Configuring the Door's Automatic Function

Abstract

To provide a method of individually configuring at least one automatic function of a door with at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator for performing the automatic function especially in publicly accessible areas.SOLUTION: The method includes a step of receiving configuration information from an electronic device 26 associated with an individual within the proximity area of a door 10, a step of configuring the automatic function based on the received configuration information, and a step of controlling an actuator 18 that performs at least one automatic function according to the configuration. Further, it relates to a door control device 20 that electrically or electronically controls at least one actuator 18 that performs at least one automatic function of the door 10 especially in publicly accessible areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for individually configuring at least one automatic function of a door, in particular in a publicly accessible area, by means of at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator which performs the automatic function.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a door control device for electrically or electronically controlling at least one actuator that performs at least one automatic function of a door, especially in a publicly accessible area. [Background technology]

[0003] Doors with various automatic functions are known in the state of the art. The automatic functions may be referred to as convenience functions. For example, the automatic functions relate to a retractable door threshold, a door ramp, or a drive. The automatic functions make it easier for individuals to activate and pass through the door. For example, the drive can automatically open the door when an individual approaches and then close it again. Doors with such automatic functions are increasingly being used in publicly accessible areas to facilitate easier passage through the door, especially for individuals with physical limitations.

[0004] The disadvantage is that because the automatic functions are configured for as many individuals as possible, various individuals may find these automatic functions useless, or at least not very useful, so that for example, a door may open too slowly for some individuals, while for others it may close too quickly before they have even passed through it.

[0005] In principle, various types of electronic closure systems are known. For example, those that optically recognize individuals are known. In this case, configuration data is often obtained from a server that guarantees access. However, this is not useful in publicly accessible areas, since access should not actually be limited. The basic concept of a publicly accessible area is that just any individual should be able to access said area. Doors that recognize individuals, or personal recognition systems in public areas, are often prone to errors and are difficult to use, for example, for reasons of protecting data privacy.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, in particular to implement a simple configuration of the automatic function of the door, in particular in publicly accessible areas, and also to improve the ease of passing through the door.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Further features and details of the invention can be found from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0008] In particular, the object is achieved by a method for individually configuring at least one automatic function of a door, in particular in a publicly accessible area, by means of at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator that performs the automatic function, the method comprising the steps of receiving configuration information from an electronic device associated with an individual that is within the access area of ​​the door, configuring the automatic function based on the received configuration information, and controlling the actuator that performs the at least one automatic function in accordance with the configuration.

[0009] Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a door control device having the features of claim 13. Further features and details of the invention can be found from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] In particular, the object is also achieved by a door control device for electrically or electronically controlling at least one actuator that performs at least one automatic function of a door, in particular in a publicly accessible area, the device having a control unit and a receiving device that receives configuration information from an electronic device associated with an individual that is within the access area of ​​the door, the control unit being formed to control the at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator, the control unit being embodied to perform an individual configuration of the at least one automatic function based on the received configuration information and to control the at least one actuator that performs the automatic function in accordance with the configuration.

[0011] Thus, the basic idea of ​​the present invention is to individually configure at least one automatic function for each individual person, thereby enabling an individual adaptation of at least one automatic function. The adaptation can be performed for any automatic function, in principle for any door, that is capable of receiving and correspondingly processing configuration information from an electronic device associated with the individual in order to adapt the automatic function. In particular, a door control device is formed that performs the above-mentioned method.

[0012] In this case, the term "door" is understood to mean that the door allows access to the publicly accessible area, i.e. also allows leaving the publicly accessible area. The door can therefore comprise a frame and one or more leaves. In principle, it can also comprise several individual doors arranged in close spatial proximity, which allow access to, for example, different toilets. Furthermore, the door can be a revolving door or a sliding door.

[0013] Preferably, the door is an entrance door to a publicly accessible area, ie the publicly accessible area is accessed through the door and left through the door.

[0014] For example, the automatic function can be the actuation of a door. Thus, for example, the actuator can be a door drive that opens and / or closes the door, i.e., generally moves the leaf of the door. In this case, the actuation of the door can be achieved without an individual interacting with the door, or can be initiated by an individual interacting with the door, in that, for example, the individual exerts light pressure on a closed door, and the door recognizes the intention to open and automatically opens further.

