In a relay unit, a sensor-side communication controller acquires setting information from a synchronization line and stores the acquired setting information in a storage unit in response to reception of a backup instruction from a communication master by a master-side communication controller. The sensor-side communication controller outputs the setting information stored in the storage unit to the synchronization line via a branch line in response to reception of a restoration instruction from the communication master by the master-side communication controller. The sensor-side communication controller periodically or aperiodically compares the setting information transmitted through the synchronization line with the setting information of the storage unit so as to detect presence or absence of a difference. The master-side communication controller outputs a notification signal to the communication master in response to detection of the difference.

A configuration is implemented that can adjust a stroke of an operation section of a switch required to cause predetermined processing to be executed. The present disclosure includes an operation section that can move in a predetermined direction from an initial position by a user operation, a position adjustment section that adjusts, in the predetermined direction, an amount of movement of the operation section from the initial position to a detection position, a position detection section that detects a position of the operation section with respect to the detection position, and a control section that controls execution of processing corresponding to the detection position based on a detection result from the position detection section.

Devices, methods, and systems for detecting proximity. A first light emitter emits light for a first time period while a light detector is not sensing. A second light emitter emits light for a second time period while the light detector is sensing. In some implementations, the first light emitter directly illuminates the light detector during the first time period, whereas the second light emitter is obstructed from directly illuminating the light detector during the second time period. In some implementations, the first light emitter is obstructed from illuminating a display during the first time period, and the second light emitter is obstructed from directly illuminating the light detector during the second time period. In some implementations, the first light emitter emits the light during the first time period such that the light detector maintains a linear responsivity during the second time period.

Touchless control panel systems and methods are disclosed. A touchless control panel may include a housing and one or more user inputs. The individual user inputs can include an aperture extending through the housing, a primary sensor disposed to detect objects inserted a first distance into the housing through the aperture and to generate a first signal when an object is detected, and a haptic device configured to provide haptic feedback to objects inserted through the aperture. Processing circuitry in communication with the one or more user inputs can be configured to, for each of the one or more user inputs, receive the first signal from the primary sensor, transmit a control signal based on the first signal, and cause the haptic device to provide haptic feedback based on the first signal. The disclosed touchless control panels may be installed as elevator control stations.

An apparatus includes a display screen, and an optical proximity sensor module disposed behind the display screen. The optical proximity sensor module includes a light emitter operable to produce light having a wavelength for transmission through the display screen toward a target object, and a light sensor operable to sense light reflected by the target object and having the wavelength. The optical proximity sensor module can includes means for reducing a maximum energy density of a light beam produced by the light emitter. The means for reducing the maximum energy density of the light beam is disposed between the light emitter and the display screen so as to intersect the light beam produced by the light emitter. In some cases, there are multiple light emitters collectively operable to provide sufficient optical energy for proximity sensing without producing a visible spot on the display screen. These and other techniques can help reduce or eliminate display screen distortion caused by energy from the light emitters.

Safety systems for operating equipment have a source of visible light, a first signal light transmitter, a first signal light receiver, preferably a second signal light transmitter and second signal light receiver. A fiber optic bundle with at least one section of illuminated cable emits the visible light and carries the signal light. The signal light follows an optical circuit through the fiber optic bundle from the signal light transmitters to the signal light receivers. The signal light receivers are connected to suitable controls of the system such that if a predetermined light signal is not received by the signal light receiver(s), the operating equipment will stop and/or alarms will be generated. The fiber optic bundle is connected to optical pull switches which interrupt the light circuit if a person applies a predetermined pull force to the optical fiber bundle.

In a relay unit, a sensor-side communication controller acquires setting information from a synchronization line and stores the acquired setting information in a storage unit in response to reception of a backup instruction from a communication master by a master-side communication controller. The sensor-side communication controller outputs the setting information stored in the storage unit to the synchronization line via a branch line in response to reception of a restoration instruction from the communication master by the master-side communication controller. The sensor-side communication controller periodically or aperiodically compares the setting information transmitted through the synchronization line with the setting information of the storage unit so as to detect presence or absence of a difference. The master-side communication controller outputs a notification signal to the communication master in response to detection of the difference.

Safety systems for operating equipment have a source of visible light, a first signal light transmitter, a first signal light receiver, preferably a second signal light transmitter and second signal light receiver. A fiber optic bundle with at least one section of illuminated cable emits the visible light and carries the signal light. The signal light follows an optical circuit through the fiber optic bundle from the signal light transmitters to the signal light receivers. The signal light receivers are connected to suitable controls of the system such that if a predetermined light signal is not received by the signal light receiver(s), the operating equipment will stop and/or alarms will be generated. The fiber optic bundle is connected to optical pull switches which interrupt the light circuit if a person applies a predetermined pull force to the optical fiber bundle.

An apparatus includes a display screen, and an optical proximity sensor module disposed behind the display screen. The optical proximity sensor module includes a light emitter operable to produce light having a wavelength for transmission through the display screen toward a target object, and a light sensor operable to sense light reflected by the target object and having the wavelength. The optical proximity sensor module can includes means for reducing a maximum energy density of a light beam produced by the light emitter. The means for reducing the maximum energy density of the light beam is disposed between the light emitter and the display screen so as to intersect the light beam produced by the light emitter. In some cases, there are multiple light emitters collectively operable to provide sufficient optical energy for proximity sensing without producing a visible spot on the display screen. These and other techniques can help reduce or eliminate display screen distortion caused by energy from the light emitters.

The present disclosure provides a proximity sensor including a light-emitting part that is configured to emit first light of a specific wavelength band, a light-receiving part that is configured to receive the first light and second light, the second light belonging to a different wavelength band from the first light, and a controller that is configured to recognize a proximate object based on the first light reflected by the proximate object, wherein the controller changes a light-reception range of the light-receiving part based on the second light.