Elevator Beacon System for Intention-Based Call Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems experience long waiting times due to late user input for calling elevators, and existing solutions that predict future boardings can lead to false-positive calls, reducing overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system that uses a beacon to broadcast a signal to a mobile device based on user activity data captured by sensors, inferring the user's intention to board and sending an instruction signal to the elevator controller only when the intention is confirmed, thereby optimizing elevator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the elevator call is made at the landing terminal, then the user can ensure they are at the correct location, but unnecessarily long waiting times occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence and intent before the user actually needs to call the elevator. Sensors detect users approaching the landing, and the system proactively initiates the elevator call sequence, eliminating the need for users to wait at the terminal and press buttons manually.
2Loss of time
If automatic elevator calling based on user presence is implemented, then wait times are reduced, but false-positive calls reduce overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user behavior patterns and provides feedback to adjust the calling decision. It analyzes whether detected users have actual intent to board by observing their actions (e.g., waiting at the landing, looking at the elevator), allowing the system to cancel false-positive calls while maintaining accurate detection of genuine users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical button pressing with an automated sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying on users to physically activate calls, the system uses sensors to detect user presence and behavior patterns, substituting mechanical interaction with automated intelligent detection.
3Loss of time
If sensor-based automatic calling is used, then early elevator activation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensor components that can detect multiple aspects of user behavior (presence, movement, waiting behavior) through a single integrated approach. The same sensor infrastructure supports both detection and analysis functions, reducing the need for separate complex systems while achieving comprehensive user intent monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes a beacon adapted for broadcasting, when activated, a beacon signal to a mobile device carried by a user, a sensor device, and a controller adapted for selectively activating the beacon. A method for operating the elevator system includes capturing a capture of a user by the sensor device, the capture including capture data indicative of a user activity. The method further includes inferring, from the capture data, an intention data indicative of the user's intention to perform an elevator boarding, and, under the condition that the intention data indicates an intention of the user to perform an elevator boarding, activating the beacon to broadcast a beacon signal, and receiving, by the controller, an instruction signal sent by a mobile device upon having received the beacon signal.