Automatic door system, sensor device for automatic door, control method for automatic door system, control program for automatic door system

Abstract

To provide a technology for an automatic door device with a different mode that can reduce the frequency of unnecessary door opening due to false detection in comparison with the normal mode.SOLUTION: An automatic door device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention includes an activation sensor 4 that has a detection area made up of a plurality of detection spots and generates a detection signal D1 upon detection of a person or object, and a control unit 5 that controls an opening operation of a door 21 based on the detection signal D1. The control unit 5 can switch between a normal mode and a one-way mode in which the criteria for opening the door 21 are set more strictly than in the normal mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] An automatic door system that opens and closes a door based on the detection result of an automatic door sensor is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an automatic door system using an automatic door sensor. This automatic door system includes a door panel installed between fixed walls, a driving device for driving the door panel, and an automatic door sensor attached to the seamless part of the frame. When the door sensor determines that an object such as a human body exists in the detection area, it transmits a predetermined signal for opening and closing the door panel to the driving device. The driving device performs opening and closing processing of the door panel based on the signal from the automatic door sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventor of the present invention has obtained the following recognition about the automatic door device. An automatic door installed in a place with a relatively large number of passers-by is set to emphasize trafficability so as to reduce the stay of passers-by. On the other hand, even the same automatic door has periods when there are few passers-by, such as on holidays or at night. During this period, it is desirable to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary door openings by misdetecting that there are passers-by even though there are actually no passers-by. However, it cannot be said that the automatic door system described in Patent Document 1 has taken measures to reduce unnecessary door openings during periods when there are few passers-by.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a technology for an automatic door system that has an alternative mode that can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary door opening due to false detection compared to the normal mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, an automatic door device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an activation sensor having a detection area consisting of multiple detection spots and generating a detection signal when it detects a person or object, and a control unit that controls the door opening operation based on the detection signal. The control unit can switch between a normal mode and a one-way mode in which the criteria for opening the door are set more strictly than in the normal mode.

[0007] 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]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for an automatic door system that has an alternative mode that can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary door opening due to false detection compared to the normal mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an automatic door device according to the first embodiment and a sensor device for an automatic door according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a bird's-eye view showing the detection area of ​​the activation sensor for the automatic door system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the area around the control unit of the automatic door device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an automatic door system. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the automatic door system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. In embodiments and modifications, the same or equivalent components and members will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the members in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted from the drawings.

[0011] Furthermore, separate components that share common characteristics are distinguished by adding "1st," "2nd," etc., to the beginning of their names, and these are omitted when referring to them collectively. In addition, terms containing ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and do not limit the components themselves.

[0012] First, let me explain the overview of this disclosure. An automatic door is equipped with a sensor (hereinafter referred to as the "activation sensor") that detects people and objects (hereinafter simply referred to as "passersby") attempting to pass through the automatic door. In automatic doors installed in locations with relatively high foot traffic, the activation sensor is set up to prioritize passability in order to reduce congestion of passersby. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to detect a passerby early and perform an action to open the door (hereinafter referred to as the "opening action") to reduce the time that passersby have to wait in front of the door. Passability means that when passing through an automatic door, people do not slow down or stop in front of the automatic door very often.

[0013] Ideally, the activation sensor should only detect pedestrians. However, activation sensors can be affected by surrounding objects and may falsely detect the presence of pedestrians when there are none. Objects that cause false detections (hereinafter referred to as "noise") include rain, snow, steam, exhaust fumes, insects, and puddles.

[0014] Even automatic doors with high foot traffic have periods of low foot traffic, such as on holidays or at night. During these periods, if a door is opened due to a false detection (hereinafter referred to as "false opening"), it opens at times when it shouldn't, creating a problem where people can enter from outside on the side they shouldn't be able to access. Furthermore, since there are hardly any people around during these times, it is difficult to deal with false openings, and the false opening is only discovered when the security company's security system triggers an alarm.

[0015] Based on these findings, the inventors have developed a technology for an automatic door system that has an alternative mode that reduces the occurrence of unnecessary door openings due to false detections compared to the normal mode. This automatic door system, configured to open the door based on a detection signal from an activation sensor, includes a one-way mode in which the criteria for opening the door are stricter than in the normal mode. This technology can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary door openings in the one-way mode. The following details will be described with reference to embodiments.

[0016] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, an automatic door device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the automatic door device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a bird's-eye view showing the detection area 7 of the activation sensor 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the automatic door device 1 comprises an activation sensor 4, a control unit 5, a drive unit 6, and a door 21. The control unit 5, the drive unit 6, and the door 21 constitute a door drive mechanism 10. The door drive mechanism 10 is exemplified by an automatic door.

