Interactive panel for an elevator unit

Abstract

An interaction panel (116) for an elevator unit (100) is disclosed. The interaction panel (116) detects an interaction and triggers at least one call operation signal to operate the elevator unit (100). The interaction panel (116) includes at least one sensing unit (202) and a controller (108). The at least one sensing unit (202) is configured for transmitting a signal. The at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to detect a reflected signal indicative of a radio wave reflected from a foreign object. Further, the at least one sensing unit (202) determines a duration of detection of the reflected signal. The at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to compare the determined duration to a threshold duration and to reject interaction generated by the reflected signal when the determined duration is greater than the threshold duration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to elevators and, in particular, to an interactive panel for operating an elevator unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] Elevators are nowadays an essential part of multi-story buildings, such as commercial buildings and residential buildings. Typically, an elevator unit or elevator system comprises an elevator car and a counterweight connected to each other via a traction rope or belt. Upon receiving an instruction via an elevator controller, a drive machine deployed in such elevator unit moves the traction rope, thereby moving the elevator car along a pair of guide rails via displacing the counterweight within an elevator shaft of the building. The elevator controller can receive such instruction as a result of a user operating an interactive panel. The interactive panel is used to control and operate the elevator unit.

[0003] The interactive panel can be classified as a Lobby Operation Panel (LOP) or a Car Operation Panel (COP). If the interactive panel is located outside the elevator car on each floor, the interactive panel is referred to as a LOP. In case the interactive panel is provided inside the elevator car, the interactive panel is referred to as a COP. Furthermore, such interactive panel can consist of a set of buttons or touch sensors. The set of buttons or touch sensors can be adapted to allow a user to select a floor for the elevator car to stop on. The interactive panel can also typically include other controls, such as an emergency stop button and an alarm button.

[0004] The interactive panel communicates with the controller of the elevator unit when the user provides a touch input and is responsible for moving the elevator car between floors and ensuring that the elevator car stops on the correct floor. The interactive panel can be configured to display information related to the elevator unit, such as the current floor and direction of travel.

[0005] The interactive panel can have various designs and configurations, ranging from simple button panels to touchscreens with advanced features such as voice announcements and multimedia displays. Modern interactive panels can typically feature intuitive interfaces that make them easy to use and can also include accessibility features such as Braille or audio guidance for visually impaired users.

[0006] While touch sensors in interactive panels can be becoming more popular in modern buildings, they do have some drawbacks that should be considered before installing them. For example, touch sensors can be highly sensitive, which can be a drawback of interactive panels. Accidentally bumping into the interactive panel or placing objects on the interactive panel can trigger false activations, leading to unintended stops or other issues. Additionally, touch sensors can be prone to wear and tear and can not be as durable as other types of interactive panels. This vulnerability can lead to shorter lifespans and higher maintenance costs. Touch sensors can be sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity levels. If touch sensors are installed in an outdoor interactive panel, they can not be able to withstand these elements, leading to malfunctions or failures. Furthermore, touch sensors require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Dust, dirt, and fingerprints can accumulate on the surface of touch sensors, which can interfere with the sensor's ability to detect touches. As a result, touch sensors can be more expensive than other types of interactive panels, which can make them less feasible for smaller budgets. Additionally, some users can find touch sensors more difficult to access than traditional buttons, especially those with disabilities or mobility issues. The lack of tactile feedback can make it difficult for some users to navigate the panel.

[0007] While touch sensors in interactive panels can provide a stylish and modern aesthetic for LOPs or COPs, it is important to consider the aforementioned drawbacks before deciding whether to install such touch sensors in an interactive panel.

[0008] To overcome the drawbacks of touch sensor interactive panels, several prior art provides a non-contact sensor installed in an interactive panel.

[0009] Currently, an interactive panel with non-contact features is an innovative device used in elevator cars and other vertical transportation systems that allows passengers to interact with controls in the elevator car without physical contact. Non-contact interactive panels can be designed to reduce the risk of spreading microorganisms and bacteria by eliminating the need for users to touch potentially contaminated surfaces.

[0010] An interactive panel with touchless features can be a response to concerns about the possibility of viruses spreading through commonly touched surfaces, such as controls of an elevator unit, in response to several infectious diseases. A touchless interactive panel can use a combination of infrared sensors and motion detection technology to detect the presence of a user’s hand and respond to their commands. When a user approaches the touchless interactive panel, sensors installed in the touchless interactive panel can detect the movement of the user’s hand and thus generate an interaction of the user with the elevator unit. The user can then use gestures to select their desired instructions or other options without having to touch any buttons or surfaces. The touchless interactive panel can also be programmed to provide audible or visual feedback to the user, indicating that their commands have been received and processed.

