Automatic door system, automatic door switch device, control method and control program for automatic door system

The dual detection system with overlapping methods in the automatic door device addresses erroneous door activation by maintaining detection state duration, enhancing reliability and accuracy in user operation detection.

JP2026061365APending Publication Date: 2026-04-09NABTESCO CORP
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-30
Publication Date
2026-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Non-contact switches in automatic door devices can erroneously detect unintended user operations, leading to incorrect opening or closing of doors due to disturbances from the surrounding environment or user's luggage/hand, causing unwanted door activation.

Method used

The automatic door device employs a dual detection system using a first detection method (Doppler sensor) and a second detection method (capacitive sensor) that overlap in detection range, with a state determination unit to maintain detection for a predetermined time after a switch from detection to non-detection, ensuring accurate detection of user operations.

Benefits of technology

This configuration effectively prevents accidental door activation by maintaining detection state duration, reducing false positives and ensuring reliable operation based on sustained user presence detection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026061365000001_ABST
    Figure 2026061365000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This technology effectively suppresses the failure to detect non-contact operations performed by users. [Solution] The automatic door device 5 of the present invention includes a non-contact type open or close operation unit that includes a first detection unit that detects a user using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between a detection wave and its reflected wave, and a second detection unit that detects a user using a second detection method different from the first detection method; a state determination unit 56 that determines whether the first and second detection units are in a detection state or a non-detection state; an operation determination unit 58 that determines a non-contact operation based on the determination of whether they are in a detection state or a non-detection state; an instruction output unit 59 that outputs an open or close instruction for the door based on the determination that a non-contact operation has been performed; and a door control unit 10A that controls the door based on the open or close instruction. The state determination unit 56 maintains the determination that the first detection unit is in a detection state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time the detection result of the first detection unit switches from a detection state to a non-detection state.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic door device, a switch device for an automatic door, a control method for an automatic door device, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of hygiene, a technology of an automatic door device that detects an operation for opening and closing a door by a user using a non-contact switch has been spreading (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A non-contact switch may erroneously detect an unintended operation of a user, such as a disturbance caused by the surrounding environment of an automatic door device or the user's luggage or hand unintentionally entering the detection area of the non-contact switch, and the door may be erroneously opened or closed in response to the erroneous detection.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology for suppressing the door from being erroneously opened or closed due to an unintended operation of a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an automatic door device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave; and a second detection unit that detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit; a non-contact open or close operation unit for a door provided in the opening of the private room; and a determination of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state where the user is detected or in a non-detection state where the user is not detected based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. The system includes a state determination unit, an operation determination unit that determines whether the non-contact operation has been performed based on the determination by the state determination unit of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state or a non-detection state, an instruction output unit that outputs an open instruction or a close instruction for the door based on the determination by the operation determination unit that the non-contact operation has been performed, and a door control unit that controls the opening or closing operation of the door based on the open instruction or the close instruction output from the instruction output unit, wherein the state determination unit maintains the determination that the first detection unit is in the detection state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time of the switchover.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic door switch device that includes: a first detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation by a user in a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave; a second detection unit that detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit; and a determination of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state where the user is detected or a non-detection state where the user is not detected, based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. The system includes a state determination unit, an operation determination unit that determines whether the non-contact operation has been performed based on the determination by the state determination unit regarding the first detection unit and the second detection unit to be in a detection state or a non-detection state, and an instruction output unit that outputs an open or close instruction for the door provided in the opening of the private room based on the determination by the operation determination unit that the non-contact operation has been performed. The state determination unit maintains the determination that the first detection unit is in the detection state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time of the switchover if the detection result of the first detection unit has switched from the detection state to the non-detection state.

[0008] A control method for an automatic door device in another aspect of the present invention includes a first detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave, and a second detection unit that detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit, wherein the control method for an automatic door device includes a non-contact open or close operation unit for a door provided in the opening of the private room, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state in which the user is detected based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. The system includes a state determination step of determining whether the system is in a detection state or a non-detection state in which the user has not been detected; a step of determining whether the non-contact operation has been performed based on the determination of whether the system is in a detection state or a non-detection state for the first detection unit and the second detection unit; and a step of outputting an open or close instruction for the door provided at the opening of the private room based on the determination that the non-contact operation has been performed, wherein the state determination step includes, if the detection result of the first detection unit indicates that it has switched from the detection state to the non-detection state, maintaining the determination that the first detection unit is in the detection state for a predetermined maintenance time from the time of the switch.

