Elevator Positioning Using Near-Field Wireless AOA Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator positioning methods are complex, inaccurate, and costly, with a need for additional equipment investment, which complicates the timely and precise location of personnel and objects within elevator hoistways, particularly in high-rise buildings.

Innovation Solution

A spatial location positioning method using near-field wireless communication signals, such as BLE, ZIGBEE, WIFI, or RF, to transmit and analyze signal AOA information from response signals, determining the target object's location in preset areas of the elevator, including hoistways and waiting areas, with signals sent from multiple positions for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RSSI-based positioning is used, then positioning function is achieved, but positioning accuracy and timeliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning timeliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional RSSI-based positioning with ultrasonic wave-based time-of-flight measurement. The ultrasonic positioning system measures distance by calculating the time it takes for ultrasonic waves to travel between transmitter and receiver, substituting the indirect RSSI method with direct time-based measurement, thereby achieving both high accuracy and real-time performance

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength (RSSI) to time of flight (TOF). By using the propagation time of ultrasonic waves as the measurement parameter, the system achieves more precise and timely positioning results, as time measurement provides direct distance information without the ambiguities of signal strength interpretation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If additional positioning equipment is added, then positioning function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates ultrasonic positioning functionality into existing elevator components. The ultrasonic transmitters are incorporated into the elevator car, and receivers are placed in the hoistway, allowing the same hardware to serve both communication and positioning functions, thereby avoiding additional dedicated positioning equipment

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the positioning system with the elevator's existing control and communication infrastructure. The ultrasonic positioning modules are integrated into the elevator car control system, merging multiple functions into unified components rather than adding separate standalone positioning equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If traditional positioning methods are used, then positioning is achieved, but operating cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperating cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic positioning system uses the elevator car's own power and control systems to operate the positioning transmitters and receivers. The system leverages existing elevator power supply and control infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing operational costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces energy-intensive wireless signal strength measurement with efficient ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement. The ultrasonic method requires less processing power and energy consumption for achieving the same positioning accuracy, thereby reducing operating costs

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

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 method provides quick, accurate, and cost-effective location determination of target objects, enhancing safety and enabling intelligent elevator calling functions, thereby improving the competitiveness and usability of elevator systems.

Implementation Method 1

near-field wireless communication devices configured to transmit near-field wireless communication signals in preset areas of the elevator for performing near-field wireless communication with a target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field wireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4020010A1Spatial location positioning method and system for elevator and elevator
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4020010A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4020010A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4020010A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a spatial location positioning method for an elevator, a spatial location positioning system for an elevator, and an elevator. The spatial location positioning method for the elevator comprises the steps of: transmitting (S11) near-field wireless communication signals in preset areas of the elevator; receiving (S12) response signals of a target object to the near-field wireless communication signals, and analyzing signal AOA (angle of arrival) information from the response signals; and determining (S13) current location of the target object according to the signal AOA information. The solutions of the disclosure can quickly and accurately determine the current location of the target object in the elevator area, which is for example helpful in improving the personal safety of elevator maintenance personnel and the like, and realizing more intelligent functions such as seamless elevator calling.