ID III DuD II Dl Il
`
`1101
`
`HID III HII DII DI
`US 20020121872A1
`
`IlH
`
`DIII
`
`Il0I
`
`DIIII
`
`III
`
`19 United States
`12 Patent Application Publication 10 Pub No US 2002/0121872 Al
`2002
`43 Pub Date
`Sep
`
`Boisvert et at
`
`54 COLLISION MONITORING SYSTEM
`75 Inventors Mario Boisvert Reed City MI US
`Randall Perrin Cadillac Ml US
`
`Correspondence
`
`Address
`WAiTS HOFFMANN FISHER
`CO L.PA
`P.O Box 99839
`Cleveland OH 44199-0839 US
`
`HEINKE
`
`73 Assignee Nartrnn Corporation
`21 AppI No
`
`10/071759
`
`22 Filed
`
`Feb
`
`2002
`
`Related U.S ApplicatIon Data
`
`filed on
`
`of
`
`63 Continuation of application No 09/562986
`May
`2000 which is
`continuation-in-part
`application No 08/736786
`filed on Oct 25 1996
`now Pat No 6064165 which is
`application No 08/275107
`now abandoned which is
`application No 07/872190
`now Pat No 5334876
`
`filed
`
`continuation of
`on Jul 14 1994
`of
`continuation-in-part
`on Apr 22 1992
`
`filed
`
`60 Provisional application No 60/169160
`1999
`
`filed on Dec
`
`Puhllcatlon ClassIfication
`
`51 tnt Cl.7
`
`52 U.S Cl
`
`HO2P
`1/04 CiO5D 3/00
`FIO2P 3/00 00513 5/00 F102P 7/00
`HO2FI 7/08
`
`318/469
`
`57
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing
`both hard and soft obstructions for movable panel such as
`scheme
`sunroof
`dual
`detection
`is employing
`the primary means
`includes an optical sensing as
`secondary means
`electronic sensing of motor current as
`The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharac
`terization
`processing algorithms motor parameter
`monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless
`electronic motor current commutation
`pulse sensing and
`controller memory to adaptively modify electronic obstacle
`detection
`thresholds in real time without
`the use of templates
`
`that
`
`and
`
`fast
`
`and cycle averaging techniques
`
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`1PR2014-00417
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`POWE1
`
`VDC
`
`COMMON
`
`DRIVE CURRENT
`COMMUNICA11ON
`SIGNAL
`
`7b
`
`REVERSE
`MOTOR
`DRIVE
`
`Figi
`
`Ri
`
`RO
`
`75 54 32 ij
`
`Ra
`
`PigS
`
`1y
`
`1136135l3413313231I301291261271261251242312212112011918l17115115114113121111101
`
`-I
`Rc
`
`Rb
`
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`lI
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`Patent Application Publication
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`of
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`US 2002/0121872 Al
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`cr1
`c1
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`ci
`Cl
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`c1
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`Li
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`Patent Application Publication
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`PIg.3A
`
`04
`
`100
`
`II
`
`104
`
`7102
`
`________
`
`Fig.3B
`
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`Patent Application Publication
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`of
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`/07
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`feD
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`FIQ.3C
`
`Fig.3D
`
`Figi3E
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`of
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`200
`
`150
`
`50
`
`Lii
`
`Lii
`
`LU
`
`LU
`
`LU
`LU
`
`LU
`
`Iii
`LU
`
`LU
`
`LU
`LU
`
`ci
`LU
`a-
`
`19g.4
`
`liME ma
`
`PATENTED THRESHOLD
`
`OBSTACLE DEFECTION
`
`INVENTIVE ThRESHOLD
`
`OBSTACLE DEFECTION FUNC11ON
`
`NOM%IA UPPR RANGE
`
`NOMINAL MOTOR OPERATiON FUNC11ON
`
`LOWER RANGE
`
`2000
`1000
`11MEms or POSm0N
`
`3000
`
`Flg.5
`
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`CD
`
`LU
`LU
`
`CD
`
`LU
`
`CD
`
`LU
`Iii
`
`CD
`
`LU
`
`PATENTED
`
`THRESHOLDOBSTACLE
`
`DETECTION
`
`ADAPTIVE
`
`THRESHOLDOBSTACLE
`
`DETECTION
`
`FUNCTION
`
`___
`
`MOTOR OPERA11ONFUNCTION
`
`obo
`
`2000
`liME ms or POSITION
`
`3000
`
`Fig.6
`
`PATENTED
`
`THRESHOLDOBSTACLE
`
`DErEC11ON
`
`ADAPTIVE THRESHOLDOBSTACLE
`
`DEfECTION
`
`FUN371ON
`
`9T2-ITyNEnON
`
`iobo
`
`2000
`TIME ms or POSmON
`
`3000
`
`PigY
`
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`
`2002
`
`COLLISION MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present applieatinn is