[0017] The activation sensor 4 generates and transmits a detection signal D1 when it detects a passerby attempting to pass through the door 21. As an example, the detection signal D1 is transmitted from the output unit 44 to the control unit 5 of the automatic door as an output signal D2. The output signal D2 is at an on level (hereinafter simply referred to as "on") when the detection signal D1 is generated, and is at an off level when the detection signal D1 is not generated in the non-detection state. When the received output signal D2 is on, the control unit 5 controls the drive unit 6 to open the door 21. When the output signal D2 changes from on to off, the control unit 5 controls the drive unit 6 to close the door 21. The control unit 5 transmits a mode signal E1 between the normal mode and the one-way passage mode. The activation sensor 4 receives the mode signal E1 from the control unit 5 via the receiving unit 45. The activation sensor 4 switches the determination condition between the determination condition 431-A for the normal mode and the determination condition 431-B for the one-way passage mode according to the mode signal E1 received via the receiving unit 45.

[0018] The door 21 slides and moves in the opening and closing direction d1 shown in FIG. 2 by being driven to open and close. In the example of FIG. 2, the two doors 21 are of the split type sliding doors. The form of the door 21 is not limited to the example of FIG. 2. For example, various forms of doors such as single-slide type sliding doors, hinged doors, folding doors, or sliding doors may be adopted. The drive unit 6 includes a motor (not shown) for moving the door 21, and opens and closes the door 21 in the opening and closing direction d1 based on the control of the control unit 5.

[0019] The control unit 5 receives the detection signal D1 generated when the activation sensor 4 detects a passerby within the effective detection area 70 described later, and controls the drive unit 6 based on this detection signal D1. The control unit 5 executes control to drive the door 21 in the opening direction according to the detection signal D1 (hereinafter referred to as "opening drive control").

[0020] In the automatic door device 1 of this embodiment, effective detection areas 70 are provided on both the front side (the lower side in FIG. 2) and the back side (the upper side in FIG. 2) of the door 21. The automatic door device 1 executes opening drive control based on both the detection of a passerby passing in the first direction from the front side to the back side and the detection of a passerby passing in the direction opposite to the first direction from the back side to the front side. By this control, the automatic door device 1 allows two-way passage of passersby. Thus, the mode that allows two-way passage is called the "normal mode".

[0021] Also, the automatic door device 1 of this embodiment can be set to allow only passage in the first direction and restrict passage in the opposite direction in response to periods when there are few passersby, such as holidays or at night. Thus, the mode that allows passage in one direction and restricts passage in the reverse direction is called the "one-way passage mode". For example, in the one-way passage mode, entry from the outside can be restricted while allowing exit.

[0022] The activation sensor 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the activation sensor 4 is provided above the center of the panel 24, more specifically, above the boundary between the two doors 21 in the fully closed state, in order to detect passersby of the door 21. The activation sensor 4 may be provided at a location other than the panel 24, such as on the ceiling or the lower surface of the panel 24.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the activation sensor 4 includes a detection unit 41, a processing unit 42, a storage unit 43, an output unit 44, a reception unit 45, a mode control unit 46, and a time table 47. The processing unit 42 is connected to the detection unit 41, the storage unit 43, the output unit 44, the reception unit 45, the mode control unit 46, and the time table 47. The processing unit 42 is connected to the control unit 5 via the output unit 44 and the reception unit 45. The processing unit 42 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. At least a part of the processing unit 42 may be composed of software.

[0024] The output unit 44 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5 of the automatic door when the detection unit 41 detects a person or object. The receiving unit 45 receives a predetermined signal from the control unit 5 of the automatic door. The mode control unit 46 switches the detection mode between normal mode and one-way mode, in which the criteria for determining whether a person or object has been detected are set to be stricter than in normal mode. The timetable 47 stores a predetermined timetable.

[0025] The detection unit 41 is an optical sensor having a predetermined detection area 7. As shown in Figure 2, the detection area 7 is the maximum detection area. As shown in Figure 1, the detection unit 41 comprises a light-emitting unit 411 and a light-receiving unit 412. The light-emitting unit 411 comprises an optical lens for emitting light (not shown) and a plurality of light-emitting elements (not shown). The light-emitting unit 411 emits (irradiates) pulsed near-infrared light to the detection area 7 from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. The light-receiving unit 412 has an optical lens for receiving light (not shown) and a plurality of light-receiving elements (not shown) that optically correspond to each of the plurality of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit 411. The light-receiving unit 412 receives the near-infrared light emitted to the detection area 7 from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit 411 using each of the plurality of light-receiving elements, and detects the amount of near-infrared light received R for each light-receiving element. The light receiving unit 412 provides the processing unit 42 with a light receiving amount signal Rd corresponding to the detected light receiving amount R.

