EP3526963A1

EP3526963A1 - Object monitoring apparatus with infrared image capture and infrared pulse illumination

Info

Publication number: EP3526963A1
Application number: EP17794899.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lukas BOLLIGER; Christoph Schlott; Daniel Nef; Urs Hunziker
Original assignee: Bircher Reglomat AG
Current assignee: Bbc Bircher AG
Priority date: 2016-10-11
Filing date: 2017-10-10
Publication date: 2019-08-21
Also published as: WO2018069341A1; DE102016119343A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for monitoring an object (102), wherein the apparatus (100) has: an infrared-emitting pulsed electromagnetic radiation source (116) designed to illuminate, using at least one infrared pulse, the object (102) to be monitored; and an infrared-sensitive image-capture device (72) designed to at least partially capture at least one image of the object (102) to be monitored while said object is being illuminated using the at least one infrared pulse.

Description

Object monitoring with infrared image recording and infrared pulse illumination

The invention relates to a device and a control method and an arrangement.

Various methods are known for controlling doors and gates based on a measurement of an object moving therethrough. For example, US Pat. No. 7,984,590 describes a stereometric sensor which, by independently controlling and motorizing horizontal door leaves, opens a sliding door adapted to the contours of the passing object.

Various methods for detecting three-dimensional objects are known. One of them is projected by means of a projected onto the object

Light grid allows the three-dimensional recognition. Here it is

Light grid (structured light) a need for three-dimensional sensor technology, since only one camera is used and the system without

Lichtgitter has no three-dimensional sensors. A typical procedure from this environment is the fringe projection.

Generally, therefore, the monitoring of objects can be simple and

error-prone manner be desirable. For example, conventional monitoring systems rely on time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of light, which is cumbersome, energy-intensive, and error-prone. TOF denotes the transit time measurement of a light beam.

It is an object of the present invention to make object monitoring fault-robust and energy-efficient. This object is achieved by the subject matters according to the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims. According to one embodiment of the present invention is a

An apparatus for monitoring an object is provided, the apparatus comprising an electromagnetic (in particular infrared emitting only) pulsed (i.e., not continuously emitting but in the form of pulses spaced apart in time) electromagnetic radiation

Radiation source, which is set up, the object to be monitored with

at least one infrared pulse (in particular with a series of temporally spaced infrared pulses) to illuminate, and a

infrared-sensitive (especially only in the infrared range sensitive)

Has image pickup device, which is set up, in part, at least partially or at least temporarily during the lighting with the

at least one infrared pulse to record at least one image (especially multiple images) of the object to be monitored.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring an object, wherein

Method, the object to be monitored is illuminated with at least one infrared pulse, and at least one infrared image of the object to be monitored (in particular within at least a limited time interval) partially, at least partially or at least temporarily recorded during the lighting with the at least one infrared pulse (optionally at least one pulse illumination period and at least one activity period of the

Image recording are synchronized).

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement comprising an access structure with one of An object to be passed opening, at least one closure body for selectively at least partially opening or at least partially closing the opening and a device having the features described above for controlling a coverage characteristic of the opening by the at least one closure body based on the at least one recorded image of the object to be monitored ,

In the context of the present application, the term "infrared" is understood to mean, in particular, non-visible electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths greater than that of visible light

electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of more than 800 nm, more particularly more than 1 pm, still more particularly between 800 nm and 1 mm. Cameras with sensitivity to infrared radiation which can be implemented according to exemplary embodiments of the invention can be used in the low-frequency infrared range for body heat sensors as well as in the

higher-frequency infrared range normal cameras with (for example, additional and / or not filtered away) sensitivity to infrared radiation at the infrared end of the visible light range. In the context of the present application, the term "object" is understood in particular to mean any physical structure, in particular a movable or moving structure, whose trajectory or behavior is to be detected Examples of such an object are a person, a vehicle, a machine or a vehicle machine part.

In the context of this application may be under the term

"Cover characteristic" in particular be understood how large an uncovered by the at least one closure body opening area for

Allowing the object to pass is which shape has such an opening area and / or for which time interval such an opening area remains open. In the context of this application, the term "object adaptive"

in particular, a criterion for configuring the opening of a passage (in particular only) so far or a bit further understood that an object can pass through the opening. Thus, the term stands

object-adaptive as opposed to object-unspecific control systems where the opening is complete or up to a predetermined (or fixed)

Opening width. In the context of this application, the term "closing body" can be understood to mean, in particular, a physical barrier which can be composed of one or more components in order to close off a partial area or the entire opening. a rigid door, a roller door, a roller shutter, etc., which may be horizontally and / or vertically movable, foldable, foldable and / or can be formed or rolled out.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is a

Monitoring system for an object created in which one or more non-visible infrared pulses are emitted to illuminate the object to be monitored temporarily with infrared light. By temporarily illuminating the object, its recognizability can be made possible on one or more recorded infrared images with high quality. By the mere

Pulsed operation of the infrared radiation source (in contrast to a permanent lighting), their operation is possible with low energy consumption. In addition, with the infrared-related monitoring arrangement, monitoring of an object can be carried out discretely, and without disturbing the object (for example a driver of a vehicle) in its particular safety-relevant activity by visible additional light. By illuminating the object with the infrared radiation, in addition, the brightness or the contrast of the object on the image or images are improved. Overall, the monitoring system works fault-robust, low-energy and simple.

More specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention

created three-dimensional monitoring or sensor system, which may be formed for example from at least one passive camera as an image pickup device, an infrared flash device as a radiation source and the control device. The camera can be sensitive (especially only) in the infrared range. The image recording device of the monitoring system can have at least one camera with at least one camera optics or at least two cameras (wherein a stereometry system can also be implemented with a pinhole camera without optics). The infrared flash device can be rhythmically turned on and off during active times (for example, the image capture device). For the three-dimensional monitoring or image recognition are none

consuming and error-prone transit time measurements of electromagnetic waves are required (ie no TOF is required). The control device can provide for the synchronization of the recordings of the at least one passive camera with the flash duration and flash time of the infrared flash unit. In the following, additional embodiments of the device, the arrangement and the method will be described.

According to one embodiment, the infrared-sensitive

Imaging device be set up within at least one

limited time interval (in particular within a plurality of temporally spaced apart time intervals), which may coincide at least partially with one or more phases of the illumination with the at least one infrared pulse to receive the at least one image of the object to be monitored. The apparatus may further comprise a controller (which may be configured, for example, as a processor) for controlling the Radiation source and the image pickup device may be configured such that at least one pulse illumination period of the radiation source and at least one activity period of the image pickup device for

Imaging is synchronized (i.e., timed to each other or

coordinated) are. In particular, the control means for coordinately controlling the radiation source and the image pickup device such

be set up that at least one infrared emission-free

Non-illumination period (ie, a period in which the radiation source emits no infrared radiation, for example, one or more periods between infrared pulses) of the radiation source and at least one inactivity period or non-recording period of the image pickup device (ie, a period in which the image pickup device is not ready to take an image, for example) are synchronized or

coincide. Selective during the activity periods of the radiation source so the image pickup device can be switched active, which is made possible by the temporary illumination of the object and its recognizability on one or more recorded images with high quality. By the image recording device between the recording of multiple images or in

Periods between pulses can be switched inactive, is not only the operation of the infrared radiation source, but also the operation of the

Image recording device with low energy consumption possible.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the image recording device can have at least one camera with a camera optics multiplying a detection path or a plurality of cameras. A "camera optics multiplying a detection path" can be understood to mean, in particular, a number of optical paths, each of which directs a subarea of an object or other spatial area to be imaged to a common camera (see Figure 2) Camera possible using lenses, beam splitters, Reflectors, etc. Partial images from different spatial areas and / or observation directions can capture simultaneously. Alternatively, multiple cameras and / or at least one movable camera can be used to capture stereometric information.

