JP2008540302A - Elevator system with ultra-wideband devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The elevator system incorporates ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to monitor and control the characteristics and characteristics of the elevator system and to sense input from the elevator occupant and the elevator user. The UWB sensor is placed in communication with the elevator car to communicate data and commands from the sensor to a local or remote processor for analysis purposes. Alternatively, UWB sensors are used to communicate commands to an elevator car, car drive mechanism, car control system, or other destination. In one embodiment, the UWB sensor is placed in close proximity to the elevator car door and detects the presence of a person or object between the doors. Occupancy sensors can be placed on the floor, ceiling or wall of the elevator car to sense the occupancy of the car. UWB sensors can also be implemented very close to the elevator call button to track passengers approaching the elevator call button or elevator landing. In another embodiment, UWB sensors can be used to detect and track the position of the elevator car in the hoistway.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 681,100, filed May 13, 2005, entitled “ELEVATOR SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ULTRA WIDEBAND DEVICE”. That disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

  The term “ultra-wideband” (UWB) is a relatively new term often used to describe a technique known as “carrier-free” technology, “baseband” technology, or “impulse” technology. The basic concept is to generate, transmit and receive short-term bursts of radio frequency (RF) energy, ranging in duration from tens of picoseconds (trillionths of a second) to nanoseconds (billions of seconds) It is. These bursts represent one to several periods of the RF carrier. As a result, the waveform may be wideband, so it may be difficult to determine the actual RF center frequency. Therefore, the term “carrier free” is used. Some of the early signal generation methods utilize the “baseband” (eg, non-RF), fast rise time pulse excitation of a broadband microwave antenna to provide an efficient “impulse” response or “step” of the antenna. Some produced and emitted a response. Some UWB systems no longer utilize direct impulse excitation of the antenna. This is because such a method may not be able to appropriately control the emission bandwidth and the apparent center frequency.

  In general, UWB waveforms can exhibit somewhat unique properties because of their relatively short duration. In communication, for example, UWB pulses can be used to provide high data rate performance in multi-user network applications. In radar applications, UWB pulses can provide very high range resolution and precise distance and / or position measurement capabilities. For example, multi-function architectures have been developed that encompass communication applications, radar applications, and positioning applications.

  As observed in mobile and indoor environments, this short duration waveform is relatively less affected by multipath suppression. Multipath suppression occurs when a strong reflected wave (for example, a reflected wave from a wall, ceiling, vehicle, building, etc.) arrives when the phase of the direct path signal does not match the phase or does not match at all. The amplitude response in the vessel is reduced. Since it is a very short pulse, the direct path signal is generated and disappears before the reflection path signal arrives, and therefore no suppression occurs. As a result, the UWB system is particularly suitable for high speed mobile radio applications. In addition, because of the short duration waveform, packet burst protocols and time division multiple access (TDMA) protocols for multi-user communications can be easily implemented.

  Since the bandwidth is inversely proportional to the duration of the pulse, the spectral range of these waveforms can be very wide. The resulting energy density (ie, transmit power watts per hertz of bandwidth) can be very small. This small energy density can be converted to a low detection probability (LPD) RF signature. The LPD signature may be of particular interest for military applications (eg secret communications and radar). However, LPD signatures can also cause a slight interference to nearby systems and a slight health hazard due to RF. These can be critical for military and commercial applications.

  Another advantage of UWB technology is that the system is less complex and less expensive. UWB systems can be made almost “all-digital” with few RF or microwave electronics. Because RF is usually simple in UWB designs, these systems are highly frequency adaptable and can be located in any band of the RF spectrum. This feature allows the available spectrum to be fully utilized while avoiding interference with existing services.

  UWB receiver technology allows a single UWB energy pulse to be detected with high sensitivity and in the presence of high and in-band interference. The single pulse detection function is advantageous for high speed (several Mb / s), mobile radio applications. Single pulse detection also allows a significant reduction in transmit power, resulting in a reduction in potential interference to other systems. The UWB detector can also respond to the leading edge of the UWB pulse, allowing for precise positioning and geolocation applications in indoor high multipath environments.

  The design of a UWB transmitter may provide a frequency adaptable and band adaptable architecture. These architectures allow the development of UWB systems that can co-exist with existing spectrum users without introducing mutual interference and minimize the peak and average power levels required for reliable communication To. However, some designs utilize direct impulse excitation of the antenna, which can result in a large amount of unwanted out-of-band radiation that can lead to harmful interference.

