Elevator Dispatch via Facial Recognition Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems lack efficient and secure methods for determining user destinations, often relying on manual input or outdated registration methods, which can lead to inefficiencies and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

A facial recognition-based conveyance system that uses cameras to detect user facial features, matches them against stored profiles, and schedules elevator service accordingly, with an interface to request or present anticipated destinations based on profile data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual destination input is used, then user privacy is maintained, but system efficiency and automation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedestination determination automationVSAvoidfacial recognition system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (buttons, keyboards) with optical detection (facial recognition cameras) to automatically determine user identity and destination, eliminating the need for physical interaction while improving automation and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to automatically register their destinations through facial recognition without manual input, allowing the system to serve itself by automatically capturing, analyzing, and processing user information upon entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional badge reading is used, then security is maintained, but user convenience and speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedestination registration convenienceVSAvoiddestination input time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary facial recognition and destination determination as users enter the elevator, completing the destination registration process before the elevator departs, thereby eliminating time loss and improving operational convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces badge-reading mechanical systems with contactless facial recognition technology, allowing users to register destinations simply by being present in the detection area, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If facial recognition is implemented, then security and automation are improved, but system complexity and privacy concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser identification accuracyVSAvoidfacial recognition and profile management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the facial recognition system into distinct functional modules: camera units for image capture, processing units for facial feature analysis, profile units for data storage, and dispatch units for elevator control, thereby managing system complexity through modular architecture while maintaining high identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3041775B1Elevator dispatch using facial recognition
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3041775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3041775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3041775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A conveyance system includes a camera to generate an image of an area of interest; a dispatch system including a facial recognition unit and a profile unit, the facial recognition unit detecting facial features of a user in the image; the dispatch system determining if the facial features match a profile stored in the profile unit, the dispatch system scheduling car service in response to the facial features matching the profile stored in the profile unit; a system interface including a system interface camera, the system interface camera to generate a second image of the user at the system interface; the facial recognition unit detecting facial features of the user in the second image; the dispatch system determining if the facial features of the user in the second image match the profile stored in the profile unit.