The present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems for controlling entry and/or exit through a barrier, such as a door, and more particularly, to touchless, pushbutton exit/entry devices, systems and methods thereof.
Barriers such as doors and gates generally require user input to operate the barrier. Most barriers are opened and closed manually through direct user contact. For example, a typical door may require a user to turn a door knob or handle or simply exert force on the door itself. Barriers may also be automated. To open an automatic door, for example, a user typically must press a button or input a code on a touchpad. Such automated doors may be implemented for convenience or security purposes or to assist those with physical handicaps. Regardless of the method of opening, these barriers generally require a user to make direct physical contact, generally by hand, with the barrier or a connected device.
In nearly every environment, user contact with a surface can result in the spreading of undesirable microorganisms, such as germs. Germs may be spread from the user to the surface and vice versa. Repeated user contact with such a surface contributes to the spreading of these germs to others who contact the surface. For example, a user wishing to open a door of a public facility must typically turn a door handle in order to open the door. Repeated opening and closing of the door can result in a buildup of germs on the handle. Any user who contacts the handle is exposed to the germs.
Because it is known that germs may be spread through contact with common objects, various systems have been developed to reduce the spreading of germs. For example, many public facilities such as public restrooms now have automated water and soap dispensers that allow users to wash their hands without making contact with any surfaces. While such systems are effective in sanitizing a user's hands, their effectiveness is short-lived as a user must then touch a door or door handle to open the door and exit the restroom. Depending on the hygiene of previous users, germs from that door or door handle may be spread to even those users who take care to sanitize their hands.
Thus, a need exists for devices, systems, and methods for touchless controlling of an entry/exit barrier.
The present disclosure relates to touchless, pushbutton exit/entry devices, systems and methods thereof.
In one aspect, a touchless, pushbutton exit/entry device of the present disclosure is a touchless door-control device designed to provide both contactless, fail-safe, egress/exit control as well as push-button egress/exit control. The touchless, pushbutton exit device can be used in conjunction with a host of existing security devices (e.g., Fire, Alarm Panel, and Access Control), or as a stand-alone solution. The present disclosure provides for at least three types of exit devices, i.e., an Infrared (IR) version, a Doppler (radar) version, and a low-power radar-based version. When motion is detected within a predetermined distance (e.g., about 5.5 inches for the Infrared version or about 24 inches for the Doppler version) of a faceplate of the exit device, an onboard relay is activated, providing control for intermittent as well as continuous duty locking devices.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for controlling opening and closing of a barrier includes a face plate including a front surface and a rear surface; a proximity detector disposed on the front surface of the face plate that detects an object within a predetermined distance of the proximity detector, an output of the proximity detector coupled to a controller; a pushbutton disposed on the front surface of the face plate having an open state and a closed state, the button coupled to the controller; and the controller coupled to a lock control device, the lock control device enables a barrier to be opened or closed, wherein upon receiving an output from the proximity detector that an object was detected or an input from the pushbutton changing from the open state to the closed state, the controller activates the lock control device to enable the barrier to be open.
In another aspect, the controller is coupled to the lock control device via a relay.
In a further aspect, the lock control device is at least one of a magnetic lock and/or a door strike.
In one aspect, the device further includes an indicator disposed on the face plate that indicates an operating state of the device.
In another aspect, the device further includes an audio output device that provides an audible indication that the barrier is enabled to be opened.
In yet another aspect, the device further includes a communication module that enables two-way communication with an external device.
In one aspect, the communication module operates by hardwire and/or wireless connectivity.
In a further aspect, the proximity detector is a passive infrared sensor.
In still another aspect, the proximity detector is a doppler sensor.
In one aspect, a detection distance of the doppler sensor is adjustable.
In a further aspect, the doppler sensor determines at least one of speed of the object, distance of object from the doppler sensor, an angle from object to the doppler sensor and/or a position of the object.
In yet another aspect, the device further includes a communication module that enables two-way communication with an external device.
In one aspect, the pushbutton is further configured to interrupt power to the lock control device when depressed.