According to one embodiment, the radiation source and the

Imaging device form an object recognition device, which detects the object based on the at least one recorded image

is set up. For this purpose, the object recognizing means may take the one or more recorded images in consideration of

Evaluate emission characteristics of the radiation source, for which in particular methods of image recognition can be used.

According to one embodiment, the object recognition device may be a stereometric object recognition device, in particular configured for recognizing the object by means of triangulation using three-dimensional photogrammetry. Thus, the one-dimensional sensor system

consider stereometric models, which are preferably based on triangulation by three-dimensional photogrammetry.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the device may have a decoding device which is set up for decoding information which is encoded by means of infrared ink and / or infrared phosphor means in a space to be monitored, in particular on the object. Infrared ink and / or

Infrared phosphorescence agent may have the property of being recognizable on an image only in the presence of infrared light. In particular, the sensor system can detect markings formed by means of infrared ink and / or infrared phosphorescence paint, with which the object or the surroundings can be provided. It is particularly preferred that the further information coded or encrypted with these colors be used by means of the Objekterkenneinrichtung be recognized and decoded by the decoder.

According to one embodiment, the object recognition device can be designed to match different images (for example of the same object) to one another, to which different emission intensities of the respective at least one infrared pulse are assigned. Thus, for example, differently brightened recordings can be compared against each other such that overall better object recognition and / or

Noise suppression (for example, insect suppression, snow, rain, sleet, fog suppression) is achieved.

According to one embodiment, the radiation source may be formed with the at least one infrared pulse, preferably a bidirectional one

Initiate communication with a communication partner device,

in particular, to transmit data to the communication partner device, in particular to transmit coded data to the communication partner device. By the infrared flash device or the radiation source can therefore a

Response from another device. Preferably, such a response may be based on data transmitted by the emitted infrared light. It may be particularly preferred that this transmission is encoded or cryptographically secured.

According to one embodiment, the device may include a

Communication device (for example, a transmission and / or

Receiving antenna) configured to receive information obtained from the monitoring (for example, via a communication network such as the public Internet or a mobile radio network)

Communication partner device (for example, a server or a portable device such as a mobile phone) to transfer. So the monitoring system can Surrounding (eg zone occupied, escape route occupied, motion alarm, object sizes and object vectors, identity data of detected tags, etc.) and / or environmental information (for example rain shower, snowfall, etc.) to other systems.

According to one embodiment, the device may include a

Have power management device, which is set up, the

Radiation source when recording the at least one image at least temporarily turn off when a predetermined image quality criterion (for example, a target contrast) without lighting with the at least one

Infrared pulse is met, especially in daylight and / or if contours of the object meet a predetermined clarity criterion. According to such a management of the active times of the radiation source, for example, this can be switched off during the day for energy savings or with very clear contours (this can be referred to as cyclical operation).

According to one embodiment, the device may include a

Have power management device, which is set up, the

Radiation source for receiving the at least one image only turn on when a power supply readiness of a temporary

Energy storage for supplying the radiation source was detected with energy. Such a temporary energy store may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a capacitor that is volatile

Power source is fed. If this temporary energy store is currently operational to provide energy, a corresponding message or sensory detection may trigger the infrared pulse emitting to capture the at least one image.

According to one embodiment, the radiation source for emitting infrared light in a wavelength range between 700 nm and 100 pm, in particular in a wavelength range between 800 nm and 30 μm, in particular of approximately 10 μm. It has been found that particularly precise image capturing is possible in this wavelength range. These include in particular those indicative of body heat

Wavelength range (especially 7 pm to 14 pm) and are thus to

Capture of human objects particularly well suited.

According to one embodiment, the radiation source for emitting infrared light according to a predeterminable (in particular spatially

asymmetric) emission direction emission intensity characteristics. Thus, the intensity of the radiation of infrared light in different spatial directions may be different. So that can

asymmetrical geometric environmental conditions are taken into account. For example, if a space to be monitored is longer than high, the infrared power radiated in the longitudinal direction may be higher than the infrared power radiated in the vertical direction to sufficiently illuminate distant objects too.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus may further for controlling a coverage characteristic of one of the monitored object

passing opening be established by at least one closure body. In particular, the control device can be set up

Object-adaptive control of the coverage characteristic, for which the recorded image information can be used. Thus, based on the

Monitoring result, a coverage characteristic of an opening to be passed by an object to be controlled by at least one closing body. The infrared pulse-related monitoring system can thus be advantageously used for access control through gates or doors. According to one embodiment, the control device may be configured to control the coverage characteristic based on geometric object data and / or at least one additional situation characteristic. In the context of this application, the term "geometrical object data" can be understood in particular to be information regarding the size and / or shape of one or more objects that are to pass through the opening completely or partially free from the closing body For example, if a vehicle of constant shape and size is to pass through the opening

In addition, however, such geometrical object data can also be dynamic, for example if a person is to pass through the opening as an object, which constantly changes its outer contour while walking. geometric

Object data may also indicate the position or trajectory of an object before and / or passing the aperture. In the context of this application, the term "additional situation characteristic" may in particular be used as a criterion for setting the partial area of the opening which remains uncovered by the at least one closure body

Allowing the object to be understood, which information relates not only to the shape, size and position of the object, but instead to at least one of the present situation of allowing an object to pass

contribute dependent information for the adjustment process. Such an additional situation characteristic may according to one embodiment of the

Object type to be dependent on the opening to pass. In this case, for example, a distinction may be made between a first situation in which the object is a person and a second situation in which the object is an object. Human needs when passing through an opening in terms of remaining free space to the at least one

Shooting body or a limitation of the opening can be taken into account in order to avoid discomfort of a user when passing through the opening. Objects, however, are subject to such a potential Discomfort is not, so that in this situation a remaining space can be chosen less or even zero. Further, if the object is human, it may depend on at least one other property

People (for example, belonging to a particular culture, gender, age, status within an organization, state of mind,

Movement speed, etc.) carried out an adjustment of the coverage characteristic. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to consider, as the at least one additional situation characteristic, a property of the scenario passing completely outside the object of passing the object through the aperture for setting the coverage characteristic. For example, a temperature, a season, a weather, a

Temperature difference between inside and outside, etc. are used as such a criterion. Accordingly, a system for setting a

Covering characteristic of an opening by one or more

Closing provided, in which not only shape, size or position in the form of geometric object data of the passing object is taken into account or, but in addition the setting of

Covering characteristic of the current situation or the current scenario when passing the object through the opening exposed to an adjustable degree is included in a corresponding control of the at least one closing body. By accomplishing object geometry-related and situational closure body control, both hard and soft parameters can be taken into account in the adjustment to achieve a sufficiently large opening degree with a sufficiently large opening time for comfortable and safe passage of the object. At the same time, the degree of opening or

Opening time sufficiently small or short to be selected

minimize parasitic energy transfer between an interior and an exterior of the opening. As a result, a high degree of operational safety, a high degree of user comfort and energy-efficient operation can be combined. According to one exemplary embodiment, the geometric object data may include geometric object dimensions (in particular a shape and / or a size of the object) and / or position data indicative of a position of the object (for example a position of the object at a detection time and / or an expected or predicted position of the object upon reaching the opening) or consist thereof. In other words, the geometric object data may relate to the intrinsic geometric properties of the object as well as its extrinsic geometric properties relative to the opening and / or the at least one closure body. Such information may be previously known and / or by a

Objekterkenneinrichtung using methods of image processing, pattern recognition, fuzzy logic, etc. are determined. The shape and / or size of the object form a lower limit for the dimensioning of a passage surface, which is at least to be observed when passing the object through the opening.