`nf
`continuation-in-part
`application Ser No 08/736786 to Boisvert et al which was
`filed on Oct 25 1996 which was
`continuation of U.S
`application Ser No 08/275107 to Boisvert et al which was
`filed on Jul 14 1994 which is
`continuation in
`part of
`application Ser No 07/872190
`filed Apr 22 1992
`et al now U.S Pat No 5334876 These
`Washeleski
`related applications are incorporated herein by reference
`U.S Pat No
`incorporate by reference
`Applicants
`also
`5952801 to Boisvcrt et al which issued Sep 14 1999 This
`application also claims priority from U.S Provisional appli
`cation serial No 60/169061 filed Dec
`1999 which is also
`incorporated herein by reference
`
`to
`
`HELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`actuator
`
`The
`invention
`concerns motor
`driven
`present
`control systems and methods whereby empirically
`operation parameters are subse
`characterized actuation
`and computed during real
`compared
`obstacle
`detect
`obstacles
`
`quently monitored
`via adaptive
`time operation to
`thresholds for protection of people and/or equip
`detection
`ment
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Prior art
`
`for automatically-powered
`
`actuator
`
`sys
`
`tems
`
`implement
`
`undesirable
`
`increased
`
`detection thresholds to avoid nuisance
`
`transient
`
`and/or
`individually
`load variation These
`
`obstacle-sensing
`tripping caused by
`and
`uncontrolled operation variables of static
`periodic dynamic load conditions that
`collectively cause significant normal
`ranges of system disturbance variables added to
`significant
`the nominal variable ranges of operation characteristic of
`necessitated
`increased
`obstacle
`system parameters have
`thresholds within which the automatic actuation
`detection
`system is required to operate to avoid false obstacle detec
`obstacle
`detection
`tion Higher
`thresholds necessary
`to
`accommodate
`ranges of anticipated load variables inher
`onset of
`ently desensitize the system ability to detect
`initial
`obstacle detection Large obstacle detection thresholds also
`inherently increase minimum system operational parameter
`disturbances for which obstacle detection
`reliably possible
`
`ali
`
`is
`
`without
`
`false tripping
`
`static but significantly
`Examples of such relatively
`ranging variable forces during closing an automobile sun
`air pressure caused by wind
`include differential
`roof panel
`loading air pressure caused by ventilation fan speed and/or
`window positions gravity load varying from level
`lubrication eharac
`or downhill orientation friction and/or
`teriatica varying with temperature and/or wear and the like
`
`to uphill
`
`Examples of such relatively transient dynamic but
`significantly ranging variable forces during closing an auto
`include wind
`matically controlled automobile sunroof panel
`goat differential pressure caused by opening or closing
`another window ambient wind shift passing and being
`passed by another vehicle and/or
`tuming on vehicle venti
`lation change of vehicle uphill/downhill
`attitude vehicle
`acceleration
`or deceleration rough or poorly lubricated area
`
`actuator
`
`drive mechanism friction
`changing with
`on
`actuator drive motor speed bumpy road and the like
`
`Examples of such relatively periodic dynamic but
`significantly ranging variable forces during closing an auto
`controlled
`automobile
`sunroof
`
`matically
`
`panel
`include
`faulty motor commutation
`sector
`repetitive rough gear
`segment buffeting pressure as caused by steady wind tur
`bulence and the like Fluid vortex shedding frequency is
`proportionate to flow velocity past
`
`discontinuity
`
`Large-ranging system operation variables necessi
`tate obstacle detection thresholds that
`inherently necessitate
`greater operational parameter disturbances by obstacles
`order to detect obstruction without nuisance
`
`tripping Larger
`normal operation disturbance variables inherently
`require
`force
`larger obstacle
`and/or pinching prior to obstruction
`detection
`
`in
`
`detection
`
`real
`
`to
`
`Prior art obstacle
`systems slowly adapt
`obstacle detection template thresholds over several previous
`time response
`operation cycles
`resulting in inferior
`monitoring actuator
`load-related parameters that can signifi
`cantly vary from one actuation
`to the next Such threshold
