Wireless Elevator Call Initiation via Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern elevator systems face inefficiencies in initiating elevator service and selecting a destination floor, as passengers often have to wait and face obstructed access to buttons, necessitating a more convenient and faster method for requesting and dispatching elevator service.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system incorporates a fixture communication device with a transceiver, allowing passengers to use mobile devices to wirelessly communicate with elevator fixtures, enabling the initiation of hall and car calls by transmitting travel signals indicative of direction and destination, thereby automating the process of activating call buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual button pressing is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the operation is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a wireless communication system using mobile devices. The mobile device communicates with the elevator control system via wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular), eliminating the need for physical contact with buttons and providing more convenient operation while maintaining system reliability through established communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the elevator control system. It transmits travel requests and receives elevator status information, serving as a mediator that simplifies the user interface while the elevator control system processes the requests and manages the actual elevator operations.
2Productivity
If wireless communication is implemented, then the operation becomes convenient and fast, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture communication device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a receiver for travel requests from mobile devices and a transmitter for providing elevator status information. It integrates wireless communication capabilities, signal processing, and control functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital signals and data representations to copy and transmit information between the mobile device and elevator control system. Travel requests, floor selections, and status updates are transmitted as digital data rather than requiring complex mechanical or electrical signal processing, simplifying the communication architecture.
3Loss of time
If manual button pressing is required, then the system remains simple, but the wait time increases due to manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device can pre-establish communication with the elevator system and send travel requests in advance. The system can prepare elevator dispatching before the passenger actually reaches the elevator, reducing wait time by performing preliminary actions such as elevator positioning and group management calculations ahead of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the mobile device regarding elevator status, estimated arrival times, and service confirmation. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize elevator dispatching based on actual conditions and provides passengers with timely information, reducing perceived wait time and improving overall service efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of initiating a hall and car call in an elevator system including at least one elevator fixture in communication with an elevator control system, wherein the at least one elevator fixture includes a fixture communication device disposed therein. The method including the steps: operating the mobile device to receive a travel request, operating the mobile device to transmit a travel signal based on the travel request, operating the at least one elevator fixture to receive the travel signal, and operating the at least one elevator fixture to activate a call button based on the travel signal.