According to one embodiment, the at least one additional

Situational characteristics are independent of the geometric object data and be indicative of a situation when passing the object through the opening. In other words, the additional situation characteristic compared to the geometrical object data just contribute a complementary information, which can therefore also enhance the precision and validity of the control of the at least one closure body. In other words, it may be at least one additional

Situation characteristic does not deal with geometric object data, but in contrast to the present situation of the object

Passing the object dependent on the opening

Complementary information. According to one embodiment, the device may include a

Incorrect object detection device adapted to detect a false object in a surrounding area of the opening that does not desire access to the access structure through the opening. So if an object is in the

Entrance area of an access structure (for example, in the area of a gate in front of a building) is detected, this object may still be one that wants to penetrate into the access structure, or just a wrong object, only by accident or to another Purpose in the

Entrance area of the access structure (for example, cross traffic). If a wrong object (for example due to its orientation, speed or other behavior) can be differentiated from an object actually requiring access to the access structure, the number of incorrect opening operations may expose at least part of the opening to the at least one closing body be reduced. This increases the security of access control and improves the energy balance.

According to one embodiment, the device may include a

Have collision detection means for detecting an imminent collision of the object with an access structure around the opening

is set up and further configured to trigger a collision avoidance event upon detection of an imminent collision. According to such

Embodiment can therefore be the collision detection device

Identify collision courses and initiate based on one or more measures, such as providing an additional opening width and / or the issuance of warnings and / or the stimulation or initiation of an alternative route.

According to one embodiment, the controlled coverage characteristic may comprise at least one of a group consisting of one in one Opening state for allowing the object to pass from the passage surface of the opening kept free by the at least one closing body, and a

Opening time for passing the object before one, in particular

complete, reclosing the opening by the at least one closure body.

According to one embodiment, the device for controlling the

Covering characteristic based on the geometric object data and the at least one additional situation characteristic to be set up such that an energy transfer between an exterior of the opening and a

Inner of the opening during an opening to let the object is kept as small as possible. Information regarding opening width and / or opening time can also be passed on to a heating and / or cooling system (for example for providing a warm air curtain) for this purpose.

According to one embodiment, the device for controlling the

Covering characteristic be set up so that during a

Passing the object through the opening of the at least one

Closing body still remains partially covered. Thus, according to

Embodiments of the invention just a continuous transition between a fully open and a fully closed configuration of the opening possible, with each intermediate stage (that is, each partial

Degree of coverage) can be adjusted as needed. According to one embodiment, the device for controlling the

Covering characteristic be set up so that during a

Passing the object through the opening of the at least one

Closing body remains free as far as one through the geometric

Object data given base opening and in addition to the base opening given by the at least one additional situation characteristic Additional opening occurs. Thus, according to one embodiment, the

Both requirements must be taken into account, namely the

Ensuring an objectively required minimum size of the uncovered opening and the addition of a (possibly also motivated by subjective criteria) free space.

According to one embodiment, the additional opening may be a multi-opening and / or a longer opening relative to the base opening. In this context, a multiple opening is understood in particular to mean a buffer area which is actually not required for passage of the object for geometrical reasons, but is additionally provided for the purpose of increasing security or avoiding discomfort for the person described above for the reasons described above. In this context, a longer opening is understood in particular to mean a buffer time which may not be necessary for passing the object due to its kinematics, but from the above

described considerations for increasing safety or to

Avoiding a person's discomfort can be additionally provided. These increased and / or longer openings may also affect a person as the driver of a vehicle (for example, give the driver the certainty that a gate for a passage is sufficiently wide open).

According to an embodiment, the access structure may be selected from a group consisting of a building, a room, a machine, a vehicle, a storage, a garage, and a hangar. Other access structures are of course also possible.

According to one embodiment, the at least one closing body may be selected from a group consisting of at least one

pivotable controllable closing body, at least one

longitudinally movable controllable closing body, and at least one rollable controllable closing body. Also foldable closure body or the like can be used.

According to one embodiment, the at least one closing body may be selected from a group consisting of at least one horizontally movable closing body and at least one vertically movable closing body. Also obliquely movable closing body are possible.

In particular, in the horizontal and / or vertical direction may be provided in each case a closing body or a plurality of closing body.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for monitoring an object according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows part of an apparatus for monitoring an object according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows an arrangement with a device for monitoring an object and for correspondingly controlling closure bodies according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a region of an opening which is not covered by a closing structure during the passage of an object through this region, the region being formed from a basic opening corresponding to the dimensions of the human anatomy and a situation-dependent additional opening. The same or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

Conventional camera-based three-dimensional sensor systems operating with significant sensor sensitivity in the infrared range have been found to degrade these systems in their basic three-dimensional sensor capability when dealing with difficult infrared radiation situations in the sensor area. These difficulties may be the absence or lack of any illumination in the high-frequency infrared range, or the presence of high-intensity continuous sources (permanent heat radiators) in the low-frequency infrared range.

Especially in the high-frequency infrared range is a pure

Additional lighting with an infrared radiation source for energy reasons suboptimal.

Furthermore, dyes are known which inorganic crystalline

Contain compounds of rare earth elements. These have the property to illuminate when exposed to infrared light in the visible range. This is another problem with constant illumination of a detection scene by means of infrared headlights, because of the use of such systems in the

Security area, it is desirable if no trivially visible or

parasitic emissions arise and so the surveillance area

visualize. Exemplary embodiments of the invention overcome these and other disadvantages:

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 100 for monitoring an object 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The device 100 according to FIG. 1 is an infrared illumination-modulated three-dimensional one Object sensor allows. The scenario in which the device 100 according to FIG. 1 is implemented may be the environment of a door 91 in a building through which a corridor 93 passes. The device 100 may sensory monitor whether and which persons as objects 102 are moving through the aisle 93.

The device 100 for monitoring objects 102 has a

infrared-emitting pulsed electromagnetic radiation source 116, which may be formed as an array of infrared LEDs. The radiation source 116 is set up to illuminate the object 102 to be monitored with at least one infrared pulse, while this is imaged by an image recording device 72. As a pulsed infrared radiation source 116 or

Infrared flash system can therefore be a device for delivering short pulse-like

Infrared emissions to the flash-like illumination of the observed scene are understood. Advantageously, the radiation source 116 may be configured to emit infrared light having a wavelength of approximately 1 pm. The at least one captured image is the basis for the monitoring result by the device 100, and forms, for example, the basis for a decision as to whether an object 102 is granted access to a building.

An infrared-sensitive image recording device 72 of the device 100 here has two infrared cameras, between which the radiation source 116 is arranged. The image recording device 72 is set up to record one or more images of the object 102 to be monitored within respectively limited time intervals during periods of illumination of the object 102 with the infrared pulses. In other periods between the pulses, the

infrared-sensitive image recording device 72 are switched off in the meantime to save energy. A microprocessor-based or microprocessor-assisted controller 74 serves to control the radiation source 116, the image capture device 72, and other entities of the device 100. The controller 74 may comprise more than one microprocessor, for example, multiple microprocessors, auxiliary auxiliary electronics, etc. The controller 74 controls it such that pulse illumination periods of the radiation source 116 and

Activity periods of the image pickup device 72 are synchronized for image recording or at least partially coincide. Accordingly, illumination-free interpulse periods of the radiation source 116 and periods of inactivity of the image recording device 72 for image recording can be synchronized or at least partially coincide. According to FIG. 1, the image recording device 72 has two cameras in order to compile steric image information about the object 102. Together, the radiation source 116 and the image capture device 72 form an object recognition device 114 that is configured to recognize the object 102 based on the at least one captured image. For this, the one or more captured images may or may be analyzed by methods of image processing to extract information (eg, shape, size, type, identity), etc., about the object 102. The

Object recognition device 114 is a in the embodiment shown

stereometric object recognizer 114. This may be used, for example, to recognize the object 102 by triangulation using

be configured in three-dimensional photogrammetry. In addition, the object recognizer 114 is configured to take different pictures (which are related to the

Example with different illumination intensities have been recorded with infrared light) against each other, the images are assigned to different emission intensities of infrared pulses. Such a comparison makes it possible to determine additional image information. Figure 1 further shows that the apparatus 100 comprises a decoder 76 adapted to decode information by means of infrared ink and / or infrared phosphor means in the space to be monitored (ie the door 91 with the passageway 93) and / or on the object 102 is coded. If the space or the object 102 is provided with infrared ink or the like in a defined manner (for example, forming an infrared ink bar code), the image pickup device 72 may also provide them

(in particular encrypted) information is recorded (and possibly decrypted).