Only one example of the use of UWB technology is given below.
Tactical handheld network LPI / D radio Non-LOS LPI / D terrestrial communication LPI / D altimeter / obstacle avoidance radar Military tag (equipment and personnel safety, rearrangement)
Military intrusion detection radar Military precision geolocation system Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data link and unmanned ground mobile vehicle (UGV) data link
Altimeter / obstacle avoidance radar (eg commercial aircraft)
Collision avoidance sensors Commercial tags (eg, intelligent transportation systems, electronic signatures, smart appliances)
Commercial Intrusion Detection Radar Commercial Precision Geolocation System Industrial RF Monitoring System

Examples of applying the UWB technology to radar include, but are not limited to:
Ultra-low power short-range miniature radar on a single chip (ASIC) not exceeding $ 10 Radar imaging of people and objects "through the wall" Collision avoidance radar for automotive, spacecraft docking, and aircraft ground traffic Proximity sensor (advantageous for ultrasonic, infrared, and Doppler sensors that are less sensitive to interference and can penetrate materials such as concrete)
Motion sensor Altimeter Liquid level sensor

Examples of applying UWB technology to smart tag tracking devices include, but are not limited to:
Inventory tracking RFID application Indoor 3D positioning system Personnel tracking / detector Sensor network

Examples of applying the UWB technology to communications include, but are not limited to:
Ad hoc / mesh networking Wireless communication through the walls of buildings Wireless communication with low probability of interception / detection Dual-use system with radar and communication High-bandwidth-low-cost data communication PAN (Replace USB and Bluetooth with high-bandwidth short-range digital communication, Personal area network)

As will become apparent below, UWB may provide the following properties.
It is relatively difficult to detect. Does not interfere with other systems. Not easily affected by multipaths in the building environment. Material permeable (concrete, drywall, etc.)
Material specificity (UWB radar does not use Doppler effect, waveform varies with object position and density)
Frequency and band adaptability Common architecture for communications Radar and positioning (redefinable by software, low power consumption, low power consumption, year-round operation with two AA batteries, low cost and almost “fully digital” Architecture

  It should be noted that UWB is an RF technology and, like any RF technology, can interfere with existing systems in certain situations. In addition, there are several ways in which UWB emissions can be achieved. Some of these techniques tend to produce more harmful interference than others. For example, a UWB system that utilizes direct impulse excitation of an antenna may generate energy that spreads over a spectral range far beyond the antenna design band. (As the design band, the VSWR band (for example, the frequency range where the voltage standing wave ratio is below a certain number such as 2: 1, or the main lobe of the antenna pattern is -3 dB from the peak value) The radiation band representing the frequency range that stays within the boundary can be selected.)

  Some techniques create UWB waveforms by pulse shaping prior to transmission from the antenna. These techniques can provide the advantage of being controllable in both frequency and band. In addition, these techniques are designed to operate in a band other than a limited band such as a band reserved for GPS and for safety of a living system.

  Other aspects of UWB design that affect the likelihood of interference include pulse duty cycle and modulation scheme. In general, the higher the duty cycle of a pulse, the greater the average amount of energy transmitted. In some UWB systems, multiple pulses are transmitted for each single bit of information. This can have the effect of further increasing the overall amount of energy transmitted, i.e., the designer must accept a lower data rate for a given average energy. Furthermore, a high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) with minimum pulse-to-pulse dithering has the effect of further concentrating this energy on a set of spectral lines. If the spectral line falls within the passband of a sensitive receiver (eg, GPS), interference will result even if the “bandwidth” of the waveform extends to several hundred megahertz.

  In a “baseband” architecture (ie, an architecture that relies on direct impulse excitation of the antenna), the front end of the corresponding receiver is usually wide open, and RF filtering is performed only by the receiving antenna itself. The antenna itself may perform little or no “out-of-band” signal and noise filtering. To that end, these systems may further incorporate low-pass or bandpass filtering prior to the receiver amplifier / detector stage. However, while helping to eliminate interference, this receive filtering can also remove energy from the desired signal. Such “baseband” systems also tend to cause interference with other receivers.

  A “correlated” receiver, where the received waveform is essentially template matched with a local replica of the transmitted waveform, is also almost immune to wideband noise or impulse interference. This is due to the fact that any impulse or white Gaussian noise excitation at the front end of the wideband receiver may produce a received waveform with characteristics very similar to the transmitted waveform. Strong in-band continuous wave (CW) interference can also cause significant damage to the architecture of such a receiver, simply by overloading the detector.

  In a time-gated correlation receiver, the correlation operation is gated to the duration of the pulse and synchronized with the incoming bitstream, so the time-gated correlation receiver reduces the effects of in-band interference in the UWB receiver architecture. It will be very effective. The UWB detector and UWB receiver processor can take advantage of this process or variations thereof that can achieve further immunity to strong in-band CW interference with a modified constant false alarm probability (CFAR) algorithm. For some detectors, matched filtering can be achieved directly at RF by using the integrated properties of gated quantum tunnel devices. Tunnel diodes are known as devices that are relatively sensitive to the detection of weak energy, such as sub-nanosecond signals.

