Elevator Car Arrival Chimes for Accessible Car Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
For passengers with disabilities, identifying their assigned elevator car at a landing can be challenging, especially in destination dispatch systems where the car assignment is specific.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system that allows users to select a distinct arrival chime based on their condition or preference, which is played when the car arrives at the landing to facilitate identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard arrival chime is used for all elevator cars, then the system operation is simple, but passengers with disabilities cannot easily identify their assigned car
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different arrival chime characteristics to different elevator cars, creating local differentiation in the audio signal. Each car has a unique chime profile that can be selected and transmitted to help passengers identify their specific car, while maintaining a standardized system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies parameters of the arrival chime (such as frequency, duration, or pattern) to create distinguishable audio signatures for different cars. The controller can select from multiple chime variations and transmit the appropriate one based on the assigned car, enabling disabled passengers to identify their car through audio differentiation.
2Reliability
If multiple distinct arrival chimes are provided for different cars, then passengers can easily identify their assigned car, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages elevator operation, selects appropriate arrival chimes based on car assignment, and transmits the selected chime to the audio system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each chime selection task, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining reliable car identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates user feedback mechanisms where passengers can indicate their disability status or car assignment preferences. The controller uses this feedback to automatically select and transmit the appropriate arrival chime, ensuring accurate car identification while reducing manual intervention and system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arrival chime is selected automatically by the controller, then the system is easy to operate, but user preferences and specific needs may not be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-select their preferred arrival chime characteristics or indicate their disability status in advance. This preliminary action enables the controller to automatically select the appropriate chime without requiring real-time user input, thus maintaining ease of operation while accommodating user preferences and specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic chime selection where the arrival chime can be adjusted based on real-time user input or changing conditions. Users can modify their preferences or select different chimes for different situations, and the controller adapts accordingly, balancing automation with user control.
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
Enhances the ability of passengers with disabilities to locate their assigned elevator car by providing a unique audio cue, improving accessibility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
audibly played by a speaker proximate to the car door opening
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator system having: an elevator car having a door opening; a controller configured to control the elevator car; and a car call implement configured transmit a first request to the controller to instruct the elevator car to travel to a lobby to pickup a user, wherein the first request includes an arrival chime code indicative of an arrival chime, selected from a plurality of the arrival chimes, audibly played by a speaker proximate to the car door opening when the elevator car arrives at the landing.