[0026] The light-emitting unit 411 and the light-receiving unit 412 may emit and receive light other than near-infrared light. Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 411 and the light-receiving unit 412 may use a different optical system instead of optical lenses for emission and reception, or may not use optical lenses at all.

[0027] Although not shown in Figure 2, detection areas 7 are provided on both the front and back sides of the door 21. These detection areas 7 are generally symmetrical, and while the front detection area 7 is described here, this description also applies to the rear detection area 7.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the detection area 7 consists of multiple detection spots 71 arranged at intervals in the front of the two doors 21, in the opening and closing direction d1 of the doors 21 and in the front-to-back direction d2 perpendicular to it. Specifically, in Figure 2, there are a total of 72 detection spots 71, arranged in 6 rows × 12 columns. In the example shown in Figure 2, each detection spot 71 is circular in shape. In this case, the diameter of the detection spot 71 on the floor surface 3 can be set to any value between, for example, 10 cm and 30 cm. The detection spots 71 may also be elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, or other shapes other than circular.

[0029] Each detection spot 71 corresponds to an illumination spot of near-infrared light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit 411 and received by each of the multiple light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit 412.

[0030] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the detection area 7 shown in Figure 2, which is set up for detecting people passing through the door 21, is designated as the effective detection area 70 of the activation sensor 4. In the example in Figure 2, the effective detection area 70 consists of at least one detection spot 71 out of a plurality of detection spots 71. Information on the spot used as the effective detection area 70 from among the plurality of detection spots 71 is stored in the storage unit 43 as a determination condition 431. In other words, the effective detection area 70 consists of one or more detection spots 71.

[0031] The determination condition 431 of the memory unit 43 may be set in advance before the automatic door device 1 is put into use, or it may be variable depending on some state. This embodiment includes a determination condition 431-A for normal mode and a determination condition 431-B for one-way mode, and is selected based on the mode signal E1 of the control unit 5. For example, when the mode signal E1 is ON, the determination condition 431-B for one-way mode is selected, and in other cases, the determination condition 431-A for normal mode is selected.

[0032] When the door 21 starts opening in one-way mode, the activation sensor 4 may use the same determination conditions as in normal mode. In this embodiment, the activation sensor 4 makes an opening operation determination based on determination condition 431-B in one-way mode, and when the door 21 starts opening, it closes based on determination condition 431-A for normal mode.

[0033] The judgment condition 431 includes area information Ja related to the effective detection area 70, a threshold T1, a reference number Ns, and a reference maintenance period Ps. Area information Ja is information indicating the detection spots 71 that constitute the effective detection area 70. Note that the detection spots 71 that constitute the effective detection area 70 are sometimes called effective detection spots. If the effective detection area 70 is narrowed by reducing the number of detection spots 71 that constitute the effective detection area 70, the conditions for activation sensor 4 become stricter and the response becomes slower. The response here refers to the automatic door's response to the approach of a passerby. Conversely, if the area is widened by increasing the number of spots, the conditions for activation sensor 4 become lenient and the response becomes faster. There are two types of area information Ja: area information Ja-A for normal mode and area information Ja-B for one-way mode.

[0034] Threshold T1 is a threshold that distinguishes whether the amount of reflected light R received from the detection spots 71 that constitute the effective detection area 70 is in a detection state or not. Here, the amount of reflected light R is the range of change (difference in the amount of light received) between the amount of reflected light received based on the reflectance of the floor surface in a non-detection state and the amount of reflected light received based on the reflectance of the clothing of passersby or objects, with the amount of reflected light received based on the reflectance of the floor surface in a non-detection state being the reference value. Therefore, if the amount of light received R, which is the range of change in the amount of light received relative to the reference value, exceeds threshold T1, it is in a detection state, and if it is below threshold T1, it is in a non-detection state. If threshold T1 is increased, the conditions for the activation sensor 4 become stricter and the response becomes slower. Conversely, if threshold T1 is decreased, the conditions for the activation sensor 4 become looser and the response becomes faster. There are two thresholds T1: threshold T1-A for normal mode and threshold T1-B for one-way mode.

[0035] If the number of detection spots 71 in the detection state is small, or if the time spent maintaining the detection state is short, there is a high possibility that noise is being detected. Therefore, the activation sensor 4 of this embodiment determines that a detection state is in place and generates a detection signal D1 (turns on the output signal D2) when the period during which the number of detection spots 71 in the detection state is equal to or greater than the reference number Ns exceeds the reference maintenance period Ps. Increasing the reference number Ns of the activation sensor 4 makes the conditions stricter and slows down the response. Conversely, decreasing the reference number Ns of the activation sensor 4 makes the conditions lenient and speeds up the response. Increasing the reference number Ns of the activation sensor 4 makes the conditions stricter and slows down the response. Conversely, shortening the reference maintenance period Ps of the activation sensor 4 makes the conditions lenient and speeds up the response. The reference number Ns can be set to either a reference number Ns-A for normal mode or a reference number Ns-B for one-way mode. The reference maintenance period Ps can also be set to either a reference maintenance period Ps-A for normal mode or a reference maintenance period Ps-B for one-way mode.

