Door Opening and Closing Control Using Overlapping Detection Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door opening and closing apparatuses have limited detection ranges, making it difficult for users to perform setting movements near the door, thereby affecting operability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two detectors with overlapping detection ranges to define specific zones for detecting user movements, allowing for larger areas for setting movements by determining distances and movement phases, thereby improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single detector with fan-shaped detection range is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area for allowing user to make setting movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) along the door width direction. Each zone is associated with specific detection ranges from detectors, allowing segmented detection of user movements in different lateral positions. This segmentation enables sufficient detection area while maintaining manageable system complexity through zoned detection responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detectors are combined to create overlapping detection ranges that collectively cover a wider area along the door. The first detector, second detector, and third detector each contribute their detection ranges, with overlaps ensuring continuous coverage. This merging of detection capabilities expands the total detection area without requiring any single detector to have an impractically wide fan-shaped range.
2Ease of operation
If the detection range is expanded to cover a larger area, then the operability is improved, but the measurement precision for determining user position may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) along the door width direction. Each zone is associated with specific detection ranges from detectors, allowing segmented detection of user movements in different lateral positions. This segmentation enables sufficient detection area while maintaining manageable system complexity through zoned detection responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives detection results from multiple detectors and dynamically determines user position based on which detection ranges the user is present in. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain measurement precision by identifying user position through the specific combination of active detectors, even as the overall detection area expands to improve operability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures a larger area for user movements, enhancing the operability of door opening and closing by accurately detecting and responding to user actions.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of detectors each including an ultrasonic sensor, and detects a user who is within a fan-shaped detection range, using ultrasonic waves emitted from the detectors
Implementation Method 2
a measurement unit configured to measure a first distance from the first detector to the detection target based on a detection result of the first detector
Data Source
AI summary
A door opening and closing apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set at least a part of one of a first detection range and a second detection range as a start zone in which a first phase of a setting movement made by a detection target is to be detected, and to set a part of another one of the first detection range and the second detection range as a trigger zone in which a second phase of the setting movement is to be detected, based on first distances measured by a measurement unit. Upon determining that the detection target has made the setting movement including a movement between the start zone and the trigger, based on changes in the distances measured by the measurement unit, the control unit causes a driving unit to open or to close the door.