Furthermore, the radiation source 116 is formed, by means of the infrared pulses additionally a bidirectional communication with a

Communication partner device 78 (i.e., with a communicatively coupled other device) to initiate and thereby transmit encrypted or coded data to the communication partner device 78. That way that can

Illuminate the object 102 from which an image is to be taken, combined with a data transmission. In other words, data to be transmitted may also be included in the pulsed infrared light. A communication device 80 (for example, wired or wireless) that can be communicated via a communication network is set up, from which

Monitoring transmitted information to the communication partner device 78 to transfer.

Furthermore, a power management device 82 is provided in the device 100, which is set up to temporarily switch off the radiation source 116 when the image (s) are being recorded, if a predetermined value

Image quality criterion even without lighting with the at least one

Infrared pulse is met. For example, such shutting off in daylight or when contours of the object 102 meet a predetermined clarity criterion may be controlled. The power management device 82 may further be configured to turn on the radiation source 116 for receiving the image or images only when a power supply readiness of a temporary energy storage 88 was detected for supplying the radiation source 116 with energy.

The radiation source 116 may be configured to emit infrared light according to a predeterminable emission direction emission intensity characteristic. This means that the radiation source 116 can emit infrared light of different intensities in different spatial directions, for example as a function of an environmental geometry. To the

For example, due to the fact that the height of the door 91 is much less than the depth of the aisle 93, more energy can be radiated in the direction of travel than along the door height. This avoids the occurrence of dead space in the pictures.

By using one or more high-sensitivity cameras as

Image pickup device 72, which require only a short exposure time because of their sensitivity, can by means of an infrared flash device as

Radiation source 116, which via the controller 74 with the

Exposure control of the camera (s) is connected, a very small or even minimal amount of infrared light in the region to be monitored

be delivered. This allows energy-saving operation.

In particular, in a previously known embodiment of the surveillance scene, a scene for three-dimensional sensor methods can be ideally illuminated by suitable control or scattering of the amount of infrared light emitted by the radiation source 116 in a direction-dependent manner. For example, when it is known that the sensor in the form of the image pickup device 72 is mounted above a passage (defined, for example, by the door 91) or on the ceiling in aisle 93 at a certain angle to the ground, it may it is assumed that less lightening light is required downwards (towards the bottom) than in the horizontal direction (ie into the remote region of the detection, if this extends spatially farther than a passageway is high). The amount of infrared light needed for specific regions, sectors and / or angular ranges can be learned through a teach-in process. Furthermore, by means of the control device 74, the amount of infrared light can be adapted adaptively (ie from image to image or over several images) on the basis of already taken images or due to known object situations (for example in the evening sun or on a street lamp reflective car windows).

In a control variant of the control device 74, several

Images of the three-dimensional sensor system (i.e., a plurality of images taken by the image pickup device 72) with different ones

Infrared flash intensities evaluated. Thus, both the motion detection, the object separation sharpness and the suppression of extraneous light can be greatly improved.

Particularly in the case of object-adaptive door and / or gate opening controls by means of the control device 74 of the device 100, a significantly higher degree of detection reliability can be achieved with the described technique than with conventional systems. By such a device 100 is also an additional security for escape route monitoring possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source 116 can be realized by one or more infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs), which in a particularly preferred embodiment have bundling properties. With preferably used radiation sources 116, a different intensity of the flash infrared can be controlled depending on the emission angle. In a further preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional

Sensor system in the form of the image recording device 72 by two cameras by means of stereometric or (especially three-dimensional)

realized photogrammetric methods. In this case, one or more of the following special properties can be realized or realized by different activations:

- Recording images with a given flash output, but different light sensitivity of the two cameras (for example, realized by

Aperture control and / or exposure time and / or exposure sensitivity, or by two shots in quick succession). As a result, even with moving objects 102 an HDR recording is produced, which provides a particularly well-resolved three-dimensional detection result. An HDR or high dynamic range image (HDRI, HDR image, "high-dynamic-range image") or high-contrast image can be understood to mean a digital image that reproduces large differences in brightness in great detail.

- Superposition of differently exposed images to achieve an increased contour sharpness and, if necessary, calculating out of corresponding

Sharp-Relevant Shares

- Contrast enhancement of contours on the floor

- By recording two images by means of the image pickup device 72 very shortly in succession, with only one image is brightened by a fast infrared pulse and the other not, both an HDR effect can be achieved, and the motion blur between the two images can be reduced. Depending on the embodiment, the multiple images can be made with one or more cameras and / or a very fast camera. In a further embodiment, the use of high-sensitivity cameras as the image recording device 72, the required Aufhelllichtleistung (that is, light intensity multiplied by the turn-on or pulse length of the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source 116) can be reduced such that materials of the object 102 and / or the surroundings, which emit visible light in response to the presence of infrared radiation, glow so dimly that this illumination of the eye can no longer be detected. In a further preferred embodiment, in addition to supplying the camera (s) of the image recording device 72 with infrared radiation by means of the radiation source 116 (possibly even simultaneously, ie at least one camera simultaneously records its images during the bright emission times of the modulation process) coded signal are transmitted. Different modulation methods can be used (for example pulse modulation, linear and non-linear modulation methods, optionally multiplexes (time, frequency, code modulation, etc.).

Thus, infrared light can be used to communicate in a variety of ways, for example, in one or more of the following ways:

- Data transmission

- General communication, for example, to build a

communication link

Request for identity information and / or authorization information of an object 102 (for example, a person or possibly autonomous

controlled vehicle) Communication in connection with an access control of a

Communication partner device 78, for example, a mobile device (possibly

Two-way communication: Infrared signal of the radiation source 116 dissolves

Communication partner device 78 a back-channel data transmission via Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). Further implementable variants of backchannels are: data transmitters in communication partner device 78 (for example portable device) via infrared diode; or if the mobile device is a mobile device: response communication via camera-flash LED or display white keying. In a further embodiment for answer communication, a display of the mobile device displays a visual code (for example a bar code or a QR code), which is in turn detected by the image recording device 72.

In another embodiment, by using infrared ink on a stationary object (e.g., a lane) and / or on a moving object 102 (eg, a vehicle) with the infrared ink, (optionally coded) information (e.g. as a day). By means of the infrared flash light of the radiation source 116, it is thus possible, for example in a differential method, to filter out those regions of two images which, in the case of infrared radiation, re-radiate in a different frequency range.

Especially when using high-resolution cameras as

Image capturing device 72 can be suppressed or prevented that the transmitted information can be visually read by unauthorized persons. The machine reading is not trivially possible, as a foreign

Reception device must first be synchronized with the transmitter rhythm of the device 100 and the radiation source 116. This foreign interception can be achieved by a concealment mechanism (for example, randomizing the time intervals between two emitted from the radiation source 116) Infrared light pulses, Staggered Pulsrepetitionsfrequenz, etc.) are made more difficult.

