Adaptively energy-efficient elevator call allocation
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONE OYJ
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure EP2025052179_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] ADAPTIVELY ENERGY-EFFICIENT ELEVATOR CALL ALLOCATION
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of elevators, and, more particularly, to adaptively energyefficient elevator call allocation.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] In a conventional elevator control with up and down call buttons, elevators of a group may be controlled, e . g. , so that an average call time is as short as possible .
[0006] In a destination control system, call giving devices may be equipped with, e . g. , keypads or touchscreens and a passenger may order an elevator ride by giving their destination floor on the call giving device . This additional destination floor information allows an elevator group controller to consider and optimize other obj ectives related to the passenger service level in addition to a waiting time, such as a time to destination, how long the passenger journey takes in total, including a waiting time at an arrival floor and a transit time in a serving elevator to the moment the passenger exits the elevator at a destination floor .
[0007] In the destination control system, the elevator group controller is responsible for assigning passenger calls to elevators, typically nowadays selecting the best elevator by optimizing service quality measures, such as average waiting time .
[0008] Recently, there has been growing interest in considering energy consumption of elevators . However, service quality and energy consumption are often conflicting obj ectives, i . e . , reducing energy consumption may result in longer waiting times for passengers . To strike a balance between these goals, energy-efficient controllers may adapt to passenger demand, conservingenergy during low-demand periods while prioritizing service quality and handling capacity during high-demand times .
[0009] Some passengers, however, may prefer optimized service even during low-demand periods .
[0010] Accordingly, at least in some situations, there may be a need for energy-efficient elevator call allocation adaptable to, e . g. , passenger preferences .
[0011] SUMMARY
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subj ect matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subj ect matter .
[0013] It is an obj ect of the present disclosure to allow adaptively energy-efficient elevator call allocation. The foregoing and other obj ects are achieved by the features of the independent claims . Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures .
[0014] An example embodiment of an apparatus for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to obtain a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to obtain current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group . The elevator traffic performance indicators comprise an average transit timedeviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call . The average waiting time for the elevator call comprises in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to determine weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators . The elevator traffic optimization parameters comprise at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a total energy consumption. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to optimize the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to allocate the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car in the elevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function.
[0015] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the elevator traffic obj ective function comprises :
[0016] >
[0017]
[0018] in which DCSWTB(x denotes the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, DCSWTG(x denotes the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, DCSTT(x) denotes the sum of thetransit times for the elevator calls, EC(x) denotes the total energy consumption, M^CS,B denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, M^CS,G denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency,
[0019]
[0020] denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, and )ECdenotes a weight coefficient for the total energy consumption .
[0021] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the total energy consumption comprises a sum of energy consumed during elevator cycles in candidate elevator routes .
[0022] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the determination of the weight coefficients further comprises smoothing raw values of at least one of the average transit time deviation, the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, or the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
[0023] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform the determination of the weight coefficients with a first controller for the average transit time deviation, with a second controller for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and with a third controller for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
[0024] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, atleast one of the first controller, the second controller, or the third controller comprises a proportional-integral-derivative, PID, controller .
[0025] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the first controller is configured to generate a first control signal for the average transit time deviation, the second controller is configured to generate a second control signal for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and the third controller is configured to generate a third control signal for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
[0026] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform transforming the first control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, transforming the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, transforming the first control signal and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, and transforming the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the total energy consumption .
[0027] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the weight coefficients are time dependent .
[0028] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the obtained call customization selection parameter is basedon a passenger selection entered into the destination control -based elevator system.
[0029] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the obtained call customization selection parameter is based at least on one of a market price of electricity, an origin floor of the subsequent elevator call, or a time of day.
[0030] An example embodiment of a method comprises obtaining, by an apparatus for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system, a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency. The method further comprises obtaining, by the apparatus, current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group . The elevator traffic performance indicators comprise an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call . The average waiting time for the elevator call comprises in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively. The method further comprises determining, by the apparatus, weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators . The elevator traffic optimization parameters comprise at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a total energy consumption. The methodfurther comprises optimizing, by the apparatus, the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients . The method further comprises allocating, by the apparatus, the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car in the elevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function .
[0031] An example embodiment of an apparatus comprises means for carrying out a method according to any of the above-described example embodiments .
