Patent ID: 12258807

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a building wall module1for partitioning a first region21from a second region22. The building wall module1is configured to be used in a building instead of a building wall constructed from masonry, concreted, and/or in drywall installation (e.g., a wood, plastic, composite material, and/or metal construction in conjunction with, e.g., gypsum boards). Such types of construction are known to a person skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the building wall module1can be a building inner wall, e.g., it can separate the private inner region of an apartment (e.g., the first region21) from a (non-private) outer region (e.g., hallway or stairwell) (e.g., the second region22) in an apartment building. Similarly, the building wall module1can be used, for example, as a building inside wall in an office building, hotel, or the like; in a hotel, the building wall module1can separate two adjacent rooms, for example. In another embodiment, the building wall module1can be a building outer wall, e.g., it can separate the inner region (e.g., the first region21) of a non-public building (e.g., a residential building, hotel, business building, or the like) from the public outer region (e.g., a road or a public space) (e.g., the second region22). In the following, the first region21is designated as the inner region21, and the second region22is referred to as the outer region22.

For illustration purposes, the building wall module1is shown inFIG.1in conjunction with a situation given, by way of example, in which a user20and an object13are located in front of the building wall module1, i.e., in the outer region22. InFIG.1, the object13is shown, by way of example, as an autonomous vehicle (AV); the autonomous vehicle can also be referred to as a robot. A person skilled in the art recognizes that, in another embodiment, the object13can be an autonomous aircraft (drone). Such autonomous vehicles, robots, and aircraft are equipped to drive or fly independently and without the influence of a person and to navigate to a programmed target. A person skilled in the art recognizes that, in another embodiment, the object13can also be a pet. In the embodiment shown, the user20and the object13are each equipped with a radio device27,27a, as is explained in more detail at another point in this description.

In the embodiment shown, the building wall module1comprises a frame structure2, a sliding primary door system5(also referred to below as the “sliding door system”), an electrical interface device7, and a secondary door system3, wherein the secondary door system3enables access to a compartment15, i.e., the access to the compartment15is released or blocked. In the embodiment shown, the secondary door system3is arranged close to the ground—for example, to allow access to an autonomous vehicle13or a pet. The secondary door system3can also be arranged at a different height in order to allow access, for example, to a drone or the user20. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the compartment15is configured according to the arrangement of the secondary door system3.

The compartment15has a fixed spatial volume which projects into the first region21and is connected to the wall panel25. At a partition wall projecting into the first region21, the compartment15has a lockable door15athrough which the compartment15is accessible from the first region21. The door15acan, for example, be arranged laterally (x-direction), frontally (when viewed from the region21), at the top, or, if the compartment15is not arranged on the ground or close to the ground, below. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the door15acan be configured as required, and that more than one door15acan be present. The door15ahas a closing device15bby which the door15acan be locked and unlocked from the region21. The closing device15bcan be configured in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.

The compartment15is not limited to the embodiment shown inFIG.1. In one embodiment, the compartment15can consist of several individual compartments, which can be arranged, for example, next to one another and/or one above the other. With reference toFIG.1,3-5individual compartments of this kind can, for example, be arranged one above the other. The individual compartments can be allocated to different users20.

In the situation shown inFIG.1, the user20and the object13may be authorized to access the inner region21at the sliding door system5, e.g., because the user20lives or works there, and the object13belongs to a user who is living or working there, delivers an article to him, or collects an article from him. Alternatively, only the user20may be authorized to access the inner region21at the sliding door system5, whereas the object13may be authorized only to access the secondary door system3. In this case, depending upon the configuration of the building wall module1and control of the access, the object13can enter the compartment15, for example, via an open secondary door system3, and from there enter the inner region21. Access to the secondary door system3can also be controlled in such a way that the object13can only deposit an article into the compartment15or retrieve it from there when the secondary door system3is open. In one embodiment, a corresponding control can apply to the user20, i.e., the user20can be access-authorized only at the secondary door system3, in order to deposit an article into the compartment15or to retrieve it from there when the secondary door system3is open. In the present description, the term, “access,” has the meaning of entering a space, going into it, reaching into it, depositing something in it, or removing something from it.

