Patent Publication Number: US-11648956-B2

Title: Vehicular cabin monitoring system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/240,130, filed Jan. 4, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,167,771, which claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/613,837, filed Jan. 5, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to radar assemblies for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Passengers can interact with vehicle controllers with a myriad of user interface and sensing technologies in cabins of current vehicles. These user interface and sensing technologies include switches and buttons, capacitive touch sensors, speech recognition, vision/cameras, and touchscreens. Each of these technologies has developed based on specialized detection abilities. For example, buttons and switches or corresponding capacitive touch sensors can easily be utilized in a cabin of a vehicle to allow passengers to operate vehicle functions, such as window regulators, power side mirrors, infotainment systems, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Yet, numerous buttons and switches or capacitive touch sensors commonly found on vehicles can add weight to the vehicle and take up valuable space in the cabin. 
     While speech recognition systems are increasingly also used to allow passengers of the vehicle to provide input to control operations of the vehicle, other sounds in the cabin, such as road noise and loud music can reduce the effectiveness of such systems. Furthermore, speech recognition systems typically utilize at least one microphone or even complicated arrays of microphones that must be packaged and wired in the vehicle. 
     In general, such conventional technologies can be effective at recognizing user intentions and commands in various ways; however, their implementation can often lead to complex systems with many necessary parts and complicated control methodologies due to the need to process inputs from the various user interface and sensing systems. Thus, user interface and sensing systems which are currently available could be improved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features, aspects and objectives. 
     Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality for a vehicle. The radar assembly includes at least one radar transmit antenna for transmitting radar waves in a cabin of the vehicle and exterior areas outside the cabin. The radar assembly also includes at least one radar receive antenna for receiving the radar waves in the cabin of the vehicle after reflection from at least one of the exterior areas and the cabin and passengers in the vehicle in a plurality of hotspot zones. A timing controller includes at least one processing control input and at least one timing control output that is electrically coupled to the at least one radar transmit antenna for generating a transmit output signal utilized for the transmission of the radar waves. The timing controller also includes at least one timing control input electrically coupled to the at least one radar receive antenna for receiving a receive input signal corresponding to the radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna. A memory unit is electrically coupled to the timing controller for storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna. A control or microcontroller is electrically coupled to the processing control input of the timing controller and storing a series of instructions and electrically coupled to a vehicle communication bus for communicating with a plurality of vehicle controllers. The microcontroller is configured to execute the series of instructions to operate the timing controller. The microcontroller processes the data corresponding to the radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna to scan the cabin and exterior areas for detecting motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system for multifunction sensing in a vehicle is also provided. The system includes a radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality including at least one radar transmit antenna for transmitting radar waves in a cabin of the vehicle and exterior areas outside the cabin. The radar assembly also includes at least one radar receive antenna for receiving the radar waves in the cabin of the vehicle after reflection from at least one of the exterior areas and the cabin and passengers in the vehicle in a plurality of hotspot zones. A plurality of markers representing button controls are disposed in at least one of the cabin of the vehicle and the exterior areas. The radar assembly includes a microcontroller electrically coupled to the at least one radar transmit antenna and the at least one radar receive antenna and storing a series of instructions. The microcontroller is in communication with a plurality of vehicle controllers and is configured to execute the series of instructions to operate the at least one radar transmit antenna for the transmission of the radar waves. The microcontroller is also configured to recognize the plurality of markers and process data corresponding to the radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna for detecting motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones. The microcontroller is also configured to identify the motion and gestures made by the passenger adjacent to the plurality of markers. Additionally, the microcontroller is configured to correlate the motion and gestures made by the passenger to a plurality of marker operations associated with the plurality of markers. The microcontroller is also configured to communicate a plurality of marker control commands corresponding to the plurality of marker operations to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to the plurality of marker operations. 
