Elevator Guidance via Proximity-Based Mobile Device Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building guidance systems face challenges in accurately locating users and providing relevant information due to signal interference and incorrect identification, leading to inefficient navigation and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a first communication unit sending a contact signal to a mobile second communication unit within a predetermined range, allowing for precise user localization and secure data transmission based on access authorization, using Bluetooth or NFC for data exchange, with data announcement through display or voice output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple transmitter/receiver units simultaneously transmit code sequences to locate the communication device, then user localization capability is improved, but signal interference and identification accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser localization accuracyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of contact signals by the first communication unit within a predetermined range. Instead of continuous transmission, the system uses periodic pulses to establish contact with the second communication unit, reducing signal interference while maintaining localization capability. This is evident in the method steps where contact signals are sent at specific intervals to determine user position without causing overlapping signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the building into multiple zones with separate first communication units, each operating independently within its predetermined range. This segmentation prevents signal interference between different transmitter/receiver units by ensuring that each unit only communicates with devices in its specific zone, thereby maintaining localization accuracy without harmful interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If comprehensive navigation information is transmitted to the user, then navigation completeness is improved, but information control and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation information completenessVSAvoiddata transmission security
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transmits different navigation information to different users based on their specific needs, positions, and authorization levels. Instead of providing all possible information to everyone, the system tailors the information content locally to each user's situation. This ensures information completeness for each user while maintaining security by not exposing all data to all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of data transmission based on user authorization and context. The system adjusts what information is transmitted, when it is transmitted, and how it is transmitted based on the user's access rights and current position. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that users receive complete navigation information relevant to them while maintaining security constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If stationary terminals with touchscreen display are used for user guidance, then information display capability is improved, but user mobility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation access easeVSAvoiduser mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the user's existing mobile communication device (smartphone) to perform multiple functions: receiving contact signals for localization, displaying navigation information, providing directional guidance, and storing relevant data. This eliminates the need for separate stationary terminals while maintaining ease of information access and adding user mobility. The mobile device becomes a universal tool for all navigation functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to self-serve by using their own mobile devices for navigation without requiring interaction with stationary terminals. The system pushes navigation information automatically to the user's device based on their position and needs, eliminating the need for users to actively seek out terminals or manually query for information. This enhances both ease of operation and user mobility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1749776B2Method for guiding an elevator passenger through a building
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 INVENTIO AG
  • EP1749776B2 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A first communications unit, which is a fixed position terminal (10-12), transmits a contact signal within a preset range. Contact is established between the first communications unit and a mobile second communications unit carried by a user (30) when the second communications unit receives the contact signal after coming within the preset range. Data are then communicated from the first communications unit to the second communications unit to guide the user through the environment via the second communications unit which may be a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA)(20).