Device for controlling a physical system

• US 6,603,082 B1
• Filed: 10/10/2000
• Issued: 08/05/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ETH Zurich, Universität Zürich
• Original Assignee: ETH Zurich, Universität Zürich
• Inventors: Douglas, Rodney James, Verschure, Paul, Marchal, Pierre, Whatley, Adrian Maurice, Delbrück, Tobias
• Primary Examiner(s): GIBSON, RANDY W
• Application Number:
  US09/685,240
• Time in Patent Office: 1,029 Days
• Field of Search: 177/132, 177/133, 177/134, 177/135, 177/142, 177/143, 177/144, 177/199, 177/200, 177/45, 177/177, 177/238, 177/240, 177/244, 177/245, 177/126, 177/145, 177/25.11, 177/25.12, 177/25.13, 340/944, 340/666, 340/331, 340/332, 340/958, 340/691.1, 340/691.3, 340/541, 340/573.1, 340/531
• US Class Current: 177/132
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/414 using electronic computing means only
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/3728 with wireless means

Abstract

A device for controlling a physical system, such as a flow of pedestrians, in an extended area is suggested. In comprises a plurality of identical cell units with preferably hexagonal shape. The cell units are assembled in tile-like manner to form a floor. Each cell unit is equipped with a weight sensor, lamps of different colors, and optical communication ports as well as power connectors for connecting it to its neighboring cells. The cell units can be programmed to generate signals that control the physical system, such as signs understood by the pedestrians. Due to its modularity and simple design, the device is easy to install and maintain.

Claims

1. A floor to be walked upon by pedestrians, the floor comprising:

a two-dimensional array of cells, each cell comprising a weight sensor for detecting the presence of a pedestrian thereon and each cell comprising at least one signal emitter for providing feedback to the pedestrian; and

a control responsive to the detectors for driving the emitters.

2. The floor of claim 1 where in the cells are joined to form a hexagonal pattern.

3. The floor of claim 1 wherein the cells are substantially hexagonal.

4. The floor of claim 1 wherein each cell comprises a plurality of light sources of different colors.

5. The floor of claim 1 wherein the emitters emit light.

6. The floor of claim 1 wherein the emitters emit sound.