Presence-based vehicle access door release using digital key leveraging ultrasonic sensing
US12304427B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2325/205
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of controlling access into a vehicle interior from a vehicle exterior using an access door includes generating a digital key signal via a mobile device in possession of a vehicle user. The method also includes receiving, via a virtual key control module (VKCM), the digital key signal from the mobile device and communicating a signal indicative of the received digital key signal to a vehicle controller. The method additionally includes detecting a presence of the vehicle user external to the vehicle within a predetermined proximity of the access door via an ultrasonic sensing arrangement. The method also includes communicating, via the ultrasonic sensing arrangement, the detected presence of the vehicle user to the vehicle controller. Furthermore, the method includes commanding, via the vehicle controller, a mechanism to release the access door in response to the received digital key signal and the detected presence of the vehicle user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.