[0032] An example embodiment of a computer program comprises instructions for causing an apparatus for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system to perform at least the following: obtaining a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency; obtaining current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group, the elevator traffic performance indicators comprising an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call, and the average waiting time for the elevator call comprising in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively; determining weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators, the elevator traffic optimization parameters comprising at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a totalenergy consumption; optimizing the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients; and allocating the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car in the elevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function .
[0033] Many of the features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings .
[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] In the following, example embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and drawings, in which:
[0036] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an elevator system;
[0037] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for elevator call allocation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0038] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of the apparatus for elevator call allocation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0039] Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure .
[0040] In the following, identical reference signs refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features .
[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific aspects in which the invention may beplaced. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, as the scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims .
[0043] For instance, it is understood that a disclosure in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method and vice versa . For example, if a specific method step is described, a corresponding device may include a unit to perform the described method step, even if such unit is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures . On the other hand, for example, if a specific apparatus or device is described based on functional units, a corresponding method may include a step performing the described functionality, even if such step is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures . Further, it is understood that the features of the various example aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise .
[0044] The present disclosure is related to adaptively energy-efficient elevator call allocation.
[0045] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a destination control -based elevator system 100. That is, the elevator system 100 includes a destination control -based control system. The destination control -based elevator system 100 comprises a set of elevator cars 131-133 controlled by respective elevator controllers 121-123. The elevator controllers 121-123 are connected to an elevator group controller 110.
[0046] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow a destination control system that allows passengers to express their preferences regarding their ride, choosing between a service-optimized or an energy-optimized elevator experience .In other words, at least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow an energy-efficient elevator group controller with destination control that incorporates passenger preferences at least to some extent . To maintain performance during high passenger demand, the weight of energy consumption in an obj ective function may be adapted to a prevailing traffic situation.
[0047] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow an end-user to individually switch the energy saving feature off if they are in a hurry or want to receive the fastest possible service every time .
[0048] From a building owner point of view, at least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow energy savings with fewer complaints from end users since the end users have freedom to choose between a service-optimized and energy-optimized elevator service .
[0049] Next, example embodiments of an apparatus 200 for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system are described based on Fig. 2. Some of the features of the described units are optional features which may provide further advantages .
[0050] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating apparatus 200 for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system, in accordance with an example embodiment . In at least some embodiments, the destination control -based elevator system may comprise destination control -based elevator system 100 of Fig. 1.
[0051] Apparatus 200 comprises at least one processor or processing unit 202, and at least one memory 204 including computer program code and coupled to at least one processor 202, which may be used to implement the functionalities described later in more detail . Apparatus 200 may also include other elements not shown in Fig . 2 .In an example embodiment, apparatus 200 may be comprised at least partly in an elevator group controller controlling a plurality of elevator cars, such as in elevator group controller 110 of Fig . 1 . In another example embodiment, apparatus 200 may be comprised at least partly in a cloud-based service and at least some remaining parts of apparatus 200 may be comprised in elevator group controller 110.
[0052] Although apparatus 200 is depicted to include only one processor 202 , apparatus 200 may include more processors . In an embodiment, memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications . Furthermore, memory 204 may include a storage that may be used to store, e . g. , at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments .
[0053] Furthermore, processor 202 is capable of executing the stored instructions . In an embodiment, processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors . For example, processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , a field programmable gate array (FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (Al ) accelerator, a tensor processing unit (TPU) , a neural processing unit (NPU) , or the like . In an embodiment, processor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In an embodiment, processor 202 is embodied as an executor ofsoftware instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.
[0054] Memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices . For example, memory 204 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM (erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM (random access memory) , etc .
[0055] When executed by at least one processor 202, instructions stored in at least one memory 204 cause apparatus 200 at least to obtain a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or for energy efficiency.
[0056] At least in some embodiments, the obtained call customization selection parameter may be based on, e . g. , a passenger selection entered into destination control -based elevator system 100. Alternatively, the obtained call customization selection parameter may be based on, e . g. , a market price of electricity, an origin floor of the subsequent elevator call, and / or a time of day.
[0057] The instructions, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause apparatus 200 at least to obtain current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group .
[0058] The elevator traffic performance indicators comprise an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call .
[0059] A transit time deviation refers to a difference between an actual transit time and an ideal transit time with no stops or delays . Here, the transit time deviation is used instead of transit time because it is notdependent on travel height but rather on the number of stops in-between.
[0060] The average waiting time for the elevator call comprises, in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter, an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively.
