The Intelligent Door Handle

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.'"

Comments

Technology for technologies sake

[LiquidCoooled]

Keys are a tried and tested, secure and relatively intelligent way to secure a house.
I would hate to be locked out of my house because of a power cut (battery charge doesn't last forever), or ignored because I'm drenched (and can't be recognised).

This is a solution searching for a problem.

(Having said that, electronic locks in addition to manual gives best of both worlds (like incar central locking)

Re:Technology for technologies sake

[dptalia]

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?

Re:Technology for technologies sake

[sahrss]

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...

question about design.. (not answered in article)

[yagu]

When it comes to something so fundamental and critical to a building in terms of entering and leaving (access) one criterion comes to mind as necessary. I don't see any mention in the article, I've got to assume this is considered. Does anyone know if there is code to this requirement?

My question is this: what is the behavior of a door with that kind of technology in total failure mode? What happens in a fire or some catastrophic event where the door

• loses power,
• faces extreme heat
• or cold,
• gets wet, etc.?

Is it designed to quiesce to a state whereby it behaves as an unlocked and openable door? I get nervous sometimes when I see technology used this way. (I'm pretty comfortable with the old pin/tumbler systems, and am perfectly aware they're not foolproof, nor the most convenient...)

Re:Actually you have it completely backwards

[technoextreme]

An RFID key is extremely useful to my family. My mother has really bad arthritis in her hands which makes it difficult for her sometimes to hold items like keys. My grandpa is also better off holding on to his walker instead of reaching out to keys. Though this doesn't take into consideration the fact that both are technologically inept.

That's nice, but...

[sopuli]

does it make a 'wooosh' sound?

Just a general response to people....

[CuCullin]

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 :)

I don't know about you...

[cp.tar]

... but I wouldn't trust a car with a Start button.