WO2021183075A1

WO2021183075A1 - Child lock system

Info

Publication number: WO2021183075A1
Application number: PCT/TR2020/051250
Authority: WO
Inventors: Melike TANLAK; Ceren BİLGİLİ
Original assignee: Oyak Renault Otomobi̇l Fabri̇kalari Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2020-07-28
Filing date: 2020-12-08
Publication date: 2021-09-16
Also published as: EP4085434A1; TR202011990A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method that electronically controls the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in the vehicles characterized by performing the following process steps; generating data by reading the user's fingerprint or handprint by at least one handprint/fingerprint reading module that is located on at least one door, performing the analysis of the received data with the training data set on the controller, determining the age of the user/whether the user is a child or not, giving door/window operation command with the approval of the user on the door in case the user is adult, giving door/window operation command with the approval/cancelling via multimedia in case the user is a child, triggering door lock mechanism/window motor.

Description

CHILD LOCK SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an opening system for doors and windows suitable for use in vehicles, particularly vehicles with a backseat.

The present invention is particularly related to an automatic child lock suitable for use in passenger cars, which is integrated with the rear door opening mechanism, and operates within the scope of an automatic door and window opening system with selective opening feature.

PRIOR ART

There is a child lock mechanism particularly on the rear doors in vehicles, which is integrated with the door opening mechanism and prevents the door from being opened inside. The opening handle located in the door is deactivated within the scope of this mechanism, and the door is provided only to be opened from the outside so as to prevent children from opening the doors.

In the state of the art, there are two commonly used applications. The child lock can be activated and deactivated with the pin or screw structure located on the side of the rear doors within the scope of the conventional widely used application.

There is a button that activates the child lock for any one or two of the rear doors in the driver's compartment in electronic applications. The driver can activate and deactivate the child lock by means of said button.

Furthermore, there is no child lock application for vehicles with mechanical rear door windows, a button is used to deactivate the controls that command said windows in some of the vehicles with automatic rear windows. The driver can prevent the use of the rear windows with said button in case there are children at the rear section. Although the above mentioned applications are a safety measure for children, dangerous situations may occur in case older, disabled or restricted persons travel inappropriately or carelessly in the vehicle. Child lock is also suitable for use for said passengers.

In the state of the art, the biggest disadvantage of the child lock applications is that particularly in mechanical lock applications, the passenger cannot open the door from the inside when a passenger is picked up to the rear section of the vehicle. In this case, a person has to allow the passenger to get out of the vehicle by intervening from the outside.

In the USPTO patent document with publication number US5092638A, an embodiment of the child lock integrated with the conventionally used door lock mechanism is given.

In the USPTO patent document with publication number US5894906A, the system that provides automatic deactivation of the rear child locks in case of an accident is disclosed. It solves the problem of the passenger inside who cannot be able to go out in the event of an accident.

As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

AIM OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to eliminate the abovementioned problems and to make a development in the relevant technical field.

The main aim of the invention is to provide an automatic child lock operates integrated with the rear door opening mechanism, and operates within the scope of an automatic door and window opening system with selective opening feature, is activated independent from the driver, is deactivated instantly with the driver command.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a child lock that is activated automatically when a child gets in the vehicle/gets out of the vehicle.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a door lock mechanism that operates by being activated adaptively by automatically determining the adult/child difference. Another aim of the invention is to provide the door lock mechanism structure that operates electronically.

Another aim of the invention is to provide the demand of the child passenger to open the door with the approval of the driver.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a door lock mechanism structure that is activated selectively by analysing the driver's age automatically with the door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to a child lock system in an attempt to provide all of the aims that are mentioned above and that will be apparent from the detailed description below.

The invention is a method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically, characterized in that; the following process steps are carried out; a. Generating data by reading the user's fingerprint or handprint by at least one handprint/fingerprint reading module that is located on at least one door, b. Performing the analysis of the received data with the training data set on the controller, c. Determining the age of the user/whether the user is a child or not, i. Giving door/window operation command with the approval of the user on the door in case the user is adult, ii. Giving door/window operation command with the approval/cancelling via multimedia in case the user is a child, d. Triggering door lock mechanism/window motor.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the age of the user is calculated automatically by analysing the fingerprint data with the trained results of the training data set consisting of age categorized fingerprint data. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it ensures that the door lock mechanism does not operate and the glass motor does not operate in case a child user is detected from the fingerprint.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a method that provides triggering the door lock mechanism and/or window motor in case a child user is detected, provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, in case an adult user is detected, it is required to contact with at least one physical module so as to trigger the door lock mechanism and/or window motor.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it provides controlling the door or window with a module that is a touch panel or a touch button.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it provides controlling the door or window by performing the predefined movement on the panel.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the age of the user is calculated automatically by analysing the fingerprint data with the trained results of the training data set consisting of age categorized fingerprint data on the remote server.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, after the age of the user is determined with the fingerprint, the window and door opening processes are carried out according to the rules by identifying the same user automatically by learning the fingerprint.

