Sensor door button attachable to window panel of vehicle door

Abstract

Comprising a printed circuit board (2) is attachable to a window panel. The at least one detection sensor (3), the at least one light source (4) and the different electronic screen (5) are arranged on the front side (28) of the printed circuit board (2). The electronic screen (5) is configured to provide information to a user. The electronic screen (5) is disposed at a central region of the front side of the printed circuit board (2), and the detection sensor (3) and the light source (4) are disposed around the electronic screen (5). The configuration of the electronic components is beneficial in that in the operation of the sensor door button, the display of the selected predetermined image on the electronic screen (5) can be combined with the predetermined setting of the light source (4) at the same time to attract the attention of the passenger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor door button which can be attached to the inner side of a window panel and is arranged to be operated from the outside of the window panel, in particular, can be attached to the window panel of a vehicle door. The sensor door button has at least one detection sensor for detecting the presence of a hand and / or a finger in a detection space at the front side of the sensor door button. In addition, the sensor door button has at least one light source for illuminating the environment at the front side of the sensor door button.

[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a method for operating a sensor door button system, which system includes a control unit electrically connectable to a controller of a public transport vehicle. Background Art

[0003] EP0877458 under the name of Captron Electronic GmbH was published in 1998 and discloses the connection of a component device including a flat switch unit and an annular flange. The switch unit has a flat side forming an actuating surface of the switch. The annular flange is connected to the switch unit by an O-ring placed in a groove around the switch unit. In this way, the annular flange is assembled to the switch unit.

[0004] DE202010009164U1 was published in 2010 and discloses a touch screen serving as a door switch. The touch screen replaces an old version of the door switch having an optical display, which optical display is disposed at a housing above a capacitive sensor illuminated by an LED. The touch screen is useful because it can be used to present symbols, text, promotional, and video information, which makes the capacitive sensor with an LED redundant.

[0005] The door switch in a public transport vehicle should operate correctly in various situations. For example, on a sunny day, the brightness of the door switch should be high to attract the attention of users, but at night, it should be low so as not to disturb passengers. The door switch should be able to operate in different components. When attached to a tinted glass panel, the door switch should be able to work properly. The disadvantage of this known door switch provided by the touch screen is that this door switch does not meet the technical requirements considering the visibility and sensitivity of the sensor door button of a public transport vehicle.

[0006] EP4009526A1 is a member of the patent family and EP4009525A1, also under the name of Captron Electronic GmbH, was published in 2022 and discloses a sensor button for use in a public transportation system. The sensor button includes a sensor surface that can be touched or approached by a person to generate a sensor signal. Provision is made for mounting the sensor button to the side wall of a door or window. The sensor surface includes at least one capacitive sensor electrode and at least one optical sensor coupled to a sensor circuit. At least one capacitive sensor component, such as a conductive material, is used to detect the presence of a hand and / or finger in a capacitive detection space. The sensor surface further includes at least one optical sensor component, such as a camera or a photodiode, for detecting the position of a hand and / or finger within an optical detection space. In addition, the sensor surface includes a light source, such as an LED. The visible LED can be used for optical signaling. A combination of an infrared LED for detection and a visible LED for user feedback and / or user guidance can be provided.

[0007] A disadvantage of this known sensor button is that, although it meets current technical requirements, the information conveyed to the user is limited.

[0008] Regarding the above prior art, it is noted that any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, or articles, etc. included in this specification is for the purpose of providing a background for the present invention and should not be regarded as an admission that any such matter constitutes a part of the prior art or is to be regarded as common general knowledge in the relevant field of the present invention prior to the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above disadvantages and / or provide a useful alternative. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a sensor door button that can be attached to a window panel and meets the technical requirements of visibility and sensitivity applicable to public transportation vehicles.

[0010] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a sensor door button according to claim 1.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a sensor door button for operating a door. The sensor door button can be attached to a transparent window panel of the door. Preferably, the sensor door button can be attached to the inner side of the window panel of a door or window of a public transportation vehicle. Then, the sensor door button is placed on the inner side but can be operated from the outer side of the door through the transparent window panel. A passenger can operate the sensor door button from the outer side of the door to open the door to enter the vehicle. The sensor door button at the inner side of the door is beneficial because the sensor door button is less subject to weathering.

[0012] The sensor door button includes a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is arranged to support electronic components. The printed circuit board has a circuit for electrically connecting the electronic components. The circuit is disposed on the front side of the printed circuit board to allow such front-side connection of the electronic components.

[0013] The sensor door button includes at least one detection sensor for detecting the presence of a hand and / or finger in a detection space. The at least one detection sensor is disposed on the front side of the printed circuit board.

[0014] The sensor door button includes at least one light source. Preferably, the light source is an LED. The light source is used to illuminate the environment at the front side of the sensor door button. Preferably, the light source includes a plurality of red, green, and blue LEDs for generating multiple colors. The at least one light source is disposed on the front side of the printed circuit board.

[0015] The sensor door button further includes a programmable electronic display, also known as a programmable electronic screen, in particular an LCD screen, preferably an OLED screen. The electronic screen is arranged to provide information to the user. The electronic screen can be arranged to display logos, icons, static images, or dynamic images. Preferably, the electronic screen has a circular shape. The electronic screen is configured to display various images. The electronic screen is programmable, which allows any image to be depicted, which is beneficial for providing a customizable sensor door button for many different situations.

[0016] The improvement provided is that the electronic screen is disposed at the central region of the front side of the printed circuit board. The at least one detection sensor and the at least one light source are disposed beside the electronic screen. Preferably, a plurality of detection sensors and a plurality of light sources (in particular LEDs) are located around the electronic screen. Preferably, at least two detection sensors and at least two light sources surround the electronic screen.

[0017] The central position of the electronic screen between the light source and the detection sensor structurally divides the technical functions. Providing information to the user and providing the visibility of the sensor door button are divided by the electronic screen and the light source.

[0018] The sensor door button can be operated by simultaneously operating at least one light source and the electronic screen. Advantageously, by operating the light source, for example, by flashing, color change, or increasing the intensity, the information provided on the electronic screen can be emphasized. The programmed operation of the light source being carried out simultaneously with the display of the programmed image can reinforce a specific message to the passenger. For example, in the programmed operation, the entry sign on the electronic display can be combined with a green light source, and the stop sign on the electronic display can be combined with a red light source.

[0019] In addition, the sensitivity of the sensor door button is increased by providing a detection space from around the electronic screen. In this way, the detection area in front of the sensor door button is enlarged, which helps to more accurately intercept the user's finger or hand.

[0020] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the printed circuit board is provided with a reflective layer on the front side to increase the reflection of at least one light source. The reflective layer may include a reflector plate. Preferably, the reflective layer is provided by a coating (more particularly, a white coating on the front side of the printed circuit board). The front surface of the printed circuit board may be at least partially covered by the reflective layer. For example, the front surface portion where at least one light source is disposed may be covered by the reflective layer, while the central area of the printed circuit board remains uncovered. Preferably, the entire front surface of the printed circuit board is covered by the reflective layer.

[0021] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the sensor door button further includes a light diffuser. The light diffuser is arranged to cover at least one light source. Typically, instead of, for example, a rectangular shape, the light diffuser has an annular shape configured to be placed around an electronic screen. The light diffuser is arranged to evenly disperse light. The light diffuser is made of a transparent material. The light diffuser may be made of a colored transparent material such as, for example, a blue or yellow transparent material. In this way, the presence of the light diffuser advantageously contributes to the modularity of the sensor door button, since by replacing the light diffuser, the sensor door button can be easily color - adapted to a specific application.

[0022] On the rear side, the light diffuser may have at least one recess for receiving at least one light source mounted to the printed circuit board, particularly a circular groove. In the assembly, the at least one recess allows the light diffuser to be adjacently engaged with the printed circuit board. The thickness of the light diffuser may be substantially equal to the thickness of the electronic screen, such that the top surface of the light diffuser is flush with the top surface of the electronic screen disposed inside the annular light diffuser. Advantageously, when assembling the sensor door button to a door or window, the top surface of the light diffuser can be bonded to the window panel.

