Anomalous event detection for door system with movable barrier element

Abstract

A door system (10) is provided with anomalous event detection functionality. The door system (10) has a side frame (12) extending in a vertical direction essentially orthogonal to a ground or floor plane, a barrier element (18) arranged to move in the side frame (12) between a closed position (B) in which a passage is covered and an open position (T) in which the passage is uncovered, a drive unit (32) adapted to move the barrier element (18), a control unit (36) configured to actuate the drive unit, and a sensor (20). The sensor (20) is configured to generate a detection signal indicative of presence or non-presence of a portion of the barrier element (18) in the side frame (12) and provide the detection signal to the control unit (36).

Description

[0001] ANOMALOUS EVENT DETECTION FOR DOOR SYSTEM WITH MOVABLE

[0002] BARRIER ELEMENT

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a door system with anomalous event detection functionality, and an associated method.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Deformable barrier elements, such as shutters, are commonly used in door systems to selectively shut off passages, particularly in warehouses or industrial halls. These shutters are often manufactured from flexible tarpaulins, the lateral edges of which being adapted to slide in frames situated on both sides of the passage that is to be selectively closed. The fixing of the shutter in the frames is somewhat loose so that these shutters can come out of the frames if subj ected to a pulling force in excess of a defined critical value. The purpose is to prevent damage to the shutter in the event of an accidental impact, something which may, for example, occur when a vehicle accidentally runs into the shutter in a closed or insufficiently open position. However, repeated events of this kind may cause wear on the shutter, eventually leading to damage. Therefore, maintenance is needed after multiple instances of shutter dislodgment as a result of such anomalous events. For instance, maintenance personnel is benefitted knowing the number of times that anomalous events have occurred. Furthermore, the information could be useful for factory planners that are interested in understanding where anomalous events occur, and at what times. However, there is currently no efficient and automatic way of knowing if an anomalous event has occurred.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution overcoming or at least mitigating one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, the present invention provides a solution that automatically detects an anomalous event that involves displacement of a barrier element from its intended path of movement in a door system.

[0009] In a first aspect, a door system with anomalous event detection functionality is provided. The system comprises a side frame extending in a vertical direction essentially orthogonal to a ground or floor plane, a barrier element arranged to move in the side frame between a closed position in which a passage is covered and an open position in which the passage is uncovered, a drive unit adapted to move the barrier element, a control unit, and a sensor configured to generate a detection signal indicative of presence or non-presence of a portion of the barrier element in the side frame, and to provide the detection signal to the control unit. Hence, the anomalous event detection functionality is implemented by the sensor and the control unit in combination, wherein the latter may determine the occurrence of an anomalous event by examining or monitoring the detection signal from the sensor. In the present disclosure, comprising a sensor is to be interpreted as comprising at least one sensor.

[0010] The provision of such a system advantageously detects if there has been a dislodgment of the barrier element from the side frame, which may be indicative of an anomalous event such as a crash. Maintenance of the door system may thus be improved. Furthermore, the sensor can be used for automation of tasks that were previously manual. For example, the sensor allows for automatic determination of the open position, even in the absence of a user. This advantageously decreases the risk of improper instalment of the moveable door system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect a presence or nonpresence of the barrier element in a direction essentially orthogonal to the extension of the side frame, i.e. essentially orthogonal to the intended path of movement of the barrier element between the closed and the open positions. This beneficially enhances the system’s ability to monitor anomalous barrier element movement.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to determine that an anomalous event has occurred when the detection signal generated by the sensor indicates non-presence of the barrier element in the side frame during movement of the barrier element towards the open position. This advantageously ensures that the non- presence of the barrier element will always be detected during normal operation of the door system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the side frame further comprises reintroduction means adapted to automatically reinsert the barrier element into the side frame when the barrier element has been dislodged from the side frame due to a disruptive external force, wherein the sensor is arranged at the reintroduction means, or at a distance vertically below the reintroduction means. This beneficially enables automatic recovery from dislodgement, improving the resilience of the door system. In conjunction with the sensor, this allows for automatic determination of the open position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reintroduction means is arranged where a bottom edge of the barrier element is located when the barrier element is in the open position. This beneficially ensures that the barrier element is reinserted regardless of the location of dislodgment.