  Unlike some spread spectrum waveforms (whether direct spread DSSS or frequency hopping FHSS), the spread bands of some UWB waveforms are generated directly. That is, it is generated without individual bit modulation by a separate spreading sequence such as a PN code or a hopping (chipping) pattern. Therefore, UWB is essentially a time domain concept, and under this concept, short RF pulses directly generate a wide bandwidth instantaneous bandwidth signal due to the time scale characteristic of the relationship between time f and frequency F of the Fourier transform. Generate.

  Further, the DSSS waveform or FHSS waveform is usually essentially a constant envelope. That is, the instantaneous amplitude of these waveforms does not change with time. For DSSS waveforms, the individual transmission bits may be further divided into two-phase modulation chipping intervals. On the other hand, for FHSS, individual transmission bits may be further divided into separate frequency changes. As a result, the spread spectrum waveform can have a uniform (100%) duty cycle. That is, the peak power level and the average power level are equivalent. On the other hand, for UWB, the duration of the pulses can be very short with respect to the mutual arrival times of the pulses. Thus, the waveform duty cycle may typically be a small fraction of the total, and the peak-to-average ratio may be very large.

  From a communication perspective, the performance of both types of systems (either spread spectrum or UWB) is determined by the bit-by-bit efficiency energy to noise spectral density ratio Eb / No. Since No = kTeB (k is the Boltzmann constant, Te is the effective system noise temperature, and B is the instantaneous bandwidth), it can be seen that the energy required for communication increases as the bandwidth increases. For UWB systems, Eb = PT, P is the peak pulse power, and T is the effective pulse duration. Thus, the shorter the pulse, the greater the required peak power for a given bit error rate (BER) performance. In the spread spectrum waveform, Eb is also given by PT. Where T represents the bit duration (ie, NTc, where N is the so-called processing gain and Tc is the chip duration). This can show that for spread average and equivalent power levels, both spread spectrum and UWB have equivalent BER performance.

  However, UWB has a very important advantage over spread spectrum. Advantages are: (a) For relatively high bandwidth, the complexity at the time of implementation is very small and the cost is very low, so the data throughput is high; (b) BER performance is independent of changes in data transfer rate (For constant envelope waveforms, double peak power and average power are required to double the data rate), (c) mobile multipath tolerance and dual use (eg, radar The design is practically feasible for application to (and communications), but is not limited thereto.

  With respect to radar, some conventional radar systems typically use single frequency (narrowband) electromagnetic energy emitted and reflected in the microwave frequency range to detect, locate and track objects. Such conventional systems can burst and send out continuous waves. Some conventional radar systems use multiple (broadband) frequencies to obtain more information about the scene. UWB radar systems (also known as micro-power impulse radars) or other UWB sensor systems use relatively short electromagnetic pulses that contain energy over a relatively wide frequency band, and target objects in a shorter range than conventional radar systems. Detect, thereby providing higher resolution. In some UWB radar systems, the pulses are shorter, so the bandwidth is wider, thereby providing more information about the reflected object. Thus, the UWB device can provide precise, vector-based information about the position and / or structural or other features of the object.

  In addition, signals can be generated with relatively little power by using short pulses (eg, about 1 sub-nanosecond). That is, the system can be configured so that the current flows for the short time that the system pulses, eg, the power requirement is a few microamps. By way of example only, a UWB radar system can be provided that operates for several years on the same AA battery pair.

  Components of a UWB radar system can include a transmitter having a pulse generator, a receiver having a pulse detector, a timing circuit, a signal processor, and an antenna. By way of example only, a UWB transmitter can deliver fast, broadband radar pulses at a nominal rate of 2 million per second. This rate can be intentionally randomized by a noise circuit. Components including the transmitter can deliver shorter, sharper electromagnetic pulses with a short rise time of 50 trillionths of a second (50 picoseconds). The receiver can use a pulse detector circuit and can be configured to accept only echoes from objects within a predetermined distance (round trip delay time) such as several centimeters to tens of meters.

  A UWB radar system is just one example, but can provide a range of about 50 meters. With an omnidirectional antenna, the UWB radar system can look for echoes in an invisible radar bubble of appropriate radius around the unit. A directional antenna can be used to irradiate a pulse in a specific direction to add gain to the signal. Separate the transmit and receive antennas to establish an electrical “trip line” and when a target, intruder, or other person or object crosses the line, certain events such as warnings or other signals It may be triggered.

