A method for operating doors

A system with generic and specific software translators addresses interoperability issues in door operation systems, enabling efficient management of multiple door types with reduced software updates and safety verifications.

WO2026104413A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-21ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYST AB
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYST AB
Filing Date
2025-11-11
Publication Date
2026-05-21

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Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method and a system (100) for operating a door (1a,1b). The system (100) comprises a memory (400) storing a first software (1SW) and a second software (2SW) wherein the first software (1SW) is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software (2SW) is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software (1SW) and a command of the second software (2SW) to operate a specific type of door, and a processing circuitry (101a,101b,101c) operatively connected to the memory (400) configured to run the first software (1SW) and run the second software (2SW), identify a sent command in a general format of the first software (1SW) or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software (2SW), and operate a door (1a,1b) according to the sent or received command.
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Description

[0001] A method for operating doors

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method for operating plural different types of doors. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a system for operating a door, a method for operating a door, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions for implementing the method and a control box manager unit configured to operate plural different types of doors as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Today entrance systems for managing the opening and closing entrances, e.g. doors, are managed using software that controls the operation of the door. One problem with the solutions of today is that different type of doors are often operated using different software. Also, different types of door equipment associated with the operation of a door, sometimes also use different software.

[0006] The lack of interoperability between the different software causes difficulties in operating a door or a system of doors.

[0007] Summary

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above-mentioned problem.

[0009] According to a first aspect there is provided a system for operating a door, the system comprises a memory storing a first software and a second software wherein the first software is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software and a command of the second software to operate a specific type of door. The system further comprises a processing circuitry operatively connected to the memory configured to run the first software and run the second software, identify a sent command in a general format of the first software or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software, and operate a door according to the sent or received command.

[0010] An advantage with this first aspect is that e.g. a control box manager unit can be used to operate plural different types of doors by the co-operation of the first software and the second software.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to update the second software with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software and a command in the specific format of the second software.

[0012] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software can be updated without updating the first software in order to support translation between the command of the first software and the command of the second software.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the first software is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification.

[0014] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be kept at a different, e.g. higher, security level and updates to the second software will not affect the first software.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the system further comprises a control box manager unit configured to operate plural different types of doors, a door operator unit configured to operate a specific type of door, and the processing circuitry is operatively connected to the memory, the control box manager unit and the door operator unit, and configured to run the first software to determine a command in the general format, run the second software to translate the command in the general format to a command in the specific format, and send the command from the control box manager unit in the specific format to the door operator unit to operate the door.

[0016] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager unit can run the first software and the second software, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and a command in the general format from the control box manager unit can be translated to the specific format and sent to the door operator unit to operate the door.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the system further comprises a control box manager unit configured to operate plural different types of doors, a door operator unit configured to operate a specific type of door, and the processing circuitry is operatively connected to the memory, the control box manager unit and the door operator unit, and configured to run the second software to determine a command in the specific format, run the second software to translate the command in the specific format into a command in the general format, and receive the command, at the control box manager unit, in the general format from the door operator unit to operate the door.

[0018] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager unit can run the first software and the second software, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and a command in the specific format from the door operator unit can be translated to the general format and received at the control box manager unit to operate the door and that enables the control box manager unit to be able to run a plurality of different types of doors.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the memory is sectioned into a safety classified memory section where the first software and the second software, classified according to a safety classification, are stored and the memory is further sectioned into a non-safety classified memory section where at least a third software, not classified according to any safety classification, is stored.

[0020] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software and the second software can be stored in a section of the memory that is safety classified, in order to meet a safety requirement of a safety classification, while the at least third software that does not need to meet any safety requirement can then be stored in the non-safety classified memory section for e.g. enable easier software updates of the at least third software.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the second software is further configured to translate between a command of the first software and a command of the at least third software to operate a specific type of door, and the processing circuitry is further configured to run the first software, run the second and run the at least third software, identify a sent command in a general format of the first software or identify a received command in a specific format of the at least third software, and operate a door according to the sent or received command.

[0022] An advantage with this embodiment is that a first software can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door or door equipment using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software translates between the command of the first software and the command of the at least third software.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to update the second software with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software and a command in the specific format of the at least third software.

[0024] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software can be updated without updating the first software in order to support translation between the command of the first software and the command of the at least third software.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the system further comprises an information output unit configured to output information related to operation of a door, the processing circuitry is operatively connected to the memory, and the information output unit, and configured to send a command in a generic format of the first software, run the second software and a third software to translate the generic command of the first software to a specific command of the third software of the information output unit, and output information associated with the sent command via the information output unit.