A wall panel25(hereafter referred to as wall inner panel25) facing the inner region21, and a wall panel23(hereafter referred to as wall outer panel23) facing the outer region22, and lateral fastening devices17are arranged on the frame structure2. The wall inner panel25is arranged substantially in parallel with the wall outer panel23, and the fastening devices17are provided for connecting the building wall module1to the building. In relation to the x-y-z coordinate system shown inFIG.2, the building wall module1has a length L in the x-direction, a depth T in the y-direction, and a height H in the z-direction; the building wall system1extends in a plane which is spanned by the x- and z-axes.

The sliding door system5comprises a door frame5aintegrated into the frame structure2, which door frame has a passage region5band a wall shell region5c. A sliding door4is displaceable in the door frame5abetween a closed position and an open position, wherein the wall shell region5cat least partially receives the sliding door4in the open position. The secondary door system3is integrated into the frame structure2and is arranged and controllable separately from the sliding door system5. The secondary door system3comprises a secondary door3awhich can also assume a closed position and an open position.FIG.3A-FIG.3Cshow, by way of example, different positions of the sliding door4and the secondary door3a; in this case, the secondary door3ais also configured as a sliding door. In these illustrations given by way of example, the secondary door3ais (horizontally) displaceable in the x-direction; in another embodiment, the secondary door3amay be (vertically) displaceable in the z-direction. In a further embodiment, the secondary door3acan be configured as a swing door having a vertically or horizontally aligned hinge.

A person skilled in the art recognizes that the dimensions of the building wall system1, and in particular its height H and length L, can be adjusted to building-specific specifications. For the passage region5bof the sliding door system5, standard widths or minimum widths can be specified, depending upon the building. Since the wall region5csubstantially completely receives the sliding door4in the open position, a length (width) of the wall region is thus also predetermined. The same applies to the secondary door system3when it is equipped with a sliding door3a, wherein a width of a door region3cis substantially freely configurable. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1and2, the passage region5bof the sliding door system5is of the (first) width W and a (first) height, and the door region3cof the secondary door system3is of a (second) width and a second height. Depending upon the embodiment, the second width is smaller than the (first) width W, and/or the second height is less than the first height. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the length or width and height of the secondary door system3are adjusted to the planned use (e.g., for mail, parcel, and goods delivery and/or access for the object13); the secondary door3acan, for example, be of a similar height to the sliding door4.

The electrical interface device7(IF) shown schematically inFIG.1is configured to electrically connect the building wall module1to a building system12of the building, shown inFIG.2. In one embodiment, the building wall module1is supplied with electrical energy exclusively by means of the electrical interface device7. In one embodiment, the electrical interface device7is furthermore configured for communication between the building system12and the building wall module1—for example, for checking an access authorization and an associated actuation of the building wall module1. In one embodiment, the communication between the building system12and the building wall module1takes place exclusively by means of the electrical interface device7. Further components of the building wall module1and the functions thereof are described elsewhere in this description—inter alia, in conjunction withFIG.2.

Since the building wall module1can be used instead of one of the conventional building walls mentioned, the building wall module1is configured in terms of load-bearing capacity (e.g., when used as a load-bearing wall), fire protection, sound protection or sound insulation, thermal insulation, and burglary protection, such that it has properties which, depending upon the use and buildings, correspond to those of a conventional building wall. The building wall module1can be made of a material or a combination of different materials which fulfill these properties to a defined degree. In one or more interior spaces of the building wall module1, an insulation material (e.g., mineral or synthetic type) can, for example, be arranged, and/or wall surfaces can be made of non-combustible or flame-retardant material (e.g., metal or gypsum).

The manner in which the building wall module1is to be connected to the building depends upon which of the mentioned construction types the building, or the environment in which the building wall module1is to be situated, is created from. The fastening devices17can, for example, be holes or recesses, into which screws can be inserted in order to screw the building wall module1to the building. In another embodiment, the fastening devices17can be configured as struts or bolts, in order to brick in or concrete in the devices, and thus the building wall module1. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the circular fastening devices17shown inFIG.1and the number thereof are given by way of example.

In the situation shown inFIG.1, the technology described herein can be used in an advantageous manner. Firstly, access to the private or non-public inner region21can be easily granted to the user20by means of the sliding door system5. The secondary door system3can be used, for example, by delivery services (e.g., for mail and goods delivery by persons or an autonomous vehicle or aircraft (drone)), in order to deposit articles in the compartment15; for the delivery, the secondary door system3is opened and then closed again. In one embodiment, the compartment15is separated from the inner region21in an access-proof manner (i.e., the delivery person cannot reach the inner region21) and, after the closing, also from the outer region22; the user20can therefore also be absent during delivery, without worrying about unauthorized access to the inner region21or removal from the compartment15. In one embodiment, the compartment15has a lockable door to the inner region21, which door can be opened by the user20in order to remove, for example, deposited mail or goods.

