Patent ID: 12205424

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES

Reference will now be made in detail to the present examples, including examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It should be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the disclosure and the claims.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the systems and methods described here and is not intended to limit the systems and methods to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or described below.

FIG.1depicts a diagram of an illustrative door access management system. In one embodiment, a detection unit110can detect access requests of a user. Control unit120can process requests detected by detection unit110. Control unit120can exchange information and/or send signals to detection unit110, interaction unit130, execution unit140, and other systems. Interaction unit130can interact with user. Execution unit140can comprise execution devices, such as one or more lockers and/or door opening mechanisms. Execution unit140can also send signals to other lockers, door opening mechanisms, valves, and/or switches.

FIG.2depicts a diagram of an illustrative detection unit200. In one embodiment, detection unit200can comprise a detection system210, a processor220, a memory230, a power supply240, a display system250, an output system260, and a communication system270. Detection system210can comprise different types of sensors to detect different properties, such as movement, pose, temperature, or geometry of an object or individual. In some examples, detection system210can comprise one or more laser generators, laser detectors, lenses, light sensitive materials, heat-sensitive materials, acoustic generators, electromagnetic sensitive materials, and sound wave receivers, etc. Processor220can, in some embodiments, exchange information with memory230, and process the information into useful references for display system250and output system260. In some embodiments, power supply240can comprise power adapters and batteries. In further embodiments, display system250can comprise lights, indicators, and interfaces. In another aspect, output system260can comprise relays or pulse generators. Communication system270can comprise WIFI, Bluetooth, or other types of wireless modules, in some examples. In other embodiments, communication system270can further or alternatively comprise wired communication methods.

FIG.3depicts a diagram of an illustrative control unit300. In one embodiment, control unit300can comprise an input system310, a processor320, a memory330, a power supply340, a display system350, an output system360, and a communication system370. Input system310can comprise one or more different types of circuits for receiving signals from detection unit200, interaction unit400, execution unit500, and other systems. Processor320can exchange information with memory330, and process the information into useful references for display system350, output system360, and communication system370, in some examples. In another aspect, power supply340can comprise power adapters and batteries. Display system350can comprise lights, indicators, and interfaces, in some examples. In further examples, output system360can comprise relays or pulse generators, etc. Communication system370can comprise WIFI, Bluetooth, or other types of wireless modules, in some examples. In other embodiments, communication system370can further or alternatively comprise wired communication methods.

FIG.4depicts a diagram of an illustrative interaction unit400. In some embodiments, interaction unit400can comprise an input system410, a processor420, a memory430, a power supply440, a display system450, an interaction system460, an output system470, and a communication system480. In one aspect, input system410can comprise different types of circuits for receiving signals from control unit300. In another aspect, processor420can exchange information with memory430, and process the information into useful references for display system450, interact system460, and output system470. In a further aspect, power supply440can comprise power adapters and batteries. Display system450can comprise lights, indicators, and interfaces, in some examples. In another aspect, interact system460can comprise touch screens, buttons, speakers, and microphones, etc. In a further aspect, output system470can comprise relays, or pulse generators, etc. Communication system480may comprise WIFI, Bluetooth, or other types of wireless modules, in some examples. In other embodiments, communication system480can further or alternatively comprise wired communication methods.

FIG.5depicts a diagram of an illustrative execution unit500. In some embodiments, execution unit500can comprise an input system510, an execution system520, a power supply530, a manual system540, an output system550, and a communication system560. In one aspect, input system510can comprise different types of circuits for receiving signals from control unit300. In another aspect, execution system520can perform locking/unlocking and/or opening/closing of a door, valve, or switch. In a further aspect, power supply530can comprise power adapters, and batteries. Manual system540can allow user to manually control execution system520, in some examples. In further examples, output system550can comprise relays, or pulse generators, etc. In another aspect, communication system560can comprise WIFI, Bluetooth, or other types of wireless modules. In other embodiments, communication system560can further or alternatively comprise wired communication methods.

FIG.6depicts illustrative components for a door access management system650and door600. In one aspect, the management system650/660can control door600so as to open or close the door, or lock or unlock the door. In another aspect, the management system650/660can further control the lights in a room (e.g., turning lights on/off), valves in a room (e.g., opening/closing the valves), and other suitable automatic devices/systems. In a further aspect, the management system650/660can be provided in any suitable shapes or geometries. In one illustrative example, on low priority side610of door600, the door access management system650(i.e., the portion of the management system engageable from side610of door600) can control a door opening mechanism680, valves in the room (not shown in drawing), and switches in the room (not shown in drawing). In another aspect, on high priority side620of door600, the door access management system660(i.e., the portion of the management system engageable from side620of door600) can control the door opening mechanism680, a door locker670, valves in the room (not shown in drawing), and switches in the room (not shown in drawing).

