Mobile Elevator Control via Identification Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems require users to manually input floor selections using physical control panels, which can lead to incorrect entries and lack of additional functionality beyond basic operation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing mobile radio devices with software applications that receive floor-specific identification codes from transmitting units, allowing users to send travel requests to a remote server, which forwards the requests to the elevator control device, thereby enabling mobile device operation of elevator systems and providing additional features like information display and secure data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical control panels are used for floor selection, then users can operate the elevator system, but incorrect entries may occur and additional functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor selection accuracyVSAvoidadditional functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a control panel for floor selection, provides navigation assistance, displays building information, and enables communication with the elevator system. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function physical control panel while adding versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical control panel with a software-based mobile device interface. The mobile device uses radio frequency communication to interact with the elevator system, eliminating the need for physical button presses and reducing human error in floor selection.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile devices are integrated with elevator systems, then additional functionalities and information are provided, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadditional functionalitiesVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the elevator control system. The server handles communication protocols, data processing, and coordination, simplifying the integration complexity while enabling advanced functionalities like trip planning and building information display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the mobile device for user interaction, the server for data processing and coordination, and the elevator control system for execution. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If floor-specific identification codes are transmitted, then automatic floor identification is achieved, but data transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic floor identificationVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses compact identification codes that encode floor information in a condensed format. By changing the representation parameters of floor data (using coded identifiers instead of detailed descriptions), the system achieves automatic floor identification while minimizing data transmission volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3105159B2Method for operating a lift assembly, lift control device and mobile radio device for carrying out the method, and system comprising such an elevator control device and a mobile device
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3105159B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3105159B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3105159B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for operating an elevator installation (10), an elevator control device (16) and a mobile radio (24) for carrying out the method and a system having such an elevator control device (16) and a mobile radio (24) are specified, wherein the mobile radio (24) can be used to perform operator control actions for the elevator installation (10) and wherein the mobile radio (24) receives relevant data allowing indirect access to the elevator installation (10) initially in the form of an identification code (42) that is transmitted continuously or regularly by a transmission unit (40) associated with the elevator installation (10).