Elevator Display Mode Switching for Emergency Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems lack effective means to provide critical information and operational control during special modes such as fire alarms or evacuations, which can hinder efficient response and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for an elevator system that determines when it is operating in a special mode (fire alarm or evacuation), and dynamically displays relevant information on both non-functional and functional display portions within the elevator car, including status updates and selection options for navigating during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elevator system operates in normal mode with standard display functionality, then the display system remains simple and cost-effective, but critical information is not provided during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is designed to serve multiple functions: normal operational displays and emergency information provision. The controller dynamically switches between normal mode and special operating mode (fire alarm, evacuation), reusing the same display hardware for different purposes, thereby improving emergency information provision without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display system transitions dynamically between different operational states. The controller determines the operating mode and adjusts display content accordingly - showing normal operational information during regular use and switching to emergency-specific information during fire alarms or evacuation scenarios, allowing the system to adapt its functionality based on real-time conditions
2Productivity
If additional information is displayed during special operating modes, then safety and efficiency of emergency response is enhanced, but the system requires more complex control logic and display management
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for emergency situations by having predetermined display content and control logic ready. When a special operating mode is detected, the controller immediately switches to pre-configured emergency display templates and information sets, avoiding the need for complex real-time decision-making during the emergency itself and thereby improving response efficiency while managing control complexity through pre-planning
3Loss of information
If the elevator provides comprehensive emergency information and control options, then user awareness and control during evacuation is improved, but the interface becomes more complex and harder to operate under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The display information is segmented into different categories and priority levels. The controller determines which information to display based on the specific emergency mode, separating critical safety information from secondary operational details. This segmentation allows comprehensive information provision while maintaining interface simplicity by showing only the most relevant information for each emergency scenario
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the display interface are assigned different functions and information types based on their importance. Critical information such as evacuation status and floor location is given prominent display positions, while less critical information is placed in secondary areas or omitted during high-stress situations, thereby improving ease of operation by directing user attention to the most important elements
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a method and an apparatus for providing operating mode related information in an elevator system comprising an elevator car. It may be determined that the elevator system operates in a special operating mode, the special operating mode comprising a fire alarm mode and/or an evacuation mode. Content to be displayed on a non-functional display portion associated with the elevator car and a functional display portion associated with the elevator car may be determined based at least in part on the special operating mode. The content may be caused to be displayed on the non-functional display portion and the functional display portion.