AR Virtual Keypad for Keyless Door Access Without Physical Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door unlocking methods, such as using keys or physical keypads, pose security risks and increase complexity and cost, while visually unappealing modifications to doors for keyless access can be compromised.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality (AR) displayed keypad system that superimposes a virtual keypad on a user's device image, allowing users to input codes without physical modifications to the door, using a camera to track user inputs and coordinate with vehicle systems for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical keypad is installed on the door for keyless access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a keypad that is projected onto the door surface through augmented reality. This virtual keypad replica provides all the functional characteristics of a physical keypad without requiring actual physical components to be installed on the door, thereby maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical keypad system with an optical/electronic augmented reality projection system. Instead of using physical buttons and mechanical switches, the system uses projected light patterns and optical recognition to detect user inputs, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining operational functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the door is modified with physical keypads or markings for access, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keypad projection creates a temporary, non-permanent copy of the keypad interface that appears only when needed. This allows the door to maintain its original aesthetic appearance without any permanent modifications, while still providing the functional benefits of a keypad interface during authentication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The keypad interface transitions from a static physical modification to a dynamic virtual projection that can be activated and deactivated as needed. The virtual keypad appears on the door surface only during authentication operations and disappears afterward, allowing the door to dynamically switch between functional and aesthetic states.
3Ease of operation
If visual markings or indications are added to the door for the keypad location, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to compromised aesthetic modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual keypad projection serves as a temporary visual guide that appears only during authentication operations. Unlike permanent markings that could be photographed or observed by unauthorized persons, the projected virtual keypad disappears when not in use, reducing the risk of security compromise while still providing operational guidance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual keypad projection is activated periodically only during authentication operations rather than being continuously displayed. This periodic activation reduces the window of opportunity for unauthorized observation or photography of the keypad layout, thereby enhancing security while maintaining ease of operation during legitimate authentication events.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing authenticated keyless access to a vehicle or access point using an augmented reality (AR) displayed virtual keypad are disclosed. Presentation information may specify a location and arrangement for the virtual keypad, which may be displayed as an AR overlay on a user device over an image of the exterior surface of the vehicle or access point. Physical taps performed by a user on the surface may be detected by one or more cameras and correlated to keys of the virtual keypad. An input code may be generated based on the detected taps and compared to an access credential, and a control action may be performed to enable access to selected subsystems. The system may employ randomized or dynamic keypad arrangements, may provide feedback to the user device, and may operate with intermittent connectivity. User device registration of taps may be omitted for enhanced security.