  As long as a short low power pulse results in lower energy measured on the return of the UWB radar, many pulses are transmitted early and all returns are averaged. As described above, using a short pulse over a wide frequency range can provide relatively high resolution and accuracy. UWB radar systems are also less sensitive to interference from other radars. Moreover, the microwave power associated with UWB radar pulse transmission is relatively low (eg, on average several tens of microwatts), and UWB radar is medically safe. In fact, UWB radar is designed to emit less than one millionth of the power of a mobile phone.

  UWB motion sensors can use range gating techniques in capturing return signals. Under this technique, the UWB device can only sample signals that occur in a narrow time window after each transmit pulse, providing a range gate. If a delay time is selected after each transmit pulse corresponding to a range of space, the receiver's “gate” opens after that delay and closes immediately. Such gating can reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted signals. The UWB receiver can be configured to measure only one delay time or range gate per transmission pulse. The sensor can operate by starting at a fixed range and then sensing any change in average radar reflectivity at that range. The system is configured so that only return pulses within a small range gate (corresponding to a fixed distance from the device to the target) are measured. The system can also be configured such that the gate width (sampling time) is fixed based on the pulse length, while the delay time (range) is adjustable as well as the detection sensitivity. Averaging thousands of pulses can improve the signal-to-noise ratio in a single measurement, thereby reducing noise and improving sensitivity. A selected threshold of the averaged signal can sense movement and trigger a switch or event such as a warning or signal. Changes in the averaged sampling gate output can represent changes in radar reflectivity, i.e. motion, in a particular range. Of course, motion can also be tracked with the UWB system.

  As described above, a noise source may be intentionally added to the timing circuit of the UWB radar system so that the amount of time between pulses varies around 2 MHz. Randomizing the pulse repetition rate in this way and averaging thousands of samples in that random time is desirable for several reasons. First, interference from radio and / or television station harmonics could otherwise trigger a false alarm. With randomization, interference is effectively averaged to zero. Second, if each of the plurality of UWB units is randomly coded and unique, they can be operated in one neighborhood without interfering with each other. In other words, each unit creates a pattern, and the pattern can only be recognized by the created unit. Interference between arrays of UWB sensors can also be reduced or prevented by time division multiplexing. Third, by randomizing, the emission spectrum of the sensor is spread and the UWB signal resembles background noise and is difficult to detect with other sensors. Emissions from UWB sensors are virtually undetectable at only 3 meters away with conventional RF receivers and antennas. Other advantages of randomized pulse repetition will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  A UWB sensor device can cycle through several range gates. The delay time is slowly swept or changed with each pulse (eg, about 40 sweeps per second), effectively filling the detection bubble with continuous tracking of radar information. In other words, samples are obtained at different times or at different distances from the device. The result is an “equivalent time” record of all return pulses that can be correlated to the distance of the object. The equivalent time echo pattern may be displayed on an oscilloscope or read into a computer.

  Equivalent time sampling can also be used to form an image by moving the rangefinder at the front of the target area or by using a stationary array of rangefinders. Vertical traces are provided as return signals from different locations along the target area. Many individual vertical views into the target area are stacked side-by-side, allowing the cross-sectional view of the target area to be reconstructed into a model. By using an image reconstruction algorithm, the position of an object in the target area can be known. Using such techniques, a complete 3D view or 3D model of the target area can be rendered. By way of example only, such a technique can be used to inspect a concrete floor by providing images of reinforcing bars, conduits, etc. embedded in the concrete.

  The UWB system can also penetrate, or “see through,” various materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, glass, water, ice, mud, concrete, plastic, wood, wall, concrete, human tissue and the like. Because of such transmission power, the UWB device can be easily hidden. The property of transmitting a UWB signal through a given material is a function of the electrical conductivity of the material. For example, UWB devices are more difficult to penetrate thick metal than through concrete.

  Further advantages of UWB technology include a well-defined and adjustable operating range and / or adjustable sensitivity. As a result, erroneous readings and warnings can be reduced. Several units can be operated simultaneously without causing interference between the units. Due to the randomized emission, detection of UWB devices can be difficult. UWB devices can also be configured to not interfere with other devices. Other devices include other UWB devices and non-UWB devices. As a sensor technology, UWB can provide motion detection or proximity, distance measurement, microwave imaging, communication, or various other applications. When compared to other sensor technologies, UWB sensors can be less sensitive to adverse effects created by temperature, light, weather, electromagnetic interference, or other environmental conditions.

  UWB signals can also be transmitted along wires or other solid conduits. For example, an “electronic metering bar” can be provided by sending a UWB signal along a metal wire and measuring the transmission time of the reflected electromagnetic pulse from the top of the metering bar to the liquid level.

