Sensor system for opening car doors uses photodiode to produce modified signal from light reflected by hand passed in front of handle, control unit authorizing unlocking of door if this is recognized

摘要

The sensor system for opening car doors is mounted in the door handle. It comprises a light source (11) which emits radiation, some of which (11a) is reflected back to a photodiode (13) while the remainder (11b) is transmitted beyond it. A reference light source (12) sends light (12a) directly to the photodiode. When a hand (4) is passed in front of the system it reflects some (11c) of the transmitted light, modifying the signal (15b) sent to a control unit (14). If this is recognized it authorizes unlocking of the door. Independent claims are included for: (A) locking and unlocking systems incorporating the sensor system; and (B) a method for unlocking car doors using the system.