[0015] In particular, the actuator or door drive can be arranged directly on or in the door, on or in a wall, on or in a door frame, or on or in a floor. Such door drives can, in particular, be mechanical, electric, and / or electromechanical, and / or electrohydraulic, and / or pneumatic door drives, and can close and / or open the corresponding door by means of an electrically, and / or electromechanically, electrohydraulically, and / or pneumatically generated auxiliary force. In this case, the auxiliary force can be dimensioned so that it acts as an auxiliary force, meaning that a person needs less force to open and / or close the door themselves. The auxiliary force can also be dimensioned so that it automatically opens the door, meaning that a person does not need to exert any force in addition to the auxiliary force. Preferably, the auxiliary force is adjustable, in particular as a function of the opening angle of the respective door. Preferably, if the auxiliary force is not applied, the auxiliary-force-operated door drive continues to fulfill the function of the mechanical door drive, in particular the function of automatically closing or opening the door.

[0016] Preferably, the door drive can include at least one safety device. In particular, the safety device can limit the opening force and / or opening speed, and / or the closing force and / or closing speed. In particular, the safety device can also or instead monitor the door's pivot range and initiate a safety function if a person or object enters the door's pivot range. For example, the safety function can include stopping the door or reducing the door's speed. Preferably, these safety functions can also be configured.

[0017] Alternatively, the automatic function can be a ramp, a door threshold, access selection (barrier-free access or "normal" access), or conditional door opening. Thus, the actuator can be a drive that moves and adjusts the ramp and / or door threshold, respectively. Further alternatively, the actuator can be a drive that unlocks and / or interlocks a single door.

[0018] The door control device may be embodied integrally with an automatic function, such that the door control device may implement an integrated automatic function. In addition, the door control device may implement further automatic functions. Alternatively, the door control device may be provided independently of the automatic function, for example as a separate structural unit associated with the door.

[0019] In principle, the control unit is any data processing unit, in particular a controller, particularly preferably an embedded controller.

[0020] The receiving device serves to receive the configuration information. Preferably, the receiving device is embodied for two-way communication with the electronic device. Preferably, the receiving device is embodied according to a short-range wireless standard, such as Bluetooth or Wireless LAN. Alternatively, the receiving device can be embodied as an ultrasonic signal receiving device.

[0021] The receiving device is connected to the control unit through a data interface, and the received configuration information is transmitted from the receiving device to the control unit through the data interface.

[0022] Configuration information is information associated with an individual, reflecting preferences or specific requirements regarding the automatic functions of the door, such as approach speed, passage time, ramp use, or threshold lowering. Configuration information is general information that essentially configures any door in any location, i.e., the automatic functions are not linked to a specific door.

[0023] The configuration information tailors a personalized configuration to an individual carrying the electronic device, and the action of the personalized configuration can be realized for one or more actuations of an actuator that performs at least one automated function, or until the individual leaves the access area or until the individual moves away from the door.

[0024] The electronic device associated with the individual can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, or any other device that the individual typically carries and that allows communication with a receiving device so that the electronic device can transmit configuration information to the door control device. The configuration information is stored locally on the device and / or provided. Preferably, the individual can adapt the configuration information by editing it on the device. For this purpose, corresponding software, for example as an application, can be installed on the electronic device associated with the individual.

[0025] Configuring the automatic function based on the received configuration information comprises determining a set of configuration information and providing it with a set of single information values ​​that can be used by the automatic function. Thus, in simple cases, the corresponding received configuration information can be used directly as a configuration. Alternatively, processing of the configuration information can be performed as described in detail below.

[0026] Controlling the actuator to perform at least one automatic function according to the configuration can comprise transmitting the configuration to the actuator such that the automatic function is performed when activated according to the configuration, e.g., the current of the actuator is controlled according to the configuration, i.e., the controller of the automatic function activates the automatic function when correspondingly triggered, e.g., by a sensor. In this way, the automatic function is performed autonomously.

[0027] Additionally, the door control device may be provided to transmit a start command to the actuator to effectuate the operation of the automatic function.

[0028] Alternatively, the control unit can store the configuration and, for example, a control current for operating the actuator according to the configuration. In this way, controlling the actuator to perform at least one automatic function according to the configuration involves the door control device controlling the corresponding actuator. In this case, for example, the actuator can be embodied similarly to a motor, and no controller is required.

[0029] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the method can be provided for by detecting an approach of an individual to the door, in particular entering the approach area of ​​the door. Detecting the approach of an individual to the door can serve to initiate the reception of configuration information, for example in terms of activating the receiving device. Furthermore, detecting the approach of an individual to the door can first trigger the transmission of a request signal to the receiving device and then the reception of configuration information. In this case, detecting the approach of an individual to the door is a prerequisite for receiving configuration information or for transmitting a request signal, for example.

