Elevator Passenger Detection via Mobile RFID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems face economic inefficiencies due to the need for multiple stationary detection devices and permanent electromagnetic fields, which increase costs and maintenance requirements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a radio network communication system between a mobile device carried by passengers and detection devices, using RFID transponders for activation and data transfer, reducing the number of stationary detection devices and eliminating the need for permanent electromagnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple stationary detection devices are arranged in the access area to elevator doors, then reliable passenger detection is achieved, but system cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger detection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of detection devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having stationary detection devices emit electromagnetic fields to detect passengers, the invention inverts the approach by having mobile devices carried by passengers actively transmit identification codes to detection devices. This reduces the number of stationary detection devices needed while maintaining reliable detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces mobile devices with transceivers as intermediaries between passengers and the elevator control system. These mobile devices carry identification codes and communicate with detection devices, replacing the need for multiple stationary detection devices and eliminating permanent electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If stationary detection devices constantly emit electromagnetic fields, then passenger identification is enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic field energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuously emitting electromagnetic fields, the system uses periodic activation where mobile devices transmit identification codes only when needed (upon approaching the elevator). The detection devices are activated on-demand rather than continuously, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the electromagnetic field-based detection system with a radio communication system using transceivers. Mobile devices transmit identification codes via radio signals to detection devices, eliminating the need for permanent electromagnetic fields and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple detection devices are installed, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes mobile devices multi-functional by combining identification code storage, transmission, and communication capabilities in a single device carried by passengers. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized stationary detection devices, reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of installing multiple physical detection devices throughout the area, the invention uses copies of identification codes stored on mobile devices carried by passengers. Each mobile device contains a copy of the passenger's identification code, allowing detection at multiple locations without requiring multiple physical detection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

This solution reduces costs by minimizing the number of detection devices and energy consumption, while allowing passengers to contactlessly and automatically trigger elevator calls, providing improved communication and ease of use with elevator status and call information.

Implementation Method 1

The detection device and the transceiver communicate with one another via a radio network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a stationary detection device is arranged on each floor of the building. The detection device constantly emits an electromagnetic field. As soon as an information transmitter carried by the passenger enters the electromagnetic field of a detection device, the information transmitter is woken up as a result of the electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2238067B2Elevator system, method for operating such an elevator system, method for upgrading an existing elevator system to such an elevator system
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 INVENTIO AG
  • EP2238067B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2238067B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2238067B2 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an elevator installation (1) with at least one elevator car (2), with at least one elevator controller (4) and with at least one mobile device (6). The elevator controller (4) has at least one identification apparatus (3), and the mobile device (6) has at least one transmission/reception apparatus (63). The identification apparatus (3) and the transmission/reception apparatus (63) communicate with one another via a radio network. At least one alarm apparatus (5) is fitted close to the elevator installation (1). The mobile device (6) has a further transmission/reception apparatus (65). The alarm apparatus (5) and the further transmission/reception apparatus (65) communicate with one another via a radio network.