[0015] Typically, the control unit is configured for actuation of the drive unit. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to take the detection signal into account at least for some of the actuation of the drive unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, in the closed position, the barrier element is at a bottom of the side frame at said ground or floor plane, and in the open position, the barrier element is at a top of the side frame. This beneficially allows for full coverage and clearance of the passage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, in a set-up mode, obtain a distance between the reintroduction means and the sensor as a distance- related value entered by an installer or having been pre-set at factory, determine an end position of the barrier element by controlling the drive unit to move the barrier element towards the open position, and upon receiving from the sensor a detection signal indicating non-presence of the barrier element, move the barrier element the obtained distance between the reintroduction means and the sensor, and store the end position of the barrier element in the determined location as the open position in a storage unit. This beneficially allows automatic determination of the open position, reducing the risk of improper installation, as well as allowing for historical data tracking and system diagnostics, thereby in turn allowing accurate determination of maintenance needs. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises one or more sensor elements selected from the group consisting of an inductive sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, a proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a radar sensor, an acoustic sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a pressure sensor. This beneficially allows for accurate readings of the presence or nonpresence of the barrier element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the door system further comprises a communications unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit is configured to store information about anomalous events in the storage unit as they occur, and to cause the communications unit to transmit, according to a schedule or upon request, the stored information to a remote server for further analysis or action. This beneficially enables remote monitoring and proactive maintenance through event logging and transmission.

[0019] In some embodiments, the barrier element is a flexible shutter. This beneficially allows for easy movement and adaptation to different structural and environmental constraints.

[0020] In a second aspect, a method of monitoring a door system for anomalous events is provided. The method comprises providing a sensor to a side frame of the door system, activating a drive unit of the door system to move the barrier element essentially in a vertical direction orthogonal to a ground or floor plane between an open position wherein a passage is uncovered and a closed position wherein the passage is covered, generating by the sensor and during movement of the barrier element a detection signal indicative of presence or non-presence of a portion of the barrier element in the side frame, and transmitting the detection signal to a control unit of the door system. The second aspect allows for detection of barrier element positions in the side frame, and automatic determination of anomalous events that has caused a dislodgment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that there has been an anomalous event when the detection signal generated by the sensor indicates non-presence of the barrier element the side frame. This beneficially allows for determination of maintenance needs. In some embodiments, the method further comprises storing, in a storage unit of the door system, information about anomalous events as they occur, and transmitting, by a communications unit of the door system and in accordance with a schedule or upon request, the stored information to a remote server for further analysis or action. This beneficially allows for remote monitoring of the door system, thus improving the maintenance of the door system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further comprises automatically determining the open position in a set-up mode of the control unit by: obtaining a distance, as a distance-related value entered by an installer or having been pre-set at factory, between a reintroduction means arranged where a bottom edge of the barrier element is located in the open and adapted to automatically reinsert the barrier element, and the sensor; determining an end position of the barrier element by controlling the drive unit to move the barrier element towards the open position, and upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor indicating non-presence of the barrier element, moving the barrier element the obtained distance between the reintroduction means and the sensor; and storing the end position of the barrier element as the open position in a storage unit. This beneficially reduces the risk of improper installation by partially automating the door system installation.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following description of the present invention; reference being made to the appended drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice, wherein

[0025] FIG. l is a schematic view of a door system;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of components of some embodiments of a door system according to the invention;

[0027] FIG. 3 a is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a side frame and reintroduction means according to some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 3b is a schematic top view of the side frame and the reintroduction means shown in FIG. 3 a; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method of monitoring anomalous events of a door system; and

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a door system according to some embodiments.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0032] The present disclosure concerns a door system with anomalous event detection functionality. The door system selectively moves a barrier element vertically to open or cover a passage. The barrier element may be dislodged from a side frame of the door system, due to anomalous events. Such anomalous events may increase the need for maintenance. It is in view of this that the inventors have realized the need for automatically determining that such anomalous events have occurred, which is done by utilizing a sensor unit arranged on the side frame.

[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a door system 10, equipped with a side frame 12 providing a structure to the door system 10. The side frame 12 comprises two side guides 12a, 12b arranged on either side of the side frame 12, the side guides 12a, 12b being adapted to guide or support a barrier element 18. The guiding function of the side guides 12a, 12b is shown in FIG. 3b and will be more elaborately discussed below. The side guides 12a, 12b extend in a vertical direction V, essentially orthogonal to a ground or floor plane. The barrier element 18 is arranged to selectively move between an open position T where the passage is uncovered, and a closed position B where the passage is covered. To this end, the barrier element 18 is moveable in the vertical direction V along the side guides 12a, 12b. Hence, the barrier element 18 extends in the plane of the passage. The term “barrier element” denotes in the broadest sense a removable partition which is at least partially flexible or supple. The barrier element 18 may for example comprise a collection of articulated strips, a tarpaulin, a gauze or a grating, to name a few. The barrier element 18 may comprise stabilizing structures, for example beads or other structurally stabilizing elements, to the sides or to a vertical lower end (also referred to as a bottom of the barrier element), the stabilizing elements being arranged to fit in the side guide 12a, 12b.