In another embodiment, the door access management system650/660can be coupled or otherwise anchored to opposing sides of non-moving portion630of a building or door frame. Of course, the management system can also be placed at any suitable location for any reasonable managing purpose. For example, to prevent a crowded waiting line blocking entrance to or exit from a room, the present invention for low priority side may be placed on a wall away from the room. The management system650for low priority side610of door600can use WIFI, infrared pulse signal, or any other suitable signals to communicate to a target for controlling door access. Similarly, management system660on high priority side620of door600can also be placed at any suitable location in a room. In another aspect, for convenient purpose, the room can further include a second management system650/660in any suitable shape/geometry for controlling a toilet flushing and toilet cover lifting up/down.

FIG.7depicts a flowchart of an illustrative method for managing door access. In some embodiments, a user can initiate the process by making an access request at step710. The management system can interpret the request at step720. At step730, the system can execute one or more actions based on step720.

FIG.8depicts a flowchart for describing some embodiments of step710ofFIG.7in more detail. In some examples, at step810, an individual's movement or pose that is in proximity to the management system can be detected and monitored. At step820, the management system can interpret the movement or pose as a request to perform a function and check whether the user's request is valid. At step820, in further examples, multiple types of detectors can be used to ensure accurate interpretation of the individual's movement or pose. At step830, after a valid request has been detected, the management system can process the request. For example, at step830, once an unlock request has been detected, the detection unit110inFIG.1can send a signal to control unit120inFIG.1to initiate an unlock action.

FIG.9depicts a flowchart for describing some embodiments of step720ofFIG.7in more detail. In some examples, at step910, control unit120inFIG.1can check the current door status (open/close or locked/unlocked), one or more user requests, and a priority for each request. At step920, the control system120inFIG.1can analyze all information. For example, in step920, the control unit120inFIG.1can compare a priority of a new request with a priority of a prior request.

FIG.10depicts a flowchart for describing some embodiments of step730ofFIG.7in more detail. In some examples, at step1010, control unit120inFIG.1can reject a new request based on a current status. For example, if the door is currently at an unlock status, a new request to unlock the door may result in step1010(rejection based on current status). Following step1010, at step1040and based on the rejection, no action will be taken. At step1070, feedback can be provided to a user through interaction unit130inFIG.1.

In another aspect, at step1020, control unit120inFIG.1can accept a new request after checking or analyzing a current status. For one example, if the door is currently at an unlock status, a new request to lock the door at the side with relatively higher priority can result in step1020. Following step1020, at step1050, the management system can perform the requested action (e.g., lock/unlock or open/close the door). In alternative or further examples, at step1050, the management system can also control other appliances, such as flushing a toilet or activate a sterilization/disinfectant device. At step1070, feedback can be provided to a user through interaction unit130inFIG.1.

In a further aspect, at step1030, control unit120inFIG.1can reject a new request based on priority. For example, if the door is currently at a lock status as requested at the side with relatively higher priority, a new request to unlock the door at the side with relatively lower priority may result in a rejection of the request at step1030. Following step1030, at step1060, no action can be taken. At step1070, feedback can be provided to a user through interaction unit130inFIG.1.

FIG.11depicts an example door access control method for a low priority side of a door. In some embodiments, system650ofFIG.6can comprise a detection unit, a control unit, an interaction unit, and an execution unit. In one aspect, the detection unit can comprise multiple generators and detectors1110. In another aspect, the interaction unit can comprise an “In-Use” display1120, and a “Vacant” display1130. In a further aspect, display1120and display1130can comprise lights to indicate respective status. In still further aspects, the execution unit can comprise a mechanical system1140for manual control or override in abnormal cases.

In some embodiments, mechanical system1140can comprise handles, a keyhole, or a screwdriver hole. In an abnormal event (i.e., a malfunction, power outage, etc.), a user can easily unlock the door with one hand, a screwdriver, or tool.

In further examples, a user can control a door to close with movement1150(indicated by the dotted arrow inFIG.11). In another embodiment, if the door is not locked from the high priority side, the “Vacant” display1130can be illuminated, and the light associated with the “In-Use” display1120can be off. In another aspect, if the door is locked from the high priority side, the “In-Use” display1120can be lit up, and the “Vacant” display1130can be turned off. In a further aspect, if the door is not locked from the high priority side, one can request that the door open by using a reverse movement in the opposite direction of movement1150. System650can also output one or more signals to another door open/close device, and/or receive feedback from another door open/close device.

FIG.12depicts an example door access control method for a high priority side of a door. In some embodiments, system660ofFIG.6can comprise a detection unit, a control unit, an interaction unit, and an execution unit. In one aspect, detection unit can comprise multiple generators and detectors1210. In another aspect, interaction unit can comprise an “In-Use” display1220, and a “Vacant” display1230. In some examples, display1220and display1230can comprise lights to indicate respective status. In further examples, the execution unit can comprise mechanical system1240for manual control in abnormal cases.

