NL1036767C2 - Living being proximity sensing arrangement for a vehicle, and vehicle equipped therewith. - Google Patents

Living being proximity sensing arrangement for a vehicle, and vehicle equipped therewith. Download PDF

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Publication number
NL1036767C2
NL1036767C2 NL1036767A NL1036767A NL1036767C2 NL 1036767 C2 NL1036767 C2 NL 1036767C2 NL 1036767 A NL1036767 A NL 1036767A NL 1036767 A NL1036767 A NL 1036767A NL 1036767 C2 NL1036767 C2 NL 1036767C2
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Netherlands
Prior art keywords
antenna
group
sensor
patches
unit
Prior art date
Application number
NL1036767A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Hubregt Jannis Visser
Teodora Emilia Motoasca
Original Assignee
Univ Eindhoven Tech
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Univ Eindhoven Tech filed Critical Univ Eindhoven Tech
Priority to NL1036767A priority Critical patent/NL1036767C2/en
Priority to PCT/NL2010/000054 priority patent/WO2010110653A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL1036767C2 publication Critical patent/NL1036767C2/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/41—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00 using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
    • G01S7/411—Identification of targets based on measurements of radar reflectivity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/24—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/24—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
    • H01Q3/247—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching by switching different parts of a primary active element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/945—Proximity switches
    • H03K17/955—Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9315—Monitoring blind spots

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Description

Title: Living being proximity sensing arrangement for a vehicle, and vehicle equipped therewith.
Field of the Invention 5 Living being proximity sensing arrangement for a vehicle, said arrangement being arranged for distinguishing proximity of a human or animal body from proximity of a non-living object, wherein said sensor arrangement comprises a sensor unit which comprises an antenna array.
10 Background A known drawback of vehicle mirrors, which drawback poses a serious and known traffic hazard, is caused by the fact that vehicle mirrors have a limited viewing angle which provides a blind spot to the driver of the vehicle. This problem is in particular acknowledged for trucks as a result of their length. When a 15 truck makes a right turn (in countries where traffic drives on the right side of the road) or left turn (in countries where traffic drives on the left side of the road), traffic accidents involving pedestrians or small traffic such as bicycles, mopeds and the like may occur as a result of the driver overlooking this traffic due to poor visibility thereof in his mirror. A pedestrian is easily hit by the side of a truck when overlooked by the 20 driver of the truck making a right turn. The results are often disastrous in view of the difference in mass between light traffic such as mopeds or cyclists and trucks, but also in view of the robustness of a truck versus the vulnerability of a pedestrian, cyclist or moped driver).
This problem is acknowledged by society and many solutions have 25 been presented varying from structural modifications to the side of the truck to additional mirrors installed on the truck. One particular area of solutions is directed to the installation of object-proximity-sensing arrangements on a vehicle. These sensing arrangements may for example detect the proximity of an object near the vehicle, giving the driver information on potential risks or hazards.
30 A drawback of a regular object proximity sensing arrangement is the fact that it does not provide any information on the type of objects, nor on the size thereof. Many proximity sensing arrangements do provide information on the distance between the sensor and the object, however it remains unknown to the driver whether the object is located in a dangerous position in respect of the vehicle’s movements or 1036767 2 location.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a proximity sensing 5 arrangement or a vehicle which is capable of distinguishing the proximity of a human or animal body from the proximity of a non-living object. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a sensing arrangement having a straightforward design enabling easy installation on a vehicle. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a proximity sensing arrangement as mentioned above which is 10 accurate and reliable.
These and other objects are achieved by the present invention in that there is provided a living-being proximity sensing arrangement for a vehicle, said arrangement being arranged for distinguishing proximity of a human or animal body from proximity of a non-living object, said sensor arrangement comprising a sensor 15 unit which comprises an antenna array, wherein said antenna array is operable in a plurality of operational modes for enabling use of said antenna array for performing at least one of a plurality of different electrical sensing techniques in each of said modes, wherein said antenna array comprises: means for providing an antenna input signal to said antenna array and means for presenting an antenna output signal from 20 said antenna array; a plurality of patches spanning a first detection area of said antenna; and a plurality of interconnections between said patches, wherein said interconnections are switchable for enabling connection and disconnection of said switchable electrical connections between said patches for enabling operation of said antenna in each of said plurality of operational modes.
