Elevator Control Unit Trigger Signal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a reliable data connection between a central server and an elevator's control unit in a mobile communication network is challenging due to dynamic IP addresses, leading to increased costs and potential connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that receive a trigger signal from the central server, detect compliance with pre-defined requirements, and initiate a data connection establishment by setting up a PDP context between the control unit and a network node in the mobile communication network, using services like messaging or voice call setups to ensure secure and stable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elevator control unit sends periodic messages to transmit its IP address to the central server, then the probability of successful connection is improved, but the operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the elevator control unit periodically sending its IP address to the central server, the invention inverts the approach by having the central server send a trigger signal to the elevator control unit when data transmission is needed. This eliminates the need for continuous periodic messages from the elevator side, reducing operational costs while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server performs preliminary actions by maintaining a registry of elevator control units and their current IP addresses. When a trigger signal is sent, the server already has the necessary connection information prepared, eliminating the need for frequent IP address updates and periodic communication from the elevator side.
2Speed
If the central server uses the latest known IP address to connect to the elevator, then the connection speed is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential IP address errors
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger signal mechanism provides feedback from the central server to the elevator control unit. When the server needs to transmit data, it sends a trigger signal that confirms the current IP address is still valid and reachable. This feedback loop ensures both speed (by using the latest known IP) and reliability (by verifying it through successful trigger signal delivery).
3Reliability
If a private wireless network is used for elevator monitoring, then the security is improved, but the complexity of establishing connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger signal mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a security verification mechanism, a connection initiation signal, and a data transmission trigger. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall connection establishment process while maintaining the security benefits of the private wireless network, as the same signal handles both authentication and data transfer initiation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for initiating a data connection between a central server and a control unit communicatively coupled to an elevator, escalator or autowalk. The method comprises: receiving a trigger signal from the central server, wherein the trigger signal is delivered with a service of a mobile communication network into which the control unit is communicatively coupled to; detecting if the trigger signal complies with at least one pre-defined requirement; and in response to a positive outcome of the detection initiating a data connection establishment from the control unit to the central server. The invention also relates to a control unit for an elevator, escalator or autowalk.