Voice-Activated Elevator Interface Configuration Without Specialized Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems lack efficient and customizable passenger interfaces that can be easily configured and integrated with building systems, requiring specialized tools for installation and customization.

Innovation Solution

A voice-activated elevator passenger interface configuration device that allows authorized individuals to input desired functionalities, such as language settings, building information, and integration with other systems, using a portable device with a processor and memory to communicate with passenger interfaces via wireless or physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a specialized tool is needed to set up the interface, then the configuration capability is comprehensive, but the ease of installation and customization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The passenger interface device performs self-configuration by receiving voice inputs directly from passengers during installation. The device automatically processes these voice inputs to determine configuration parameters, eliminating the need for specialized configuration tools and reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical configuration tools and manual setup procedures with a voice-activated configuration system. The voice input mechanism substitutes for physical configuration devices, allowing installers to configure the interface using simple verbal commands rather than specialized tools, thereby improving ease of installation while preserving full configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of authorized individuals can customize the interface, then the customization flexibility improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements role-based access control where different authorized individuals (e.g., technicians, building managers, passengers) have different levels of customization permissions. Each user type can access and modify only the configuration parameters appropriate to their role, providing flexible customization while managing system complexity through localized access rights rather than a monolithic complex interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If voice-activated configuration is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of configuration accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the passenger interface device processes voice inputs, determines configuration parameters, and can provide confirmation or clarification to the speaker. This feedback loop allows verification of voice-activated configurations, ensuring accuracy while maintaining ease of operation by allowing users to correct or confirm their inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4008662B1Voice activated elevator passenger interface configuration device
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4008662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4008662B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

An elevator passenger interface configuration device (20) includes a configuration input (30) that allows an authorized individual to input an indication of a desired functionality of at least one selected elevator passenger interface (22) that is configured to receive audible passenger input. A processor (34) determines at least one operation executable by the elevator passenger interface (22) to provide the desired functionality based on the indication of the desired functionality. Memory (36) associated with the processor (34) at least temporarily stores information regarding the operation. A configuration output (38) is configured to communicate information regarding the operation from the memory (36) to the elevator passenger interface (22).