[0034] The barrier element 18 moves vertically up when moving to the open position T. The door system 10 further comprises a drive unit 32, the actuation of which creates the vertical movement. The drive unit 32 will be further described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the barrier element 18 is moved by a roller 24a arranged to wind up the barrier element 18 around the roller 24a. The roller 24a is coupled to the drive unit 32 via a shaft arranged to transfer power therebetween. Thus, rotational movement of the roller 24a, as caused by actuating the drive unit 32, will cause the vertical movement of the barrier element 18. In a further embodiment, the drive unit 32 facilitates a downward movement of the barrier element 18 by causing movement of the roller 24a in the opposite direction. In an alternative embodiment, downward movement is caused by the system 10 allowing the barrier element 18 to move downward by gravity, for example by ceasing to actuate the drive unit 32. In a further embodiment, the barrier element 18 is moved into a separate space, e.g. in an extended shape, a folded shape or a rolled shape. To this end, the door system 10 may comprise a housing structure 44 arranged at a vertical top end of the side frame 12. The housing structure 44 may further house the drive unit 32 adapted to actuate movement of the barrier element 18. In any case, the barrier element 18 may be moved, or displaced, from the passage such that machines, people and goods can move through the passage.

[0035] A sensor 20 is arranged on the side frame 12 to detect the presence or nonpresence of the barrier element 18 in the side frame 12, more specifically in the side guides 12a, 12b, and is configured to generate a detection signal indicating this. The sensor 20 could be arranged on either sides of one or both of the side guides 12a, 12b, detecting if a portion of the barrier element 18 is in view of the sensor 20. Alternatively, the sensor 20 could be a single sensor arranged to one side of one, or both, of the side guides 12a, 12b. Furthermore, multiple sensors could be arranged along the extension of the side frame 12. The presence of the barrier element 18 in the side frame 12 could be viewed as a normal state, i.e. the state in which the barrier element 18 may perform its normal function of selectively covering or not covering the passage. Thereby, the nonpresence of the barrier element 18 in the side frame 12 could be viewed as an anomaly or indicative of an anomalous event, caused by a dislodgment of the barrier element 18, or that the barrier element 18 has passed the sensor 20 when moving towards the open position T. Whether the non-presence indicates an anomalous event or that the barrier element 18 has passed the sensor 20 may be determined in various ways depending on implementation. If the sensor 20 is arranged in a position where a bottom portion of the barrier element 18 will be in view of the sensor 20 in the open position T, the nonpresence always indicates an anomalous event. In other cases where the sensor 20 is arranged below the position where the bottom portion of the barrier element 18 is in the open position T, anomalous events can be determined by registering the movement of the roller 24a or how long the drive unit 32 is actuated, wherein the distance between the sensor 20 and the open position T is predetermined. The anomalous event may for instance be that a disruptive external force has caused a dislodgment, for example from a vehicle crashing with the barrier element 18, or a force of wind urging the barrier element 18 out of the side frame 12. In any event, the anomalous event is an unexpected or unwanted event that forces the barrier element 18 out of the side frame 12, potentially damaging or causing wear and tear of the door system 10.

[0036] As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 3a, the side frame 12 may further be arranged with reintroduction means 14 adapted to automatically reinsert the barrier element 18 into the side frame 12 when the barrier element 18 has been dislodged from inside the side frame 12. The reintroduction means 14 is beneficially arranged as high as possible on the side frame 12, for example at a position where the bottom of the barrier element 18 is located when the barrier element 18 is in the open position T. The sensor 20 may beneficially be arranged at or close to the reintroduction means 14. For example, the sensor 20 may be arranged vertically just below the reintroduction means 14, or arranged adjacent to the reintroduction means 14, i.e. such that at least a part of the sensor 20 is in contact with the reintroduction means 14. As the sensor 20 is arranged at an essentially vertically highest possible position, the sensor 20 will be able to detect most possible dislodgments of the barrier element 18. This is because the sensor 20 is arranged close to, or at, the highest possible point of potential dislodgment. Furthermore, this means that the sensor 20 will detect a dislodgment in conjunction with the barrier element 18 moving to the open position T, since a dislodgment of a portion of the barrier element 18 will be detected when that portion passes the sensor 20, and the bottom of the barrier element 18 has not yet passed the sensor 20.

