Patent Publication Number: US-2022235598-A1

Title: System and method for detecting operator characteristic to adjust position of power actuated movable panel

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to adjusting a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle and, more specifically, to a system and method for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Vehicles such as motor vehicles have had power actuated movable panels for many years. The power actuated movable panels may include a power actuated lift gate, trunk, door, or tailgate. These power actuated movable panels add convenience and easy access to a cargo storage area of the vehicle. The power actuated opening of the movable panel may be started with a press of a button on a key fob or a switch on the movable panel itself such as in the license plate area or on a handle. 
     However, these methods present a disadvantage when an operator such as a person is approaching the vehicle and has their hands full such as with large packages or many bags. This disallows easy access to either the key fob or the switch mounted on the movable panel or other location. 
     Currently, there are devices that allow for a hands-free open power actuation of the moveable panel, such as kicking a foot under a rear bumper of the vehicle. These devices are typically located under the rear bumper to detect the foot kicking gesture. Upon sensing a kick, the moveable panel will begin opening. This presents another disadvantage in that the person must balance on one foot while kicking with the other and, if they must do so with large packages or bags, they may potentially lose their balance. Another disadvantage is that, after the kicking gesture is sensed, the moveable panel begins opening. This could lead to the moveable panel striking the person and potentially causing injury. 
     Yet another disadvantage is that the power actuated movable panel such as a lift gate opens to the fully open position. Because the switch used to initiate the closing of the power actuated movable panel is located on the bottom of the panel, it may be out of reach because the movable panel has opened to a full-open position. This disallows a shorter person or persons with mobility restrictions, such as a person in a wheelchair, from initiating the closing of the power actuated movable panel. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system and method for improved presence and characteristics sensing of an operator as they approach a vehicle to overcome the disadvantages previously presented. Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a system and method for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle that meets at least one of these desires. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle including sensing an approach or proximity of an operator, measuring an operator characteristic such as a height of the operator, and controlling a distance a power actuated movable panel moves based on the height of the operator. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system including a sensor disposed adjacent a power actuated movable panel of a vehicle for detecting an approach of an operator to the power actuated movable panel and measuring at least one operator characteristic of the operator in proximity to the sensor. The system also includes a controller in communication with the sensor to interpret sensor data of the operator from the sensor to determine the at least one operator characteristic to adjust a position of the power actuated movable panel based on the at least one operator characteristic. 
     In addition, the present invention provides a method including the steps of detecting, by a sensor disposed adjacent a power actuated movable panel of a vehicle, an approach of an operator to the power actuated movable panel, measuring, by the sensor, at least one operator characteristic of the operator in proximity to the sensor, and determining, by a controller in communication with the sensor, the at least one operator characteristic to adjust a position of the power actuated movable panel based on the at least one operator characteristic. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that a new system and method is provided for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle. Another advantage of the present invention is that the system and method can detect an operator and an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated moving panel for a vehicle. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the system and method can be used for object obstruction detection. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood, after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a system, according to the present invention, for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated movable panel of a vehicle illustrating an operator such as a child approaching a rear of the vehicle in which a sensor is used to detect the approach of the child and a height of the child. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating a child reaching for a switch on a lower edge of the power actuated lift gate of the vehicle. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view of the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating an operator in a wheelchair approaching a rear of the vehicle in which a sensor is used to detect the approach of the operator and a height of the operator. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating an operator in a wheelchair reaching for a switch on a lower edge of the power actuated lift gate of the vehicle. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating an operator such as an adult approaching the power actuated lift gate of the vehicle. 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational view of the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating an obstruction coming into a field of view of a sensor on the power actuated lift gate of the vehicle when the vehicle is in reverse motion. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional and partial perspective view of the power actuated lift gate of the vehicle illustrating a sensor/controller and mounting bracket of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an electronic circuit board assembly of the sensor/controller of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the electronic circuit board assembly of  FIG. 8  illustrating a circuit board capable of being rotated out of parallel with a fixed circuit board. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of the electronic circuit board assembly of  FIG. 9  illustrating the circuit board rotated out of parallel with the fixed circuit board. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     In general, the present invention relates to a system for detecting an object such as an operator of the type well-suited for use in many vehicular closure applications for vehicles. The system for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle and associated methods of operation of the present invention will be described in conjunction with one or more example embodiments. These embodiments are merely provided to describe the inventive concepts, features, advantages, and objectives with sufficient clarity to permit those skilled in the art to understand and practice what is described. 
