Abstract: According to one embodiment, an elevator passenger detection system comprises an image capturing unit, a detection area setting unit, and a detection processing unit. The image capturing unit captures an image in a predetermined range including a vicinity of a doorway at which a door is opened or closed, from an inside of a car. The detection area setting unit sets a detection area on a front return panel provided on at least one of sides of a doorway of the car, on the captured image obtained by the image capturing unit. The detection processing unit detects presence of a passenger or an object, based on the image in the detection area set by the detection area setting unit.

Abstract: There is described a device for switching communications comprising a circuit board as well as first, second, and third antennas. The first antenna is coupled to the circuit board, and the first antenna is focused on a first direction and based on a first wireless technology. The second antenna is coupled to the circuit board, and the second antenna is focused on a second direction and based on the first wireless technology, in which the second direction is different from the first direction. The third antenna is coupled to the circuit board, and the third antenna is focused on a third direction and based on a second wireless technology, in which the second wireless technology is different from the first wireless technology. The second antenna may operate as a shield for the third antenna.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of a tailgate (9) of a pickup vehicle (1) by a camera system (2), includes capturing a cargo bed (5) of the pickup vehicle (1) in an image (8) captured by a camera (3), determining a first region of interest (ROI1) in the captured image (8) by an electronic computing device (4) of the camera system (2), wherein the first region of interest (ROI1) includes the potential tailgate (9) at least partially, determining a parameter optically characterizing the tailgate (9) depending on the captured image (8), analyzing the first region of interest (ROI1) with regard to the characterizing parameter, and determining a closed state of the tailgate (9) as state or determining an opened state of the tailgate (9) as state depending on the analysis of the first region of interest (ROI1). A computer program product, an electronic computing device (4) as well as a camera system (2) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining a door state in a camera-based door position system according to one embodiment includes capturing, by a camera system, an image of a door lock secured to a door, wherein the door lock includes a thumbturn that is moveable between a first position corresponding to a locked state and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state, converting, by a processing system, the captured image to a grayscale image, generating, by the processing system, a door state image based on the grayscale image, and determining, by the processing system, a current door state of the door based on the door state image and a reference image.

Abstract: A safety curtain and system includes multiple light emitters and multiple light receivers to detect traffic approaching a doorway. The safety curtain my include pairs of multiple light emitters and receivers positioned on both sides of a passageway (doorway) so as to detect approaching traffic. The multiple light emitters and light receivers may detect a height of an approaching traffic (e.g., person or vehicle) and initiate warning lights of a possible door closing. The detected approach of traffic may cause the door to be stopped, reversed or slow down. The system may include a computer to monitor the signals from the receivers and may control the motion of the door.

Abstract: The invention provides door and window sensors, which can be incorporated into building pressurisation and depressurisation systems, for use in protecting a building's escape routes against smoke ingress during a fire.

Abstract: An elevator vandalism monitoring system is configured to determine if an act of vandalism upon a component of an elevator system has occurred. The vandalism monitoring system includes a sensor, a processor, an electronic storage medium, a model, and a comparison module. The sensor is configured to monitor a detectable parameter associated with the component, and output a detectable parameter signal. The processor is configured to receive the detectable parameter signal. The model is stored in the electronic storage medium, and is associated with an expected parameter. The comparison module is executed by the processor, and is configured to generally compare the model to the detectable parameter signal for determining if a parameter anomaly exists.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an elevator door of an elevator car, wherein a controller controls the elevator door to travel in a proximate direction when closing and travel in a distal direction when opening, the system including: a panel that forms an exterior surface of an elevator door, the panel including a front surface extending in a widthwise direction between a proximate end and an opposing distal end to form a front surface of the elevator door, the panel including a proximate end surface extending in a depthwise direction to form a proximate end surface of the elevator door, the proximate end surface of the panel comprising a resilient portion that is capable of engaging a sensor in the panel when the elevator door is closing, and thereafter the controller instructs the elevator door to reopen.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive mat is provided. The pressure sensitive mat includes a nanocomposite film, a first conductive foil, an oxide layer interposed between a first side of the nanocomposite film and the first conductive foil, a second conductive foil and a nanotube film interposed between a second side of the nanocomposite film, which is opposite the first side, and the second conductive foil.

