Elevator Call Panel Guidance for Error-Free Destination Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator call input devices overwhelm users, especially inexperienced passengers, leading to congestion and inefficiency in buildings with variable user bases, due to the complexity and unfamiliarity with modern call input systems.
Innovation Solution
A call input device with fixedly mounted directional call buttons and a storage medium connected to an elevator controller, providing visual and audible instructions through a display region, which guides users through the input process, including destination selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex button pads with multiple buttons are used for destination selection, then the device can handle a wide variety of input options, but users feel overwhelmed and confused leading to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex button pad interface into simple directional buttons (up/down arrows) that users are already familiar with. Instead of presenting all destination buttons at once, the system divides the input process into sequential steps: first selecting direction, then receiving step-by-step instructions for the specific destination input, thereby reducing initial cognitive load while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary instruction output mechanism that mediates between the simple directional button input and the complex destination selection process. When a user presses a directional button, the system provides intermediate guidance through visual or audible instructions that explain which subsequent buttons to press, acting as a bridge that translates simple user actions into complex system responses
2Productivity
If traditional call input facilities are used, then experienced users can operate efficiently, but inexperienced passengers struggle to recognize and use the correct buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the call input device dynamic by providing adaptive guidance based on user needs. The system remains simple for experienced users who can operate it as before, but automatically provides dynamic instructional support to inexperienced users when they interact with the directional buttons, thereby adapting the interface complexity to the individual user's skill level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing immediate visual or audible instructions to users after they press directional buttons. This feedback loop guides users through the correct sequence of button presses for destination selection, confirming their input and directing them to the next required action, thereby reducing errors and improving success rate for inexperienced users
3Reliability
If step-by-step instructions are provided to assist unfamiliar users, then error-free operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the call input device to provide its own operational instructions automatically. The system detects when a user interacts with the directional buttons and autonomously provides the necessary guidance without requiring external assistance or complex configuration, thereby improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal and self-managing
Data Source
AI summary
A call input device for an elevator system includes at least one call input facility having at least one directional call button, such as an up-direction call button and/or a down-direction call button. The call input device further includes a storage medium and an output region. During operation, when the directional call button is actuated, instructions for call input by a user stored in the storage medium are output in the output region.