     It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a method of sensing user interactions using a radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality in a vehicle. The method includes the step of operating a timing controller using a microcontroller electrically coupled to the timing controller. The next step of the method is generating a transmit output signal utilized for the transmission of radar waves using at least one timing control output of the timing controller. Next, the method includes the step of transmitting radar waves in a cabin of the vehicle and exterior areas outside the cabin using at least one radar transmit antenna to scan the cabin and exterior areas. The method proceeds with the step of receiving the radar waves in the cabin of the vehicle after reflection from at least one of the exterior areas and the cabin and passengers in the vehicle in a plurality of hotspot zones using at least one radar receive antenna. The method continues by receiving a receive input signal corresponding to the radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna using at least one timing control input of the timing controller. The method also includes the step of storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna using a memory unit electrically coupled to the timing controller. The method continues with the step of processing the data corresponding to the radar waves received by the at least one radar receive antenna using the microcontroller. Next, detecting motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones using the microcontroller. The method then includes the step of communicating with a plurality of vehicle controllers in response to detecting the motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones. 
     The system and radar assembly for multifunction sensing according to the present disclosure provides numerous benefits, which are especially attractive to the passenger of the vehicle. As radar technology improves, the ability to recognize precise gestures in higher resolution allows for combining numerous interfaces into a single integrated unit or radar assembly to sense human interfacing requests. 
     These and other aspects and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example motor vehicle equipped with a radar assembly according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged perspective view of the radar assembly of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1    illustrating radar waves from the radar assembly of  FIG.  2    according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a partial cross-section of the vehicle of  FIG.  1    illustrating a plurality of hotspot zones in a cabin of the vehicle and outside the cabin according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a block diagram of a system including the radar assembly of  FIG.  2    and a plurality of markers according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate a partial enlarged view of a portion of the cabin of a conventional vehicle and the vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure, respectively; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate a partial view of the cabin of a conventional vehicle and the vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure, respectively; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates the cabin of the vehicle including a touchscreen according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates that the radar assembly can replace numerous other conventional sensing technologies according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  10 ,  11 , and  12 A- 1  to  12 B- 2    are flow charts illustrating steps of a method of sensing user interactions using a radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates an interior rearview mirror and a screen that calibrates using the interior rearview mirror according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 C  illustrates radar focusing lenses and radar beam steering with and without lenses according to aspects of the disclosure; and 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an interior rearview mirror that directs radar at different zones according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. In some instances, certain circuits, structures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail in order not to obscure the disclosure. 
     In general, a radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality and a corresponding system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure will now be disclosed. A method of sensing user interactions using the radar assembly with multifunction sensing functionality constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure will also be disclosed. The example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are described in detail. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  1   , an example motor vehicle  20  is shown to include an exterior  22  and an interior defining a cabin  24 . The vehicle  20  includes a windshield  26  and an interior rearview mirror assembly  28  attached thereto. The vehicle  20  can additionally include side mirrors  30  mounted to the exterior  22  on side doors  32  of the vehicle  20 . The cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  can define numerous surfaces for user interface controls (e.g., window controls on an arm rest). 
     The vehicle  20  includes a system  34  for multifunction sensing. The system  34  includes a radar assembly  28  with multifunction sensing functionality. According to an aspect, the radar assembly  28  can be disposed at or in the rearview mirror assembly  28  of the vehicle  20 , as best shown in  FIG.  2    (such as in the mirror head of the mirror assembly and behind the mirror reflective element, such as a prismatic mirror reflective element or an electro-optic or electrochromic mirror reflective element, and encased by the plastic mirror casing). In other words, the radar assembly  28  is a combination rearview mirror integrated with radar sensing capability. By integrating the radar sensing with the rear view mirror, the radar assembly  28  can be concealed within the rear view mirror unit, while also providing a pre-existing mounting point at a vantage point within the cabin  24  to allow for radar sensing for scanning and mapping the cabin  24 , as well as zones exterior  22  to the cabin  24 , as best shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . However, it should be understood that the radar assembly  28  could be separate from the rearview mirror assembly  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the radar assembly  28  includes at least one radar transmit antenna  36  for transmitting radar waves  38  in the cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  and at exterior areas  40  outside the cabin  24  (e.g., near the side mirrors  30  or at the rear of the vehicle  20 ). The radar assembly  28  also includes at least one radar receive antenna  42  for receiving the radar waves  38  in the cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  after reflection from at least one of the exterior areas  40  and from in the cabin  24  and passengers in the vehicle  20  in a plurality of hotspot zones  44 . 
