BLE Elevator Call Initiation via Mobile Device Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems often result in significant wait times due to users needing to interact with a system kiosk in the building lobby to submit an elevator call, leading to congestion and inefficient use of resources.

Innovation Solution

A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) based communication system where a wireless signal generating device emits a BLE signal near the elevator boarding area, allowing mobile devices to initiate an elevator call and connect with a BLE access point device, reversing the typical central-peripheral roles to manage connections efficiently and reduce unnecessary communication traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If users interact with system kiosks to submit elevator calls, then elevator calls can be submitted, but significant wait times and congestion occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewait timeVSAvoiduser interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing mobile devices to automatically initiate elevator calls through BLE signal detection without requiring user interaction with kiosks. The mobile device autonomously detects the elevator boarding area signal and submits the call request, eliminating the need for manual kiosk interaction and reducing wait times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (physical kiosk buttons and displays) with a wireless BLE communication system. Mobile devices use BLE radio frequency to communicate with the elevator system, substituting mechanical button presses and visual displays with wireless signal transmission and mobile device interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple mobile devices connect to BLE access point simultaneously, then elevator calls can be initiated by multiple users, but communication traffic management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator call initiation rateVSAvoidconnection management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the typical BLE connection model by having the mobile device act as the BLE central device and the fixed access point as the peripheral device. This inversion allows multiple mobile devices to independently initiate connections without complex coordination, as each mobile device autonomously manages its own connection lifecycle to the access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is segmented into independent mobile device units, each managing its own BLE connection to the access point. This segmentation allows parallel communication channels for multiple users simultaneously, with each mobile device handling its own connection establishment, data transmission, and disconnection independently, simplifying overall traffic management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9998581B1Communication system and method of communication in an elevator operating environment

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A method of communication in an elevator operating environment is provided. The method includes generating a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) distinguishable signal with a wireless signal generating device located in at least one location proximate to an elevator boarding area. The method also includes receiving the BLE signal with a mobile device when the mobile device is proximate to the wireless signal generating device. The method further includes initiating an elevator call with the mobile device. The method yet further includes initiating the mobile device to enter a connection mode with a BLE access point device.