[0011] A touchless interactive panel can be a significant advancement for elevator units, providing both convenience and safety benefits. In addition to reducing the risk of spreading microorganisms and bacteria, a touchless interactive panel can also be easier to clean and maintain and can be more accessible to individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments.

[0012] However, there can be instances where a touchless interactive panel can exhibit certain shortcomings. For example, if a user inadvertently approaches the touchless interactive panel, the elevator unit can receive a false call. In another instance, if a user places a foreign object near the touchless interactive panel, false calls can continue to be generated unless the foreign object is removed. Such false calls can also be a result of sticking a foreign object, such as a sticker or gum, on the touchless interactive panel.

[0013] Thus, the continued presence of a foreign object can continuously produce false calls or hinder a user from providing instructions to operate the elevator unit.

[0014] US10968073B1 describes a touchless keyboard system for operating an elevator through an existing touch-sensitive keyboard of the elevator. The touchless keyboard system includes a touchless detection device including a sensor for detecting a touchless indication from a user for a selected floor and an actuation device for physically engaging a button of the existing touch-sensitive keyboard of the elevator corresponding to the selected floor. A controller is used to receive and process an output signal from the sensor and control the movement of the actuator based on the processed output signal. However, the touchless detection device fails to provide a technique to discard or reject false calls due to the continued presence of the indication from the user.

[0015] Thus, there is a need for an interactive panel that can detect the presence of a foreign object so that a decision can be made to accept or reject the interaction and eliminate the aforementioned associated shortcomings. SUMMARY

[0016] In particular, it is an object of the present application to provide an interaction panel for an elevator unit. The interaction panel is adapted to detect an interaction for triggering an operating signal for operating the elevator unit. The interaction panel comprises a sensing unit in communication with a controller of the elevator unit. The sensing unit is configured to reject an interaction generated due to a foreign object being present in the vicinity of the sensing unit for more than a determined duration. According to the present application, this object is solved by an interaction panel having the features of claim 1 and an elevator unit having the features of claim 8.

[0017] An interaction panel for an elevator unit is disclosed in the present application.

[0018] The interaction panel comprises at least one sensing unit in communication with a controller of the elevator unit. Further, the at least one sensing unit is configured to emit a signal indicative of a radio wave. The at least one sensing unit detects a reflected signal reflected from a foreign object. Further, the at least one sensing unit is configured to determine a duration of detecting the reflected signal and to compare the determined duration with a threshold duration. The at least one sensing unit is configured to reject an interaction generated by the reflected signal when the determined duration is greater than the threshold duration.

[0019] As mentioned above, the interaction generated by the reflected signal is rejected when the threshold duration is exceeded. Thus, due to the rejection of the reflected signal, at least one call operating signal generated as a result of the reflected signal is not emitted to the controller. Thus, the rejection of the interaction prevents false call operating signals and the elevator car does not receive any instructions for operation. Thus, the at least one sensing unit can reject an interaction caused by a foreign object even if the foreign object is placed in the vicinity or range of the at least one sensing unit for more than the threshold duration. Thereby, the reflected signal from the foreign object will be absorbed in the reference pattern of the emitted signal and can no longer be detected by the at least one sensing unit. Further, in case a user attaches a foreign object, such as a tape, a sticker, chewing gum, etc., to the interaction panel for the elevator unit, then it can be advantageous to reject the interaction. Similar to the case when the foreign object is not in front of the at least one sensing unit, the at least one sensing unit can continuously update the radiation pattern of the emitted signal.

[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one sensing unit is configured to detect the reflected signal when the foreign object remains within a predefined distance range of the at least one sensing unit. The predefined distance range (d) can be stored in a memory of the at least one sensing unit.