[0030] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, detecting the approach of an individual to the door can be provided for by detecting the approach of an individual to the door based on sensor information of an approach detection device, in particular monitoring the approach area. Correspondingly, according to a further advantageous development of the invention, the door control device can be provided for by including an approach detection device, in particular having an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, in particular a camera, a radio-location sensor for radio-locating a device associated with the individual, an infrared sensor or a radio sensor for detecting the approach of an individual to the door. On the one hand, detecting the approach of an individual to the door can serve to initiate the reception of configuration information, for example, in terms of activating a receiving device. Furthermore, detecting the approach of an individual to the door can first trigger the transmission of a request signal to the receiving device and then the reception of configuration information. Additionally, detecting the approach of an individual to the door can serve to control an actuator that executes at least one automatic function according to the configuration. That is, the configuration information is first received, and then, depending on the position of the individual, an automatic function is initiated, for example, when it is detected that an individual within the approach area has further approached the door.

[0031] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that detecting the approach of an individual to the door can comprise receiving a signal from an electronic device associated with the individual, in particular receiving configuration information from the electronic device associated with the individual. Using a limited-range communication standard, such as short-range wireless standards like Bluetooth or Wireless LAN, the electronic device associated with the individual can detect the approach of the individual when the receiving device and the electronic device associated with the individual are within communication range of each other, thereby enabling communication. In this case, for example, means can be employed for adapting the transmission power so as to adapt the communication range in a desired manner and to perform said adaptation to different ambient conditions. In particular, receiving configuration information from the electronic device associated with the individual confirms that the approach relates to an individual seeking a corresponding configuration of the automatic function, thereby preventing activation by other devices communicating according to the same standard.

[0032] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the method can be provided for by transmitting a request signal, which causes at least one electronic device associated with the individual to transmit configuration information. The door control device can thereby cause electronic devices within the proximity area of ​​the door to transmit configuration information to the door control device. This implementation is particularly advantageous for electronic devices, since they only need to transmit configuration information when necessary and can otherwise be passive, simply activating the receiver. This reduces the energy consumption of the device. Since the door control device is usually connected to a power supply, transmitting a request signal does not pose any energy problems. In particular, the receiving device periodically transmits a request signal, ensuring that, once it has reached the proximity area, the electronic device transmits its configuration information directly to the receiving device of the door control device, so that the control unit can control the actuator accordingly.

[0033] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that sending a request signal comprises sending a request signal including type information related to a type of automatic function, and receiving configuration information from an electronic device associated with a person within the access area of ​​the door comprises receiving the configuration information in response to the type information. Preferably, the electronic device transmits only configuration information related to configuring the automatic function identified via the type information. Thus, the transmission of configuration information can be limited to such information, which is currently related to at least one automatic function of the door. Unnecessary transmission of configuration information is prevented. This is particularly advantageous when the configuration information of the electronic device associated with a person includes information about several different automatic functions. In this case, the configuration information is associated with different type information. Furthermore, the receiving device can filter the received configuration information in response to the type of automatic function based on the type information.

[0034] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, receiving configuration information from electronic devices associated with individuals within the approach area of ​​the door can comprise receiving configuration information from multiple electronic devices, each associated with one individual within the approach area, and configuring an automatic function based on the received configuration information can comprise determining the configuration as a combination of the configuration information from the multiple electronic devices, each associated with one individual within the approach area. In particular, in publicly accessible areas, multiple individuals can enter the area simultaneously or one after another, so that configuration of at least one automatic function cannot always be performed individually for each individual, and overlaps may occur when using the automatic function. For example, a slow-walking individual may enter the approach area, which in principle allows configuration of the automatic function to be performed. However, if another individual, for whom a different configuration should be performed, overtakes the slow-walking individual before reaching the door, the configuration may be incorrect. Combining the configuration information of individuals within the approach area can make it possible to perform an optimal combined configuration for those individuals.