  An example of the use of a UWB device (a non-contact switch for opening and closing a faucet) is disclosed in US 2002/0171056. The disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

  An example of a UWB device is the XS110 from Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (Austin, Texas). Freescale's XS110 Ultra-Wideband (UWB) solution provides full wireless connectivity and IEEE 802.15.3 Media Access Control (MAC) protocol implementing Direct Sequence Ultra-Wideband (DS-UWB) Can do. The chipset can support applications such as streaming video, streaming audio, and high-speed data transfer at relatively low power consumption levels at data transfer rates faster than 110 Mbps. In addition to high data rates, XS 110 can also support peer-to-peer along with ad hoc networking for mobile wireless connectivity. XS110 is a low noise amplifier (LNA) with both high gain (20 dB) and low gain (0 dB) settings and a high gain noise figure of 5.6 dB, RF transceiver that generates UWB signals with transistor based pulses To form a network operating at baseband speed. The XS 110 also includes a baseband processor chip that integrates UWB baseband and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) functions with multiple forward error correction (FEC) options, fast acquisition, and fast tracking capabilities. The XS 110 also includes a single-chip media access controller that supports streaming media applications based on the new TDMA-based IEEE 802.15.3 protocol. In addition, XS110 is one antenna that is a 1 inch (2.54 cm) by 1 inch (2.54 cm) planar design etched on a single metal layer of common FR4 circuit board material. Have Other features of XS110 include the following points. 29 Mbps, 57 Mbps, 86 Mbps, and 114 Mbps data transfer rates, IEEE 802.15.3 streaming media protocol support, enabling wire-like high-resolution video applications, 750 mW to 3.3 V power consumption, IEEE 802.11b / A / g, coexisting with Bluetooth (TM) technology, Global Positioning System (GPS) and US wireless systems, built using low cost 0.18 [mu] m CMOS technology and SiGe technology .

  Another example for the use of UWB technology is the UWB localizer. Localizers can be strategically installed to build a signpost wireless network. You can also use localizers to find people in various situations. For example, a firefighter in a flaming building, a police officer in a remote area, a skier injured on the slope of a ski resort, an injured hiker in a remote area, or a child lost in a shopping mall or amusement park Is mentioned. Combining localizers with home appliances such as televisions, ovens, lighting, etc. may enable smart homes that operate the appropriate product by knowing where the residents are and where they are living. Control functions in a normal home can be automated, such as a keyless lock that opens when the owner approaches the handle, or a room that adjusts lighting, temperature, and music volume to match the person's profile when the person approaches the room. . Localizers can also be used to find personal belongings such as pets, car purses, and baggage. Localizers enable inventory tracking in real time, such as by being installed on or in retail goods. Localizers linked to the system can provide updated information on purchasing patterns and inventory levels. Localizers, unlike RFID inventory systems, can create virtual boundaries so that the contents of a container can be differentiated from the contents of nearby containers.

  Localizers enable technology for “fine” wireless networks of ubiquitous mobile Internet devices. With the next generation Internet, consumers' homes and workplaces will be flooded with artificial intelligence users with the look of daily necessities. Its role is to read and respond to consumer demands and act as casually as possible. Localizers can mediate the interaction between the Internet and humans directly and intuitively using sensors and effectors stretched around. Being ubiquitous and mobile, these “smart things” will be wireless and will be able to pinpoint the exact relative position.

Ultra-wideband devices in elevator systems With UWB technology, the elevator system field has an opportunity for innovation. By way of example only, UWB technology can be used in particular in the following elevator system applications: That is, door edge detection systems, occupancy sensor systems, hall sensors or people tracking systems, non-contact equipment or buttons, and car position systems. However, it should be understood that in any or all of the following examples, a Doppler-based device can be used as a replacement for UWB devices, addition to UWB devices, and / or variations on UWB devices.

