Kone Elevator Gmbh

Hannu Kulju

Risto Kontturi

Alpo O Varri

The invention relates to a procedure and apparatus for detecting and counting objects having velocities and that are in a certain area, wherein at least one passive detector detects background radiation, the signal obtained from said detector is amplified to produce a second signal independent of the distance and size of the object. The frequency content of this second signal is analyzed to chart the movements of the objects. To produce an inexpensive and simple detector, detection of movement of each object and generation of a signal with a frequency content are achieved by dividing the change in background radiation caused by each object into a succession of flashes hitting a surface capable of detecting the background radiation, so that the detector provides an electrical signal the frequency of which is characteristic of the velocity of each object and changes in proportion to the change in the velocity of each object.

Procedure and apparatus for detecting objects moving at varying speeds

A method is disclosed for selecting different modes of operation of a means used for counting objects in a given area, such as persons waiting in an elevator lobby. In the method, the movements of the objects are monitored with at least one Doppler radar by observing the Doppler frequencies of the signals reflected by the objects. The method is characterized in that the operation of the means is switched between two modes of operation, so that the mode of operation primarily carrying out the counting of objects on the basis of their stopping and starting is used during a given time interval, and the mode of operation primarily observing merely the movements of the objects is used during another given time interval.

Method for selecting the mode of operation of an object counting means

A method of and apparatus for counting objects present within a predetermined area, by detecting acceleration and deceleration of the objects employ at least one Doppler radar to sense the movements of the objects by monitoring the Doppler frequencies of signals reflected from the objects, amplifying the Doppler signal reflected from each of the objects to provide an amplified signal, effecting an automatic gain control of the amplified signal to provide a signal of substantially constant strength independent of the distance and size of the respective object, detecting a frequency variation of the constant strength signal as an indication of change in the speed of movement of a respective one of the objects, determining whether the constant strength signal represents an acceleration or deceleration of the respective object, and correspondingly modifying a count representing the number of the objects in the predetermined area.

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Hyvinkaa, Finland

Hannu Kulju