[0023] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the sensor door button includes a control unit for controlling the sensor door button. The control unit may be programmable through a user interface to input an image to be projected on the electronic screen. The image may be a moving image such as a GIF file, a video, or a logo. Preferably, the control unit includes a processor for processing control signals and a memory for storing images. Preferably, the control unit is an in - vehicle control unit electrically connected to the printed circuit board holding the electronic screen. The in - vehicle control unit is incorporated in the sensor door button. The control unit may be housed by the sensor door button housing. In particular, the control unit is mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0024] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the control unit is programmed to immediately receive an input, for example, from a bus driver or a sensor, to adjust the image displayed at the electronic screen. The control unit can be electronically connected to a vehicle controller to obtain a signal from the vehicle controller, such as a sensor for counting passengers. Advantageously, an input can be provided to change the user information displayed on the electronic screen of the sensor door button. For example, on the electronic screen, the image can indicate door open information and door close information to the passengers. The image can indicate whether the door is available for the passengers. In an embodiment, the icon on the electronic screen indicating that the bus is accessible to the passengers standing outside can be changed to another icon indicating that there are no available seats, and subsequently changed to an icon indicating that the bus is full.

[0025] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the sensor door button includes a housing for accommodating a printed circuit board. The housing can have a circular shape, particularly a cup shape for accommodating the printed circuit board inside a cup shape. The cup-shaped housing has a cup bottom and a circumferential cup wall. The cup bottom can have a bottom hole. The housing including a bottom edge for supporting the printed circuit board can be annular. Preferably, the housing is arranged to accommodate a light diffuser. Preferably, the light diffuser can be connected to the housing by a snap connection. The cup wall can have a wall height corresponding to the thickness of the stacked printed circuit board and the light diffuser. The housing can have a front surface arranged to be adhered to a window panel of the door.

[0026] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the printed circuit board is a double-sided printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a rear side for supporting at least one electronic component such as a memory, a processor, a communication bus, etc. On the front side, the printed circuit board is provided with at least one detection sensor, at least one light source, and an electronic screen.

[0027] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the double-sided printed circuit board includes a first electronic screen at the front side and a second electronic screen at the rear side. In this way, the sensor door button is arranged to provide information to the user at both the front side and the rear side of the sensor door button.

[0028] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, at least one light source includes a plurality of LEDs, particularly at least four LEDs, more particularly eight or twelve LEDs. The plurality of LEDs are equally spaced around the electronic screen. Particularly, the plurality of LEDs include at least one blue LED and / or at least one red LED. Preferably, the positions of the blue LED and the red LED around the electronic screen are paired. Preferably, the plurality of LEDs include a plurality of RGB LEDs for generating any programmed color.

[0029] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the sensor door button includes a plurality of detection sensors. Preferably, the sensor door button includes at least four detection sensors. Preferably, the at least four detection sensors are equally spaced around the electronic screen. In this way, the cumulative detection space formed by the at least four detection sensors is distributed along the contour of the sensor door button and provides a relatively large area for detecting the user's hand and / or fingers.

[0030] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the sensor door button includes a light sensor for detecting the ambient light intensity. The control unit of the sensor door button is programmed to adjust the light intensity of at least one light source depending on the detected ambient light intensity. In this way, the light sensor allows the sensor door button to predict different light intensities, for example, for daylight or tinted glass. Preferably, the light sensor is used to adjust the brightness of the electronic screen and the light intensity of at least one light source.

[0031] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, at least one detection sensor includes a capacitive sensor for detecting a hand and / or fingers in a capacitive detection space, and / or at least one detection sensor includes an optical sensor for detecting a hand and / or fingers in an optical sensor detection space, and / or at least one detection sensor includes a radar sensor for detecting a hand and / or fingers in a radar detection space.

[0032] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the sensor door button further includes a tactile element, in particular a tactile ring. The tactile element is arranged to be attached to the door or window aligned with the center line of the electronic screen. In this way, the user has a tangible marker of the detection space of the sensor door button. Preferably, the tactile element is provided with Braille for assisting people with visual disabilities.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a door button for opening and closing a vehicle door, for example, a door button for opening and closing a truck compartment door, in particular a door button for opening and closing an electric truck compartment door, and more particularly a door button for opening and closing a passenger vehicle door such as a tour bus door or a train door.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sensor door button system, which includes a sensor door button according to the present invention and a control unit, wherein the control unit is electronically connected to a controller of a vehicle (in particular a passenger vehicle).