[0026] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software translates between the command of the first software and the command of the third software of the information output unit.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the system further comprises an information input unit configured to receive user input information related to operation of a door, the processing circuitry is operatively connected to the memory, and the information input unit, and configured to receive a command in a specific format of a fourth software of the information input unit, run the second software and the fourth software to translate the specific command of the fourth software to a generic command of the first software, and input information associated with the command received from the information input unit.

[0028] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software translates between the command of the fourth software of the information input unit and the command of the first software. According to a second aspect there is provided a method for operating a door, the method comprising the step of running a first software and running a second software wherein the first software is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software and a command of the second software to operate a specific type of door. The method then comprising the step of identifying a sent command in a general format of the first software or identifying a received command in a specific format of the second software, and the step of operating a door according to the sent or received command.

[0029] An advantage with this second aspect is that a first software can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software translates between the command of the first software and the command of the second software.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of updating the second software with translation data configured to translate between a command in a general format of the first software and a command in a specific format of the second software.

[0031] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software can be updated without updating the first software in order to support translation between the command of the first software and the command of the second software.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of running the first software to determine the command in the general format, the step of running the second software to translate the command in the general format to a command in the specific format, and the step of sending the command from a control box manager unit in the specific format to a door operator unit to operate the door.

[0033] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager unit can run the first software and the second software, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and a command in the general format from the control box manager unit can be translated to the specific format and sent to the door operator unit to operate the door and that enables the control box manager unit to be able to run a plurality of different types of doors. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of running the second software to determine the command in the specific format, the step of running the second software to translate the command in the specific format into a command in the general format, and the step of receiving the command at a control box manager unit in the general format from a door operator unit to operate the door.

[0034] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager unit can run the first software and the second software, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and a command in the specific format from the door operator unit can be translated to the general format and received at the control box manager unit to operate the door.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the first software is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification.

[0036] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be kept at a different, e.g. higher, security level and updates to the second software will not affect the first software.

[0037] According to some embodiments, a processing circuitry configured to carry out the method is operatively connected a memory, and the memory is sectioned into a safety classified memory section where the first software and the second software, classified according to a safety classification, are stored and the memory is further sectioned into a nonsafety classified memory section where at least a third software, not classified according to any safety classification, is stored.

[0038] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software and the second software can be stored in a section of the memory that is safety classified, in order to meet a safety requirement of a safety classification, while the at least third software that does not need to meet any safety requirement can then be stored in the non-safety classified memory section for e.g. enable easier software updates of the at least third software.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of running the first software, running the second and running the at least third software, and the step of identifying a sent command in a general format of the first software or identifying a received command in a specific format of the at least third software, and the step of operating a door according to the sent or received command. An advantage with this embodiment is that a first software can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door or door equipment using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software translates between the command of the first software and the command of the at least third software.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of updating the second software with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software and a command in the specific format of the at least third software.

[0041] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software can be updated without updating the first software in order to support translation between the command of the first software and the command of the at least third software.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of sending a command in a generic format of the first software, the step of running the second software and a third software to translate the generic command of the first software to a specific command of the third software of the information output unit, and the step of outputting information associated with the sent command via the information output unit.

[0043] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software translates between the command of the first software and the command of the third software of the information output unit.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the method comprises the step of receiving a command in a specific format of a fourth software of the information input unit, the step of running the second software and the fourth software to translate the specific command of the fourth software to a generic command of the first software, and the step of inputting information associated with the command received from the information input unit.

[0045] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software translates between the command of the fourth software of the information input unit and the command of the first software. According to a third aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions for implementing the method according to the second aspect, when executed on a device having processing capabilities.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a control box manager unit configured to operate plural different types of doors comprising a memory storing a first software and a second software wherein the first software is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software and a command of the second software to operate a specific type of door, and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the memory configured to run the first software and run the second software, identify a sent command in a general format of the first software or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software, and operate a door according to the sent or received command.

[0047] An advantage with this fourth aspect is that the control box manager unit can run the first software and the second software, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and the first software can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software translates between the command of the first software and the command of the second software.

[0048] Effects and features of the second through fourth aspects are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second through fourth aspects.

[0049] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described since such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0051] Brief of the

[0052]

[0053] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a system for operating a door according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrated with one overhead sectional door and one high speed door.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates a software interoperability chart illustrating how the second software interacts with other software.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of the method steps according to the second aspect of the disclosure.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates a non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to the third aspect of the disclosure.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates control box manager unit and a system for operating a door according to the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

[0059] Detailed description

[0060] Today entrance systems for managing the opening and closing entrances, e.g. doors, are managed using software that controls the operation of the door. One problem with the solutions of today is that different type of doors are often operated using different software and different types of control boxes. Additionally, different types of door components associated with the operation of a door may differ in the software they utilize. As a way of example, some of these components are e.g. operators such as motors and motor controllers, or e.g. accessories such as dock lights, traffic lights, cameras, locks etc.