25 The proximity sensing arrangement according to the present invention comprises an antenna array which is designed such that it can be used for performing a plurality of different types of electrical based sensing techniques for which different types of antenna designs are to be applied. The antenna array used in the sensing arrangement according to the present invention is made up of a plurality 30 of patches that may be dynamically interconnected by opening or closing switchable interconnections between these patches and thereby dynamically amending the geometric layout of the antenna such as to adapt It to a current electrical sensing technique applied in a certain operational mode. In particular, by selecting specific patches to be active in specific operational modes, the antenna array enables to 3 dynamically create an antenna which is optimized for its antenna area or is effectively a dipole antenna, or which may be used as a capacitor. The dimensions of the antenna array can be readily modified such as to optimize the antenna array for specific frequencies. This directly enables the sensing arrangement to apply 5 electromagnetic radiation based techniques, such as radar (for example frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, the data of which may also be processed for Doppler analysis) or detecting high frequency disturbances (e.g. detection of thermal noise). At the same time, the sensing arrangement is suitable for performing capacity measurements, such as to determine material properties for example. Also, 10 electric fields, magnetic fields or shifts in resonance frequency can be determined.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is arranged for operating the switchable interconnections for controlling operations of the antenna array in the plurality of operational modes. In this embodiment, the sensor unit controls the switching of interconnections for forming different types of 15 antennas with the antenna array. This enables the centre unit to switch itself into different operational modes for measuring different properties or performing different measurement techniques. Moreover, by controlling the switchable interconnections, the sensor unit may also modify the antenna layout during measurement in a single operational mode. This enables the sensor unit to control a number of properties of 20 the specific measurement technique applied, for example to modify the viewing angle of the sensor unit, or the area of focus of the sensor unit, or to perform a sweep of the area of focus.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the patches spanning the first detection area are geometrically arranged in a matrix configuration. 25 By arranging the patches in a matrix configuration in columns and rows, any two-dimensional geometric shape can be made.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit is arranged for electrically interconnecting a group of the plurality of patches for each of the plurality of operational modes by means of the switchable 30 interconnections, wherein the group of patches forms a geographic pattern in the first detection area associated with the operational mode. In particular, and according to a specific embodiment, the geographic pattern mentioned above is at least one of a group comprising two or more patches on a line, or three or more patches within or spanning an effective antenna area, said area being a polygon, a circle, an oval, or 4 an arbitrarily shaped area. Any of these shapes provides particular properties to the antenna that renders it suitable for detecting various electrically measurable parameters, such as radiation, electric fields, capacitance and the like.
In respect of the above, it is noted that two or more patches on a line 5 can be used for forming a dipole antenna, where three or more patches within or spanning an effective antenna array allows the creation of any arbitrarily shaped area. As may be known to the skilled reader, antenna designs exist in many different shapes for transmitting, receiving, or detecting all kinds of radiation or electric fields or specific properties.
10 According to a further specific embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is arranged for electrically interconnecting at least a first group of patches and at least a second group of patches for forming a capacitor between the first and the second group for performing capacitance measurements using the first group of patches and the second group of patches, By creating at least two different groups of 15 patches and forming a capacitor therebetween, a plurality of different measuring techniques either based on capacitance measurements (e.g. for acquiring information on the mass, volume, type of material, and/or other property of an object), or for creating a resonance circuit that detects shifts in resonance frequency, can be formed.
20 According to a further specific embodiment, the first and second group of patches each form a geometrically distinct area within the first detection area of the antenna array. For example two groups of interconnected patches may form adjacent or contiguous areas and capacitance or resonance measurements can be performed. Objects in the direct environment of the capacitor plates formed by the 25 first and second group cause a change in the capacitance value of the capacitor or the resonance frequency of the circuit.
Moreover, the patches of the first group and the patches of the second group may also alternate each other such as to form a chequered pattern, or a pattern of alternating lines of patches that are associated with the first and second 30 group respectively. This embodiment enables near field capacity measurements near the antenna array.
The sensing arrangement according to the present invention, in an embodiment thereof, may also comprise a further second detection area (preferably remote from the first detection area) for forming a capacitor between the first and 5 second detection area. This enables capacity measurements between the patches of the first and second detection area. Within the range of several metres from the sensing arrangement, the presence of objects can be detected as well as material properties and properties such as mass, volume and the like. This is useful when the 5 first and second detection area is, for example, placed on the side of a truck and its trailer. When the truck makes a right turn, any object which is located at a dangerous position in between the two detection areas (i.e. somewhere near the truck and its trailer) can be directly distinguished and an alarm signal can be generated in the cabin of the truck.