[0021] In an embodiment, the at least one sensing unit is configured to determine a travel time of the reflected signal. The travel time is indicative of a time elapsed between the emission of the signal and the detection of the reflected signal. Further, the at least one sensing unit is configured to determine a distance between the object and the sensing unit based on the travel time of the reflected signal. The at least one sensing unit is configured to monitor the travel time of the detected reflected signal while the foreign object remains located at the determined distance for a determined duration; and to reject the interaction generated by the reflected signal if the determined distance remains constant for the determined duration. Thus, the at least one sensing unit terminates the emission of the at least one call operation signal generated from the persistent presence of the foreign object.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the at least one sensing unit is configured to reject the interaction. The at least one sensing unit is configured to determine an intensity of the detected reflected signal. Further, a size of the foreign object is determined based on the determined intensity, and the interaction generated by the reflected signal is rejected if the determined size of the foreign object remains constant for a determined duration. Thus, the at least one sensing unit terminates the emission of the at least one call operation signal generated from the persistent presence of the foreign object.

[0023] In an embodiment, the at least one sensing unit is configured to accept the interaction generated by the reflected signal if the determined duration is less than a threshold duration. The interaction triggers the at least one call operation signal indicative of an instruction to perform an associated operation of the elevator unit. Further, the at least one sensing unit is configured to emit the at least one call operation signal to a controller for performing the associated operation of the elevator unit. Thus, the at least one sensing unit accepts the interaction and emits the at least one call operation signal to perform an intended operation of the elevator unit. For example, the associated operation can include indicating whether the user wants to go up or down in the building, selecting a floor for stopping at least one elevator car on a respective floor, opening a door of at least one elevator car, closing a door of at least one elevator car, stopping at least one elevator car, making an intercom or a phone call.

[0024] In an embodiment, at least one detection plane is disposed in front of the at least one sensing unit. Further, the at least one sensing unit is adapted to trigger the at least one call operation signal in response to a user touching the at least one detection plane. Thus, advantageously, the user can interact with the interaction panel using both touch and non-touch modes.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the at least one sensing unit comprises a pulsed coherent radar sensor.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the pulsed coherent radar sensor is arranged in a rear panel of the interaction panel such that the at least one sensing unit is not visible to the user.

[0027] Therefore, the durability of the pulsed coherent radar sensor is increased as the interaction panel prevents dust, water, or foreign particles from coming into contact with the pulsed coherent radar sensor.

[0028] The above object is solved by an elevator installation unit comprising at least one interaction panel having at least one sensing unit. The elevator installation unit comprises at least one elevator car coupled to at least one counterweight. The elevator installation unit comprises at least one guide rail for guiding the at least one elevator car within an elevator shaft of a building. The elevator installation unit comprises a controller for controlling the movement of the elevator car within the elevator shaft of the building. The at least one interaction panel is adapted to control the elevator installation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0029] The term "sensing unit" refers to a sensor adapted to emit a signal and installed in the at least one interaction panel for detecting a user or a foreign object.

[0030] The term "foreign object" refers to any object or material not intended to be detected by the sensing unit.

[0031] The term "controller" refers to a logic device necessary for the operation of the elevator unit. The controller monitors the system, receives instructions from the interaction panel, the at least one sensing unit, and issues instructions to manage the different components of the elevator unit.

[0032] The term "signal" refers to a radio wave or an electromagnetic wave emitted by the at least one sensing unit.

[0033] The term "radiation pattern" refers to the distribution or emission of the radiation or electromagnetic signal in one direction.

[0034] The term "intensity" refers to the flux of the signal detected after impinging on the foreign object.

[0035] The term "duration" refers to the time during which the signal reflected by the foreign object is detected.

[0036] The term "threshold duration" refers to a predefined time during which the signal reflected by the foreign object is detected.

[0037] The term "detecting interaction" refers to the recognition of the signal reflected by the foreign object.

[0038] The term "rejecting interaction" refers to the ignoring or discarding of the presence of a user or any foreign object trying to provide at least one call operating signal to operate the elevator unit.

[0039] The term "accepting interaction" refers to the acceptance of the presence of a user or any foreign object trying to provide at least one call operating signal to operate the elevator unit.

[0040] The term "predefined distance range" refers to a pre-established distance range pre-set or specified for at least one sensing unit to detect the presence of a user or a foreign object.

[0041] The term "time of flight" refers to the time taken by a signal to travel from a sensing unit to a foreign object or a user, bounce off the foreign object or the user, and then return to the at least one sensing unit. Thus, the "time of flight" is the total time taken by the signal to complete the round trip.

[0042] The term "rear panel" refers to the rear portion of the interactive panel.