[0037] Arranging the sensor 20 just below the reintroduction means 14 is further beneficial in that, in addition to the ability to detect an anomalous event, the open T and closed B positions of the barrier element 18 may be automatically detected. Of course, the open position T and / or the closed position B may be determined by a manual input from an installer or a user. Additionally or alternatively, the open position T may be automatically determined in a set-up mode by means of a control unit 36 (see FIG. 2) of the door system 10 by utilizing the sensor 20, the control unit 36 being configured to actuate the drive unit 32. This may be necessary in addition to manual input as the open position T and / or closed position B may be incorrect e.g. due to human error or a change of conditions. The open position T may be automatically determined by raising the barrier element 18 from the bottom position B until the sensor 20 no longer detects the barrier element 18, as the bottom portion of the barrier element 18 has moved beyond the sensor 20, and accordingly the position of the barrier element 18 is registered. To this end, the control unit 36 may measure or receive measurements indicative of the revolutions, rotational speed and / or duration of activation of the drive unit 32 or roller 24a, and the position of the barrier element 18 may be determined based upon such measurements.

[0038] In embodiments where the sensor is arranged adjacent to the reintroduction means 14, the open position T is determined as the point where the sensor 20 detects a non-presence of the barrier element 18. In embodiments where the sensor 20 is arranged a distance below the reintroduction means 14, the distance is known to the control unit 32. It may, for instance, be a distance-related value entered by the installer or having been pre-set at factory. As the barrier element 18 is moved beyond the sensor 20, the sensor 20 detects a non-presence, and the open position T is determined as the current position of the barrier element 18 in addition to the predetermined distance between the reintroduction means 14 and the sensor 20. The end position of the barrier element 18 thus determined may be stored as the open position T in a storage unit 39 of the door system 10, which will be further described in conjunction to FIG. 2.

[0039] The open position T may alternatively be automatically determined by arranging a transmitting element to the bottom of the barrier element 18, wherein the sensor 20 is configured to detect the transmitting element. As the barrier element 18 is raised from the bottom position B, the transmitting element will come to a point where the sensor 20 may detect it, thus indicating the open position T, or the predetermined distance therefrom. To this end, the transmitting element may be a magnet, and the sensor 20 may be an inductive sensor. This further beneficially allows determination of whether the non-presence of the barrier element 18 indicates an anomalous event or simply indicates that the bottom of the barrier element 18 has passed the sensor 20. In other words, if the sensor 20 indicates that there is a non-presence and it has not detected the transmitting element, the non-presence indicates an anomalous event. If the sensor 20 indicates that there is a non-presence of the barrier element 18 immediately following detection of the transmitting element, the non-presence indicates that the barrier element 18 has passed the sensor 20. In all embodiments wherein the open position T is determined in some way, the closed position B may be determined as a predetermined distance (e.g. entered by manual input) between the positions. In some embodiments two sensors 20 are arranged on either side of the side guides 12a, 12b, wherein the indication of a non-presence by both sensors 20 indicates that the barrier element 18 has reached the open position T, and the indication of a non-presence by a single sensor 20 is indicative of an anomalous event. This, as if the barrier element 18 is dislodged, it will still be in view of one of the sensors 20. If the barrier element 18 has passed the sensors 20, however, the barrier element 18 will not be seen by either sensor 20.

[0040] Typically, the drive unit 32 is actuated based on the open position T and the closed position B, which is why these positions may be necessary to determine. For example, the drive unit 32 is actuated to move the barrier element 18 to the open position T. The driver unit 32 may further be actuated to push the barrier element 18 downwards until the barrier element 18 reaches the closed position B. The open position T and / or the closed position B are thus determined as described above and stored in the storage unit 39 in or coupled to the control unit 32 (further described in conjunction with FIG. 2). Based on the open position T and the closed position B, the drive unit 32 may thus be accurately controlled. For instance, the open position T and closed position B may indicate to the control unit 32 how long and at what speed the drive unit 32 should be actuated in order for the barrier element 18 to move between the open position T and the closed position B.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the sensor 20, the control unit 36, the drive unit 32, and their respective functions and communications. The control unit 36 is configured to actuate the drive unit 32. In some embodiments, the control unit 36 actuates the drive unit 32 by controlling a variable frequency drive (VFD) 34. The VFD 34 may be arranged as a separate unit or integrated with the control unit 36. In some embodiments, the control unit 32 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC manages various operations of the door system 20. It processes input data, executes logical operations, and generates outputs based on pre-programmed instructions. In any case, the control unit 36 receives detection signals from the sensor 20, determining the presence or absence of the barrier element 18. The control unit 36 may be configured to control the movement of the barrier element 18 within the side frame 12 based on the detection signal generated by the sensor 20. For example, the control unit 36 may actuate the drive unit 32 to quickly pull the barrier element 18 until the sensor 20 indicates the non-presence thereof, and subsequently slow down the drive unit 32. Alternatively, the control unit 36 may slow down the drive unit 32 at a predetermined distance from the sensor 20 indicating a non-presence. This could be done because the barrier element 18 is beneficially moved slower if it has been dislodged from the side frame 12 so as not to be damaged by reintroduction into the side frame 12. The control unit 36 could also control the drive unit 32 based on the non- presence when the non-presence indicates that the bottom of the barrier element 18 has reached the sensor 20, thus indicating that the barrier element 18 has reached the open position T, and no further movement is needed. In embodiments where the sensor 20 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the reintroduction means 14, the control unit 36 may actuate the drive unit 32 to move the barrier element 18 the predetermined distance once a non-presence indicative of the barrier element 18 passing the sensor 20 has been detected.

[0042] In some embodiments, the control unit 36 comprises or is coupled to a communications unit 38 adapted to receive information from the control unit 36, wherein the communications unit 38 is configured to transmit an alert to a remote server 42 in response to the detection signal 20 indicating a non-presence of the barrier element 18. In some examples, the alert is the detection signal generated by the sensor 20. In some embodiments, the remote server 42 stores the alerts, and in response to reaching a predetermined number of alerts, initiates a maintenance action. For example, the remote server 42 may be inquired by e.g. a maintenance facilitator. The remote server 42 may indicate to the maintenance facilitator when there is a need for maintenance of the door system 10 due to excessive number of anomalous events, as indicated by the alerts.

[0043] The drive unit 32 may include various types of motors or actuating devices, such as electric motors, hydraulic actuators, or pneumatic actuators, depending on the specific requirements of the system 10. The communications unit 38 may be configured to communicate in any known short-range or long-range communication standards known in the art via a communication interface. Short-range communication interfaces include, for instance, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, ZigBee, WirelessHART, WiFi, Bluetooth®, BLE, RFID, QR, WLAN, MQTT loT, CoAP, DDS, NFC, AMQP, LoRaWAN, Z-Wave, Sigfox, Thread, EnOcean, mesh communication, or any other form of proximity -based device-to-device radio communication signal such as LTE Direct. The storage unit 39 is associated with the control unit 36, for instance residing therein or coupled to, and may be implemented in any known memory technology, including but not limited to E(E)PROM, S(D)RAM or flash memory. The storage unit 39 may alternatively be a cloud storage unit. The cloud storage unit may be deployed as a SQL data model such as MySQL, PostgreSQL or Oracle RDBMS. Alternatively, deployments based on NoSQL data models such as MongoDB, Amazon DynamoDB, Hadoop or Apache Cassandra may be used.

[0044] Alternatively, the storage unit 39 may reside in an external server configured in any type of client-server or peer-to-peer (P2P) computer architectures. Server configurations may, for instance, involve any combination of e.g. web servers, database servers, email servers, web proxy servers, DNS servers, FTP servers, file servers, DHCP servers, to name a few. Alternatively, the system 10 comprises the storage unit

[0045] 39, wherein the system in configured to transmit the information to the remote server 42 in accordance with a schedule or upon request, the stored information to the remote sever 42 for further analysis or action. The schedule may be a recurring automatic transmission of the information to the remote server 42. For instance, the schedule might indicate that the information is to be sent weekly, daily, hourly, or any other timebased schedule. The schedule may also be instance based, such that the information is stored locally until a predetermined number of anomalous events have been recorded. Upon reaching or exceeding the predetermined number of anomalous events, the communications unit 38 may send the information to the remote server. As mentioned, this may indicate the need for maintenance of the door system 10. A request may be a request by a maintenance technician to receive the number of anomalous events. Alternatively, the system 10 may be arranged to transfer all information to the remote server 42, storing the information. Furthermore, the remote server 42 may be configured to, upon reaching or exceeding a predetermined number of anomalous events, indicate the need for maintenance of the door system 10 as an automatic request for maintenance (as previously mentioned). The information may be sent via a communications network

[0046] 40.

