Gesture controls for remote vehicle access systems
First Claim
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1. A wireless communications system for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a first control unit in the automotive vehicle including a transceiver configured to receive signals from a fob;
a fob comprising a transceiver, a motion detection device, and a second control unit, the fob configured to identify an authorized user adjacent the vehicle, the motion detection device configured to detect a movement of the fob; and
a capacitive sensor embedded in a non-metallic portion of the vehicle and in communication with the first control unit, wherein the first control unit is programmed to identify an authorized user based on transmissions from the fob, and to activate the capacitive sensor prior to monitoring the sensor for a change in capacitance indicative of proximity of the authorized user, and provide access to a predetermined vehicle function when the authorized user is identified and also proximate the capacitive sensor.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for hands-free activation of vehicle functions such as accessing doors and windows, and establishing driver preferences such as seat positions is disclosed. A capacitive sensor is embedded in a non-metallic portion of the vehicle such as a tail light, window, or cladding on the vehicle. The capacitive sensor is in communication with a vehicle control unit, which can detect the proximity of a user or a specific gesture to activate a predetermined vehicle function.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A wireless communications system for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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a first control unit in the automotive vehicle including a transceiver configured to receive signals from a fob; a fob comprising a transceiver, a motion detection device, and a second control unit, the fob configured to identify an authorized user adjacent the vehicle, the motion detection device configured to detect a movement of the fob; and a capacitive sensor embedded in a non-metallic portion of the vehicle and in communication with the first control unit, wherein the first control unit is programmed to identify an authorized user based on transmissions from the fob, and to activate the capacitive sensor prior to monitoring the sensor for a change in capacitance indicative of proximity of the authorized user, and provide access to a predetermined vehicle function when the authorized user is identified and also proximate the capacitive sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A motor vehicle, comprising:
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a vehicle body comprising at least one non-metallic surface; a control unit mounted inside the vehicle body; a capacitive sensor mounted to the non-metallic surface in the vehicle body and in communication with the control unit, the control unit being programmed to activate the capacitive sensor prior to monitoring the capacitive sensor for a change in capacitance indicative of proximity of an authorized user, and to provide access to a predetermined vehicle function when the authorized user is proximate the capacitive sensor; and a motion detection device configured to detect movement of a fob. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A wireless communications system for an automotive vehicle, the wireless communication system comprising:
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a fob comprising a transceiver and a first control unit, the fob configured to identify an authorized user adjacent the vehicle; a second control unit in the automotive vehicle including a transceiver configured to receive signals from the fob; and a capacitive sensor embedded in a non-metallic portion of the automotive vehicle and in communication with the second control unit, wherein the second control unit is programmed to (i) identify an authorized user based on transmissions from the fob, and to (ii) activate the capacitive sensor prior to monitoring the capacitive sensor for a change in capacitance indicative of proximity of the authorized user, and to (iii) provide access to a predetermined vehicle function when the authorized user is identified and also proximate the capacitive sensor. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification