Method for detecting a function actuation on vehicles

• US 9,573,565 B2
• Filed: 03/27/2014
• Issued: 02/21/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Schindler, Mirko, Van Gastel, Peter, Gerdes, Bernd
• Primary Examiner(s): Zanelli, Michael J
• Application Number:
  US14/900,029
• Publication Number:
  US 20160137165A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,062 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/20 Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2045 by hand gestures
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/245 where the antenna reception area plays a role
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/77 comprising sensors detecting the presence of the hand of a user
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/78 as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/18 for car boot lids or rear luggage compartments
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/73 responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/68 Handles, cranks
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/86 by hand
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/531 Doors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/546 Tailgates
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00404 starting with prompting the lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/64 using a proximity sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A method for detecting a function actuation on a motor vehicle with a sensor device includes monitoring the signals of a proximity sensor as to a first signal reply S₁. The signals of the proximity sensor are monitored for a time period T_s wherein the method is interrupted when the signal reply changes by more than a value S_t within the period of time T_s. The signal device is actuated after time T_s has expired in order to signal to the user that the actuation of time has expired. The signals of the proximity sensor are monitored for time T_e wherein the method is continued when the signal of the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value S_e within the period of time T_e. Otherwise, the method is interrupted. If the method is continued, the actuation of the function of the motor vehicle is detected and the function trigger is signaled to a control device in the motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a function actuation on a motor vehicle with a sensor device, wherein the sensor device includes a proximity sensor for detecting the approach of a user, comprising the steps of:

monitoring the signals of the proximity sensor with regard to a signal change in the form of a characteristic first signal reply s₁, which indicates an approach to the proximity sensor,

monitoring the signals of the proximity sensor for a period of time t_s, wherein the method is interrupted when the signal reply of the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value s_t within the period of time t_s,

actuating a signal device after the period of time t_s has expired in order to signal to the user that the actuation time has expired,

monitoring the signals of the proximity sensor for a period of time t_e, wherein the method is continued when the signal of the proximity sensor changes by more than a predetermined value s_e within the period of time t_e, and otherwise the method is interrupted,

wherein when the method is continued, the actuation of the function on the motor vehicle is detected and the function trigger is signaled to a control device in the motor vehicle.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein prior to a function trigger, a wireless request is transmitted to an ID transponder, which the user can carry along, asking to verify the authorization for accessing the requested function.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the request of the ID transponder is made prior to actuating the signal device and the method is continued only when a successful authorization has taken place.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein a capacitive sensor is used as proximity sensor.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein an optical signal device is used as the signal device.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the sensor device is integrated in a vehicle badge.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein a badge light is used as signal device.

8. A method according to claim 5, wherein the sensor device is integrated in a door handle.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein an audible signal device is used as the signal device.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the function to be triggered results in opening a trunk lid of a motor vehicle.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the periods of time t_e and t_s can be adjusted by means of a user input, preferably at a central control device of the vehicle.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein parallel to the above-mentioned operating procedure a second, alternative operating procedure is monitored, wherein an actuation is detected, when

the signal reply of the proximity sensor changes by more than a threshold value s_a from its quiescent value within a first period of time t_a, and

the signal reply of the proximity sensor approaches again the quiescent value within a double period of time 2t_a and differs from this quiescent value by less than the threshold value s_a.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein in testing the second, alternative operating procedure an actuation is detected only when the signal progression increases in a monotonous manner during the period of time 2t_a for at least one third of this period of time and decreases in a monotonous manner for at least one third of this period of time.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the period of time t_s amounts to less than four seconds.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the period of time t_s amounts to less than three seconds.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the period of time t_s amounts to less than two seconds.