[0061] The lack of interoperability between the different software does not allow for operating different doors using the same control box manager unit.

[0062] There is a desire to be able to use the same control box manager unit and operate any door connected to control box manager unit. A problem today is that it is not always possible to connect a certain control box manager unit with a certain door without updating the software of the control box manager unit. There is a desire to avoid updating the software of a certain control box manager unit when connecting a door to the control box manager unit.

[0063] There is also a desire to be able to connect plural different types of doors to the same control box manager unit and avoid updating the software of the certain control box manager unit.

[0064] Another problem is that due to requirements of safety verification of software for operating a door, an update of a software can be restricted. It can therefore be cumbersome to manage the operation of different types of doors in a door system that requires a software update due to the use of different software.

[0065] There is a desire to minimize the need for software updates and there a desire to have one common platform for running operation of a door or a system of doors, and at the same a desire to allow integration of different doors and door equipment that runs on different software. This would reduce cost and time for operating a door or system of doors, and would reduce the need for plural safety verifications of software for operating a door. The inventor has come up with a solution that addresses these desires.

[0066] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0067] The first aspect of this disclosure shows a system 100 for operating a door la, lb.

[0068] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for operating a door la, lb according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, the door la, lb is any of an overhead sectional door, a folding door, a vertical-lifting door, a high speed door, a garage door, a mega door revolving door, a slider door, a hangar door, a sliding door and a swing door. In further example embodiments the door la, lb is any entrance shield. According to some embodiments, the door la, lb is any of a roller shutter, a shield and a road block. Figure 1 is illustrated with one overhead sectional door la and one high speed door lb.

[0069] The system 100 comprises a memory 400 storing a first software 1SW and a second software 2SW wherein the first software 1SW is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software 2SW is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW to operate a specific type of door.

[0070] In an example, the first software 1SW is a generic software, with commands like "Open door", "Close door", "Go to position", "Lock door", "Door locked" and "Stop door" etc.

[0071] In an example, the second software 2SW is a specific software, with commands like "OPEN_D", "CLOSE_D", "D_GOTOPOS#XYZ", "INSTR_LockDr_D", "CONF_D_locked" and "STOP_D" etc.

[0072] In an example the second software 2SW is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW to operate a specific type of door, such as translating "Open door" to "OPEN_Dx".

[0073] The system 100 comprises a processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c operatively connected to the memory 400.

[0074] According to some embodiments the processing circuitry 101a is comprised in a control box manager unit 200 that is operatively connected to the memory 400 as illustrated in Figure 1. According to some embodiments the processing circuitry 101b is comprised in a door operator unit 300b that is operatively connected to the memory 400 as illustrated in Figure 1. According to some embodiments the processing circuitry 101c at a remote server operatively connected to the memory 400 as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0075] According to some embodiments the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is operatively connected to the memory 400 via a communications network 50 as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0076] According to some embodiments the communication network 50 is a wireless communication network. According to some embodiments the wireless communication network is a standardized wireless local area network such as a Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, Bluetooth™, ZigBee, Ultra-Wideband, UWB, Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, or similar network. According to some embodiments the wireless communication network is a standardized wireless wide area network such as a Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, Extended GSM, General Packet Radio Service, GPRS, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution, EDGE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, WCDMA, Long Term Evolution, LTE, Narrowband-loT, 5G, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX or Ultra Mobile Broadband, UMB or similar network.

[0077] According to some embodiments the wireless communication network can also be a combination of both a wireless local area network and a wireless wide area network.

[0078] According to some embodiments communication network 50 can be a combination a wired communication network and a wireless communication network. According to some embodiments the communication network 50 is defined by common Internet Protocols.

[0079] The system processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is configured to run the first software 1SW and run the second software 2SW, identify a sent command in a general format of the first software 1SW or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software 2SW and operate a door la, lb according to the sent or received command.

[0080] In an example a sent command in the general format of the first software 1SW "Open door" is identified and translated to "OPEN_Dx" in the specific format of the second software 2SW in order to operate the door la, lb.

[0081] In an example a received command in the specific format of the second software 2SW "CONF_D_locked" is identified and translated to "Door locked" in the general format in order to operate the door la, lb.

[0082] An advantage with this first aspect is that e.g. one control box manager unit can be used to operate plural different types of doors by the co-operation of the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW.

