Vehicle Door Access Control Using Optical Detection and Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door control systems require extensive cabling and mechanical buttons, leading to complexity and potential failure, and lack intuitive status indication for users, particularly in public transport vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A contactless access control system using a sensor arrangement to detect user movements and a projection device to emit a colored light cone onto a reflection surface for status indication, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons and cabling, and providing intuitive status feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electromechanical push buttons are used for door control, then door opening function is achieved, but extensive wiring and mechanical failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical push buttons with a laser scanner unit that uses optical fields to detect user presence and trigger door opening. The laser scanner detects hand movements or body proximity without physical contact, eliminating mechanical components and extensive wiring while improving reliability through contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser scanner unit as an intermediary device between the user and the door control system. Instead of direct mechanical button pressing, the laser scanner mediates the interaction by detecting optical signals from the user's movement, thereby eliminating the need for distributed mechanical sensors and their associated wiring.
2Ease of operation
If no status indication is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but user frustration increases when door does not open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser scanner unit multi-functional by using it for both detecting user presence to trigger door opening and displaying door status through visual indicators. The same optical device provides both control detection and status feedback functions, eliminating the need for separate indicator devices and their associated wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the door status indication function with the existing laser scanner unit. The laser scanner not only detects user movements for door activation but also provides visual feedback about door status (locked/unlocked, open/closed) through its optical output, merging multiple functions into a single device.
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
The system reduces wiring and mechanical complexity while enhancing user experience by providing intuitive status indication and actuation of vehicle doors without the need for physical buttons, improving ease of use and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement for the contactless detection of user movement within a detection area
Implementation Method 2
a projection device for emitting a light cone in the visible range onto the reflective surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an access control system for an access device (1) of a vehicle, comprising a sensor arrangement (3) for contactless detection of user movement in a detection area (4) in the region of the access device (1), comprising a locking arrangement (5) for actuating the access device (1), and comprising a processing device (6) for controlling the locking arrangement (5) based on a user movement detected by the sensor arrangement (3). The access control system is characterized in that the access control system has a reflective surface (8) arranged in the region of the access device (1) for reflecting light and a projection device (9) for emitting a light cone (10) in the visible range onto the reflective surface (8), and that the reflective surface (8) is arranged substantially at the detection area (4).The invention also relates to a corresponding method for controlling an access device.