     The at least one radar transmit antenna  36  can be configured to emit continuously modulated radiation, ultra-wideband radiation, or sub-millimeter-frequency radiation (e.g., frequencies forming part of the ISM frequency band about 24 GHz). The continuously emitted radiation by the at least one radar transmit antenna  36 , or continuous wave (CW) radar, known in the art to use Doppler radar, is employed in the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality. The modulated emitted radiation by the at least one radar transmit antenna  36 , or frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, also known in the art to use Doppler radar, may also be employed in the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality. Also, the system may be configured for use of pulsed based time-of-flight radar techniques. 
     The radar assembly  28  includes a timing controller  46  having at least one processing control input  48  and at least one timing control output  50  that is electrically coupled to the at least one radar transmit antenna  36  for generating a transmit output signal  52  utilized for the transmission of the radar waves  38 . The timing controller  46  also includes at least one timing control input  54  electrically coupled to the at least one radar receive antenna  42  for receiving a receive input signal  56  corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42 . A memory unit  58  is electrically coupled to the timing controller  46  for storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42 . 
     The radar assembly  28  also includes a transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  electrically coupled to the at least one radar transmit antenna  36  for receiving and amplifying the transmit output signal  52  for the at least one radar transmit antenna  36 . Similarly, a receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  is electrically coupled to the at least one radar receive antenna  42  for receiving and amplifying the radar waves  38  reflected from the at least one of the exterior areas  40  and the cabin  24  and passengers in the vehicle  20 . The receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  outputs the receive input signal  56  corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42 . Additionally, the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  is electrically coupled to the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  for outputting a mixer output  68  to the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64 . 
     In addition, the radar assembly  28  also includes a transceiver chipset  72  including a transceiver input  74  coupled to the timing controller  46  and a plurality of transceiver outputs  70  electrically coupled to the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  and the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64 . The transceiver chipset  72  transmits the transmit output signal  52  to the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  and controls the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  and the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64 . 
     Because the timing controller  46  operates with digital signals, the radar assembly  28  also includes a digital to analog converter  78  electrically coupled to the at least one timing control output  50  and to the transceiver input  74  for converting the transmit output signal  52  from the timing controller  46  to an analog transmit output signal  52 . An analog to digital converter  80  is electrically coupled to the at least one timing control input  54  and to the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  for converting the analog received radar signal  76  to the receive input signal  56 . 
     The radar assembly  28  includes a control or microcontroller  82  electrically coupled to the processing control input  48  of the timing controller  46  and storing a series of instructions and electrically coupled to a vehicle communication bus  84  (e.g., controller area network or I2C) for communicating with a plurality of vehicle controllers (not shown). The microcontroller  82  is configured to execute the series of instructions to operate the timing controller  46 . The microcontroller  82  processes the data corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  to scan the cabin  24  and exterior areas  40  for detecting motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones  44 . For example, the microcontroller  82  can execute instructions to perform signal processing calculations on the received reflection and transmitted radiation signals (i.e., mixed signals) to implement the various detection techniques (e.g., CW Radar, FMCW Radar, time of flight, Doppler) to detect motion made by an occupant in the cabin of the vehicle. The microcontroller may then determine whether the detected motion matches a select gesture from a set of gestures. That is, the microcontroller  82  may compare the detected motion against stored data representing any number of gestures (i.e., a database of gesture data). When the microcontroller  82  successfully matches the detected motion with data representing a gesture, the microcontroller  82  may then determine that the occupant of the vehicle made the matched gesture. The database may be stored in non-volatile memory accessible by the microcontroller  82  and may include any number of gestures. The microcontroller  82  may use a threshold to determine if the detected motion matches a stored gesture. That is, in some examples, the detected motion must satisfy the threshold criteria (i.e., similarity to the stored gesture) before the microcontroller successfully matches the detected motion to the stored gesture. Thus, the radar assembly  28  can detect different gestures (i.e., hand movements) to operate different controls of the vehicle  20 . Pre-established gesture zones can be mapped so hand gestures are only recognized when the hand  21  enters these regions and/or the system  34  can track the hands  21  within the cabin  24  ( FIG.  4   ). Also, since radar can penetrate non-metallic materials, it can recognize gestures at the exterior  22  of the vehicle  20 , for example adjacent to an exterior  22  surface of the passenger window, or even at the rear of the vehicle  20  ( FIG.  3   ). 
