CN108693789B

CN108693789B - User notification of electrical system activation during contactless human activation

Info

Publication number: CN108693789B
Application number: CN201810152244.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰勒德·麦克马洪; 利维乌·博尔博恰努; 塞缪尔·R·巴鲁科; 普拉蒂巴·杰格迪什·波塞
Original assignee: Magna Closures Inc
Current assignee: Magna Closures Inc
Priority date: 2017-02-17
Filing date: 2018-02-14
Publication date: 2022-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-14
Also published as: CN108693789A; DE102018202274A1

Abstract

User notification of electrical system activation during contactless human activation is provided. The present disclosure relates to a contactless power closing member system for operating a rear liftgate of a vehicle. The contactless powered closure member system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion when the key fob is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. An indicator is provided on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make the activation gesture. The system also includes an electronic control unit connected to the at least one sensor and executing software. The electronic control unit processes the data to determine whether the gesture made by the user is an activation gesture required to open the liftgate or an error signal. In response to the activation gesture, the electronic control unit initiates opening of the rear lift gate. A method is provided for operating a rear liftgate of a vehicle using a contactless powered closure member system.

Description

User notification of electrical system activation during contactless human activation

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a partial continuation of U.S. serial No. 15/696,657 filed on 16.9.2017, U.S. serial No. 15/696,657 claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/384,930 filed on 8.9.2016, and the present application claims benefit from U.S. provisional application No. 62/460,247 filed on 17.2.2017 and U.S. provisional application No. 62/610,655 filed on 27.12.27.2017. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to motorized closure member systems for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to user-activated non-contact motorized closure member systems for moving closure members relative to a vehicle body between closed and open positions or from an open position to a closed position.

Background

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

Motor vehicles such as sport utility vehicles may be designed to include a user-activated non-contact powered closure member system (e.g., a powered liftgate system) for automatically opening the closure member of the vehicle. The powered closure member system includes a sensor to detect movement by which a user wishes to open the closure member, for example, movement of a user's foot kicking under the rear bumper in the case where the closure member is a rear liftgate. The system comprises the following technology: it confirms that the user in possession of the key fob associated with the vehicle is the originator of the movement, so that the closure member is not erroneously activated, for example by another person, an animal, weather conditions, or an object that may enter the space under the bumper. The system allows for convenient and user-friendly opening of the closure member when the user's hand is occupied, for example when the user is holding an item to be loaded into a vehicle. However, currently available user-activated contactless powered closure member systems may be improved.

Disclosure of Invention

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features, aspects, and objects.

Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a user-activated contactless powered closure member system for detecting gestures and operating a closure member of a vehicle. The system includes at least one non-contact sensor attached to the vehicle body for detecting at least one of a motion and an object corresponding to a gesture made by the user and outputting data in response to detecting the at least one of the object and the motion. The at least one contactless sensor includes a radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly for providing an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly in which user interaction is possible. An indicator for notifying the user of an appropriate position for making a gesture is attached to the vehicle body. An electronic control unit is coupled to the indicator and the at least one non-contact sensor and is configured to receive and analyze data output by the at least one non-contact sensor. The electronic control unit is further configured to: determining whether the data corresponds to an activation gesture, to transition to a triggering event mode defined by a gesture made by the user corresponding to the activation gesture and a non-triggering event mode defined by a gesture not corresponding to the activation gesture, and initiating movement of the closure member in response to transitioning to the triggering event mode. The electronic control unit is also configured to notify the user using the indicator.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of operating a closure member of a vehicle using a contactless motorized closure member system that includes an indicator, a contactless sensor that includes a radar-based gesture recognition subassembly, and an electronic control unit. The method includes the step of detecting a key fob associated with the vehicle within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. Next, the user is notified of the rendering gesture using the pointer. The method continues with: an intermediate radar field is generated in the vicinity of the vehicle using the radar-based gesture recognition sub-component and gestures made by the user in the intermediate radar field are detected. The method further comprises the following steps: the time frame of the gesture made by the user is determined and the gesture is compared with the activation gesture and the time frame is compared with the required time period required to start the trigger event mode for operating the closing member of the vehicle.

The user-activated contactless powered closure member system according to the present disclosure provides a number of benefits that are particularly attractive to vehicle users. Due to the indicator, also referred to as an icon, the user now knows whether the system is activated, in motion and/or waiting for a gesture signal such as kicking a motion when they approach the vehicle. The user is also notified of: they are making the activation gesture at the correct location and the activation gesture has been received by the system.

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 purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the system includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one of an object and a motion in proximity to the closure member and outputting data corresponding to the at least one of an object and a motion. At least one indicator is disposed on the vehicle. An electronic control unit is coupled to the at least one sensor, and the at least one indicator is configured to receive and process data corresponding to at least one of an object and motion from the at least one sensor. The electronic control unit is further configured to determine whether the data associated with at least one of the object and the motion is a correct activation gesture required to move the closure member. Further, the electronic control unit is configured to initiate movement of the closure member in response to at least one of the object and the motion being a correct activation gesture, wherein the correct activation gesture includes at least one of the object and the motion being in proximity to the at least one sensor and after a predetermined period of time the at least one of the object and the motion not being in proximity to the at least one sensor. The electronic control unit is further configured to notify the user using the at least one indicator. An active activation gesture may also include the absence of motion of the object during a predetermined period of time.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a closure member of a vehicle using a contactless electrical closure member system is provided. The method begins with detecting at least one of an object and motion located proximate to the closure member using at least one sensor. The method is followed by the steps of: determining whether data associated with at least one of an object and a motion is an activation gesture required to initiate opening of the closure member, wherein the activation gesture includes the at least one of an object and a motion being in proximity to the at least one sensor and the at least one of an object and a motion not being in proximity to the at least one sensor after a predetermined period of time. The method is followed by: initiating movement of the closure member in response to determining that the data associated with the at least one of the object and the motion is a correct activation gesture. The method further comprises the step of notifying the user.

