3D Depth Sensor Elevator Tracking for Call Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator control systems are limited in accurately tracking passengers due to the use of two-dimensional video cameras, which fail to determine depth and are sensitive to illumination changes, glare, and occlusion, leading to inadequate passenger tracking and call cancellation in elevator systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a passenger conveyance control system utilizing two 3-D depth-sensing sensors to monitor occupancy depth grids externally and within the elevator, with a control module that hands off data and cancels calls based on passenger position and time, recognizing multiple passengers and assigning requests, and using 3-D shape descriptors for accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If 2-D video cameras are used for passenger monitoring, then the system structure is simple, but the depth determination capability is insufficient and tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-D video cameras to 3-D depth-sensing sensors, adding the depth dimension to passenger monitoring. This enables accurate determination of passenger position, presence, and movement by capturing three-dimensional spatial information rather than just two-dimensional images.
2Ease of manufacture
If 2-D video cameras are used for passenger tracking, then the device cost is low, but the system robustness to illumination changes and occlusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based 2-D video camera systems with 3-D depth-sensing sensor systems that use time-of-flight or phase-shift measurement principles. This substitution makes the system insensitive to visible spectrum illumination changes, glare, and shadows, significantly improving reliability in varying lighting conditions.
3Device complexity
If conventional 2-D video analytics algorithms are used, then the processing complexity is low, but the ability to mitigate illumination changes and occlusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from 2-D color intensity values to 3-D depth measurements. Depth information provides a different parameter space that is inherently insensitive to illumination variations, allowing for more robust passenger tracking analytics even though the processing algorithms become more complex.
4Measurement precision
If 3-D depth-sensing sensors are implemented, then the passenger tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements 3-D depth-sensing sensors that capture volumetric information about the passenger tracking area. This additional dimensional data enables precise determination of passenger presence, position, and movement patterns, significantly improving tracking accuracy despite increased device complexity.
5Reliability
If 3-D depth-sensing sensors are used, then the insensitivity to illumination changes and occlusion is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces illumination-dependent 2-D optical sensing with 3-D depth sensing based on time-of-flight or phase-shift principles. This fundamental substitution creates a system that is inherently insensitive to visible spectrum illumination changes, glare, and shadows, improving reliability despite increased system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A passenger conveyance passenger tracking control system that controls operation of a passenger conveyance, e.g., an elevator car, includes at least one call request device, e.g., a call request panel, configured to receive at least one input from at least one passenger located at a occupancy depth grid. At least one passenger position three-dimensional (3-D) depth-sensing sensor is configured to track a position of the at least one passenger located at the occupancy depth grid. The passenger conveyance passenger tracking control system further includes an electronic control module in signal communication with the at least one call request device and at least one passenger position 3-D depth-sensing sensor. The electronic control module is configured to control operation of the passenger conveyance based on the position of the at least one passenger.