Assembly Module for a Motor Vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly module (20) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising an optical sensor system (30) which can be used a) to monitor a detection area (150) on the outside of the motor vehicle (1) in order to determine the proximity of a user (10), b) to emit a flash of laser light within the detection area (150), c) to detect a reflection of the flash of laser light (122) from the user (10) and d) to release a signal for carrying out an action on the motor vehicle (1) in the event a user (10) is detected in a predefined actuation area (180) within the detection area (150).

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. An assembly module for a motor vehicle with an optical sensor system that is suitable for a) monitoring a detection area located outside the motor vehicle in order to detect the proximity of a user, b) emitting a laser light flash within the detection area, c) detecting a reflection of the laser light flash by the user, and d) triggering a signal for carrying out an action on the motor vehicle in case the user is detected in a predefined actuation area within the detection area.

21. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system is designed for triggering a signal for starting an authentication check between an ID transmitter and an access control system of the motor vehicle if the user is detected in the detection area and for only carrying out steps b) through d) if the authentication result is positive.

22. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system is designed for inhibiting steps b) through d) if no user has been detected in the detection area.

23. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features an emitter unit for the emission of the laser light flash with a wavelength in the infrared range, particularly with a wavelength in the range of 905 nm + about 10 nm.

24. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features at least one optical filter, particularly an infrared filter, for at least optically filtering out the emitted laser light flash or the reflection of the laser light flash.

25. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features at least one polarizer for at least polarizing the emitted laser light flash or the reflection of the laser light flash.

26. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features an optical system for broadening the Gaussian distribution of the intensity of the emitted laser light flash in order to supply the boundaries of the detection area with sufficiently high intensity.

27. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system has a cylindrical or essentially cylindrical structural shape.

28. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system is designed for a superposition, particularly a complete superposition, of at least the detection area or the actuation area with the emitted laser light flash.

29. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features a control device with an emitter unit for the emission of the laser light flash, wherein the emitter unit is aligned such that its emitting direction is acutely angled relative to the horizontal line, particularly with an angle greater than about 30.

30. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features a control device for determining the distance of the user from the optical sensor system by evaluating the time difference between the emission of the laser light flash and the detection of the reflection of the laser light flash by the user.

31. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the signal is triggered in order to carry out at least one of the following actions on the motor vehicle: at least opening or closing the tailgate of the motor vehicle at least opening or closing a sliding door of the motor vehicle at least opening or closing a side door of the motor vehicle at least opening or closing a window of the motor vehicle at least opening or closing the engine hood of the motor vehicle at least opening or closing the fuel tank cap of the motor vehicle at least activating or deactivating an auxiliary heating system of the motor vehicle at least activating or deactivating a window heating system of the motor vehicle at least activating or deactivating a light function of the motor vehicle at least folding in or folding out the side mirrors of the motor vehicle at least activating or deactivating an alarm system of the motor vehicle adjusting a user-specific setting in the motor vehicle, particularly the setting of the driver's seat at least retracting or extending a trailer hitch.

32. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the optical sensor system features a control device with a detection unit for carrying out step a), an emitter unit for carrying out step b), a receiver unit for carrying out step c) and an evaluation unit for carrying out step d).

33. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the emitter unit features at least one laser light source for the emission of the laser light flash, particularly for the successive pulsed emission of a plurality of laser light flashes.

34. The assembly module according to claim 33, wherein the at least one laser light source is arranged adjacent to the receiver unit.

35. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the emitter unit is designed for emitting the laser light flash along at least two emitting directions that meet in a focal point arranged within the detection area, particularly within the actuation area.

36. The assembly module according to claim 20, wherein the laser light flash is emitted into the actuation area that is smaller than the detection area and realized within the detection area.

37. A method for triggering a signal in order to carry out an action on a motor vehicle, wherein said method features the following steps: a) monitoring a detection area located outside the motor vehicle in order to detect the proximity of a user b) emitting a laser light flash within the detection area, c) detecting a reflection of the laser light flash by the user, and d) triggering a signal for carrying out an action on the motor vehicle in case the user is detected in a predefined actuation area within the detection area.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein it is intended for the operation of an assembly module for a motor vehicle with an optical sensor system that is suitable for a) monitoring a detection area located outside the motor vehicle in order to detect the proximity of a user, b) emitting a laser light flash within the detection area, c) detecting a reflection of the laser light flash by the user, and d) triggering a signal for carrying out an action on the motor vehicle in case the user is detected in a predefined actuation area within the detection area.

