Elevator Call Reassignment via Mobile Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack efficient mechanisms for reassigning elevator calls when an initially assigned elevator car cannot serve the destination call, and for detecting when a mobile device has boarded another elevator car.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a method for detecting if an assigned elevator car cannot serve the call by using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, or detecting a beacon signal, and then reassigning the call to another elevator car, with the ability to determine the boarding floor through mobile device input or location detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system uses traditional elevator call assignment methods, then the assignment process is simple, but the system cannot efficiently detect when an assigned elevator car cannot serve the call or when a mobile device has boarded another elevator car
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediaries between users and the elevator control system. These devices detect elevator car identifiers (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or beacon signals) and communicate boarding information to the control system, enabling reliable call assignment monitoring without requiring complex direct detection infrastructure in every elevator car.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or hardwired detection systems with wireless communication technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, beacon signals). This substitution enables the system to detect elevator car identifiers and mobile device positions without physical connections, reducing installation complexity while improving reliability.
2Productivity
If the system implements real-time detection of mobile device boarding, then the reassignment efficiency is improved, but the use of energy and computational resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detection periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. The mobile device detects elevator car identifiers when relevant events occur (e.g., when approaching or entering an elevator car), and the control system checks for reassignment needs only when detection data is received, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reassignment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device on the user's own device performs the detection function locally, using its own sensors and processors to detect elevator car identifiers. This self-service approach distributes computational burden from the central control system to user devices, improving overall reassignment efficiency without proportionally increasing central system energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple detection methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, beacon), then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by enabling mobile devices to detect elevator car identifiers through multiple wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, beacon signals). This universal approach allows a single detection system to work across different elevator car types and environments, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements detection capabilities that may be more extensive than strictly necessary (supporting multiple wireless protocols), but in practice uses only the methods needed for each specific situation. This partial action approach maintains high detection accuracy when needed while avoiding the full complexity burden in all scenarios.
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 the elevator control system to efficiently reassign calls and detect when a mobile device has boarded another elevator car, ensuring optimal service and user experience by moving the new elevator car to the destination floor.
Implementation Method 1
using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
Implementation Method 2
using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
Implementation Method 3
detecting a beacon transmitted by a sensor proximate the second elevator car using the mobile device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of reassigning an elevator call for an elevator car comprising: receiving an elevator call (402) from a mobile device (208), the elevator call (402) comprising a destination request to travel to a destination floor; assigning a first elevator car to the elevator call (402); determining that the first elevator car cannot serve the elevator call (402); activating an alert on the mobile device (208) to enter any elevator car (404); detecting whether the mobile device (208) enters a second elevator car; and assigning the second elevator car to the elevator call (402).