Contact-Free Elevator Interface Using Optical Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems pose challenges during public health concerns like pandemics, as they require physical contact with buttons or touchscreens, and retrofitting with wireless communication systems is costly and complex, introducing cybersecurity concerns.
Innovation Solution
A contact-free elevator passenger interface system using visual detectors such as scanners, cameras, or readers to detect optically encoded images, which are interpreted by a processor to facilitate requests for elevator service, allowing passengers to use unique visible images to request service without touching surfaces, and integrating with existing systems at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If physical contact buttons or touchscreens are used for elevator requests, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it increases the risk of disease transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button presses and touchscreen interactions with optical communication. A visible image generator (such as a smartphone) displays optically encoded elevator request information, which is detected by a visual detector (camera or scanner). This substitution eliminates physical contact while maintaining system simplicity through the use of existing optical components rather than complex wireless communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (visible images containing encoded information) to transmit elevator request data instead of physical button presses. The visible image acts as a carrier that contains all necessary request information, which can be captured by the visual detector without requiring the user to physically interact with elevator controls. This copying approach reduces disease transmission risk while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication systems are retrofitted into traditional elevator systems, then contact-free operation is achieved, but it increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of retrofitting wireless communication hardware into the elevator control system, the patent substitutes optical detection components (visual detectors like cameras or scanners) that can be integrated into existing elevator panels. The elevator controller is modified to recognize optical input formats, which is a simpler modification than implementing full wireless communication protocols and infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual detector serves multiple functions: it can detect various types of optically encoded requests, work with different visible image formats, and integrate with existing elevator control systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate wireless communication systems while achieving contact-free operation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented for elevator requests, then contact-free service is provided, but cybersecurity risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copies (visible images) to transmit request information, which is inherently more secure than wireless communication. The optical signal can be easily captured and verified, and the visible image format can include encryption or authentication codes. This approach provides contact-free service while reducing cybersecurity risks associated with wireless protocols and data transmission.
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
Enables safe, cost-effective, and secure contact-free passenger requests, reducing the risk of disease transmission and simplifying the integration with existing elevator systems, while maintaining efficient service management.
Implementation Method 1
A visual detector is configured to detect a visible image that includes an indication of a request for elevator service
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator passenger interface system includes a visual detector (32) configured to detect a visible image that includes an indication of a request for elevator service. A processor (34) interprets the indication and provides an output that is useable by an elevator system (20) to control an elevator car (22) to respond to the request for elevator service.