Common uses of UWB devices in elevator systems Some of the following examples use UWB devices in elevator systems for purposes of detecting elevator system characteristics and characteristics, elevator occupants, and elevator user input. However, it should be understood that UWB devices may be used to serve various other purposes and functions within an elevator system. By way of example only, an elevator system can use UWB for the purpose of communicating data, commands, etc. For example, UWB can be used to communicate data from a sensor to a local or remote processor for analysis and / or logging purposes. UWB can be used to communicate commands from a user input device to a local processor or a remote processor for the purpose of responding to analysis and / or logging. UWB can also be used to communicate commands from a local or remote system to an elevator car, car drive mechanism, car control system, or other destination. The source via UWB and / or the destination via UWB may be in the elevator car, on the elevator car, outside the elevator car, or any other location. Further, the source / destination may be a UWB device, a non-UWB device, or any other type of device (including combinations thereof). If desired, the elevator system may include a plurality of UWB repeaters to build a communication network. Such a repeater may be a dedicated repeater or part of a device that serves other purposes. In one embodiment, a plurality of UWB repeaters are disposed in the elevator shaft. Other ways in which UWB can be used for communication purposes in an elevator system will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  UWB devices, including UWB communication devices or UWB communication networks, may face difficulties with respect to signal transmission of materials having relatively high electrical conductivity. By way of example only, if a UWB sensor is installed outside the metal walls of an elevator car and is configured to detect or measure what is inside the elevator car, the signal sent from or returned to the sensor is There is a risk of adverse effects from metal walls. If such an effect needs to be addressed or is undesirable, this effect can be addressed by providing a “window” in the material that is adversely affecting the path of the UWB signal. For example, without limitation, an opening may be formed in the wall of an elevator car adjacent to the sensor. The opening may remain open or may be plugged with a material such as plastic or another material. Of course, in this example, such an opening need not reach the interior of the elevator car completely. If the inner wall of the car near the sensor contains wood, the signal can pass through the wood without facing significant adverse effects. Thus, the sensor can remain hidden from the occupant's view of the car. Still other ways of incorporating “windows” to address any adverse effects encountered in materials having relatively high electrical conductivity will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Depending on the elevator system application of a UWB device, it may be desirable to monitor an area that is larger than an area that a single UWB device is configured to monitor or that can be satisfactorily monitored. In such situations, the UWB device can be made movable, such as by attaching the UWB device to a track or other means for moving the UWB device. Alternatively, an array of UWB devices may be provided. When using an array of UWB devices, range gating can reduce the likelihood that the devices in the array will interfere with each other. As another alternative, the UWB device may be adjusted or reconfigured to monitor the entire area. It will be appreciated that such adjustments are dynamic, such as periodic, random, or manual. Still other ways of controlling the monitoring area of the UWB device (s) will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  It should also be understood that more than one UWB device or UWB sensor can be used in any of the following examples regarding the use of a single UWB device or UWB sensor. Thus, as used herein, the terms “UWB sensor”, “UWB device”, and variations thereof should be construed as including the plural. Furthermore, terms such as “UWB sensor”, “UWB device”, “UWB radar” should be construed as interchangeable. These terms are to be interpreted as including devices, processors, systems, and other structures that are coupled to or in communication with UWB devices.

Door Edge Detector In one embodiment, the UWB sensor is used as a door edge detector for one or more elevator doors.

  Some conventional elevator cars use an actuator mechanism for detecting whether a person or an object exists between the doors when the elevator doors are closed. Such actuators may have the undesirable consequence of the actuator mechanism coming into contact with a person standing between the elevator doors. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a detector that is operable to detect the presence of a person or object between elevator doors without requiring physical contact with the detected object.

  In this example, a UWB sensor is used to detect the presence of a person or object between elevator doors, a person or object near the edge of the elevator door, or a person or object moving on a direction vector toward the open door. To detect. In this embodiment, the UWB sensor communicates to the logic a signal indicating the presence of such a person or object (eg, a “red light” signal). The logic is configured to prevent the door from closing in response to the signal. If a person or object is no longer located between the doors, the UWB device stops sending the signal and the logic allows the door to close completely. In yet another embodiment, the UWB sensor communicates a specific signal (eg, a “green light” signal) only when no person or object is located between the doors or near the door edge. In this embodiment, the UWB sensor is in communication with logic that is configured to close the door only when receiving this signal. This embodiment can distinguish, for example, a person walking near an open elevator door and a person walking toward an open elevator door. Object size and material detection, or any other consideration, can help determine whether to open the door to be closed again or wait longer. Such considerations can alternatively or additionally affect other decisions. Still other variations using UWB devices for door edge detection will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Occupancy Sensor In one embodiment, the occupancy sensor includes a UWB device that uses volumetric load metering. Some conventional load weighing devices measure the difference between the weight of an empty car and the weight of a car carrying passengers and objects inside. In a system using such a device, the car may be fully loaded by volume before reaching the maximum load capacity. For example, a person carrying several large boxes may fill the car space without reaching the maximum elevator car weight. UWB radar may be used for 3D information collection by the volumetric load weighing processor in building up a map or model of the elevator car interior space. By using UWB radar, the volume capacity can be determined, overcoming the disadvantages of using cameras and machine vision processing. Traditional machine vision systems use many techniques to overcome the problem of environmental changes that affect the images seen on the camera. UWB is less susceptible to variables such as changing reflectivity, dark light, soft light, strong light, dust on the floor, reflectivity changing with moisture or wax on the floor, and invisibility of lenses due to moisture or dirt .