Description

[0071] Other advantages, characteristics and details of the invention can be gathered from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail with reference to the drawings. In this respect, the characteristics disclosed in the claims and the description may respectively be essential to the invention individually or in arbitrary combination. In the schematic drawings:

[0072] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a tail region of a motor vehicle with an inventive assembly module and an inventive authentication system,

[0073] FIG. 2 shows the tail region of FIG. 1 in the form of a side view,

[0074] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a lateral area of a motor vehicle with an inventive assembly module and an inventive authentication system,

[0075] FIG. 4 shows the assembly module of FIG. 3 in the form of another side view,

[0076] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an inventive assembly module,

[0077] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 with a user located within the actuation area,

[0078] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an inventive assembly module,

[0079] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an inventive assembly module, and

[0080] FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of an inventive assembly module.

[0081] Elements with identical function and mode of action are identified by the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0082] FIGS. 1 and 2 on the one hand and FIGS. 3 and 4 on the other hand respectively show how an inventive assembly module 20 and an inventive authentication system 16 are used in a motor vehicle 1. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the use in a tail region of a motor vehicle 1 with a tailgate 2. The optical sensor system 30 of the assembly module 20 is arranged in the region of the tailgate 2, e.g. in a handle of the tailgate 2. The optical sensor system 30 defines a detection area 150 that lies outside the motor vehicle 1. The optical sensor system 30 continuously monitors the detection area 150 while the motor vehicle 1 is parked. When a user 10, who is still illustrated outside the detection area 150 in FIGS. 1 and 2, approaches the vehicle 1 and the optical sensor system 30 with an ID transmitter 13, the user 10 reaches the detection area 150. Once the user 10 is detected in the detection area 150, a signal for starting an authentication check is preferably triggered.

[0083] Since the optical sensor system 30 detects that a user 10 approaches the motor vehicle 1 and a signal for starting an authentication check is triggered in case the user 10 is detected in the detection area 150, no activity of the user is required in order to initiate the authentication check. Consequently, the user 10 does not have to hold the ID transmitter 13 in one hand, but rather can simply carry along the ID transmitter 13, for example in a pocket. The authentication check being carried out therefore is a passive keyless entry check.

[0084] Since an optical sensor system 30 monitors the detection area 150, it can on the one hand be ensured that the signal for starting the authentication check is triggered before the user 10 reaches the motor vehicle 1. In this respect, the authentication check will usually be completed before the user 10 has moved closer to the motor vehicle 1 than the actuation area 160. On the other hand, the detection area 150 is limited to a predefined space section that, for example, only comprises a few m.sup.2 in a top view such that the signal for starting the authentication check only is rarely triggered. In this way, the signal for starting the authentication check can be timely and purposefully triggered.

[0085] In a top view, the detection area 150 has two sides 31, 32 that converge toward the optical sensor system 30. The detection area 150 also has a base 33 that defines the detection area 21 on the side of the detection area 21 lying opposite of the optical sensor system 30. The detection area 21 ends at the base 33. The base 33 is realized straight. The two sides 31, 32 include an angle . Since the detection area 150 is tapered in the direction of the motor vehicle 1, the timely yet rare triggering of the signal for starting an authentication can be achieved particularly well.

[0086] In FIG. 1, the angle lies between 30 and 60. In this way, a user 10, who laterally walks past the motor vehicle 1, is prevented from reaching the detection area 150. A length L resulting from the distance of the base 33 from the optical sensor system 30 amounts to 1.5 m. The length L and the angle also result in the maximum distance x of a point of the detection area 150 from the optical sensor system 30. The detection area 150 is defined by the chosen parameters such that only little electric power is required for monitoring the detection area 150. According to FIG. 2, the detection area 150 ends at a ground area 15, on which the motor vehicle 1 is parked. The detection area 150 therefore has the shape of an oblique truncated cone. An angle illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponds to an angle of the detection area 21 in a side view. The angle is presently chosen unequal to the angle such that the detection area 150 is realized elliptical.

[0087] Another option for only requiring little electric power consists of dividing the detection area 150 into a far zone 24 and a near zone 23, wherein the near zone 23 is spaced apart from the sensor system 30 by a shorter distance than the far zone 24. When the user 10 initially reaches the far zone 24, the optical sensor system 30 detects that an object is located in the far zone 24. The optical sensor system 30 furthermore checks if the object has a predefined size. If the object has the predefined size and if the object moves into the near zone 23 of the detection area 150, it is furthermore determined in the near zone 23 if the object approaches the optical sensor based on a measurement of the distance of the object from the optical sensor 50. If this is the case, the user 10 is detected and a signal for starting an authentication check between the ID transmitter 13 and an access control system 14 of the motor vehicle 1 is triggered.

[0088] This signal causes the access control system 14 to transmit a wake-up signal to the ID transmitter 13. The ID transmitter 13 subsequently transmits an authentication code to the access control system 14. The access control system 14 compares the authentication code with a stored code. If the two codes correspond, the authentication is successful and an unlocking signal is triggered. This unlocking signal may consist of an unlocking signal for all doors of the motor vehicle 1 or of an unlocking system for the tailgate 2 only.

[0089] FIGS. 1 and 2 furthermore show the first actuation area 160. After a successful authentication, the optical sensor system 30 monitors the first actuation area 160. An operating signal is triggered if the user 10 now carries out a predefined movement in the first actuation area 160 such as, for example, stepping into the first actuation area 160 with one foot 11 for a certain period of time and within a predefined actuation period. The operating signal consists of a signal for opening the tailgate 2. In this respect, the door lock 8 of the tailgate 2 may merely be unlocked such that the tailgate opens slightly due to the pressure of a seal. On the other hand, it would also be conceivable to simultaneously activate a motor-driven opening aid with the operating signal such that the tailgate 2 opens completely.

[0090] The actuation area 160 is preferably visualized on the ground area 15. In this embodiment, a first display element 43, which visualizes the actuation area 160 for the user 10, is provided for this purpose. The first display element 43 may emit visible light. The first display element 43 is activated after a successful authentication. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the first actuation area 160 lies within the near zone 23 of the detection area 150. The actuation area 160 has smaller spatial dimensions than the detection area 150.

[0091] The first actuation area 160 may be the only actuation area. In FIG. 1, an optional second actuation area 160 is additionally illustrated with broken lines. In this case, a user 10 has to carry out a predefined movement in both actuation areas 160 within a predefined actuation period in order to trigger the operating signal. A second display element 45 of the assembly module 20 serves for visualizing the second actuation area 160.

[0092] FIGS. 3 and 4 show another exemplary embodiment using the inventive assembly module 20. Unless mentioned otherwise below, the mode of action and function of the assembly module 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the mode of action and function of the assembly module 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The assembly module 20 is arranged in a B-pillar on one side of the motor vehicle in FIGS. 3 and 4. The detection area 150 monitors if a user approaches a side door 3 of the motor vehicle 1. The predefined movement for triggering the operating signal may consist of a predefined movement with one hand 12 of the user 10 in the region of the door handle 5.

[0093] In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the complete detection area 150 located outside the motor vehicle 1 is positioned above the ground area 15 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The detection area 150 has a plane base. The actuation area 160 of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes the area of the door handle 5. The only actuation area 160 lies outside the detection area 150.

[0094] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an inventive assembly module 20 that is arranged in a motor vehicle 1 on the rear side. This assembly module 20 is equipped with a control device 100 that forms part of an optical sensor system 30. In this embodiment, the control device 100 features a detection unit 110, an emitter unit 120 and a receiver unit 130.

[0095] The detection unit 110 is capable of monitoring the rearward detection area 150 arranged behind the motor vehicle 1. The detection unit 110 may feature, e.g., a photosensor for this purpose. Additional emitter units 120 may also be provided for monitoring the detection area with artificial light in order to achieve a corresponding independence from the ambient lighting. Pulsed light flashes also may already be used at this point.

[0096] According to the invention, an emitter unit 120 for the emission of laser light flashes 122 is additionally provided. The steps of the method to be executed by means of an inventive assembly module 20 are described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0097] FIG. 5 shows how a user 10 enters the detection area 150, e.g. with a body part or completely. Since the detection area 150 essentially is continuously monitored by the detection unit 110, the optical sensor system 30 detects this motion of the user 10 with the aid of the control device 100. An emission of the laser light flash 122 can now take place, preferably in the form of a two-stage process, in order to obtain additional information on the position of the user 10. In this way, the position of the user 10 can be correlated with an actuation area 160. In this case, the laser light flash 122 is preferably emitted with an emitting direction 124 that overlaps with the actuation area 160 or exactly illuminates this actuation area with homogenous intensity distribution.