[0083] According to some embodiments the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is further configured to update the second software 2SW with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software 1SW and a command in the specific format of the second software 2SW. An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software 2SW can be updated without updating the first software 1SW in order to support translation between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the second software 2SW.

[0084] In an example, the second software 2SW is updated with a software update with e.g. a change in the software that "CLOSE_D" is replaced by "CLOSE_D_D1" and hence the translation data is updated so that the second software 2SW translates a received command "Close door" in the general format of the first software 1SW to "CLOSE_D_D1" in the specific format of the second software 2SW in order to operate the door la, lb.

[0085] According to some embodiments the first software 1SW is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software 2SW is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification.

[0086] For example the standard ISO 13849-1 is a safety standard that provides guidelines for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems for machinery. It focuses on ensuring that these parts can perform their safety functions reliably. It provides general principles for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems, including the design of software. ISO 13849-2 is a complementary standard to ISO 13849-1, focusing on the validation of safety-related parts of control systems for machinery.

[0087] In an example, a certain certificate may be obtained following a certain safety verification, it may be that a certain performance level is required in order to get a certain verification, and hence a certain certificate.

[0088] In an example, the first software 1SW may require a certain performance level while the second software 2SW may require a certain performance level that is lower than the performance level of the first software 1SW.

[0089] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW can be kept at a different, e.g. higher, security level and updates to the second software 2SW will not affect the first software 1SW An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software can be kept at a different, e.g. higher, security level and updates to the second software will not affect the first software..

[0090] Another advantage with that the first software 1SW is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software 2SW is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification is that the first safety verification may be cumbersome and time consuming and therefore it can require a lot of time and resources to update the first software 1SW, while the second safety verification may be less cumbersome and time consuming, and it may therefore be desirable to update the second software 2SW.

[0091] Figure 2 illustrates a software interoperability chart illustrating how the second software interacts with other software. In Figure 2 the control box manager unit 200 is illustrated as being operable by the first software 1SW that is the generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors when interacting with the second software 2SW. Further, in Figure 2, the door operator unit 300a is illustrated as being operable by the second software 2SW that is the specific software to operate a specific type of door, and further the second software 2SW is configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW to operate the specific type of door. In the illustration in Figure 2, the second software 2SW enables operation of a door connected to the door operator unit 300a by translation between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW.

[0092] According to some embodiments the system 100 further comprises a control box manager unit 200 configured to operate plural different types of doors la, lb, a door operator unit 300a, 300b configured to operate a specific type of door la, lb, and the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is operatively connected to the memory 400, the control box manager unit 200 and the door operator unit 300a, 300b, and configured to run the first software 1SW to determine a command in the general format, run the second software 2SW to translate the command in the general format to a command in the specific format, and send the command from the control box manager unit 200 in the specific format to the door operator unit 300a, 300b to operate the door la, lb.

[0093] According to some embodiments the control box manager unit 200 incorporates the memory 400 and the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c.

[0094] In an example, a control message from the control box manager unit 200 e.g. "Open Door" is translated to "OPEN_D" and sent to the door operator unit 300a, 300b.

[0095] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager unit 200 can run the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit 200, and a command in the general format from the control box manager unit 200 can be translated to the specific format and sent to the door operator unit 300a, 300b to operate the door la, lb. According to some embodiments the system 100 further comprises a control box manager unit 200 configured to operate plural different types of doors la, lb, a door operator unit 300a, 300b configured to operate a specific type of door la, lb, and the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is operatively connected to the memory 400, the control box manager unit 200 and the door operator unit 300a, 300b, and configured to run the second software 2SW to determine a command in the specific format, run the second software 2SW to translate the command in the specific format into a command in the general format, and receive the command, at the control box manager unit 200, in the general format from the door operator unit 300a, 300b to operate the door la, lb.

[0096] In an example, a message from the door operator unit 300a, 300b "CONF_D_locked" is translated to "Door locked" and received at the control box manager unit 200.

[0097] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box 200 manager unit can run the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and a command in the specific format from the door operator unit 300a, 300b can be translated to the general format and received at the control box manager unit 200 to operate the door la, lb.

[0098] According to some embodiments the memory 400 is sectioned into a safety classified memory section 401 where the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, classified according to a safety classification, are stored and the memory 400 is further sectioned into a non-safety classified memory section 402 where at least a third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW, not classified according to any safety classification, is stored.

[0099] Figure 1 illustrates the memory 400 with a safety classified memory section 401 and a non-safety classified memory section 402.

[0100] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW can be stored in a section of the memory that is safety classified, in order to meet a safety requirement of a safety classification, while the at least third software that does not need to meet any safety requirement can then be stored in the non-safety classified memory section for e.g. enable easier software updates of the at least third software.

