Virtual Elevator Panel Positioning for Passenger Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in providing easy access to interactive touch-based car operating panels, particularly in crowded conditions and for passengers of varying heights, which can violate accessibility laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an elevator system with a touchscreen display that adjusts the virtual car operating panel's location based on passenger height and orientation, using sensors like cameras, depth sensors, and infrared sensors to ensure accessibility for all passengers, and also provides additional media content and entertainment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed physical COP is installed on the elevator wall, then the COP structure is simple and reliable, but passengers of varying heights and passengers with disabilities cannot easily access it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical COP with a virtual COP displayed on a touchscreen screen. The virtual COP is a digital copy of the traditional panel that can be dynamically positioned and scaled, allowing any passenger to access it regardless of height or ability, while eliminating the need for multiple physical panels at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual COP's position, size, and orientation are dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of passenger location, height, and movement. The system continuously adapts the display parameters to ensure the COP remains accessible to all passengers throughout the elevator ride.
2Illumination intensity
If the COP is positioned high on the wall for visibility, then it is visible to all passengers, but it becomes inaccessible to shorter passengers and those with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed two-dimensional wall-mounted panel to a dynamic digital display where the COP can be positioned at any location on the touchscreen. This allows the system to optimize both visibility and accessibility by placing the virtual COP at eye level for each detected passenger.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an interactive touchscreen COP is implemented, then modernization and improved visibility are achieved, but access becomes problematic in crowded elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (cameras, depth sensors, infrared sensors) to continuously detect passenger presence, location, and movement, then feeds this information back to adjust the virtual COP's position and size. This real-time feedback loop ensures the COP remains accessible even when the elevator is crowded or passengers are moving.
4Device complexity
If a single fixed COP location is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot accommodate passengers of different heights and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The single touchscreen display serves multiple functions: it displays the virtual COP, provides visual feedback about passenger detection, and adapts its content based on the number and positions of passengers. This universal display replaces multiple fixed panels, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This solution enhances accessibility by dynamically adjusting the virtual panel's location to suit individual passengers, improving usability and compliance with accessibility laws, while also offering engaging media content during travel.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive surface that is LED-backlit and can receive input from passengers
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensitive surface that is LED-backlit
Implementation Method 3
one or more object detection sensors disposed at various locations throughout the elevator car. Several examples of object detection sensors include cameras, depth sensors, infrared sensors, and imaging luminance meters.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system may include an elevator car that is configured to transport a passenger between floors of a building as well as a sensor system in the elevator car that is configured to detect a passenger's location, orientation, and/or height. The elevator system may further include a touchscreen that can display a virtual car operating panel at a location on the touchscreen that is based on the location, orientation, and/or height of the passenger. The virtual car operating panel may be configured to receive input from the passenger regarding a destination floor. The touchscreen may be configured to display a virtual car operating panel for each passenger based on each passenger's location, orientation, and/or height on the elevator car.