Secondly, the technology described here offers the advantage that the building wall module1can replace an entire building wall or at least a large part thereof that is provided for access to the inner region21. The building wall module21comprises all system components which are required for this purpose, wherein the electrical interface device7is provided as a single electrical connection to the building. The building wall module1can thus be transported as a unit to the building, in order to be mechanically and electrically connected to the building in a time-saving manner on-site.

The sliding door4has two, substantially parallel door leaves26(on an inner side and an outer side of the sliding door4, respectively). The door leaves26are spaced apart from one another (in the y-direction) such that there is an inner space, between the door leaves26, in which system components and insulating material, e.g., for soundproofing and fire protection, can be arranged. The door leaves26can be connected to one another in the region of an end face30, which points in the direction of the passage region5b. Each of the door leaves26extends in parallel with the x-z plane.

FIG.2is a schematic view of the building wall module1in which system components, given by way of example, are arranged. In addition to the electrical interface device7already mentioned, the system components of the sliding door system5comprise a control device8(DC), an identification device14(TX/RX), and a first drive unit6(M). In one embodiment, the sliding door system5is connected to the building system12(BM); in the embodiment shown inFIG.2, this connection takes place by means of an electrical connection28. The building wall module1is supplied with electrical energy via this connection28. In one embodiment, operation of the building wall module1can be ensured by the supplied energy, without external control signals or control commands being supplied to it. In this embodiment, system components which check, for example, a key, an access code, or another type of access authorization are integrated (locally) in the building wall module1such that it can be operated autonomously, apart from the electrical energy.

In another embodiment, external control signals or control commands can be supplied to the building wall module1—for example, in conjunction with the checking of an access authorization. In this embodiment, the electrical interface device7is furthermore provided for communication between the building system12and the building wall module1. For this purpose, the electrical connection28comprises a communications network to which the building system12and the interface device7are coupled. The building system12may comprise a computer-assisted building management system in which data of access-authorized users20and objects13are stored. A person skilled in the art recognizes that, for this purpose, the building system12can be coupled to an IT infrastructure for what is known as cloud computing (also known as the “cloud” in colloquial terms). This includes, for example, storing data in a remote data center but also executing programs that are installed remotely rather than locally. Depending upon the configuration, a certain functionality can be made available, for example, in the controller8or via the “cloud.” For this purpose, a software application or program parts thereof can be executed in the “cloud,” for example. The controller8then accesses this infrastructure via the interface device7, as required, in order to execute the software application.

In one embodiment, the electrical connection28can comprise an electronic bus system. In one embodiment, the electrical connection of the sliding door system5, including its supply with electrical energy, is established via the interface device7. A person skilled in the art recognizes that several sliding door systems5can be provided in the building, and that each of these sliding door systems5is coupled to the electrical connection28, in order to communicate with the building system12, e.g., in conjunction with determining and checking access authorizations, if this is carried out centrally by the building management system.

In the embodiment shown, the sliding door4comprises a sensor unit10, which is connected to the control device8by an electrical connection32. The control device8is also connected to the drive device6and the interface device7by means of an electrical connection34. The electrical connections32,34are configured for signal and/or energy transmission; for this purpose, they can each comprise individual electrical lines or an electrical bus system.

The control device8is furthermore connected to the identification device14. The identification device14is configured to detect a credential from the user20and the object13, on the basis of which their access authorizations can be determined. Depending upon whether these are used by the user20or the object13, credentials of this kind can, for example, be in the form of a physical key, a manually input password (e.g., a PIN code), a biometric feature (e.g., fingerprint, iris pattern, speech/voice characteristics), or an access code acquired from a magnetic card, chip card, or RFID card, or from an electronic device (NFC-, Bluetooth- or cellular network-based). The credential is presented by the user20and the object13when access to the inner region21is desired.

In accordance with the mentioned forms which the credentials can take, the credentials can be presented in different ways—for example, by a deliberate manual action (e.g., entering a PIN code or holding out an RFID card), or by approaching the sliding door4in order to come within radio range of the identification device14(e.g., for establishing an RFID or Bluetooth connection). The identification device14can be arranged on the sliding door4or in the vicinity thereof; it can be arranged, for example, on an outer side of the sliding door4, such that it can acquire the credentials if the user20is in the outer region22.