[0035] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, determining the configuration as a combination of the configuration information of a plurality of electronic devices associated with each individual within the proximity area can comprise forming an average value of the information values ​​of the configuration information, and / or determining the configuration as a combination of the configuration information of a plurality of electronic devices associated with each individual within the proximity area can comprise determining a maximum or minimum value of the information values ​​of the configuration information, and / or determining the configuration as a combination of the configuration information of a plurality of electronic devices associated with each individual within the proximity area can comprise determining the information values ​​of the configuration information depending on further configuration values. Combining the configuration information of individuals within the proximity area can thus be realized in various ways. By forming an average value of the information values ​​of the configuration information, it is possible to partially take into account and accommodate the configuration preferences of all individuals. In particular, an average value should simply be formed for the information values ​​in the form of numerical values. However, even in the case of discrete selection, numerical values ​​can also be associated with discrete values ​​so that an average value can be formed. Alternatively, combining the configuration information can be performed in that the maximum or minimum value of the individual information values ​​of the configuration information is determined. In this way, it can be ensured that the configuration is suitable for all individuals. For example, in configuring a door opening speed, a maximum value can be selected so that a fast-walking individual can pass through the door at any time without any issues. Similarly, in configuring a door opening speed, a maximum value can be selected so that a slow-walking individual can pass through the door at any time without any issues. In other examples, further configuration values ​​can be taken into account to determine the information value. For example, the further configuration value assigns a priority to the configuration information for the individual with whom the respective electronic device is associated. In particular, the further configuration value indicates whether the individual has a physical limitation and therefore whether a configuration for that individual should be recommended.

[0036] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the method comprises a step of transmitting information related to the facility to which the door belongs, in particular maps, accessibility information, availability of discounts for the facility, etc., to a device associated with the individual. The information related to the facility can, for example, comprise contact information for the individual within the facility or mapping information for the facility, thereby enabling the individual to find their way around the facility. This is particularly advantageous when the door is an access door to the facility, for example an entrance door to a building or an access door to an estate. The information can be transmitted from the door control device to the electronic device via the receiving device, i.e., over the same communication path. Alternatively, the information can be transmitted from the door control device to the electronic device via a separate communication device, without affecting the operation of the receiving device of the door control device and without possibly interfering with the reception of the configuration information.

[0037] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, receiving configuration information from an electronic device associated with a person within the door's access area can comprise receiving addressing information for the electronic device, the method comprising transmitting the addressing information to a server together with the identification of the automated function and / or the identification of the door providing the automated function, and causing the server to transmit, based on the identification of the automated function, information related to the assigned facility, in particular maps, accessibility information, availability of facility discounts, etc., to the electronic device together with the transmitted addressing information. In this way, a transmission of facility-related information from the server to the electronic device associated with the person is initiated. In particular, the information transmission takes place within the domain of the server and the electronic device associated with the person. In principle, any data connection can be used between the server and the electronic device associated with the person, such as a mobile radio communication according to any of the known standards GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, or 5G. This allows, in principle, information of any size to be provided in any manner without affecting the operation of the receiving device and without potentially hindering the reception of the configuration information.

[0038] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the method comprises a step of transmitting server addressing information to a device associated with the individual, the server addressing information being provided to make available to the electronic device information related to the facility to which the door belongs, in particular maps, accessibility information, availability of discounts for the facility, etc. In this way, the electronic device can be used to dynamically initiate the transmission of facility-related information from the server. In particular, the information transmission takes place within the domain of the electronic device associated with the individual and of the server. In this case, in principle, any data connection can be used between the server and the electronic device associated with the individual, such as mobile radio communication according to any of the known standards GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, or 5G. This allows, in principle, the provision of information of any size in any way without affecting the operation of the receiving device and without possibly interfering with the reception of the configuration information.

[0039] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, after controlling the actuators that perform at least one automatic function according to the configuration, the method can be specified to include a step of configuring the automatic function based on the preset configuration information, in particular after one or more controls of the actuators that perform the automatic function are completed, and / or when the individual leaves the door's access area, and / or after a timer has elapsed. In this way, an individual configuration of each automatic function can be performed, allowing the corresponding individual to comfortably use the door. A preset using the preset configuration information is then established for any individual, especially for individuals who do not own an electronic device that transmits the configuration information, to comfortably use the door, which is advantageous for, for example, an average individual. In this case, for example, when an automatic function is activated, for example, when the individual passes through the door after multiple activations, a configuration is established based on the preset configuration information, for example, depending on the automatic function. For example, the preset configuration is re-established after one or more controls of the actuators that perform the automatic function are completed. Alternatively, or in addition, the preset configuration can be re-established when the individual leaves the proximity area of ​​the door and / or after a timer has elapsed, e.g., after configuring the electronic device associated with the individual based on the received configuration information or controlling an actuator that performs at least one automatic function. Leaving the proximity area of ​​the door can be detected, e.g., via a corresponding proximity detection device that specifically monitors the proximity area. Alternatively, leaving the proximity area of ​​the door can be detected by the electronic device associated with the individual leaving the proximity area, e.g., by a communication connection between the electronic device associated with the individual and the receiving device being severed.