[0047] As previously mentioned, the storage unit 39 is configured to store the closed position B and / or the open position T. These may be stored as a vertical position of the barrier element 18, for example as a distance from the sensor 20, a relative position between the open position T and the closed position B wherein the closed position B is known by manual input, or an amount of rotations by the roller 24a from either the sensor 20 or the closed position B. The open position T, as determined by any of the methods described above, may for instance be stored as a distance relative to the sensor 20, the reintroduction means 14, the ground or floor plane, or the housing structure 44.

[0048] FIG. 3 a shows the side frame 12 and the reintroduction means 14 mounted thereto. As mentioned, the side frame 12 is equipped with the side guide 12a. The drawing thus depicts one side of the side frame 12, while the opposing side of the side frame 12 comprises the other side guide 12b (as was shown in FIG. 1). The sensor 20 is arranged onto the side frame 12 to detect the presence or non-presence of the barrier element 18 in the side frame 12. In some examples this indicates that the barrier element 18 has been dislodged from the side frame 12 by a disruptive external force or indicates that the barrier element 18 has passed the sensor 20, as explained in conjunction to FIG. 1.

[0049] As can be seen in the drawing, the reintroduction means 14 may reinsert the barrier element 18 into the side frame 12 by having a sloped surface on one side. If the barrier element 18 is outside the side frame 12, the barrier element 18 will push against the sloped surface and be guided towards the side frame 12, i.e. towards the side guide 12a. In another embodiment, the reintroduction means 14 comprises one or more rolling members, adapted to push the side of the barrier element 18 into the side frame 12.

[0050] In order to detect the presence or non-presence of the barrier element 18, the sensor 20 may be an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a proximity sensor, a microwave sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a radar sensor, an acoustic sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an inductive sensor or a pressure sensor. An inductive sensor could detect the barrier element 18 by sensing changes in inductance caused by the proximity of an element, if it contains metal components. An ultrasonic sensor could emit sound waves and measure the time it takes for them to bounce back, identifying changes between the barrier element 18 being present or absent. A capacitive sensor might sense variations in capacitance between the presence or non-presence of the barrier element 18, which would affect the electric field. An optical sensor may emit light and detect its return, identifying the barrier element 18 when it interrupts this light, or by detecting reflections caused by the non-presence of the barrier element. A microwave sensor might use microwave signals to detect a presence by analyzing the changes in the reflected signals. A Hall effect sensor could detect the magnetic field changes caused by the movement of the barrier element 18, particularly if it has magnetic properties. Radar sensors might send out radio waves and analyze their return to detect the presence and movement of the barrier element 18. Acoustic sensors could detect sound waves or vibrations from the movement of the barrier element 18. LIDAR sensors might use laser light to measure distances and detect the presence of the barrier element 18 by the time it takes for the light to return. A piezoelectric sensor could detect pressure or mechanical changes caused by the barrier element 18, while a pressure sensor might directly measure any pressure exerted by the barrier element 18 against it.

[0051] FIG. 3b shows a top view of the side frame 12, the barrier element 18 and the sensor 20. The sensor 20 may comprise several sensor elements, as mentioned in conjunction to FIG. 3a. In some embodiments, such sensor elements are arranged on either side of the barrier element 18 as depicted in the drawing. This allows the sensor 20 to detect the presence or non-presence of the barrier element 18 on both sides of the side guide 12a, i.e. the directions orthogonal to the extension of the side frame 12. The side frame 12 comprises one of the side guides 12a, as mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 1. As is understood by the person skilled in the art, the side frame 12 may comprise further elements such as fasteners, adhesives or the like, which connect the barrier element 18 to the side guide 12a or side frame 12. Whatever the case, the skilled person understands that the current disclosure refers to a barrier element 18 that is arranged to move inside the side guide 12a and corresponding opposite side guide 12b. The side guide 12a comprises a vertically extending gap, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the shape of the side of the barrier element 18. In case of an anomalous event, the barrier element 18 forcefully moves outside of the side guide 12a. This creates an impact between the barrier element 18 and the side guides 12a, 12b, as well as potential impacts to other elements of the side frame 12, damaging the barrier element 18, the side frame 12, or the side guides 12a 12b.