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 exemplary motor vehicle equipped with a user-activated non-contact powered closure member system for opening a rear liftgate of the vehicle, the system showing the location of at least one sensor and being constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of an exemplary motor vehicle equipped with a user-activated contactless power closure member system for opening a rear liftgate of the vehicle, the system showing the position of the indicator and being constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of a motor vehicle including the indicator shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of an exemplary bumper assembly of a motor vehicle having a user-activated contactless motorized closure member system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and including graphics that are illuminated during activation (wake-up) and operation of the system;

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an exemplary user-activated contactless motorized closure member system including a single sensor mounted on a rear bumper and constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is an exterior view of the exemplary user-activated contactless powered closure member system shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is an exterior side view of an exemplary graphic of a user-activated non-contact motorized closure member system including a pair of sensors, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and mounted on a rear bumper, wherein the bumper has a clearance slot for transmitting ultrasonic waves to and/or from the sensors;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the electronic control unit and a pair of sensors of the system of FIG. 6A, viewed from the interior of the rear bumper;

FIG. 6C is an outer bottom view of the clearance slot of the rear bumper of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an external side view of an exemplary graphic of a user-activated non-contact motorized closure member system including a single sensor, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and mounted on a rear bumper, wherein the bumper has a clearance slot for transmitting ultrasonic waves to and/or from the sensor;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the electronic control unit and sensors of the system of FIG. 7A, viewed from the interior of the rear bumper;

FIG. 7C is an outer bottom view of the clearance slot of the rear bumper of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary optional decorative frame that may be installed around a graphic of a user-activated non-contact powered closure member system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure to cover manufacturing defects and/or misalignments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary motor vehicle equipped with a user-activated non-contact powered closure member system for opening a rear liftgate of the vehicle, the system showing the position of an indicator, including a radar-based gesture recognition system and constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent utilizing a continuous wave Doppler radar in accordance with an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent utilizing a continuous-wave frequency modulated radar in accordance with an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of another radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent that utilizes a continuous-wave frequency modulated radar in accordance with an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 and 14A, 14B are a flow chart illustrating steps of a method of operating a closure member of a vehicle using a contactless powered closure member system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the timing of first and second detections of gestures by an exemplary embodiment of a contactless powered closure member system according to the teachings of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the timing of the first and second detection of gestures by another exemplary embodiment of a contactless powered closure member system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In general, several exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of a user-activated contactless powered closure member system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure will now be disclosed. Methods of operating a closure member of a vehicle using a contactless powered closure member system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure will also be disclosed. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those 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 and that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that example embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are described in detail. In addition, the system may alternatively be used to open and/or close additional closure elements, such as, but not limited to, a sliding door or a powered swing door (swing door) of a vehicle.

Referring initially to fig. 1-4, an exemplary motor vehicle 12 is shown including a closure member that is a rear liftgate 14 mounted for pivotal movement relative to a vehicle body 16. According to an exemplary embodiment described in this disclosure, the contactless powered closure member system 10 is integrated into a rear bumper 18 of a vehicle body 16 and is used to control the movement of the rear liftgate 14. However, the contactless powered closure member system 10 may be disposed in another location, for example, and used with a rear liftgate 14 or with a different closure member.

The contactless powered closure member system 10 includes at least one sensor 20 that senses an object or motion when a key fob (key fob)22 associated with a particular vehicle 12 is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle 12, such as when a user 24 in possession of the key fob 22 approaches the vehicle 12. While a key fob 22 is used in the exemplary embodiment, another component associated with a particular vehicle 12 and detectable by the vehicle 12 may be used; or may otherwise initialize the system 10 without the use of the key fob 22. An example of an object detected by the at least one sensor 20 is a foot of the user 24, and an example of a motion detected by the at least one sensor 20 in the detection zone 62 is a kicking motion or a shaking motion or a stepping motion of the user 24 or a combination of the foregoing. Another example may be motion detection followed by non-shaking stationary motion detection, e.g., indicating a step into the detection zone 62; and, there may be non-shaking stationary motion detection followed by motion detection. It should be understood that other objects and/or motions and combinations of the foregoing may alternatively be utilized.

In a non-contact powered closure member system 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, the at least one sensor 20 may comprise a variety of different types of non-contact sensors. For example, the at least one sensor 20 may be an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a radar sensor, or another type of proximity sensor capable of detecting an object or gesture in the detection zone 62 without physical contact. When the at least one sensor 20 is an ultrasonic sensor, as best shown in fig. 5-7, the rear bumper 18 may include a clearance slot 26 to allow ultrasonic waves to be transmitted to each sensor 20 and/or from each sensor 20 (e.g., between the rear liftgate 14 and ground 83). Alternatively, in the case of a radar-based system described below, the clearance groove 26 may be removed so that the surface of the rear bumper 18 is left as it is (undirected). According to one embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A-5B and 7A-7C, the contactless motorized closure member system 10 includes a single ultrasonic sensor 20. According to one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6A-6C, the contactless powered closure member system 10 includes a pair of

ultrasonic sensors

20A, 20B, referred to as dual sensors. In this embodiment, one sensor transmits (Tx) and the other sensor receives (Rx) or listens. The

dual sensors

20A, 20B provide the system 10 with advantages over a comparative system that includes only a single ultrasonic sensor. If only a single ultrasonic sensor is present, feedback interfering with operation may occur due to the close proximity. The dedicated transmit and receive

sensors

20A, 20B eliminate this feedback/ringing problem.

As best shown in fig. 2-8, the contactless powered closure member system 10 also includes an indicator 28 located on the vehicle 12, the indicator 28 for notifying the user 24 of the appropriate location for making an activation gesture that initiates opening of the closure member (e.g., the rear liftgate 14). The activation gesture may be a movement by the user 24 and/or an object placed by the user 24 in proximity to the at least one sensor 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator 28 is located proximate to the at least one sensor 20, such as on the rear bumper 18 of the vehicle 12. The indicator 28 may also inform the user 24 of: whether the system 10 is activated or powered up, during system wake-up, in operation, detecting that the user 24 is approaching the vehicle 12, that the system 10 is receiving input from the user 24, whether the user 24 has made an incorrect or invalid gesture or motion, and/or whether the system 10 is waiting for an activation gesture signal. The indicator 28 of the exemplary embodiment includes a graphic 30, also referred to as an icon, such as a lighted picture of the open rear liftgate 14 to alert the user 24. In this embodiment, the indicator 28 is referred to as an ICON (ICON). The use of properly positioned actual icons provides a visual indicator to the user 24 informing of the location where the at least one sensor 20 is located. This feature is advantageous for the user 24 and provides an advantage over comparison systems that require the user 24 to guess where the at least one sensor 20 is located under the rear bumper 18.