[0040] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the method can comprise a step of transferring configuration information for individually configuring at least one automatic function of at least one further door, in particular transferring the configuration information to at least one downstream door. This allows the configuration information to be transferred from door to door without the need to perform a new interrogation of each automatic function. If multiple individuals are within the area of ​​the further door, additional identification information can be interrogated, if necessary, from the electronic devices associated with the individuals, so that the configuration information already previously transmitted with the same identification information can be activated for the further door. This allows for rapid configuration of at least one automatic function.

[0041] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a door control device for electrically or electronically controlling a plurality of actuators for executing a plurality of automatic functions of a door is provided, and a control unit is provided for each time performing an individual configuration of the plurality of automatic functions based on partial information of the received configuration information and for controlling the plurality of actuators for executing the plurality of automatic functions according to the configuration based on the partial information. In this case, the configuration information is correspondingly associated based on type information, preferably related to the type of the automatic function. Simple configuration of the plurality of automatic functions can be performed.

[0042] Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, which, with reference to the drawings, describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which the features mentioned in the claims and in the description may, individually or in any arbitrary combination, be essential to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a door having two doors and two actuators for operating the two doors, together with a door control device of the present invention and an electronic device and a server. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of the door control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for individually configuring automatic functions of the door of FIG. 1 according to a first preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for individually configuring automatic functions of the door of FIG. 1 according to a second preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In the following drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same technical features of various exemplary embodiments.

[0045] 1 shows a schematic representation of a door 10. By way of example, the door 10 is used herein as an access door to a publicly accessible area.

[0046] The door 10 includes an operating leaflet 12 and an inoperable leaflet 14 , both pivotally supported by a door frame 16 .

[0047] Each of the actuated and inactuated doors 12, 14 is connected to the door frame 16 via an actuator 18. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuator 18 is a drive device that opens and / or closes each of the doors 12, 14. In particular, the actuator 18 is embodied as a mechanical, electric, electromechanical, or electrohydraulic drive device, so that each of the doors 12, 14 can be opened and / or closed using mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, or electrohydraulic assistive forces. Each of the actuators 18 can be connected to an electrical power supply in a manner not shown herein. Alternatively, one or more energy storage devices can provide energy to the actuators.

[0048] In this exemplary embodiment, the door control device 20 is disposed in an area above the door frame 16 and associated with the door 10. In another exemplary embodiment, the door control device 20 may be mounted on or within the door frame 16, for example. The door control device 20 is electrically connected to both actuators 18 via connecting wires 21, or alternatively wirelessly. Alternatively, the door control device 20 may be disposed on or within at least one of the actuators 18.

[0049] The door control device 20 is embodied to electrically or electronically control the actuators 18 that open and / or close the two leaves 12, 14 of the door 10, thereby providing an automated function for opening and / or closing the door 10.

[0050] 2 shows the door control device 20 in more detail. The door control device 20 comprises a control unit 22 and a receiving device 24 for receiving configuration information from an electronic device 26 associated with an individual present within an access area 28 of the door 10, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1. In principle, the control unit 22 is any data processing unit, in particular a controller, with an embedded controller being preferred. The receiving device 24 is embodied for bidirectional communication with the electronic device 26. The receiving device 24 and the electronic device 26 are embodied for communication according to a short-range wireless standard, in this exemplary embodiment according to the Bluetooth standard.

[0051] Furthermore, the door control device 20 comprises a proximity detection device 30, which in this exemplary embodiment is embodied as an ultrasonic sensor. In alternative embodiments, the proximity detection device 30 is embodied according to the type of motion sensor, optical sensor, in particular a camera, a radio location sensor for wirelessly locating the electrical device 26, an infrared sensor, or a wireless sensor.

[0052] The receiving device 24 and the proximity detection device 30 are connected to the control unit 22 via a data interface 34 .

[0053] The door control device 20 comprises a housing 32 in which the control unit 22, the receiving device 24, and the proximity detection device 30 are disposed together. The door control device 20 is connected to a power supply in a manner not shown here. In an alternative embodiment, the door control device 20 is embodied integrally with the automatic function, i.e., one or both of the actuators 18 are disposed within the shared housing 32 of the door control device 20.

[0054] The electronic device 26 is a mobile device and, as such, is associated with its bearer, typically an individual. Here, by way of example, the electronic device 26 is a mobile phone carried by an individual. The electronic device 26 is embodied to communicate according to the Bluetooth standard and is therefore capable of wirelessly communicating with the receiving device 24.