     The at least one radar transmit antenna  36  can be configured to emit and detect continuous wave (CW) radar with the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality illustratively including one radar transmit antenna  36  and one radar receive antenna  42 . With such a configuration, the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality is operable to detect a speed/velocity of the object/user  21  using the Doppler Radar principles (i.e., processing by a signal processor such as the microcontroller  82  of the received reflected CW radar signal to determine frequency shifts of an emitted continuous wave indicative of the speed of the object or user or hand  21 ). The at least one radar transmit antenna  36  can be also configured to emit frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, with the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality illustratively including one radar transmit antenna  36  and one radar receive antenna  42  in accordance with another embodiment. With such a configuration, the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality is operable to detect a gesture/motion of the object/user  21  using the Frequency Modulated Radar techniques (i.e., processing by a signal processor such as the microcontroller  82  of the reflected FMCW radar signal to determine frequency shifts indicative of the speed (Doppler frequency) and distance (beat frequency) of the object or user or hand  21 ). Alternatively, the radar assembly and system with multifunction sensing functionality configured for FMCW radar can be configured to include at least one radar receive antenna  42  forming an antenna array for determining angle information of the reflected radar waves  38 . Also, multiple radar transmit antenna  36  may be provided. 
     The system  34  can also include a plurality of markers  86  ( FIGS.  4 ,  5 , and  6 B ) representing button controls that are disposed in at least one of the cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  and the exterior areas  40 . The plurality of markers  86  may, for example, be constructed with radar absorption properties having certain radar scattering or reflectivity properties as compared to the material adjacent to the marker, such as a plastic arm rest  23  or headrest  25  or console  27 , or a metal sheet panel forming part of a vehicle door, to make the detection of the motion and gestures made by the passenger adjacent the plurality of markers  86  more apparent to the microcontroller  82  (i.e., to help ensure  21  that the reflectivity of the background does not overpower the reflectivity of the hand  21  thereby rendering the hand  21  undetectable). So, the microcontroller  82  of the radar assembly  28  can be programmed to recognize certain zones that represent button controls. For example, the lock/unlock buttons and power window controls normally located on a door arm rest panel  23  ( FIG.  6 A ) can be replaced with a sticker, or other marker  86  ( FIG.  6 B ) which is recognized by the system  34  as being one of the plurality of hotspot zones  44  correlated with a vehicle  20  function. A touch of the marker  86 , or hover above the zone by a user or passenger can be recognized by the system  34  as representing a button push, such as a window open command. When the radar assembly and system is configured to detect distance (e.g., when configured using FMCW radar detection techniques) to and within the hotspot zones  44  (e.g., distances and angles representing the limits of the hotspot zones  44 , such as d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6 and Θ (theta) illustratively shown in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   ) from the radar assembly  28 , a baseline distance can be pre-established by the microcontroller  82  and stored in memory  58  (e.g., a distance without a hand  21  present in the hotspot zone  44 ). For example, a natural vehicle background can be used to establish a baseline reference distance, such as the armrest  23 , a head rest  25 , a center console  27 , or other interior vehicle surfaces. When a hand  21  or finger is moved into the hotspot zone  44 , the microcontroller  82  can register a change in the distance measurement compared to the baseline reference distance indicative of an intent to by the user to initiate a command represented by the hotspot zone  44 . For example, a detected distance change of 10 mm closer than the baseline reference distance can indicate that a finger has been placed on the marker  86  representing a button push. If a hand  21  is moved over the hotspot zone  44  but not within it, for example a hand  21  is moved at 300 mm above the marker  86 , the microcontroller  82  can register a change in the distance measurement compared to the baseline reference distance, but since it is above a threshold distance defining the hotspot zone  44 , the microcontroller  82  will not register the motion as indicative of an intent to by the user to initiate a command represented by the hotspot zone  44 , thereby avoiding false detections. The radar assembly and system can also be configured to employ motion only based detection (i.e., detection a motion into the hotspot zone  44  and a motion out of the hotspot zone  44  for example) using Radar Doppler techniques, and measure the time between such motions to determine the intent to activate a command represented by the hotspot zone  44 . In another embodiment, both motion and distance can be utilized to determine activation intents within predefined hotspot zones  44 . As a result, the physical button ( FIG.  6 A ), and wiring thereto ( FIG.  7 A ) can be eliminated and the cabin  24  complexity and aesthetics ( FIG.  7 B ) can advantageously be enhanced. Virtual buttons (i.e., the plurality of markers  86 ) can also be positioned at the exterior  22  of the vehicle  20 , for example on the top of the side door  32  panel for access control, of even on the back of the trunk to signal a trunk open command. 