  In another embodiment, a UWB device is used to detect the number of passengers in the elevator car. A UWB device and / or a device communicating with the UWB device can be used to count and / or track the number of passengers in the elevator car. If the elevator calls for the elevator to be on the guarded floor by a hall call, the UWB device will ensure that an empty car is sent to the guarded floor, thereby ensuring safety on the guarded floor. Avoid sending uninspected people.

  In one embodiment, one or more UWB sensors are placed under the floor of the elevator car. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of an occupant by detecting, through the floor, an indicia such as a foot or a wheelchair wheel, for example. The sensor or device communicating with the sensor is configured to distinguish between an indication that an occupant is present and an indication of an object that is not an occupant (eg, a bag, a box, etc.) based on any suitable criteria (s). May include logic and algorithms. Such criteria may include, but need not be limited to, the size, shape, material type, density, electrical conductivity, and other properties and characteristics (including combinations thereof) of the detected object.

  In yet another embodiment, one or more UWB sensors are placed on or on the ceiling of the elevator car. In this embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect the presence of an occupant, for example, by detecting the occupant's head. As a further alternative, a UWB sensor may be installed on, in or outside the walls of the elevator car to detect the presence of an occupant. Of course, a UWB sensor may be installed at any suitable location (s) on, in or around the elevator car to detect the presence of an occupant.

  In yet another embodiment, one or more UWB sensors are configured to detect the presence of an occupant by detecting or measuring the occupant's biometrics. For example, the UWB sensor can be configured to detect a human heartbeat. The sensor can be configured to convert the sensed heart rate data into an occupant number. As another example, the UWB sensor can be configured to detect respiration. The sensor can be configured to convert the sensed respiratory data into a number of occupants. Other biometric features and phenomena that configure a UWB sensor to detect the presence, measurement, and / or monitoring of the presence of an occupant will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In another embodiment, the occupancy sensor includes a UWB device installed in, on or adjacent to the door of the elevator car. In this embodiment, the UWB device detects people entering and leaving the car. By way of example only, such a device includes a UWB transmitter located on one side of the door and a UWB receiver located on the other side of the door. Thus, a UWB device can include a “trip line” type configuration. Other methods of using or configuring UWB devices to measure occupancy as a function of people entering and leaving the cage will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  It will be appreciated that any of the foregoing occupancy sensor embodiments (including variations thereof) can be used with other sensors. For example, UWB based occupancy sensors can be used with conventional weight sensors. Still other combinations can be used.

  If desired, the UWB sensor can provide a 2D map or 3D model of the contents of the car. Of course, if such modeling or rendering is desired, the data acquired from the UWB sensor can be processed by the imaging program to generate a significant image. Appropriate methods for acquiring and / or using occupancy data acquired in at least n portions with a UWB sensor will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Hall Sensor or Person Tracking In one embodiment, the Hall sensor or person tracking device includes a UWB device that includes a proximity sensor. Hall sensors or person tracking devices are configured to count people along a direction vector.

  By way of example only, a UWB device or UWB system can be configured to “recognize” who the elevator system is approaching the elevator. The system instructs the elevator car to search for a person who can know which floor he wants to go to before he gets into the car. Thus, the person is taken to the destination without having to press a button or otherwise issue a command. For example, based on data identifying the person, the system looks up a database that indicates the floor on which the approaching person is working and issues a command to the elevator car to bring the person to that floor. The system recognizes the person (ie, detects the person's identity) based on the presence of the UWB localizer or other device associated with the person (eg, based on the card the person is carrying, etc.) )can do. Alternatively, the system may recognize the person based on any other criteria or via any other means. By detecting the localizer, the system can detect the presence of a person outside the elevator. Alternatively, by using a UWB motion sensor, the system may detect the presence of a person outside the elevator. Yet another way in which a person's presence and / or identification information can be detected outside the elevator or elsewhere is that the data acquired through such detection can be used. As well as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Of course, if an elevator system with a UWB device is configured to automatically carry passengers to an inferred destination, each car will be used when a passenger is about to go to a floor that would normally not go, It may further include a button or other means capable of canceling the inferred destination command.

  As long as the localizer is used in an elevator system, such a localizer can be used to prevent or allow an occupant to leave the elevator on a certain floor. For example, if access to a floor is restricted, the localizer can include data indicating permission for any occupant to access that floor. Other ways that localizers or other forms of UWB technology can be used as security devices for elevator systems will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In another embodiment, the UWB sensor detects the presence of a person in the hallway or approaching the elevator. In response to such detection, the elevator system sends a car to place the person on the corresponding floor. If the car is already on that floor, the elevator system opens the door for the person to enter the car. Of course, these embodiments are variously modified.