[0052] FIG. 4 depicts the side frame 12, and two rollers 24a-24b. However, the door system 10 may be equipped with only one roller 24a. The roller 24a is arranged to be moved by the drive unit 32, as previously described. The barrier element 18 previously described is arranged to be moved over the roller 24a, for example by resting thereon with a large enough friction so as to be moved by the roller 24a or by the barrier element 18 having a portion fastened to the roller 24a. In some examples, the first roller 24a is also adapted to wind the barrier element 18 onto the first roller 24a. The door system 10 may further comprise a second roller 24b. The second roller 24b may be arranged to wind the barrier element 18 onto the second roller 24b. The second roller 24b may be actuated by the drive unit 32 or a separate drive unit (not shown) to keep the barrier element 18 tightened. This beneficially ensures that the barrier element 18 is correctly wound up onto the second roller 24b, avoiding folding of the barrier element 18 during movement to the open position T.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 100 for detecting an anomalous event by detecting the presence or non-presence of a barrier element within a door system (such as the aforementioned barrier element 18 and door system 10). The method comprises providing 110 a sensor (such as the aforementioned sensor 20) to a side frame (such as the aforementioned side frame 12), wherein the sensor is configured to identify the presence or non-presence of the barrier element inside the side frame. This sensor may be arranged to passively detect the barrier element through various methods, such as the methods mentioned above. A drive unit (such as the aforementioned drive unit 32) is activated 120 to move the barrier element vertically between an open position, in which the passage is uncovered, and a closed position, where the passage is covered. The open position allows objects such as machines, people, and goods to pass through when the barrier element is in the open position.

[0054] If the sensor detects that a presence or non-presence of the barrier element, a detection signal is generated 130 by the sensor, indicating whether the portion of the barrier element resides within the side frame. This signal is then transmitted 140 to a control unit of the door system (such as the aforementioned control unit 36), where it may be processed to determine an anomalous event, and / or further transmitted to a remote server. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor constantly sends a detection signal, and the previously mentioned control unit interprets the signal as indicative of the presence or non-presence of the barrier element.

[0055] The method also includes determining 140 if an anomalous event has occurred, based on the sensor's indication that the barrier element is not within the side frame. If a disruptive external force, such as a crash from a moveable object or wind, dislodges the barrier element, the sensor can detect this absence. Additionally, the method can automatically detect the open position by measuring the distance between the reintroduction means and the point where the sensor no longer detects the barrier element. The barrier element is moved vertically upwards, and once it is beyond the sensor's detection range, the open position is determined.

[0056] The method may also comprise storing, in a storage unit of the door system (such as the aforementioned storage unit 39), information about anomalous events as they occur. This information may then be transmitted, by a communications unit of the door system (such as the aforementioned communications unit 38) and in accordance with a schedule or upon request, the stored information to a remote sever (such as the aforementioned remote sever 42) for further analysis or action. The schedule may be a recurring automatic transmission of the information to the remote server. For instance, the schedule might indicate that the information is to be sent weekly, daily, hourly, or any other time-based schedule. The schedule may also be an instance based, such that the information is stored locally until a predetermined amount of anomalous events have been recorded. Upon reaching or exceeding the predetermined amount of anomalous events, the communications unit sends the information to a remote server. This may indicate the need for maintenance of the door system. A request may be a request by a maintenance technician to receive the amount of anomalous events. It may further be an automatic request generated by the remote server. The information may be sent via a communications network.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method further comprises automatically determining the open position in a set-up mode of the control unit by the following steps. First, a distance between a reintroduction means (such as the aforementioned reintroduction means 14) and the sensor is obtained. As previously discussed, the reintroduction means may be arranged where a bottom of the barrier element is located in the open position and adapted to automatically reinsert the barrier element. The distance may, for instance, be obtained by reading a distance-related value entered by the installer or having been factory pre-set. This embodiment of the method further comprises determining an end position of the barrier element by controlling the drive unit to move the barrier element towards the open position, and upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor indicating non-presence of the barrier element, moving the barrier element the obtained distance between the reintroduction means and the sensor. Finally, this embodiment of the method comprises storing the end position of the barrier element as the open position in a storage unit. In this manner, the open position may be automatically stored for use in the door system.