Fig. 5A shows an exploded view of a user-activated contactless motorized closure member system 10 with one ultrasonic sensor 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 10 includes a rear bumper 18 having openings 34 for various components of the sensor 20 and a clearance slot 26 for ultrasonic waves transmitted to and/or from the ultrasonic sensor 20. An image cover 36 is disposed over the opening 34, wherein the image cover 36 includes a cutout image (cutout)38 of the graphic 30, in this case the cutout image 38 being the vehicle 12 with the rear liftgate 14 open. The image cover 36 is also colored to match the color of the vehicle body 16. An image diffuser 39, such as translucent white plastic, is disposed over the image cover 36. Next, a case 40 is disposed above the image diffuser 39. The ultrasonic sensor 20 is housed in a housing 40 and rests on a base wall 42 of the housing 40. A reflector 44 that directs light to an area of the image or graphic 30 is also disposed in the housing 40 and is located adjacent to the sensor 20. The electronic control unit 32 is also arranged in the housing 40. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one light emitting diode is located at a distal end of the electronic control unit 32. The cover 46 is disposed over the housing 40. As shown in fig. 5B, fig. 5B is an exterior view of the system 10 of fig. 5A, with the graphic 30 visible through the cover 46. As shown in fig. 8, the system 10 optionally includes a bezel 48 that is mounted from the exterior of the rear bumper 18 to cover any manufacturing defects and/or misalignments that may be present.

An audible warning tone, horn or beep may also be used to alert the user 24, with or without the graphic 30. The indicator 28 may also include other features or components for notifying the user 24, such as another type of light or lighted area along or near the rear bumper 18, a tail light, a backup light, a signal light, an object on the glass of the vehicle 12, or a projection such as a projected image or light. According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicator 28 has different colors in the on and off states and provides advice to the user 24 as to where to place the foot. Additionally, the indicator 28 for notifying the user 24 may be any other area on the vehicle 12 that is visible to the user 24. In summary, various options are possible for one or more features to be used as an indicator 28 for notifying the user 24. The key point is to provide feedback to the user 24 for foot detection.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as the user 24 approaches the vehicle 12, the vehicle 12 senses the key fob 22 and energizes the contactless powered closure member system 10. Once the system 10 wakes, the at least one sensor 20 and indicator 28 are activated. In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator 28 is a lighted picture on the rear bumper 18, in the example shown an image of an open liftgate representing that the vehicle system is to be operated, to inform the user 24 that the system 10 is activated and to wait for an activation gesture from the user 24 to open the rear liftgate 14. The indicator 28 also informs the user 24 of the correct position to perform the activation gesture, which in this case is the presence of a foot. It should be understood that activating a gesture may also include: placing the feet of the user 24 in proximity to the at least one sensor 20 (i.e., stepping into the detection zone 62) and moving the feet of the user 24 out of proximity to the at least one sensor 20 (i.e., leaving the detection zone 62) after a predetermined period of time during which the feet of the user 24 may optionally not move or remain stationary for a period of time. The user 24 then places his or her foot under the lighted indicator 28. Once the foot is detected, the indicator 28 blinks and an audible tone may optionally be generated by another component of the system 10 or vehicle 12 to indicate the presence of the foot. The user 24 then holds his or her feet stationary for the desired period of time required to initiate opening of the rear liftgate 14. On the other hand, if the user 24 rests his or her feet but does not meet the required time period, i.e., less than the time period required to initiate opening of the rear liftgate 14, the indicator 28 blinks and an audible tone may optionally be generated by the system 10 or another component of the vehicle 12 to indicate that the gesture made by the user does not meet the requirements for opening the rear liftgate 14.

The system 10 further comprises an electronic control unit 32 executing software and connected to the at least one sensor 20. According to one aspect, the electronic control unit 32 is separate from and in communication with a powered closure member electronic control unit (not shown), and the electronic control unit 32 may initiate opening of the closure member (e.g., the rear lift gate 14) by communicating with the powered closure member electronic control unit. However, it should be understood that the electronic control unit 32 itself may alternatively control the rear lift gate 14, or that the functions of the electronic control unit 32 may alternatively be performed by a powered closure member electronic control unit. When the at least one sensor 20 detects motion and characteristics (e.g., speed, angle, size, etc.) of an object, such as a foot or object, in the detection zone 62, the at least one sensor 20 sends data related to the object or motion (and characteristics) to the electronic control unit 32 (i.e., software). The electronic control unit 32 processes the data from the at least one sensor 20 to determine whether the object or motion is the activated gesture required to open the rear liftgate 14, rather than a false signal (e.g., passing debris, a cat, or other object walking past the sensor) or an incorrect gesture. If the data indicates that the correct activation posture is present, the electronic control unit 32 initiates the opening of the rear lift gate 14. In an exemplary embodiment, when the rear liftgate 14 is about to open or is opening, an indicator 28, such as a lighted graphic 30 and an audible tone, is activated to notify the user 24.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the software first establishes a reference measurement, which may be the distance between the at least one sensor 20 and the floor 83 below the rear lift gate 14 without any obstructions. The system 10 then continues to monitor the sensor data and look for changes in the baseline measurements that exceed a given threshold distance. Once the threshold distance is exceeded, the electronic control unit 32 considers this as a correct activation gesture instead of a false signal and communicates to the power-liftgate electronic control unit that an open or close request has been given. If the detected data does not meet the set threshold, the electronic control unit 32 determines that a false signal has occurred, such as may occur due to an object (e.g., a foot of the user 24) moving unintentionally under the rear bumper 18. After the correct activation signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit 32, the electronic control unit 32 may then initiate the opening of the rear lift gate 14. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system 10 again flashes the indicator 28 and produces an audible tone to indicate the opening of the rear liftgate 14, and the rear liftgate 14 is opened.

As best shown in fig. 9-12, in the contactless electrical closure member system 10, a radar-based

gesture recognition subassembly

25, 25', 25 "may alternatively be used as the at least one contactless sensor 20 of one type in combination with the indicator 28. Additionally, the radar-based gesture recognition subcomponents 25, 25', 25 "may be used in ICON (ICON) -type applications. The radar-based gesture-

recognition subassemblies

25, 25', 25 "may be integrated with the indicator 28 or, alternatively, separately attached to the rear bumper 18 or another location on the vehicle 12.