[0101] According to some embodiments the second software 2SW is further configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW to operate a specific type of door la, lb and the processing circuitry 101 is further configured to run the first software 1SW, run the second 2SW and run the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW, identify a sent command in a general format of the first software 1SW or identify a received command in a specific format of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW, and operate a door la, lb according to the sent or received command.

[0102] Figure 2 illustrates a software interoperability chart illustrating how the second software interacts with other software. In Figure 2 the control box manager unit 200 is illustrated as being operable by the first software 1SW that is the generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors when interacting with the second software 2SW. Further, in Figure 2, it is illustrated how the second software 2SW is configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW to operate a door or door equipment. In the illustration in Figure 2, the second software 2SW enables operation of a door or door equipment by translation between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0103] An advantage with this embodiment is that a first software 1SW can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door or door equipment using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0104] According to some embodiments the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is further configured to update the second software 2SW with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software 1SW and a command in the specific format of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0105] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software 2SW can be updated without updating the first software 1SW in order to support translation between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0106] According to some embodiments the system 100 further comprises an information output unit 700a, 700b configured to output information related to operation of a door la, lb and the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is operatively connected to the memory 400, and the information output unit 700a, 700b, and configured to send a command in a generic format of the first software 1SW, run the second software 2SW and a third software 3SW to translate the generic command of the first software 1SW to a specific command of the third software 3SW of the information output unit 700a, 700b, and output information associated with the sent command via the information output unit 700a, 700b.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the information output unit 700a, 700b is at least any of a display unit, a traffic light, a flash LED light. In the example system 100 in Figure 1 the information output unit 700a is a display unit at an overhead sectional door displaying a symbol indicating that the overhead sectional door la is half open. In the example system 100 in Figure 1 the information output unit 700b is a flash LED flashing yellow to indicate an error message. In an example the information output unit 700b may only support "Open Door" by flashing green and "Close Door" by flashing red, while other commands may not be subject for the information output unit 700b.

[0108] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the third software 3SW of the information output unit 700a, 700b.

[0109] According to some embodiments the system 100 further comprises an information input unit 800a, 800b configured to receive user input information related to operation of a door la, lb and the processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c is operatively connected to the memory 400, and the information input unit 800a, 800b, and configured to receive a command in a specific format of a fourth software 4SW of the information input unit 800a, 800b, run the second software 2SW and the fourth software 4SW to translate the specific command of the fourth software 4SW to a generic command of the first software 1SW, and input information associated with the command received from the information input unit 800a, 800b.

[0110] According to some embodiments the information input unit 800a, 800b is at least any of a keyboard, a touch screen, a voice control, a gesture sensor, a camera sensor and an infrared sensor. In the example system 100 in Figure 1 the information input unit 800a is a touch screen with symbols illustrating different predefined functions at an overhead sectional door la for receiving user input for controlling the operation of the overhead sectional door la. In the example system 100 in Figure 1 the information input unit 800b is a keyboard at a high speed door lb with different keys for receiving user input for controlling the operation of the high speed door lb. In an example the information input unit 800b may only support "Open Door", "Close Door" and "Lock door" keys, while other commands may not be subject for the information input unit 800b.

[0111] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the fourth software 4SW of the information input unit 800a, 800b and the command of the first software 1SW.

[0112] The second aspect of this disclosure shows a method for operating a door la, lb.

[0113] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of the method steps according to the second aspect of the disclosure.

[0114] The method comprising the step of S2 running a first software 1SW and running a second software 2SW wherein the first software 1SW is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software 2SW is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software 2SW and a command of the second software 2SW to operate a specific type of door, the step of S3 identifying a sent command in a general format of the first software 1SW or identifying a received command in a specific format of the second software 2SW, and the step of S7 operating a door la, lb according to the sent or received command.

[0115] An advantage with this second aspect is that e.g. a control box manager unit can be used to operate plural different types of doors by the co-operation of the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW.

[0116] According to some embodiments the method further the method comprises the step of SI updating the second software 2SW with translation data configured to translate between a command in a general format of the first software 1SW and a command in a specific format of the second software 2SW.

[0117] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software can be updated without updating the first software in order to support translation between the command of the first software and the command of the second software.

[0118] According to some embodiments the method further the method comprises the step of S4a running the first software 1SW to determine the command in the general format, the step of S5a running the second software 2SW to translate the command in the general format to a command in the specific format, and the step of S6a sending the command from a control box manager unit 200 in the specific format to a door operator unit 300a, 300b to operate the door la, lb.

