Embedded non-contact detection system

• US 8,049,451 B2
• Filed: 03/19/2008
• Issued: 11/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: Niemiec, Scott A., Wilson, Thomas A., Patterson, Derek L., Sanocki, Edward M. Jr., Kollar, Craig A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Benson; Walter
• Assistant Examiner(s): DINH, THAI T
• Application Number:
  US12/051,636
• Publication Number:
  US 20090235588A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,322 Days
• Field of Search: 318/466, 318/467, 318/468, 318/469, 318/264, 318/265, 318/266, 318/282, 318/286, 49/26, 49/27, 49/28
• US Class Current: 318/466
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/088 operating with electric fields G01V3/082 takes precedence

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for a near field detection system. The apparatus comprises a glass plate, the glass plate having a first edge and comprising a first electrode, the first electrode disposed along the first edge of the glass plate, adapted to detect the presence of an object in near proximity to the glass plate, and adapted to transmit a signal in response to the presence of the object.

Claims

1. A near-field detection system for detecting an object, the system comprising:

a glass plate comprising at least two layers and having a first edge;

a first electrode integrally disposed between the at least two layers of the glass plate and along the first edge to detect the presence of the object proximate to the glass plate; and

a second electrode integrally disposed between the at least two layers of the glass plate, the second electrode adapted to detect the presence of an object in near proximity to the glass plate,

wherein the near-field detection system compares an output of the first electrode and the second electrode to determine a location of the object and the first and second electrodes are adapted to transmit a signal in response to the presence of the object.

2. The near-field detection system of claim 1, wherein the first electrode extends substantially entirely along the first edge.

3. The near-field detection system of claim 1, wherein the second electrode is disposed along the first edge of the glass plate.

4. The near-field detection system of claim 1, wherein the second electrode is disposed along a second edge of the glass plate.

5. The near-field detection system of claim 4, wherein the first edge and the second edge are adjacent.

6. The near-field detection system of claim 4, wherein the first edge is opposite the second edge.

7. The near-field detection system of claim 1, wherein the glass plate is disposed in a lift gate of a vehicle.

8. A method of lowering a lift gate comprising a glass plate having at least two layers, the method comprising:

detecting an object with a plurality of near-field sensors integrally disposed between the at least two layers of the glass plate;

comparing an output of the plurality of near-field sensors to determine a location of the object; and

adjusting movement of the lift gate in response to the detection of the object.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein providing electrical power to a plurality of near-field sensors comprises providing electrical power to two or more electrodes adapted to produce an output signal and detecting an object with the near-field sensors comprises comparing the output signal between or among the two or more electrodes.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein adjusting movement of the lift gate comprises stopping the lift gate.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein adjusting movement of the lift gate comprises re-opening the lift gate.

12. A near field detection system comprising:

a vehicle lift gate comprising;

a glass plate comprising at least two layers; and

a plurality of electrodes integrally formed between the at least two layers of the glass plate, the plurality of electrodes adapted to detect an object in near proximity to the glass plate;

a lift gate motor coupled to the lift gate and adapted to adjust the position of the vehicle lift gate; and

a control system coupled to the electrode and to the lift gate motor, the control system being adapted to operate the lift gate motor, wherein the control system compares an output of the plurality of electrodes to determine a location of the object.

13. The near-field detection system of claim 12, wherein the control system is adapted to open the vehicle lift gate in response to the electrode detecting an object in near proximity to the glass plate.

14. The near-field detection system of claim 12, wherein the control system is adapted to close the vehicle lift gate.

15. The near-field detection system of claim 14, wherein the control system is adapted to cease closing the vehicle lift gate in response to an object detect signal from the electrode.

16. The near-field detection system of claim 12, further comprising a video imaging system coupled to the control system, the control system adapted to cease closing the vehicle lift gate in response to an object detect signal from the video imaging system.