[0036] Judgment condition 431-A includes area information Ja-A, threshold T1-A, reference number Ns-A, and reference maintenance period Ps-A. Judgment condition 431-B includes area information Ja-B, threshold T1-B, reference number Ns-B, and reference maintenance period Ps-B.

[0037] The activation sensor 4 causes all the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit 411 to emit near-infrared light toward all the corresponding detection spots 71. The activation sensor 4 also causes all the light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit 412 to receive the reflected near-infrared light from each detection spot 71. The processing unit 42 extracts the received light intensity signal Rd for each detection spot 71 input from the light-receiving unit 412.

[0038] The processing unit 42 of the activation sensor 4 determines that a detection state is in effect when the number of spots where the amount of reflected light R received from each detection spot 71 constituting the effective detection area 70 exceeds the threshold T1 exceeds a standard number Ns for a period exceeding a predetermined standard maintenance period Ps, and generates a detection signal D1 (turns on the output signal D2).

[0039] In normal mode, the processing unit 42 determines whether or not to generate a detection signal D1 based on the area information Ja-A, threshold T1-A, reference number Ns-A, and reference maintenance period Ps-A of the determination condition 431-A.

[0040] In one-way mode, the processing unit 42 determines whether or not to generate a detection signal D1 based on the area information Ja-B, threshold T1-B, reference number Ns-B, and reference maintenance period Ps-B of the determination condition 431-B.

[0041] In this embodiment, the processing unit 42 of the activation sensor 4 makes the detection state determination conditions of the activation sensor 4 stricter in one-way mode than in normal mode. Making the determination conditions stricter means narrowing the range in which the detection state is determined. There are no limitations on the configuration for making the determination conditions stricter, but in this embodiment, the activation sensor 4 makes the determination conditions stricter by narrowing the effective detection area 70, raising the threshold T1, increasing the reference number Ns, and lengthening the reference maintenance period Ps. Specifically, at least one of the area information Ja-B, threshold T1-B, reference number Ns-B, and reference maintenance period Ps-B is set stricter than the area information Ja-A, threshold T1-A, reference number Ns-A, and reference maintenance period Ps-A.

[0042] Area information Ja-A, threshold T1-A, reference number Ns-A, and reference maintenance period Ps-A may be set with the aim of reducing the dwell time of passersby. Area information Ja-B, threshold T1-B, reference number Ns-B, and reference maintenance period Ps-B may be set with the aim of reducing the influence of specific noises (e.g., rain, snow, steam, exhaust fumes, insects, or puddles) and suppressing the occurrence of false detections.

[0043] The thresholds T1-A and T1-B may be set based on the amount of light received R in the effective detection area immediately after the power-up of the activation sensor 4. Alternatively, instead of emitting near-infrared light to all of the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit 411, the activation sensor 4 may emit light only to the light-emitting element corresponding to the effective detection area 70.

[0044] Next, the operation unit 8 will be described. For example, the operation unit 8 may be an operation input unit for inputting operations from a specific range of people, such as an operator, rather than from an unspecified number of people. As an example, the operation unit 8 may be installed inconspicuously by covering it with a cover on the wall surface around the door 21. The operation unit 8 includes a switching operation unit 81 (mode switching switch) for switching between normal mode and one-way mode, a door operation unit 82 (open start switch) configured to open the door 21 when operated, and an activation operation unit 83 (activation switch) that enables the door operation unit 82.

[0045] The switching operation unit 81 outputs a switching signal S81, which is ON when operated and OFF otherwise. For example, the control unit 5 switches to normal mode when the switching signal S81 is OFF, and to one-way mode when it is ON.

[0046] The door operating unit 82, when operated, can activate the opening operation of the door 21 regardless of the activation sensor 4. The door operating unit 82 outputs an open activation signal S82, which is ON when operated and OFF otherwise. By having the door operating unit 82, people within a specific range can open the door 21 smoothly even in one-way mode.