Abstract: There is described a device for managing communications comprising a sensor, first and second antennas, and first and second shields. The sensor has a field of view and includes a first side and a second side, in which the second side is substantially opposite the first side. The first antenna is positioned offset from the first side of the sensor, and the second antenna is positioned offset from the second side of the sensor. The first shield is positioned adjacent to the first side of the sensor and a first distance from the first antenna, and the second shield is positioned adjacent to the second side of the sensor and a second distance from the second antenna. The first shield focuses the first antenna toward the field of view, and the second shield focuses the second antenna toward the field of view.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving data indicating an object sensor associated with an object is within communication range of a vehicle sensor associated with a vehicle; determining, using a distance calculation algorithm, a distance between the object sensor and the vehicle sensor; identifying a zone, from a plurality of zones that are based upon distances from the vehicle sensor, associated with the determined distance between the object sensor and the vehicle sensor; and providing, based upon the identified zone, an output comprising an indication of the identified zone corresponding to a location of the object sensor. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A remote control door closure operating system is based on a central server with a backend database identifying a collection of controllable doors and a plurality of authorized users and corresponding credentials. A door interface unit is adapted to communicate with an authorized user to supply a live video stream of a respective door and to execute door opening and closing commands from the authorized user. A mobile device has a user application program configured to interact with the central server and door interface unit in order to 1) obtain configuration data, 2) authenticate the authorized user, 3) receive the live video stream, and 4) initiate the door opening and closing commands. Safe operation of the door opening/closing operation is encouraged by maximizing use of video surveillance before and during door operations and by conducting separate security authentications for video streaming and for door operation requests.

Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance safety apparatus for an elevator system and a method for operating the same, and belongs to the technical field of elevators. The maintenance safety apparatus of the present invention comprises a safety switch, a door lock device, a linkage control assembly and a linkage locking assembly. The maintenance safety apparatus of the present invention is very simple to operate and is capable of ensuring the safety of the staff entering a hoistway for performing maintenance operations.

Abstract: A safety curtain and system includes multiple light emitters and multiple light receivers to detect traffic approaching a doorway. The safety curtain my include pairs of multiple light emitters and receivers positioned on both sides of a passageway (doorway) so as to detect approaching traffic. The multiple light emitters and light receivers may detect a height of an approaching traffic (e.g., person or vehicle) and initiate warning lights of a possible door closing. The detected approach of traffic may cause the door to be stopped, reversed or slow down. The system may include a computer to monitor the signals from the receivers and may control the motion of the door.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for an opening in a vehicle includes a cover panel, such as a glass pane, slidable between opened and closed positions within the opening. The system includes one or more infrared time-of-flight (IR-TOF) sensors which measure the length of a beam of infrared light by measuring the time that the infrared light in the beam takes to travel the length of the beam and to reflect back to the sensor. The IR-TOF sensors may be configured to provide a beam of light along either the side edge of the frame parallel to the sliding direction or a terminal edge generally transverse to the sliding direction. Methods are provided for detecting obstacles within the opening of the frame by controllers using the lengths of beams from each of those different beam configurations, and for self-calibrating the system.

