Elevator Color-Code Control Through Cracked Smartphone Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for elevator operation, such as using QR codes on smart devices with cracked screens, suffer from reading errors due to laser refraction, leading to inaccurate command execution and potential health risks from contact-based operation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a smart device to generate a unique combination of colors representing elevator commands, detected by a color detector and interpreted by a microcontroller to simulate button presses through a relay board, enabling hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QR codes are used on smart device displays for elevator control, then contactless operation is achieved, but reading accuracy deteriorates when the display has cracks due to laser refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical QR code reading system with a color detection system. Instead of using laser light to read QR codes, the system uses a color detector to capture and analyze color information displayed on the smart device screen. This substitution eliminates the refraction problem caused by cracked displays, as color detection does not rely on laser light paths being unobstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical reflection (QR code reading) to color properties (hue, saturation, brightness). By detecting color parameters rather than relying on laser light reflection, the system can accurately read information even when the display screen has physical damage, since color detection is less sensitive to surface integrity than optical reflection.
2Reliability
If traditional button pressing is used for elevator control, then reliable command input is achieved, but infection transmission risk increases through contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a color code as an intermediary between the user and the elevator control system. Instead of direct physical contact with buttons, the user displays color codes on their smart device, and the color detector translates these colors into button press commands. This intermediary approach maintains command reliability while eliminating direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical/color-based communication system. The color detector captures color information from the smart device display and converts it into electrical signals that simulate button presses. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the control panel while maintaining reliable command input.
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
Ensures accurate and hygienic elevator control by detecting colors through a cracked screen, reducing the risk of infection transmission and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
The displayed colours can be detected by a colour detector mounted adjacent to an elevator control
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is presented for hands-free operation of elevator using a smart phone or like device to display one or more colours that are read by a colour-detection device mounted in an elevator cabin and at each elevator landing. Different colours can be displayed by the smart phone or like device and detected by the colour-detection device where different can represent different commands to operate the elevator.