INPUT SIGNAL MANAGEMENT FOR VEHICLE PARK-ASSIST

• US 20190308612A1
• Filed: 04/09/2018
• Published: 10/10/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Lavoie, Erick Michael, Hassani, Ali, Chatten, Alyssa, Van Wiemeersch, John Robert
• Granted Patent: US 10,759,417 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/101 Bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/01 operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/23 using manual input of alphanumerical codes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/245 where the antenna reception area plays a role
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/34 of conditions of vehicle components, e.g. of windows, door locks or gear selectors
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2554/00 Input parameters relating to objects
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2556/45 External transmission of data to or from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/06 Automatic manoeuvring for parking
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/0285 Parking performed automatically
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0016 characterised by the operator's input device input arrangements for computing systems in general G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/028 using a RF signal

Abstract

Method and apparatus are disclosed for input signal management for vehicle park-assist. An example vehicle includes an autonomy unit for remote parking, a communication module, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is to designate a mobile device responsive to determining the remote parking is inactive and receiving an activation request from the mobile device. When the mobile device is designated, the controller also is to process remote parking signals of the mobile device, stop the remote parking when the sensor detects engagement of a door handle, and prevent processing of other nonemergency requests.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising:

an autonomy unit for remote parking;

a communication module;

a sensor; and

a controller to;

designate a mobile device responsive to;

determining the remote parking is inactive; and

receiving an activation request from the mobile device; and

when the mobile device is designated;

process remote parking signals of the mobile device;

stop the remote parking when the sensor detects engagement of a door handle; and

prevent processing of other nonemergency requests.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate with the mobile device via at least one of a Bluetooth low-energy protocol, a Wi-Fi protocol, cellular communication, and super-high frequency communication.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a door handle sensor.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the autonomy unit activates the remote parking in response to the controller designating the mobile device for the remote parking.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the autonomy unit performs the remote parking based upon the remote parking signals received by the communication module from the mobile device.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the autonomy unit is configured to stop vehicle motive functions of the remote parking upon receipt of an emergency signal for an emergency event.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the communication module is configured to receive the emergency signal from phones-as-keys and key fobs.

8. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the emergency signal includes a panic request signal received by the communication module.

9. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the emergency signal includes a plurality of requests received by the communication module within a predefined time period.

10. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the emergency event includes an obstacle being positioned along a vehicle path of the vehicle motive functions.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive the nonemergency requests from one or more phones-as-keys, one or more key fobs, a vehicle keypad, a liftgate sensor, and a cellular network.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the nonemergency requests include a second activation request from a second mobile device.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the controller sends, via the communication module, an alert to the second mobile device indicating that the mobile device is currently designated for the remote parking.

14. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein, upon receiving the second activation request from the second mobile device, the controller sends, via the communication module, a request to the mobile device for permission to change designation for the remote parking to the second mobile device.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the nonemergency requests include passive-entry passive-start signals and remote keyless entry signals.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the nonemergency requests include a remote door unlock request.

17. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, when the remote parking is stopped, the controller is configured to unlock a door in response to the sensor detecting engagement with the door handle.

18. A method comprising:

designating, via processor, a mobile device for remote parking responsive to;

determining the remote parking is inactive; and

receiving, via a communication module, an activation request from the mobile device;

processing, via an autonomy unit, remote parking signals of the mobile device;

preventing processing of other nonemergency requests during the remote parking; and

stopping, via the autonomy unit, the remote parking upon a sensor detecting engagement of a door handle.

19. The method of claim 18, further including stopping vehicle motive functions of the remote parking upon receipt of an emergency signal for an emergency event.

20. The method of claim 19, further including, upon stopping the vehicle motive functions, unlocking a door in response to the sensor detecting engagement with the door handle.