[0009] A control program for an automatic door device in another aspect of the present invention includes a first detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave, and a second detection unit that detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit, and the control program for an automatic door device that includes a non-contact open or close operation unit for a door provided in the opening of the private room, wherein the computer detects the user for each of the first and second detection units based on the detection results of the first and second detection units. The system is configured to perform a state determination step of determining whether the system is in a detection state or a non-detection state in which the user is not detected; a step of determining whether the non-contact operation has been performed based on the determination of whether the system is in a detection state or a non-detection state for the first detection unit and the second detection unit; and a step of outputting an open or close instruction for the door provided at the opening of the private room based on the determination that the non-contact operation has been performed. The state determination step includes, if the detection result of the first detection unit indicates that it has switched from the detection state to the non-detection state, a step of maintaining the determination that the first detection unit is in the detection state for a predetermined maintenance time from the time of the switch.

[0010] Furthermore, any combination of the above, or any substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, apparatus, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media recording programs, systems, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for preventing doors from being accidentally opened or closed due to actions unintended by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the configuration of a multi-functional toilet equipped with an automatic door device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the configuration of the door operating device of the automatic door system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of the automatic door device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of a non-contact switch according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the detection range of the non-contact switch of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the detection range of the non-contact switch of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the door operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the operation of the automatic door device according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Among the embodiments disclosed herein, those composed of multiple objects may be integrated, and conversely, those composed of a single object may be divided into multiple objects. Whether or not they are integrated, the invention can be constructed in a way that achieves its objective.

[0014] In the embodiments disclosed herein, those in which multiple functions are provided in a distributed manner may have some or all of those multiple functions integrated into a single unit, and conversely, those in which multiple functions are integrated may have some or all of those functions provided in a distributed manner. Whether the functions are integrated or distributed, the configuration should be such that the objective of the invention can be achieved.

[0015] Also, for separate components with common points, distinguish them by attaching "first, second," etc. at the beginning of the name, and omit these when using a general term. Also, terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used to describe various components, but this term is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and the components are not limited by this term.

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to each drawing based on preferred embodiments. In the embodiments and modification examples, the same or equivalent components and members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are appropriately enlarged or reduced for easy understanding. Also, some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments in each drawing are omitted from the display.

[0017] First Embodiment Hereinafter, the automatic door device of the first embodiment will be described.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a multifunctional toilet in which the automatic door device 5 of the first embodiment is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunctional toilet 1 is a private room having one entrance / exit 2, and a toilet 3 is installed in a wide space so that it is easy for a person with a disability or a person with children to use. An automatic door device 5 for driving and controlling a door 4 that opens and closes the entrance / exit 2 is installed at the entrance / exit 2. The door 4 is a sliding door. The entrance / exit 2 of the present embodiment is an example of an opening.

[0019] On the outer (outdoor) wall of the multifunctional toilet 1, an outer door operating device 30 for operating the opening and closing of the door 4 is installed. On the inner (indoor) wall of the multifunctional toilet 1, an inner door operating device 40 for operating the opening and closing of the door 4 is installed. Outside the blind outer side of the entrance / exit 2, an object detection sensor 12 for detecting people and objects passing outside the entrance / exit 2 is installed. The object detection sensor 12 detects people and objects existing in the detection area A, which is outside the entrance / exit 2 and within a predetermined range from the entrance / exit 2. When the object detection sensor 12 detects a person or an object, it outputs a detection signal. On the inner wall of the entrance / exit 2, an auxiliary sensor 13 for detecting a person standing still inside the entrance / exit 2 is installed. On the ceiling, an occupancy sensor 15 for detecting a user inside the individual room is installed. The outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 of the present embodiment are each an example of a switch device.