Abstract: A travelling cable end hitch and rail arrangement for an elevator system includes a rail assembly fixed to an elevator car of the elevator system, a movable device positioned at and movable along the rail assembly, and an end hitch portion of a travelling cable of the elevator system secured to the movable device and movable with the movable device along the rail assembly. A method of accessing a travelling cable end hitch of an elevator system includes accessing a travelling cable from inside of an elevator car, pulling the travelling cable upward from inside of the elevator car, moving an end hitch portion of the travelling cable along a rail assembly secured to a bottom of the elevator car via pulling the travelling cable upward, and inspecting the end hitch portion from inside the elevator car when the end hitch portion reaches a first end of the rail assembly.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an auto-close door for closing an area (3) at least partially defined by a frame, said auto-close door comprising: A) A motorized driving mechanism (10) suitable for moving a leading edge (1L) of a shutter (1) in a first direction (?) to close said area defined within said frame and in a second direction (?) to open said area; B) Wave detection cells (5) suitable for detecting the presence of an obstacle within the area defined by the frame; and/or C) In addition or alternatively, an impact detector (6) suitable for detecting an impacting event with a leading edge of the shutter, D) A processing unit (CPU) programmed to carry out the following operations: a) Upon opening the area a first time by moving the leading edge of the shutter in said second direction (?), maintain the area open for an opening time (t1), after which b) close the shutter, c) Record whether an obstacle and/or an impacting event is detected by the wave detector or the impact detector, upon closing the shutte

Abstract: An elevator including an elevator car having an operating interface including at least one button associated with both manually controlling the motor from inside the interior space during a manual control mode and entering car calls from inside the interior space during an automatic control mode; a controller configured to automatically control the motor to move the elevator car, if the elevator is operating in the automatic control mode, and manually control the motor to move the elevator car based on a user actuating the operating interface such that a movement of the elevator car upwards from an uppermost landing is unobstructed, if the elevator is operating in the manual control mode; and an access control device including a lock, the lock configured to selectively allow or disallow access to the at least one of the plurality of buttons of the operating interface.

Abstract: Car door (1) comprising: two sliding door panels (2, 3); two profiles (6, 7), each of which is arranged below one of the two door panels (2, 3), the profiles (6, 7) being partially counter-shaped so as to slide with respect to one another therefore while the door (1) is opening they move towards one another to compose a sill (5).

Abstract: An optical detection system includes a first device that has a first light source and a first light detector, and a second device that has a second light source and a second light detector. The first and second devices are configured to turn on and off the first and second light sources periodically based on first and second control signals, respectively. The first and second light sources are configured not to emit light simultaneously. The first and second light sources emit light in wavelength ranges that overlap. The optical detection system further has the characteristic that when the first light source is turned on, a radiant power delivered to the second light detector from the first light source is at least 25 percent of a radiant power delivered to the first light detector from the first light source.

Abstract: An optical detection system includes a first device that has a first light source and a first light detector, and a second device that has a second light source and a second light detector. The first and second devices are configured to turn on and off the first and second light sources periodically based on first and second control signals, respectively. The first and second light sources are configured not to emit light simultaneously. The first and second light sources emit light in wavelength ranges that overlap. The optical detection system further has the characteristic that when the first light source is turned on, a radiant power delivered to the second light detector from the first light source is at least 25 percent of a radiant power delivered to the first light detector from the first light source.

Abstract: A passenger conveyance system includes a processing module in communication with one or more sensors to receive the depth map data, and one or more security sensors to receive the security data, the processing module uses the depth map data and the security data to calculate passenger data that is operable to recognize a particular passenger. An elevator controller to receive the passenger data from the processing module, wherein the elevator controller controls an elevator dispatch control function in response to the particular passenger.

