KEYLESS ENTRY USING HAND SIGNALS

• US 20100085147A1
• Filed: 10/08/2008
• Published: 04/08/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: MCCALL, CLARK E.
• Application Number:
  US12/247,718
• Publication Number:
  US 20100085147A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.720
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/767 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/852 Sensors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/86 by hand
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/426 against unauthorised use, e.g. keys
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/20 Movements or behaviour, e.g. gesture recognition recognition of facial expressions G06V40/16

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling the entry by a user into a locked vehicle. An optical data sampler is configured to detect an image associated with the user. A processor is coupled to the optical data sampler and is configured to grant the user access to the vehicle if the image associated with the user substantially corresponds to a predetermined image.

Claims

1. A keyless entry system for providing entry by a user into a vehicle, the system comprising:

an optical data sampler configured to detect an image associated with the user; and

a processor coupled to the optical data sampler and configured to grant the user access to the vehicle if the image associated with the user substantially corresponds to a predetermined image.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the predetermined image associated with the user is a hand signal.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the optical data sampler is configured to detect a predetermined sequence of hand signals.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the predetermined sequence of hand signals corresponds to a predetermined sequence of numbers.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the optical data sampler is a camera mounted inside the vehicle.

6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the camera has a field-of-view that extends outside the vehicle.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the vehicle comprises a side window and wherein the camera has a field-of-view that extends through the side window.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a side door and wherein the optical data sampler is mounted in the side door.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the optical data sampler has a field-of-view that extends proximate the exterior of the vehicle.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a door lock coupled to the processor and wherein the door lock is activated by the processor.

11. A keyless entry system for permitting entry by a user into a vehicle, the system comprising:

a camera mounted on the vehicle and configured to detect an image made by the user outside the vehicle; and

a processor coupled to the processor and configured to compare the image made by the user with a predetermined stored image, and permit access to the vehicle if the image made by the user substantially corresponds to the predetermined stored image.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the image made by the user comprises a predetermined sequence of hand signals.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the camera is mounted inside the vehicle and has a field-of-view that extends outside the vehicle.

14. A system according to claim 12 wherein the vehicle includes a door and wherein the camera is mounted in the door with a field-of-view extending outside the vehicle.

15. A system according to claim 11 wherein the vehicle comprises a door lock coupled to the processor and wherein the door lock is activated by the processor.

16. A method for enabling a user to enter a vehicle, the method comprising:

detecting an image associated with the user proximate the exterior of the vehicle;

comparing the image associated with the user to a predetermined image; and

permitting entry into the vehicle if the image associated with the user substantially corresponds to the predetermined image.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting a hand signal.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting a predetermined sequence of hand signals.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the predetermined sequence of hand signals corresponds to a predetermined sequence of numbers.

20. A method according to claim 17 wherein the step of detecting comprises comparing the hand signal with a plurality of stored hand signals.