10 In any of the capacitance measurements described in association with the embodiments above, the sensor unit may be arranged for switching an induction unit parallel to the capacitor formed by the antenna array, for providing a resonance circuit arrangement. In this configuration, the capacitor formed by the antenna array and the induction unit together form an LC circuit, enabling resonance 15 frequencies and deviations thereof to be determined.
The antenna array of the sensing arrangement of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment, can also be used for providing a (controllable) dipole antenna, such as to detect detuning of the circuit as a result of shifts in the resonance frequency. In this embodiment, the geographic pattern is 20 formed by a plurality of patches on a line. The input signal is provided to at least two centre patches of the plurality of patches on the line. Moreover, by making the number of interconnected patches of the plurality of patches selectable, the length of the dipole antenna can be controlled, and thereby the resonance frequency of the dipole antenna is controllable. An object within the presence of the dipole antenna 25 causes a shift in the resonance frequency. In particular, by making the base resonance frequency controllable (by controlling the length of the dipole antenna) the dipole antenna can be used for distinguishing objects of different nature from each other. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the sensing arrangement further comprises a control circuit for controlling the sensor unit and 30 analysing a sensor output signal of the sensor unit. The control circuit may also be used for switching the sensor unit into different operational modes. Additionally, by making an analysis of the sensor output signal of the sensor unit in different operational modes, the control signal enables the sensing arrangement to acquire detailed information on the type of object which is in the presence of the sensing 6 arrangement. This enables to distinguish between for example living objects such as human beings or animals, and non-living objects. The control circuit may consecutively control the sensor unit to perform measurements using different electrical based sensing techniques, and analyse the data after receiving all the 5 output signals.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the plurality of different electrical sensing techniques are elements of a group comprising frequency modulated continuous wave radar for measuring distance to an object, Doppler measurements for detecting motion of an object, high frequency capacity 10 measurements using a resonance circuit arrangement for detecting detuning of a resonance frequency caused by an object, low frequency capacity measurements for detecting changes in a capacitance value caused by an object, direct current capacity measurements for detecting physical contact of an object with said sensor arrangement, dipole-human coupling measurements by detecting detuning of a 15 resonance frequency of a dipole antenna, and detection of high frequency thermal noise for distinguishing objects by temperature.
In accordance with a second aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicle comprising a sensing arrangement as described hereinabove.
20 Brief description of the drawings
The invention will hereinbelow be described by means of various particular embodiments, with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 discloses a sensing arrangement according to the present invention; 25 figures 2A-2E disclose various switching arrangements for interconnecting patches of the antenna area forming geographic patterns; figure 3 schematically shows the principle of interconnecting the patterns with switchable interconnection; figure 4 illustrates schematically one of the sensing techniques in 30 use.
Detailed description of embodiments Figure 1 discloses a sensing arrangement 1 according to the present invention. The sensing arrangement 1 comprises a sensor unit 2 and a controller unit 3. The sensor unit 2 is arranged for being used in a plurality of operational modes, 7 wherein in each of the modes one or more electrically measurable parameters can be sensed by the sensor unit 2 by using electrically based sensing techniques.
The microprocessor unit 6 controls operation of the sensor unit 2 in each of the plurality of operational modes. Microprocessor unit 6 does this by 5 controlling operation of sensor circuitry 7 and by controlling microprocessor unit 12 that determines operation of the antenna unit 8 of the sensor unit.
Antenna unit 8 comprises a plurality of antenna patches such as patch 17 which are interconnected by means of switchable interconnections such as interconnection 18. In the present example, antenna unit 8 comprises two remote 10 detection areas schematically indicated by 15 and 16 formed by these patches. The number of detection areas is however arbitrarily chosen in this example and may vary from a single detection area to as many detection areas as desired to achieve the specific goals of the application wherein the invention is used. However, since the present sensing arrangement assumes use of the sensing arrangement on a truck 15 with a trailer, the sensing arrangement comprises two detection areas 15 and 16 that are used individually and in combination in order on one side of the truck-trailer combination, to determine the required parameters. It will be understood that detection areas may be located on both sides of the truck-trailer combination, and cooperation is to certain extent desired between the detection areas on either one 20 side of the truck: the detection areas on the left side of the truck operate individually and in cooperation and the detection areas on the right side of the truck operate individually and in combination.