In another preferred embodiment is not of one

control unit 74 both the radiation source 116 and the image pickup device 72 controlled (for example, flash triggering synchronized with camera shake), but is (in particular at

Energy Harvesting supplied systems) by the radiation source 116 found that a temporary energy storage 88 (for example

Capacitor) contains enough energy for an infrared light pulse. Then, both the infrared light flash and the shot of an image can be triggered by the image pickup device 72.

In a further embodiment, even more reliable evaluation is achieved by means of phosphorescent ink (for example on the ground). By loading the ink with an infrared pulse emitted by the radiation source 116 and the intensity drop-off time typical for each ink, a marking with particularly high reliability can be recognized , So can be sensitive

Information is coded securely. For example, such information may be "pre-busy" and / or "detection area free". As a detection area, a part of an entire detectable area within a passage can be considered. In this area a door opening can take place (also called activation area). This area is typically larger than the apron area, with a hedging area in the immediate vicinity of the passage being considered as the apron area. It is also possible, for example, better hide flying insects from the image, for example, by a statistical means over several shots.

In another embodiment, the comparative combination of images brightened by the radiation source 116 is not affected by the Radiation source 116 brightened images achieved detection of environmental situations with high probability of hit. So can statements like

"Rain shower", "snowfall", "flying insects", "sleet", "fog" (and the respective intensity or density), as well as optical distortions due to high temperature (in particular "mirage" effects and the like) are more accurately met with conventional technologies. These results can be used both for pass-through controls (for example, masking out the effects of interference) and for other information-related systems (for example as

non-contact rain sensor for building automation).

In another embodiment, the sensitivity of the infrared cameras of the imaging device 72 is limited to the range of body heat sensing (i.e., to a wavelength range around 10 pm, for example, between 7 pm and 14 pm). The radiation source 116 used for these mechanisms may, for example, be laser-based. Thus, for example, with a CO2 laser in the typical emission range around 10 pm, an entire scene can be heated simultaneously (for example by means of an optical diffuser) by means of a heat pulse, and in particular during the evaluation, the different cooling rates of the irradiated objects 102, and in this frequency range (for visible light) different

Transmission properties are evaluated.

In a detail 99, FIG. 1 shows the temporal (time t) synchronization of

Pulsing operation of the radiation source 116 (see pulse intensity P) with the

Activity cycle of the image pickup device 72 (in periods of activity of the camera (s), the detection capability D is different from zero). As detail 99 illustrates, time intervals of emission of infrared pulses and

Time intervals of the camera intensity together. Further, detail 99 shows that different pulses are assigned to different captured images can have a different intensity, whereby contrast comparisons are made possible.

FIG. 2 shows part of a device 100 for monitoring an object 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the three-dimensional sensor system of the device 100 is designed as a stereometric (for example, photogrammetric evaluation) sensor system of the image recording device 72 with a camera and two lens systems.

FIG. 2 thus shows an embodiment in which the object recognition device 114 is provided only with a camera with a camera optics doubling a detection path. The electronic effort for forming the corresponding device 100 can thereby be kept very low.

A first detection path of the image pickup device 72 has a

(In particular beam splitting) first deflecting mirror 71, a first filter 73 and a first lens 75 on. A second detection path of the image recording device 72 has a (in particular fully reflecting) second deflection mirror 77, a second filter 79 and a second lens 81. On account of this camera optics, two partial regions of the object 102 (shown schematically) to be monitored can be detected simultaneously by means of one and the same camera 114. In this case, the two images recorded temporally (filter 73, 79 may be formed as a controllable light switch, that is, for a recording can

(especially only) filter 73 will be unlocked and for the subsequent

Recording (especially only) filter 79 can be unlocked) and / or locally (the beam paths of both lens systems can be directed to different areas of the photosensitive zone of the camera) are resolved differently. FIG. 3 shows an arrangement 150 with a device 100 for monitoring an object 102 and for the resulting control of closure bodies 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 according to FIG. 3 can have any of the components that are described with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2

are described.

The arrangement 150 shown in Figure 3 has a schematic only

illustrated access structure 152 with one of only schematically

represented object 102 to be passed opening 104. The access structure 152 is a building in the embodiment shown. For example, the object 102 may be a human desiring to enter the building by passing through the opening 104. Alternatively, the object 102 may be, for example, an automobile intended to pass through the opening 104 to enter the vehicle

Access structure 152 into drive. A plurality of occluders 106 are provided for selective, partial or complete opening or closing of the opening 104. In the embodiment shown, two horizontally movable sliding doors and a vertically movable roller shutter as

Closing 106 provided. The closure bodies 106 may be individually moved by means of a motor 160 (or other drive means) which, under control of a control means 74, may move each one of the closure bodies 106 to a defined position. Furthermore, a device 100 described in detail below for controlling a

Covering characteristic of the opening 104 through the closure body 106 during the entry of the building by the human part of the arrangement 150th

The device 100 is thus for controlling or regulating the

Covering characteristic of the opening 104 to be passed from the object 102 for gaining access to the access structure 152 by the Closing 106 formed. Depending on how far the closing bodies 106 close the opening 104, a passing area is limited by the closing bodies 106 and the opening 104, through which the object 102 can reach the interior of the access structure 152. According to the described

Embodiment of the invention, this passage surface is in terms of space and time depending on objective structural object properties or

geometric object data, i. Shape, size and position of the object 102, set. In addition, the passage area becomes dependent on situational

Conditions relating to the scenario of entering the access structure 152 through the object 102 as well as considering

Energy efficiency criteria controlled. For example, the device 100 may be wholly or partially computer-implemented. At the heart of the device 100 is one formed, for example, as one or more processors

Control device 74, which controls the coverage characteristic in the manner described below. The control device 74 is set up, the

Coverage characteristic object adaptive, i. Depending on characteristics or properties of the object 102 (for example, detectable by means of

Object recognizer 114), thereby taking into account both geometric object data and one or more additional situation characteristics. During operation, the controller 74 may access a database 162 by way of read and / or write access in which image data, geometric object metrics, situation characteristics, learned data, peculiarities of a culture, etc. may be stored. The

Database 162 may be used, for example, as an electronic mass storage

be formed (for example, as a hard drive).

Furthermore, the control device 74 for controlling the coverage characteristic (spatially and / or temporally) based on the geometric object data and the at least one additional situation characteristic may be designed such that as an additional criterion an energy transfer between an outside of the opening 104 and an inside of the opening 104 is kept as small as possible during an opening for passing the object 102. Efficient and secure management of the transfer of objects 102 between an interior and an exterior of the access structure 152 through the opening 104 can thereby be combined with energy efficient operation. For this purpose, the control device 74 for controlling the coverage characteristic may be arranged such that during a

Passage of the object 102, the opening 104 of the at least one closing body 106 still remains partially covered. In particular, the passage opening can only be opened as far as it is in view of the geometric object dimensions and the situation characteristic (a) under

Consideration of an energy balance is necessary.

As already stated, the geometrical object data characterize a shape and / or a size as well as a position of the object 102. This makes it possible to ensure that the passing area is spatially large enough to allow the object 102 to pass through the passing area pass through without abutting the closure body 106 or a boundary of the opening 104 through the building (or other access structure 152). Furthermore, the passage area may be kept open over a sufficiently long period of time to ensure, depending on a current or maximum speed (for example, previously known or ascertained), that the object 102 can enter or drive through the access area 152 within the opening period within the opening period. Photoelectric sensors or the like can be used for this purpose.

