Communal Entrance Device with Name Display and Keypad Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visitors to independent shops or offices in collective housing often do not know the dwelling unit number, making it difficult for them to call the destination using existing intercom systems.
Innovation Solution
An intercom system with a communal entrance device that allows input of dwelling-unit specifying information character-by-character and provides a name display section for visitors to call the destination by name, along with a dedicated call section, enabling two types of call functions and improving convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only a numeric keypad for inputting dwelling unit numbers is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but visitors who do not know the dwelling unit number cannot easily call the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two distinct calling methods: (1) a numeric keypad for inputting dwelling unit numbers, and (2) a name display section with dedicated call buttons for direct name-based calling. This segmentation allows each method to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction by providing specialized interfaces for different visitor needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The communal entrance device is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both numeric code input and name-based calling operations. The name display section displays resident names and provides dedicated call buttons, while the numeric keypad remains available for traditional code entry. This universal design ensures the device can accommodate all types of visitors regardless of whether they know the dwelling unit number or just the resident's name.
2Ease of operation
If a name display section and dedicated call section are added, then convenience for visitors is improved, but the installation area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The name display section and dedicated call section are merged into an integrated unit. The name display section displays resident names, and the dedicated call buttons are positioned directly below or adjacent to the corresponding names, allowing visitors to call by simply pressing the button under the desired name. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall installation space while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is optimized by arranging elements in a vertical or compact grid layout rather than spreading them horizontally. The name display section uses a vertical arrangement of names with corresponding call buttons, effectively utilizing vertical space and reducing the horizontal footprint of the device, thus minimizing installation area while preserving all functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If the name display section and dedicated call section are integrally formed, then the installation area is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the name display section and dedicated call section are integrally formed to save space, the internal structure is segmented into distinct functional modules: a display unit for showing names, a button array for calling, and a control unit for processing inputs. This modular segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured, then assembled into a compact integrated form, reducing installation area while managing device complexity through standardized module interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
An entryphone system according to the present invention configured to be able to communicate with the room devices disposed in respective rooms, the entryphone system comprising: an input unit (11) that allows room determination information for determining the room device of an inhabitant to be inputted one letter by one letter in order for a visitor to call up the inhabitant and that can call up the determined room device; a name display unit (13) that displays names allocated to at least some of the room devices; and a dedicated call-up unit (14) that is so provided as to be associated with the name display unit (13) and that can call up any one of the room devices to which the names are allocated.