KEYLESS ENTRY USING HAND SIGNALS
Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling the entry by a user into a locked vehicle. An optical data sampler is configured to detect an image associated with the user. A processor is coupled to the optical data sampler and is configured to grant the user access to the vehicle if the image associated with the user substantially corresponds to a predetermined image.
1 . A keyless entry system for providing entry by a user into a vehicle, the system comprising:
an optical data sampler configured to detect an image associated with the user; and
a processor coupled to the optical data sampler and configured to grant the user access to the vehicle if the image associated with the user substantially corresponds to a predetermined image.
2 . A system according to claim 1 wherein the predetermined image associated with the user is a hand signal.
3 . A system according to claim 1 wherein the optical data sampler is configured to detect a predetermined sequence of hand signals.
4 . A system according to claim 3 wherein the predetermined sequence of hand signals corresponds to a predetermined sequence of numbers.
5 . A system according to claim 1 wherein the optical data sampler is a camera mounted inside the vehicle.
6 . A system according to claim 5 wherein the camera has a field-of-view that extends outside the vehicle.
7 . A system according to claim 6 wherein the vehicle comprises a side window and wherein the camera has a field-of-view that extends through the side window.
8 . A system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a side door and wherein the optical data sampler is mounted in the side door.
9 . A system according to claim 8 wherein the optical data sampler has a field-of-view that extends proximate the exterior of the vehicle.
10 . A system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a door lock coupled to the processor and wherein the door lock is activated by the processor.
11 . A keyless entry system for permitting entry by a user into a vehicle, the system comprising:
a camera mounted on the vehicle and configured to detect an image made by the user outside the vehicle; and
a processor coupled to the processor and configured to compare the image made by the user with a predetermined stored image, and permit access to the vehicle if the image made by the user substantially corresponds to the predetermined stored image.
12 . A system according to claim 11 wherein the image made by the user comprises a predetermined sequence of hand signals.
13 . A system according to claim 12 wherein the camera is mounted inside the vehicle and has a field-of-view that extends outside the vehicle.
14 . A system according to claim 12 wherein the vehicle includes a door and wherein the camera is mounted in the door with a field-of-view extending outside the vehicle.
15 . A system according to claim 11 wherein the vehicle comprises a door lock coupled to the processor and wherein the door lock is activated by the processor.
16 . A method for enabling a user to enter a vehicle, the method comprising:
detecting an image associated with the user proximate the exterior of the vehicle;
comparing the image associated with the user to a predetermined image; and
permitting entry into the vehicle if the image associated with the user substantially corresponds to the predetermined image.
17 . A method according to claim 16 wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting a hand signal.
18 . A method according to claim 17 wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting a predetermined sequence of hand signals.
19 . A method according to claim 18 wherein the predetermined sequence of hand signals corresponds to a predetermined sequence of numbers.
20 . A method according to claim 17 wherein the step of detecting comprises comparing the hand signal with a plurality of stored hand signals.