[0020] Figure 2 is a front view showing the configurations of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 of the automatic door device 5 according to the first embodiment. The outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 have the same configuration. The outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 include a contact switch 51 and a non-contact switch 53. The contact switch 51 outputs an opening / closing instruction for opening and closing the door 4 based on a contact operation of pressing a button switch. The non-contact switch 53 detects a user based on a non-contact operation that does not contact the user and outputs an opening / closing instruction for opening and closing the door 4. The non-contact switch 53 is built into the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40.

[0021] The outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 include an open-side main body portion 50a, a closed-side main body portion 50b, and a central main body portion 50c. The open-side main body portion 50a is disposed above each of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40. The closed-side main body portion 50b is disposed below each of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40. The central main body portion 50c is disposed at the central portion of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40, that is, between the open-side main body portion 50a and the closed-side main body portion 50b.

[0022] The contact switch 51 includes an open button switch 52a installed on the open side body 50a and a close button switch 52b installed on the closed side body 50b. The surface of the open button switch 52a is marked with "Open, ←→, OPEN". The surface of the close button switch 52b is marked with "Close, →←, CLOSE".

[0023] The non-contact switch 53 comprises a first non-contact switch 54 and a second non-contact switch 55. The second non-contact switch 55 comprises an open non-contact switch 55a and a closed non-contact switch 55b. The open non-contact switch 55a is installed above the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40, respectively. The closed non-contact switch 55b is installed below the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40, respectively. The first non-contact switch 54 is installed in the central part of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40, that is, between the open non-contact switch 55a and the closed non-contact switch 55b. The non-contact switch 53 of this embodiment is an example of a non-contact open or close operation unit. The first non-contact switch 54 of this embodiment is an example of a first detection unit. The second non-contact switch 55 of this embodiment is an example of a second detection unit.

[0024] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the automatic door device 5. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the contactless switch 53. Each functional block shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be realized in hardware terms using components such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms using computer programs, etc. However, here we are depicting functional blocks that are realized through the cooperation of these components. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways through combinations of hardware and software.

[0025] The automatic door system 5 includes a door engine 11 that drives the door 4, an auxiliary sensor 13, an electric lock 14, a door controller 10 to which these devices are connected, an object detection sensor 12, an occupancy sensor 15, an outer door operating device 30, and an inner door operating device 40. The door controller 10, the object detection sensor 12, and the occupancy sensor 15 are connected to a CAN 16. When the auxiliary sensor 13 detects something, it transmits a detection signal to the door controller 10. When the object detection sensor 12 and the occupancy sensor 15 detect something, they transmit detection signals to the door controller 10 via the CAN 16. The door controller 10 drives and controls the door engine 11 according to the detection results of the object detection sensor 12, the auxiliary sensor 13, and the occupancy sensor 15. The door controller 10 includes a door control unit 10A that controls the opening or closing operation of the door 4 based on an open instruction or a close instruction output from an instruction output unit 59, which will be described later.

[0026] Each of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 further comprises an instruction control unit 60. The instruction control unit 60 includes a state determination unit 56, a counting unit 57, an operation determination unit 58, and an instruction output unit 59.

[0027] Each of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 includes a contact operation detection unit 52c. The contact operation detection unit 52c detects user contact operations by detecting the user's pressing of the open button switch 52a or the close button switch 52b. When the contact operation detection unit 52c detects user contact operations via the open button switch 52a, it outputs an open contact detection signal to the instruction output unit 59. When the contact operation detection unit 52c detects user contact operations via the close button switch 52b, it outputs a closed contact detection signal to the instruction output unit 59. In the contact-type switch 51, a pressing operation corresponds to a user contact operation.

[0028] Each of the first non-contact switches 54 of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 outputs a first detection signal to the state determination unit 56 if its detection result indicates that a user has been detected (hereinafter referred to as the detection state), and outputs a first non-detection signal to the state determination unit 56 if its detection result indicates that a user has not been detected (hereinafter referred to as the non-detection state). Each of the open non-contact switches 55a of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 outputs a second open detection signal to the state determination unit 56 if its detection result indicates that a user has been detected, and outputs a second open non-detection signal to the state determination unit 56 if its detection result indicates that a user has not been detected. Each of the closed non-contact switches 55b of the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 outputs a second closed detection signal to the state determination unit 56 if its detection result indicates that a user has been detected, and outputs a second closed non-detection signal to the state determination unit 56 if its detection result indicates that a user has not been detected.

