Gesture detection method, intended in particular for controlling a motor vehicle opening element

A gesture detection method implemented within a motor vehicle so as to detect a predetermined gesture performed by a user, said gesture being intended to control the opening of an opening element of the motor vehicle, the method using a return pulse signal resulting from the reflection of a transmitted pulse signal from a target, the return pulse signal and the transmitted pulse signal each consisting of radiofrequency pulses, the method comprising:

• a) determining an approximate distance to the target, implementing measurement of a time offset between a pulse of the return pulse signal and the corresponding pulse of the transmitted pulse signal;
• b) determining an additional distance to the target, implementing monitoring of phase shift values between the return pulse signal and the transmitted pulse signal;
• c) combining the approximate distance to the target and the additional distance to the target, so as to obtain an estimated value of distance to the target;
• and
• d) repeating steps a) to c), so as to obtain a series of estimated values of distance to the target, said series of values defining a gesture performed by the user.