Super Door of the Future

romka1 writes "Japanese scientists came up with a new automatic sliding door that opens to the approximate shape of the person or object passing through, minimizing entry of dust, pollen, and bugs while keeping precious air-conditioning in. Here is a Real Demo Video"

Comments

Not bad

[WillRobinson]

Looking at the video, it is a good idea. Their opto sensors which are in the ends of the slides are not as responsive as they should be, but this is a minor diffculty.

Good applications would be between walls of warehouse and shipping. Which could still maintain as a firewall sould one occur.

Additional sensor could be added to detect object other than those centered on the door. Software even in the example could tell the ones above or below to open for at least a 2" minimal clearance.

Again, good concept, just needs a bit of polish.

Re:What are we supposed to view the video in?

[bersl2]

You know, there's a RealPlayer for Linux. It's not that bad either.

Of course, I use MPlayer + mplayerplug-in.

Problem solved, unless you're not on x86.ni-gul

date of the video

[Anonymous Coward]

The .rm file is date 30.9.2004 and the copyright says 2003...

Re:Reliability

[SnowZero]

Instead of using passive IR sensors... use (gasp) active IR sensors or ultrasonic - like autodoors today use.

The door in the article appears to be using (active) Sharp IR distance sensors. I wonder if some of their problems are the large number of sensors interfering somewhat.

Re:Uh-huh.

[plover]

Ever actually used ABS? Ever been in a situation where it made the difference between frightening someone and ramming them? Don't be too quick to dismiss it. Unless you're on the oval in a car you've set up for racing, ABS is a huge win.

It's not even close to the difference between a "good driver" and a "bad driver". ABS pumps the brakes roughly 4-5 times per second, far faster than the spring in my brake pedal is capable of even returning the pedal. Yes, it reduces steering ability during heavy braking maneuvers, preferring to stop the car in a straight line, but the trade off is a 40%+ shorter stopping distance.

And it fails safe. If your ABS goes out, you still have full manual authority over your brakes.

Re:Uh-huh.

[EtherealStrife]

AH! But non-abs allows you to floor the brake pedal completely, and non-abs equipped cars stop sooner than abs (in 'normal' weather/driving conditions). The abs benefit is the ability to TURN while braking, *NOT* stopping distance. I think you got that switched around. :) abs allows you to avoid obstactles while still braking, but if you're not in a situation where the obstacle CAN be avoided then abs is actually hurting you. The exception is if you live in an icey region, where abs *does* improves traction (and therefore stopping distance), but everywhere else I'd elect to go without abs.

The main monetary advantage is even wear on your tires, but I'd rather blow a few hundred dollars to replace bald tires than thousands in increased insurance costs for not stopping soon enough.

And for those of you questioning my sources, it comes to you from a AAA test driver / mechanic I discussed this with back when I worked in a local garage. Even pro-abs sites (such as ABS-Education, which is funded by abs manufacturers) emphasize the turning ability over the stopping distance.

Re:Uh-huh.

[fbjon]

What the hell are you talking about? The brake distance becomes shorter because locking the wheels is inefficient braking. The ABS prevents the wheels from locking, and thus increases braking power, except on soft roads, or if you have an inefficient system. If you need efficient braking on a soft road (like gravel), you are driving too fast in the first place. And if you want to lock your wheels on a snow/ice road, you are suicidal.

Do you think an average person, or indeed, a more-than-average person can outperform ABS brakes in terms of lives saved? Do you know how unlikely that is? Remember that maximum safety is a probability, learn to live with it. That's what I learned in driving school: how braking works with it on, with it off, and why it won't save the driver from his own stupidity.