[0029] The state determination unit 56 determines whether the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 are in a detection state or a non-detection state based on the detection results of the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55. In this embodiment, if the state determination unit 56 indicates that the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54 has switched from a detection state to a non-detection state, it maintains the determination that the first non-contact switch 54 is in a detection state for a predetermined maintenance time (for example, 0.5 to 3 seconds) from the time of the switch. It is desirable that this maintenance time be longer than the operation determination time described later.

[0030] The counting unit 57 counts the duration of the dual detection state based on the determination result of the state determination unit 56.

[0031] The operation determination unit 58 determines whether a non-contact operation has been performed by the user based on the determination by the state determination unit 56 as to whether the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 are in a detection state or a non-detection state. In this embodiment, the operation determination unit 58 determines whether a non-contact operation has been performed by the user based on the duration of the dual detection state. In this embodiment, the operation determination unit 58 determines that a non-contact operation has been performed by the user if the duration of the state in which both the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 are detecting the user (hereinafter referred to as the "dual detection state") exceeds a predetermined operation determination time (for example, 0.5 to 2 seconds). That is, in this embodiment, the operation determination unit 58 determines that a non-contact operation has been performed by the user if the duration of the state in which the first detection signal is input from the first non-contact switch 54 and the second open detection signal or second closed detection signal is input from the second non-contact switch 55 exceeds a predetermined operation determination time. In the case of the non-contact switch 53, an operation in which the user brings a part of their body or an object close to it corresponds to a non-contact operation by the user.

[0032] The instruction output unit 59 outputs an open instruction or a close instruction to the door control unit 10A when the status determination unit 56 determines that a non-contact operation has been performed by the user. The instruction output unit 59 also outputs an open instruction or a close instruction to the door control unit 10A in response to an open contact detection signal or a closed contact detection signal from the contact switch 51.

[0033] The first non-contact switch 54 detects the user by detecting non-contact operation by the user of a private room. For example, the first non-contact switch 54 is a Doppler sensor that detects the user by detecting non-contact operation using the interference wave between the output detection wave and its reflected wave. As shown in Figure 4, the first non-contact switch 54 of this embodiment includes a detection wave output unit 54a that outputs a detection wave and a reflected wave input unit 54b that receives the reflected wave of the output detection wave. The detection method of the first non-contact switch 54 of this embodiment is a Doppler detection method that detects the user using the interference wave between the output detection wave and its reflected wave, and is an example of a first detection method. For example, the first non-contact switch 54 detects the interference wave between the detection wave output by the detection wave output unit 54a and the reflected wave input to the reflected wave input unit 54b when the detection wave strikes an object. Note that the frequency of the reflected wave changes from the frequency of the detection wave due to the Doppler effect. The first non-contact switch 54 detects the proximity of an object and measures the distance to the object using a known method based on the phase of the detected interference wave. Based on the measured distance, the first non-contact switch 54 determines whether the nearby object is within the first detection range R1 (see Figures 5 and 6) described later, and detects the user if it is determined to be present. The detection wave output by the detection wave output unit 54a is, for example, a radio wave, an optical wave, a sound wave, a millimeter wave, or an infrared wave.

[0034] The second non-contact switch 55 detects a user by detecting non-contact operation using a detection method different from that of the first non-contact switch 54, in a range that at least partially overlaps with the first detection range R1 of the first non-contact switch 54. For example, the second non-contact switch 55 is a capacitive sensor that detects a user by detecting non-contact operation using capacitance. As shown in Figure 4, the open non-contact switch 55a and the closed non-contact switch 55b of the second non-contact switch 55 in this embodiment each include an electrode portion 55c whose capacitance changes depending on the proximity of an object, that is, according to the distance between the object and the electrode portion. The detection method of the second non-contact switch 55 in this embodiment is a capacitive detection method that detects a user based on a comparison between the capacitance of the electrode portion 55c and a reference capacitance, and is an example of a second detection method. For example, the second non-contact switch 55 detects a user when an object approaches within, for example, the second detection range R2 or third detection range R3 (see Figures 5 and 6) described later, causing the capacitance of the electrode portion 55c to exceed a reference capacitance value.

[0035] The detection range of the non-contact switch 53 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 illustrates the detection range of the non-contact switch 53. Figure 6 illustrates the detection range of the non-contact switch 53 when the outer door operating device 30 or the inner door operating device 40 is viewed from the side. In Figures 5 and 6, the x, y, and z directions are the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions, respectively, when the outer door operating device 30 or the inner door operating device 40 is viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 6, the wall portion 70 is provided with an open-side main body portion 50a, a closed-side main body portion 50b, and a central main body portion 50c. Inside the wall portion 70, there is provided a contact operation detection unit 52c, a detection wave output unit 54a, a reflected wave input unit 54b, an electrode unit 55c, and an instruction control unit 60.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first non-contact switch 54 has a first detection range R1 that extends in the x, y, and z directions to cover the entire outer door operating device 30 or inner door operating device 40. The second non-contact switch 55 has a second detection range R2 and a third detection range R3 that extend in the x, y, and z directions to cover the entire open button switch 52a and the close button switch 52b, respectively. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second detection range R2 and the third detection range R3 are each contained within the first detection range R1. In other words, the first detection range R1 of the first non-contact switch 54, which employs a Doppler detection method, is larger than the second detection range R2 and the third detection range R3 of the second non-contact switch 55, which employs a capacitive detection method.

[0037] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 1, in the multi-functional toilet 1, the interior space and the passageway in front of the door 4 of the multi-functional toilet 1 may not be sufficiently wide. In this case, the user's luggage or hands may unintentionally enter the detection area of ​​the non-contact switch of the automatic door device. As a result, the non-contact switch 53 may misdetect an unintended action by the user, and the door may be opened or closed incorrectly in response to that misdetection. To suppress this, as described above, the operation determination unit 58 determines that a non-contact operation has been performed when the duration of the dual detection state exceeds a predetermined operation determination time.

[0038] On the other hand, the first non-contact switch 54 detects the user using the interference wave between the output detection wave and its reflected wave. Therefore, even if the user's hand is within the range of the first detection range R1 and the second detection range R2 (or third detection range R3), if the user stops their hand in front of the second non-contact switch 55, for example, the first non-contact switch 54 will enter a non-detection state and will not detect the user. As a result, even though the user is attempting to perform a non-contact operation, the duration may not exceed the predetermined operation determination time, resulting in a failure to detect the non-contact operation.

[0039] Based on the above, the processing of the automatic door device 5 of the first embodiment will now be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing S100 of the automatic door device of the first embodiment.

[0040] In step S101, the state determination unit 56 determines whether the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 are in a detection state or a non-detection state, respectively. For example, the state determination unit 56 determines that the first non-contact switch 54 is in a detection state when it receives a first detection signal, and determines that the first non-contact switch 54 is in a non-detection state when it receives a first non-detection signal. The state determination unit 56 also determines that the second non-contact switch 55 is in a detection state when it receives a second open detection signal or a second closed detection signal, and determines that the second non-contact switch 55 is in a non-detection state when it receives a second open non-detection signal or a second closed non-detection signal.

[0041] In step S102, the state determination unit 56 determines whether both switches are in a detection state. For example, the state determination unit 56 determines that both switches are in a detection state if it determines that both the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 are in a detection state, that is, if the first detection signal is input from the first non-contact switch 54 and the second open detection signal or second closed detection signal is input from the second non-contact switch 55. If both switches are in a detection state (Y in step S102), process S100 proceeds to step S103. If both switches are not in a detection state (N in step S102), process S100 ends.

[0042] In step S103, the counting unit 57 counts the duration of the double detection state.

[0043] In step S104, the state determination unit 56 determines whether it has received a first non-detection signal from the first non-contact switch 54. If the first non-detection signal is received (Y in step S104), process S100 proceeds to step S105. If the first non-detection signal is not received (N in step S104), process S100 proceeds to step S106.

[0044] In step S105, the state determination unit 56 maintains the determination that the first non-contact switch 54 is in a detection state for a predetermined maintenance time. As a result, even though the first non-contact switch 54 itself is in a non-detection state because it has received the first non-detection signal, the state determination unit 56 considers the first non-contact switch 54 to be in a detection state. Consequently, the state determination unit 56 continues to determine that the first non-contact switch 54 is in a detection state and that both are in a detection state.