[0035] In an embodiment of the sensor door button according to the present invention, the control unit is electronically connected via a CAN bus. In particular, two-wire CAN communication is provided to operate the sensor door button. The communication bus can be arranged on the rear side of the printed circuit board. The electronic screen of the sensor door button

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for notifying passengers to enter a public transportation vehicle, wherein a sensor door button system including a programmable electronic screen is used to display various images. In particular, the sensor door button includes steps for providing the sensor door button system according to the present invention. In the steps of the method, the passenger information displayed on the electronic screen of the sensor door button changes based on driver input or sensed output. The vehicle driver can manually change the displayed information. Alternatively, the displayed information can be automatically changed based on the situation detected by the sensor, such as being automatically changed based on the full occupancy of the passenger space. The sensed output of the sensor can be configured to detect all kinds of situations, which are subsequently related to determining whether to adjust the information displayed on the sensor door button.

[0037] In an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the displayed passenger information changes based on the sensor output that determines the amount of passengers present in the public transportation vehicle. The sensor door button system can include an electronic passenger counter for counting the passengers passing through the vehicle door. The displayed passenger information is adjusted depending on the counted passengers.

[0038] In an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the displayed information can be configured to indicate at least one of the following features:

[0039] Whether all seats are occupied;

[0040] Whether there is available standing space in the public transportation vehicle.

[0041] The displayed information can indicate the next door for passengers to use the public transportation vehicle in case there is no available passenger position at a particular section. This feature is particularly advantageous for a train to obtain a uniform passenger distribution along the length of the train.

[0042] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a sensor door button to notify passengers near a public transportation vehicle by presenting a predetermined image on the electronic screen of the sensor door button. In particular, in the method, the sensor door button and / or the sensor door button system according to the present invention as described are used.

[0043] In an embodiment of the method according to the aspect of the present invention, the method includes the step of providing passenger information by presenting a predetermined image on the electronic screen of the sensor door button, wherein the selection of the predetermined image is based on an external input signal. The external input signal can, for example, originate from a vehicle controller, an external computer device, or cloud data. The vehicle controller can operate based on controller inputs that can be affected by, for example, vehicle sensors, the vehicle driver, and an operator computer device.

[0044] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the presentation of a predefined image is combined with a predefined setting of at least one light source of a sensor door button. The predefined setting of the at least one light source may include, for example, a predefined intensity, color, action, intensity change, blink, or color change of the light source.

[0045] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, passenger information may be provided by combining a predefined image on an electronic screen with a predefined color of at least one light source.

[0046] The predefined image may be selected from an image category such as a functional image related to the operation of a transportation vehicle or a non-functional image such as a general image, personalized image, or commercial image for advertising. The non-functional image may include a company logo, a weather image such as a sun or cloud icon, or an event image such as an exhibition logo.

[0047] The predefined image may be a photograph, an icon such as an emoji or symbol. Preferably, the sensor door button system includes a memory for storing such images. The predefined image may indicate, for example, that the door is accessible, where, in operation, the predefined image may be combined with the green color of at least one light source. The predefined image may indicate, for example, an inaccessible door, where the predefined image may be combined with the red color of at least one light source. A green or red ring light source may surround such an access image to help attract the attention of passengers.

[0048] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the predefined image to be displayed on the electronic screen is programmed to indicate whether the door is accessible, particularly in combination with a programmed predefined color (particularly red) of at least one light source. In particular, a red ring light body is programmed in combination with a programmed image on the electronic screen indicating an inaccessible door. The image on the electronic screen may be programmed to indicate an accessible door entrance, particularly in combination with a programmed predefined color (particularly green) of at least one light source. In particular, a green ring light body is programmed in combination with a programmed image on the electronic screen indicating an accessible door.

[0049] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the predefined image on the electronic screen may be programmed to indicate whether the access ramp of the door system is deployed.

[0050] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the predefined image on the electronic screen may be programmed to present a timer indicating that the door is closing. In particular, the image is programmed to be presented in combination with a changing light source (particularly a blinking light source, more particularly a red blinking light source). The combination of the image presented on the electronic screen and the changing light source around the electronic screen may be beneficial in warning passengers that the door is starting to close.

[0051] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the sensor door button system further includes an electronic passenger counter for counting passengers, wherein the displayed image is adjusted depending on the counted passengers to particularly indicate whether there is still available seating or standing space.

[0052] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, at least one light source is programmed to indicate the remaining load capacity of the passenger area in combination with a programmed image on the electronic screen.

[0053] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is programmed to manage the passenger flow by providing an image on at least one of a series of electronic screens of the sensor door button in an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention to indicate a direction, for example, to indicate a walking path to the left door or the right door.