[0061] Herein, the character ' ★’ is used to denote a target value . Thus, a target value for the average transit time deviation is denoted ATTDev* , a target value for an average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service is denoted AWT^ , and a target value for an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency is denoted AWTQ .
[0062] In other words, when the obtained call customization selection parameter indicates that the subsequent elevator call is to be customized for the quality of service, the average waiting time for the elevator call comprises the average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service . When the obtained call customization selection parameter indicates that the subsequent elevator call is to be customized for the energy efficiency, the average waiting time for the elevator call comprises the average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
[0063] The instructions, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause apparatus 200 at least to determine weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators . At least in some embodiments, the weight coefficients may be time dependent .The elevator traffic optimization parameters comprise at least two of :
[0064] - a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service,
[0065] - a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency,
[0066] - a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or
[0067] - a total energy consumption. For example, the total energy consumption may comprise a sum of energy consumed during elevator cycles in candidate elevator routes . An elevator cycle may start, e . g. , when the elevator begins closing its doors and end, e . g. , when the doors start closing again after moving from one floor to another . By summing the energy consumed during these cycles, the total energy consumption may be obtained (excluding standby energy consumption) .
[0068] At least in some embodiments, the elevator traffic obj ective function may comprise :
[0069]
[0070] in which DCSWTB(x denotes the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, DCSWTG(x denotes the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, DCSTT(x) denotes the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, EC x') denotes the total energy consumption, M^CS,B denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, M^CS,G denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, (JOB^Sdenotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, and )ECdenotes a weight coefficient for the total energy consumption .At least in some embodiments, the determination of the weight coefficients may further comprise smoothing raw values of the average transit time deviation, the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and / or the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency. Herein, the term "raw values" refers to values of the waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and / or the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency without any processing (such as the smoothing) . The raw values may typically be received from call allocation (such as call allocation 302 of Fig. 3) . Here, a raw value for the average transit time deviation is denoted ATTDev, a raw value for an average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service is denoted AWTB, and a raw value for an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency is denoted AWTG.
[0071] At least in some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor 202, may further cause apparatus 200 to perform the determination of the weight coefficients with a first controller for the average transit time deviation, with a second controller for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and with a third controller for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency. For example, the first controller, the second controller, and / or the third controller may comprise a proportional-integral-derivative (FID) controller .
[0072] At least in some embodiments, the first controller may be configured to generate a first control signal for the average transit time deviation, the second controller may be configured to generate a second control signal for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, andthe third controller may be configured to generate a third control signal for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
[0073] At least in some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor 202, may further cause apparatus 200 to perform:
[0074] - transforming the first control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls,
[0075] - transforming the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service,
[0076] - transforming the first control signal and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, and
[0077] - transforming the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the total energy consumption.
[0078] The instructions, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause apparatus 200 at least to optimize the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients .
[0079] The instructions, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause apparatus 200 at least to allocate the subsequent elevator call to elevator car 131, 132 or 133 in the elevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function .
[0080] Diagram 300 of Fig. 3 illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus for elevator call allocation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure .
[0081] In the example of Fig. 3, each call allocation may be performed by optimizing the obj ective functionwhere the importance of the obj ectives is determined by weight coefficients or 'weights ' . The values computed for the performance indicators in the selected allocation solution (i . e . , target values as denoted by character ' ★’ in diagram 300 ) may be fed to a weight controller module 301. Weight controller module 301 may be configured to monitor the difference between the levels computed in allocation and the target levels, and based on this, may calculate new weights to be used in the next call allocation. In this weight controller module 301, the type of call may be considered. That is, the weight of energy-optimized calls may be different from that of service-optimized calls .
[0082] Call allocation 302 may be triggered, e . g. , when a call is registered and at a specific frequency. Immediate call allocation typically means that an allocation of a call is immediately signalled to the user, and the allocation cannot be changed later on, while continuous call allocation means that a call can be reallocated continuously until the serving elevator begins to decelerate to the level and at that point the allocation is signalled to the user . Thus, the call allocation may be triggered both when a new call is registered and at a specific frequency independent of a signalization policy of the calls .
[0083] The obj ective function to be minimized may be of the form:
[0084] >
[0085]
[0086] DCSWTBX) is the sum of waiting times of service-optimized destination calls,
[0087] DCSWTG(x) is the sum of waiting times of energy-optimized destination calls,
[0088] DCSTT(x) is the sum of transit times of destination calls,
[0089] C(x) is the total energy consumption.Weight vector
[0090]
[0091] > > > may contain the weight coefficients that control the importance of the respective criteria in the obj ective function.