[0045] In step S106, the state determination unit 56 determines whether the second non-contact switch 55 has entered a non-detection state. For example, it determines whether the second non-contact switch 55 has entered a non-detection state when the state switches from receiving a second open detection signal to receiving a second open non-detection signal, or when the state switches from receiving a second closed detection signal to receiving a second closed non-detection signal. If the second non-contact switch 55 has entered a non-detection state (Y in step S106), process S100 ends. In this case, the duration counted by the counting unit 57 is reset. If the second non-contact switch 55 has not entered a non-detection state (N in step S106), process S100 proceeds to step S107.

[0046] In step S107, the operation determination unit 58 determines whether the duration of the both detection state exceeds a predetermined operation determination time. If the duration exceeds the predetermined operation determination time (Y in step S107), process S100 proceeds to step S108. If the duration does not exceed the predetermined operation determination time (N in step S107), process S100 returns to step S103.

[0047] In step S108, the operation determination unit 58 determines that a non-contact operation has been performed.

[0048] In step S109, the instruction output unit 59 determines whether the signal input from the second non-contact switch 55 is a second open detection signal or a second closed detection signal. If the input signal is a second open detection signal (the "second open detection signal" in step S109), process S100 proceeds to step S110. If the input signal is a second closed detection signal (the "second closed detection signal" in step S109), process S100 proceeds to step S111.

[0049] In step S110, the instruction output unit 59 outputs an open instruction to the door control unit 10A. As a result, the door control unit 10A opens the door 4.

[0050] In step S111, the instruction output unit 59 outputs a closing instruction to the door control unit 10A. As a result, the door control unit 10A closes the door 4.

[0051] After steps S110 and S111, process S100 ends.

[0052] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the automatic door device 5. In Figure 8, series 201 shows the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54, series 202 shows the capacitance value detected by the second non-contact switch 55, series 203 shows the detection result of the second non-contact switch 55, and series 204 shows the determination result of the dual detection state in the conventional automatic door device 5. In the example in Figure 8, it is assumed that the user is attempting a non-contact operation.

[0053] First, we will explain a conventional example by referring to series 201-204. At time T1, when the user's hand enters the first detection range R1 of the first non-contact switch 54, the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54 indicates a detection state, as shown in series 201.

[0054] At time T2, when the user's hand enters the second detection range R2 or the third detection range R3 of the second non-contact switch 55, the capacitance value of the electrode portion 55c of the second non-contact switch 55 exceeds the reference capacitance value Fth, as shown in sequence 202. As a result, the detection result of the second non-contact switch 55 indicates a detection state, as shown in sequence 203. At this time, it is determined that both detection states are in effect (ON in sequence 204), and the counting unit 57 starts counting the duration of the both detection states from time T2.

[0055] At time T3, if the user stops their hand within the second detection range R2 or the third detection range R3, the first non-contact switch 54 will no longer be able to detect the user's hand, and the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54 will show a non-detection state as shown in sequence 201. At this time, it is determined that the state is not a bidirectional detection state as shown in sequence 204 (OFF in sequence 204), and the counting unit 57 stops counting the duration of the bidirectional detection state at time T3.

[0056] At time T4, when the user resumes hand movement within the second detection range R2 or the third detection range R3, the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54 will indicate a detection state, as shown in sequence 201. At this time, it is determined that both detection states are in effect (ON in sequence 204), and the counting unit 57 starts counting the duration of the both detection states from time T2.

[0057] At time T5, when the user's hand moves out of the second detection range R2 or third detection range R3 of the second non-contact switch 55, the capacitance value of the electrode portion 55c of the second non-contact switch 55 becomes less than or equal to the reference capacitance value Fth, as shown in sequence 202. As a result, the detection result of the second non-contact switch 55 becomes a non-detection state, as shown in sequence 203. At this time, it is determined that neither side is detected (OFF in sequence 204), as shown in sequence 204, and the counting unit 57 finishes counting the duration of the both-side detection state at time T4.