[0058] The above method steps could be carried out in any order. Purely by way of example, the barrier element can activated 120 to be moved to and from the open or closed position multiple times.

[0059] The invention has been described above in detail with reference to embodiments thereof. However, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A door system (10) with anomalous event detection functionality, the door system (10) comprising: a side frame (12), extending in a vertical direction essentially orthogonal to a ground or floor plane, a barrier element (18), arranged to move in the side frame (12) between a closed position (B) in which a passage is covered and an open position (T) in which the passage is uncovered, a drive unit (32) adapted to move the barrier element (18), a control unit (36), and a sensor (20), configured to generate a detection signal indicative of presence or non-presence of a portion of the barrier element (18) in the side frame (12), and provide the detection signal to the control unit (36).

2. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (20) is configured to detect a presence or non-presence of the barrier element (18) in a direction essentially orthogonal to the extension of the side frame (12).

3. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (36) is configured to determine that an anomalous event has occurred when the detection signal generated by the sensor (2) indicates non-presence of the barrier element (18) in the side frame (12) during movement of the barrier element (18) towards the open position (T).

4. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side frame (12) further comprises reintroduction means (14) adapted to automatically reinsert the barrier element (18) into the side frame (12) when the barrier element has been dislodged from the side frame (12) due to a disruptive external force, and wherein the sensor (20) is arranged at the reintroduction means (14), or at a distance vertically below the reintroduction means (14).

5. The system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the reintroduction means (14) is arranged where a bottom edge of the barrier element (18) is located when the barrier element (18) is in the open position (T).

6. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position (B), the barrier element (18) is at a bottom of the side frame (12) at said ground or floor plane, and in the open position (T), the barrier element (18) is at a top of the side frame (12).

7. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (36) is configured for actuation of the drive unit (32) and to take the detection signal into account at least for some of said actuation of the drive unit (32).

8. The system (10) according to claim 4 and 7, wherein control unit (36) is further configured to, in a set-up mode: obtain a distance between the reintroduction means (14) and the sensor (20) as a distance-related value entered by an installer or having been pre-set at factory, determine an end position of the barrier element (18) by controlling the drive unit (32) to move the barrier element (18) towards the open position (T), and upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor (20) indicating non-presence of the barrier element (18), moving the barrier element (18) the obtained distance between the reintroduction means and the sensor, and store the end position of the barrier element (18) as the open position (T) in a storage unit (39).

9. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (20) comprises one or more sensor elements selected from the group consisting of an inductive sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, a proximity sensor, a photoelectricsensor, a microwave sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a radar sensor, an acoustic sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a piezoelectric sensor and a pressure sensor.

10. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claim when dependent on claim 3, the door system (10) further comprising a communications unit (38) and a storage unit (39), wherein the control unit (32) is configured to store information about anomalous events in the storage unit (39) as they occur, and to cause the communications unit (38) to transmit, according to a schedule or upon request, the stored information to a remote sever (42) for further analysis or action.

11. The system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier element (18) is a flexible shutter.

12. A method (100) of monitoring a door system for anomalous events, the method comprising: providing (110) a sensor to a side frame of the door system, activating (120) a drive unit of the door system to move the barrier element essentially in a vertical direction orthogonal to a ground or floor plane between an open position wherein a passage is uncovered and a closed position wherein the passage is covered, generating (130), by the sensor and during movement of the barrier element, a detection signal indicative of presence or non-presence of a portion of the barrier element in the side frame, and transmitting (140) the detection signal to a control unit of the door system.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: determining (150), by the control unit, that there has been an anomalous event when the detection signal generated by the sensor (2) indicates non-presence of the barrier element in the side frame during movement of the barrier element towards the open position.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: storing, in a storage unit of the door system, information about anomalous events as they occur, and transmitting, by a communications unit of the door system and in accordance with a schedule or upon request, the stored information to a remote sever (42) for further analysis or action.

15. The method according to any of claim 12 to 14, wherein the method further comprises automatically determining the open position in a set-up mode of the control unit by: obtaining a distance, as a distance-related value entered by an installer or having been pre-set at factory, between a reintroduction means arranged where a bottom edge of the barrier element is located in the open position and adapted to automatically reinsert the barrier element, and the sensor, determining an end position of the barrier element by controlling the drive unit to move the barrier element towards the open position, and upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor indicating non-presence of the barrier element, moving the barrier element the obtained distance between the reintroduction means and the sensor, and storing the end position of the barrier element as the open position in a storage unit.

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