BLE Passenger Detection for Elevator Calling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems require manual operation for calling and registering floors, which can be difficult for passengers with disabilities or those carrying items, leading to ineffective elevator calling and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An automatic elevator calling system using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modules in elevator cars and mobile terminals to determine passenger movement and send commands wirelessly, allowing for hands-free operation by monitoring signal strength and floor information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual button pressing operation is used for elevator calling, then the system is simple and reliable, but it becomes difficult for passengers with disabilities or those carrying items, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button pressing system with a wireless communication system using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modules. The mobile terminal communicates wirelessly with the elevator control system, eliminating the need for physical button pressing and enabling hands-free operation for passengers with disabilities or those carrying items.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic elevator calling where the mobile terminal automatically sends calling requests and floor registration information to the elevator control system without requiring manual intervention. The passenger simply needs to have the mobile terminal in proximity, and the system automatically completes the calling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic elevator calling through smart mobile terminals is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but ineffective elevator calling may occur due to uncertainty of passenger action or movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the elevator control system monitors the movement status of passengers relative to the elevator car using wireless signals. The system determines whether the passenger has successfully entered the elevator car based on signal strength changes and movement detection, providing feedback to confirm successful calling and prevent ineffective operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of passenger movement status before confirming the elevator calling. By detecting whether the passenger has actually entered the elevator car through wireless signal monitoring, the system ensures that the automatic calling is effective before the elevator departs, preventing wasted trips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual floor registration is required after entering the elevator car, then the system is simple and reliable, but it increases loss of time and reduces productivity for passengers with limited mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary automatic floor registration where the mobile terminal automatically sends the target floor information to the elevator control system before the passenger needs to manually press any buttons. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming manual floor registration step and significantly improves productivity, especially for passengers with limited mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If wireless signal monitoring is used to determine passenger movement, then reliability of automatic calling is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the existing wireless communication capability of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modules for multiple purposes: both for automatic calling initiation and for monitoring passenger movement status. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to improve reliability without adding separate dedicated sensing devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

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

Enables accurate determination of passenger movement and successful elevator entry, improving operational efficiency and passenger experience by automating the elevator calling process without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless signal module mounted in the elevator car and a personal mobile terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3418236B1Determination of the motion of a passenger relative to an elevator car
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3418236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the determination of the movement of a passenger relative to an elevator car and belongs to the field of elevator intelligent control technologies. The present invention acquires information about the movement of a passenger relative to an elevator car, wherein the information about the movement of the passenger relative to the elevator car is determined based on a change in the signal strength of a first wireless signal received by a personal mobile terminal carried by the passenger and a change in first floor information and/or traveling direction information.