[0047] It is desirable that the door operating unit 82 is not operated unnecessarily. Therefore, in this embodiment, an activation operating unit 83 is provided as a switch for two-stage operation. This requires two-stage operation, thus reducing the likelihood of erroneous operation of the door operating unit 82. The activation operating unit 83 outputs an activation signal S83, which is ON when operated and OFF otherwise. For example, the control unit 5 performs an opening operation in response to the open-start signal S82 when the activation signal S83 is ON, and disables the open-start signal S82 and does not perform an opening operation when it is OFF.

[0048] To further reduce the impact of false detections due to noise, it is desirable to suppress the opening operation by the activation sensor 4 when the door operation unit 82 is enabled. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 5 disables the detection signal D1 when the door operation unit 82 is enabled in one-way mode. For example, the control unit 5 executes the opening operation in response to the detection signal D1 when the activation signal S83 is off, and disables the detection signal D1 and does not execute the opening operation when it is on. In this case, unnecessary door opening due to false detections can be reduced.

[0049] The switching operation unit 81, the door operation unit 82, and the activation operation unit 83 may be contact switches such as push switches, or they may be non-contact switches operated by magnetism or electromagnetic waves.

[0050] Next, the control unit 5 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the area surrounding the control unit 5. Each block shown in Figure 3 can be realized in hardware terms by components such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs, etc., but here, the functional blocks that are realized through the cooperation of these components are depicted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0051] The control unit 5 of this embodiment includes a first acquisition unit 51, a second acquisition unit 52, a third acquisition unit 53, a fourth acquisition unit 54, a communication unit 55, a door control unit 56, a mode determination unit 57, a timetable 58, an error detection unit 59, and a storage unit 60. The first acquisition unit 51 acquires a detection signal D1 from the activation sensor 4. The second acquisition unit 52 acquires a switching signal S81 from the switching operation unit 81. The third acquisition unit 53 acquires an open activation signal S82 from the door operation unit 82. The fourth acquisition unit 54 acquires an activation signal S83 from the activation operation unit 83.

[0052] The communication unit 55 communicates with another external control device 99, such as a higher-level computer, and receives an external switching signal S99 from the other control device 99. For example, the external switching signal S99 is on in one-way mode and off in other cases. The door control unit 56 controls the drive unit 6 to open the door 21 when the output signal D2 or the open-start signal S82 is on. In this example, if the activation signal is off, the door control unit 56 ignores the open-start signal S82 of the door operation unit 82 and opens the door 21 based on the detection signal D1. Also, if the activation signal is on, the door control unit 56 ignores the detection signal D1 and opens the door 21 based on the open-start signal S82 of the door operation unit 82.

[0053] The timetable 58 is a timetable in which the period of one-way mode is pre-set and can be changed. The timetable 58 provides the mode determination unit 57 with period information S58 which is ON during the period of one-way mode and OFF during other periods.

[0054] The mode determination unit 57 determines between normal mode and one-way mode based on at least one of the switching signal S81, the external switching signal S99, and the period information S58, and generates a mode signal E1 that is on in the case of one-way mode and off in other cases, and outputs it to the start sensor 4.

[0055] The memory unit 60 temporarily stores the acquisition results of the first acquisition unit 51, the second acquisition unit 52, the third acquisition unit 53, the fourth acquisition unit 54, and the communication unit 55. The memory unit 60 also stores the control program P100.

[0056] The control unit 5 has a mode determination unit 57, which switches between normal mode and one-way mode based on a predetermined operation from the operator (operation of the switching operation unit 81), a predetermined signal from another control device 99 (external switching signal S99), and a predetermined timetable 58.

[0057] As an example, the mode determination unit 57 may decide on one-way mode if at least one of the switching signal S81, the external switching signal S99, and the period information S58 indicates one-way mode (is on).

[0058] The error detection unit 59 detects abnormal operation of other devices, communication errors, and errors (malfunctions, failures) of various sensors, etc. If an error is detected, the control unit 5 executes predetermined error control.

[0059] The mode setting operation S110 of the automatic door device 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the mode setting operation S110 of the automatic door device 1.

[0060] When operation S110 begins, the control unit 5 determines whether or not there has been a change in the mode signal (step S111). In this step, the control unit 5 determines that there has been a change in the mode signal if any one of the following changes: the switching signal S81 of the switching operation unit 81, the external switching signal S99 of another control device 99, and the period information S58 of the timetable 58.

[0061] If there is no change in the mode signal (N in step S111), the control unit 5 returns the process to the beginning of step S111 and repeats step S111.

[0062] If there is a change in the mode signal (Y in step S111), the control unit 5 determines whether or not there is a one-way mode (step S112). In this step, the control unit 5 determines that there is a one-way mode if any one of the switching signal S81, the external switching signal S99, and the period information S58 is ON.

