Passenger Detection for Escalator and Moving Walk Start-Stop Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing escalators and moving walks require manual start-stop operations, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and remote video surveillance methods for managing their operation incur high costs and have reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and system that utilize a central control unit, sensors, and timers to automatically manage the start-stop operations of escalators and moving walks based on passenger presence detection, reducing the need for manual intervention and lowering installation and maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual start-stop operations are used for escalators and moving walks, then operational control can be performed, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of start-stop operationsVSAvoidtime for manual operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus enables the escalator system to automatically determine and execute start-stop operations based on passenger detection signals. The system self-monitors passenger presence through detectors and autonomously controls motor activation without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating time loss associated with manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If remote video surveillance is used to monitor loading status, then operational decisions can be made, but installation and maintenance costs are high and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of operation monitoringVSAvoidcomplexity of surveillance system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential monitoring function from complex video surveillance systems and implements a dedicated passenger detection device that directly interfaces with the control apparatus. This specialized detector is positioned to specifically detect passenger presence at the entrance, providing reliable signals for operational control without the complexity and cost of general-purpose video surveillance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus serves as an intermediary between the passenger detection device and the motor control system. It receives detection signals, processes them according to control logic, and generates appropriate control commands, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability in operational monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If remote video surveillance is used for start-stop operations, then operational efficiency can be improved, but installation and maintenance costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of start-stop operationsVSAvoidcost of system installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a cost-effective passenger detection device instead of expensive video surveillance infrastructure. The detection device uses simpler, more economical sensors and processing components that can be easily installed and maintained, achieving the same productivity improvement in start-stop operations at a fraction of the cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If existing escalators are upgraded with video surveillance, then operational monitoring can be achieved, but reconstruction cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of operation monitoringVSAvoidreconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to existing escalator and moving walk systems. It interfaces with standard motor control mechanisms and can work with various types of passenger detection devices, allowing existing infrastructure to be upgraded with reliable operational monitoring without expensive custom reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4151582B1Device and method for controlling passenger conveying apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4151582B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4151582B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4151582B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present application relates to elevator technology, in particular to a control apparatus (121, 122, 123) for a passenger conveying apparatus (E1, E2, E3), a control system (10) comprising the control apparatus (121, 122, 123), a method for controlling a passenger conveying apparatus (E1, E2, E3), and a computer-readable storage medium for implementing the method. A control apparatus (121, 122, 123) for a passenger conveying apparatus (E1, E2, E3) according to an aspect of the present application comprises: a processor; a memory coupled with the processor; a communication module coupled with the processor; and a computer program stored on the memory and running on the processor, the running of the computer program causes: in response to an internal control command of the control apparatus or an external control command outside the control apparatus (121, 122, 123), determining whether there is a passenger boarding signal in the passenger conveying apparatus (E1, E2, E3) within a specified time interval, wherein the internal control command and the external control command comprise commands for starting or stopping the passenger conveying apparatus (E1, E2, E3); and manipulating the passenger conveying apparatus (E1, E2, E3) based on the determining.