`run
`detection
`limit algorithms are primarily based upon
`fixed number of prior actuation
`ning average template of
`terms and/or statistically
`operations with fixed factors and/or
`determined tolerance threshold of ongoing measurement
`parameters for obstacle detection Therefore prior art sys
`tems and methods incorporate inherent practical
`limitations
`on true and reliable obstacle
`detection
`performance includ
`ing minimum obstacle
`at detection mini
`force sensitivity
`mum detection time minimum stopping time and minimum
`the stopped position
`obstacle
`force at
`
`time microcontroller
`
`algorithm
`
`To improve real
`performance of obstacle
`detection one prior art
`technique
`regulate motor drive speed to
`has been to control and/or
`slower values to directly enable improvements in minimum
`at detection minimum stopping
`obstacle
`force sensitivity
`time and minimum obstacle
`force at
`the stopped position
`These improvements
`the tradeoff expense of slower
`are at
`system RFI
`actuator
`operation and increased
`radio fre
`interference and EMC electromagnetic
`quency
`ity issues
`
`compatibil
`
`located
`
`devices
`
`personal
`
`National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
`NHTSA Standard
`118 contains regulations to assure safe
`operation of power-operated windows
`and roof panels It
`requirements for power window control systems
`establishes
`on the vehicle exterior and
`remote control
`The purpose of the standard is to reduce the risk of
`limb catches between
`injury that could result if
`its window frame
`operated window and
`dosing power
`118 states that maximum allowable obstacle inter
`Standard
`ference force during an automatic closure is less than 100
`Newton onto
`diameter
`from
`solid cylinder having
`millimeters to 200 millimeters
`
`for
`
`Certain technical difficulties exist with operation of
`prior art automatic power window controls One difficulty is
`undesirable shutdown of
`the power window control
`for
`true obstacle
`detection Detection of
`detec
`
`obstacles
`
`during startup energization
`
`soft obstacle
`
`causes other
`
`than
`
`tion and
`
`hard
`obstacle
`detection each
`technical
`present
`requiring multiple simultaneous obstacle detec
`challenges
`tion techniques Additionally the gasket area of the window
`
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`
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`
`that seals to avoid water seepage into the vehicle presents
`power window control since the
`difficulty to the design of
`window panel encounters
`resistance to
`significantly different
`movement
`in this region Operation under varying power
`speed variations that result
`supply voltage results in actuator
`thresholds Previous methods
`in increased obstacle detection
`and systems based upon running measurements and calcu
`lations from prior operational parameters are inherently
`limited by their inability to adapt obstacle detection
`thresh
`olds in real time
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention concems
`
`an improved actuator sys
`tem that provides faster operation more sensitive obstacle
`detection faster actuator stopping with reduced pinch force
`and reduced
`obstacle
`detection
`all with less costly
`false
`hardware This invention has utilization potential for diverse
`automatic powered
`actuator applications including position
`ing of doors windows sliding panels seats control pedals
`steering wheels aerodynamic controls hydrodynamic con
`trols and much more One exemplary embodiment of pri
`an automatic
`mary emphasis for
`this thsclosure concerns
`powered actuator
`as motor vehicle sunroof panel
`
`This preferred automotive sunroof system imple
`ments redundant
`non-contact
`obstacle
`detection
`prior to
`force by the sunroof The preferred system
`physical contact
`employed is an optical coupled
`transmission-interruption
`sensing via opposing lR infrared emitter and IR detector
`elements across the pinch zone
`
`system and method incorporate
`This controller
`improvements in sensorless electronic param
`as more reliable means
`for hard
`and/or soft
`
`significant
`
`eter sensing
`obstacle
`detection
`
`during initial
`
`energization
`
`full
`
`travel
`
`and/or end-of-travel
`
`Preferred means for position and speed sensing is
`via sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse
`the drive motor Motor
`current commutation
`sensing of
`means
`and counting correction
`counting detection
`pulse
`routines provide improved position and speed accuracy
`
`Improved
`
`adaptive methods
`and
`systems
`obstacle
`detection
`thresholds based upon empirical opera
`tion performance algorithms and real time operation param
`eter monitoring replace typical operation template methods
`of prior art Memory is eliminated as previously utilized for
`
`for
`
`or signature of pre-measurcd actuation
`storing
`template
`opera
`cycle operating parameter variables for subsequent
`tion cycle parameter measurement and comparison there
`with
`
`Algorithms and coefficients are empirically prede
`termined for automatic actuator operating parameters Such
`for various operational variables
`algorithms compensate
`including actuation
`speed as related to supply voltage by
`virtue of intelligent software adaptation
`
`capability
`
`Only in certain limited cases is cycle calibration of
`an individual
`characteristic required for operation
`actuator
`after initial powemp and prior to enabling automatic opera
`tion Such cycle calibration typically involves simply leam
`ing the number of
`incremental
`encoder pulses from full
`CLOSED to full OPEN positions as well
`as leaming the
`present position via one of several known position sensing
`incorporating mul
`means This case enables one controller
`
`family of
`tiple software algorithm programs to operate
`sunroofs by simply learning which sunroof
`is in the system
`
`Necessity for controlling and limiting motor drive
`speed by duty cycle energization PWM Pulse Width Modu
`lation linear drive control or other speed control means is
`eliminated due to improved real time algorithms that adapt
`to full-ranging battery-powered actuation
`speeds and vari
`able load conditions Thus actuation
`occurs
`powered
`by full battery voltage
`
`full speed
`
`at
`
`Stored empirical parameter characterizations and
`detection
`thresholds
`algorithms adaptively modify obstacle
`during an ongoing actuation for improved obstacle detection
`and
`obstacle
`thresholds resulting in quicker
`detection with lower initial
`force lower final pinch force and
`of false obstacle detection
`
`reduced
`
`occurrences
`
`sensitivity
`
`At least one internal and/or external FIFO memory
`and/or RAM random access memory is utilized for storing
`running measured parameters of an ongoing actuation
`
`At least one internal and/or extemal FIFO memory
`and/or RAM is utilized for storing running calculations
`parameters of an ongoing
`based upon running measured
`actuation
`
`characterization of actuator
`operation
`Empirical
`parameters and algorithms ongoing sensing measurements
`of motor operation parameters FIFO memories DSP digi
`tal signal processing adaptive
`for obstacle
`algorithms
`software filters collectively
`detection and adaptive
`ongoing adaptive modification of obstacle detection thresh
`olds on the run in real time for improved obstacle detec
`tion sensitivity thresholds with reduced occurrences
`
`enable
`
`of false
`
`obstacle detection
`
`Utilization
`
`of FIFO memory for actuation
`speed
`measurement motor current measurement and calculations
`of an ongoing actuation with real
`time adaptive
`algorithms
`enables real time running adaptive compensation of obstacle
`thresholds
`detection
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG is
`the com
`block diagram schematic of
`ponents of an exemplary embodiment of the present
`inven
`tion
`
`FIGS 2A-2D are schematics of circuitry for con
`trolling movement and sensing
`motor
`obstructions of
`driven panel such as motor vehicle sunroof
`FIG 3A isa plan view depicting an optical sensing
`system for monitoring an obstruction in the pinch zone of
`moving panel
`such as motor vehicle sunroof
`
`front elevation view of the FIG 3A
`
`FIG 3B is
`optical sensing system
`FIG 3C is plan view depicting an optical system
`the
`an obstruction at
`with moving optics for monitoring
`leading edge of moving panel such as
`
`motor vehicle
`
`sunroof
`
`front elevation view of the FIG 3C
`
`FIG 3D is
`optical sensing system
`FIG 3E is
`plan view depicting an optical sensing
`system with moving optics flexible optic fiber remote IR
`
`BNA/Brose Exhibit 1055
`IPR2014-00416
`Page 12