[0043] The term "associated operations" refers to various actions such as calling an elevator car, ringing an alarm, light options, and other procedures involved in the operation and control of the elevator unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] Additional advantages, features and details of the application will be obtained from the description of the following exemplary embodiments and the drawings, in which the same or similar elements are provided with the same or similar reference signs, using which the same or functionally identical elements are provided.

[0045] In order to further clarify the advantages and features of the present application, a more particular description of the application will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the application and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The application will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0046] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures, and wherein:

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an elevator installation unit is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 2a A block diagram of an interactive panel for an elevator unit is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 2b A block diagram of at least one sensing unit of an interactive panel is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Exemplary views of a landing operation panel (LOP) and a car operation panel (COP), respectively, are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 4An exemplary graphical representation of a radiation pattern of a signal emitted by an interactive panel of an elevator unit is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0052] Figure 5 A flowchart depicting a method for operating an interactive panel of an elevator unit is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and that the actual implementation can contain more, or fewer, elements. For example, flowcharts illustrate the method in accordance with the embodiments of the present application, with the steps involved in the method being illustrated for the purpose of improving the understanding of the present application. Furthermore, one or more of the components of the apparatus can have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and the drawings can show only those specific details that are necessary to appreciate the embodiments of the present application in order not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the application, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the application is intended by this specification of embodiments, which changes and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the application as illustrated therein are contemplated by those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Any specific and all general and specific recitation of technical and scientific terms in this disclosure is used in the context of some embodiments and, therefore, is not necessarily a limitation on the scope of the claims that follow this description. The claims following this description, and their legal equivalents, can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones illustrated in the following description.

[0056] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an elevator installation unit 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For brevity, the elevator installation unit 100 can be alternatively referred to as an elevator unit 100 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The elevator unit 100 can include, but is not limited to, at least one elevator car 102, at least one counterweight 104, at least one guide rail 106, a controller 108, a traction member 110, a drive machine 112, and at least one interactive panel 116. The at least one elevator car 102 can be adapted to move within an elevator shaft (not shown) of a building between a plurality of floors. In an embodiment, the at least one guide rail 106 can be adapted to guide the at least one elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft of the building. In an embodiment, at least the counterweight 104 can be adapted to balance a sum of a load of the at least one elevator car 102 and a predefined load associated with a payload capacity of the at least one elevator car 102.

[0058] The at least one elevator car 102 and the counterweight 104 can be coupled to each other via the traction member 110. In an embodiment, the traction member 110 can be embodied as one of a rope and a belt without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the controller 108 can be positioned away from the counterweight 104 and the at least one elevator car 102. The controller 108 can be adapted to provide instructions to perform associated operations of the elevator unit 100. For example, the controller 108 can be adapted to provide instructions to the drive machine 112 to control the traction member 110 to move the at least one elevator car 102 and the counterweight 104.

[0059] Further, the elevator unit 100 can include the interactive panel 116 in communication with the controller 108 for performing desired operations of the elevator unit 100. The interactive panel 116 is configured to transmit at least one call operation signal to the controller 108 for performing associated operations of the elevator unit 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the interactive panel can be a lobby operation panel (LOP) 116a or a car operation panel (COP) 116b.

[0060] For example, the LOP 116a can be located on each floor of the building such that a user 114 can interact with the LOP 116a. The LOP 116a can accept the interaction of the user 114 to further transmit the at least one call operation signal to the controller 108 for performing an upward movement or a downward movement of the at least one elevator car 102.

[0061] Further, for example, the COP 116b can be positioned inside the at least one elevator car 102. Thus, the user 114 can be able to interact with the COP 116b when present in the at least one elevator car 102. The interaction of the user 114 can be accepted by the COP 116b and the COP 116b will further transmit the at least one call operation signal to the controller 108 to perform the associated operation of the elevator installation 100.

[0062] In an embodiment, the interaction panel 116 can be adapted to detect an interaction indicative of triggering the at least one call operation signal to operate the elevator installation. For example, the interaction panel 116 can comprise at least one sensing unit (not shown) adapted to detect and subsequently accept or reject an interaction by the user 114 or a foreign object. The at least one sensing unit can be arranged in a back-panel of the interaction panel 116 such that the at least one sensing unit is not visible to the user 114. For example, the back-panel can be indicative of a rear portion of the interaction panel 116. In the LOP 116a, the back-panel can face a wall on the building floor such that the at least one sensing unit is not visible to the naked eye of the user 114 interacting with the interaction panel 116. In the COP 116b, the back-panel can face the housing of the at least one elevator car 102 such that the at least one sensing unit is not visible to the naked eye of the user 114 interacting with the interaction panel 116.

[0063] Figure 2a A block diagram of the interaction panel 116 for the elevator installation 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2b A block diagram of the at least one sensing unit 202 of the interaction panel 116 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Exemplary views of the LOP 116a and the COP 116b, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Reference is made to Figures 1 to 3b In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator installation 100 can comprise the LOP 116a and the COP 116b. The user 114 can interact with the LOP 116a. Thus, the LOP 116a can be adapted to trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform an upward movement or a downward movement of the at least one elevator car 102. Similarly, the user 114 can interact with the COP 116b. The COP 116b can be adapted to trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform a movement of the at least one elevator car 102 to a respective floor in the building.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the construction and operational details of the LOP 116a and the COP 116b are similar to each other. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the construction and operational details of the interactive panel 116 are explained only with respect to the LOP 116a. Hereinafter, the LOP 116a can be interchangeably referred to as the interactive panel 116 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] The construction and operational details of the interactive panel 116 and the at least one sensing unit 202 will be explained in detail in subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

[0066] In an embodiment, the interactive panel 116 for the elevator unit 100 can include the at least one sensing unit 202. The at least one sensing unit 202 can be in communication with the controller 108 of the elevator unit 100. For example, the at least one sensing unit 202 can be disposed in a rear panel of the interactive panel 116 such that the at least one sensing unit 202 is not visible to the user 114. The interactive panel 116 including the rear panel can be an optically opaque component. The interactive panel 116 can be adapted to house the at least one sensing unit 202 such that the user 114 cannot view the at least one sensing unit using the naked eye. In one example, the interactive panel 116 can include one or more than one sensing unit each for one or more control buttons of the interactive panel for performing any associated functions of the elevator unit 100. In an embodiment, the at least one sensing unit 202 can be interchangeably referred to as the sensing unit 202.

[0067] With reference to Figure 2b , the sensing unit 202 can include, but is not limited to, a processor 203, a memory 204, a module 206, and data 208. The module 206 and the memory 304 can be coupled to the processor 302.

[0068] The processor 203 can be a single processing unit or a plurality of processing units, all of which can include multiple computing units. The processor 203 can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 203 is capable of fetching and executing computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 204.

[0069] The memory 204 can include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory (such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memory, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes).

[0070] The modules 206 include, inter alia, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 206 can also be implemented in hardware, (multiple) signal processing processors, (multiple) state machines, logic circuitry, and / or any other devices or components that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. In embodiments, the modules 206 can be implemented in hardware, by instructions executed by a processing unit, or a combination thereof. The processing unit can include a computer, a processor (such as the processor 203), a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable device that is capable of manipulating instructions. The processing unit can be a general purpose processor that executes instructions to cause the general purpose processor to perform desired tasks, or the processing unit can be dedicated to performing desired functions. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the modules 306 can be machine-readable instructions (software) that perform any of the described functions when executed by a processor / processing unit.

[0071] In embodiments, the modules 206 can include a communication module 210, a determination module 212, and an analysis module 214. The communication module 210, the determination module 212, and the analysis module 214 can communicate with each other. The data 208 serves, inter alia, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 206.

[0072] In embodiments, the communication module 210 is configured to emit a signal. For example, the signal can be indicative of radio waves emitted by the at least one sensing unit 202 in the form of a radiation pattern. The radiation pattern can be indicative of a distribution of radiation or electromagnetic signals emitted in one direction.

[0073] In embodiments, the communication module 210 is configured to detect a reflected signal. For example, the reflected signal can be indicative of radio waves reflected from the user 114. For example, the user 114 can intend to call at least one elevator car 102 on a respective floor on which the user 114 stands, and can bring a body part of the user 114, such as a hand, a palm, or a finger, within a predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202. The presence of the body part within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202 can reflect the signal.

[0074] In embodiments, the communication module 210 is configured to detect a reflected signal. For example, the reflected signal can be indicative of radio waves reflected from the user 114. For example, the user 114 can intend to call at least one elevator car 102 on a respective floor on which the user 114 stands, and can bring a body part of the user 114, such as a hand, a palm, or a finger, within a predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202. The presence of the body part within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202 can reflect the signal.

[0075] In an embodiment, the communication module 210 of the at least one sensing unit 202 is configured to detect the reflected signal from the foreign object within a predefined distance range (d). The signal reflected by the foreign object beyond the predefined distance range (d) can not be detected by the at least one sensing unit 202. The predefined distance range (d) can be stored in the memory 204 associated with the at least one sensing unit 202. For example, the predefined distance range (d) indicates the region within which the presence of the foreign object can be detected by the at least one sensing unit 202 due to the signal reflected by the foreign object. Accordingly, the communication module 210 of the at least one sensing unit 202 corresponding to the at least one control button of the interactive panel 116 detects the reflected signal from the foreign object present within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202.

[0076] The detection of the reflected signal from the foreign object can generate an interaction. Further, the interaction triggers the at least one call operation signal to operate the elevator unit 100. The at least one call operation signal can indicate the instruction to perform the associated operation of the elevator unit 100. Further, the at least one call operation signal can be transmitted by the at least one sensing unit 202 to the controller 108 for performing the associated operation of the elevator unit 100.

[0077] For example, the user 114 can position the foreign object within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202, thereby causing the interaction. Now, such interaction due to the foreign object can be undesirable and can result in triggering the at least one call operation signal which can be erroneous. Accordingly, the at least one sensing unit 202 can be configured to reject the interaction generated by the reflected signal from the foreign object. The communication module 210 can be in communication with the determination module 212.

[0078] In an embodiment, the determination module 212 can be configured to determine the duration for which the reflected signal is detected. Further, the determination module 212 of the at least one sensing unit 202 is configured to compare the determined duration with a threshold duration. The threshold duration can be pre-stored in the memory 204 of the at least one sensing unit 202. In one example, the determination module 212 can be configured to determine that the duration for which the reflected signal is detected is greater than the threshold duration. The communication module 210 and the determination module 212 can be in communication with the analysis module 214.

[0079] In an embodiment, the analysis module 214 can be configured to reject the interaction generated by the reflected signal from the foreign object if the duration of the detected reflected signal is greater than the threshold duration determined by the determination module 212. Thereby, the communication module 210 can be configured to terminate the transmission of the undesirable at least one call operation signal when the interaction is rejected by the analysis module 214.

[0080] In another example, the determining module 212 can be configured to determine that the duration of the detected reflected signal is less than a threshold duration. Accordingly, the analyzing module 214 can be configured to accept the interaction generated by the reflected signal. Thereby, the communication module 210 can be configured to trigger at least one call operation signal to the controller 108 for performing an associated operation of the elevator unit 100, when the analyzing module 214 accepts the interaction.

[0081] In an embodiment, the determining module 212 can be configured to determine a travel time of the reflected signal. Accordingly, the determining module 212 can communicate with the analyzing module 214 to reject or accept the interaction. Further, the determining module 212 can be configured to determine a distance between the foreign object and the at least one sensing unit 202 based on the travel time of the reflected signal. Accordingly, the travel time can determine that the foreign object is constantly present at the predefined distance range (d). Further, as mentioned earlier, the at least one sensing unit 202 monitors the travel time of the detected reflected signal while the foreign object remains at the determined distance for the determined duration.

[0082] In an embodiment, the analyzing module 214 can be configured to reject the interaction generated by the reflected signal if the determined distance remains constant for the determined duration.

[0083] In an embodiment, the determining module 212 can be configured to determine an intensity of the detected reflected signal. Accordingly, the determining module 212 can communicate with the analyzing module 214 to reject or accept the interaction. The determining module 212 can be configured to determine a size of the foreign object based on the determined intensity. Accordingly, if the intensity of the foreign object remains same, the at least one sensing unit 202 can be configured to determine that the foreign object is constantly present at the predefined distance range (d).

[0084] Thereby, the analyzing module 214 can reject the interaction generated by the reflected signal if the determined size of the foreign object remains constant for the determined duration.

[0085] Figure 3a An exemplary view of an elevator operation panel (LOP) 116a is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b An exemplary view of a car operation panel (COP) 116b is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference is made to Figure 1 , FIG. 2, Figures 3a to 3bThe interactive panel 116 can include, but is not limited to, at least one detection plane 302. For example, the at least one detection plane 302 can form a panel face that can be fixed to a wall of the building or a wall of the elevator car 102. The at least one detection plane 302 can be disposed in front of the at least one sensing unit 202. For example, the at least one detection plane 302 can be positioned on a wall of the building, thereby covering the at least one sensing unit 202, as a result. In one example, the at least one sensing unit 202 can be a pulsed coherent radar sensor that can be located behind the at least one detection plane 302. In one example, the user 114 can trigger the at least one call operation signal in response to physically contacting the at least one detection plane 302.