[0063] If a one-way mode exists (Y in step S112), the control unit 5 switches to the one-way mode (step S113). After step S113 is executed, the control unit 5 sets the start sensor 4 to the one-way mode (step S114). In this step, the control unit 5 turns on the mode signal E1 and outputs it to the start sensor 4. As a result, the start sensor 4 switches the determination condition to the determination condition 431-B for the one-way mode according to the mode signal E1.

[0064] If there is no one-way mode (N in step S112), the control unit 5 switches to normal mode (step S115). After step S115 is performed, the control unit 5 sets the start sensor 4 to normal mode (step S116). In this step, the mode signal E1 is turned off, and the start sensor 4 switches the determination condition to determination condition 431-A for normal mode.

[0065] After performing step S114 or step S116, the control unit 5 terminates operation S110. Each step of this operation is merely an example, and various variations are possible.

[0066] Next, the error handling operation S120 of the automatic door device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the error handling operation S120 of the automatic door device 1.

[0067] When operation S120 is started, the control unit 5 determines whether or not an error has been detected (step S121). In this step, the control unit 5 determines whether or not there is an error based on the detection result of the error detection unit 59.

[0068] If no error is detected (N in step S121), the control unit 5 returns the process to the beginning of step S121 and repeats step S121.

[0069] If an error is detected (Y in step S121), the control unit 5 determines whether or not it is in one-way mode (step S122). In this step, it determines whether or not it is in one-way mode based on the determination result (mode signal E1) of the mode determination unit 57.

[0070] In one-way mode (Y in step S122), the control unit 5 performs error control with settings for one-way mode. In this case, the control unit 5 maintains the opening and closing control of the door 21, but for example, the control unit 5 may set the movement speed of the door 21 to a slower speed than normal. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 5 may perform a closing operation if the door 21 is open, and thereafter prohibit the opening operation based on the detection signal D1 of the activation sensor 4. In this case, the control unit 5 may enable the door operation unit 82 and allow the opening operation based on the opening activation signal S82 of the door operation unit 82.

[0071] If the system is not in one-way mode (N in step S122), the control unit 5 performs error control using the settings for normal mode. In this case, the control unit 5 maintains the door 21 in the open state regardless of whether or not there is a detection signal from the activation sensor 4. For example, the control unit 5 may set the movement speed of the door 21 to a slower speed than normal. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 5 may perform an opening operation if the door 21 is closed and maintain the open state thereafter. In this case, the control unit 5 may enable the door operation unit 82 and allow a closing operation based on the operation of the door operation unit 82.

[0072] The features of the automatic door device 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained.

[0073] The automatic door device 1 of this embodiment includes an activation sensor 4 that has an effective detection area 70 consisting of a plurality of detection spots 71 and generates a detection signal D1 when it detects a person or object, and a control unit 5 that controls the opening operation of the door 21 based on the detection signal D1. The control unit 5 can switch between a normal mode and a one-way mode in which the criteria for opening the door 21 are set more strictly than in the normal mode.

[0074] This configuration reduces unnecessary door openings in one-way mode and improves accessibility in normal mode.

[0075] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 makes the conditions for determining that the activation sensor 4 has detected a person or object stricter than in normal mode when in one-way mode. In this case, unnecessary door openings are reduced in one-way mode, and passability can be improved in normal mode.

[0076] In this embodiment, the activation sensor 4 is an optical sensor that generates a detection signal D1 when the period during which the number of spots where the amount of reflected light R received from each of the multiple detection spots 71 exceeds the threshold T1 exceeds the reference number Ns exceeds the reference maintenance period Ps. The activation sensor 4 changes the conditions for determination by at least one of the following: narrowing the effective detection area 70, raising the threshold T1, increasing the reference number Ns, and lengthening the reference maintenance period Ps. In this case, the determination conditions can be set precisely and appropriately according to the conditions of the installation location of the automatic door device 1.

[0077] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 switches between normal mode and one-way mode based on a predetermined timetable and at least one of a predetermined signal input from a switching operation unit located around the door or from an external control device. In this case, the mode can be switched by flexible means depending on the conditions of the installation location of the automatic door device 1.

[0078] In this embodiment, a door operation unit 82 is provided that inputs a signal to the control unit to open the door 21 when operated, and the control unit 5 disables the input of the detection signal D1 when the door operation unit 82 is enabled in one-way mode. In this case, conflicts between the control of the door operation unit 82 and the control of the activation sensor 4 can be avoided.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the door 21 starts opening in one-way mode, the control unit 5 changes the condition determined by the activation sensor 4 to normal mode. In this case, after the opening operation starts, the determination condition can be relaxed to ensure passage.

