HANDS-FREE DOOR OPENING SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A method for automatically operating a door system by a patron desiring to enter an inside area from an outside area through a portal secured by a door, wherein operation of the door is controlled by a motorized mechanism and locked by a latching mechanism communicating with a controller, the controller communicating with a first actuator positioned within the outside area and a second actuator positioned within the inside area, the controller responsive to signals received by the first and second actuators for operating the door, the method comprising:
- setting the door system including the controller to a ready state;
providing an occupancy status of the inside area to the patron approaching the first actuator in the outside area;
directing the patron to request the door be opened in response to an unoccupied status for the inside area;
providing an actuating signal by the patron to the first actuator by the patron desiring to open the door;
transmitting a door opening signal from the first actuator to the controller;
opening the door in response to the door opening signal from the controller to the motorized mechanism;
sensing a presence of the patron within the inside area using a presence sensor;
automatically closing the door in response to a door closing signal from the controller;
locking the door in response to a latching signal from the controller;
setting the first actuator to an in use status;
indicating the in use status for the inside area at the first actuator; and
indicating a door ready for opening status at the second actuator.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Automatically operating a door system is controlled by an affirmative action of a patron. An occupancy status of an inside area is provided to the patron approaching the door from an outside area. The patron is directed to request the door be opened in response to an unoccupied status. A presence of the patron in the inside area is sensed and the door automatically closed, and optionally locked. One actuator is set to an in use status indicating use of the inside area by the patron. A door ready for opening status is provided to the patron. With an affirmative action with a second actuator by the patron desiring to open the door and exit the inside area, the door is unlocked and opened. Sensing an absence of the patron within the inside area, the door is automatically closed, and first actuator reset to the ready state.
48 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for automatically operating a door system by a patron desiring to enter an inside area from an outside area through a portal secured by a door, wherein operation of the door is controlled by a motorized mechanism and locked by a latching mechanism communicating with a controller, the controller communicating with a first actuator positioned within the outside area and a second actuator positioned within the inside area, the controller responsive to signals received by the first and second actuators for operating the door, the method comprising:
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setting the door system including the controller to a ready state; providing an occupancy status of the inside area to the patron approaching the first actuator in the outside area; directing the patron to request the door be opened in response to an unoccupied status for the inside area; providing an actuating signal by the patron to the first actuator by the patron desiring to open the door; transmitting a door opening signal from the first actuator to the controller; opening the door in response to the door opening signal from the controller to the motorized mechanism; sensing a presence of the patron within the inside area using a presence sensor; automatically closing the door in response to a door closing signal from the controller; locking the door in response to a latching signal from the controller; setting the first actuator to an in use status; indicating the in use status for the inside area at the first actuator; and indicating a door ready for opening status at the second actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification