Adaptive control system for automated vehicle applications

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for controlling an automated closure panel in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a command module configured to generate a control signal. A motor is configured to actuate the automated closure panel based upon the control signal. A motor sensor is configured to measure an output characteristic of the motor, with the motor sensor having a motor sensor output signal. An adaptive logic module is coupled to the command module and to the motor sensor. The adaptive logic module is configured to provide an output to the command module to thereby adjust the control signal, wherein the adaptive logic module is configured to determine when the automated closure panel is obstructed by an obstacle based upon the motor sensor output signal.

Description

technical field [0001] The following disclosure relates generally to automatic vehicle control systems and, more particularly, to control systems for automatic closing panel applications such as automatic lift doors in vehicles. Background technique [0002] Automatic devices are being widely used in vehicle applications such as automatic vehicle closure panels. A robot is an object that is connected to a motorized system that automatically moves the object in response to input. An example of an automatic device is an automatic liftgate that opens to allow access to the rear of the vehicle. Automatic lift doors typically operate automatically in response to a button pressed on the fob or a button in the cab. When the automatic lift doors are opened or closed, there may be obstacles that may prevent the lift doors from opening or closing. In many cases, in order to prevent damage to obstacles or lift doors, relatively high sensitivity sensor control systems are configured....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this level of sensitivity can cause the sensing system to sometimes identify obstacles when none are actually present

For example, when using an accelerometer to detect objects in a sensory control system, the movement of a person entering or exiting the vehicle or other movement of the vehicle that affects the lift doors can lead to false detections

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