In some embodiments, mechanical system1240can comprise a handle, a keyhole, or a screwdriver hole, for example. In case of abnormal conditions (e.g., power outage or malfunction), a user can easily unlock the door with one hand, a screwdriver, or a tool.

In one aspect, a user can request that the door open or close in the same way as described inFIG.11. In another embodiment, a user can request a door to lock with movement1250. In a further embodiment, if the door is not locked from the high priority side, the “Vacant” display1230can illuminate, and the “In-Use” display1220light can be off. In other examples, if the door is locked from the high priority side, the “In-Use” display1220can be illuminated, and the “Vacant” display1230can be turned off. In further embodiments, a user can request a door to unlock with a movement in the opposite direction of movement1250. In another aspect, a user can request a door to unlock and open with a movement in a direction opposite movement1250. In another example, a user can request that a door unlock, followed by a door open and an electric valve operation, with a movement in the opposite direction of movement1250. For example, the electric valve operation can control a toilet flushing. System660can also output one or more signals to another door open/close device, and/or receive feedback from another door open/close device.

FIG.13depicts a diagram of an example detection unit. In some examples, detection unit1300can comprise multiple generators and detectors1310-1380. In one aspect, generators and detectors1310-1380can be arrayed in any combination on one or multiple faces of detection unit1300. For example, detection unit1300can comprise heat-sensitive detector1310and electromagnetic detector1320on one face. In other examples, detection unit1300can comprise infrared light generator1330, infrared light detector1335, sound wave generator1340, and sound wave detector1345on another face. In further examples, detection area1350, detection area1360, detection area1370, and detection area1380can be located at a distance of approximately 100 mm from heat-sensitive detector1310, electromagnetic detector1320, infrared light detector1335, and sound wave detector1345, respectively. Such combinations of multiple detection areas can correspond with different requesting movements and/or poses.

FIG.14depicts an example of a door access control method. In one aspect, detection unit1400can comprise multiple detectors1410, each corresponding to a displayed number or symbol1420. In another aspect, numbers and symbols1420can comprise lights for illuminating to indicate their respective status. In a further aspect, a user can program a customized control move1430that starts from a location corresponding to display number 9 and moves past the display numbers 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 9, 8, 7 in sequence, and ending at number 6. In another aspect, the user can then program detection unit1400to associate the customized control move1430with one or more requests (e.g., open/close door, lock/unlock door, etc.).

FIG.15depicts an example of another door access control method. In one aspect, detection unit1500can comprise multiple detectors1510, each corresponding to a displayed number or symbol1520. In another aspect, numbers and symbols1520can comprise lights for illuminating to indicate their respective status. In a further embodiment, a user can program a movement such as inputting the number 34 by motioning over number 3 followed by a movement to the center of detection unit1500, followed by motioning over number 4. In another example, these inputs or movements can be achieved with movement1530(as shown inFIG.15) followed by movement1540for inputting the number 3, and then movement1550followed by movement1560for inputting the number 4. Of course these are only illustrative examples and any suitable or intuitive movement for programming a movement/sequence can be used.

FIG.16depicts another example of a door access control method. In one aspect, system1600can comprise a detection unit, a control unit, an interaction unit, and an execution unit. In some examples, interaction unit can comprise an “In-Use” display1630and a “Vacant” display1640. In further examples, display1630and display1640can comprise lights for indicating their respective status. In another aspect, detection unit can comprise multiple detectors1620. In a further aspect, a user can control a door lock with movement1650associated with a locking request. In another example, a user can control a door lock by performing a movement in the opposite direction of movement1650for requesting an unlock. In still further examples, the execution unit can comprise a manual handle1610.

FIG.17depicts another example of a door access control method. In one aspect, a user can manually control a door lock with a pressing downward movement1710for unlocking.

FIG.18depicts an example of a door access management system. In one aspect, the system1800can comprise a detection unit, a control unit, an interaction unit, and an execution unit. In some examples, interaction unit can comprise an “In-Use” display1810, a “Vacant” display1820, an “Open” button1830, a “Close” button1840, and a “Lock” button1850. The “Open” button1830can unlock the door and open the door. In another illustrative example, display1810and display1820can comprise an interface, a screen, and/or lights to indicate respective status. In another example, detection unit can comprise multiple types of detectors. In a further example, detectors can be embedded in face1870, face1880, and/or face1890, defining a detecting space1860. In some embodiments, detection unit can detect material spectrum, geometry, movement, poses, electromagnetic, thermal property, vibration, color, texture, or other properties of a target within the three-dimensional space1860.

Other examples of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the examples disclosed herein. Though some of the described methods have been presented as a series of steps, it should be appreciated that one or more steps can occur simultaneously, in an overlapping fashion, in a different order, or a different timeframe. The order of steps presented is only illustrative of the possibilities and those steps can be executed or performed in any suitable fashion. Moreover, the various features of the examples described here are not mutually exclusive. Rather, any feature of any example described here can be incorporated into any other suitable example. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.