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US 6,825,752 B2Granted
Effortless entry system and method
AssigneeSiemens VDO Automotive Corporation
InventorsPratik Kumar Nahata, Tjarko Leifer, Edwin T. Li, Tejas B. Desai, Susan A. Johnson, Mark Cutkosky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.
Claims7
A vehicle port control system comprising:
- a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;
- a lock for securing the port;
- a latch for controlling opening and closing of said port;
- and
- a control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for controlling the actuation of said lock;
- wherein said latch includes a sensor in communication with said control unit, said sensor for detecting movement of said latch.
3 more elements
A vehicle port control system comprising:
- a vehicle port;
- a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about said port;
- a latch controlling opening and closing of said port;
- and
- a control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for comparing a signal from said capaciflective sensor with a predetermined threshold;
- wherein said latch includes a sensor in communication with said control unit, said sensor for detecting movement of said latch.
3 more elements
A method of port control comprising the steps of:
- establishing a voltage on a first surface;
- establishing about the same voltage on a second surface spaced from the first surface;
- establishing a lower voltage on a third surface spaced from the second surface, thereby propagating an electric field from the first surface, around the second surface, and to the third surface;
- sensing changes in the electric field caused by the presence of an object in the electric field;
- generating an electric signal based on the changes in the electric field;
- comparing the electric signal to a predetermined threshold;
- and
- controlling a port based on the comparison.
5 more elements
A vehicle port control system comprising:
- a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;
- a lock for securing the port;
- and
- a control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for controlling the actuation of said lock;
- wherein said capaciflective sensor comprises a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, said first surface having a first voltage about the same as a second voltage on said second surface, said third surface having a third voltage lower than said first surface.
2 more elements
A vehicle port control system comprising:
- a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;
- a lock for securing the port;
- and
- a control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for controlling the actuation of said lock;
- wherein said capaciflective sensor is oriented to direct the electric field away from said lock.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.