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`Us 2002/0121872 Al
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`Sep
`
`2002
`
`emission
`
`and
`
`remote IR detection
`
`for monitoring
`
`an
`
`obstruction at
`
`the leading edge of moving panel such as
`
`motor vehicle
`
`sunroof
`
`the sunroof panel can be opened when either falling rain has
`stopped for some time duration or when the rain has evapo
`rated to some extent
`
`FIG represents
`typical startup energization char
`time
`acteristics of motor current and per speed versus
`
`are the means by which
`Manual switch inputs
`operator control of the system occurs
`
`FIG represents
`simplified example character
`state nominal motor operation function versus
`istic steady
`time or position showing nominal motor operation function
`tolerance
`upper and lower
`fixed prior art
`range
`typical
`obstacle detection
`thresh
`threshold and inventive adaptive
`detection
`function in this ease stable
`
`old obstacle
`
`and/or
`
`FIG represents
`simplified example character
`istic dynamic transient motor operation function versus time
`position showing motor operation function with
`fixed pdor art obstacle detection
`thresh
`transients
`typical
`old and inventive adaptive
`threshold obstacle
`function showing transient response
`
`detection
`
`FIG represents
`simplified example character
`istic dynamic periodic cyclic motor operation function ver
`sus time and/or position showing motor operation function
`with cyclic disturbances
`fixed prior art obstacle
`detection
`and
`inventive
`threshold
`threshold
`adaptive
`function showing cyclical
`response and
`
`obstacle
`
`detection
`
`typical
`
`FIG is
`sequence of measurements taken by
`controller during successive
`time intervals and operation of
`monitored panel drive motor
`
`BEST MODE FOR PRACTICINO THE
`INVENTION
`
`FIG shows
`functional block diagram of an
`actuator safety feedback control system for monitoring and
`controlling movement of
`motor driven panel such as
`panel movement
`motor
`vehicle
`sunroof
`controller
`commercially available multipurpose microcon
`includes
`IC integrated circuit with internal and/or external
`FIFO memory and/or RAM Random Access Memory 2a
`and ADC analog-to-digital-converter
`2b
`
`troller
`
`indicate to the control system
`Limit switch inputs
`inputs as HOME position VENT/NOT OPEN
`such physical
`Quadrant Switch and end of panel movement Emit switch
`where microcontroller
`indicate
`encoder
`signals
`pulse
`representative of specific
`
`registers are set or reset
`
`counter
`
`panel positions
`
`Motor drive outputs 7a and 7b control whether the
`the fnrward or the reverse direc
`motor drives the panel
`tion When neither the forward nor the reverse direction are
`shorted
`the motor drive terminals are electrically
`driven
`node such as COMMON
`together possibly via
`loading and thus
`dynamic braking
`resulting in an electrical
`effect
`
`circuit
`
`Motor plugging drive which is the application of
`motor
`reverse drive polarity while
`rotating is an
`is still
`optional method of more quickly stopping the motor but has
`for use with the preferred embodiment of
`been unnecessary
`the sunroof panel controller due to satisfactory performance
`taught by this disclosure Very large motor plugging currents
`are often undesirable because they can easily exceed typical
`maximum stalled rotor currents producing undesired motor
`Such high motor plugging
`to the life and reliability of
`and solid state switches
`relay contacts
`
`heating
`in large applications
`currents can be detrimental
`electromechanical
`
`used to switch motor operating currents High motor plug
`ging currents can also cause undesirable transients
`breakers and blow fuses in
`power supply system
`
`trip
`
`of brakes
`
`Application
`unnecessary with the automotive sunroof system due to the
`improved real time obstacle detection performance taught by
`this diselosure
`
`and/or
`
`clutches
`
`is also
`
`Opticat Obstacle Detection
`
`Eight-bit word bytes eight-bit counters and eight-
`conversions are used with the exem
`bit analog-to-digital
`It should be fully realized however
`plary controller
`that
`alternative word lengths may be more appropriate for sys
`tems requiring different parameter resolution Larger word
`bytes with equivalent ADC resolution enables greater reso
`lution for motor current sensing Likewise larger word bytes
`with higher microcontroller
`clock
`enable
`speeds
`greater
`resolution for motor per speed sensing plus quicker digital
`and algorithm processing for quicker
`
`signal
`
`processing
`time
`
`response
`
`to the
`
`which according
`temperature sensor
`preferred embodiment of the invention is an option when
`sensed by the controller
`installed is driven by and
`to auto
`Temperature sensing allows the panel controller
`matically sense vehicle cabin temperature and open or close
`the sunroof to help maintain
`desired range of temperatures
`of actuator
`obstacle
`detection
`lemperature compensation
`thresholds is typically unnecessary
`
`An optional rain sensor
`can be both driven by and
`sensed by the microcontroller
`Automatic closing of the
`sunroof panel occurs when the sensor
`is wet Subsequently
`
`Obstacle
`detection
`by actual physical contact
`and/
`is somewhat unnerving
`or pinch force with human subjects
`to some individuals
`For improved system safety and user
`comfort the preferred system utilizes non-contact detection
`in the path of the moving panel Of various
`of obstacles
`technologies by which it
`is possible to sense an obstacle
`without physical contact
`IR infrared emission with trans
`mission intermption mode detection
`is preferred IR emit
`ting diodes and/or
`tR laser diodes are the two preferred IR
`emission sources IR photodiodes and/or
`IR phototransistors
`two preferred IR detection means Optical obstacle
`senses and enables stopping of the actuator move
`detection
`ment prior to significant applied pinch force and possibly
`In unusual
`to actual physical contact with
`subject
`explained below optical sensing means
`light conditions
`becomes temporarily ineffective thus obstacle detection via
`motor current sensing or corrent sensing and speed sensing
`the remaining reliable backup method of
`means becomes
`an obstacle
`
`are the
`
`prior
`
`detecting
`
`Of two preferred configurations utiixed for imple
`menting IR transmission interruption mode of obstacle
`detection the first
`is use of at
`least one emitter and at least
`
`one detector
`
`sensing at
`
`least across the pinch xone in close
`
`BNA/Brose Exhibit 1055
`IPR2014-00416
`Page 13
`
`

`

`Us 2002/0121872 Al
`
`Sep
`
`2002
`
`sunroof As shown
`proximity to an end of travel region of
`in FIGS 3Aand 3B at
`least one lR emitter 100 and at
`from each other by
`one JR detector
`102
`are separated
`sunroof pinch znne 104 In an exemplary embodiment of the
`is across
`and in
`sensing of obstructions
`opto
`the end of
`close proximity to
`pinch zone near
`relatively
`sunroof The depictions in FIGS 3A and
`travel region of
`3B do not
`show the entire region between
`emitter and
`between
`detector
`but
`is appreciated
`gap
`is on the order of
`
`and detector
`
`the width of
`
`invention
`
`least
`
`it
`
`that
`
`emitter
`
`the moving
`In this preferred embodiment cabling 108 passes to
`102 around the end of the sunroof
`the region of the detector
`travel The
`in the region of
`the end of
`detector
`and emitter are fixed tn the sunrnnf liner and dii nnt
`move Implementatinn of this fixed configuration is simpli
`fied by lack of moving components
`although the sunroof
`sensing field between
`may have to push the obstacle into
`102 Thus although the
`the emitter 100 and the detector
`the sunroof can still
`contact
`
`sunroof
`
`liner
`
`the sunroof
`
`sensing means is non-contact
`the obstacle
`
`Of two preferred configurations utilized for imple
`menting JR transmission interruption obstacle detection the
`second is use of at
`least one emitter and at least one detector
`
`immediately ahead of the front moving edge
`sensing at least
`sunroof As shown in FIGS 3C
`of the moving portion of
`and 3D at
`least one IR emitter 100 and at
`least one IR
`front moving edge of
`detector 102 are separated proximal
`the inven
`sunroof 103 In an exemplary embodiment of
`tion opto-sensing of obstructions is across and in relatively
`front edge 105 of the sunroof 103 The
`close proximity to
`in FIGS 3C and 3D show the entire region
`for which
`between
`between emitter and detector
`
`depictions
`
`the
`
`flexible flat
`102
`
`gap
`is on the order of the width of
`emitter and detector
`moving sunroof
`In this preferred embodiment