[0119] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager unit 200 can run the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit 200, and a command in the general format from the control box manager unit 200 can be translated to the specific format and sent to the door operator unit 300a, 300b to operate the door la, lb.

[0120] According to some embodiments the method further comprises the step of S4b running the second software 2SW to determine the command in the specific format, the step of S5b running the second software 2SW to translate the command in the specific format into a command in the general format, and the step of S6b receiving the command at a control box manager unit 200 in the general format from a door operator unit 300a, 300b to operate the door la, lb.

[0121] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control box manager 200 unit can run the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit 200, and a command in the specific format from the door operator unit 300a, 300b can be translated to the general format and received at the control box manager unit 200 to operate the door.

[0122] According to some embodiments the first software 1SW is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software 2SW is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification.

[0123] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW can be kept at a different, e.g. higher, security level and updates to the second software 2SW will not affect the first software lSW.According to some embodiments a processing circuitry 101a, 101b, 101c configured to carry out the method is operatively connected a memory 400, and the memory 400 is sectioned into a safety classified memory section 401 where the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, classified according to a safety classification, are stored and the memory 400 is further sectioned into a non-safety classified memory section 402 where at least a third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW, not classified according to any safety classification, is stored. An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW can be stored in a section of the memory that is safety classified 401, in order to meet a safety requirement of a safety classification, while the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW that does not need to meet any safety requirement can then be stored in the non-safety classified memory section 402 for e.g. enable easier software updates of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0124] According to some embodiments the method further comprises the step of running the first software 1SW, running the second 2SW and running the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW, identifying a sent command in a general format of the first software 1SW or identifying a received command in a specific format of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW, and operating a door la, lb according to the sent or received command.

[0125] An advantage with this embodiment is that a first software 1SW can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door or door equipment using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the first software and the command of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0126] According to some embodiments the method further comprises the step of updating the second software 2SW with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software 1SW and a command in the specific format of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0127] An advantage with this embodiment is that the second software 2SW can be updated without updating the first software 1SW in order to support translation between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the at least third software 3SW,4SW,...,nSW.

[0128] According to some embodiments the method further comprises the step of sending a command in a generic format of the first software 1SW, the step of running the second software 2SW and a third software 3SW to translate the generic command of the first software 1SW to a specific command of the third software 3SW of the information output unit 700a, 700b, and the step of outputting information associated with the sent command via the information output unit 700a, 700b.

[0129] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the third software 3SW of the information output unit.

[0130] According to some embodiments the method further comprises the step of receiving a command in a specific format of a fourth software 4SW of the information input unit 800a, 800b, the step of running the second software 2SW and the fourth software 4SW to translate the specific command of the fourth software 4SW to a generic command of the first software 1SW, and the step of inputting information associated with the command received from the information input unit 800a, 800b.

[0131] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first software 1SW can be maintained without the need for a software update in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the fourth software 4SW of the information input unit 800a, 800b and the command of the first software 1SW.

[0132] The third aspect of this disclosure shows a non-transitory computer readable storage medium 900 having stored thereon instructions for implementing the method according to the second aspect, when executed on a device having processing capabilities.

[0133] Figure 4 illustrates a non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to the third aspect of the disclosure.

[0134] The fourth aspect of this disclosure shows a control box manager unit 200 configured to operate plural different types of doors la, lb.

[0135] Figure 5 illustrates control box manager unit 200 and a system 100 for operating a door according to the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

[0136] The control box manager unit 200 comprising a memory 400 storing a first software 1SW and a second software 2SW wherein the first software 1SW is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors la, lb and the second software 2SW is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW to operate a specific type of door la, lb.

[0137] The control box manager unit 200 further comprising a processing circuitry

[0138] 101a, 101b, 101c operatively connected to the memory 400 configured to run the first software 1SW and run the second software 2SW, identify a sent command in a general format of the first software 1SW or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software 2SW, and operate a door la, lb according to the sent or received command. An advantage with this fourth aspect is that the control box manager unit 200 can run the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW, e.g. by a processing circuitry of the control box manager unit, and the first software 1SW can be maintained using generic commands in a general format without the need for a software update in order to operate a door using a specific command of a specific format in that the second software 2SW translates between the command of the first software 1SW and the command of the second software 2SW.

[0139] In Figure 5 an example system 100 is illustrated with a processing circuitry 101a and memory 400 that are comprised in the control box manager unit 200. The memory 400 in the example system 100 is sectioned into a safety classified memory section 401 and a non-safety classified memory section 402. The example system 100 is further illustrated with a door operator unit 300a operatively connected to the processing circuitry 101a and memory 400 via a communications network 50. configured to operate an overhead sectional door la, and with an information output unit 700a and an information input unit 800 at the overhead sectional door la.

