Elevator Service Request via Social Media Bluetooth Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator service request systems require manual operation, which can be difficult for passengers who cannot use their hands, and while automatic systems have been developed, passenger experience remains suboptimal, especially with the increasing use of smart mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

An elevator service request system that uses a wireless signal apparatus, such as a Bluetooth module, to send service requests to an elevator controller and push messages to a social media application on a passenger's mobile terminal, allowing for automatic communication and improved user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual button pressing operation is used for elevator service request, then the system structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for passengers who cannot use their hands freely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button pressing system with a wireless communication system using Bluetooth modules. The elevator call request is transmitted via wireless signals (Bluetooth) between the mobile terminal and the elevator control system, eliminating the need for physical contact with buttons. This substitution of mechanical operation with wireless electronic communication resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation for passengers with limited hand mobility while maintaining system functionality.

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

2Ease of operation

If automatic elevator service request operation using smart mobile terminal is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal multi-functionality of social media applications installed on smart mobile terminals. Instead of requiring a dedicated elevator control application, the system uses existing social media apps (WeChat, WhatsApp, Line, etc.) that passengers already have on their devices. The Bluetooth module in the elevator system communicates with these universal applications, allowing the elevator service request function to be integrated into a multi-purpose platform. This approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing universal software.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service functionality where the elevator service request is automatically initiated through the wireless communication between the Bluetooth module and the mobile terminal. The passenger simply needs to have the social media app open, and the system automatically establishes communication and transmits the elevator call request without requiring manual configuration or complex user interactions. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If additional communication devices are introduced for automatic elevator operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the elevator communication function with the existing Bluetooth communication capabilities already present in modern smart mobile terminals. Instead of introducing a separate dedicated communication device, the system integrates the elevator service request functionality into the existing Bluetooth infrastructure of the mobile phone. The Bluetooth module in the elevator system pairs with the phone's existing Bluetooth hardware, combining multiple functions (elevator control, wireless communication, social media integration) into a unified system. This merging approach improves ease of operation while avoiding the need for additional standalone communication devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables passengers to easily send elevator service requests without manual operation, enhancing user experience by leveraging common social media apps and reducing the need for additional communication devices, thus improving accessibility and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless signal apparatus, such as a Bluetooth module, to send service requests to an elevator controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBluetooth signal transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3566991B1Elevator service requesting based on social media application module
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3566991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3566991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3566991B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an elevator service request based on a social media application component, and belongs to the technical field of Elevators. An elevator service request system provided by the present invention includes a wireless signal apparatus configured to broadcast a wireless signal and establish wireless communication with a personal mobile terminal carried by a passenger based on the wireless signal. The wireless signal apparatus is capable of receiving an elevator service request command from the personal mobile terminal and uploading the elevator service request command to the elevator system. The wireless signal apparatus is configured to be adapted to communicate with a social media application component in the personal mobile terminal. The elevator service request system automatically sends the elevator service request command to the wireless signal apparatus that is already in communication with the social media application component through an elevator service request component installed in the social media application component. The present invention can improve the passenger experience and is easy to be accepted and used by passengers.