Mobile Device Elevator Dispatch via RF Signal Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems struggle to accurately determine the location and status of users within a building, relying on fixed interface devices that lack tracking capabilities, requiring users to manually input their current and desired floor levels.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a mobile device to determine its location and status by comparing radio frequency signal strengths with wireless devices and real-time location systems, allowing for automatic elevator dispatch based on user requests without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed interface devices are used for elevator calls, then device complexity is reduced, but location tracking precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator interface device complexityVSAvoiduser location determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed mechanical interface devices with a mobile device-based system that uses wireless communication and location services to determine user position and initiate elevator calls, eliminating the need for physical presence at fixed call buttons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the elevator system, using location determination services and wireless communication to bridge the gap between user position and elevator dispatch without requiring fixed interface devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual floor input is required, then location tracking precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor location accuracyVSAvoidelevator calling convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically determining the user's current floor and elevator destination using location services on the mobile device, eliminating the need for manual floor input while maintaining accurate location tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary location determination and floor identification before the user needs to call an elevator, so that when the user requests service, the system already knows their position and can dispatch appropriately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If smartphone applications are used, then ease of operation is improved, but location tracking precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote elevator callingVSAvoiduser location and floor determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from location determination services, wireless signal strength comparisons, and proximity detection to continuously update and refine the user's location and floor information, providing accurate tracking alongside convenient mobile access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 precise user tracking and automatic elevator management, eliminating the need for users to manually enter their floor levels, improving passenger flow and providing features like smart elevator parking and emergency response capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

determining the location of the mobile device includes comparing, using the mobile device, multiple radio frequency signal strengths from multiple wireless devices that the mobile device can communicate with

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency signal strength comparison:

Implementation Method 2

establishing a wireless connection between the mobile device and a real-time location system installed in the building, determining, using the real-time location system, the location of the mobile device based on the portion of the real-time location system the mobile device connects with

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless signal-based location determination:

Data Source

PatentUS11999589B2Mobile device state management and location determination

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A system and method of managing an elevator system based on a location and status of a mobile device is provided. The method includes determining a current status of a mobile device, receiving a destination request from the mobile device, and dispatching an elevator car based on the destination request and the current status.