     Consequently, the microcontroller  82  is further configured to identify the plurality of hotspot zones  44  (e.g., areas around each of the plurality of markers  86 ) and identify the plurality of markers  86 . Since the radar assembly  28  can be configured to detect radar signals containing information about distance, angle and/or velocity of the hand  21 , multiple hotspot zones  44  (e.g., volumes) at different locations can be pre-established, as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , where each hotspot zone  44  can be correlated to a different vehicle function. The microcontroller  82  is also configured to identify the motion and gestures made by the passenger adjacent the plurality of markers  86  and correlate the motion and gestures made by the passenger to a plurality of marker operations associated with the plurality of markers  86 . For example, the system can determine that the motion or gesture is at a particular marker and can correlate that determined motion or gesture with the marker operation associated with that marker. That is, each gesture performed at a particular marker may be associated with one or more corresponding marker operations (i.e., operations to accomplish an action or task associated with the gesture). The microcontroller  82  can be configured to communicate one or more of a plurality of marker control commands corresponding to the respective or particular one of the plurality of marker operations to one or more of the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to the particular or respective marker operation of the plurality of marker operations. The plurality of marker operations can include locking and unlocking and opening a window of the vehicle  20  and closing the window of the vehicle  20  and starting an engine of the vehicle  20  and opening a gas tank of the vehicle  20 . However, it should be understood that the plurality of marker operations can include various other functions of the vehicle  20 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  8   , the cabin  24  may also include at least one touchscreen  88  that defines a plurality of regions (i.e., areas of the touchscreen  88 ). Thus, the area of around the touchscreen  88  can be one of the plurality of hotspot zones  44  and the microcontroller  82  can further be configured to identify the motion and gestures made by the passenger adjacent to the at least one touchscreen  88 . The microcontroller  82  can correlate the motion and gestures made by the passenger to a plurality of touchscreen operations associated with the plurality of regions of the touchscreen  88 . The microcontroller  82  can then communicate a plurality of touchscreen control commands corresponding to the plurality of touchscreen operations to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to the plurality of touchscreen operations. Much like the marker operations, the plurality of touchscreen operations can include increasing volume and changing a channel (e.g., a radio station of a head unit), for example; however, others are contemplated. As a result, the touchscreen  88  can even be replaced with a normal screen (i.e., a display without touch capability), since the system  34  can correlate objects on the screen (i.e., the plurality of regions of the touchscreen  88 ) and a one of the plurality of hotspot zones  44  can be located where a passenger or user&#39;s finger can touch or hover. 
     The plurality of hotspot zones  44  can include a facial hotspot zone  44  (i.e., near a face of the passenger). As a result, the microcontroller  82  can further be configured to identify the face of the passenger and identify a plurality of facial features of the face of the passenger and motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features made by the passenger in the facial hotspot zone  44 . As with the plurality of marker and touchscreen operations, the microcontroller  82  can be configured to correlate the motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features made by the passenger to a plurality of voice operations associated with the motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features. The microcontroller  82  can also communicate a plurality of voice control commands corresponding to the plurality of voice operations to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features made by the passenger to the plurality of voice operations. Therefore, conventional systems  34  for voice recognition can be replaced with gesture recognition of facial features as a result of the higher resolution provided by the radar assembly  28  disclosed herein. As a result, voice commands can be recognized despite road noise, loud music, etc. by mouthing the commands. The plurality of voice operations may, for example, include locking and unlocking and opening a window of the vehicle  20  and closing the window of the vehicle  20  and starting an engine of the vehicle  20  and opening a gas tank of the vehicle  20  and increasing radio volume and changing a channel. Nevertheless, it should be understood that other operations are possible. Consequently, the radar assembly  28  can replace numerous other conventional sensing technologies as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     Thus, the system can detect a motion of an occupant in the vehicle at or near a target zone where a gesture is likely to occur. The system determines whether or not the detected motion corresponds to a particular gesture, such as via comparing the detected motion to stored gestures that are associated with the target zone (with each stored gesture associated with a particular control operation for controlling a respective accessory or feature or function). Responsive to determining that the detected motion corresponds to a particular gesture, with that particular gesture correlated with or associated with a particular operation or function, the system generates an output associated with the determined particular gesture, such as a control output to control an accessory of the vehicle in accordance with the particular gesture and associated operation or function. 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  10 ,  11 , and  12 A- 1  to  12 B- 2   , a method of sensing user interactions using the radar assembly  28  with multifunction sensing functionality in the vehicle  20  is also provided. The method includes the step of  100  operating a timing controller  46  using a microcontroller  82  electrically coupled to the timing controller  46 . The next step of the method is  102  generating a transmit output signal  52  utilized for the transmission of radar waves  38  using at least one timing control output  50  of the timing controller  46 . 