[0080] The second to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings and descriptions of the second to fourth embodiments, components and members that are the same or equivalent as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the descriptions will focus on the configurations that differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention is an automatic door sensor device 2. The automatic door sensor device 2 has a detection area 70 consisting of a plurality of detection spots 71 around the automatic door, and includes a detection unit 41 that detects people or objects within the detection area 70, an output unit 44 that outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5 of the automatic door when the detection unit 41 detects a person or object, and a mode control unit 46 that controls the detection mode of the detection unit 41. The mode control unit 46 switches the detection mode between a normal mode and a one-way mode in which the criteria for determining whether a person or object has been detected are set to be stricter than in the normal mode. The automatic door sensor device 2 includes a start sensor 4.

[0082] This configuration reduces unnecessary door openings in one-way mode and improves accessibility in normal mode.

[0083] In the automatic door sensor device 2, the detection unit 41 determines that a person or object has been detected when the number of spots where the amount of reflected light received from each of the multiple detection spots 71 exceeds the threshold T1 exceeds the reference number Ns for a period exceeding the reference maintenance period Ps. The mode control unit 46 then performs at least one of the following in one-way mode: narrowing the detection area 70 compared to normal mode, raising the threshold T1, increasing the reference number Ns, and lengthening the reference maintenance period Ps. In this case, the determination conditions can be set precisely and appropriately according to the conditions of the installation location of the automatic door.

[0084] In the automatic door sensor device 2, the mode control unit 46 switches between normal mode and one-way mode based on a predetermined timetable and at least one of a predetermined signal input from the automatic door control unit 5 or an external control device. In this case, the mode can be switched by flexible means depending on the conditions of the installation location of the automatic door. The predetermined timetable may be stored in the timetable 47 of the automatic door sensor device 2 or in the timetable 58. The predetermined signal from the external control device is exemplified by the external switching signal S99 from another external control device 99.

[0085] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention is a control method for an automatic door device. This control method comprises the steps of: generating a detection signal D1 when a person or object is detected by the automatic door device 1; opening a door 21 based on the detection signal D1; switching from normal mode to one-way mode (S113); and making the criteria for opening the door stricter in one-way mode than in normal mode (S114).

[0086] This control method produces the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0087] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a control program P100 (computer program) for an automatic door device. The control program P100 according to the present invention causes a computer to perform the following steps for the automatic door device 1: generate a detection signal D1 when it detects a person or object; open the door 21 based on the detection signal D1; switch from normal mode to one-way mode (S113); and make the criteria for opening the door stricter in one-way mode than in normal mode (S114).

[0088] The control program P100 may be installed in the storage (e.g., memory unit 60) of the automatic door device 1 as an application program in which multiple modules corresponding to the functional blocks of the automatic door device 1 are implemented. The control program P100 may also be read into the main memory of the computer processor (e.g., CPU) that constitutes the control unit 5 of the automatic door device 1 and executed there.

[0089] According to this control program P100, the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[0090] 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, the contents in which such design changes are possible are described with notations such as "of the embodiments" or "in the embodiments," but this does not mean that design changes are not permitted in contents without such notations.

[0091] [Differentiation] The following describes modified examples. In the drawings and descriptions of the modified examples, components and members that are the same or equivalent as those in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions that overlap with those in the embodiments will be omitted as appropriate, and the descriptions will focus on the configurations that differ from the first embodiment.

[0092] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which there are two determination conditions, determination condition 431-A for normal mode and determination condition 431-B for one-way mode, but the system is not limited to this. For example, there may be three or more determination conditions, each with different conditions.

[0093] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the determination condition 431 includes area information Ja, threshold T1, reference number Ns, and reference maintenance period Ps, but it is not limited to this. The determination condition may also include vector control conditions that detect only approaching people, or pattern control conditions that combine patterns of multiple spots and detection times.

[0094] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the effective detection area 70 is rectangular in plan view, but it is not limited to this. For example, the effective detection area 70 may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as a trapezoid or a triangle.

[0095] The above-described modifications produce the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0096] 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]

[0097] 1 Automatic door device, 2 Sensor device for automatic door, D1 Detection signal, T1 Threshold, 4 Activation sensor, 5 Control unit, 7 Detection area, 8 Operation unit, 21 Door, 44 Output unit, 46 Mode control unit, 58 Timetable, 70 Effective detection area, 71 Detection spot, 82 Door operation unit, 99 Another control device, 431 Judgment condition.