[0140] In a use case example, the example door system in Figure 5 is managed by the control box manager unit 200, that is being operable by the first software 1SW that is the generic software. In this example the control box manager unit 200 is the central platform for operating the example door system in Figure 5. In the example door system the door operator unit 300a is being operable by the second software 2SW that is the specific software to operate the overhead sectional door la by the door operator unit 300a, and further, the second software 2SW is configured to translate between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW to operate the overhead sectional door la by the door operator unit 300a.

[0141] In the example door system in Figure 5, the information output unit 700a is being operable by a third software 3SW and the information input unit 800 is being operable by a fourth software 4SW. With the example door system of Figure 5 in mind, Figure 2 illustrates how the second software 2SW interacts with the other softwares. In the example door system in Figure 5 the second software 2SW itself enables operation of the door operator unit 300a by translation between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the second software 2SW, and also the second software 2SW enables operation of the information output unit 700a by translation between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the third software 3SW, and further enables operation of the an information input unit 800 by translation between a command of the first software 1SW and a command of the fourth software 4SW.

[0142] In the example door system of Figure 5 there is no need to update of the first software 1SW, since the second software 2SW is translating between the first software 1SW and other software. Further, both the first software 1SW and the second software 2SW are stored in the safety classified memory section 401, while the third software 3SW and the fourth software 4SW, are stored in the non-safety classified memory section 402. This enables the door operator unit 300a to act as a platform with generic software, the first software 1SW, configured to operate plural different types of doors, with minimum need for software update of the first software 1SW, since it is less cumbersome and time-consuming to update and manage the second, third and fourth software.

[0143] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0144] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

24CLAIMS1. A system (100) for operating a door (la, lb), the system (100) comprises:• a memory (400) storing a first software (1SW) and a second software (2SW) wherein the first software (1SW) is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software (2SW) is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software (1SW) and a command of the second software (2SW) to operate a specific type of door; and• a processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) operatively connected to the memory (400) configured to:run the first software (1SW) and run the second software (2SW); identify a sent command in a general format of the first software (1SW) or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software (2SW); andoperate a door (la, lb) according to the sent or received command.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) is further configured to:update the second software (2SW) with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software (1SW) and a command in the specific format of the second software (2SW).

3. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first software (1SW) is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software (2SW) is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification.

4. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, the system (100) further comprises:• a control box manager unit (200) configured to operate plural different types of doors (la, lb);• a door operator unit (300a, 300b) configured to operate a specific type of door (la, lb); andthe processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) is operatively connected to the memory (400), the control box manager unit (200) and the door operator unit (300a, 300b), and configured to:run the first software (1SW) to determine a command in the general format;run the second software (2SW) to translate the command in the general format to a command in the specific format; andsend the command from the control box manager unit (200) in the specific format to the door operator unit (300a, 300b) to operate the door (la, lb).

5. The system (100) according to any of the claims 1-3, the system (100) further comprises:• a control box manager unit (200) configured to operate plural different types of doors (la, lb);• a door operator unit (300a, 300b) configured to operate a specific type of door (la, lb); andthe processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) is operatively connected to the memory (400), the control box manager unit (200) and the door operator unit (300a, 300b), and configured to:run the second software (2SW) to determine a command in the specific format;run the second software (2SW) to translate the command in the specific format into a command in the general format; andreceive the command, at the control box manager unit (200), in the general format from the door operator unit (300a, 300b) to operate the door (la, lb).

6. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the memory (400) is sectioned into a safety classified memory section (401) where the first software (1SW) and the second software (2SW), classified according to a safety classification, are stored and the memory (400) is further sectioned into a non-safety classified memory section (402) where at least a third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW), not classified according to any safety classification, is stored.

7. The system (100) according to claim 6 wherein the second software (2SW) is further configured to translate between a command of the first software (1SW) and a command of the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW) to operate a specific type of door (la, lb) , and the processing circuitry (101) is further configured to:run the first software (1SW), run the second (2SW) and run the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW);identify a sent command in a general format of the first software (1SW) or identify a received command in a specific format of the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW); andoperate a door (la, lb) according to the sent or received command.

8. The system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) is further configured to:update the second software (2SW) with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software (1SW) and a command in the specificformat of the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW).