`circuitry 107 passes to the emitter 100 and the detector
`of the moving panel or window to the region of
`the front
`moving edge Alternate means
`to supply electrical signal
`to the moving opto-electronic
`and/or
`components
`power
`includes means such as electrical contact brushes cooperat
`traces on the moving panel Power and
`ing with conductive
`signal are optionally both transmitted over the same con
`ductors FIG 3E shows
`an alternative means to supply IR
`emission to receive JR detection
`from the front edge of the
`moving panel via flexible moving optic fiber 303 means
`cunnected with compunents 300 302 that respectively emit
`JR and detect
`fibers are terminated at
`JR signals JR optical
`to optical components 304 305
`that perform
`The
`and
`collimating reflecting
`requirements
`focusing
`in FIGS 3A-3E make it possible to sense
`structure depicted
`obstructions with no physical obstacle contact
`regardless of
`the position of the moving sunroof
`
`each end
`
`Altemate non-referred means of obstacle detection
`include sensing back reflection from reflective surface of
`radiation emitted from an emitter electric field sensing of
`proximal material dielectric properties and magnetic field
`sensing of proximal material
`inductive properties
`
`improve the operation and reli
`Various techniques
`sensing In accor
`ability of non-contact
`optical detection
`inven
`dance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
`tion the JR emitter 100 is driven with
`and
`duty cycle
`frequency One typical automobile sunroof application uses
`20% duty cycle at 500 Hz JR emitter drive synchronized
`with IR detector
`sensing Pulsed drive allows the IR emitter
`
`synchronously
`
`low average
`100 to be driven harder during its on time at
`power This harder drive yields impruved signal-tn-noise for
`The
`IR sensing by the IR detector
`IR detector
`circuit
`compares the IR signal detected
`during IR
`emitter on times with JR emitter off
`times to determine
`IR levels for drive and signal compensation pur
`ambient
`to IR detector
`poses This allows the JR emitter
`optical
`coupling to be determined with
`level of accuracy
`reliability using closed loop feedback
`
`and
`
`techniques
`
`control
`
`Automatic gain feedback
`techniques main
`tain the level of the JR emitter drive and/or
`the gain of
`the
`JR detector circuit so that optical coupling is above mini
`mum desirable values Such automatic gain compensates
`within certam limitations Iactors including decrease in JR
`time at
`IR
`emitter output over accumulated
`temperature
`emitter output
`temperature coefficient dirt and haze fouling
`optic components and high ambient JR levels
`
`lenses and/or aligned
`IR optical
`Highly directional
`on both the JR emitter and IR detector
`
`polarized filters
`maintain better optical coupling and reduce the effects of
`ambient JR and reflected JR from other directions Location
`
`of
`the JR detector
`recess further
`reduces
`physical
`possibility of extraneous IR noise from affecting the
`optical coupling
`
`the
`
`in
`
`occur
`
`Despite various means to reduce the possibility of
`excess extraneous JR from being detected certain conditions
`that may allow very high levels of direct and/or
`to be seen by the detector Sun JR power
`reflected sunlight
`the detector
`levels can saturate
`level so that
`output signal
`obstacle
`of the pulsed JR emitter signals is not
`blockage
`reliably sensed Under such unusual white out circum
`stances the JR optical system is disabled by the panel
`controller
`the sunroof actuator
`is nearly closed at
`until
`which position ambient JR noise is shielded by the sunroof
`JR coupling is made
`Thus
`the complete emitter-detector
`more reliable for the last movement of pinch point closure
`Complete body blockage
`of the IR coupling path between
`white out condition
`the emitter and detector
`is not
`the body is blocking both ambient JR and emitted
`although if
`black out condition is mter
`JR signal at
`the detector
`as an obstacle detection
`
`preted
`
`Although the IR obstacle detection means may be
`temporarily found to be unreliable by high ambient levels of
`IR the disclosed sensing of hard
`and/or soft obstacles
`motor current monitoring is always active
`detection means
`obstacle
`
`as
`
`redundant
`
`by
`
`Detailed Schematic
`