The identification device14is configured according to the credentials provided in the building. This means that the identification device14has, for example, a door cylinder, a device for capturing a biometric feature, a device for capturing an optical code, a reader for a magnetic stripe card or a chip card, a keypad or a touch-sensitive screen for manually entering a password, or a transceiver for radio signals. A person skilled in the art recognizes that, in one embodiment, the sliding door system5can have more than one identification device14, each for a different type of credentials, or that one recognition device14is configured for several types of credentials.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, the identification device14captures credentials, which a radio device27of the user20or a radio device27aof the object13transmits as a radio signal. The radio signal can be transmitted in accordance with a known standard for radio communication (e.g., RFID, WLAN/WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth). Accordingly, the identification device14is configured to receive such a radio signal; for this purpose, a transceiver16and an antenna connected thereto are shown inFIG.2.

The transceiver16, alone or in conjunction with the controller8, determines the credentials from the received radio signal, which is then used to determine the access authorization. If the credentials are valid, the user20is granted access to the sliding door4; in this case, the control device8actuates the drive unit6, which moves the sliding door4towards the open position. The user20can also be granted access to the secondary door3a, in order to deposit mail or goods in the compartment15; in this case, the control device8actuates a drive unit33of the secondary door system3, which opens the secondary door3a. If the credentials are not valid, the sliding door4and/or the secondary door3aremain closed and locked. For the object13, the verification of the credentials, and the operation of the sliding door4and/or the secondary door3a, take place in an analogous manner. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the object13can also be granted access to the sliding door4.

The sensor unit10is arranged on the end face30of the sliding door4, wherein the arrangement of the sensor unit10can depend upon the sensor technology used. The sensor unit10can be configured, for example, as a light barrier, in order to detect the presence of an object (user20, object13, or another article). The light barrier extends along the end face30. In another embodiment, the sensor unit10can comprise a depth sensor (3D camera). Such a depth sensor can be arranged in a region of an upper corner or edge of the sliding door4. From this elevated region, the sensor unit10has an optimized detection field11in the direction of the passage region5band the floor. A detection field11, by way of example, is shown inFIG.2(vertical, x-z plane) and inFIG.3B(horizontal, x-y plane). In addition, the sensor unit10is better protected in this region from dirt and damage (e.g., from vandalism).

An electrical sensor signal generated by the sensor unit10depends upon whether the passage region5bis free or is blocked by the user20or an object. If the passage region5bis free, the control device8initiates the closing of the sliding door4according to a predetermined procedure. In the case of a blocked passage region5b, the closing process is not initiated, or, if it is already initiated, is interrupted by the control device8. Depending upon the configuration of the building, the control device8can also generate an acoustic and/or visible optical alarm in the event of a blocked passage region5b.

If, in one embodiment, the sensor unit10comprises a 3D camera, this can be based upon the principle of time-of-flight measurement (ToF sensor). The 3D camera comprises a light-emitting diode unit or laser diode unit which, for example, emits light in the infrared range, wherein the light is emitted in short pulses (e.g., several tens of nanoseconds). The 3D camera also comprises a sensor group consisting of a number of light-sensitive elements. The sensor group is connected to a processing chip (e.g., a CMOS sensor chip), which determines the time of flight of the emitted light. The processing chip simultaneously measures the distance to a number of target points in space in a few milliseconds.

The 3D camera can also be based upon a measuring principle according to which the time-of-flight of emitted light is captured via the phase of the light. The phase position when the light is emitted and when it is received is compared, and the time elapsed or the distance to the reflecting object is determined therefrom. For this purpose, a modulated light signal is preferably emitted, instead of short light pulses. Further details on measurement principles are given, for example, in the following publications: “Fast Range Imaging by CMOS Sensor Array Through Multiple Double Short Time Integration (MDSI),” P. Mengel et al., Siemens AG, Corporate Technology Department, Munich, Germany, and “A CMOS Photosensor Array for 3D Imaging Using Pulsed Laser,” R. Jeremias et al., 2001 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, p. 252. A person skilled in the art would recognize that, as an alternative to such a 3D camera, another device can also be used for determining the object distance—for example, a device based upon electromagnetic waves in the radio wavelength range (radar).

