Mobile App Elevator Dispatching via Proximity Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current elevator dispatch systems in buildings rely on manual input or outdated technologies, which can lead to inefficiencies in passenger flow and access control, especially in large or complex buildings.

Innovation Solution

A computing system that uses mobile devices and servers to communicate and dispatch elevators based on user profiles, registration data, and building information, allowing for dynamic assignment, access control, and optimized passenger routing through proximity detection and communication protocols like NFC or GPS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual input methods are used for elevator calls, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inefficiencies in passenger flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger flow efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical button presses on hall boxes with mobile device-based call initiation. Users can call elevators remotely using their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical interaction with hall box buttons and enabling more efficient elevator dispatch through automated routing algorithms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to independently initiate elevator calls and receive automated routing instructions without requiring manual intervention from elevator operators or complex centralized control. The mobile application handles call initiation, elevator selection, and navigation guidance autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated dispatching systems are implemented, then productivity improves through optimized routing, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator dispatch efficiencyVSAvoidcomputing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile application serves multiple functions: it acts as a call initiation terminal, provides routing guidance, displays elevator status, and offers navigation assistance. This consolidates multiple functions into a single ubiquitous device, reducing the need for specialized hardware while maintaining system intelligence.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The computing system acts as an intermediary between users and elevators, processing call requests, determining optimal elevator assignments, and communicating routing instructions back to users via mobile devices. This distributed architecture places intelligence at the edges rather than requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If access control is enforced through credentials, then reliability of access rights is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to manual card swiping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidaccess initiation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces physical card swiping with mobile device-based authentication. Users present their mobile devices for credential verification, eliminating the need for physical access cards and manual swiping actions while maintaining secure access control through digital credential validation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Users independently manage their access credentials and can initiate access requests without requiring physical interaction with access terminals or manual card handling. The system automatically validates credentials and processes access requests through the mobile application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3011521B1Mobile application based dispatching
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3011521B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3011521B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3011521B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, registration information associated with a tenant of a building and at least one user device, determining, by the computing device, that the at least one user device is within a threshold distance of the building, causing, by the computing device, an identity of the tenant to be provided by the at least one user device based on the determination that the at least one user device is within the threshold distance of the building, and causing, by the computing device, an elevator car to be dispatched to a floor of the building on which the tenant is located.