Abstract: A method determines a status of at least one component of an elevator system, wherein the elevator system includes a suspension apparatus having at least one traction member. The at least one traction member is surrounded by a non-metallic cladding, wherein the suspension apparatus is guided via a drive sheave with a metallic traction surface. The method includes the steps of: identifying at least one parameter based on an electrostatic effect which occurs due to friction of the non-metallic cladding on the traction sheave with the metallic traction surface; and determining a status of the at least one component on the basis of the identified parameter.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an elevator system includes a camera, a passenger detection module and a controller. The camera is capable of imaging a particular range in a direction from a vicinity of a door of a car to a hall when the car arrives at the hall. The passenger detection module detects presence or absence of a passenger who intends to get into the car by focusing on movement of a movable body within a specific area by using a plurality of time-series continuous images which are captured by the camera. The controller controls an opening/closing operation of the door based on a detection result of the passenger detection module. A width of the area is being set greater than at least a width of the door.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic door installation 100 configured to determine the presence of an obstacle 150 in one or more detection zones remote from a door opening, comprising: at least a first door 104 slidable in a door opening along a horizontal door axis from an open configuration to a closed configuration during a door closing operation; a plurality of transmitter-receiver pairs, each transmitter-receiver pair comprising: a transmitter 116 for transmitting a beam 140 and a receiver 118 for receiving a reflection of the beam, wherein one of the transmitter 116 and the receiver 118 is coupled to the first door so that, in use, the transmitter and receiver move closer together during the door closing operation; wherein the transmitter 116 defines a transmitter axis 120 corresponding to the optical axis of the beam; wherein the receiver 118 has a field of view 142 for receiving the beam, which is oriented around a receiver axis; and wherein the transmitter axis 120 and the receiver axis 122 are configure

Abstract: A mine door system which includes a mine door having a door leaf, and a door-moving mechanism that articulates between a first configuration in which the mechanism applies a relatively smaller door-moving force to the door leaf and moves it at a first speed and a second configuration in which the mechanism applies a larger door-moving force to the door leaf and moves it at a second speed less than the first speed.

Abstract: An elevator car destination dispatching system and methodology are disclosed. The system includes a user interface that is configured to permit a user of a plurality of users to enter a desired destination in a building. The system further includes a presence detector disposed in the vicinity of the user interface. The presence detector is configured to detect the presence of the user of the plurality of users at the user interface. The presence detector is also operably coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to dispatch an elevator car based on the desired destination entered by the user of the plurality of users and the presence of the user of the plurality of users in the vicinity of the user interface.

Abstract: In an elevator, the status information of the receivers, and possibly also of the transmitters, of a light curtain of the elevator is transmitted from the control unit of the light curtain as a response to a query or as messages. The control system of the elevator car is configured to receive the responses or status information and to analyze i) the status information contained therein of at least one receiver the status information contained therein of at least one receiver and of at least one transmitter relating to it, for changing or adjusting the operating mode of the elevator or for giving a control command to the operating system of the elevator.

Abstract: A method and sensing apparatus for elevators that detects an intrusion into a volume defined relative to a path across an opening. The sensing apparatus has a closure member for the opening that can be controllably displaced to define a gap in the opening. A first group of at least two emitters of electromagnetic signals located on either the closure member or a boundary member are directed into the volume and a second group of at least two receivers for electromagnetic signals located on the opposite side of the gap to the emitters. The method causes at least one of the emitters to emit a primary beam along a first axis into the volume, allows at least one of the receivers to receive a secondary beam of radiation, and enables one or more of the receivers to provide an output signal into the network.

Abstract: Radio signals are communicated on spatially separate radio paths across a doorway of an elevator. Signal strengths of the radio signals are measured and used to determine traffic served by the elevator. In this way traffic boarding and leaving the elevator may be measured when more than one unit of traffic, for example people, pass through the doorway simultaneously.

Abstract: A passenger detector (10) for use in a passenger conveyor system (12) is provided that includes a structured light source (34), a structured light detector (36), and a controller (38). The structured light source (34) is operable to project light (40) into a detection area (32) in a predetermined projected pattern. The structured light detector (36) is operable to generate reflected light signals indicative of light (40) reflected back toward the structured light detector (36) from the detection area (32). The controller (38) is operable to receive the reflected light signals from the structured light detector (36), and operable to process the reflected light signals to make a determination as to whether a passenger is disposed within a detection area (32).

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for preventing a hand from being jammed in an elevator door including a conductive member attached to the surface of the door and the door frame whereby if the conductive member is contacted by the hand, it senses the current of the human body so as to control the elevator door, preventing the hand from being jammed in the door, and directly illuminates the surface of the door so as to enable the person to clearly see the hand contacting the door and to be warned.