According to one aspect, an example of the radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent 25 includes a waveform generator 29 for generating a waveform (e.g., a continuous wave waveform) having a frequency as best shown in fig. 10. Oscillator 33 is coupled to waveform generator 29 to vary the frequency of the waveform and output a heterodyne signal. The transmission amplifier 37 is coupled to the oscillator 33 to amplify the heterodyne signal, and outputs the amplified heterodyne signal. The radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly 25 further includes a splitter 41, the splitter 41 having a splitter input 43 coupled to the transmit amplifier 37 and having a plurality of splitter outputs 45 for splitting the amplified heterodyne signals at the plurality of splitter outputs 45. At least one transmitting antenna element 31 is coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs 45 to transmit a transmitted radar wave (e.g., transmitted continuous wave 54e) corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal to provide an intermediate radar field (i.e., detection zone 62) within a predetermined distance D from the radar-based pose identification subassembly 25 (e.g., from the rear bumper 18 of the vehicle 12). The intermediate radar field enables the user 24 to interact from a distance (e.g., within the predetermined distance D) in a variety of gestures or motions including, but not limited to, hand gestures, foot gestures, and/or whole body gestures. Gestures may include motion, non-motion, or a combination of the foregoing. As indicated, the transmitted radar waves emitted by the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly 25 shown in fig. 10 are Continuous Wave (CW) radars (i.e., the waveform generator 29 produces a continuous wave waveform), which are known in the art to provide a lower cost and simpler motion/object detection system 10 using doppler radars. However, it should be understood that the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25 may be configured to continuously transmit modulated radiation, ultra-wideband radiation, or sub-millimeter frequency radiation (e.g., frequencies that form part of the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band, such as at about 24GHz or 60 GHz).

The radar-based gesture-identification subassembly 25 also includes at least one receive antenna element 35, the at least one receive antenna element 35 for receiving reflections within the intermediate radar field or sensing interactions (interactions) within the intermediate radar field (i.e., transmitted radar waves from the at least one transmit antenna element 31). The first receiving amplifier 47 is coupled to one receiving antenna element 35 to amplify reflection of the transmitted radar wave and output an amplified reflected wave signal. A mixer 49 is coupled to another of the plurality of splitter outputs 45 of the splitter 41 and to the first receive amplifier 47 to mix the amplified heterodyne signal with the amplified reflected wave signal to generate a mixed receive signal. The radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25 also includes a second receive amplifier 50, the second receive amplifier 50 coupled to the mixer 49 to amplify the mixed receive signal and output an amplified mixed receive signal. The signal processor 27 is coupled to the second receive amplifier 50 to receive and process the amplified mixed receive signal (i.e., the received reflected CW radar signal) to determine a frequency offset of the transmitted radar wave (e.g., the continuous wave 54e) indicative of the velocity V of the object or user 24. The signal processor 27 may also be coupled to the electronic control unit 32 or alternatively be integrated in the electronic control unit 32. The signal processor 27 is arranged to communicate with the at least one receive antenna element 35 to process reflections of received reflected or transmitted radar waves within the intermediate radar field (i.e., the signal processor 27 may execute instructions to perform calculations on received reflected and transmitted radiated signals or mixed signals to implement various detection techniques including, but not limited to, CW radar, frequency modulated continuous wave radar, time of flight) to provide motion and/or gesture data for determining gestures made by the user 24.

Accordingly, the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25 shown in fig. 10 may be configured to transmit and detect Continuous Wave (CW) radar using one transmitting antenna element 31 and one receiving antenna element 35. With such a configuration, the radar-based gesture-recognition subsystem 25 is operable to detect the velocity/velocity V of the object/user 24 using doppler radar principles (i.e., the received reflected CW radar signal is processed by the signal processor 27 to determine a frequency offset of the transmitted continuous wave 54e indicative of the velocity V of the object or user 24).

As illustratively shown in fig. 11, another example radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25 'may also be configured to transmit and receive Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, where radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25' includes one transmitting antenna element 31 and one receiving antenna element 35. The structure of radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25 'is similar to radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25 shown in fig. 10, however, waveform generator 29' instead outputs a frequency-modulated continuous wave waveform to transmit frequency-modulated continuous wave 55e with transmitting antenna element 31. With such a configuration, the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25' is operable to detect gestures/motions of the object/user 24 using frequency modulated radar technology (i.e., the reflected FMCW radar signals are processed by the signal processor 27 to determine a frequency offset indicative of the velocity V or doppler frequency and range/range or beat frequency of the object/user 24).

As illustratively shown in FIG. 12, another example radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly 25' also uses FMCW radar, and the at least one receive antenna 35 may include a plurality of receive antenna elements 35 forming a receive antenna array ₁ 、35 ₂ To 35 _n . Using a plurality of receiving antenna elements 35 ₁ 、 35 ₂ To 35 _n Is advantageous because for a plurality of receiving antenna elements 35 ₁ 、35 ₂ To 35 _n Of the angle theta of reflection of the transmitted radar wave may be dependent on the object/user 24 relative to the plurality of receiving antenna elements 35 ₁ 、35 ₂ To 35 _n The position of each of which varies. Thus, a plurality of receiving antenna elements 35 are used ₁ 、35 ₂ To 35 _n A more accurate estimate of the location of the object/user 24 may be provided. Furthermore, the at least one transmitting antenna 31 may comprise a plurality of transmitting antenna elements 31 to 31 forming a transmitting antenna array _n . It should be understood that the radar-based

gesture recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 "may alternatively be configured for pulsed time-of-flight radar.

The intermediate radar field or detection zone 62 provided by the at least one transmitting antenna 31 may be a three-dimensional volume, such as a hemisphere, cube, cone, or cylinder. Again, the at least one receive antenna element 35 is used to receive reflections from interactions in the intermediate radar field and the signal processor 27 is used to process and analyse the received reflections to provide pose data that can be used to determine a pose for opening the rear lift gate 14 or other closure member. To sense gestures through obstacles, radar-based gesture-

recognition subassemblies

25, 25', 25 "may be configured to emit radar waves capable of substantially penetrating fabric, wood, plastic, and glass, as well as other non-metallic materials. The at least one receiving antenna element 35 may be configured to receive reflections from human tissue through the fabric of the user's clothing and through plastic, ice, rain, snow, dust, wood and glass.

