Service Tool Proximity Detection for Elevator Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current service tools for accessing equipment controllers, such as elevator controllers, require physical presence for authentication and proximity verification, which becomes impractical with the transition to networked/wireless tools, as they lack the ability to ensure the service tool's proximity to the equipment service location.
Innovation Solution
A service tool proximity detection system that generates and verifies a location proximity indicator, using various forms like sequences, codes, audio prompts, or image data, to determine if the service tool is physically present at a predetermined service location, configuring the equipment controller's functions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If networked/wireless service tools are used in place of physically connected service tools, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to verify service tool proximity to equipment location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location proximity indicators (visual, audible, or haptic signals) as intermediaries to verify the service tool's proximity to the equipment. These indicators act as a mediator between the wireless service tool and the physical location, providing confirmation that the tool is near the equipment without requiring physical connection. The indicators include display elements, audio outputs, and haptic feedback mechanisms that communicate location status to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system with an electronic/wireless system that uses electromagnetic signals and software-based location verification. Instead of relying on physical plugging into equipment ports, the system uses wireless communication protocols, GPS location data, and electronic indicators to verify proximity, substituting mechanical verification with electronic methods.
2Reliability
If physical connection is required for service tool authentication, then proximity verification reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical connection requirements with electronic verification methods including wireless communication, location-based services, and electronic authentication protocols. The system maintains reliability by using multiple electronic verification layers (location data, device identification, authentication tokens) while eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of service tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the physical connection verification process through software-based authentication mechanisms. Instead of requiring actual physical contact, the system uses digital representations of location data, device identifiers, and authentication credentials to verify that the service tool is at the correct location, providing a virtual equivalent of physical verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A service tool proximity detection system includes a service tool and an equipment controller. The service tool is operable to establish communication with the equipment controller of an equipment service system. At least one processor of the service tool proximity detection system is configured to generate (300) a location proximity indicator to verify proximity of the service tool to a predetermined service location of the equipment service system, determine (306) that the service tool is located local to the predetermined service location based on verifying (304) that a response to the location proximity indicator matches an expected response, determine (308) that the service tool is located remote from the predetermined service location based on verifying (304) that the response to the location proximity indicator fails to match the expected response, and configure (310) one or more functions of the service tool based on the location of the service tool relative to the predetermined service location.