[0055] The configuration information is stored locally on the electronic device 26. Preferably, the person can adapt the configuration information by editing it themselves on the electronic device 26. For this purpose, corresponding software, for example as an application, can be installed on the electronic device 26 associated with the person.

[0056] Configuration information is information associated with an individual and reflects preferences or specific requirements regarding the automatic functions of the door 10, such as approach speed, passage time, ramp use, or threshold lowering. Configuration information is general information that configures essentially any door 10 in essentially any location; i.e., the automatic functions are not linked to a particular door 10.

[0057] The configuration information tailors a personalized configuration to the individual carrying the electronic device 26. The action of the personalized configuration can be embodied in one or more controls of the actuator 18 to perform at least one automatic function, or until the individual leaves the access area 28 or until the individual leaves the door 10.

[0058] Below, a first exemplary embodiment of a method for individually configuring the automatic functions of the door 10 to open and / or close an operating door 12 is described. The method is performed using the door control device 20 described above and is described based on the flowchart of FIG.

[0059] The method begins at step S100, which comprises detecting an individual approaching the door 10, and in particular entering the approach area 28 of the door 10. Detecting the individual approaching the door 10 activates the receiving device 24 to receive configuration information from the electronic device 26, as described in more detail below.

[0060] Detecting the proximity of individuals is performed using a proximity detection device 30, which emits ultrasonic signals and recognizes movement within the proximity area 28 from ultrasonic echoes generated by individuals in response to the ultrasonic impulses emitted by the proximity detection device 30. In this case, the ultrasonic echoes represent sensor information of the proximity detection device 30.

[0061] Upon recognizing the approach of an individual, the data interface 34 transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit 22 .

[0062] Step S110 concerns the receiving device 24 sending out a request signal. The control unit 22 sends a corresponding signal via the data interface 34 to the receiving device 24, which signal initiates the sending of the request signal.

[0063] The sending of the request signal is realized using type information related to the type of automatic function of the door 10. After operating in step S100, the receiving device 24 periodically sends out a request signal.

[0064] The request signal causes electronic devices 26 located within proximity area 28 to transmit stored configuration information to receiving device 24. In this case, only configuration information relevant to configuring the automated function identified via the type information is transmitted. In this case, the configuration information of electronic device 26 is associated with various type information.

[0065] Step S120 relates to the receiving device 24 receiving configuration information from the electronic device 26. According to the configuration information transmitted from the electronic device 26 relating to the configuration of the automatic function identified via the type information, said configuration information is received by the receiving device 24 and forwarded to the control unit 22 via the data interface 34.

[0066] Furthermore, receiving the configuration information from the electronic device 26 terminates the periodic sending of request signals by the receiving device 24 .

[0067] Step S130 relates to configuring the automatic function based on the received configuration information. In this exemplary embodiment, the configuration is performed such that the portion of the configuration information associated with the corresponding automatic function is taken as the configuration of the actuator 18 of the door 12 that is being operated.

[0068] Stage S140 concerns controlling the actuator to perform the automatic function according to the configuration. The configuration information is the basis for the configuration of the actuator 18 and is transmitted to the actuator 18 via the connection line 21. When activated, the actuator 18 can autonomously perform the automatic function based on the transmitted configuration information. For this purpose, a further sensor can be associated with the actuator 18, which activates the actuator 18 to perform the automatic function. Alternatively, the actuator 18 is directly activated, for example by the transmitted configuration information.

[0069] Step S150 relates to transmitting information related to the facility to which the door 10 belongs to the electronic device 26. For example, the information comprises maps, accessibility information, availability of facility discounts, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the information is transmitted directly from the receiving device 24 of the door control device 20 to the electronic device 26.

[0070] In principle, step S150 can be implemented independently of the previous steps, for example immediately after step S120, or at any time thereafter.

[0071] Instead of transmitting information directly from the door control device 20 to the corresponding electronic device 26 in step S150, the door control device 20 can alternatively transmit server addressing information to the electronic device 26 associated with the individual, which server addressing information makes available to the electronic device 26 information related to the premises to which the door 10 belongs, as described above. For example, the server addressing information can be embodied according to the type of Internet address (URL). The electronic device 26 can dynamically use the server addressing information to initiate the transmission of information related to the premises from the server 36. In this case, in principle, any data connection can be used between the server 36 and the electronic device 26, such as mobile radio communication according to any of the known standards GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, or 5G, depending on the specifications of the electronic device 26.

