Elevator Exterior Monitoring via Segmented Camera Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator exterior monitoring systems fail to provide real-time video feeds from observation points located at a distance from the building, resulting in distorted images and maintenance challenges due to mechanical components exposed to the elements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising video cameras positioned equidistantly along the building's vertical span, a display screen in the elevator, a controller, an elevator position indicator, a multiplexer, and a commutation switch, allowing selection and sequencing of video feeds from both fixed and distant observation points, enabling real-time monitoring as the elevator moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single video camera is positioned at mid-floor on the outer wall to monitor the building's exterior, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality becomes distorted as the elevator moves and mechanical components are exposed to environmental elements requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The single camera system is segmented into multiple cameras positioned at different floors (1st, 2nd, ..., nth floors). Each camera captures footage from its specific location, and the multiplexer selects and displays the appropriate camera feed based on the elevator's current position. This segmentation eliminates image distortion by providing multiple fixed observation points and removes mechanical moving parts exposed to elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single fixed observation point to multiple observation points distributed across different vertical dimensions (floors). This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the system to provide clear, undistorted views from various heights, matching the elevator's position without requiring mechanical camera movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video cameras are positioned at different floors on the outer wall, then real-time monitoring from multiple observation points is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to additional cameras and signal routing
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer serves as a universal switching device that handles multiple camera inputs (1st, 2nd, ..., nth floors) and routes the appropriate signal to the display based on elevator position. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate switching mechanisms, managing the complexity of multiple cameras while providing versatile monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary between the multiple camera systems and the display device. It receives signals from all cameras, processes them according to elevator position information, and outputs the appropriate feed to the display. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the signal routing function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional video cameras are positioned at a distance from the building, then monitoring of distant exterior areas is enabled, but the signal routing complexity increases requiring a commutation switch
Solution Approach 1:
The commutation switch merges the signal routing functions for both building-mounted cameras (1st, 2nd, ..., nth floors) and distant observation point cameras (11th, 12th, ..., lnth inputs) into a single device. This unified switching approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate routing systems, enabling versatile monitoring from various locations while managing signal routing complexity through a single integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
This device is for additional elevator equipment and may, among other things, be used for elevators in hotels, business and exhibition centers, retail complexes, etc. This device for monitoring exteriors of elevator-equipped buildings includes a number of video cameras positioned on the outer wall along the vertical span of the building, a display screen in the elevator car, a controller, an elevator position indicator and a multiplexer. Controller output is fed directly into the monitor. The output socket of the multiplexer is connected to the first input socket of the controller whose second input socket is connected to the output socket of the elevator position indicator. The device contains at least one set of additional video cameras positioned outside the building, at different heights elsewhere on the premises. Feed cables from the first, second . . . nth video cameras installed on the outer wall of the building are connected, respectively, to the 1st, 2nd . . . nth input sockets of a commutation switch; feed cables from the 1st, 2nd, . . . lnth additional cameras are connected, respectively, to the 11th, 12th, . . . lnth input sockets of the commutation switch, whose output socket is connected to the input socket of a multiplexer. In this fashion, the exterior of the building where the elevator is located can be monitored through cameras installed at a distance from the building itself.