Elevator Vision System for Priority Passenger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems lack the ability to distinguish between passengers, particularly failing to provide accommodations for pregnant or disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for passenger detection in elevator systems that captures images of approaching passengers, analyzes gait and facial features, and cross-references identities with databases to determine if a passenger is pregnant or disabled, registering a priority call and moving the elevator car accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elevator systems use basic passenger detection, then all passengers are treated equally, but passengers with special needs (pregnant or disabled) do not receive priority accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual elevator operation with an automated vision-based detection system. Cameras capture images of passengers, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze gait patterns, facial features, and physical characteristics to identify pregnant or disabled passengers, eliminating the need for manual assessment and enabling automated priority service
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the passenger and the elevator control system. This intermediary analyzes passenger characteristics through captured images and translates visual information into control signals that prioritize elevator service for passengers with special needs, bridging the gap between basic detection and intelligent accommodation
2Measurement precision
If the system analyzes passenger images to determine pregnancy or disability status, then priority accommodation can be provided, but privacy concerns and measurement accuracy challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the passenger detection task into multiple independent analysis components: gait analysis separates movement pattern evaluation from static features, facial feature analysis focuses on specific facial characteristics, and physical characteristic analysis examines body shape and posture. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in detecting specific indicators of pregnancy or disability, improving overall measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional image processing system that simultaneously performs multiple detection functions: identifying gait abnormalities, detecting facial features associated with certain conditions, analyzing body shape characteristics, and determining overall passenger status. This universal system handles diverse detection tasks through a single integrated platform, enhancing the ability to accurately identify passengers needing accommodation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (300) for elevator passenger detection including: capturing an image of an elevator passenger approaching an elevator bank to board an elevator car (304); determining that the elevator passenger is pregnant or disabled in response to the image of the elevator passenger (306); registering a priority elevator call for the elevator passenger that is pregnant or disabled (308); and moving the elevator car to the floor landing where the elevator passenger that is pregnant or disabled is located (310).