Method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle door

A method for enabling a door to be opened to any one of a plurality of different positions, comprising the steps of:

• coupling a motor to the door;
• actuating the motor to move the door from a closed position into an open position;
• detecting resistance to opening movement of the door;
• upon detecting resistance to the opening movement of the door, analyzing the detected resistance comparing it to a threshold;
• and
• when the detected resistance is above a threshold, directing the motor to stop the opening movement of the door.

An apparatus for controlling a motorized door of a vehicle to allow for non-motorized operation, comprising:

• a motor releasably coupled to the door for opening and closing the door;
• a torque sensor for measuring the torque on the motor, torque or force on the door;
• and
• a processor coupled to said torque sensor and said motor for analyzing the measured torque or force on the motor or door relative to a threshold and disengaging said motor from the door when the torque or force is above the threshold.

A method for controlling opening and closing of a vehicle door;

• comprising the steps of:
• detecting the presence of an individual authorized to open the door and enter the vehicle;
• generating a signal upon the detection of the presence of an authorized individual or an object possessed by the authorized individual;
• actuating a motor upon receipt of the signal to open or close the door.

An apparatus for controlling opening and closing of a vehicle door;

• comprising:
• a sensor for detecting the presence of an individual authorized to open the door and enter the vehicle, said sensor being arranged to generate a signal upon the detection of the presence of an authorized individual or an object possessed by the authorized individual;
• and
• a motor coupled to said sensor and the door and arranged to open or close the door upon receipt of the signal from said sensor.