[0072] Instead of transmitting information directly from the door control device 20 to the electronic device 26 in step S150, in an alternative embodiment, information related to the premises to which the door 10 belongs can be transmitted directly from the server 46 to the electronic device 26. For this purpose, upon receiving the request message in step S110, the electronic device 26 only needs to transmit addressing information together with its configuration information, which is received by the door control device 20 when the electronic device enters the approach area 28 of the door 10. The door control device 20 extracts the addressing information from the configuration information and transmits it to the server 36 together with the identification information of the door 10, thereby providing an automatic function. By receiving the information, the server 36 then transmits the information together with the transmitted addressing information to the electronic device 26. This likewise allows, in principle, any data connection between the server 36 and the electronic device 26 to be used, such as mobile radio communication according to any of the known standards GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, or 5G.

[0073] Step S160 involves configuring the automatic function based on the preset configuration information according to the completed single control of the actuator 18 that performs the automatic function. This is approximated by an elapsed timer, which was started in step S140.

[0074] A second exemplary embodiment of a method for individually configuring the automatic functions of the door 10 for opening and / or closing an operating door 12 will now be described. The method is likewise performed using the door control device 20 described above and will be described based on the flowchart of Figure 4. In this case, similar or identical steps will only be described in detail to the extent that they differ from the method of the first exemplary embodiment. In case of uncertainty, details not shown correspond to the details of the method of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0075] The method of the second exemplary embodiment begins with step S110, in which the receiving device 24 periodically sends out a request signal.

[0076] The sending of the request signal is accomplished using type information related to the type of automatic function of the door 10, as in the method of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0077] The request signal causes electronic devices 26 located within the proximity area 28 to transmit their stored configuration information to the receiving device 24. In this case, only the configuration information relevant to configuring the automated function identified via the type information is transmitted. In this case, the configuration information of each electronic device 26 is associated with different type information.

[0078] Step S120 involves the receiving device 24 receiving the configuration information from each electronic device 26. The receiving device 24 receives the configuration information and forwards it to the control unit 22 via the data interface 34.

[0079] In the second exemplary embodiment, the periodic sending of the request signal by the receiving device 24 continues without termination.

[0080] Step S130 relates to configuring the automatic function based on the received configuration information. In this exemplary embodiment, the configuration is performed such that the portion of the configuration information associated with the corresponding automatic function is taken as the configuration of the actuator 18 of the door 12 that is being operated.

[0081] As soon as configuration information is received from a further electronic device 26, a combination of configuration information for the person in the proximity area 28 is realized, i.e. a combination of configuration information from the electronic devices 26 associated with and carried by the corresponding person. As soon as a person, i.e. respectively an electronic device 26 carried by a person, leaves the proximity area 28, the corresponding configuration information is no longer taken into account and there is no need to combine the configuration information. Leaving the proximity area 28 can be approximated by an elapsed timer which is started when the configuration information is received and which is associated with said configuration information.

[0082] For example, combining the configuration information of multiple electronic devices 26 may comprise forming an average value of the information values ​​of the configuration information, e.g., from the individual information values ​​for the desired opening speed of the door 10, an average opening speed is determined and used as the configuration value.

[0083] Alternatively, the maximum or minimum value of the individual information values ​​of the configuration information can be determined as the configuration value, so that, for example, from the individual information values ​​for a desired opening speed of the door 10, a maximum or minimum opening speed can be determined and used as the configuration value.

[0084] Further, as an alternative, the information value can be determined as a configuration value depending on further configuration values, which may indicate, for example, a priority of the configuration information of the electronic device 26, and in particular whether the individual carrying the corresponding electronic device 26 has a physical limitation and therefore the personal configuration information should be selected.

[0085] Step S140 relates to controlling the actuator 18 to perform the automatic function according to the configuration. In this case, the configuration information corresponds to the configuration information of a single electronic device 26 or to the combined configuration information determined as described above. The corresponding configuration information is transmitted to the actuator 18 via the communication line 21. As a result, the actuator 18 is able to autonomously perform the automatic function based on the transmitted configuration information. For this purpose, a further sensor can be associated with the actuator 18, which sensor activates the actuator 18 to perform the automatic function.

[0086] In this case, transmitting the configuration information to the actuator 18 is accomplished every time the configuration changes, ie, when the individual with the electronic device 26 enters or leaves the proximity area 28 .

[0087] Step S150, as described above, involves transmitting to the electronic device 26 information relating to the facility to which the door 10 belongs.

