Apparatus and method for detecting an object
First Claim
1. An obstacle detection system for a vehicle having an automated door or moveable panel, comprising:
- a sensing system comprising a plurality of emitters and detectors disposed proximate to the automated moveable panel or door of the vehicle;
a detection circuit in communication with said sensing system, said detecting detection circuit generating an output signal when an object is detected by said sensing system, said output signal is received by a motor control unit of the moveable panel or door and movement of the moveable panel or door is prevented when said output signal is received.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing an obstacle detection system for a vehicle having an automated door or moveable panel, the detection system having a sensing system including a plurality of emitters and detectors disposed proximate to the automated moveable panel or door of the vehicle and a detection circuit in communication with the sensing system, the detecting detection circuit generating an output signal when an object is detected by the sensing system, the output signal is received by a motor control unit of the moveable panel or door and movement of the moveable panel or door is prevented when the output signal is received.
20 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An obstacle detection system for a vehicle having an automated door or moveable panel, comprising:
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a sensing system comprising a plurality of emitters and detectors disposed proximate to the automated moveable panel or door of the vehicle;
a detection circuit in communication with said sensing system, said detecting detection circuit generating an output signal when an object is detected by said sensing system, said output signal is received by a motor control unit of the moveable panel or door and movement of the moveable panel or door is prevented when said output signal is received. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A detection system for an opening of a motorized door of a vehicle, comprising:
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a first emitter, a second emitter, a third emitter and a fourth emitter;
a first detector, configured and positioned to receive a signal from said first emitter, a second detector, configured and positioned to receive a signal from said second emitter, a third detector, configured and positioned to receive a signal from said third emitter and a fourth detector, configured and positioned to receive a signal from said fourth emitter, each being adapted to communicate a signal to a logic circuit for determining whether an appropriate signal has been received by one of said first detector, said second detector, said third detector or said fourth detector;
a sequencer for sequentially driving said first emitter, said second emitter, said third emitter and said fourth emitter; and
wherein said logic circuit provides an obstruction signal to a motor controller of the motorized door in the event an appropriate signal has not been received by one of said first detector, said second detector, said third detector or said fourth detector, said obstruction signal causes said motor controller to stop operating the motorized door. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for determining whether an object is proximate to an opening of an automated door of a vehicle, comprising:
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emitting a first signal of infrared light from a first emitter;
determining whether said first signal of infrared light has been received by a first detector configured and positioned to receive said first signal of infrared light traveling along a path disposed proximate to the opening;
emitting a second signal of infrared light from a second emitter only if said first signal of infrared light has been received by said first detector;
determining whether said second signal of infrared light has been received by a second detector configured and positioned to receive said second signal of infrared light traveling along another path disposed proximate to the opening;
wherein an obstacle detected signal is sent to a motor controller of the door if either said first or second signal is not received, said obstacle detected signal will cause said motor controller to stop movement of the door. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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Specification