Elevator Door Detection With Dynamic Field-of-View Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator door detection systems struggle to effectively cover the entire sensing area for both center and side opening doors, leading to potential safety hazards due to incomplete detection of obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system mechanically coupled to the elevator door adjusts its field of view through panning, tilting, and zooming to align with the door threshold, combined with a 3D light curtain for comprehensive detection, ensuring complete coverage of the sensing area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed sensor is used for door detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and detection coverage are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the sensor's field of view parameters (panning angle, tilting angle, zoom level) based on door position and operational context, enabling accurate detection across varying conditions without requiring multiple fixed sensors throughout the space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor's operational parameters (field of view angle, detection range, orientation) are continuously adjusted based on door position and detection needs. This parameter adaptation allows a single sensor to perform the work of multiple fixed sensors, improving detection precision while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If a single sensor is used for door detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area of coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing area coverageVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single sensor dynamically adjusts its field of view through panning, tilting, and zooming mechanisms to cover different areas of the door threshold and landing zone. This dynamic repositioning of the detection field allows one sensor to effectively monitor the entire required area that would otherwise require multiple stationary sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds temporal and angular dimensions to the detection process. Instead of a single static detection plane, the sensor sweeps through multiple angles and distances, creating a volumetric detection capability from a point sensor, thereby covering a three-dimensional sensing volume rather than a two-dimensional plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor field of view is adjusted dynamically, then the detection precision is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstruction detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor adjustment energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs periodic scanning and adjustment cycles rather than continuous operation. The field of view is adjusted at key moments (door movement phases, detection cycles) rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy through strategically timed measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3564179B1Enhanced elevator door detection
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3564179B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3564179B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3564179B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A door control system is provided. Aspects includes a sensor (310, 410, 510) having a field of view (306, 406, 506) in proximity to a door threshold of an entrance to an occupancy area, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect objects in the door threshold and a landing area proximate to the door threshold, wherein the sensor (310, 410, 510) is operated based on a movement of a door (304, 404, 504) in the door threshold. And based at least upon detecting an object within a portion of the door threshold or the landing area, the sensor (310, 410, 510) operable to signal a door operation controller (502) to perform an action.