Some of the mentioned system components (control device8, sensor unit10, identification device14, interface device7) are arranged on the sliding door4and move along with the sliding door4; at least a part of the drive unit6can also be arranged on the sliding door4, in order to move it relative to the door frame5a. In one embodiment, the control device8is arranged in a region between the door leaves26—for example, in the region of a rear side31, opposite the end face30, of the sliding door4. In one embodiment, the rear face31of the sliding door4is not visible from the outside, because the sliding door4can be wider than the passage region5b, and the rear face31therefore remains in the wall shell region5c, even in the closed position of the sliding door4. The drive unit6and the interface device7can also be arranged in the region. The electrical connections32,34are accordingly arranged between the door leaves26and are not visible from the outside. However, the technology described here is not restricted to this arrangement of the components, which is mentioned by way of example.

In one embodiment, the sliding door system3comprises the sliding door3a, wherein the sliding door system3is configured to be mechanically analogous to the sliding door system5; i.e., the sliding door system3has a door frame3bintegrated into the frame structure2, which door frame has a door region3cand a wall shell region3d. The electromechanical drive unit33is arranged on the sliding door3aand is connected to the control device8of the sliding door system5by means of an electrical connection29. The drive unit33and the control device8are configured to actuate the secondary door3asuch that it is released or blocked. In one embodiment, the control device8of the sliding door system5generates the control signals and/or control commands required for the operation of the secondary door3a. The control device8checks or initiates a check, for example, of whether a presented credential is valid for the secondary door3a, and this can then be opened. Depending upon the embodiment of the sliding door system3, it can also comprise a sensor device; such a sensor device can be configured analogously to the sensor device10and its function.

The functionalities of the sliding door systems3,5are described below with reference toFIGS.3A-3C, on the basis of an embodiment of the building wall system1. In this case, the description is predominantly based upon the sliding door system5; the functioning of the sliding door system3corresponds to that of the sliding door system5.FIGS.3A-3Care each schematic views of a horizontal cross-section of an embodiment of the building wall module1having the sliding door systems3,5. Each of these views shows the components which the sliding door4comprises (sensor unit10(S), control device8(DC) and drive unit6(M)); for the purpose of illustration, the interface device7and the connection thereof to the building system12are not shown. The drive unit6and the control device8are arranged inside the sliding door4, and in particular between the door leaves26. The wall shell region5chaving the structure for receiving the sliding door4in the open position is also shown inFIGS.3A-3C. From the sliding door system3are also shown the sliding door3a, the drive unit33, the sensor device10a(S), the door region3c, and the wall shell region3dhaving a structure for receiving the sliding door3ain the open position.

The sensor unit10is arranged on the end face30. The arrangement is selected such that the electromagnetic radiation (light or radio waves) can propagate unhindered towards the passage region5bduring operation. The sensor unit10can, e.g., be inserted into a recess in the end face30and protected from damage and dirt by a radiation-permeable cover. The electrical connection32(FIG.1) between the sensor unit10and the control device8and the electrical connection34(FIG.1) extend within the sliding door4—for example, between the door leaves26.

The embodiment shown of the sliding door system5is based upon a principle that is similar to a principle known from EP 2876241 A1. The document describes a sliding door system in which two opposing door surfaces are coupled to an actuator which moves the door surfaces towards or away from one another. In relation to the sliding door system5according to the technology described here, this means that the two door leaves26have a leaf spacing d1when the sliding door4is in the closed position. During the opening of the sliding door4, the two door leaves26are moved towards one another by means of an actuator9(FIGS.3A-3C) until they have a leaf spacing d2, which is dimensioned such that the sliding door4, when in the fully or partially open position (FIG.3B andFIG.3C) thereof, has such a small thickness that it fits into the receiving structure of the wall shell region5c. The leaf spacing d1is greater than the leaf spacing d2. If the sliding door4is pushed out of the wall shell region5c, the two door leaves26are moved away from one another (spread apart) such that the sliding door4assumes a defined thickness when closed (FIG.3A). The thickness is determined in such a way that the outer sides of the two door leaves26, in the closed position, are substantially flush with the outer sides of the wall shell region5cor the cladding thereof (wall outer panel23, wall inner panel25). As a result, a substantially smooth finish is achieved on both wall sides in the door region.

