Mobile Device Elevator Call Filtering via Travel Direction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator systems in high-rise buildings require passengers to navigate complex multi-segment trips, complicating travel especially for visitors who need to learn the layout of the building to initiate these trips effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and mobile device system that determines travel direction through interactions with location devices, filtering out unintended elevator calls by blocking subsequent interactions until a selected period has expired, a geographical location is reached, or user input is received, enabling hands-free navigation for single- and multi-segment trips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic elevator calls are enabled through mobile device interactions with location devices, then hands-free navigation and automatic trip initiation are improved, but false or unintended calls may be generated reducing call reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free navigationVSAvoidcall accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the user's travel direction and predicting the intended destination before the actual elevator call is made. Location devices are triggered in advance based on the mobile device's movement pattern, allowing the system to pre-determine which elevator call should be activated, thus preventing false calls while maintaining hands-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the mobile device's location, travel direction, and interaction history with location devices. This feedback loop allows the system to verify whether an detected interaction represents an intended call or a false trigger, and to adjust subsequent call behavior accordingly, improving call reliability while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If multiple location devices are deployed throughout the building to enable automatic calls, then ease of use is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic call initiationVSAvoidnumber of location devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing elevator infrastructure components multi-functional by enabling location devices to serve dual purposes: their traditional elevator call function and the new automatic call initiation function through mobile device interaction. This universality allows the system to achieve automatic hands-free navigation without adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

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

3Reliability

If the system blocks subsequent interactions to prevent false calls, then call accuracy is improved, but legitimate calls during the blocking period may be missed reducing responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall accuracyVSAvoidcall responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking period is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously evaluates the mobile device's travel direction, speed, and location changes during the blocking period, allowing it to adaptively adjust or lift the block if legitimate call intent is detected. This dynamic approach maintains call accuracy by blocking false calls while preserving responsiveness to legitimate user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3536645B1Method for blocking and filtering false automatic elevator calls
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3536645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3536645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3536645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for preventing an unintended call for a conveyance apparatus of a conveyance system (100) is provided. The conveyance system comprising a first location device (114) and a second location device (118). The computer-implemented method comprising: detecting a first interaction between the mobile device (130) and the first location device (114); determining a travel direction of the first mobile device (130); and automatically filtering a second interaction between the mobile device (130) and a second location device (118) to prevent an unintended call to a conveyance apparatus in response to the travel direction of the mobile device (130).