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The Intelligent Door Handle

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the opening-stuff-smarter dept.

Poromenos writes "Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed the intelligent door handle. It combines a camera, buzzer, RFID locks and various other systems inside the door, making keys obsolete. RFID chips for opening doors will offer 'added advantages for elderly or handicapped people, saving them the trouble of wielding keys or holding the door open in order to get inside the building.'"

3 of 227 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Technology for technologies sake by dptalia · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My friend has a new BMW 325i, and it doesn't use keys, but has an RFID chip to unlock the doors when she's in proximity. I agree with your worries, but maybe we should look into what BMW has done to engineer for the elements?

    --
    Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration, which is why engineers sometimes smell really bad.
  2. Just a general response to people.... by CuCullin · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Ok, some people have expressed some very basic concerns in regards to emergency situations. I would like to point a few simple things out.

    1) House locks keep people OUT not IN, which is the goal here as well. I'm sure there would be simple mechanical method of opening the door in case of emergency, like turning the same deadbolt style lock that exists now. Difference is, this has the option of being opened from the outside using some tech and a motor.
    2) LOCKS KEEP EMERGENCY PERSONNEL OUT NOW. This is why we carry such things as a rabbit tool, spreaders, and the traditional set of irons (axe + halligan). We break the damn lock. No problem.

    Ok, so I came up with two simple points. But they are good ones nonetheless :)

  3. Re:Technology for technologies sake by sahrss · · Score: 4, Interesting
    The prius already has this feature! It's really cool.
    Push Button Start

    Prius ignition is the start of a new generation. Instead of a conventional key-start, the Prius gives you a simple, ergonomic push-button start. Your key is just for security. Simply insert it in the keyslot, and press the Start button. In fact, with the i-Tech Option Pack, you don't even need to take the key out of your pocket. As long as it's in your possession, simply press Start and you're driving.

    From
    http://prius.toyota.com.au/toyota/vehicle/Content/ 0,4664,1766_622,00.html
    .au because it came up first in Google...