Depth-Sensing Elevator Door Control for Passenger Intent Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator control systems rely on manual signaling, which can be inefficient and inappropriate for certain passengers or security environments, and do not effectively optimize passenger conveyance performance.

Innovation Solution

A depth sensor-based passenger conveyance system that uses 3D depth map data from various sensors to track passenger location, size, velocity, direction, acceleration, and classification, providing data for the passenger conveyance controller to optimize door operations, such as delaying or controlling the opening and closing of elevator doors based on passenger presence and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual signaling is used for passenger intent, then the system is simple and reliable, but the efficiency and passenger experience are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator traffic performanceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical button pressing with automated depth sensing technology. The depth sensor captures 3D spatial information and the processing module automatically detects passenger presence, location, and movement intent, eliminating the need for manual signaling and improving traffic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where passengers do not need to manually press buttons. The depth sensing system automatically detects passenger intent and controls door operations based on detected passenger presence and movement, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If depth sensing technology is implemented, then passenger tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger location tracking accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The depth sensing system performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting passenger presence, determining passenger location, tracking passenger movement, and inferring passenger intent. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive data for optimized door control without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If door closing is delayed based on passenger data, then passenger safety is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger safetyVSAvoiddoor operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The door control system dynamically adjusts door closing timing based on real-time passenger detection data. The processing module continuously monitors passenger presence and movement, and the passenger conveyance controller dynamically modifies door operation commands to delay closing only when passengers are detected approaching or attempting to board, thereby maintaining safety while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves passenger experience by reducing wait times and optimizing traffic performance through accurate tracking and data-driven control of elevator operations, enhancing efficiency and safety in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

the depth-sensing sensor comprises a structured light measurement, phase shift measurement, time of flight measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

the depth-sensing sensor comprises a structured light measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructured light measurement: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3075699B2Depth sensor based passenger sensing for passenger conveyance door control
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3075699B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075699B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3075699B2 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A passenger conveyance system includes a depth-sensing sensor (72) within a passenger conveyance enclosure (22) for capturing depth map data of objects within a field of view that includes a passenger conveyance door (24). A processing module (76) is in communication with the depth-sensing sensor (72) to receive the depth map data, the processing module (76) using the depth map data to track an object and calculate passenger data associated with the tracked object. A passenger conveyance controller (32) receives the passenger data from the processing module (76) to control operation of a passenger conveyance door (24) in response to the passenger data.