Elevator Wireless Connectivity via Network Node Forwarding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems interfere with electromagnetic wave propagation, making it difficult for passengers to maintain a seamless wireless connection while using elevators due to their structural characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses network nodes, such as WLAN repeaters, in elevator halls and cars to forward and manage wireless local area networks (WLANs) between floors, allowing passengers to maintain connectivity from the source floor to the destination floor using software-defined networking (SDN) to efficiently manage network traffic and reduce bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless networks are used in elevator systems, then passengers can maintain wireless connectivity, but the elevator structure shields electromagnetic wave propagation causing connection disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network nodes (WLAN repeaters or access points) as intermediary devices installed in elevator cars and/or elevator halls to relay and forward wireless signals. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the building's wireless network and the elevator car, overcoming the shielding effect of the elevator structure by providing alternative signal paths through the network infrastructure rather than relying on direct electromagnetic propagation through the metal enclosure.
2Reliability
If WLAN forwarding is implemented through network nodes in elevator cars and halls, then seamless connectivity is achieved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network nodes universal by enabling them to serve multiple functions: they act as WLAN access points for passengers, as signal repeaters to overcome shielding, and as forwarding nodes to relay network traffic between elevator cars and building networks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices and simplifies the overall network architecture despite the added capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of wireless access, signal amplification, and network routing into integrated network nodes. By combining these functions into single devices deployed in both elevator cars and halls, the system reduces the number of separate components needed and creates a unified network architecture that handles multiple tasks simultaneously.
3Reliability
If network nodes forward all WLAN traffic to ensure connectivity, then passengers maintain continuous connection, but available bandwidth is consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling network nodes to selectively forward only the specific WLAN traffic relevant to passengers in the elevator car, rather than blindly forwarding all WLAN traffic from the building network. The nodes identify and prioritize traffic destined for or originating from the elevator, optimizing bandwidth usage by filtering out unnecessary traffic that would otherwise consume limited wireless resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of providing a seamless wireless connection in an elevator system of a building. The method comprises receiving an elevator car request from a passenger who is on a source floor, dispatching an elevator car to the source floor in response to the elevator car request, selecting at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) established in the building, and forwarding the selected at least one WLAN via a network node placed in at least one of an elevator hall of the source floor, the dispatched elevator car, or an elevator hall of a destination floor.