Vehicle Door Waveguide Control for Guided Contactless Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor-vehicle door control systems face challenges in providing intuitive and reliable operation, especially for inexperienced users, particularly when using contactless gestures, as mechanical elements like handles are dispensed with, and existing optical displays are limited in space and clarity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a waveguide with coupling portions allows the optical sensor and display arrangements to utilize transparent surfaces like windows for image data capture and display, enabling a holographic representation of operating elements, authentication, and obstacle detection, with adjustable wavelength output for clear visualization and selective field-of-view display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If contactless operator actions are used to dispense with mechanical operating elements, then the modernization and simplification of door arrangements is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for inexperienced operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical display arrangement that projects visual guidance (light patterns, arrows, or icons) onto the door surface or surrounding area as an intermediary between the control system and the operator. This visual mediator guides inexperienced operators through the correct contactless gestures without requiring mechanical handles or switches, thus maintaining system simplification while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an optical sensor arrangement that detects operator gestures and provides real-time visual feedback through the optical display. The system monitors the operator's hand movements and displays confirmation or correction signals, creating a feedback loop that helps inexperienced operators perform the correct contactless actions, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplification and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If optical display arrangements are used to guide operators, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical display arrangement to serve multiple functions: it provides operator guidance, confirms gesture recognition, displays system status, and can indicate errors or warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate display devices and controls, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity. The same optical system handles multiple information delivery tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film optical components and flexible display elements that can be integrated into the door's existing structure without requiring bulky housings or additional mounting space. The optical display uses light-guiding films or projected patterns on the door surface itself, maintaining a sleek appearance while providing comprehensive operator guidance, thus improving usability without significantly increasing device complexity or space requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If transparent surfaces like windows are used for display and sensing, then the aesthetic appearance and space efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates waveguide coupling portions and optical alignment features directly into the molding or fabrication process of the transparent door panel. The coupling interfaces between waveguides and the transparent surface are pre-formed during manufacturing, ensuring precise alignment before assembly. This preliminary action during fabrication reduces the need for post-assembly adjustments and mitigates the manufacturing precision challenges associated with integrating multiple optical components on transparent surfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances operating convenience by providing a clear and spatially intuitive display of operator actions, ensures secure authentication, and alerts both operators and external users to door operations while maintaining a transparent appearance, improving safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the optical sensor arrangement captures the image data on the basis of light coupled into the waveguide by way of the first coupling portion and coupled out of the waveguide by way of the second coupling portion
Implementation Method 2
the optical display arrangement produces the display on the basis of light coupled into the waveguide by way of the second coupling portion and coupled out of the waveguide by way of the first coupling portion
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a door, comprising an optical sensor, an optical display and a control. The control monitors image data detected by the optical sensor in a detection routine to determine the presence of an action, and, if the action is detected, triggers an opening process and/or closing process of a door. In the detection routine, the optical display affects the display of an operating element relating to the action. The control system comprises a waveguide having a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion. The optical sensor detects the image data based on light coupled into the waveguide via the first coupling portion and coupled out of the waveguide via the second coupling portion; and/or the optical display effects the display on the basis of light coupled into the waveguide via the second coupling portion and coupled out of the waveguide via the first coupling portion.