Claims

1. An activation sensor having a detection area consisting of multiple detection spots and generating a detection signal when it detects a passerby, A control unit that controls the door opening operation based on the detection signal, Equipped with, The control unit can switch between a normal mode and a one-way mode in which the criteria for opening the door are set to be stricter than in the normal mode. The detection area includes effective detection areas provided on both the front and rear sides of the door, The control unit, In the normal mode, the door opening operation control is performed based on the detection of at least one of the following: detection of a pedestrian passing in a first direction from the front side to the rear side, and detection of a pedestrian passing in the opposite direction to the first direction. In the aforementioned one-way mode, the door opening operation control is performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the first direction, and the door opening operation control is not performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the opposite direction. The control unit, in one-way mode, makes the conditions for determining that the activation sensor has detected a pedestrian stricter than in normal mode. The activation sensor is an optical sensor that generates the detection signal when the period during which the number of spots in which the amount of reflected light received from each of the plurality of detection spots exceeds a threshold exceeds a standard number exceeds a standard maintenance period. Automatic door device wherein the activation sensor is modified to change the conditions for determination by at least one of the following: narrowing the detection area, raising the threshold, increasing the number of criteria, and lengthening the criteria maintenance period.

2. The automatic door device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches between a normal mode and a one-way mode based on a predetermined timetable and at least one of a predetermined signal input from a switching operation unit provided around the door or from an external control device.

3. The system includes a door operating unit that inputs a signal to the control unit to open the door when operated, The automatic door device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit disables the input of the detection signal when the door operating unit is active in one-way mode.

4. The automatic door device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit changes the condition for which the activation sensor determines the normal mode when the door starts opening in one-way mode.

5. A detection unit has a detection area consisting of multiple detection spots around the automatic door, and detects people passing within the detection area. The output unit outputs a detection signal to the control unit of the automatic door when the detection unit detects a passerby, The system includes a mode control unit that controls the detection mode of the detection unit, The mode control unit switches the detection mode between the normal mode and the one-way mode, in which the criteria for determining whether a pedestrian has been detected are set to be stricter than those for the normal mode. The detection area includes effective detection areas provided on both the front and rear sides of the automatic door, The control unit of the automatic door is: In the normal mode, the automatic door opening operation control is performed based on the detection of at least one of the following: detection of a pedestrian passing in a first direction from the front side to the rear side, and detection of a pedestrian passing in the opposite direction to the first direction. In the aforementioned one-way mode, the automatic door opening operation control is performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the first direction, and the automatic door opening operation control is not performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the opposite direction. The detection unit determines that a passerby has been detected when the number of spots where the amount of reflected light received from each of the multiple detection spots exceeds a threshold exceeds a standard number for a period exceeding the standard maintenance period. The mode control unit performs at least one of the following in the one-way mode: narrowing the detection area compared to the normal mode, raising the threshold, increasing the number of references, and lengthening the reference maintenance period. Sensor device for automatic doors.

6. The automatic door sensor device according to claim 5, wherein the mode control unit switches between a normal mode and a one-way mode based on a predetermined timetable and at least one of a predetermined signal input from the automatic door control device or an external control device.

7. Regarding automatic door systems, A step of generating a detection signal when a passerby is detected on both the front and back sides of a door, wherein the detection signal is generated when the number of spots where the amount of reflected light received from each of the multiple detection spots constituting the detection area exceeds a threshold exceeds a standard number for a period exceeding a standard maintenance period. The steps include opening the door based on the detection signal, Steps to switch from normal mode to one-way mode, In normal mode, the procedure involves controlling the opening of the door based on the detection of at least one of the following: detection of a pedestrian passing in a first direction from the front side to the rear side, and detection of a pedestrian passing in the direction opposite to the first direction. A step of making the criteria for opening the door stricter than in normal mode when in one-way mode, wherein the door opening operation control is performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the first direction, and the door opening operation control is not performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the opposite direction, and at least one of the following is performed: narrowing the detection area, raising the threshold, increasing the number of criteria, and lengthening the criterion maintenance period. A control method for an automatic door device, comprising the following features.

8. Regarding automatic door systems, A step of generating a detection signal when a passerby is detected on both the front and back sides of a door, wherein the detection signal is generated when the number of spots where the amount of reflected light received from each of the multiple detection spots constituting the detection area exceeds a threshold exceeds a standard number for a period exceeding a standard maintenance period. The steps include opening the door based on the detection signal, Steps to switch from normal mode to one-way mode, In normal mode, the procedure involves controlling the opening of the door based on the detection of at least one of the following: detection of a pedestrian passing in a first direction from the front side to the rear side, and detection of a pedestrian passing in the direction opposite to the first direction. A step of making the criteria for opening the door stricter than in normal mode when in one-way mode, wherein the door opening operation control is performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the first direction, and the door opening operation control is not performed based on the detection of a pedestrian passing in the opposite direction, and at least one of the following is performed: narrowing the detection area, raising the threshold, increasing the number of criteria, and lengthening the criterion maintenance period. A control program for an automatic door system that causes a computer to execute it.

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