Elevator Floor Identification Using Magnetic Signature Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the position of conveyance apparatuses, such as elevator cars, escalators, and moving walkways, within conveyance systems is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately identifying their locations.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a magnetometer to detect a magnetic signature within the conveyance system, comparing it to a magnetic signature lookup table, and determining the location by matching it to a specific position along the conveyance path, which may involve learning magnetic signatures through a learn run and incorporating acceleration or pressure data for verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional position monitoring methods are used in conveyance systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the conveyance path into multiple discrete locations, each with a unique magnetic signature. The magnetometer detects these segmented magnetic characteristics at different positions, enabling precise location identification through pattern matching against a lookup table of pre-stored magnetic signatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic signatures serve as an intermediary medium between the conveyance apparatus and the position monitoring system. The magnetometer detects magnetic field characteristics that are indirectly caused by the apparatus's position, translating physical location into measurable magnetic patterns without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connection to position reference points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If magnetic signature detection is implemented, then the position monitoring accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation detection accuracyVSAvoidsensing apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration through a learn run procedure, where the conveyance apparatus automatically traverses the entire path and the controller stores magnetic signatures for each location in a lookup table. This self-learning mechanism eliminates the need for manual calibration or complex setup procedures, reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the physical environment by storing magnetic signature patterns for each location in a lookup table. Instead of requiring complex physical reference markers or mechanical position encoders, the system replicates spatial information in magnetic field space, enabling position determination through pattern recognition rather than direct measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If a learn run is conducted to establish magnetic signatures, then the position identification accuracy improves, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic signature matching accuracyVSAvoidlearn run duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the magnetic signature collection and storage operation in advance during a learn run, before normal operational use. The controller traverses each location, detects magnetic characteristics, and populates the lookup table with position-specific signatures. This preliminary action ensures that when position determination is needed during operation, the comparison can be performed instantly without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The learn run is designed to efficiently traverse the entire conveyance path in a continuous operation, collecting magnetic signatures at each location without interruption. By maintaining continuous motion and systematic data collection, the system minimizes the total time required for calibration while ensuring complete coverage of all positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Accurately monitors the location of conveyance apparatuses by leveraging magnetic signatures and additional data, enhancing positional tracking in systems like elevators.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, using a magnetometer, a first magnetic signature within the conveyance system at a first time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS12552635B2Floor identification using magnetic signature referencing and sensor fusion

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A method of monitoring a conveyance apparatus within a conveyance system including: detecting, using a magnetometer, a first magnetic signature within the conveyance system at a first time, the magnetometer being attached to the conveyance apparatus; comparing the first magnetic signature detected to a plurality of magnetic signatures contained in a magnetic signature lookup table, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic signatures in the magnetic signature lookup table are assigned to a specific location along a conveyance path of the conveyance system; and determining a location of the conveyance apparatus at the first time by matching the first magnetic signature to one of the plurality of magnetic signatures.