[0092] The energy consumption EC(x} caused by a candidate allocation solution x may be calculated as a sum of energy consumed during elevator cycles in the candidate elevator routes implied by the allocation.
[0093] The service quality measures ATTDev as well as AWTBand AWTG, which are the average waiting times for service-optimized and energy-optimized calls, respectively, calculated in call allocation may be sent to weight controller 301.
[0094] Weight controller 301 may comprise one PID controller for each target, that is, 3 PIDs in total . The following describes how the PID controller works for ATTDev . The logic works similarly for AWTBand AWTG.
[0095] The PID controller may first use, e . g. , exponential smoothing, to smooth the raw values . In other words, a new estimate may be a weighted sum of an observed value (obtained from allocation) and a current estimate :
[0096] ATTDev <- aATTDev + (1 — <z) ATTDev where a denotes a parameter controlling how aggressively the estimator reacts to new observations .
[0097] The smoothed value may then be fed to the PID controller (e . g. , without a D component) to calculate a control
[0098] <
[0099]
[0100] where :
[0101] e denotes the difference between the estimate ATTDev and the target ATTDev* , capped between a minimum and maximum value,
[0102] parameters and kPdenote the gains of the integrator and proportional term, respectively,UpTand uETdenote the proportional and integrator terms of the PI controller, capped between 0 and 1, or other suitable minimum / maximum values, and
[0103] uTTdenotes the final control signal that is fed to the transformation module, capped between 0 and 1, or other suitable minimum / maximum values .
[0104] E . g. , a transformation module may be configured to map control signals uTT, u^7” , and uTinto the weights ) as follows :
[0105]
[0106] The rationale for this transformation is that time to destination, as a proxy for handling capacity, may have the highest priority. If the transit time deviation is above the target, the control signal uTTmay approach 1, meaning that the weights D' CS,B>MD' CS,G>and
[0107]
[0108] may approach 1 while )ECmay approach 0, corresponding to full time to destination optimization.
[0109] When the transit time deviation target is satisfied, the call type-specific weights of waiting times may be set high enough to ensure that the call type - specific waiting time targets are met . The maximum function ensures that the weight of service-optimized calls is always equal to or higher than the weight of energy- optimized calls .
[0110] Energy consumption may be considered when all three targets are satisfied.
[0111] Fig. 4 illustrates an example flow chart of method 400 for apparatus 200, in accordance with an example embodiment .
[0112] At operation 401, apparatus 200 obtains the call customization selection parameter indicating whether the subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for the quality of service or the energy efficiency.At operation 402, apparatus 200 obtains the current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group . As described above in more detail, the elevator traffic performance indicators comprise the average transit time deviation and the average waiting time for the elevator call . The average waiting time for the elevator call comprises in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service or the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively.
[0113] At operation 403, apparatus 200 determines the weight coefficients for the elevator traffic optimization parameters of the elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators . As described above in more detail, the elevator traffic optimization parameters comprise at least two of the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, the sum of the waiting times for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, or the total energy consumption.
[0114] At operation 404, apparatus 200 optimizes the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients .
[0115] At operation 405, apparatus 200 allocates the subsequent elevator call to the elevator car 131, 132 or 133 in the elevator group based on the optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function.
[0116] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 4 may be carried out by apparatus 200 of Fig. 2A. Operations 401-405 may, for example, be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Further features of method 400 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of apparatus 200 arenot repeated here . Method 400 can be carried out by computer program (s) or portions thereof .
[0117] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 4 comprises means for :
[0118] obtaining, at operation 401, a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency;
[0119] obtaining, at operation 402, current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group, the elevator traffic performance indicators comprising an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call, and the average waiting time for the elevator call comprising in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively;
[0120] determining, at operation 403, weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators, the elevator traffic optimization parameters comprising at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a total energy consumption;
[0121] optimizing, at operation 404, the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients; and
[0122] allocating, at operation 405, the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car 131, 132, 133 in theelevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function.
[0123] The functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components such as software components . According to an embodiment, apparatus 200 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components . For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) , Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) , Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs) , System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs) , Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) , Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) , and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) .
[0124] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought . Further, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed.
