Human proximity sensing can provide a high degree of safety and user security for passive entry systems in motor vehicles. Combining the ease of passive entry with proximity sensing creates an even more desirable feature for motor vehicles. By empowering the vehicle owner to program specific gestures, passive entry systems become highly personalized and therefore more secure. The system also allows for gaining entry to a vehicle when the owner's hands are full for hands-free entry. Proximity sensing of an occupant in the driver's seat prevents unwanted entry by others.
Because these systems are active all of the time, it is important to minimize battery power. The non-contact sensing system uses typically less than 50 microamps, to commence the first stage of discrimination. Other vehicle systems are then enabled that sense for a key fob RFID presence to unlock the vehicle.
This paper describes various design features of a unique passive entry system that offers higher personalization security for entering a motor vehicle. In this paper vehicle integration, safety considerations, HMI with associated benefits will be discussed.