Microprocessor 12 of antenna unit 8 controls the switching circuitry 21 and 22 of detection areas 15 and 16 respectively. The switching circuitry 21 of 25 detection area 15 controls the switching of each individual interconnection, such as interconnection 18, of detection area 15. Similarly, the switching circuitry 22 of detection area 16 controls the switchable interconnection of detection area 16. If microprocessor unit 6 of sensor unit 2 switches operation of sensor unit 2 (for example) frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, microprocessor unit 30 6 communicates this to microprocessor unit 12 of the antenna unit 8 and at the same time controls the sensor circuitry 7 to operate in the desired operational mode. Upon receiving the instruction from microprocessor unit 6, microprocessor unit 12 controls the switching circuitry 21 of detection area 15, which switches the detection area 15 such as to interconnect the patches of detection area 15 into a geometrical pattern for 8 forming a suitable antenna configuration for performing the FMCW rate measurements. The sensor circuitry 7, which is operated in the FMCW operational mode, provides the required frequency sweep signal which is typical for FMCW radar. The signal provided by sensor circuitry 7 is received by I/O port 11 of antenna unit 8, 5 which passes on the signal to patches 25 and 26 of detection area 15 for transmission of the frequency sweep signal through the antenna configuration. The return signal is passed on back to the sensor circuitry 7 through I/O port 11. Microprocessor unit 6 may perform the necessary operation for providing a meaningful sensor output to controller unit 3 of the sensing arrangement 1.
10 In a further operational mode, when the sensor unit 2 is for example operated such as to perform capacitance measurements between detection area 15 and detection area 16, all patches of each detection area 15, 16 may be interconnected for forming capacitor plates. An input signal is then provided through input output port (I/O port) 11 to both detection areas 15 and 16.
15 The function of the controller unit 3 of the sensing arrangement is to provide instructions to the microprocessor unit 6 for operating the sensor unit 2 in a certain operational mode, and to receive the sensor up signal from microprocessor unit 6. With the sensor output signal received from microprocessor unit 6, the controller unit performs a required analysis for making an assessment on whether or 20 not objects are present in the proximity of the detection areas, and in order to distinguish whether or not these objects are living objects or non living objects. Controller unit 3, based on this analysis, provides a suitable alarm signal to the internal CAN network 29 of the vehicle, which passes this signal on to an output unit such as audible alarm 30 in th e cabin of the truck, or an indication light.
25 Figures 2A-2E disclose various antenna configurations that can be created by suitably switching the switchable interconnections between the patches of the antenna unit. Although the figures 2A-2E disclose specific examples of geographic patterns that can be formed by suitably interconnecting the patches, it will be understood that any arbitrary geometric pattern can be formed and the examples 30 of figures 2A-2E are not to be considered as limiting on the scope of the invention.
Figure 2A discloses a disk shaped antenna configuration that may be used for example as a suitable antenna for performing FMCW radar measurement, as well as Doppler radar. In FMCW radar, a frequency sweep signal is transmitted by the antenna configuration, and a return signal is received after reflection thereof by an 9 object near the antenna. By analysing the frequency shift between the transmitted signal and the received signal, the distance between the antenna and the object can be determined. The angle of view of the FMCW method can be influenced in various ways, amongst others by modifying the radius of the antenna configuration. In this 5 respect, the skilled person may appreciate that an antenna configuration having a small radius provides a large viewing angle with less accuracy, while an antenna configuration with a large radius provides a small viewing angel with high accuracy. This is reflected by figures 2A and 2B. In figure 2A, the open blank patches such as patch 34 illustrate the patches that switched off (not interconnected), and that are not 10 used in the antenna configuration. The black patches such as patch 35 are the active (interconnected) patches of the antenna configuration.
In figure 2A, the antenna configuration provided by the geometric pattern has a relatively large effective area, and thereby a relatively small viewing angle providing an accurate distance measurement. On the other hand, in figure 2B, 15 the active patches 39 of the antenna area form a relatively small disk shaped antenna configuration with a small effective area and therefor a relatively large viewing angle.