     Next, the method includes the step of  104  transmitting radar waves  38  in a cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  and exterior areas  40  outside the cabin  24  using at least one radar transmit antenna  36  to scan the cabin  24  and exterior areas  40 . Specifically, the method can include the step of  106  converting the transmit output signal  52  from the timing controller  46  to an analog version of the transmit output signal  52  using a digital to analog converter  78  electrically coupled to the at least one timing control output  50  and to the transceiver input  74 . Next,  108  controlling the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  and the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  using the transceiver chipset  72 . The method can also include  110  transmitting the transmit output signal  52  to the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  using a transceiver chipset  72  coupled to the timing controller  46 . The method can then include the step of  112  receiving and amplifying the transmit output signal  52  for the at least one radar transmit antenna  36  using a transmit radio frequency amplifier  60  electrically coupled to the at least one radar transmit antenna  36 . 
     The method proceeds with the step of  114  receiving the radar waves  38  in the cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  after reflection from at least one of the exterior areas  40  and from in the cabin  24  and from passengers in the vehicle  20  at a plurality of hotspot zones  44  using at least one radar receive antenna  42 . The method continues by  116  receiving a receive input signal  56  corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using at least one timing control input  54  of the timing controller  46 . In more detail, the method can also include the step of  118  receiving and amplifying the radar waves  38  reflected from the at least one of the exterior areas  40  and the cabin  24  and passengers in the vehicle  20  using a receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  electrically coupled to the at least one radar receive antenna  42 . The method can also continue by  120  outputting the receive input signal  56  corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using the using a receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64 . The method additionally can continue with the step of  122  converting the analog received radar signal  76  to the receive input signal  56  using an analog to digital converter  80  electrically coupled to the at least one timing control input  54  and to the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64 . The method can further include the step of  124  outputting a mixer output  68  to the receive radio frequency mixer and amplifier  64  using the transmit radio frequency amplifier  60 . The method proceeds with the step of  126  storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using a memory unit  58  electrically coupled to the timing controller  46 . The step of  126  storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using a memory unit  58  can include storing at least one of a distance and angle from the at least one radar receive antenna  42  to a hotspot zone  44 . The step of  126  storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using a memory unit  58  can further include storing at least one of a distance and angle from the at least one radar receive antenna  42  to an interior vehicle surface representing a distal limit of a hotspot zone  44 . The step of  126  storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using a memory unit  58  can further include storing a distance from the at least one radar receive antenna  42  to a baseline reference distance representing a distal limit of a hotspot zone  44 . The step of  126  storing a plurality of stored parameters and data corresponding to radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using a memory unit  58  can include storing a baseline radar signature of the interior of the vehicle cabin  24  without any passengers or objects to establish a baseline radar reference map. 
     The method continues with the step of  128  processing the data corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using the microcontroller  82 . The step of  128  processing the data corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using the microcontroller  82  can include detecting a change in distance between the baseline reference distance and an object, such as a hand  21  or finger, in the hotspot zone  44 . The step of  128  processing the data corresponding to the radar waves  38  received by the at least one radar receive antenna  42  using the microcontroller  82  can include detecting a change in the baseline radar signature of the cabin  24 , and more particularly detecting a change in the baseline radar signature of the hotspot zone  44 . Next,  130  detecting motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones  44  using the microcontroller  82 . The method then includes the step of  132  communicating with a plurality of vehicle controllers in response to detecting the motion and gestures made by the passenger in the plurality of hotspot zones  44 . 