Thus, according to an example embodiment, when the user 24 approaches the vehicle 12, the vehicle 12 senses the key fob 22 and activates the radar-based gesture recognition system and the indicator 28. The radar-based gesture-recognition system has a trigger event mode and a non-trigger event mode. The indicator 28 according to an exemplary embodiment is a light disposed on the rear bumper 18 to notify the user 24 that the system 10 is activated and to wait for an activation gesture from the user 24 to open the closure member (e.g., the rear liftgate 14). The indicator 28 also informs the user 24 of the correct position to perform the activation gesture (e.g., the presence of the user's 24 feet). At the same time, the radar-based gesture-

recognition subassemblies

25, 25', 25 "generate an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the pointer and the vehicle 12.

For the exemplary embodiment, the indicator notifies the user 24 by illuminating a red light. To initiate the trigger event mode, the user 24 places his or her foot under the illuminated indicator 28. When the user 24 places his or her foot under the lighted indicator 28 (e.g., such a motion may be a natural and intuitive "step-in" in a motion equivalent to a step that includes moving his or her foot into the detection zone 62, the step first entering the detection zone 62 at a location above the ground 83, then moving toward the ground 83 and toward the vehicle 12, and finally ending the motion with the foot contacting the ground 83 in the detection zone 62), the at least one receiving antenna element 35 in the radar-based

gesture recognition subassembly

25, 25', 25 "receives reflections from interactions in the intermediate radar field. The signal processor 27 then processes and analyzes the received reflections to provide gesture data that may be used to determine a gesture. For example, the signal processor 27 may process the received reflections to determine a doppler shift for calculating the velocity/velocity V of the object or user 24 or a frequency shift for calculating the distance and velocity of the object or user 24, and may indicate, for example, a vertically varying angle and direction change indicating that the object or user 24 is moving toward the ground 83. The strength of the reflected radar signal may also be processed to determine the size of the user or object 24. In order for the signal processor 27 to process the received reflections to conclude that an activation gesture has been made, the user 24 may have to hold his or her feet still for a desired period of time (e.g., four seconds). Once the user 24 holds his or her feet still for the desired period of time and provides the correct posture, the indicator 28 notifies the user by flashing an illuminated yellow light. In this example, the gesture includes a sequential combination of movements into the detection zone 62 and no movement of the foot in the detection zone 62. Next, the system 10 initiates movement of the closure member (e.g., opening of the rear liftgate 14). On the other hand, if the user 24 holds his or her feet still but does not meet the required time period (e.g., less than four seconds) required to initiate opening of the rear liftgate 14, the non-trigger event mode is initiated. During a non-triggering event, the indicator 28 quickly flashes an illuminated yellow light to indicate to the user 24 that the gesture made by the user 24 does not meet the requirements for opening the rear liftgate 14.

Accordingly, as best shown in fig. 13 and 14A-14B, a method of operating a closure member (e.g., liftgate 14) of a vehicle 12 using a contactless powered closure member system 10 is provided, the contactless powered closure member system 10 including an indicator 28, a contactless sensor including a radar-based

gesture recognition subassembly

25, 25', 25 ", and an electronic control unit 32. The method comprises the following steps 100: a key fob 22 associated with the vehicle 12 within a predetermined distance of the vehicle 12 is detected. The step 100 of detecting the fob 22 may be performed by a body control module (not shown) of the vehicle 12 in communication with the contactless powered closure member system 10 or by the contactless powered closure member system 10. Next, 102: the user 24 is notified of the rendered gesture using the pointer 28. For the example embodiment, the indicator 28 may illuminate a red light to the user 24 to inform the user 24 to assume the posture required to initiate opening of the rear liftgate 14. The method proceeds to 104: the radar-based

gesture recognition sub-assemblies

25, 25', 25 "are used to generate an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle 12. In more detail, the step 104 of generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle 12 using the radar-based gesture-

recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 ″ may include the steps 106 of: a waveform generator 29 is used to generate a waveform having a certain frequency. In the case where the waveform generator 29 outputs the continuous wave waveform 54g, the step 106 of generating a waveform having a frequency using the waveform generator 29 includes 108: a continuous wave waveform 54g having a frequency is generated using the waveform generator 29. Alternatively, the step 106 of generating a waveform having a frequency using the waveform generator 29 may include 110: a frequency modulated continuous wave waveform 55g having a frequency is generated using the waveform generator 29.

The step 104 of generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle 12 using the radar-based gesture-

recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 ″ may include the step 112 of: an oscillator 33 coupled to the waveform generator 29 is used to change the frequency of the waveform and output a heterodyne signal. The step 104 of generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle 12 using the radar-based gesture-

recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 ″ may further comprise: step 114, amplifying the heterodyne signal using the transmission amplifier 37 coupled to the oscillator and outputting the amplified heterodyne signal; and step 116 of splitting the amplified heterodyne signal using a splitter 41 having a splitter input 43 coupled to the transmit amplifier 37 and having a plurality of splitter outputs 45.

recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 "may further include the step 118 of: transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using at least one transmitting antenna element 31 coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs 45 to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance D from the radar-based

gesture recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 ". In more detail, the step 118 of transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using at least one transmit antenna element 31 coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs 45 to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based

gesture recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 ″ may include the steps 120 of: using multiple transmit antenna elements 31-31 coupled to one of multiple splitter outputs 45 _n To transmit a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance D from the radar-based

gesture recognition sub-assembly

25, 25', 25 ".

