Elevator Touchless Input Device with Single-Sensor Region Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face the risk of microbial transmission through physical contact with buttons on car and landing panels, which can spread diseases among users.
Innovation Solution
A touchless user input device using a single sensor to detect the presence of an object in multiple input regions, minimizing physical contact and reducing the spread of microbes, while simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If physical contact buttons are used, then device complexity is reduced, but microbial transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with optical sensing. The optical sensor detects changes in light reflection or absorption when a user approaches or touches the input region, triggering the corresponding function without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the mechanical button structure while maintaining input functionality, thereby reducing microbial transmission risk without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the user and the input device. Instead of direct physical contact, the user's presence or gesture modifies the optical properties (reflection, absorption, scattering) of the input region, which the optical sensor detects. This intermediary mechanism allows contactless interaction while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If multiple touchless sensors are used for each input region, then input precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical sensor perform multiple functions by detecting different optical characteristics for different input regions. The sensor can distinguish between multiple input regions by analyzing variations in light reflection patterns, absorption levels, or angular dependencies, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each region. This multi-functionality approach maintains detection precision while significantly reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional discrimination to the sensing approach. Instead of using multiple sensors spatially distributed across input regions, a single sensor uses optical dimensionality (different reflection angles, light paths, or spectral characteristics) to distinguish between multiple input regions. This dimensional differentiation allows precise multi-region detection with a single sensor, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single touchless sensor is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but input region differentiation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation through optical properties. Each input region is designed with distinct optical characteristics (different reflective materials, absorption coefficients, or geometric configurations) that create unique optical signatures when illuminated. The single optical sensor detects these localized optical quality differences to accurately differentiate between input regions, making manufacturing easier while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property variations (analogous to color changes) to differentiate input regions. Different input regions may have surfaces with different reflectivity, absorption spectra, or optical colors that cause the optical sensor to detect distinct signals. This optical differentiation method enables a single sensor to distinguish multiple regions without increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
The touchless sensor system effectively reduces microbial transmission and lowers manufacturing costs by minimizing the number of components required, while allowing for user input without direct contact.
Implementation Method 1
the single touchless sensor comprises a distance sensor configured to determine the distance at which an object is detected
Data Source
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AI summary
A user input device (202), for providing an input to an elevator controller is disclosed. The user input device (202) comprises a plurality of input regions (204A-204F) each of which correspond to a different input command; and a single touchless sensor (216) arranged to detect the presence of an object in any of the plurality of input regions (204A-204F).