[0086] Further, the LOP 116a and the COP 116b can include a plurality of control buttons. In one instance, the LOP 116a can include, but is not limited to, an up-call detection plane 304 and a down-call detection plane 306. Each of the up-call detection plane 304 and the down-call detection plane 306 can have at least one sensing unit 202 located behind each of the up-call detection plane 304 and the down-call detection plane 306.

[0087] In an embodiment, the at least one sensing unit 202 located behind the up-call detection plane 304 can be configured to detect the user 114 within a predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202 and trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform an upward movement of the elevator car 102 of the elevator unit 100.

[0088] Similarly, the at least one sensing unit 202 located behind the down-call detection plane 306 can be configured to detect the user 114 within a predefined distance range (d) of the down-call detection plane 306 and trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform a downward movement of the elevator car 102 of the elevator unit 100.

[0089] In one instance, the COP 116a can include, but is not limited to, a floor detection plane 308, a light switch detection plane 310, an alarm button detection plane 312, and an emergency switch detection plane 314.

[0090] The at least one sensing unit 202 can be located behind each of the floor detection plane 308, the light switch detection plane 310, the alarm button detection plane 312, and the emergency switch detection plane 314. In one example, the at least one sensing unit 202 can detect the user 114 within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one floor detection plane 308 and trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform the movement of the elevator car 102 of the elevator unit 100 to the corresponding floor.

[0091] Figure 4 An exemplary graphical representation of a radiation pattern of a signal emitted by the interactive panel 116 of the elevator unit 100 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] In one example, the first curve 402 can indicate the radiation pattern of the reflected signal when a foreign object is not present within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202.

[0093] In one example, the second curve 404 can indicate the radiation pattern of the reflected signal when a foreign object is present within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202.

[0094] Figure 5 A process flow of a method for operating the interactive panel 116 adapted to detect an interaction indicative of triggering the at least one call operation signal to operate the elevator unit (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. The method 400 can be, for example, a computer-implemented method performed by the at least one sensing unit 202 of the interactive panel 116. For brevity, in the description of the method 400, the construction and operation features of the at least one sensing unit 202 already explained in the description of the Figure 5 Figure 1 , FIG. 2, and Figures 3a to 3b the construction and operation features of the at least one sensing unit 202 already explained in the description of the

[0095] At block 502, the method 500 can include emitting a signal indicative of a radio wave.

[0096] At block 504, the method 500 can include detecting a reflected signal. The reflected signal is a result of the radio wave hitting a foreign object and being reflected back by the foreign object towards the at least one sensing unit 202. In one example, the foreign object can be present within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit 202, thereby causing the at least one sensing unit 202 to detect the reflected signal.

[0097] At block 506, the method 500 can include determining a duration of the reflected signal detected by the at least one sensing unit 202.

[0098] ​At block 508, the method 500 can include comparing the determined duration with a threshold duration by the at least one sensing unit 202.

[0099] At block 508, the method 500 can include rejecting the interaction generated by the reflection signal when the determined duration is greater than the threshold duration.

[0100] As will be gathered, the present invention provides the at least one sensing unit 202 to distinguish between the desired call operating signal and the undesired call operating signal. The at least one sensing unit 202 can be configured to absorb the presence of the foreign object within its predefined distance range (d) as part of the environment and prevent accepting any further interaction from the foreign object. Thus, the undesired call operating signal that can be continuously sent to the controller 108 to move the elevator car 102 can be prevented. Even if the user intentionally or unintentionally permanently positions the foreign object within the predefined distance range, the radiation pattern corresponding to the reflection signal of the at least one sensing unit 202 can be updated. Such an update can result in accepting the foreign object as part of the environment and thus the radiation pattern is updated. Thus, the foreign object can no longer be detected by the at least one sensing unit 202.

[0101] Thus, the interaction panel 116 and the elevator unit 100 of the present invention are efficient, prevent false elevator calls, are cost effective and convenient.

