Elevator Position Detection Using Barcode Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of the elevator car within the shaft due to factors like building settlement and changes in the distance between marking strips and sensors, leading to potential inaccuracies in positional determination over time.
Innovation Solution
The use of a barcode or 2-D code as a marking unit and an image sensor camera as a detection unit, allowing for precise and cost-effective positional determination, with the option to attach these markings to the running framework or elevator shaft, and incorporating a second marking unit for calibration and emergency unlocking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic strips are used for position detection, then the system can determine elevator position, but the accuracy deteriorates over time due to building settlement and changes in distance between marking strips and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copies (images) of barcode markings instead of direct magnetic contact. The detection unit captures optical images of the barcode markings on the running framework, and the evaluation unit processes these images to determine position. This optical copying method eliminates the direct physical contact and magnetic field dependencies that cause drift and inaccuracy over time, while maintaining high measurement precision and long-term reliability.
2Measurement precision
If barcode markings are attached to the running framework, then position determination accuracy is improved, but the markings become susceptible to contaminants and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-contrast barcode markings with distinct black and white patterns. This color/contrast differentiation creates a signal that is inherently resistant to degradation from contaminants. Even if dust or soot accumulates on the marking surface, the high contrast between the barcode elements and the background maintains readable optical characteristics, thus preserving measurement precision while reducing susceptibility to harmful factors.
3Measurement precision
If standard scanners are used to read barcodes, then the system can detect markings, but the reading accuracy may be affected by lighting conditions and marking quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical scanners with an image sensor-based system. Instead of using a scanning mechanism that moves across the barcode, the system uses a camera to capture the entire barcode marking as an image, then processes this image to extract position information. This substitution provides more robust reading accuracy by capturing the complete marking pattern at once, making the system less sensitive to lighting variations and marking quality inconsistencies.
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 solution enables precise, low-cost, and maintenance-friendly positional determination, with improved accuracy and safety features such as emergency unlocking, while being resistant to contaminants and wear, and capable of adapting to building displacements.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit (4) is formed as an image sensor, in particular as a camera
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator device for transporting persons and/or objects within an elevator shaft of a three-dimensional formation including at least two levels, in particular a building or the like. The elevator device includes an elevator car, in which the persons and/or objects to be transported can be accommodated, a running framework for mounting and guiding the elevator car, a position determining device for determining the position of the elevator car within the elevator shaft and/or with respect to the running framework. The position determining device includes marking units for marking the position of the elevator car relative to the running framework and the elevator shaft, a detection unit for detecting and/or reading out the marking units and also an evaluation unit for evaluating the measured values of the detection unit. The marking units are formed as carriers of a barcode, in particular a 2-D code, and the detection unit is formed as an image sensor, in particular as a camera.