Abstract: An escalator or a moving walkway has two access regions, each with a comb plate, and a conveying region arranged between the access regions. The conveying region extends between the two comb plates of the access regions. At least one projection projects into the conveying region at at least one stationary part of the escalator or moving walkway. At least one monitoring sensor is arranged at least partly in the at least one projection.

Abstract: The elevator includes an elevator car with a door construction including at least one door panel opening and closing a passage to the elevator car. The light curtain includes a longitudinal transmitter and a longitudinal receiver facing towards each other. The fixing arrangement includes at least one longitudinal support device including a longitudinal support member having a cross section in the form of a letter U, whereby the letter U forms a slot for receiving the transmitter or the receiver of the light curtain.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic door sensor device (1) capable of preventing a door (3) which is transitioning from an open position to a closed position from being erroneously detected as an object by temporarily changing a detection area (A, C2, C3). The automatic door sensor device (1) includes a doorway area sensor (7a) that detects the presence of an object in a doorway area (B) which includes at least a portion of an area defined by the path of a door (3), detectors (6, 7b) that detect the presence and/or the movement of an object in changeable detection areas (A, C2, C3), and a detection area changer (31) that changes the detection areas (A, C2, C3) when it is determined, by using the doorway area sensor (7a), that the door (3) is transitioning from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A device for controlling a driven moving element including an electronic unit with an object sensor. According to the invention, the electronic unit is designed, by means of the object sensor, to determine an object distance between the driven moving element and an object in the region of the moving element and to control the movement of the moving element depending on said object distance.

Abstract: A control device of an elevator door includes moving quantity detector which detects the moving quantity of a driving device of the door for opening and closing, and a driving force detector which detects a driving torque or driving force of the driving device. An equivalent stiffness calculator estimates the equivalent stiffness of an object in contact from an output signal of the moving quantity detector and an output signal of the driving force detector. The door is reversed or stopped by comparing the estimated equivalent stiffness of an object in contact as a contact determination parameter with a threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator car which is suitable for elevators in which all of the elements which are to be maintained and checked are arranged outside the elevator car, opposite only one side of the elevator car. The elevator car comprises, on said side, one part (3) that is arranged more than 85 cm above the elevator base (1) on the elevator wall (2) and that can be removed from inside the elevator. The part (3) is as least 95 cm in height and, after being removed, can rest vertically on the base of the elevator (1), against the elevator wall (2), in order to form a balustrade (4). At least one spacer (5, 19) is arranged between the removable part (3) and the lower part (6) of the elevator wall (2) so that the distance from the inner side of the side wall part (3) that is placed on the base (1), facing the elevator, to the elements (7, 8) of the elevator drive moving past the travelling elevator car is at least 10 cm.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an elevator car is operable to selectively lock an elevator car door. The apparatus verifies that the elevator car door is closed, locks the elevator car door, and verifies that a lock is engaged. Once conditions are met, the apparatus signals an elevator controller that the elevator car can move through a hoistway. The apparatus further ensures that passengers can safely disembark from the elevator car by detecting the position of the elevator car relative to a designated landing zone within the hoistway, and confirming the elevator car is stopped at a landing zone prior to disengaging the lock. The apparatus thus ensures that the elevator car door remains closed while the elevator car is in motion or between landing zones.

Abstract: The elevator includes an elevator car with a door construction including at least one door panel opening and closing a passage to the elevator car. The light curtain includes a longitudinal transmitter and a longitudinal receiver facing towards each other. The fixing arrangement includes at least one longitudinal support device including a longitudinal support member having a cross section in the form of a letter U, whereby the letter U forms a slot for receiving the transmitter or the receiver of the light curtain.