In one embodiment, the sliding door system5has, on a door cross member, a guide device, which supports the sliding door4and guides it on its path between the closed position and the open position. The sliding door4has a complementary device on its upper edge. The guide device and the complementary device cooperate when the drive unit6causes the sliding door4to move and acts on the complementary device; they can, for example, form a system having a telescopic extension. The drive unit6can comprise, for example, a motorized or pneumatic sliding drive which acts on the telescopic extension.

In one embodiment, the two door leaves26are moved towards or away from one another by the actuator9. The actuator9can comprise a spreading device which is activated mechanically, electrically, or electro-mechanically. The spreading device is configured to move the door leaves26towards one another when the sliding door4is to be opened, and to move them away from one another when the sliding door4is to be closed. A person skilled in the art would recognize that other spreading devices can also be provided instead—for example, cylinders actuated by a pressure medium.

FIG.4is a schematic view of an embodiment of the control device8for the building wall module1shown inFIG.1. The control device8has an interface device44(I/O) which is electrically connected to a processor40(μP) and has several terminals46,48,50,52,54for input and output signals. The terminal46is connected to the drive unit6, the terminal48to the sensor unit10, the terminal50to the identification device14, the terminal52to the building management system12via the interface device7, and the terminal54to the drive unit33of the secondary door system3.

The controller8also comprises a storage device36which is electrically connected to the processor40. In the embodiment shown, the storage device36has a storage region38for a database (DB), and a storage region42for one or more computer programs (SW) for operating the sliding door system5and the secondary door system3. In one embodiment, the operation of the sliding door system5comprises, for example, opening the sliding door4as a function of the recognized user20. The computer program can be executed by the processor40.

The database stores one or more associated datasets for the user20and the object13that are authorized to access the sliding door4and/or the secondary door3a. A stored dataset of this kind is also referred to below as a user profile. Depending upon whether it is for the user20or the object13, the user profile comprises specific data, e.g., name of the user20, operator object13, access authorization to the sliding door4and/or the secondary door3, an opening width W (seeFIG.3B) up to which the sliding door4is to be opened, information on the credential (key number, PIN code, access code, including biometric data), and possibly time access restrictions (e.g., access from Monday to Friday, from 7:00 to 20:00). If several users20and objects13are authorized to access the sliding door4and/or the secondary door3a, the database stores a user profile for each user20and each object13. As an alternative to creating a user profile in the database of the storage device36, a user profile can be created in a database of the building management system, wherein the control device8is able to access the database by means of the electrical connection28. An authorized user20can create and manage such user profiles for himself and further users and/or objects13assigned to him. For example, an access code for the secondary door system3can be transmitted to a delivery service (user20or object13). In another embodiment, a building manager may create and manage the user profiles.

With the understanding of the basic system components described above and their functions, a method, by way of example, for operating the access building wall module1, proceeding from the situation shown inFIG.1, is described below in conjunction withFIG.5. The description is given by way of example in conjunction with the radio device27of the user20and the radio device27aof the object13, wherein these radio devices27,27aare activated and ready for use. The method shown inFIG.5begins with a step S1and ends with a step S5. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the division into these steps is by way of example, and that one or more of these steps may be divided into one or more sub-steps, or that several of the steps may be combined into one step.

In a step S2, the identification device14receives a credential which is presented either by the user20or the object13. The credentials can be provided and transmitted in one of the above-mentioned forms. In one embodiment, the credential is transmitted either by the radio device27of the user20or the radio device27aof the object13. The control device8checks whether a user profile has been created in the database38for the credential.

If this check reveals that a user profile is created for the received credential, in a step S3, it is determined whether the credential is authorized to access the sliding door4or the secondary door3a. In addition, it can be determined whether restrictions and/or conditions are specified in the user profile—for example, an opening width W or a time access restriction.

In a step S4, the door (3a,4) determined in step S3is actuated. If the credential authorizes access to the sliding door4, the drive unit6of the sliding door system5is actuated by the control device8in order to open the sliding door4. If the credential authorizes access to the secondary door3a, the drive unit33of the secondary door system3is actuated by the control device8in order to open the sliding door3a. In this case, the determined door (3a,4) is released from the substantially closed position into the open position. Controlled by the control device8and taking into consideration the width W stored in the user profile, the drive unit6, for example, moves the sliding door4until the width W is reached.

In one embodiment, the control device8initiates the subsequent closing of the determined door (3a,4)—for example, after expiration of a defined opening period and/or when the sensor device10indicates that the passage is free again. After closing, the determined door (3a,4) is locked.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.