Dynamic Display System for Elevator Lobby Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator systems in large buildings face inefficiencies in managing passenger traffic, particularly in dynamically displaying information to users and optimizing elevator car assignments based on real-time passenger locations and requests.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic display system that uses three-dimensional sensors to track users' locations and provide personalized, real-time information, such as directions to their destination, news, weather, and advertisements, on displays that follow the user throughout the building.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional static display systems are used in elevator lobbies, then device complexity is reduced, but information relevance to users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation relevanceVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system transitions from static to dynamic by continuously updating displayed information based on real-time user location data obtained from mobile devices. The system dynamically assigns elevator cars and updates display content as users move through the building, ensuring information remains relevant without requiring complex reconfiguration of the display hardware itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops by continuously monitoring user locations via mobile device GPS or WiFi positioning, comparing this data against elevator car positions and assignments, and automatically updating display information accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures displays always show relevant information about assigned elevators and user destinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If destination entry systems are implemented, then elevator dispatching efficiency is improved, but user guidance accuracy deteriorates without real-time location tracking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator dispatching efficiencyVSAvoiduser location accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical location tracking methods with electronic positioning technologies. Mobile devices on user hands provide location data through GPS satellites or WiFi triangulation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking infrastructure while achieving high location precision. This substitution enables accurate real-time user location monitoring that feeds into the destination entry system's elevator assignment algorithm.

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

3Loss of time

If displays continuously update based on user location, then information timeliness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation timelinessVSAvoiddisplay energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous updating, the display system employs periodic updates triggered by specific events such as user movement detected via location changes, elevator car arrivals, or assignment changes. This periodic action maintains information timeliness by updating only when necessary, reducing unnecessary energy consumption from constant refresh cycles while keeping users informed of relevant changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This system enhances user experience by providing personalized and dynamic guidance, improves elevator dispatching efficiency by assigning cars based on real-time user locations, and offers targeted advertisements and information relevant to users' interests.

Implementation Method 1

the one or more position sensors comprise one or more three-dimensional sensors selected from one or more of the following: a time-of flight sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

an infrared sensor used with an infrared emitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a radio frequency modulated light source with phase detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight phase detection: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3453665B1Dynamic information display for building occupants
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3453665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system (100) of dynamically displaying information to a user is disclosed. A user's location is sensed e.g. by a presence detector (120). Customized information is displayed to the user via display (110) at a location that is in proximity to the user. The customized information moves as the user changes location.