The invention is a safety system that provides passengers sitting in the back seat of the vehicles to open door and windows electronically characterized in that, it comprises the following; at least one controller that allows estimations to be made, at least one handprint/fingerprint module enabling data transmission to said controller, at least one electric triggered door lock mechanism triggered by the controller in line with the analysis with the data received from fingerprint or handprint and electric controlled window mechanism, at least one notification screen to inform the driver.

In another embodiment of the invention, it comprises at least one touch panel that remains locked in child passenger detection and shows no confirmation screen, is integrated with handprint/fingerprint module on which at least one predetermined opening movement form is displayed in adult passenger detection.

The protection scope of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this brief and detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In Figure 1 , the flow diagram describing the operation of the inventive system is given.

Figure 2 shows the flow diagram showing the association of the system's components with each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the inventive child lock system is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

The present invention relates to an automatic child lock suitable for use in passenger cars, which is integrated with the rear door opening mechanism, and operates within the scope of an automatic door and window opening system with selective opening feature.

The present invention relates to a method that electronically controls the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in the vehicles characterized in performing the following process steps; generating data by reading the user's fingerprint or handprint by at least one handprint/fingerprint reading module that is located on at least one door, performing the analysis of the received data with the training data set on the controller, determining the age of the user/whether the user is a child or not, giving door/window operation command with the approval of the user on the door in case the user is adult, giving door/window operation command with the approval/cancelling via multimedia in case the user is a child, triggering door lock mechanism/window motor. The vehicle door lock mechanism is a lock mechanism that can be triggered electronically, within the scope of the invention. Preferably, said lock mechanism comprises at least one solenoid valve, the locking mechanism is unlocked by energizing said solenoid valve.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism that provides opening the door is controlled by at least one servo motor. The lock mechanism operates and the door is opened with the operation of said servo motor.

In Figure 1 , the flow diagram describing the operation of the inventive system is given. The handprint of the user/ passenger can be read with the handprint/fingerprint module on the door panel of the vehicle within the scope of the invention. The age analysis of the person who contacts with the panel can be made by processing the received handprint/fingerprint data on at least one controller.

Data received from the user provides the age status parameter control on the controller on the vehicle, in the system that is active with the contact of the user to the handprint/fingerprint module. Age limit, which is the threshold value in the flow diagram given in figure 1 , is specified as "t” within this scope, this parameter may be determined by the manufacturer company according to the age regulations or it can be realized by defining the same on the controller by the vehicle owner.

The age of the user who contacts with the panel is analyzed by processing the data received from the fingerprint/handprint by the controller.

In another embodiment of the invention, the data received from the handprint/fingerprint module are sent to the cloud server via at least one control unit on the vehicle, preferably multimedia system and thus data analysis can be performed. The system is allowed to operate by sending the analysis results to the vehicle in a similar manner.

If the age value determined by comparing the age on the controller of the vehicle is smaller than the threshold value, it is automatically determined that the user/passenger is a child. In this context, the driver is informed via the driver information screen and the information in terms of the child passenger at the rear section has the instruction to open the door is obtained. In case the driver confirms his/her door opening request, the door lock is unlocked by triggering the door lock mechanism. In case the driver refuses the instruction, the mechanism remains closed. In case the age value determined as a result of age comparison on the controller is higher than the threshold value, a confirmation request with shape is received by the controller on the handprint/fingerprint module on the door panel or on another panel instead of said module. Said confirmation can be a predetermined opening motion and also it is performed by moving a cursor on the touch screen under specified conditions. The approval process is completed within this scope and the door unlock mechanism is provided to be triggered. The opening of the door is prevented during involuntary contact with the handprint/ fingerprint module by repeating the predetermined shape that requires physical secondary approval on the door.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, during the decision making via the controller, in case the vehicle is in motion, the locking mechanism of the rear doors is prevented from being triggered. In this embodiment, the performance of age analysis can be provided and also the door is prevented from opening even if there is approval of the user.

As can be seen in Figure 1 within the scope of the invention, rear window control is provided similar to the door opening system with the data received from said handprint/fingerprint module. As a result of the age data transferred to the controller, control is provided over the threshold value. In case the determined age data is smaller than the threshold value, child passenger is detected and the control of the doors and rear windows are left to the driver's approval. The window opening can be realized with the approval of the driver via the panel suitable for the access of the driver preferably via the multimedia screen or can be left to the passenger. Likewise, in case an adult (equal to or higher than the age threshold value) passenger is detected in the vehicle, the controller transmits the approval for opening the window to the window module. Window functions are carried out with the contact of the passenger to the section separated for opening the window or with the selection of the user from the touch panel.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a screen touch module on the handprint/fingerprint module. Passengers perform necessary processes on this module. Said module can be located on the door pull and also can be positioned on the inner body of the door. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a data set trained for all ages and both sexes on the controller on the vehicle or on the cloud server. An estimation path can be followed with each fingerprint data that is received by using said data set.

Fingerprint is taken in case the user contacts with the handprint/fingerprint module for the first time within this scope. Age analysis is performed by using estimation approach by passing the received fingerprint through the pre-processing steps. The training data is extended at certain intervals with each fingerprint read on the vehicle and the training is repeated within this scope.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the analysis can be performed by taking the user’s hand size and distance between the fingers as the basis. The training data set used within this scope can be independent from the fingerprint and it can also be provided to operate two algorithms simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system can be operated directly without using the estimation algorithm, in case the age assignment has been made for the fingerprint/handprint that the user has read. Therefore, the processor is not continuously busy.

An algorithm that learns with data obtained from fingerprints or handprints is used within the scope of the invention. Age estimation is performed by following the estimation method over the user data received on the basis of the vehicle, since training is carried out with a data set of different age and gender groups. Sensitivity can be determined as 1 -2 years old in this context.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the training data set categorization can be made as adult-child independent of age. Analysis with age data provides more effective results with the aim of high resolution.

Age estimation is made based on the classification models in the estimation model used in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1 . A method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically, characterized in that; the following process steps are carried out; a. Generating biometric data by reading the user's fingerprint or handprint by at least one handprint/fingerprint reading module that is located on at least one door, b. Performing the analysis of the received data with the training data set on the controller, c. Determining the age of the user/whether the user is a child or not from generated biometric data, i. Giving door/window operation command with the approval of the user on the door in case the user is adult, ii. Giving door/window operation command with the approval/cancelling via multimedia in case the user is a child, d. Triggering door lock mechanism/window motor.

2. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 1 , characterized in that; the age of the user is calculated automatically by analysing the fingerprint data with the trained results of the training data set consisting of age categorized fingerprint data.

3. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 1 , characterized in that; it ensures that the door lock mechanism does not operate and the window motor does not operate in case a child user is detected from the fingerprint.

4. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically, characterized in that; it provides triggering the door lock mechanism and/or the window motor depending on the driver’s approval in case a child user is detected.

5. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 1 , characterized in that; it is required to contact with at least one module so as to trigger the door lock mechanism and/or window motor in case an adult user is detected.

6. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically, according to claim 5 characterized in that; it provides control of the door or window by means of a touch panel or touch button module.

7. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 6, characterized in that; it provides controlling the door or the window by performing the pre defined movement on the panel.

8. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 2, characterized in that; the age of the user is calculated automatically by analysing the fingerprint data with the trained results of the training data set consisting of age categorized fingerprint data on the remote server.

9. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 1 , characterized in that; after the age of the user is determined with the scanned fingerprint, the window and door opening processes are carried out according to the rules by identifying the same user automatically by learning the fingerprint without analysing.

10. The invention is a safety system that provides passengers sitting in the back seat of the vehicles to open the door and windows electronically characterized in that, it comprises the following; at least one controller that allows estimations to be made, at least one handprint/fingerprint module enabling data transmission to said controller, at least one electric triggered door lock mechanism triggered by the controller in line with the analysis with the data received from fingerprint or handprint and electric controlled window mechanism, at least one notification screen to inform the driver.

11. Method that provides to control the opening and closing mechanisms of the rear doors and windows in vehicles electronically according to claim 10, characterized in that; it comprises at least one touch panel that remains locked in child passenger detection and shows no confirmation screen, is integrated with handprint/fingerprint module on which at least one predetermined opening movement form is displayed in adult passenger detection.