Elevator Notice System Segmentation for Passenger Clarity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current elevator systems often confuse passengers with complex displays and call buttons, failing to provide all necessary information effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a programmable elevator notice system with interactive displays near landing doors and inside elevator cars, providing passengers with enhanced information such as gate and car assignments, travel directions, and real-time updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional elevator displays and call buttons are used, then the system structure is simple, but passengers experience confusion and lack of information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completeness for passengersVSAvoiddisplay and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system is segmented into multiple independent components: gateway modules, notification generators, display devices, and audio output devices. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently configured or removed, allowing the system to provide comprehensive information while maintaining modular simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system is designed to be universally applicable across different elevator types and configurations. The system can notify passengers through multiple channels (visual displays, audio outputs, text messages) and can be adapted to various elevator architectures, making it a multi-functional solution that addresses information delivery comprehensively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If complex displays with multiple functions are implemented, then passenger information needs are met, but the interface becomes confusing and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger interaction simplicityVSAvoiddisplay and control interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the notification function from the traditional control panel and implements it as a separate, dedicated notification system. This separates the information delivery function from the control function, allowing each to be optimized independently - the control panel remains simple while the notification system provides comprehensive information through multiple channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system acts as an intermediary between the elevator control system and the passenger. Instead of requiring passengers to interact with complex displays to obtain information, the system proactively delivers notifications through multiple channels, mediating the information flow and eliminating the need for complex passenger interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple notification channels are implemented, then passenger information delivery is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery reliabilityVSAvoidnotification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive. The controller can selectively activate different notification channels based on the situation, elevator configuration, and passenger needs. Not all notification devices need to be active simultaneously or in all configurations, allowing the system to maintain reliability while managing complexity through dynamic configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in notification delivery - different notification methods can be used for different situations, floors, or elevator types. The controller can adjust which notification channels are active and how they are configured, enabling reliable information delivery while adapting to different operational parameters and reducing unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3309102B1Elevator notice system
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3309102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3309102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3309102B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An elevator notice system for an elevator system includes at least one hoistway defined by a structure having a plurality of areas with each area having at least one gate and at least one car in each of the at least one hoistway. At least one of the at least one gate is associated with a respective hoistway. The elevator notice system includes a controller and a programmable display (34). The controller is configured to control the display and track the current location and scheduled destination of each of the at least one car in each of the at least one hoistway. The programmable display (34) includes a car identification portion (38) displaying a car identification type associated with a specific car of the at least one car, and is configured to display at least a next area destination associated with the specific car.