For example, with the additional situation characteristic (a), a currently prevailing temperature Tl within the opening 104 (i.e., inside the access structure 152) and / or a currently prevailing temperature T2 outside the opening 104 (ie, in FIG Outdoors). This can the fact that the temperatures inside and outside the opening 104, in particular a temperature difference between inside and outside, can have a significant influence on an undesirable energy loss, which is caused by the temporary thermal coupling between inside and outside. The higher the temperature difference, the smaller and shorter should be the open passage area. Also, it has been found that at a very low temperature outside the opening 104 and at the same time higher temperature within the opening 104, human objects 104 have a greater tendency to enter the interior of the access structure 152 through a smaller pass area.

In the case of the additional situation characteristic (a), as an alternative or in addition to, for example, an indicative for a current weather

Weather characteristic outside the opening 104 are taken into account.

In particular, in the presence of rain and / or wind has been shown that the tendency of human objects 104, even by a relatively small

Passing through into the interior of the access structure 152 is more pronounced than in warm weather. In the case of the additional situation characteristic (a), alternatively or additionally, for example, a culture circle at an installation location of the device 100 can be taken into account. For this purpose, for example, information relating to an installation location of the device 100 can be communicated to the control device 74. Local, country-specific or cultural peculiarities with regard to the subjective perception of human objects 102 when entering an access structure 152 can thereby be taken into account in the setting of the

Covering characteristic are taken into account.

In the case of the additional situation characteristic (a), alternatively or additionally, an identity of the object 102 can also be taken into account. At a human object 102, subjective subjective feelings of a human being may be taken into account, which, for example, when passing through a passing area requires a safety distance in order to enter access structure 152 without discomfort. In the case of an object, for example an unmanned vehicle, on the other hand, the passage area can only be selected to be insignificantly larger than a cross-sectional area of the object. The same applies to the setting of an opening time of the passage surface, which in the case of a human object 102, taking into account human sensations, should generally be set longer than in the case of an objective object 102.

In the case of the additional situation characteristic (a), alternatively or additionally, for example, a clothing of a human object 102

be taken into account. If it is detected (for example sensory) that the human object 102 is wearing winter clothing, the passing area or passing time can be set smaller than if the human object 102 is wearing summer clothing.

Also, as an additional or additional feature, a speed of the object 102 can enter into the control as an additional situation characteristic. This can in particular influence the passing time, i. an opening time of

Passierfläche have, as a faster object 102, the access structure 152 through the opening 104 pass faster or can pass through than a slower object 102. On the other hand, it may be appropriate to choose a larger object with a faster object 102 than a larger

slower object 102, to account for the greater speed by a greater safety distance to closing body (s) 106 and a limitation of the opening 104. This is especially true when the object 102 is human or controlled by a human. FIG. 3 further shows that the device 100 may have a learning device 110 for learning behavior patterns of objects 102 with regard to passing through the opening 104. Behavior patterns that have been learned in this way can then form an additional situation characteristic that will be present in the future

Tax transactions can be considered. In this way, the

100 device the precision of their control with continuous

Usefulness gradually improve. In this way, for example, using probability distributions, for example, a potentially irrational behavior of human objects 102 can be predicted and taken into account in the control.

As an alternative or in addition to the learning device 110, the device may have a user interface 112 for user-defined predetermination of at least part of the additional situation characteristics. Such a user interface 112 may include an input device (eg, a

Keyboard, a touch screen, a mouse or a joystick), inputted about the situational characteristics (for example, an installation location of the device 150), and the controller 74 as a basis for controlling the

Cover characteristic can be transmitted. Furthermore, the

User interface 112 have an output device over which (for

Example control) information an operator of the device 100 can be made accessible.

The apparatus 100 may further include a stereometric object recognizer 114, which may be formed in accordance with FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2 and configured to recognize and three-dimensionally characterize an object 102 in a surrounding area of the opening 104 and to determine the geometric object data. In the embodiment shown, the

Object Detector 114 has two infrared cameras as

Imaging devices 72 on, here both sides of the two horizontally movable closure body 106 are mounted in order to capture a space area in front of the opening 104 as completely as possible. The object recognizer 114 also has one or more pulsed illumination sources as

Radiation source 116, which emit infrared pulses in the embodiment shown. These infrared pulses can be used in combination with the

Infrared cameras object 102 in the entrance area of the opening 104 energy-efficient (due to the non-permanent, but only pulsed lighting) and independent of daylight (ie, even at night) are detected. The image data acquired by the infrared cameras are used by the control device 74 as the basis for determining the geometric object data of an object 102 and, if appropriate, for identifying the object type (for example human,

Automobile, etc.) for precisely controlling the coverage characteristic.

The controller 74 may further be communicable with a

Incorrect object recognition device 118 may be coupled, which may also be formed as at least one processor or part thereof and configured to detect a false object in a surrounding area of the opening 104. As such a "fake object" is considered an object 102 that does not desire access to the access structure 152 through the opening 104. For example, the fake object recognizer 118 may detect such false objects (for example, motor vehicles on a road) based on their direction of movement,

Orientation, speed and / or determine based on another criterion. If the wrong object recognition device 118 has recognized a wrong object, the control device 74 can be informed about this and then of driving the closing body 106 to at least partially open the

Refrain from opening 104. This can be one with an unnecessary opening

associated energy loss can be avoided.

Advantageously, the device 100 may also include a collision detection device 120, which is capable of detecting an impending collision of the object 102 the access structure 152 is established around the opening 104 and is further configured to detect an imminent collision

Trigger collision avoidance event. The collision detection device 120 may also be supplied with data derived from the

Objekterkenneinrichtung 114 recorded or derived therefrom.

In particular, the collision detection device 120 can calculate an expected trajectory of the object 102 from corresponding location and / or speed data and compare this with a trajectory of the closure bodies 106. In this way, impending collisions can be predicted, and countermeasures can be taken to prevent such a collision before a collision occurs. For example, at

Detecting an imminent collision will be issued an alarm. Alternatively or additionally, a control of the closure body 106 can be adjusted so that the collision is prevented. Also can over a

Communication contact with the object 102 (for example, an automatically controlled motor vehicle) are recorded so that the object 102 adapts its movement to prevent the impending collision.

With the device 100 shown in FIG. 3, a reduction or even an optimization of the energy consumption is created by an intelligent gate control. A human, as an example of an object 102, moves when

Passing through a door typically 6 m ³ air with it. With heated or refrigerated rooms or buildings (or other access structure 152), it is therefore very energy relevant how far and how long the corresponding closure bodies 106 (eg, doors and / or gates) are opened when passing an object 102 to pass through sufficiently low and / or short opening to reduce the energy flow.

In investigations prior to the development of an object-adaptive door and / or gate opening control according to an embodiment of the invention It has been shown that people, when passing through an opening (completely or only partially opened) 104, have different perceptions of how much greater the passage must be open than the human's own contour, so that the person still feels comfortable and not too

Evasive movements tend or a portal only with (possibly unconscious) discomfort passes through (or even avoids the passage). In particular, the change of opinion to a non-passing due to a discomfort in connection with the passage is just at the entrance of

Sales businesses a critical factor.

On the other hand, the width and / or the height of the passing of the Verschließkörpern 106 Passierfläche the opening 104 should be kept low or minimized in terms of energy consumption reduction or optimization. This applies in a corresponding manner for the opening time of such a passage surface.

The device 100 according to FIG. 3 satisfies these two contradictory needs in equal measure.

Depending on the situational context, a person needs as object 102 different additional free spaces (for example, a door that is opened further than necessary) in addition to its minimal contour. This need for security or a sense of well-being / discomfort depends on various factors. These include: - drive or motivation of a human object 102

- Clothing of the human object 102

Temperature outside and / or inside the access structure 152

- cultural conditions at the installation site of the arrangement 150

- individual psychic situation of a human object 102 Tests have shown that at very low temperatures (especially at minus temperatures on the Celsius scale) and / or in people dressed in winter clothes, there is often a high willingness to go through a small or even too small passage when inside Access structure 152 is warm and cozy. Corresponding patterns of behavior can also be determined in bad weather conditions, especially in rain and / or storm.