The method may proceed to 122: gestures made by the user 24 in the intermediate radar field are detected. Thus, the method may further comprise the step 124 of: the reflection of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field is received using at least one receiving antenna element 35. As described above, the at least one receiving antenna element 35 may include a plurality of receiving antenna elements 35 ₁ 、35 ₂ To 35 _n Thus, receiving the reflection of the transmitted radar wave in the intermediate radar field using the at least one receive antenna element 35 may comprise 126: using a plurality of receiving antenna elements 35 ₁ 、35 ₂ To 35 _n Reflections of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field are received. The next step of the method is 128: the reflection of the transmitted radar wave is amplified using a first receive amplifier 47 coupled to the at least one receive antenna element 35 and an amplified reflected wave signal is output. The method may perform the following steps: the amplified heterodyne signal and the amplified reflected wave signal are mixed using a mixer 49 coupled to another one of the plurality of splitter outputs 45 of the splitter 41 and coupled to the first receive amplifier 47 to generate a mixed receive signal, step 130, and the mixed receive signal is amplified using a second receive amplifier 50 coupled to the mixer 49 and the amplified mixed receive signal is output, step 132. The method may proceed to step 134: the amplified mixed receive signal is received and processed using a signal processor 27 of the radar-based

gesture recognition subassembly

25, 25', 25 "coupled to the electronic control unit 32 and to the second receive amplifier 50 to determine a frequency offset of the transmitted radar wave indicative of the velocity V of the object 24. Other motion and pose information of the object 24, such as distance/range, direction/angle, and size, may also be determined at step 134 through processing of the amplified mixed received signal.

The method further comprises the following steps: 136, determining a time range of the gesture made by the user, and 138, comparing the gesture with the activation gesture, and comparing the time range with a required time period required to initiate a trigger event mode for operating the closure member 14 of the vehicle 12 (typically by software incorporated into the system 10 and executed by the electronic control unit 32).

It should be understood that various techniques may be used to detect interactions in the intermediate radar field. For an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the gesture technique is based on motion detection. As shown in fig. 15, to unlock or actuate the system 10 (door or liftgate 14), the user 24 places his or her foot within range of the radar zone (e.g., the mid radar field) and then waits a period of time T to activate the system 10 before moving his or her foot out of range of the radar. In other words, the user 24 must place his or her foot in the intermediate radar field for a desired period of time T before removing his or her foot. No or substantial movement is allowed for a time period T after the first detection. If the system 10 detects a second movement within the time period T, the algorithm will ignore the first detection and enter a reset state, and then wait for a new input or new gesture (e.g., a new walk-in). During the desired time period T, in order to activate the system 10, it is preferred that the user 24 does not make additional movements in the intermediate radar field. If the system 10 detects a second interaction in the intermediate radar field, i.e. an additional movement made by the user 24, within the required time period T, the system 10 ignores the first interaction detected by the at least one receiving antenna element 35 and the system 10 resets and waits for a new interaction by the user 24.

Alternatively, according to another example embodiment, as shown in fig. 16, dual motion detection techniques may be employed to detect interactions in the intermediate radar field. To activate system 10, user 24 should provide a first interaction in the intermediate radar field (e.g., place his or her foot in the intermediate radar field). To unlock or actuate the system 10, the user 24 places his feet within range of the radar zone, and then removes the feet for times T and T + Δ T to activate the system 10, as shown in fig. 16. After providing the first interaction, the user should provide a second interaction in the intermediate radar field (e.g., quickly remove his or her foot from the intermediate radar field) for a desired time period ttemp. However, the second detection is not allowed after the first detection and before T. If the system 10 detects the second movement, the algorithm will ignore the first detection and enter a reset state and wait for a new input. During the desired time period T, it is preferred that the user 24 should not make further interactions in the intermediate radar field. If the system 10 detects a second interaction in the intermediate radar field during the desired time period T, the system 10 ignores the first interaction detected by the at least one receiving antenna element 35, and the system 10 resets and waits for a new interaction by the user 24. Similarly, if there is no second detection after the allowed time T + Δ T expires, the algorithm will ignore the first detection and enter a reset state, and then wait for a new input. In other words, if the system 10 does not detect a second interaction within a time delay Δ T after the desired time period T, the system 10 will reset and wait for a new interaction by the user 24. It should be understood that the system 10 including the radar-based gesture-

recognition subassembly

25, 25', 25 "may be used in conjunction with other applications including non-contact (i.e., gesture-based) activation of powered opening closures, such as powered doors, powered luggage, front luggage (trunk) (i.e., powered activation of a front hood surrounding a front storage compartment), and powered sliding doors (i.e., minivans). Moreover, these techniques may also be applied to other non-automotive applications that may benefit from gesture-based activation of the system.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The above description 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 various elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be varied in a number of 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.

The example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those 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, known processes, known device structures, and known technologies are not described in detail.

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" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" 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. Unless specifically stated in an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their execution in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It should also 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, the element or layer 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 (e.g., "between …" and "directly between …", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. 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, as 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 herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "lower," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "top," "bottom," and the like, may be used herein to describe one element or feature'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 by an angle of rotation or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The invention can also be realized by the following technical scheme.

Scheme 1. a user-activated contactless closure member system for detecting gestures and operating a closure member of a vehicle, the user-activated contactless closure member system comprising:

at least one non-contact sensor attached to the vehicle body for detecting at least one of a motion and an object corresponding to a gesture made by the user, and outputting data in response to detecting the at least one of the object and the motion;

the at least one contactless sensor comprises a radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent for providing an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent in which the user can interact;

an indicator attached to the vehicle body for notifying the user of an appropriate position to make a gesture;

an electronic control unit coupled to the indicator and the at least one non-contact sensor and configured to:

receiving and analyzing data output by the at least one non-contact sensor,

determining whether the data corresponds to an activation gesture to transition to a triggering event mode defined by a gesture made by the user that corresponds to an activation gesture and a non-triggering event mode defined by a gesture that does not correspond to an activation gesture,

in response to transitioning to the trigger event mode, initiating movement of the closure member, an

Notifying the user using the indicator.

Scheme 2. the system of scheme 1, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly includes a waveform generator for generating a waveform having a frequency and an oscillator coupled to the waveform generator for changing the frequency of the waveform and outputting a heterodyne signal.

Scheme 3. the system of scheme 2, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-component comprises:

a transmission amplifier coupled to the oscillator for amplifying the heterodyne signal and outputting an amplified heterodyne signal;

a splitter having a splitter input coupled to the transmit amplifier and having a plurality of splitter outputs for splitting the amplified heterodyne signals at the plurality of splitter outputs; and

at least one transmitting antenna element coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs for transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly.

Scheme 4. the system of scheme 3, wherein the at least one transmitting antenna element comprises a plurality of transmitting antenna elements.

Scheme 5. the system of scheme 3, wherein the waveform generator outputs a continuous wave waveform to allow the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly to transmit a transmit continuous wave using the at least one transmitting antenna element.

Scheme 6. the system of scheme 3, wherein the waveform generator outputs a frequency modulated continuous wave waveform to allow the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly to transmit a frequency modulated continuous wave using the at least one transmitting antenna element.

Scheme 7. the system of scheme 3, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-component comprises:

at least one receive antenna element for receiving reflections of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field;

a first receive amplifier coupled to the at least one receive antenna element for amplifying reflections of the transmitted radar wave and outputting an amplified reflected wave signal;

a mixer coupled to another of the plurality of splitter outputs of the splitter and to the first receive amplifier for mixing the amplified heterodyne signal and the amplified reflected wave signal to generate a mixed receive signal; and

a second receive amplifier coupled to the mixer for amplifying the mixed receive signal and outputting an amplified mixed receive signal.

The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one receive antenna element comprises a plurality of receive antenna elements.

Scheme 9. the system of scheme 3, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly comprises a signal processor coupled to the electronic control unit and the second receive amplifier to receive and process the amplified hybrid receive signal to determine a frequency offset of the transmitted radar wave indicative of the velocity of the object.

Scheme 10. the system of scheme 1, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly is configured to transmit and receive at least one of ultra-wideband radiation and sub-millimeter frequency radiation.

The system of claim 1, wherein the closure member is a rear liftgate of the vehicle, and the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly and the indicator are attached to a rear bumper of the vehicle.

Scheme 12. a method of operating a closure member of a vehicle using a contactless powered closure member system comprising an indicator, a contactless sensor comprising a radar-based gesture recognition subassembly, and an electronic control unit, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting a key fob associated with the vehicle within a predetermined distance of the vehicle;

notifying a user of a rendering gesture using the pointer;

generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle using the radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent;

detecting a gesture made by the user in the intermediate radar field;

determining a time range of a gesture made by the user; and

comparing the gesture to an activation gesture and comparing the time range to a required time period required to initiate a trigger event mode for operating the closure member of the vehicle.

Scheme 13. the method of scheme 12, wherein the step of generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle using the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly comprises the steps of:

generating a waveform having a frequency using a waveform generator; and

an oscillator coupled to the waveform generator is used to change the frequency of the waveform and output a heterodyne signal.

The method of claim 13, wherein the step of generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle using the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly comprises the steps of:

amplifying the heterodyne signal using a transmit amplifier coupled to the oscillator and outputting an amplified heterodyne signal;

splitting the amplified heterodyne signal using a splitter having a splitter input coupled to the transmit amplifier and having a plurality of splitter outputs; and

transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using at least one transmit antenna element coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly.

Scheme 15. the method of scheme 13, wherein the step of transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using at least one transmitting antenna element coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly comprises the steps of: transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using a plurality of transmit antenna elements coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly.

The method of claim 13, wherein the step of generating a waveform having a frequency using the waveform generator comprises: generating a continuous wave waveform having a frequency using the waveform generator.

The method of claim 13, wherein generating a waveform having a frequency using the waveform generator comprises generating a frequency modulated continuous wave waveform having a frequency using the waveform generator.

Scheme 18. the method of scheme 13, further comprising the steps of:

receiving reflections of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field using at least one receive antenna element;

amplifying a reflection of the transmitted radar wave using a first receive amplifier coupled to the at least one receive antenna element and outputting an amplified reflected wave signal;

mixing the amplified heterodyne signal and the amplified reflected wave signal using a mixer coupled to another one of the plurality of splitter outputs of the splitter and coupled to the first receive amplifier to generate a mixed receive signal; and

amplifying the mixed receive signal using a second receive amplifier coupled to the mixer and outputting an amplified mixed receive signal.

The method of aspect 18, wherein the step of using the at least one receive antenna element to receive the reflection of the transmitted radar wave in the intermediate radar field comprises: receiving reflections of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field using a plurality of receive antenna elements.

Scheme 20. the method of scheme 18, further comprising the steps of: receiving and processing the amplified mixed receive signal using a signal processor of the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly coupled to the electronic control unit and the second receive amplifier to determine a frequency offset of the transmitted radar wave indicative of a velocity of the object.

Claims

1. A user-activated contactless closure member system (10) for detecting gestures and operating a closure member (14) of a vehicle (12), the user-activated contactless closure member system (10) comprising:

at least one non-contact sensor (20) attached to the vehicle body (16) for detecting at least one of a motion and an object corresponding to a gesture made by the user (24), and outputting data in response to detecting the at least one of the object and the motion;

the at least one contactless sensor (20) comprises a radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25 "), the radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25") being configured to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance (D) from the radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25 "), in which the user (24) is able to interact;

an indicator (28) attached to the vehicle body (16) in a position to indicate a proper position under which a correct activation gesture is made;

an electronic control unit (32) coupled to the indicator (28) and the at least one contactless sensor (20) and configured to:

using the indicator (28) to inform the user (24) of the appropriate position to make the correct activation gesture,

receiving and analyzing data output by the at least one non-contact sensor (20),

determining whether the data corresponds to an activation gesture to transition to a trigger event mode defined by gestures made by the user (24) that correspond to an activation gesture and a non-trigger event mode defined by gestures that do not correspond to an activation gesture,

in response to a transition to the trigger event mode, initiating movement of the closure member (14), an

Using the indicator (28) to inform the user that the user is making an activation gesture in the correct position.

2. The system (10) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25 ") includes a waveform generator (29, 29 ') for generating a waveform having a frequency and an oscillator (33) coupled to the waveform generator (29, 29 ') for changing the frequency of the waveform and outputting a heterodyne signal.

3. The system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent (25, 25', 25 ") includes:

a transmit amplifier (37) coupled to the oscillator (33) for amplifying the heterodyne signal and outputting an amplified heterodyne signal;

a splitter (41) having a splitter input (43) coupled to the transmit amplifier (37) and having a plurality of splitter outputs (45) for splitting the amplified heterodyne signals at the plurality of splitter outputs (45); and

at least one transmitting antenna element (31) coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs (45) for transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance (D) from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly (25, 25', 25 ").