[0088] Step S160 relates to configuring automatic functions based on preset configuration information, as described above in connection with the method of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0089] The above description of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively on the basis of examples. Obviously, the individual features of the embodiments may be freely combined with one another, as far as technically reasonable, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 doors 12 Working Door 14. Inoperable Door 16 Door Frame 18 Actuators 20 Door Control Device 21 Connecting wire 22 Control Unit 24 Receiving Devices 26 Electronic Devices 28 Approach Area 30 Approach detection device 32 Housing 34 Data Interface 36 servers

Claims

1. 1. A method for individually configuring at least one automatic function of a door, in particular in a publicly accessible area, by means of at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator which performs said at least one automatic function, comprising: detecting an individual entering an access area of ​​said door; receiving configuration information from an electronic device associated with an individual within the door access area in response to detecting the individual entering the door access area, the electronic device transmitting a request signal to cause the electronic device to transmit configuration information; and receiving configuration information transmitted by the electronic device in response to receiving the request signal, the request signal including information related to a type of the at least one automatic function, the configuration information being configuration information corresponding to the type of the at least one automatic function among configuration information stored in the electronic device; configuring the at least one automated function based on the received configuration information; controlling the actuator to perform the at least one automatic function in accordance with the configuration information; A method for providing the above.

2. Detecting an individual approaching the door comprises detecting the individual approaching the door based on sensor information of an approach detection device that specifically monitors the approach area. The method of claim 1.

3. receiving configuration information from electronic devices associated with individuals within the access area of ​​the door includes receiving configuration information from a plurality of electronic devices associated with a respective individual within the access area; configuring the at least one automated function based on the received configuration information includes determining a configuration as a combination of configuration information from the plurality of electronic devices associated with a respective individual within the proximity area. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. determining the configuration as a combination of configuration information from the plurality of electronic devices associated with each individual within the proximity area comprises forming an average of information values ​​of the configuration information; and / or determining a configuration as a combination of configuration information from the plurality of electronic devices associated with each individual within the proximity area includes determining a maximum or minimum information value of the configuration information; and / or determining a configuration as a combination of configuration information from the plurality of electronic devices associated with a respective individual within the proximity area includes determining an information value of the configuration information as a function of a further configuration value. The method of claim 3.

5. the method comprises a step of transmitting information related to the facility to which the door belongs, in particular maps, accessibility information, availability of discounts at the facility, etc., to the electronic device associated with the person; 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. receiving configuration information from an electronic device associated with an individual within the access area of ​​the door includes receiving addressing information for the electronic device; the method comprises the steps of transmitting addressing information to a server together with an identification of the at least one automatic function and / or an identification of the door providing the at least one automatic function, and causing the server to transmit, based on the identification of the at least one automatic function, information related to the assigned facility, in particular maps, accessibility information, availability of facility discounts, etc., to the electronic device together with the transmitted addressing information, 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. After controlling the actuator to perform the at least one automatic function in accordance with the configuration information, the method comprises configuring the at least one automatic function based on preset configuration information, in particular after one or more times of controlling the actuator to perform the at least one automatic function are completed, and / or when the person leaves the access area of ​​the door, and / or after a timer has elapsed.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the method comprises a step of transferring configuration information for individually configuring at least one automatic function of at least one further door, in particular transferring the configuration information to at least one downstream door.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 1. A door control device, particularly in a publicly accessible area, for electrically or electronically controlling at least one actuator that performs at least one automatic function of a door, comprising: a control unit; a receiving device that receives configuration information from an electronic device associated with an individual within the door access area in response to detecting the individual entering the door access area, the receiving device performing the following operations: sending a request signal to the electronic device to cause the electronic device to send configuration information; and receiving the configuration information sent by the electronic device in response to receiving the request signal, the request signal including information related to a type of the at least one automatic function, and the configuration information being configuration information corresponding to the type of the at least one automatic function among configuration information stored in the electronic device; the control unit is embodied to control the at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator; the control unit is adapted to execute an individual configuration of the at least one automatic function based on the received configuration information and to control the at least one actuator that executes the at least one automatic function according to the configuration information. Door control device.

10. the door control device comprises a proximity detection device, in particular having an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, in particular a camera, a radio location sensor for radio-locating the electronic device associated with the person, an infrared sensor or a radio sensor for detecting the approach of the person to the door, The door control device of claim 9.

11. the door control device is embodied to electrically or electronically control a plurality of actuators that perform a plurality of automatic functions of the door; the control unit is configured to execute individual configurations of the plurality of automatic functions based on the received configuration information, and to control the plurality of actuators that execute the plurality of automatic functions in accordance with the configuration information. A door control device according to claim 9 or 10.

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