Variable Height Exterior Keypad for Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional external keypads on motor vehicles are not ergonomically optimized for operator viewing and input, and advances in touch screen technology have made externally accessible input displays a practical option to enhance consumer experience and security.
Innovation Solution
An external keypad system with a touch-sensitive display that adjusts the height and layout of the input image based on the operator's physical characteristics, using cameras to determine the operator's height and generating a customizable keypad with non-sequential, non-rectilinear arrangements and selectable colors to prevent unauthorized observation of the input code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the keypad is located next to the door handle at a fixed height, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the ergonomic factors for operators of different heights are compromised and viewing angles are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The keypad display is made dynamically adjustable in height based on the operator's characteristics. The system transitions from a fixed static position to a dynamic adaptive position using cameras to detect operator height and adjust the display position accordingly, resolving the contradiction between ergonomic optimization and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the keypad display based on detected operator characteristics. By varying the display height parameter according to operator height, the system achieves ergonomic optimization without requiring a completely complex mechanical adjustment mechanism.
2Reliability
If the keypad uses a standard sequential alphanumeric layout, then the device complexity is minimized and manufacturing is easier, but the security against shoulder surfing and unauthorized observation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary randomization of the keypad layout before the operator enters their code. By pre-shuffling the alphanumeric characters into non-sequential positions and displaying them in a random pattern, the system enhances security against shoulder surfing while maintaining ease of operation through the operator's knowledge of their own code sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of presenting characters in their natural sequential order (A, B, C...), the system inverts this approach by displaying them in random non-sequential positions. This inversion of the expected pattern creates security against observation while the operator's memorized code sequence guides their input.
3Ease of operation
If the keypad display shows all alphanumeric characters clearly and sequentially, then the ease of operation for input is improved, but the observability of the code by unauthorized persons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different visual properties to different parts of the display. The alphanumeric characters are displayed with individual random positions and can have varying visual characteristics, creating local variations in the display quality. This allows the operator to see and interact with the characters while making it difficult for observers to recognize the code pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The keypad display uses asymmetric random positioning of characters instead of symmetric sequential arrangement. Each character is placed at a unique position determined by randomization, creating an asymmetric layout that maintains operator usability while preventing easy observation and pattern recognition by unauthorized persons.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle access control system is disclosed and includes a touch sensitive display for generating an input image and controller configured to control the input image generated on the touch sensitive display responsive to information regarding a height of an operator. The system controls a lock actuatable responsive a signal from the controller.