4. The system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subcomponent (25, 25', 25 ") includes:

at least one receiving antenna element (35) for receiving reflections of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field;

a first receive amplifier (47) coupled to the at least one receive antenna element (35) for amplifying reflections of the transmitted radar wave and outputting an amplified reflected wave signal;

a mixer (49) coupled to another one of the plurality of splitter outputs (45) of the splitter (41) and to the first receive amplifier (47) for mixing the amplified heterodyne signal and the amplified reflected wave signal to generate a mixed receive signal; and

a second receive amplifier (50) coupled to the mixer (49) for amplifying the mixed receive signal and outputting an amplified mixed receive signal.

5. The system (10) in accordance with claim 4, wherein the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly (25, 25', 25 ") includes a signal processor (27), the signal processor (27) coupled to the electronic control unit (32) and the second receive amplifier (50) for receiving and processing the amplified mixed receive signal to determine a frequency offset of the transmitted radar waves indicative of the velocity (V) of the object (24).

6. A method of operating a closure member (14) of a vehicle (12) using a contactless powered closure member system (10), the contactless powered closure member system (10) including an indicator (28), a contactless sensor (20), and an electronic control unit (32), the contactless sensor (20) including a radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25', 25 "), the method comprising the steps of:

detecting a key fob (22) associated with the vehicle (12) within a predetermined distance of the vehicle (12);

notifying a user (24) of the presentation gesture using an indicator (28), wherein the indicator is disposed on the vehicle at a position that is indicative of a suitable position for making a correct activation gesture below the indicator, and the indicator is used to notify the user of the suitable position for making a correct activation gesture and to inform the user that the user is making an activation gesture at the correct position;

generating an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle (12) using the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly (25, 25', 25 ");

detecting a gesture made by the user (24) in the intermediate radar field;

determining a time range of a gesture made by the user (24); and

-comparing the gesture with an activation gesture and comparing the time range with a required time period (T) required to initiate a trigger event mode for operating the closure member (14) of the vehicle (12).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of using the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly (25, 25', 25 ") to generate an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle (12) comprises the steps of:

generating a waveform having a frequency using a waveform generator (29, 29'); and

an oscillator (33) coupled to the waveform generator (29, 29') is used to vary the frequency of the waveform and output a heterodyne signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of using the radar-based gesture-recognition subassembly (25, 25', 25 ") to generate an intermediate radar field in the vicinity of the vehicle (12) comprises the steps of:

amplifying the heterodyne signal using a transmit amplifier (37) coupled to the oscillator (33) and outputting an amplified heterodyne signal;

splitting the amplified heterodyne signal using a splitter (41) having a splitter input (43) coupled to the transmit amplifier (37) and having a plurality of splitter outputs (45); and

transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using at least one transmit antenna element (31) coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs (45) to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance (D) from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly (25, 25', 25 ").

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using at least one transmit antenna element (31) coupled to one of the plurality of splitter outputs (45) to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance (D) from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly (25, 25', 25 ") comprises the steps of: transmitting a transmit radar wave corresponding to the amplified heterodyne signal using a plurality of transmit antenna elements (31 to 31n) coupled to the one of the plurality of splitter outputs (45) to provide an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance (D) from the radar-based gesture-recognition sub-assembly (25, 25', 25 ").

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:

receiving reflections of the transmitted radar waves in the intermediate radar field using at least one receive antenna element (35);

amplifying reflections of the transmitted radar wave using a first receive amplifier (47) coupled to the at least one receive antenna element (35) and outputting an amplified reflected wave signal;

mixing the amplified heterodyne signal and the amplified reflected wave signal using a mixer (49) coupled to another one of the plurality of splitter outputs (45) of the splitter (41) and to the first receive amplifier (47) to produce a mixed receive signal; and

amplifying the mixed receive signal using a second receive amplifier (50) coupled to the mixer (49) and outputting an amplified mixed receive signal.

11. A method of operating a closure member (14) of a vehicle (12) using a contactless powered closure member (14) system (10), the contactless powered closure member system (10) comprising an indicator (28) coupled to an electronic control unit (32) and at least one contactless sensor (20), the at least one contactless sensor (20) comprising a radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25 "), the radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25") being for providing an intermediate radar field within a predetermined distance (D) from the radar-based gesture recognition subassembly (25, 25 ', 25 "), in which an interaction by a user (24) is enabled; the method comprises the following steps:

detecting movement of an object (24) in the vicinity of the closure member (14) using the at least one non-contact sensor (20) and outputting data associated with the object (24);

determining that there is a first detection associated with detecting movement of the object (24) moving in proximity to the closure member (14) and outputting data associated with the object (24);

determining whether the object (24) remains in proximity to the closure member (14) without additional movement for a desired amount of time after the first detection and outputting data associated with the object (24);

disregarding the first detection and transitioning to a reset state and returning to the step of determining that there is a first detection and whether the object (24) remains in proximity to the closure member (14) without additional movement for the desired amount of time after the first detection;

in response to determining that the first detection is present and that there is no second detection within the desired amount of time after the first detection, initiating movement of the closure member (14); and

notifying the user (24) using the indicator (28) in response to one of: -initiating the movement of the closing member (14); and ignoring the first detection;

wherein the indicator is arranged on the vehicle in a position indicating a suitable position for making a correct activation gesture below the indicator, and the indicator is used to inform the user of the suitable position for making a correct activation gesture and to inform the user that he is making an activation gesture in the correct position.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: determining that there is a second detection associated with movement of the object (24) that the object (24) does not remain in proximity to the closure member (14), and determining whether the second detection occurs after the desired amount of time after the first detection.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the second detection occurs within a time delay between the desired amount of time and after the desired amount of time; and wherein the one or more of the one or more,

the step of initiating movement of the closure member (14) in response to determining that the first detection is present and that there is no second detection within the desired amount of time after the first detection is further defined as: in response to determining that the first detection is present and that the second detection is present within the desired amount of time and the time delay after the desired amount of time, initiating movement of the closure member (14).

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

determining whether the second detection occurs within a time delay between the desired amount of time and after the desired amount of time; and

in response to determining that the second detection is not present for the desired amount of time and the time delay after the desired amount of time, transitioning to the reset state and returning to the step of determining that the first detection is present.