[0058] At time T6, when the user's hand moves out of the first detection range R1 of the first non-contact switch 54, the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54 will show a non-detection state, as shown in sequence 201.

[0059] As shown in series 204, the time Tc1 from time T2 to T3 and the time Tc2 from time T4 to T5 represent the duration of the double detection state, respectively. These durations Tc1 and Tc2 are both less than or equal to the predetermined operation determination time Ta. Therefore, even though the user is attempting a contactless operation, the conventional automatic door device 5 does not determine that a contactless operation has been performed, and the door 4 does not open or close.

[0060] In contrast, an example of this embodiment will be described with reference to series 201-203 and 205-206. Series 205 shows the determination result of the detection state of the first non-contact switch 54 in the state determination unit 56, and series 206 shows the determination result of the detection state of both in the automatic door device 5 of this embodiment. As described above, the explanation of series 201-203 will be omitted.

[0061] As shown in series 205, the state determination unit 56 of this embodiment maintains the determination that the first non-contact switch 54 is in the detection state for a predetermined maintenance time Tb at times T3 and T6 when the detection result of the first non-contact switch 54 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state. As a result, as shown in series 206, the time Tc3 from time T2 to T5 becomes the duration of the both detection state. The duration Tc3 is greater than the predetermined operation determination time Ta. Therefore, in the automatic door device 5 of this embodiment, it is determined that a non-contact operation has been performed, and the door 4 is opened or closed.

[0062] Thus, the automatic door device 5 of this embodiment includes a first detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave, and a second detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit, and a non-contact type open or close operation unit for a door provided in the opening of a private room, and a state determination unit 56 that determines whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state where a user is detected or in a non-detection state where a user is not detected based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. The system includes an operation determination unit 58 that determines whether a non-contact operation has been performed based on the determination by the state determination unit 56 of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state or a non-detection state, and an instruction output unit 59 that outputs an open instruction or a close instruction for the door 4 based on the determination by the operation determination unit 58 that a non-contact operation has been performed, and a door control unit 10A that controls the opening or closing operation of the door based on the open instruction or a close instruction output from the instruction output unit 59. The state determination unit 56 maintains the determination that the first detection unit is in a detection state for a predetermined maintenance time from the time of the switchover when the detection result of the first detection unit has switched from a detection state to a non-detection state. With this configuration, for example, even if the user stops their hand in front of the second non-contact switch 55 in a dual detection state, the determination that the first non-contact switch 54 is in a detection state is maintained, making it possible to appropriately count the duration of the dual detection state. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the failure to detect non-contact operations by the user.

[0063] In the automatic door device 5 of this embodiment, the second detection unit is equipped with an electrode section 55c whose capacitance changes according to the distance from the object, and the second detection method is a capacitance detection method that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation based on a comparison between the capacitance of the electrode section 55c and a reference capacitance. Here, for example, if an optical sensor is used instead of a capacitance sensor as the second non-contact switch 55, it becomes necessary to provide a light-emitting hole in the existing contact switch 51. This may adversely affect the design of the second non-contact switch 55. In contrast, according to the configuration of this embodiment, by adopting a capacitance detection method as the second detection method, it is possible to detect a user without providing a light-emitting hole or the like in the existing contact switch 51, thus reducing the impact on the design of the second non-contact switch 55.

[0064] The following describes some variations.

[0065] In this embodiment, the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40 are equipped with a contact switch 51, but the invention is not limited to this, and they do not need to be equipped with a contact switch 51.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 are integrally configured in the outer door operating device 30 and the inner door operating device 40, but the first non-contact switch 54 and the second non-contact switch 55 may be configured as separate components. That is, the contact switch 51 and the non-contact switch 53 may be provided in different locations, as long as they can detect the user bringing a part of their body or an object close to them.

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The embodiments described above are merely examples of how to implement the present invention. The contents of the embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. In the embodiments described above, such design changes are indicated with phrases such as "of the embodiments" or "in the embodiments," but design changes may also be permitted in areas where such indications are not present.