`The controller sehematic shown in FIGS 2A-2D
`implements collision sensing in one form by activating
`light emitting diode lOOa which emits at periodic intervals
`the infra red radiation is not sensed by
`In the event
`photo
`transistor detector 102a the controller
`assumes an obstruc
`
`redundant
`
`tion and deactivates
`the sunroof motor
`There is also
`and more reliable obstacle detection means for
`sensed motor operation
`obstacles
`based upon
`
`detecting
`
`parameters
`
`is an Atmet
`The preferred controller
`Bit micro
`Kilobytes of ROM and includes pro
`having
`processor
`gramming inputs 106 which can be coupled
`data
`source
`and
`used
`reprogram the microprocessor
`to
`User controlled inputs So Sb are coupled
`
`to an extemal
`
`to
`
`controller
`
`BNA/Brose Exhibit 1055
`IPR2014-00416
`Page 14
`
`

`

`US 2002/0 121872 Al
`
`Sep
`
`2002
`
`to control move
`switches which are activated
`user activated
`ment of
`the sunroof The inputs are similar to now issued
`U.S Pat No 5952801 to Boisvert et al which describes
`the
`functionality of those inputs Limit switch outputs 5c 54 Se
`are also monitored by the controller
`and used to control
`the sunroof drive motor
`activation of
`
`providing
`
`The schematic depicts
`clock oscillator 110 for
`signal of MFIZ for driving the micro
`clock
`controller
`left of the oscillator
`To the upper
`is
`processor
`VCC
`decoupling capacitor circuit 112 for decoupling
`to the microprocessor
`power signal
`
`The circuitry to the upper right of the controller
`provides power signals in response to input of
`high signal
`at the ignition input 114 FIG 2B When the ignition input
`goes high this signal passes through
`diode 116 to the base
`transistor 120 which turns on When
`input 118 of
`volts VCC
`transistor 120 tums on
`regulated output of
`voltage regulator 122 in the upper
`is provided by
`hand corner of FIG 2B
`voltage input
`to the voltage
`regulator 122 is derived from two battery inputs 124 126
`filtering and reverse polanty protection
`through
`coupled
`circuit 130 Immediately
`above the positive battery input
`131 which provides
`124 is
`signal one diode
`relay output
`drop less than battery voltage VBAT which powers the relay
`coils 132 134 FIG 2D for activating the motor
`The circuitry of FIGS 2A-2D includes
`number of
`operational amplifiers which require higher voltage than the
`five volt VCC logic circuitry power signal At
`the extreme
`the schematic of FIG 28 are two
`side of
`right hand
`one of which includes
`transistors 136 138
`base 140
`to an output 142 from the microprocessor controller
`coupled
`The second transistor has its collector
`coupled
`battery and an output on the emitter designated V-SW When
`turns on the transistrir 138 the V-SW
`the microprocessor
`output goes to battery voltage The V-SW output
`is con
`voltage regulator not shown which generates
`nected to
`DC signal
`that supplied throughout
`for operation
`of
`the various operational amplifiers
`
`the
`
`right
`
`to the
`
`the circuit
`
`also has two motor
`
`the transistors
`
`The microprocessor controller
`control outputs 150 152 which control
`two switching tran
`sistors 154 156 which in turn energize two relay coils 132
`134 The relay coils have contacts 162 164 coupled
`across
`the motor
`for energizing the motor wiodiogs with
`battery voltage VBAT One or the other of
`the motor When one
`must be turned on in order to activate
`the two transistors is on the motor
`of
`rotates to provide
`output power at an output shaft for moving the sunroof or
`path of travel
`in one direction To change
`other panel along
`the direction of the motor
`the first
`rotation
`translator
`is
`turned off and the second activated The motor used to drive
`the sunroof panel back and forth along its path of travel
`invention is DC
`the exemplary embodiment of the present
`motor
`
`in
`
`FIG 2C depicts
`circuit 180 for monitoring light
`light emitting diode lOOa has an
`emitting diode signals
`181 coupled to the V-switched signal sod
`anode connection
`the cathode is coupled
`switching transistor 182 to
`through
`microprocessor output 183 The microprocessor outputs
`20% duty cycle
`500 hertz signal at this output 183 having
`to the base input of the transistor When the transistor tums
`on the LED cathode is pulled low causing the light emitting
`IR radiation Under microproces