Figures 2C and 2D illustrate interconnection of the patches of the antenna configuration such as to form dipole antennas of different kinds. The dipole antennas illustrated in figure 2C, formed by the active patches such as patch 41 form 20 a dipole antenna which is fed centrally. The resonance frequency is determined by the length of the antenna formed, i.e, the number of aligned interconnected patches. This length determines the wave length of standing waves within the dipole antenna, and thereby their resonance frequency.
In figure 2D, the length of the dipole antenna is half the length of the 25 dipole antenna in figure 2C. Therefor, the wavelength of standing waves in the dipole antenna of figure 2D (patches 46) is half that of the dipole antenna illustrated in figure 2C. As a result, the resonance frequency of the dipole antenna of figure 2D is twice as high as the resonance frequency of the dipole antenna disclosed in figure 2C.
For completeness, and as will be understood by the skilled person, if 30 the antenna area is to be used as a capacitor plate, all the patches may be interconnected together such as to form one large plate. This is illustrated by the patches 48 of figure 2E. Plates however may also be formed by forming multiple individual interconnected patch areas (not shown).
Figure 3 illustrates the principle of switching interconnections 10 between the patches of the antenna array. In figure 3, unit 50 is the switching circuitry of the antenna array which provides switching signals to the transistor units 61, 62, 63 and 64. Each transistor unit may be operated individually by the switching circuitry 50. By operating the transistors 61-64, the patches 52, 53, 54, 55, 57 and 58 can be 5 interconnected. In the present example, a feed signal is provided through input 67 of the antenna array to the centre patches 54 and 55 of the dipole antenna formed in figure 3. It will be understood that the feed signal may be provided to different patches of the antenna array by choice. In that case, it will be understood that the antenna array additionally requires circuitry to provide the input signal to the selected 10 desired patch of the antenna array. The specific location of the patches receiving the input signal determines behaviour of the antenna configuration, and may therefor be used advantageously in the measurement process.
Figure 4 discloses an application of the present invention wherein a truck 70 with trailer 71 and cabin 72 comprises a sensing arrangement having two 15 remotely distinct detection areas 75 and 76. If the truck 70 makes a right turn, by using the detection areas 75 and 76 as capacitor plates, capacitance measurements may be performed that provide insight in a number of measurable properties and parameters indicative for the object 78 between the two plates 75 and 76. This enables distinguishing between living beings (such as pedestrian 78) and non living 20 objects.
In the above detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art having 25 had the benefit of the present disclosure that other embodiments according to the present teachings that depart from the specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-known apparatuses and methods may be omitted so as to not obscure the description of the example embodiments. Such methods and apparatuses are clearly within the scope of the 30 present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
1036767

Claims (17)

1. Tastinrichting voor een voertuig voor het waarnemen van de nabijheid van een levend wezen, waarbij de inrichting is ingericht voor het 5 onderscheiden tussen de nabijheid van een menselijk of dierlijk lichaam en de nabijheid van een niet-levend object, waarbij de tastinrichting een tasteenheid omvat welke een antennegroepering omvat, waarin de antennegroepering geschikt is om werkzaam te zijn in een veelheid bedrijfsmodi voor het vrijgeven van het gebruik van de antennegroepering voor het uitvoeren van ten minste een van een veelheid 10 verschillende elektrische tastmethoden in elk van de modi, waarin de antennegroepering omvat: middelen voor het verschaffen van een antenne-invoersignaal aan de antennegroepering, en middelen voor het presenteren van een antenne-uitgangssignaal van de antennegroepering; 15 een veelheid vlakjes welke een eerste detectiegebied van de antenne opspannen; en een veelheid verbindingen tussen de vlakjes, waarin de verbindingen schakelbaar zijn voor het vrijgeven van het verbinden en onderbreken van schakelbare elektrische verbindingen tussen de vlakjes voor het vrijgeven van 20 werking van de antenne in elk van de veelheid bedrijfsmodi.1. Touch probe for a vehicle for detecting the proximity of a living being, wherein the device is adapted to distinguish between the proximity of a human or animal body and the proximity of a non-living object, the touch device being a touch unit includes an antenna array, wherein the antenna array is capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes for releasing the use of the antenna array to perform at least one of a plurality of different electrical sensing methods in each of the modes, wherein the antenna array includes: means for providing an antenna input signal to the antenna array, and means for presenting an antenna output signal from the antenna array; A plurality of patches spanning a first detection area of the antenna; and a plurality of connections between the pads, wherein the connections are switchable to enable connection and interruption of switchable electrical connections between the pads to enable operation of the antenna in each of the plurality of operating modes. 