Elevator Passenger Detection for Automatic Door Closing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems fail to inform passengers of elevator states accurately and prevent accidents by detecting boarding states through object detection sensors to automatically close an elevator door when passengers complete boarding states through object detection sensors to automatically close an elevator door when all passengers board the elevator car, and inform elevator states through voice guidance only when a passenger is detected.

Innovation Solution

An elevator system equipped with an object detection sensor to detect passengers, a passenger determination unit to identify prospective elevator passengers, and a door controller to automatically close the elevator door when all passengers have boarded, while informing elevator states through voice guidance only when a passenger is present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the elevator door remains open for a predetermined waiting time to allow passengers to board, then passengers have sufficient time to board the elevator, but the elevator departure is delayed and virus transmission risk increases through contact with the door closing button

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger boarding convenienceVSAvoidelevator waiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical detection system. Object detection sensors detect passengers in the boarding region, and the controller automatically controls door closing based on detection results, eliminating the need for mechanical button operation and contact-based control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator system performs self-monitoring and self-control regarding door operation. The controller continuously monitors passenger presence through object detection sensors and automatically adjusts door closing timing based on detected passenger states, without requiring manual button input from passengers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If the display unit shows elevator state information through text, then the information is clearly visible, but passengers must approach the platform closely to read the information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator state information visibilityVSAvoidinformation detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension of information delivery by introducing voice output alongside visual display. The state information output unit provides both visual text display and audible voice guidance, allowing passengers to receive elevator state information through multiple sensory channels simultaneously, improving accessibility and reducing the need to closely approach the display.

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

3Loss of information

If voice guidance continues to inform passengers of elevator unavailability, then passengers are kept informed of the elevator state, but continuous noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator state notificationVSAvoidnoise pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic rather than continuous voice output. The controller activates voice guidance only at specific moments when elevator state changes occur, and deactivates it when the state is normal or when no passengers are detected, creating intermittent notification that reduces noise while maintaining information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses object detection sensor feedback to control voice output timing. When passengers are detected in the boarding region, voice guidance is activated to inform them of elevator status. When no passengers are present or the elevator is operating normally, voice output is suppressed to avoid unnecessary noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If the door closing button is frequently manipulated to reduce waiting time, then elevator departure is accelerated, but the button suffers from aging and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closing timeVSAvoiddoor closing button durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button system with an automated optical detection and control system. Object detection sensors monitor passenger presence, and the controller automatically determines door closing timing based on detection results, eliminating repeated mechanical button manipulation and its associated wear and damage.

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

5Productivity

If the elevator door automatically closes without detecting passenger boarding state, then the door operation is simple and fast, but passengers may be accidentally excluded or safety accidents may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor operation speedVSAvoidpassenger safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of passenger boarding state before executing door closing. The object detection sensors continuously monitor the boarding region in advance, and the controller uses this提前 detected information to determine the appropriate timing for door closing, ensuring passengers are safely onboard before the door closes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time feedback from object detection sensors to control door operation. The sensors continuously provide information about passenger presence in the boarding region, and the controller adjusts door closing timing based on this feedback, maintaining both operational speed and passenger safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4660121A2Elevator system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HYUNDAI ELEVATOR CO LTD
  • EP4660121A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660121A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660121A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an elevator system capable of informing a prospective elevator passenger of an elevator state. The elevator system includes an object detection sensor configured to detect an object in a detection region of a platform, and a passenger determination unit configured to determine whether the detected object is a prospective elevator passenger based on object detection information of the object detection sensor.