In a further aspect, the device further includes an override input coupled to the controller for providing an input signal to the controller, wherein upon receiving the input signal from the override input, the controller activates the relay to enable the barrier to be open.
In one aspect, the override input is configured to be coupled to a switching device disposed externally from the device.
In another aspect, the device further includes an indicator disposed on the face plate that indicates an operating state of the device, wherein the operating state includes at least one of a standby state, open state and/or override state.
In yet another aspect, an antimicrobial film is disposed on the face plate and pushbutton.
In a further aspect, the device further includes a display and at least second and third pushbuttons coupled to the controller for programming the device.
In another aspect, the display and at least second and third pushbuttons are disposed on a substrate coupled to the rear surface of the face plate.
In yet another aspect, the proximity detector is a low-power radar-based sensor.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the disclosure.
Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Herein, the phrase “coupled” is defined to mean directly connected to or indirectly connected with through one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include both hardware and software-based components.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams presented herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo-code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable media and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for controlling entry and/or exit through a barrier, such as a door, and more particularly, to touchless, pushbutton exit/entry devices, system using such exit devices and methods thereof.
The touchless, pushbutton exit device of the present disclosure is a touchless door-control device designed to provide both contactless, fail-safe, egress/exit control as well as push-button egress/exit control. The touchless, pushbutton exit device can be used in conjunction with a host of existing security devices (e.g., Fire, Alarm Panel, and Access Control), or as a stand-alone solution. The present disclosure provides for at least three types of exit devices, i.e., an Infrared (IR) version, a Doppler (radar) version and a low-power radar-based version. When motion is detected within a predetermined distance (e.g., about 5.5 inches for the Infrared version or about 24 inches for the Doppler version) of a faceplate of the exit device, an onboard relay is activated, providing control for intermittent as well as continuous duty locking devices. Both normally-open and normally-closed contacts allow power to be applied or disconnected based on the electric door-lock design. Open-lock time delays can be configured or adjusted from about 5 to 120 seconds. The dual tech door control device of the present disclosure can be powered from any supply source having a voltage output from +12 VDC up to +24 VDC.
Referring to
Referring to
Visual indicator 202 (e.g., indicator 104 shown in
In one embodiment, the exit device 100, 120 may include a communication device or module 242 for two-way communications between the exit device 100 and an external device, e.g., a controller of a security system, a controller of a fire suppression system, another exit device, a human presence detector, etc. The communication module 242 may be a modem, network interface card (NIC), wireless transceiver, etc. The communication module 242 may perform its functionality by hardwired and/or wireless connectivity. The hardwire connection may include but is not limited to hard wire cabling e.g., parallel or serial cables, RS232, RS485, USB cable (e.g., USB-C), Firewire (1394 connectivity) cables, Thunderbolt™ cable, Ethernet, and the appropriate communication port configuration. The wireless connection may operate under any of the various wireless protocols including but not limited to Bluetooth™ interconnectivity, wireless Ethernet connectivity, near field communication (NFC) connectivity, infrared connectivity, radio transmission connectivity including computer digital signal broadcasting and reception commonly referred to as Wi-Fi or 802.11.X (where x denotes the type of transmission), satellite transmission or any other type of communication protocols, communication architecture or systems currently existing or to be developed for wirelessly transmitting data including spread spectrum 900 MHz, or other frequencies, Zigbee, and/or any mesh enabled wireless communication.
