초록 ▼

The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the act

The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vehicle port control system comprising:a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;a lock for securing the port;a latch for controlling opening and closing of said port; anda control unit in communication with said

1. A vehicle port control system comprising:a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;a lock for securing the port;a latch for controlling opening and closing of said port; anda control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for controlling the actuation of said lock;wherein said latch includes a sensor in communication with said control unit, said sensor for detecting movement of said latch. 2. The vehicle port control system of claim 1 wherein said sensor is an infrared sensor. 3. A vehicle port control system comprising:a vehicle port;a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about said port;a latch controlling opening and closing of said port; anda control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for comparing a signal from said capaciflective sensor with a predetermined threshold;wherein said latch includes a sensor in communication with said control unit, said sensor for detecting movement of said latch. 4. A method of port control comprising the steps of:establishing a voltage on a first surface;establishing about the same voltage on a second surface spaced from the first surface;establishing a lower voltage on a third surface spaced from the second surface, thereby propagating an electric field from the first surface, around the second surface, and to the third surface;sensing changes in the electric field caused by the presence of an object in the electric field;generating an electric signal based on the changes in the electric field;comparing the electric signal to a predetermined threshold; andcontrolling a port based on the comparison. 5. A vehicle port control system comprising:a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;a lock for securing the port; anda control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for controlling the actuation of said lock;wherein said capaciflective sensor comprises a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, said first surface having a first voltage about the same as a second voltage on said second surface, said third surface having a third voltage lower than said first surface. 6. The vehicle port control system of claim 5 wherein said second surface is spaced between said first surface and said third surface. 7. A vehicle port control system comprising:a capaciflective sensor for generating an electric field for sensing an object a predetermined distance about a vehicle port;a lock for securing the port; anda control unit in communication with said capaciflective sensor, said control unit for controlling the actuation of said lock;wherein said capaciflective sensor is oriented to direct the electric field away from said lock.