Abstract: A locking system for a lift door, in particular a car door of a lift car and/or a shaft door, comprises a locking device which in an unlocked state enables opening of the lift door, and in a locked state restricts, in particular prevents opening of the lift door; a reference element; a counter element which interacts with the reference element, in particular mechanically, electrically, magnetically, acoustically and/or optically, in a prescribed measure when the lift car is located in a permissible position relative to a shaft door; a sensor for outputting a preferably electrical signal when the reference element and the counter element are interacting with one another; and a control device for transferring the locking device from the locked state into the unlocked state as a function of the signal, the reference element preferably being arranged on the shaft door.

Abstract: A video-based system detects the position of elevator doors based on video data provided by one or more video detectors. Based on the detected position of the elevator doors, a distance between the elevator doors can be determined. The operation of the elevator doors is controlled based, at least in part, on the detected distance between the elevator doors.

Abstract: An elevator car system and method for operating elevators doors includes an elevator car having a door capable of opening and closing along a pathway and an interior portion internal to the door, a first obstruction sensor disposed on the door capable of detecting an obstruction in the pathway of the door, and a supplemental obstruction sensor disposed in the interior portion of the elevator car system capable of detecting an obstruction in an area adjacent to the door, wherein the door opens or closes based on the detection of the first obstruction sensor or the detection of the second obstruction sensor. The interior portion of the elevator car may include a recessed channel, with the supplemental obstruction sensor being disposed in the recessed channel.

Abstract: A door system includes a sensor device for monitoring a vertical door edge. The sensor device has a transmitter that generates a light beam that runs along the vertical door edge, and a receiver to receive the light emitted by the transmitter. Further, an element of the sensor device is mounted in a region of a base of the door, with the sensor element being either in or on the base in front of the vertical door edge.

Abstract: Control systems and methods for operating the doors of an elevator where the control logic is distributed in local car and landing door controllers that communicate wirelessly with one another to eliminate door control signal wiring in the hoistway thereby simplifying installation and diagnostics and affording door motor control that is individualized for each door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator car which is suitable for elevators in which all of the elements which are to be maintained and checked are arranged outside the elevator car, opposite only one side of the elevator car. The elevator car comprises, on said side, one part (3) that is arranged more than 85 cm above the elevator base (1) on the elevator wall (2) and that can be removed from inside the elevator. The part (3) is as least 95 cm in height and, after being removed, can rest vertically on the base of the elevator (1), against the elevator wall (2), in order to form a balustrade (4). At least one spacer (5,19) is arranged between the removable part (3) and the lower part (6) of the elevator wall (2) so that the distance from the inner side of the side wall part (3) that is placed on the base (1), facing the elevator, to the elements (7, 8) of the elevator drive moving past the travelling elevator car is at least 10 cm.

Abstract: It is ensured that a control device of an elevator door which does not worsen operation efficiency due to useless door panel reversals and reduces the contact force of the door panel to the human body can be obtained. Equivalent stiffness calculation means is provided which calculates the equivalent stiffness of an object in contact from an increase in the rotation quantity, which is the moving quantity of a driving device within a prescribed time, a driving torque or driving force of the driving device, and an increase in a variance from a torque or force reference value, and the door is reversed using calculated equivalent stiffness as a determination criterion.

Abstract: In a sliding door apparatus, a first entrance is opened and closed by a first door, and a second entrance that faces the first entrance is opened and closed by a second door. Imaging means that captures images across a space between the first entrance and the second entrance is disposed beside the space. An image processing and determining portion determines presence or absence of an obstruction inside the space based on image data from the imaging means.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and a system for communicating with a controller of an elevator car (10). A first input device (40) is inserted between a pair of elevator car sliding doors (12, 14). Energy beams (36) transmitted between the pair of elevator sliding doors (12, 14) are selectively blocked to communicate information to the controller.

Abstract: An elevator entrance apparatus includes a reading device for reading transmission information from a transmission device, and a control device for controlling operation of an elevator based on information as to whether transmission information has been read by the reading device or not. The reading device reads transmission information only when the transmission device is within a predetermined detection range on an inner side of an elevator entrance.