Elevator Car Fill-Level Sensing Using Camera and Distance Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight-based load detection methods in elevators fail to accurately determine full-loading when lighter objects occupy the space, leading to unnecessary stops and increased travel time.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device comprising a camera and distance measuring sensor exposed to the elevator car to capture images and measure distances, calculating fill level based on image analysis without relying on gravity load, triggering a bypass signal when the fill level reaches a predefined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight-based load detection is used, then the occupancy of the space can be detected, but lighter objects such as luggages or strollers occupying the ground space will not trigger a full-loading bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based detection system with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the elevator car interior, and image processing algorithms analyze the images to detect objects and calculate fill level. This substitution allows the system to detect both heavy and light objects equally, solving the problem where weight-based systems fail to detect light objects like luggages and strollers.
2Productivity
If the fill level threshold is reached, then unnecessary stops can be avoided, but the travel time and waiting time for passengers may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the fill level of the elevator car using image processing and provides real-time feedback to the control system. When the calculated fill level reaches a predefined threshold, the system triggers a full-loading bypass signal, preventing unnecessary stops. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of elevator operation to optimize both efficiency and passenger convenience.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately determines the fill level of an elevator car, reducing unnecessary stops and passenger wait times by assigning alternative elevators for landing calls.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measuring sensor, connecting to the circuit board; wherein the controller is provided on the circuit board and is in communication connection with the camera and the distance measuring sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides a sensor for sensing a fill level of a space, which comprises a housing, a circuit board, a camera, a distance measuring sensor and a controller, wherein the controller is in communication connection with the camera and the distance measuring sensor to calculate the fill level of a space according to the input from the camera and the distance measuring sensor. The disclosure also provides an elevator, which comprises the sensor for sensing the fill level of the elevator car space. The disclosure also provides a method for sensing a fill level of a space. The present disclosure provides a method for determining the fill level of a space like an elevator car without utilizing the gravity load, and the method can better identify the objects in the space and further calculate the fill level of the space according to the identified images, and can be used as a substitute or a beneficial supplement for gravity load determination.