[0125] Although the subj ect matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subj ect matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above . Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims .
[0126] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments . The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of thestated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages . It will further be understood that reference to ' an ' item may refer to one or more of those items .
[0127] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate . Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subj ect matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the effect sought .
[0128] The term ' comprising' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements .
[0129] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art . The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example embodiments . Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.
Claims
24CLAIMS :
1. An apparatus (200) for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system, the apparatus (200) comprising:at least one processor (202 ) ; andat least one memory (204) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (202 ) , cause the apparatus (200) at least to :obtain a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency;obtain current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group, the elevator traffic performance indicators comprising an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call, and the average waiting time for the elevator call comprising in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively;determine weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators, the elevator traffic optimization parameters comprising at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a total energy consumption;optimize the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients; and allocate the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car ( 131, 132, 133 ) in the elevator group basedon an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function.
2. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1, wherein the elevator traffic obj ective function comprises :>in which DCSWTB(x denotes the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, DCSWTG(x denotes the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, DCSTT(x) denotes the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, EC x') denotes the total energy consumption, M^CS,B denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the quality of service, M^CS,G denotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, (JOB^Sdenotes a weight coefficient for the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, and )ECdenotes a weight coefficient for the total energy consumption .
3. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total energy consumption comprises a sum of energy consumed during elevator cycles in candidate elevator routes .
4. The apparatus (200) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination of the weight coefficients further comprises smoothing raw values of at least one of the average transit time deviation, the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, or the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency .
5. The apparatus (200) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (202 ) , further cause the apparatus (200) to perform the determination of the weight coefficients with a first controller for the average transit time deviation, with a second controller for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and with a third controller for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
6. The apparatus (200) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first controller, the second controller, or the third controller comprises a proportional-integral-derivative, PID, controller .
7. The apparatus (200) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first controller is configured to generate a first control signal for the average transit time deviation, the second controller is configured to generate a second control signal for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the quality of service, and the third controller is configured to generate a third control signal for the average waiting time for the elevator call customized for the energy efficiency.
8. The apparatus (200) according to claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (202 ) , further cause the apparatus (200) to perform transforming the first control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the transit times for the elevator calls, transforming the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the27quality of service, transforming the first control signal and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the sum of the waiting times for the elevator calls customized for the energy efficiency, and transforming the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal to the weight coefficient for the total energy consumption.
9. The apparatus (200) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weight coefficients are time dependent .
10. The apparatus (200) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the obtained call customization selection parameter is based on a passenger selection entered into the destination control -based elevator system ( 100) .
11. The apparatus (200) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the obtained call customization selection parameter is based at least on one of a market price of electricity, an origin floor of the subsequent elevator call, or a time of day.
12. A method (400) , comprisingobtaining (401 ) , by an apparatus (200) for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system, a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency;obtaining (402 ) , by the apparatus (200) , current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group, the elevator traffic performance indicators comprising an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an ele-28vator call, and the average waiting time for the elevator call comprising in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively;determining (403) , by the apparatus (200) , weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators, the elevator traffic optimization parameters comprising at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a total energy consumption;optimizing (404 ) , by the apparatus (200) , the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients; andallocating (405) , by the apparatus (200) , the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car ( 131 , 132, 133) in the elevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function.
13. An apparatus, comprising means for carrying out the method (400) according to claim 12.
14. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus for elevator call allocation in an elevator group of a destination control -based elevator system to perform at least the following:obtaining a call customization selection parameter indicating whether a subsequent elevator call is selected to be customized for quality of service or energy efficiency;29obtaining current target values for elevator traffic performance indicators for the elevator group, the elevator traffic performance indicators comprising an average transit time deviation and an average waiting time for an elevator call, and the average waiting time for the elevator call comprising in accordance with the obtained call customization selection parameter an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the quality of service or an average waiting time for an elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, respectively;determining weight coefficients for elevator traffic optimization parameters of an elevator traffic obj ective function based at least on the obtained current target values for the elevator traffic performance indicators, the elevator traffic optimization parameters comprising at least two of a sum of waiting times for elevator calls customized for the quality of service, a sum of waiting times for elevator call customized for the energy efficiency, a sum of transit times for elevator calls, or a total energy consumption;optimizing the elevator traffic obj ective function using the determined weight coefficients; and allocating the subsequent elevator call to an elevator car in the elevator group based on an optimization result of the elevator traffic obj ective function .