Depending on the cultural context, there may also be different free space needs for people as objects 102, which can be controlled by access control

Control device 74 can also be considered.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention implement one or more of various ones to meet the stated requirements

Mechanisms that can bring meaningful results independently of each other, and in particular the combination of several of these mechanisms can provide additional overall benefits.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a configurable free space in the control system of the control device 74 (in the simplest case, only one parameter, in complex systems larger parameter sets can be used sensibly) can be created. In this way, it is possible in particular to respond to cultural and situational circumstances. This free space can also be learned using the learning device 110 (in a simple case by service or installation personnel, alternatively or additionally, this learning can also be done automatically).

In particular, such free space control by the control device 74 as a function of the temperature or the temperature difference in Installation area of the arrangement 150 take place: If the outside and inside of the same temperature prevails (T1 = T2), the influence of a passage surface on the energy optimization is rather low (with desired effects, for example, the cleaning of the air inside, can be considered in the control ). Particularly in ventilation systems with pronounced filtering of the supply air, it is of great interest to keep particulate-laden external air low or to minimize it. For such a system, the air quality measurement may also be an indicative size used for control. Furthermore, for processes and plants which take place, for example, in an inert gas, a low or even minimal mixing with the outside air is desirable or required, for example when objects are to be introduced and removed. Without

Object adaptive opening, a human can per passage about 6 m ^{3 of} air

lug. With the measures described an energy saving in the air treatment, in the cleaning of buildings, etc. is possible. In such a

Scenario or in such a situation, the passing comfort of a person as an object 102 may have priority in the control. The bigger the

Temperature difference or the absolute outside temperature, the more precise can the passage surface of the opening 104 are approximated to the object contours. This may include, for example, an overfeed of opening and / or a delay in closing. A corresponding control logic of the control device 74 can be applied to the external weather situation regarding wind and / or rain.

Furthermore, it is possible for the control device 74 to control the closure bodies 106 such that the opening width of the opening 104 and / or the closure is adapted to the object speed.

Due to the functionality described above

False object recognition device 118 may prevent a

Opening process can be accomplished by recognizing that an object 102 does not want to go through the opening 104 (for example, by

Cross traffic suppression). This can increase the perceived safety of a person as an object 102 for the assembly 150. When cross traffic then also advantageously no irritation caused by a (possibly very fast) door opening.

Since the device 100 is provided with the object recognition device 114 for providing (in particular static, ie position-related, and / or dynamic, that is to say position-related) object recognition property, the improvement or even optimization of the control can be further refined: in vehicles or others For example, objects as object 102 may be closed faster than humans as objects 102. In unmanned vehicles, for example, the opening may be very late or in communication with or aware of the vehicle

Security systems (for example, how much a door should be open before, so that no emergency stop occurs) take place. In manned vehicles, for example, the driver may be notified that the opening is sufficiently large, even if the opening may be intuitively too tight for the driver and the driver would otherwise brake or stop.

In particular, the control device 74 may determine the width and / or the height of the passage opening (for example a door opening width and / or height).

Object adaptive and additionally situational. An advantageous control principle, which according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be carried out by the control device 74, is the principle "only as far as necessary, not as far as possible". This causes an efficient energy saving.

According to one embodiment, the assembly 150 may be at its installation or erection with the corresponding values for the free space requirement be configured by the at least one additional

Situation characteristic is mapped. Alternatively or additionally, corresponding values for the at least one additional

Situation characteristic are indicative, are taught. Such learning can be configured, for example, by two different ones

Movement forms take place. In this context, it is also possible to carry out a control by means of a mobile phone application, by means of a service connection, via a web server integrated in the control, etc. According to one embodiment (for example by means of

Control device 74 and / or by means of the learning device 110) are evaluated, how many Durchschreitungsabbrüche take place. Under one

By-pass abort, in this context, is understood to mean that an object 102 begins the process of passing through the opening 104 but terminates before it completes. This information can be forwarded to an external system as well as used for the adaptive adjustment of the opening width by the control device 74.

According to an exemplary embodiment, for example, depending on the season, it is possible to switch between different degrees of freedom by means of an external signal and / or by temperature measurement.

According to a further embodiment, the controller 74 may control such that additional clearance is provided when the security with respect to the object contours is small, smaller than usual, or less than a predetermined threshold. The object recognition and / or contour detection system used in the form of the object recognition device 114 can be equipped with an evaluation function which assesses with what certainty the contours of the objects 102 were detected. Such

Detection uncertainties can be found, for example, in ultrasound systems or Infrared systems occur (for example, due to the influence of extraneous light or extraneous sound). With high security, the controller 74 then einsteuern a smaller clearance than at low security. The safety buffer obtained at low survey or

Detection security results in a large number of cases, even with uncertain detection enough free space, so that the majority of users feel comfortable.

The door opening widths, the number of persons passing through, their direction, the outside and inside temperature and / or the respective opening duration can be combined in an energy model which determines the energy flow through the opening 104 and a correspondingly prepared control information to a suitable heating or cooling system ( not shown). This can be done under the control of the control device 74, whereby corresponding data can be taken from the database 162 and / or stored in it. It is also possible to process only individual parameters. For example, the heat curtain can only be switched off if no object 102 has passed through the portal for a certain time. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to detect the objects 102 passing through, and thus, depending on the identification of an object 102, to approach an associated heat transport volume for the energy balance. For example, in one vehicle, object 102 may be another

Heat transport volume to be assumed as a human object 102.

According to one embodiment, the contour recognition of an object 102 may be accomplished by the object recognizer 114, for example by means of cameras. In this case, in particular, stereometric methods can be advantageously used by interpreting images from infrared cameras. So that even in the dark a good enough picture quality can be (and people and vehicles or other objects 102 not disturbed or blinded), the shooting range of the

Object recognition device 114 in the form of cameras as

Imaging devices 72 are illuminated by means of the radiation source 116 with infrared light. In terms of energy optimization, in a preferred embodiment, this illumination can also take place by means of pulsed IR light or IR flash systems. Pulsed infrared light in particular has the advantage that motion blur in a camera system can be reduced or prevented even during acquisition by short or very short light pulses and does not have to be retrospectively calculated out with software-based methods. In addition, the realization of a radiation source 116 with pulse light causes only a small energy requirement of the radiation source 116.

In a further embodiment, a sensor system of the device 100, which according to FIG. 3 is designed as an object recognition device 114, may be able to recognize and analyze the controlled closing bodies 106 (in particular at least one door or at least one gate). It can be either by learning trips, an installation or

service personnel-accompanied learning process or in real time a door or goal profile or the like can be created or calculated, the

Control by the controller 74 may serve as a reference for the correlation between the desired opening width and actual opening width. In particular, in a control device 74, which controls the movement of the

Closing body 106 based on a "start opening" - and "stop opening" - performs control, also the acceleration and / or the

Braking operation of the closing body acceleration or deceleration

be taken into account. This may allow suppression or prevention of caster effects. By the functionality of the collision detection device 120 can

Collision courses of objects 104 (for example, from both sides of the

Passage) are detected and evaluated. In this case, in the case of a potential detected collision, which are partially opened by the closing bodies 106 opening 104, than that due to the remaining

Conditions (in particular geometric object data and energy saving criteria) would be provided. If the objects 102 are not humans, the device 100 or the arrangement 150 may additionally issue a collision warning. In the case of people-guided objects 102, for example, this can be done optically or acoustically; in the case of autonomously moving objects 102, this warning can be transmitted wirelessly. In both cases, with the warning, a proposal for the driving route adjustment can be transmitted or controlled by means of a control system. FIG. 4 shows a region of an opening 104 which is not covered by a closure structure 106 and which is formed from a base opening 130 corresponding to the dimensions of the human anatomy and an additional opening 132 depending on the situation. The controller 74 may be used to control the

Covering characteristic be set up so that during a

Passage of the object 102, the opening 104 of the at least one closing body 106 remains free as far as the by the geometric

Object data given base opening 130 and in addition to the base opening 130 is given by the additional situation characteristics additional opening 132 takes place. Illustratively, the additional opening 132 may represent a multi-opening and / or a longer opening with respect to the base opening 130. In this way, for example, a safety distance between a human object 102 and a passing area delimited by the closing body 106 and the opening 104 can be maintained, which reliably prevents a collision of the object 102 when passing through the opening 104 and subjective, too

irrational, feelings of discomfort by a human object 102 Passing through too small (though objectively sufficiently large) passage area to take into account.