[0102] While specific language has been used to describe the subject matter, it is not intended that the application be limited by that language. As will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art, various modifications can be made to this method in order to implement the application concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements can well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment can be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. An interaction panel (116) for an elevator unit (100), the interaction panel (116) being adapted to detect an interaction indicative of triggering at least one call operation signal to operate the elevator unit (100), the interaction panel (116) comprising: at least one sensing unit (202) in communication with a controller (108) of the elevator unit (100), wherein the at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to: emit a signal, wherein the signal is indicative of a radio wave; detect a reflection signal indicative of a radio wave reflected from a foreign object; determine a duration of detecting the reflection signal; compare the determined duration to a threshold duration; reject the interaction generated by the reflection signal when the determined duration is greater than the threshold duration, and to reject the interaction, the at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to: determine a travel time of the reflection signal, wherein the travel time is indicative of a time elapsed between emitting the signal and detecting the reflection signal; determine a distance between the foreign object and the sensing unit based on the determined travel time of the reflection signal; monitor the travel time of the reflection signal during the determined duration while the foreign object remains located at the determined distance; and reject the interaction generated by the reflection signal in case the determined distance remains constant for the determined duration.

2. The interaction panel (116) of claim 1, wherein, the at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to detect the reflection signal during the foreign object remains within a predefined distance range (d) of the at least one sensing unit (202).

3. The interaction panel (116) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, to reject the interaction, the at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to: determine an intensity of the detected reflection signal; determine a size of the foreign object based on the determined intensity; reject the interaction generated by the reflection signal in case the determined size of the foreign object remains constant for the determined duration.

4. The interaction panel (116) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to: accept the interaction generated by the reflection signal in case the determined duration is less than the threshold duration, wherein the interaction triggers at least one call operation signal indicative of an instruction to perform an associated operation of the elevator unit (100); and emit the at least one call operation signal to the controller (108) for performing the associated operation of the elevator unit (100).

5. The interaction panel (116) of claim 5, comprising: at least one detection plane (302) disposed in front of the at least one sensing unit (202) and adapted to trigger the at least one call operation signal in response to a user (114) touching the at least one detection plane (302).

6. The interaction panel (116) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing unit (202) comprises a pulsed coherent radar sensor.

7. The interaction panel (116) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pulsed coherent radar sensor is arranged in a rear panel of the interaction panel (116) such that the at least one sensing unit (202) is not visible to the user.

8. An elevator installation unit (100) comprising: at least one elevator car (102) coupled to at least one counterweight (104); at least one guide rail (106) for guiding the at least one elevator car (102) within an elevator shaft of a building; a controller (108) for controlling movement of the elevator car (102); and at least one interaction panel (116) according to any of claims 1 to 7.

9. The elevator installation unit (100) according to claim 8, wherein The interaction panel (116) comprises at least one of a landing operation panel, LOP, (116a) and a car operation panel, COP, (116b).

10. The elevator installation unit (100) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein The LOP (116a) comprises: at least one of an upward call detection plane (304) and a downward call detection plane (306).

11. The elevator installation unit (100) of claim 10, wherein, The at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to: detect a foreign object within a predefined distance range (d) of the upward call detection plane (304); and trigger at least one call operation signal to perform an upward movement of an elevator car (102) of the elevator unit (100).

12. The elevator installation unit (100) of claim 10, wherein, The at least one sensing unit (202) is configured to: detect a presence of the foreign object within the predefined distance range (d) of the downward call detection plane (306); and trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform a downward movement of the elevator car (102) of the elevator unit (100).

13. The elevator installation unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The COP (116b) comprises at least one of a floor detection plane (308), a light switch detection plane (310), an alarm button detection plane (312), and an emergency switch detection plane (314).

14. The elevator installation unit (100) according to claim 13, wherein The at least one sensing unit (202) is adapted to: detect the foreign object within the predefined distance range (d) of the at least one floor detection plane (308); and trigger the at least one call operation signal to perform a movement of the elevator car (102) of the elevator unit (100) to a respective floor.

15. A method (500) for operating an interaction panel (116) adapted to detect an interaction indicative of triggering at least one call operation signal to operate an elevator unit (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: emitting (502) a signal, wherein the signal is indicative of a radio wave; detecting (504) a reflection signal indicative of a reflection of the radio wave from a foreign object; determining (506) a duration of detecting the reflection signal; and triggering (508) the at least one call operation signal based on the determined duration. comparing (508) the determined duration to a threshold duration; and rejecting (510) the interaction generated by the reflected signal when the determined duration is greater than the threshold duration.

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