     As indicated above, the system  34  can include the plurality of markers  86 . So, the method can include  134  identifying the plurality of hotspot zones  44  using the microcontroller  82 . Next,  136  identifying a plurality of markers  86  representing button controls or user inputs or user actuatable input devices disposed in at least one of the cabin  24  of the vehicle  20  and the exterior areas  40  using the microcontroller  82 . The method can continue with the step of  138  identifying the motion and gestures made by the passenger adjacent the plurality of markers  86  using the microcontroller  82 . The method can also include the step of  140  correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to a plurality of marker operations associated with the plurality of markers  86  using the microcontroller  82 . The method can continue by  142  communicating a plurality of marker control commands corresponding to the plurality of marker operations to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to the plurality of marker operations using the microcontroller  82 . 
     Since the system  34  can include at least one touchscreen  88 , the method can include the steps of  144  identifying the motion and gestures made by the passenger adjacent to at least one touchscreen  88  defining a plurality of regions using the microcontroller  82  and  146  correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to a plurality of touchscreen operations associated with the plurality of regions of the touchscreen  88  using the microcontroller  82 . The method can then include the step of  148  communicating a plurality of touchscreen control commands corresponding to the plurality of touchscreen operations to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures made by the passenger to the plurality of touchscreen operations using the microcontroller  82 . 
     Furthermore, the method may include the step of  150  identifying a face of the passenger in a facial hotspot zone  44  using the microcontroller  82 . Next,  152  identifying a plurality of facial features of the face of the passenger and motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features made by the passenger in the facial hotspot zone  44  using the microcontroller  82 . The method then proceeds with the step of  154  correlating the motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features made by the passenger to a plurality of voice operations associated with the motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features using the microcontroller  82 . Then, the method can include the step of  156  communicating a plurality of voice control commands corresponding to the plurality of voice operations to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to correlating the motion and gestures of the plurality of facial features made by the passenger to the plurality of voice operations using the microcontroller  82 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , in some examples, a screen located below the interior rearview mirror assembly  28  (e.g., touchscreen  88 ) is tagged or marked in a similar manner as the other markers for calibration with the radar system in the mirror  28  to compensate for when the driver adjusts the mirror&#39;s orientation. That is, the tags or marks located on or within the screen  88  allow the controller to determine the current orientation of the rearview mirror  28 . In response to determining the orientation of the rearview mirror  28 , the controller may adjust processing of both the transmitted and received radar signals (to compensate for or to accommodate a change in the orientation of the rearview mirror  28 ). The controller may also or otherwise accommodate a change in the orientation of the rearview mirror by adjusting the position of hotspot zones  44  and/or by adjusting the display of the screen (so that the displayed inputs are at different locations at the screen depending on the adjustment and orientation of the mirror). The system may include a controller that detects gesture in the area in front of the screen and updates the screen&#39;s display accordingly (based on the orientation of the rearview mirror  28 ). Properly calibrating the radar unit and mirror position relative to the screen (or calibrating the screen relative to the radar unit and mirror position) ensures that the user&#39;s actions correspond to a display on the screen. For example, an image of a rotatable knob may be virtually rotated by a user making a rotating gesture in front of the displayed knob. The system and controller can detect and identify such gestures irrespective of a mirror adjustment that may be made by a driver of the vehicle to obtain the desired rearward field of view at the mirror reflective element. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  14 A- 14 C , different radar lenses, for example lenses made of plastic, may be tuned for known detection zones. The lens may be curved ( FIG.  14 A ) or stepped ( FIG.  14 B ) in the vertical and horizontal directions depending on where the detection zone is so the field of view is increased. In some examples, no lens is provided ( FIG.  14 C ) and instead radar beam steering is used to focus the radar waves toward or at a known detection zone.  FIG.  15    depicts the rearview mirror  28  using radar lenses (such as lenses of the types shown, for example, in  FIGS.  14 A- 14 C ) to focus TX and/or RX signals directed at different zones. For example, the radar signals may be directed at hotspot zones or at the touchscreen  88 . The radar signals may detect the mouth of a passenger. The rearview mirror  28  may detect motion adjacent a screen (e.g., the touchscreen  88 ) and change the screen in response to the sensed motion. 
     Clearly, changes may be made to what is described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope defined in the accompanying claims. The system and radar assembly may be operable for any kind of vehicle operation or user input within the motor vehicle, for example and advantageously improves upon conventional sensing solutions. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that concepts disclosed in association with the example user-activated, non-contact power closure member system can likewise be implemented into many other systems to control one or more operations and/or functions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top”, “bottom”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element&#39;s or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.