Automatic Elevator Calling via Wireless Signal Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems require manual operation, which can be difficult for passengers with disabilities or those carrying items, leading to ineffective elevator calling and reduced user experience.

Innovation Solution

An automatic elevator calling system using wireless signals between a mobile terminal and modules in the elevator car and landing area, determining passenger movement by changes in signal strength and direction, allowing for hand-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual button pressing operation is used, then the elevator calling operation can be completed, but it becomes difficult for passengers carrying items or unable to walk freely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator calling operationVSAvoidadaptability to passengers with disabilities or carrying items
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the passenger's own mobile terminal to automatically detect their presence and trigger elevator calling without requiring manual button pressing. The mobile terminal serves itself to initiate the elevator request based on detected movement patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical button pressing operation is replaced by an automatic wireless signal-based detection system. The system substitutes the manual mechanical interaction with automated sensor detection and wireless communication between the mobile terminal and elevator control system.

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

2Ease of operation

If automatic elevator calling operation using wireless signals is implemented, then hand-free operation is enabled, but ineffective elevator calls may occur due to uncertainty of passenger action or movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand-free operationVSAvoidaccuracy of elevator calling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of passenger movement into the elevator lobby area before triggering the elevator calling function. By detecting movement in advance and confirming the passenger has entered the service area, the system ensures the calling action is appropriate and timely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors wireless signal strength changes to detect passenger movement and provides feedback to determine when to activate or cancel elevator calling requests. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust based on real-time passenger behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If wireless signal strength monitoring is used to detect passenger movement, then automatic detection of passenger entering elevator lobby is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic passenger detectionVSAvoidwireless signal monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal's existing wireless communication capabilities are utilized for dual purposes: normal communication functions and elevator presence detection. This multi-functional use reduces the need for dedicated specialized hardware.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless signal acts as an intermediary carrier that conveys information about passenger presence and movement. By monitoring changes in signal strength of existing wireless communications, the system indirectly detects passenger movement without requiring direct physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient and user-friendly automatic elevator operation, reducing ineffective calls and improving passenger experience by determining passenger movement and adjusting elevator requests accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

a first wireless signal module in an elevator car is used for broadcasting a first wireless signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

determining information regarding a movement of the passenger relative to an elevator landing area based on a change in a strength of a first wireless signal received by a personal mobile terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal strength detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3418235B1Determination for motion of passenger over elevator landing area
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3418235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to determining the movement of a passenger (90) relative to an elevator landing area (410), which belongs to the field of elevator intelligent control technologies. An automatic elevator calling system of the present invention comprises: a first wireless signal module (130-1, 130-2) installed in an elevator car (110-1, 110-2),, which is used for broadcasting a first wireless signal; wherein the first wireless signal module (130-1, 130-2) is further used for receiving information regarding the movement of a passenger (90) relative to the elevator car (110-1, 110-2), and the information regarding the movement is determined based on the change in a signal strength of the first wireless signal received by a personal mobile terminal (200) carried by the passenger (90).