[0098] According to FIG. 6, the laser light flash 122 is at least partially reflected by the user 10. This reflected light of the laser light flash 122 can be received by the receiver unit 130 and evaluated. The evaluation is carried out, in particular, based on the so-called TOF measurement such that additional distance information is now available for positioning the user 10 more accurately in correlation with the actuation area 160.

[0099] Since the user 10 in FIG. 6 has now been detected within the actuation area 160, a signal for carrying out an action on the motor vehicle 1 can be triggered. This action may consist, e.g., of opening the tailgate or a lateral sliding door of the motor vehicle 1.

[0100] FIG. 7 schematically shows another embodiment of an inventive assembly module 20 in the form of a side view. This assembly module is equipped with an optical system 30 that once again features a control device 100. According to this figure, the emitter unit 120 is arranged above the detection unit 110, wherein the detection unit 110 is in this case also functionally combined with the receiver unit 130. The control device 100 furthermore features an evaluation unit 140 in this embodiment in order to carry out the individual steps of the method, particularly the evaluation.

[0101] According to FIG. 7, the precise determination of the position with the aid of the laser light flash 122 now makes it possible to monitor volumetric information with respect to the detection area 150 or the actuation area 160. This figure shows the movement of a foot 11 of a user 10. If the foot 11 of the user 10 moves along the three positions shown, it initially penetrates the volume of the detection area 150. The emission of the pulsed laser light flashes 122 along the emitting direction 124 is not carried out until this point is reached, preferably in a two-stage process, and stops once it is detected that the foot 11 of the user 10 is now located in the volume of the actuation area 160. The signal for carrying out an action on the motor vehicle can now be triggered.

[0102] FIG. 7 furthermore shows that the horizontal line H and the emitting direction 124 of the laser light flash 122 include an angle that acutely points downward. In this way, downward monitoring can be carried out from above such that the risk of injuries to the human eye preferably can be completely eliminated.

[0103] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an inventive assembly module 20, in which the emitter unit 120 features a plurality of laser light sources 126. These individual laser light sources 126 are annularly and uniformly distributed around the receiver unit 130 that also forms the detection unit 110 in this case. This results in a particularly homogenous light distribution referred to the emission of the laser light flash 122. Due to the reduction of the distance between the emitter unit 120 and the receiver unit 130, the angle can simultaneously be neglected in the subsequent evaluation by means of the TOF method.

[0104] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the inventive assembly module 20. In this case, several laser light sources 126 are provided at a distance from one another in order to form the emitter unit 120. This results in several emitting directions 124, in this case two schematically illustrated emitting directions that have a focal point B within the actuation area 160. Consequently, the individual laser light sources 126 can be operated with reduced energy because the corresponding energy density for the desired reflection on a user 10 is only made available in the focal point B. In addition to the energy demand, this also reduces the risk of injuries, e.g. of the human eye, because the high energy density is only reached in the focal point B. In this context, it should be noted that the focal point B may also be realized in the form of a volumetric element within the actuation area 160.

[0105] The preceding explanation of embodiments exclusively describes the present invention in the context of examples. Individual characteristics of the embodiments naturally may, if technically sensible, be freely combined without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0106] 1 Motor vehicle [0107] 2 Tailgate [0108] 3 Side door [0109] 4 B-pillar [0110] 5 Door handle [0111] 8 Door lock [0112] 10 User [0113] 11 Foot [0114] 12 Hand [0115] 13 ID transmitter [0116] 14 Access control system [0117] 15 Ground area [0118] 16 Authentication system [0119] 20 Assembly module [0120] 23 Near zone [0121] 24 Far zone [0122] 30 Optical sensor system [0123] 31 Side of detection area [0124] 32 Side of detection area [0125] 33 Base [0126] 43 First display element [0127] 45 Second display element [0128] 100 Control device [0129] 110 Detection unit [0130] 120 Emitter unit [0131] 122 Laser light flash [0132] 124 Emitting direction [0133] 126 Laser light source [0134] 130 Receiver unit [0135] 140 Evaluation unit [0136] 150 Detection area [0137] 160 Actuation area [0138] Angle between two sides of detection area [0139] Angle [0140] H Horizontal line [0141] B Focal point [0142] L Length [0143] x Maximum distance of a point of the detection area [0144] z ##