[0068] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1 Multifunctional toilet, 2 Entrance / exit, 3 Toilet bowl, 4 Door, 5 Automatic door device, 10 Door controller, 10A Door control unit, 11 Door engine, 12 Object detection sensor, 13 Auxiliary sensor, 14 Electric lock, 15 Occupancy sensor, 30 Outside door operating device, 40 Inside door operating device, 51 Contact switch, 53 Non-contact switch, 54 First non-contact switch, 54a Detection wave output unit, 54b Reflected wave input unit, 55 Second non-contact switch, 55a Open non-contact switch, 55b Closed non-contact switch, 55c Electrode unit, 56 State determination unit, 57 Counting unit, 58 Operation determination unit, 59 Instruction output unit, 60 Instruction control unit.

Claims

1. A non-contact type door opening or closing operation unit provided in the opening of the private room includes: a first detection unit that detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave; and a second detection unit that detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit; A state determination unit determines, based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state where the user is detected or in a non-detection state where the user is not detected. An operation determination unit determines whether the non-contact operation was performed based on the determination by the state determination unit of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state or a non-detection state, An instruction output unit outputs an open or close instruction for the door based on the determination by the operation determination unit that the non-contact operation has been performed. A door control unit controls the opening or closing operation of the door based on the opening instruction or closing instruction output from the instruction output unit, Equipped with, If the state determination unit indicates that the detection result of the first detection unit has switched from the detected state to the non-detected state, it maintains the determination that the first detection unit is in the detected state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time of the switch. Automatic door system.

2. The second detection unit includes an electrode section whose capacitance changes according to the distance from the object, The second detection method is a capacitance detection method that detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation based on a comparison between the capacitance of the electrode portion and a reference capacitance. The automatic door device according to claim 1.

3. A first detection unit detects a user by detecting a non-contact operation performed by a user in a private room using a first detection method that utilizes an interference wave between the output detection wave and the reflected wave of the detection wave, A second detection unit detects the user by detecting the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit, A state determination unit determines, based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state where the user is detected or in a non-detection state where the user is not detected. An operation determination unit determines whether the non-contact operation was performed based on the determination by the state determination unit of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state or a non-detection state, An instruction output unit outputs an open or close instruction for the door provided at the opening of the private room based on the determination by the operation determination unit that the non-contact operation has been performed. Equipped with, If the state determination unit indicates that the detection result of the first detection unit has switched from the detected state to the non-detected state, it maintains the determination that the first detection unit is in the detected state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time of the switch. Automatic door switch device.

4. A control method for an automatic door device comprising a non-contact open or close operation unit for a door provided at the opening of a private room, the device including: a first detection unit that detects a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave to detect the user; and a second detection unit that detects the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit to detect the user; A state determination step in which, based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, it is determined whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state in which the user is detected or in a non-detection state in which the user is not detected, A step of determining whether the non-contact operation was performed based on the determination of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state or a non-detection state, The steps include: outputting an open or close instruction for the door provided at the opening of the private room based on the determination that the aforementioned non-contact operation has been performed; Equipped with, The state determination step includes, if the detection result of the first detection unit indicates that it has switched from the detected state to the non-detected state, maintaining the determination that the first detection unit is in the detected state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time of the switch. A method for controlling an automatic door system.

5. A control program for an automatic door device comprising a non-contact open or close operation unit for a door provided at the opening of a private room, including: a first detection unit that detects a non-contact operation by a user of a private room using a first detection method that uses an interference wave between an output detection wave and a reflected wave of the detection wave to detect the user; and a second detection unit that detects the non-contact operation using a second detection method different from the first detection method in a range that at least partially overlaps with the detection range of the first detection unit to detect the user, wherein the program is controlled by a computer, A state determination step in which, based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, it is determined whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state in which the user is detected or in a non-detection state in which the user is not detected, A step of determining whether the non-contact operation was performed based on the determination of whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in a detection state or a non-detection state, The steps include: outputting an open or close instruction for the door provided at the opening of the private room based on the determination that the aforementioned non-contact operation has been performed; Make it run, The state determination step includes, if the detection result of the first detection unit indicates that it has switched from the detected state to the non-detected state, maintaining the determination that the first detection unit is in the detected state for a predetermined maintenance period from the time of the switch. A control program for automatic door systems.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Opening / closing control system for automatic door

    JP2017075510A