Touchscreen Elevator Call Input with Protruding Pushbutton
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator call input devices do not adequately accommodate passengers with disabilities, as they often lack compliance with standards like EN81-70, which requires specific tactile and force-based inputs, and do not provide intuitive or accessible methods for inputting calls, especially for those with mobility or visual impairments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touchscreen-based call input device that allows passengers to change modes by producing a plurality of input signals on a time or position basis, using functional designators that can be activated through touch, pressure, or spoken commands, enabling easier navigation and communication of disability status for tailored elevator operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen is used for call input, then the device modernity and ease of operation are improved, but compliance with disability access standards (EN81-70) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a physical pushbutton mechanism with a touchscreen interface. The pushbutton protrudes through the touchscreen surface, allowing it to be actuated by both tactile pressure (for disabled users) and touch (for general users). This merging of mechanical and electronic interfaces resolves the contradiction by maintaining accessibility compliance while preserving touchscreen modernity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushbutton acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between traditional mechanical input and modern touchscreen technology. It provides the necessary mechanical feedback and tactile engagement for disabled users while simultaneously interfacing with the touchscreen's electronic sensing layer, thus mediating between conflicting requirements.
2Reliability
If a pushbutton for disabled users is added to the touchscreen, then compliance with EN81-70 is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding a separate complex mechanical switch assembly, the patent merges the pushbutton functionality directly into the touchscreen structure. The button integrates with the touchscreen's sensing layers, eliminating the need for separate complex switching mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compliance.
3Reliability
If multiple input signals are required to activate disabled mode, then false activation is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or sequential touch actions (such as tapping a specific sequence of buttons or holding a button for a predetermined time) to activate disabled mode. This periodic action pattern ensures that accidental or false activation is prevented while maintaining ease of operation for intended users who know the correct sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary confirmation step where the user must perform a specific sequence of actions (such as pressing a designated button combination or holding a button) before the disabled mode is activated. This preliminary action serves as a simple verification mechanism that prevents false activation while remaining intuitive for users with disabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift system comprises a call input device and at least one touchscreen for inputting a call for a lift. The touchscreen has at least one functional identifier. When a functional identifier is touched, at least one input signal is generated. The call input device converts into a special input mode for a time-specific or location-specific generation of several input signals.