothing (trousers, jacket, jacket); in a carry-on bag (ladies handbag, briefcase, Backpack ) .

If the user extends his hand in the direction of the door handle, this is detected via the sensor surfaces attached there at a definable distance. From a distance of e.g. 10-15 cm between hand and handle starts a capacitive pulse / data transfer for activation / identification of the handle to the skin of the operator and thus to the entrained RemoteKey. The required authentication can be done as the hand approaches the door handle. If the hand is introduced into the inner region of the handle within a certain period of time, and thus the intention of opening becomes clear, a coded signal is capacitively coupled to the user's skin and / or the door is unlocked. Capacitive signals are detected by the BDU, which then activate the radio module of the RemoteKey via an electronic switch and request the transmission of the radio signal, in the same way as if the corresponding key were operated manually. Alternatively, it can be determined that the intention to open is unique only when the inner side of the handle is in contact. The mechanical (or electrical) locking opens. If the door handle is not actuated, the lock closes after a suitable period of time. The closing process is carried out by pressing the corresponding switch on the RemoteKey. If the trigger no longer receives alternating voltage signals, the remote key returns to a power-saving state (sleep).

Thanks to the combination of the invention and classic radio remote controls, their known functionality and thus the operation over a distance of up to 20 m remains possible.

1. Intention to enter a vehicle (or by a vehicle with the device) equipped stationary door)

Proximity sensor in the door handle switched to the outside, approach of a hand to the handle takes place, AC voltage trigger signal is delivered (possibly charged with data).

Case a) no response to the intended signal path (for example by radio), consequence: unknown person in the immediate vicinity (turn on the light, sound the alarm, start the image recording)

Case b) expected response to the intended signal path, consequence: preparatory measures allowing the later (intended) access, e.g. Awake control electronics from sleep, verify code, enable opening mechanisms (do not unlock yet), switch proximity sensor scan to the inside of the handle.

Case bl) Person moves away again, Result: a timer expires, system remains locked, proximity sensor switches to the outside, system goes into power-saving mode.

Case b2) Sensor detects opening intent (approach inside the handle), consequence: unlocking takes place (unchecked or by re-triggering the remote control),

2. After boarding

Proximity sensor switches (with door access aids) to closing edge monitoring in order to avoid pinching body parts.

3. When operating automatic windows, monitor the closing edges to avoid pinching body parts. 4. When starting

Sensor is temporarily switched to the start button and is queried again when it is actuated. Triggering is delivered via the skin of the driver (including seat control) as a capacitive Wechsel¬ field. The remote control in the remote key reacts only if it is also in the interior (Faraday cage). Otherwise, the key was lost when boarding, which can be pointed out.

5. When getting out

The door opening switch signals that a Aussteigevor¬ gang. After closing the door, the sensor first checks whether the remote key is still in the vehicle. For this purpose, an impulse is sent out via the handle. If a feedback occurs, the driver has the key with him (remember) and the door can be locked automatically. If the radio key is left in the vehicle, the trigger signal can not reach it (Faraday cage).

6. Standard way of working

The key can also, as usual, be operated by pressing the keys, since the invention bridges these only needs.

Claims

claims

1. Remote Key Access System with:

a radio key which can be activated by a switch device for outputting a radio signal, and

a signal processing device designed in the region of the radio key for controlling the switch device,

- wherein the signal processing means comprises a Empfangseinrich¬ device for receiving a signal sequence which can be coupled via a modulated alternating electric field in a user who carries the radio key, further wherein the signal processing means is configured such that it controls the switching device in response to a data content performs, which is extractable from the received Signal¬ sequence.

2. Remote Key Access System with a circuitous to the user circuit to the circuit device and a vehicle-mounted circuit device, wherein the two circuit devices are designed such that upon penetration of limbs of a user in a, with respect to a Schaltungsab¬ running control relevant area generates a switching signal and, based on this switching signal, the processing of an authorization routine for the transmission of an authorization-proof signal sequence to the vehicle-side circuit is initiated.

3. Remote Key Acces system according to claim 2, characterized gekennzeich¬ net, that in the vehicle-side area a plurality of electrode device are provided, wherein at least one of these electrodes is provided such that on this a presence detection of limbs of a living being is made possible in hazardous areas.

4. System for processing signal processing sequences taking into account signals which are indicative of area intrusion, this system comprising means for generating the region-intrusion-indicative signals on the basis of field-electrical interaction effects and circuitry-based provisions for automatic sequence initiation on the basis of the area intrusion-indicative signals.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the system comprises an electrode device for generating a modulated, quasistatic electric field and for obtaining the area intrusion-indicative signal in the way of interaction effects caused by that modulated quasistati¬ cal electric field.

Wolfgang Richter