Elevator Controller Mobile Device Accessibility Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems do not adequately accommodate the specific needs of physically challenged passengers, particularly in ensuring safe entry and navigation, as existing systems lack tailored assistance and communication mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system with a controller that communicates with a mobile device to determine the need for accessibility features, provides navigational assistance, and manages elevator operations to ensure safe and accessible service, including delayed idling and audible directions for visually impaired passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elevator system provides extended door open and close times for physically challenged passengers, then safety and accessibility are improved, but the overall service efficiency and speed of elevator operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively identifies passengers requiring accessibility services before they reach the elevator by detecting mobile devices in proximity and matching them with appropriate elevators. The system pre-assigns elevators with accessibility implements (such as extended door operation) to these passengers before they arrive, allowing the elevator to prepare and wait appropriately without disrupting overall system efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elevator system implements personalized service assignment based on passenger needs, then passenger-specific accessibility is improved, but system complexity and control mechanisms worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages standard elevator operations, detects mobile devices, determines passenger accessibility needs, matches passengers with appropriate elevators, and coordinates door operation timing. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single controller, the system achieves personalized service without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Passengers with accessibility needs indirectly self-identify by having their mobile devices detected by the system. The system automatically determines their needs based on device detection and proximity, eliminating the need for manual registration or complex interaction from the passenger side, thus reducing the burden on both users and the control system.
3Reliability
If the elevator waits for extended periods to accommodate passengers with visual impairments, then navigation safety is improved, but waiting time and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the passenger's approach and pre-assigns an elevator before they arrive at the lobby. The elevator is instructed to idle at the lobby for a predetermined time that accounts for the navigational distance, allowing visually impaired passengers adequate time to locate and board the elevator without excessive waiting. This preliminary preparation balances safety needs with time efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is an elevator system (200) in a building (210) for transporting a passenger (220) with a mobile device (230) between a plurality of levels (240) including a first level (250) having a first lobby (290), the system (200) comprising an elevator (260) including an accessibility implement (270), and a controller (280) that communicates with the elevator (260) and the mobile device (230), the controller (280) configured to render a plurality of determinations including: a first determination that the passenger (220) requires service from an elevator with an accessibility implement (270), a second determination that the elevator (260) includes an accessibility implement (270) and is available to service the passenger (220), and the controller (280) configured to transmit instructions to the elevator (260) whereby the elevator (260) effects the second determination.