It is to be appreciated that the functions of the exit device 100, 120 shown in
In one embodiment, touchless sensor/detector 204 may include a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, such as sensor 106A shown in
In another embodiment, the touchless sensor 206 may include Doppler sensor, such as sensor/detector 106B shown in
In one embodiment, the doppler sensor 106B may have a Doppler Radar detection distance (i.e., a maximum detection distance) of about 49 feet (or about 15 m) with a Doppler Radar Sensitivity of: (Default 22 Db)—Configurable From 0 dB TO 34 dB. The Doppler sensor 106B can measure and/or calculate the following parameters:
In another embodiment, the touchless sensor/proximity detector may include a low-power radar-based sensor. The low-power radar-based sensor utilizes a 60 GHz radar sensor that transmits a waveform that reflects off an object in its field of view, e.g., a waving hand of an approaching person. The low-power radar-based sensor includes an adjustable detection distance and many similar adjustable parameters to sensor 106B. The adjustable sensitivity level enables the low-power radar-based sensor to detect human breathing (i.e., chest motion). Upon detecting movement, the low-power radar-based sensor sends a signal to the controller 222, where the controller 222 then transmits a control signal to relay 234 to enable the barrier to be opened.
The pushbutton 208 will interrupt power to the lock, overriding the electronic proximity device. Egress “open” delay (e.g., 5-120 seconds), is valid for both the proximity detector 204 as well as the push-button 208. Egress Buzzer Delay is independently adjustable from 5-120 seconds in both “touchless” and “button” modes. In one embodiment, the pushbutton 208 provides an input when pressed to the controller 222, where the controller 222 then activates the relay 234 to enable opening of the barrier. It is to be appreciated that the pushbutton 208 has an open state (i.e., when the pushbutton 208 is not depressed or its normal state) and a closed state (i.e., when the pushbutton 208 is depressed by a user). When depressed by a user, the pushbutton 208 will provide a closed contact input signal to the controller 222 indicating a request for the barrier to be open. Additionally, the pushbutton 208 may be configured to interrupt power to the locking device of the barrier via contact and wires 236 when pressed by a user. In this manner, if the exit device 100 loses power or becomes inoperable, the pushbutton 208 may still operate the associated barrier, e.g., by interrupting power to the lock control device.
It is further to be appreciated that the exit device 100 supports “fail safe” relay status. In one embodiment, the control relay 234 may be wired to the locking device via a normally-opened contact of the relay 234. In this embodiment, the controller 222 activates the relay 234 to close the normally-opened contact and provides power to the locking device of the barrier or door in a standby state. Upon receiving an indication to open the barrier or door (e.g., via sensing motion, pressing of push button 208, etc.), the controller 222 will activate the relay 234 to open the contact and interrupt power to the locking device. Additionally, upon loss of power to the exit device 100, the relay 234 will fail to the normally opened position and interrupt power to the locking device of the barrier, thus enabling opening of such barrier.
The exit device 100 contains an emergency override input 224 on the rear of the device 100, which is looped-out (OFF) by default. An external normally-closed switching device (e.g., from a fire alarm or other certified emergency system) may be inserted into the input terminal block to force the door-lock open during emergencies. When the override input 224 is opened, the controller 222 will detect the status of the input 224 and activate the relay 234 to enable opening of the barrier or door. The door-lock will remain active until the device 100 is power-cycled.
In one embodiment, the exit device plate 102 and push-button 108 are covered with antimicrobial film for germ free contact. The device 100 is Fail-Safe and will unlock the door if the device power is lost. The exit device is designed to fit in Mullion, Single-Gang, and Double-Gang form factors providing nearly universal adaptability. It is to be appreciated that in one embodiment at least a portion of the components shown in
The exit device 100 has two modes of operation: 1.) General Operation—unlocking an exit door and 2.) Door-lock Override—a remote signal or local switch can set the door-lock open for an indefinite period of time.
In general operation, when the touchless, pushbutton exit device 100 is powered up, the LED array indicator 202 will be red, indicating that the exit device 100 is in the standby state, waiting for a “hand wave” across the faceplate motion sensor/detector 204, or the pushbutton 208 to be pressed. To unlock the door, a user may pass a hand across the motion sensor window 115 (including the proximity detector 106A, 106B) within a predetermined distance of the faceplate surface and/or press pushbutton 108. The LED array will change to green and the buzzer 232 will sound, indicating that the motion sensor 204 has detected a hand and has activated the door-control relay 234, unlocking the door. The LED array indicator 202 will remain green for an adjustable, period of time or “Door Open Time”, e.g., 35 seconds (factory default), and the door-control relay 234 will remain active for that time. Upon termination, the controller 222 will reset the door-control relay 234 and the door will be relocked. The LED array indicator 202 will then glow red to indicate that the exit device 100 is in the standby state.