Although the surface area of the opening 104 according to FIG. 4 kept free by a covering with closing bodies 106 is rectangular (which can be set, for example, with the three closing bodies 106 according to FIG. 3), the surface area kept free by covering with one or more closing bodies 106 can alternatively be any other one Take shape, depending on how many closing body 106 are provided with which shape.

In addition, it should be noted that "having" does not exclude other elements or steps and "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude. "It should also be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments also in combination with other features or steps of others described above

Embodiments can be used. Reference numerals in the

Claims are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

Patent claims

A device (100) for monitoring an object (102), wherein the

Device (100) comprising:

an infrared-emitting pulsed electromagnetic radiation source

(116) arranged to illuminate the object (102) to be monitored with at least one infrared pulse;

an infrared-sensitive image pickup device (72), which is set up, at least in part, during the lighting with the at least one

Infrared pulse at least one image of the object to be monitored (102)

take.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1,

wherein the infrared-sensitive image recording device (72) is arranged to record the at least one image of the object to be monitored (102) within at least a limited interval at least partially during the illumination with the at least one infrared pulse; and

comprising a control device (74) for controlling the

Radiation source (116) and the image pickup device (72) is arranged such that at least one pulse illumination period of the radiation source (116) and at least one activity period of the image pickup device (72) are synchronized for image recording.

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the control device (74) for controlling the radiation source (116) and the image recording device (72) is arranged such that at least one infrared emission-free

Non-illumination period of the radiation source (116) and at least one inactivity period of the image pickup device (72) are synchronized.

4. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image recording device (72) at least one camera with a one

Detection path multiplying camera optics or a plurality of cameras.

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the

Radiation source (116) and the image pickup device (72) a

An object recognizer (114) adapted to recognize the object (102) based on the at least one captured image.

The apparatus (100) of claim 5, wherein the object recognizer (114) is a stereometric object recognizer, in particular

configured to recognize the object (102) by means of triangulation below

Use of three-dimensional photogrammetry.

7. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a decoding device (76) which is set up for decoding information which is generated by means of infrared ink and / or infrared phosphor in a space to be monitored, in particular on the object (102), is coded.

8. Device (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the

Object recognition device (114) is formed, different images

to be compared with each other, which are assigned different emission intensities of the respective at least one infrared pulse.

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the

Radiation source (116) is formed by means of at least one

Infrared pulse preferably a bidirectional communication with a

Communication partner device (78) to initiate, in particular data to the Communication partner device (78) to transmit, in particular coded data to the communication partner device (78) to transfer.

10. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a communication device (80) which is set up to transmit information obtained from the monitoring to a communication partner device (78).

11. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a power management device (82) which is set up, the radiation source (116) at least temporarily recording the at least one image

switch off if a given image quality criterion without

Illuminate with the at least one infrared pulse is fulfilled, especially in daylight and / or if contours of the object (102) a predetermined

Fulfill the criterion of clarity.

12. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, having a power management device (82) which is set up to switch on the radiation source (116) for picking up the at least one image only when an energy supply readiness of a temporary energy store (88) for Supplying the radiation source (116) was determined with energy.

13. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the

Radiation source (116) for emitting infrared light in one

Wavelength range between 700 nm and 100 pm, in particular in a wavelength range between 800nm and 30 pm, is set up.

14. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the

Radiation source (116) is arranged for emitting infrared light according to a predeterminable, in particular asymmetric, emission direction emission intensity characteristic.

15. Device (100) according to claim 1, further configured to control a coverage characteristic of an opening (104) to be passed by the monitored object (102) by at least one closure body (106), wherein the coverage characteristic is in particular objectively adaptive controllable.

The apparatus (100) of claim 15, wherein the coverage characteristic is controllable based on:

geometric object data; and or

at least one additional situation characteristic.

17. Device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the geometrical object data comprise at least one of a group consisting of geometric object dimensions, in particular a shape and / or a size of the object (102), and for a position of the object (102). indicative position data.

18. Device (100) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one additional situation characteristic is independent of the geometric

Object data and is indicative of a situation when the object (102) passes through the opening (104).

The apparatus (100) of any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a false object recognizer (118) arranged to detect a false object in a surrounding area of the opening (104) that does not desire access through the opening (104).

20. Device (100) according to one of claims 15 to 19, comprising a collision detection device (120) which is set up to detect an imminent collision of the object (102) when passing through the opening (104) and is further configured to trigger a collision avoidance event upon detection of an imminent collision.

The apparatus (100) according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the controlled coverage characteristic comprises at least one of a group consisting of one in an open state for allowing the object (102) to pass from the at least one closure body (106).

free passage surface of the opening (104), and an opening time for passing the object (102) before a, in particular complete, reclosing of the opening (104) by the at least one

Closing body (106).

The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 21, arranged to control the coverage characteristic based on the geometric

Object data and the at least one additional situation characteristic such that energy transfer between an exterior of the opening (104) and an interior of the opening (104) during opening to allow the object (102) to pass is minimized.

23. Device (100) according to one of claims 15 to 22, arranged for controlling the coverage characteristic such that during a

Permitting the object (102) to still partially cover the opening (104) of the at least one closure body (106).

24. Device (100) according to one of claims 15 to 23, arranged for controlling the coverage characteristic such that during a

Allowing the object (102) to pass clear of the opening (104) of the at least one closure body (106) such that a base opening (130) given by the geometric object data and in addition to the base opening (130) there is an additional opening (132) given by the at least one additional situation characteristic.

25. Device (100) according to claim 24, wherein the additional opening (132) is a multi-opening and / or a longer opening relative to the base opening (130).

26. Arrangement (150), comprising:

an access structure (152) having an opening (104) to be passed from an object (102);

at least one closure body (106) for selectively at least partially opening or closing the opening (104); and

a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 25 for controlling a coverage characteristic of the opening (104) by the at least one closure body (106) based on the at least one captured image of the object (102) to be monitored.

The arrangement (150) of claim 26, wherein the access structure (106) is selected from a group consisting of a building, a room, a vehicle, a facility, a storage facility, a garage, and a hangar.

28. Arrangement (150) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the at least one closing body (106) is selected from a group consisting of at least one pivotable controllable closing body, at least one longitudinally controllable closing body, and at least one rollable controllable closing body.

The assembly (150) of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least one closure body (106) is selected from the group consisting of consists of at least one horizontally movable closing body (106) and at least one vertically movable closing body.

30. A method of monitoring an object (102), the method comprising:

Illuminating the object to be monitored (102) with at least one infrared pulse; and

Recording at least one infrared image of the object to be monitored (102) at least in part during illumination with the at least one infrared pulse.