     The present invention provides a system that allows for physical characteristic measurements of an operator and performing an action based on those measurements. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor for sensing an approach of an operator to a vehicle, measuring at least one characteristic of the operator, and controlling a parameter of a power actuated moving panel of the vehicle based on the at least one characteristic of the operator. 
     In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor and a controller for a power actuated movable panel of a vehicle. The sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object such as a person being detected in proximity to the sensor. The controller transmits a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move the movable panel of the vehicle along a path between closed and opened positions while the motor receives power from a power source. The controller communicates with vehicle modules over an in-vehicle communications bus such as CAN or LIN, and as such, the controller may transmit a panel control signal to another vehicle module that controls the power applied to the motor for moving the movable panel. 
     Various methods have been used for automatic opening of power actuated movable panels such as a power actuated lift gate without the need for pressing a button on a key fob or on the lift gate itself. Ultrasonic, radar, lidar, camera, and capacitive sensing can measure the distance and rate that an operator such as a person is approaching a vehicle, but only radar, lidar, and cameras can determine the height and other physical characteristics of the person. 
     Referring to the figures, and in particular  FIGS. 1-6 , wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, one embodiment of a system  10 , according to the present invention, for detecting an object or operator such as a person and an operator characteristic for controlling or adjusting a position of a power actuated movable panel for a vehicle  15  is generally shown. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the system  10  and an operator  11  such as a child approaching a back or rear of the vehicle  15  having a power actuated movable panel such as a power actuated lift gate  14 . In one embodiment, the system  10  includes a sensor/controller  26  ( FIG. 7 ) such as of a radar type equipped or disposed on, disposed in, or adjacent the power actuated lift gate  14 . As the operator  11  approaches the vehicle  15 , a radar control signal  13  from the sensor/controller  26  can sense a distance, velocity, and height  12  of the operator  11  while the operator  11  is in a sensing or detection area  16  of the radar. If the operator  11  performs a predetermined gesture, for example, either physically raising an arm or pressing a key fob button to indicate that they want the power actuated lift gate  14  to open, the radar control signal  13  can use the height  12  of the operator  11  as a method of determining how high the power actuated lift gate  14  should open. By not opening fully, but stopping at a predetermined height as shown by line  17  of  FIG. 2 , the operator  11  will be able to reach a close button (not shown) that is commonly located on a bottom or lower edge of the power actuated lift gate  14 . Otherwise, the power actuated lift gate  14  will open fully, or to a predetermined fixed height, disallowing the operator  11  the ability to reach the button and close the power actuated lift gate  14 . It should be appreciated that this application for a child also applies to a person with short stature. It should also be appreciated that the sensor/controller  26  is disposed “adjacent” the power actuated lift gate  14 , which means on, in, or off to a side such as left, right, above, or below the power actuated lift gate  14 . 
     A predetermined gesture by the operator  11 , as described above, indicating that the power actuated lift gate  14  should open, may be defined as a sequence such as: approach the power actuated lift gate  14  by the operator  11  to a given distance, wait a second or two, and then the operator  11  back up a given distance. Another sequence may be to approach the power actuated lift gate  14  by the operator  11  to a given distance and perform an upward motion with a hand of the operator  11 . 
     The ability of the sensor/controller  26  to determine an operator characteristic such as the height  12  of the operator  11  also has clear advantages in the mobility sector. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the operator  11  such as a person in a wheelchair  18  cannot reach a close button located on the lower edge of the power actuated lift gate  14  if the lift gate  14  opens fully. Again, there is clear advantage in being able to sense the height  12  of the operator  11  and adjust a position of the power actuated lift gate  14  open height, as shown by line  17 , accordingly so that the operator  11  can reach the lower edge of the lift gate  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the system  10  can be used to sense and respond to a gesture by the operator  11  such as an adult indicating that they want the power actuated lift gate  14  to open. The sensor/controller  26  equipped on the power actuated lift gate  14  of the vehicle  15  emits the radar control signal  13  that detects the operator  11  approaching the vehicle  15 . At a predetermined distance, as shown by dashed line  19 , the operator  11  could walk up to the vehicle  15 , stop and wait a second or two, and then back up a step. It should be appreciated that this motion or gesture will be interpreted by the system  10  as an indication that the operator  11  wants the power actuated lift gate  14  to open. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a further advantage of the system  10  is that the system  10  may be used as an obstruction detection system. When the vehicle  15  is in reverse and in motion, the sensor/controller  26  equipped on the power actuated lift gate  14  will send the radar control signals  13  into the detection area  16 . If an object, such as post  50 , is detected by the system  10 , the vehicle  15  may emit a warning signal to a vehicle operator or enable the vehicle  15  to brake automatically to avoid a collision with the object. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the power actuated lift gate  14  shows a sensor/controller housing  25 , cover  23 , and mounting features  24  for mounting the sensor/controller  26  to a bracket  22  of the power actuated lift gate  14 . In one embodiment, the sensor/controller  26  is disposed in an inside or interior cavity of the power actuated lift gate  14 . In the embodiment illustrated, the sensor/controller  26  is disposed behind an outer surface  21  of the power actuated lift gate  14  through which the radar control signals  13  of  FIGS. 1 and 3  are transmitted and received. It should be appreciated that the sensor/controller  26  may be separate components or integrated together. It should further be appreciated that, in another embodiment, the sensor/controller  26  may be mounted outside of the power actuated lift gate  14  such as behind a bumper facia as shown as a dashed line area in  FIG. 6 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , in one embodiment, the sensor/controller  26  typically has a single electronic circuit board assembly  30 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , that performs a transmit and receive function as previously described.  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  show other embodiments of the electronic circuit board assembly  30  having two electronic circuit boards  31  and  32 .  FIG. 9  shows general detail of the circuit board assembly  30  that has the required electronic components to perform radar sensing, computing, controlling of power actuated movable panels, and communications with a vehicle communications bus (not shown). The circuit board assembly  30  includes a main circuit board  32  with a connector  39 , mounting features  40 , an electro-mechanical device  38  such as a stepper motor, a flexible circuit board  36  for electrical communication, and a pivot shaft  37 . The circuit board assembly  30  also includes a radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  shown in parallel to the main board  32 . In one embodiment, the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  includes an electronic radar controller  33 , transmitting antennae  35 , and receiving antennae  34 . In another embodiment, the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  may include Bluetooth or some other wireless communication to transmit radar sensing data from the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  to the main circuit board  32 . 
     When the power actuated lift gate  14  is closed, and the circuit boards  31  and  32  are parallel to each other, the detection area  16  of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is scanned to determine if there are any objects in its field of view. In this situation, the field of view or detection area  16  does not change—it is fixed and rearward looking relative to the power actuated lift gate  14  of the vehicle  15 . However, it is advantageous to be able to change the field of view to enable the sensing of objects very low to the ground or very high relative to the vehicle  15 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the circuit board assembly  30  with the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  is no longer parallel to the main circuit board  32 . If desired, the electro-mechanical device  38  can be activated to rotate the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  about a pivoting axis such as that provided by the pivot shaft  37 . The angle α  41  developed between the circuit boards  31  and  32  will change the detection area  16  orientation and provide a wider, more inclusive field of view. This is clearly advantageous when the vehicle  15  is in reverse so that a small object like a curb can be sensed. Likewise, if the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  is pivoted in an upward orientation, a garage door, ceiling, or other obstruction may be sensed to prevent the power actuated lift gate  14  from making contact. It should be appreciated that the angle α  41  of the radar transmitting and receiving circuit board  31  may vary based on the position of the power actuated lift gate  14  or it may be continuously scanning to increase its field of view such as when the vehicle  15  is in reverse. 
     In another embodiment, the circuit board assembly  30  includes a second axis of rotation perpendicular to a first axis to further increase the detection area  16  to include left and right sensing as well as up and down. 
     The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. 
     Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.