2. Tastinrichting volgens conclusie 1, waarin de tasteenheid is ingericht voor het sturen van de schakelbare verbindingen voor het beheren van de werking van de antennegroepering in de veelheid bedrijfsmodi.The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is adapted to control the switchable connections for controlling the operation of the antenna array in the plurality of operating modes. 3. Tastinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarin de 25 vlakjes, welke een eerste detectiegebied opspannen, geometrisch zijn gerangschikt in een matrixconfiguratie.3. Touch probe as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the patches spanning a first detection area are geometrically arranged in a matrix configuration. 4. Tastinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarin de tasteenheid is ingericht voor het elektrisch verbinden van een groep van de veelheid bedrijfsmodi door middel van de schakelbare verbindingen, waarbij de groep vlakjes 30 een geometrisch patroon vormt in het eerste detectiegebied horend bij de operationele modi.4. Touch probe as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the touch unit is adapted for electrically connecting a group of the plurality of operating modes by means of the switchable connections, wherein the group of planes 30 forms a geometric pattern in the first detection area associated with the operational modes . 5. Tastinrichting volgens conclusie 4, waarin het geometrische patroon ten minste een is uit een groep omvattende twee of meer vlakjes op een lijn, drie of meer vlakjes binnen een actief antennegebied of deze opspannend, waarbij het ^036767 gebied een polygoon, een cirkel, een ovaal of een arbitrair gevormd gebied is.The touch probe of claim 4, wherein the geometric pattern is at least one from a group comprising two or more planes on a line, three or more planes within an active antenna area or spanning it, the ^ 036767 area being a polygon, a circle, is an oval or arbitrarily shaped area. 6. Tastinrichting volgens een der conclusies 4 of 5, waarin de tasteenheid is ingericht voor het elektrisch verbinden van ten minste een eerste groep van de vlakjes en ten minste een tweede groep van de vlakjes, voor het 5 vormen van een condensator tussen de eerste en tweede groep voor het uitvoeren van capaciteitsmetingen met behulp van de eerste groep vlakjes en de tweede groep vlakjes.The sensor according to any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the sensor unit is adapted to electrically connect at least a first group of pads and at least a second group of pads to form a capacitor between the first and second group for performing capacity measurements using the first group of squares and the second group of squares. 7. Tastinrichting volgens conclusie 6, voorzover afhankelijk van conclusie 3, waarin de eerste en de tweede groep vlakjes elk een geometrisch 10 verschillend gebied binnen het eerste detectiegebied van de antennegroepering vormen.7. Touch probe according to claim 6, insofar as dependent on claim 3, wherein the first and the second group of patches each form a geometrically different region within the first detection region of the antenna array. 8. Tastinrichting volgens conclusie 6, voorzover afhankelijk van conclusie 3, waarin de vlakjes van de eerste groep en de vlakjes van de tweede groep elkaar op een zodanige wijze afwisselen voor het vormen van een 15 schaakbordpatroon of een patroon van afwisselende lijnen van vlakjes respectievelijk behorend bij de eerste en de tweede groep.8. Touch probe as claimed in claim 6, insofar as dependent on claim 3, wherein the surfaces of the first group and the surfaces of the second group alternate each other in such a way as to form a checkerboard pattern or a pattern of alternating lines of surfaces respectively associated in the first and the second group. 9. Tastinrichting overeenkomstig een der voorgaande conclusies, waarin de antennegroepering voorts een tweede detectiegebied omvat voor het vormen van een condensator tussen het eerste detectiegebied en het tweede 20 detectiegebied voor het uitvoeren van capaciteitsmetingen tussen de vlakjes van het eerste en tweede detectiegebied9. The sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna arrangement further comprises a second detection area for forming a capacitor between the first detection area and the second detection area for performing capacitance measurements between the planes of the first and second detection area. 10. Tastinrichting volgens een der conclusies 6-9, waarin de tasteenheid is ingericht voor het parallel met de condensator, welke wordt gevormd door de antennegroepering, schakelen van een inductoreenheid voor het 25 verschaffen van een resonantieschakelingsinrichting.10. The sensing device according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein the sensing unit is arranged for switching an inductor unit for providing a resonance circuit arrangement in parallel with the capacitor, which is formed by the antenna arrangement. 11. Tastinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, voorzover afhankelijk van conclusie 5, waarin het geografische patroon wordt gevormd door een veelheid vlakjes op een lijn, waarin een invoersignaal wordt verschaft aan ten minste twee centraal gelegen vlakjes van de veelheid vlakjes op een lijn voor het 30 vormen van een dipoolantenne.A touch probe according to any one of the preceding claims, insofar as dependent on claim 5, wherein the geographic pattern is formed by a plurality of planes on a line, wherein an input signal is provided to at least two centrally located planes of the plurality of planes on a line for the Forming a dipole antenna. 12. Tastinrichting volgens conclusie 11, waarin het aantal onderling verbonden vlakjes van de veelheid vlakjes op een lijn selecteerbaar is door de tasteenheid voor het sturen van de resonantiefrequentie van de dipoolantenne.The sensor of claim 11, wherein the plurality of interconnected planes of the plurality of planes on a line is selectable by the sensing unit for controlling the resonance frequency of the dipole antenna. 13. Tastinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een beheerschakeling voor het beheren van de tasteenheid en het analyseren van een sensoruitgangssignaal van de tasteenheid.The sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control circuit for managing the sensor unit and analyzing a sensor output signal from the sensor unit. 14. Tastinrichting volgens conclusie 13, waarin de beheerschakeling is ingericht voor het sturen van de tasteenheid en de antenne-eenheid opeenvolgend 5 in een veelheid van de werkzame modi.The sensor device according to claim 13, wherein the control circuit is adapted to control the sensor unit and the antenna unit in succession in a plurality of the operating modes. 15. Tastinrichting volgens een der conclusies 13 en 14, waarin de beheerschakeling is ingericht voor het onderscheiden van een menselijk of dierlijk lichaam van niet-levende objecten met behulp van ten minste twee van een veelheid verschillende elektrische tasttechnieken.The sensing device according to any of claims 13 and 14, wherein the control circuit is adapted to distinguish a human or animal body from non-living objects with the aid of at least two of a plurality of different electrical sensing techniques. 16. Tastinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarin de veelheid verschillende elektrische tasttechnieken elementen zijn van een groep omvattende frequentie gemoduleerde radar van het continue golftype voor het meten afstand tot een object, dopplermetingen voor het detecteren van beweging van een object, hoog frequente capaciteitsmetingen met behulp van een resonantie-15 schakeling ingericht voor het detecteren van ontstemming van een resonantie-frequentie veroorzaakt door een object, laag frequente capaciteitsmetingen voor het detecteren van veranderingen in een capaciteitswaarue veroorzaakt ooor een object, gelijkstroom capaciteitsmetingen voor het detecteren van fysiek contact van een object met de tastinrichting, metingen van dipool-humane koppeling middels het 20 detecteren van ontstemming van een resonantiefrequentie van een dipoolantenne, en detectie van hoog frequente thermische ruis voor het onderscheiden van objecten aan de hand van temperatuur.The probe according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of different electrical sensing techniques are elements of a group comprising continuous wave type modulated radar for measuring distance to an object, doppler measurements for detecting movement of an object, high frequency capacitance measurements with by means of a resonance circuit adapted to detect detonation of a resonance frequency caused by an object, low-frequency capacitance measurements for detecting changes in a capacitance value caused by an object, direct current capacitance measurements for detecting physical contact of an object with the sensing device, measurements of dipole-human coupling by detecting detonation of a resonance frequency of a dipole antenna, and detection of high-frequency thermal noise for distinguishing objects on the basis of temperature. 17. Voertuig omvattende een sensorinrichting overeenkomstig een der voorgaande conclusies voor het onderscheiden van de nabijheid van een menselijk 25 of dierlijk lichaam van de nabijheid van een niet-levend object. 10 3 § 7 § 717. Vehicle comprising a sensor device according to any one of the preceding claims for distinguishing the proximity of a human or animal body from the proximity of a non-living object. 10 3 § 7 § 7
NL1036767A 2009-03-25 2009-03-25 Living being proximity sensing arrangement for a vehicle, and vehicle equipped therewith. NL1036767C2 (en)

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