[0054] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is programmed to present a predetermined image indicating the battery charge state of the vehicle. Preferably, the control unit is electronically connected to a vehicle controller, and the vehicle controller is electronically connected to a sensor to obtain a sensing output for detecting the battery charge state.

[0055] In an embodiment of the method according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is programmed to present a predetermined image on the electronic screen, wherein the predetermined image is selected from a group of non-functional images that may include entertainment images such as emojis, commercial images such as company logos, weather images such as sun icons, rain icons or cloud icons, and / or personalized images such as celebration images. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show actual embodiments according to the present invention that cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Specific features may also be considered to deviate from the illustrated embodiments and may be considered in a broader context as common features not only for the defined features of the illustrated embodiments but also for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1 A front view showing an embodiment of a sensor door button according to the present invention having an electronic screen and an annular light source disposed behind a window panel;

[0058] Figure 2 Shown as Figure 1 An exploded view of the sensor door button shown in;

[0059] Figure 3 Shown in a rear view Figure 2 of the exploded view;

[0060] Figure 4 A printed circuit board showing an external circular array holding light sources and an internal circular array of detection sensors;

[0061] Figure 5 A double-sided embodiment of a sensor door button according to the present invention showing a first electronic screen and a second electronic screen on the rear side and the front side respectively; and

[0062] Figure 6 Showing the application of the sensor door button in a public transportation vehicle. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0063] In Figures 1 to 6 all sensor door buttons according to the present invention are denoted by the reference numeral 1. The same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or functionally similar components.

[0064] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a sensor door button 1 for operating a door is shown. The sensor door button 1 can be attached to the inner side of the window panel 91. Here, the sensor door button 1 is disposed behind the window panel 91 of the vehicle door 9. The vehicle door 9 has a window opening 90, and the window opening 90 has a window panel 91 held by a window frame 92.

[0065] The sensor door button 1 has a housing 10 for accommodating an electronic screen 5, and the electronic screen 5 is disposed inside an annular light diffuser 6. The light diffuser 6 covers at least one light source and provides uniform illumination. The housing 10 is disposed on the rear side of the window panel 91 of the vehicle door 9. The housing 10 has a front surface for adhering the sensor door button 1 to the window panel. In particular, the light diffuser has a front surface for attaching the light diffuser to the window panel.

[0066] As shown, on the front side of the window panel 91, a tactile element 7 can be disposed in alignment with the housing 10 behind the window panel. The tactile element provides a tangible marker for the detection space of the sensor door button. The tactile element can be provided with Braille for assisting a visually impaired person in operating the sensor door button 1.

[0067] Here, the tactile element 7 is annular. The tactile element 7 is made of a transparent material and is sized corresponding to the housing 10 behind the window panel. The electronic screen 5 is visible inside the tactile element 7, and the tactile element is illuminated by a light source.

[0068] The sensor door button 1 has a wired connection with a control unit 8. The control unit 8 is configured to control the sensor door button 1. The sensor door button 1 has a cable connection that extends through the window frame 92 of the window opening 90 here.

[0069] Figure 2 and Figure 3Exploded views of the sensor door button 1 are shown in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view respectively. The housing 10 is cup-shaped. The cup-shaped housing 10 has a bottom plate and an open front side. Inside, the housing has a bottom edge for supporting the printed circuit board (PCB) 2. In the assembly, the rear side 29 of the PCB 2 is adjacently joined to the bottom edge of the housing 10.

[0070] In particular, the light diffuser 6 can be connected to the printed circuit board 2 or the housing 10 by snap connection. Preferably, the light diffuser can be connected to the PCB to form a sub-assembly placed inside the housing 10. The light diffuser can be made of any transparent material such as, for example, polycarbonate resin material. Preferably, the light diffuser is made of a colored transparent material to provide color elimination. If another illumination color is selected, the snap connection of the light diffuser to the housing or the PCB facilitates the replacement of the light diffuser 6.

[0071] As Figure 4 As further shown, the PCB 2 is arranged to support the electronic components on the front side 28. The PCB has a circuit on the front side 28 for connecting at least one detection sensor 3, at least one light source 4, and at least one electronic screen 5. Here, at the front side 28, the PCB 2 supports a plurality of detection sensors 3 and light sources 4 in the outer area, and the PCB supports the circular electronic screen 5 in the inner area.