The door-lock override input 224 allows a remote signal to override the “standby” state, operate the door-control relay 234, and unlock the door. The door-lock override input 224 will operate with a dry-contact relay, a dry-contact switch or a transistorized switching device that can offer a “near-zero” resistance between the terminal block connection points of the input 224. The door-lock override input 224 is shorted across (i.e., held OFF) by default from the factory.
When a local or remote switch is connected to the door-lock override input 224, the exit device may operate as follows: 1. When the door-lock override input 224 is closed: The LED array indicator 202 will appear in the standby state (RED). The LED array indicator 202 will change to GREEN when users request a “door-open” state and will remain in that state for the preset period of time. 2. When the Door-lock Override switch is opened: The LED array indicator 202 will become half-RED and half-GREEN, the buzzer 232 will sound for 5 seconds and then remain silent and the door will unlock and remain unlocked until the door-lock override input 224 is closed. When the Door-lock Override switch is closed: The LED array indicator 202 will return to the standby state (RED), the buzzer 232 will sound for 5 seconds and then remain silent and the exit device 100 will operate normally, i.e., awaiting a wave or button press.
It is to be appreciated that any installed Fire Detector System, Alarm Panel, or Access Control system with a normally closed (NC) output relay can be wired to the door-lock override input 224. When the integrated output from the Fire System, Alarm Panel, or Access Control system changes state from a closed loop to an open loop, the output relay will override the normal door function, and unlock all associated door locking devices for as long as the integrated output remains in an open loop condition (i.e., Lock is disengaged and the ½ RED/½ GREEN LED array indicator 202 on the Touchless/Push-Button Exit Device 100 remains on).
The touchless, pushbutton exit device 100, 120 may can be programmed for time delay and sensitivity using 2 push-button switches labeled “SELECT” 226 and “ENTER” 228 located on the back of the exit device 100 while observing the dual 7-segment display 230. It is to be appreciated that the pushbuttons 226, 228 and the display 230 may be disposed on a substrate 107 or PCB 113 as described above, where the pushbuttons 226, 228 and the display 230 would face in a direction opposite the front face of the face plate 102. The display 230 shows the programming status and allows for quick and easy setup. When the device 100, 120 is powered up, the display will show r n “run” as illustrated in
It is to be appreciated that the exit device 100, 120 of the present disclosure may be programmed by an external device, e.g., a computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc., in lieu of employing the pushbuttons 226, 228 and the display 230. In one embodiment, a programming application may execute on the external device, where the external device is coupled to the exit device 100, 120 via the communication module 242. The various adjustable parameters described above may be adjusted via the external device and stored in memory 240. In one embodiment, the communication module 242 includes a port or connector (as described above) and the external device is coupled to the communication module 242 via an appropriate cable, for example, the communication module 242 include a USC port and the external device is coupled to the USB port via a USB cable. In another embodiment, the communication module 242 operates under the various wireless protocols described above and the adjusting of parameters is conducted via over-the-air (OTA) programming.
The touchless, pushbutton exit device of the present disclosure shall be installed on the egress side of a door approximately 40-48 inches (1-1.2 m) vertically above the floor and within 60 inches (1.5 m) of the secured door openings. After power is applied to the exit device 100, the door-control relay 234 will become active and will remain normally-active until an egress request is applied. When operated, the manual release device shall result in direct interruption of power to the electrical lock—independent of the locking system electronics—and the lock shall remain unlocked for not less than 30 seconds. (Door-lock “Open” Delay when set for factory default.)
It is to be appreciated that exit device 100 shown in
It is to be appreciated that the various features shown and described are interchangeable, that is a feature shown in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment.
While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Furthermore, although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘——————’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/131,861, filed Dec. 30, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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