Elevator Access Control Using Mobile Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator systems face issues with unauthorized access and confusion regarding reserved elevators for VIPs, as they do not effectively manage elevator requests and access control, leading to accidental boarding by non-VIPs.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller system that utilize user devices to communicate VIP requests, validate access rights, and control elevator doors to ensure exclusive access, allowing VIPs to reserve and enter elevators only when ready, with notifications and secure access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elevator system uses conventional control panels with buttons or card readers for access control, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but unauthorized individuals can accidentally board reserved elevators and VIPs must manually authorize access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical control panels, buttons, and card readers with a mobile device-based access control system. The mobile device communicates wirelessly with the elevator controller to request and authorize elevator service, eliminating the need for physical interaction with elevator-mounted devices and preventing unauthorized access through automated authentication.
2Ease of operation
If the elevator arrives at the requested floor and leaves doors open waiting for VIPs to enter, then VIPs can board conveniently, but other individuals can accidentally board the reserved elevator
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator controller receives and processes the VIP's service request in advance, positioning the elevator at the requested floor and preparing for authorized boarding. The system maintains this ready state while continuously monitoring for authentication, ensuring the elevator is prepared for VIP arrival without prematurely opening doors to unauthorized individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback between the mobile device and elevator controller to verify authorization status. The controller monitors for authentication signals from the VIP's mobile device before opening doors, and can detect when unauthorized individuals attempt to board, automatically canceling the reserved service and closing doors to prevent accidental boarding.
3Reliability
If the system uses user devices to communicate VIP requests and control access, then unauthorized access is prevented and VIPs have exclusive control, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the mobile device's existing universal capabilities (wireless communication, authentication, location services) to perform multiple functions: requesting elevator service, transmitting authorization credentials, receiving arrival notifications, and confirming boarding intent. This approach avoids adding dedicated specialized hardware while achieving robust access control through a multi-functional device already present in the user's possession.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for elevator control are provided. The methods and systems include receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, a request for at least one service associated with an elevator system from a user device, controlling an elevator car to travel to a specific floor in accordance with the request, controlling an elevator car door to be closed upon arriving at the specific floor, transmitting an indicator to the user device that the elevator car has arrived at the specific floor, and controlling the elevator car door to open upon receiving, by the computing device, an access request from the user device.