9. The system (100) according to any of the claims 6-8, the system (100) further comprises:an information output unit (700a, 700b) configured to output information related to operation of a door (la, lb);27the processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) is operatively connected to the memory (400), and the information output unit (700a, 700b), and configured to:send a command in a generic format of the first software (1SW); run the second software (2SW) and a third software (3SW) to translate the generic command of the first software (1SW) to a specific command of the third software (3SW) of the information output unit (700a, 700b); andoutput information associated with the sent command via the information output unit (700a, 700b).

10. The system (100) according to any of the claims 6-9, the system (100) further comprises:• an information input unit (800a, 800b) configured to receive user input information related to operation of a door (la, lb);the processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) is operatively connected to the memory (400), and the information input unit (800a, 800b), and configured to:receive a command in a specific format of a fourth software (4SW) of the information input unit (800a, 800b);run the second software (2SW) and the fourth software (4SW) to translate the specific command of the fourth software (4SW) to a generic command of the first software (1SW); andinput information associated with the command received from the information input unit (800a, 800b).

11. A method for operating a door (la, lb), the method comprising:(S2a) running a first software (1SW) and running a second software (2SW) wherein the first software (1SW) is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors and the second software (2SW) is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software (2SW) and a command of the second software (2SW) to operate a specific type of door;28(S3a) identifying a sent command in a general format of the first software (1SW) or identifying a received command in a specific format of the second software (2SW); and(S7a) operating a door (la, lb) according to the sent or received command.

12. The method according to claim 11, the method further comprising:(Sla) updating the second software (2SW) with translation data configured to translate between a command in a general format of the first software (1SW) and a command in a specific format of the second software (2SW).

13. The method according to any of the claims 11-12, the method further comprising:(S4a) running the first software (1SW) to determine the command in the general format;(S5a) running the second software (2SW) to translate the command in the general format to a command in the specific format; and (S6a) sending the command from a control box manager unit (200) in the specific format to a door operator unit (300a, 300b) to operate the door (la, lb).

14. The method according to any of the claims 11-12, the method further comprising:(S4b) running the second software (2SW) to determine the command in the specific format;(S5b) running the second software (2SW) to translate the command in the specific format into a command in the general format; and (S6b) receiving the command at a control box manager unit (200) in the general format from a door operator unit (300a, 300b) to operate the door (la, lb).2915. The method according to any of the claims 11-14, wherein the first software (1SW) is blocked from being updated without a first safety verification and the second software (2SW) is blocked from being updated without a second safety verification.

16. The method accordingtoany of claims 11-15, wherein a processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) configured to carry out the method is operatively connected a memory (400), and the memory (400) is sectioned into a safety classified memory section (401) where the first software (1SW) and the second software (2SW), classified according to a safety classification, are stored and the memory (400) is further sectioned into a non-safety classified memory section (402) where at least a third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW), not classified according to any safety classification, is stored.

17. The method according to claim 16, the method further comprising:(S2b) running the first software (1SW), running the second (2SW) and running the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW);(S3 b) identifying a sent command in a general format of the first software (1SW) or identifying a received command in a specific format of the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW); and (S7b) operating a door (la, lb) according to the sent or received command.

18. The method according to claim 17, the method further comprising:(Sib) updating the second software (2SW) with translation data configured to translate between a command in the general format of the first software (1SW) and a command in the specific format of the at least third software (3SW, 4SW,...,nSW).

19. The method according to any of the claims 16-18, the method further comprising:sending a command in a generic format of the first software (1SW); running the second software (2SW) and a third software (3SW) to translate the generic command of the first software (1SW) to a specific command of the third software (3SW) of the information output unit (700a, 700b); and30outputting information associated with the sent command via the information output unit (700a, 700b).

20. The method according to any of the claims 16-19, the method further comprising:receiving a command in a specific format of a fourth software (4SW) of the information input unit (800a, 800b);running the second software (2SW) and the fourth software (4SW) to translate the specific command of the fourth software (4SW) to a generic command of the first software (1SW); andinputting information associated with the command received from the information input unit (800a, 800b).

21. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium (900) having stored thereon instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 7-20, when executed on a device having processing capabilities.

22. A control box manager unit (200) configured to operate plural different types of doors (la, lb) comprising:• a memory (400) storing a first software (1SW) and a second software (2SW) wherein the first software (1SW) is a generic software configured to operate plural different types of doors (la, lb) and the second software (2SW) is a specific software configured to translate between a command of the first software (1SW) and a command of the second software (2SW) to operate a specific type of door (la, lb); and• a processing circuitry (101a, 101b, 101c) operatively connected to the memory (400) configured to:run the first software (1SW) and run the second software (2SW); identify a sent command in a general format of the first software (1SW) or identify a received command in a specific format of the second software (2SW); andoperate a door (la, lb) according to the sent or received command.