  In another embodiment, a UWB sensor can be used to help deliver an elevator car as soon as possible by detecting the number of people behind a hall button that has been pressed or otherwise activated / activated. it can. The dispatcher can determine different numbers of cage call (s) when one person is waiting for one activated / activated button and when many people are waiting.

  In another embodiment, many elevators include a secure call button such as a VIP service. The secure call button entered by the first person is assisted by a UWB sensor that helps prevent the second person from “stooling” the safe call. The hall sensor can determine whether a person is waiting for a secure call and can then monitor the car being prepared for a secure call. If the second person attempts to ride the elevator that was called following the first person, the UWB sensor can send a signal to invalidate the safe call.

  Of course, these embodiments are subject to numerous variations.

Non-contact equipment or buttons One skilled in the art will appreciate that it would be desirable to provide equipment or buttons that the user can operate without the user having to physically touch the equipment or buttons. . By way of example only, such contact is undesirable if the button is concerned that it carries viruses or bacteria. In one embodiment, a contactless facility or button includes a UWB device that is configured to detect an object's direction vector and size.

  UWB radar detects the direction vector and size of objects and may be useful in hospitals and public spaces or other places where virus transmission is a concern. It is possible to reduce false object detection by techniques such as material identification. A fully digital miniature UWB radar can be embedded inside an elevator push button. Multiple buttons, such as up / down buttons, can operate with separate UWB radars in close proximity. By changing the beam characteristics, the button's radar can be narrowly focused on the cone just in front of the button. The low cost and low power requirements can make this technology suitable for elevator applications. With the techniques used in conventional non-contact switches and buttons, it is difficult to resolve interference from light, heat, water splashes, dirt, and other causes. UWB is less susceptible to these interferences. Adding UWB communication can also serve as a button communication device to a wireless transceiver located within the hoistway or elsewhere. Conventional wireless transmitters cannot pass through the building wall material and require wiring to reach the elevator hoistway. By using two UWBs as radar and communication devices, the button device can be reduced to a combination of proximity sensors and wireless communication devices on the same silicon. UWB localizers are used with UWB radar buttons to identify a person when a person approaches the button and unlock the locked security floor buttons that the person should have access to can do. Other ways in which UWB technology can be implemented in non-contact equipment or button applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Using a UWB device that utilizes separate transmitters and receivers, a finger or the like can be detected by simultaneously receiving and transmitting pulses and searching for reflections. A reflection pattern from a finger or the like can be stored and quickly compared with an incoming signal.

  In another embodiment, four UWB devices are placed at the four corners of the button panel and a processor is used to integrate the four signals and build an image map or model of the object in front of the panel. Multiple images can be used to determine the selection of the direction vector and the button to be activated.

  Still other embodiments of non-contact equipment or buttons using UWB technology are shown in the drawings included herein.

  Other ways in which UWB technology can be implemented in non-contact equipment or button applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Car Location It is desirable to detect and / or track the position of the elevator car. By way of example only, such position detection is useful for landing on a landing when stopped or for various other purposes. Several techniques for detecting elevator car position are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,651,028. That disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. There are various ways that UWB technology can be used to provide such detection and / or tracking. Such a UWB-based system can provide several advantages over the system disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,651,028.

  In one embodiment, one or more UWB sensors can be provided on or in the car to detect the position of the car. In this embodiment, the position of the car can be determined by sensors that refer to one or more reference points or devices on or in the walls, ceiling, and / or elevator shaft floor. In another embodiment, the UWB device comprises an altimeter and detects the position of the car as a function of height. In yet another embodiment, the UWB device detects the position of the car with reference to the bottom of the elevator shaft. In yet another embodiment, the UWB device refers to the top of the elevator shaft to detect the position of the car. In addition to or as an alternative to providing a UWB device in or on the car to detect the position of the car, a UWB device may be provided in the elevator shaft to detect the position of the car. Such device (s) can be placed on the top, bottom, and / or wall of the shaft. Suitable variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  It should also be understood that any UWB device configured to detect the position of the car can be used to detect properties such as the speed of the car.

CONCLUSION While various embodiments and concepts of the invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be made by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Can be achieved. Although some of such possible alternatives, modifications and variations have been mentioned, other forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a non-contact equipment or button using UWB technology.

Claims (1)

An occupancy sensor system for an elevator,
Elevator car,
One or more UWB sensors disposed in communication with the interior of the elevator car, wherein at least one of the one or more UWB sensors senses occupant biometrics in the elevator car. An elevator occupancy sensor system comprising one or more UWB sensors adapted to detect the presence of the occupant by measuring.

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