[0072] At least one detection sensor 3 is arranged to detect the presence of a hand or a finger in the detection space. The detection space extends to the front side of the sensor door button. At least one light sensor 4 is arranged to illuminate the environment at the front side of the sensor door button.

[0073] The light source 4 includes an outer circular array of LEDs 41. A plurality of detection sensors 3 are placed in an annular area inside the annular area of the PCB where the LEDs are placed. A plurality of detection sensors 3 are arranged in a circular array inside the outer circular array of the LEDs 41.

[0074] In addition, the printed circuit board has a central area configured to connect the electronic screen 5. The electronic screen is used to provide information to the user. In operation, the electronic screen 5 can display images, especially moving images, logos, or icons.

[0075] Both the plurality of detection sensors 3 and the light sources 4 are placed outside the central area. The plurality of detection sensors 3 and the light sources 4 surround the electronic screen 5. The light source 4 covered by the light diffuser 6 provides a halo around the electronic screen 5. In particular, the light diffuser 6 has a ring thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the electronic screen. In this way, the sub-assembly of the PCB 2, the electronic screen 5, and the light diffuser 6 has a constant thickness, which helps to attach the sensor door button to the window panel.

[0076] In Figure 5In [description], the dual-sided sensor door button 1 is shown. Here, the dual-sided sensor door button 1 has a first electronic screen 51 connected to the first PCB 21 and a second electronic screen 52 connected to the second PCB 22. In addition to the first electronic screen 51 that provides information to the front side of the door, the second electronic screen 52 provides information to the user located at the rear side of the door. In this way, the dual-sided sensor door button 1 provides information to both sides of the door. The housing 10 is annular. The housing 10 has an inner edge for supporting the first PCB 21 on the front side and the second PCB 22 on the rear side. Each PCB is covered by a light diffuser 6.

[0077] In Figure 5 [description], the first printed circuit board 21 and the second printed circuit board 22 are shown as separate items. In an alternative embodiment of the dual-sided sensor door button, it is conceivable to provide a dual-sided PCB that combines the first PCB and the second PCB. The dual-sided PCB supports the first electronic screen 51 on the front side and the second electronic screen 52 on the rear side.

[0078] Figure 6 A public transportation vehicle 99 is shown, here a bus, which has a sensor door button 1 according to the present invention attached to a window panel 91 of a door and window 90.

[0079] The sensor door button 1 is particularly advantageous for implementing a method in a public transportation vehicle 99 in which various information is presented to passengers. In this method, a step is performed in which the provided passenger information is replaced by other passenger information, for example by changing one icon to another icon.

[0080] In addition to the embodiments shown in the figures, various variations are possible. Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as claimed hereinafter. It is intended that all such changes and modifications be included within the scope of this disclosure and the claims.

[0081] Furthermore, note that any feature of the system according to the present invention described in the embodiments and / or mentioned in the dependent claims is considered patentable per se without any dependence on another presented feature. In particular, any measure presented in the dependent claims is also considered patentable without dependence on the independent claims.

[0082] Accordingly, the present invention provides a sensor door button attachable to a window panel, the sensor door button including a printed circuit board for supporting at least one detection sensor, at least one light source, and an electronic screen on a front side. The detection sensor is configured to detect the presence of a hand and / or a finger in a detection space, and the light source is configured to illuminate an environment on the front side of the sensor door button. The electronic screen is configured to provide information to a user. The electronic screen is disposed at a central region on the front side of the printed circuit board, and the detection sensor and the light source are disposed around the electronic screen.

[0083] List of reference numerals:

[0084] 1 Sensor door button 60 Diffuser ring

[0085] 10 Housing 7 Tactile element

[0086] 2 Printed circuit board; PCB 8 Control unit

[0087] 21 First PCB 9 Car door

[0088] 22 Second PCB 90 Window door

[0089] 28 Front side 91 Window panel

[0090] 29 Rear side 92 Window frame

[0091] 3 Detection sensor 99 Bus

[0092] 4 Light source

[0093] 41 LED

[0094] 5 Electronic screen

[0095] 51 First electronic screen

[0096] 52 Second electronic screen

[0097] 6 Light diffuser

Claims

1. A sensor door button (1) for operating a door and attachable to a window panel of the door, the sensor door button comprising: A printed circuit board (2) for supporting electronic components, the printed circuit board having a circuit on a front side (28) for electrically connecting the electronic components, wherein the electronic components include: At least one detection sensor (3) for detecting the presence of a hand and / or finger in a detection space, wherein the at least one detection sensor is disposed on the front side (28) of the printed circuit board; At least one light source (4), in particular an LED, for illuminating the environment at the front side of the sensor door button, wherein the at least one light source is disposed on the front side (28) of the printed circuit board; and A programmable electronic display (5), in particular an electronic screen (5), for providing information to a user by displaying any image such as a logo or icon, wherein the electronic display is different from the at least one detection sensor (3) and different from the at least one light source (4), and wherein the electronic display is disposed at a central region of the front side (28) of the printed circuit board (2), and wherein the at least one detection sensor (3) and the at least one light source (4) are disposed around the electronic display (5).

2. The sensor door button (1) according to claim 1, wherein, A reflective layer, in particular a coating, more particularly a white coating, is provided on the front side of the printed circuit board (2) to increase the reflection of the at least one light source (4).

3. The sensor door button (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a light diffuser (6) for covering the at least one light source (4), the light diffuser (6) having an annular shape configured to be disposed around the electronic screen (5).

4. The sensor door button (1) according to claim 3, comprising a housing (10) for receiving the printed circuit board (2) and the light diffuser (6), wherein, The housing and / or the light diffuser (2, 6) has a front surface for bonding the sensor door button to the window panel (91) of the door, wherein, in particular, the light diffuser (6) can be connected to the PCB (2) or the housing (10) by snap connection.

5. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The thickness of the light diffuser (6) is adapted to the thickness of the electronic screen (5) such that the front surface of the light diffuser (6) is aligned with the front surface of the electronic screen (2).

6. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The light diffuser (6) is made of a transparent material, in particular a polycarbonate resin material, more particularly a colored transparent material for providing colored illumination.

7. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The light diffuser (6) has a front surface attachable to the window panel (91), in particular the front surface of the window panel of a bus window (90).

8. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The printed circuit board (2) is a double-sided printed circuit board having a rear side (29), wherein the electronic components for controlling the sensor door button are attached to the rear side.

9. The sensor door button (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The printed circuit board (2) supports a first electronic screen (51) at the front side (28) and a second electronic screen (52) is supported by the printed circuit board (22) at the rear side (29).

10. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one light source (4) comprises a plurality of LEDs, in particular at least four LEDs, more particularly eight or twelve LEDs, arranged around the electronic display.

11. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor door button (1) comprises a plurality of detection sensors (3), in particular at least four detection sensors spaced equidistantly around the electronic screen (5), for example.

12. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic screen (5) has a circular shape.

13. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor door button has a control unit (8), in particular an on-vehicle control unit (8) electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the control unit (8) being programmed to immediately receive an input, for example from a bus driver or a sensor, such as from a passenger counter, to adjust the image displayed at the electronic screen (5). Further includes a CAN connection, a memory, a processor 14. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor door button (1) comprises a light sensor for detecting the ambient light intensity, and wherein the control unit (8) is programmed to adjust the light intensity of the at least one light source (4) depending on the detected ambient light intensity.

15. The sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor door button further comprises a tactile element (7), in particular a tactile ring, to be attached to the outside of the door or window (90) of the vehicle in alignment with the center line of the electronic screen (5).

16. A sensor door button system, comprising a sensor door button (1) and a control unit (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (8) can be electronically connected to a controller of a public transport vehicle such that the sensor door button (1) can be operated by an output signal from the controller, for example by an output signal based on a sensor-based sensing output, such as a sensing output from an electronic passenger counter.

17. A public transport vehicle (99), comprising at least one sensor door button (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for opening or closing a door, wherein, The at least one sensor door button (1) is arranged at a vehicle door (9), in particular attached to a window panel (91) of the door or window (90) of the public transport vehicle (99).

18. A method for operating a sensor door button for notifying passengers in the vicinity of a public transport vehicle by selecting and displaying a predetermined image on an electronic screen of the sensor door button in combination with a predetermined setting of at least one light source of the sensor door button.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The predetermined image can be selected from images of a function category related to vehicle operation, wherein, in particular, the image is stored in the memory of the sensor door button.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein The image displayed on the electronic screen of the sensor door button is changed based on an external input signal, in particular originating from a vehicle controller.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The vehicle controller is electronically connected to sensors to obtain a sensing output for detecting a predetermined environment, thereby selecting the predetermined image to adjust passenger information.

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