Depth Sensor Passenger Tracking for Elevator Dispatch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in minimizing travel time for passengers, which affects passenger satisfaction, as they rely on traditional methods that do not efficiently manage wait time, door dwell time, and ride time, especially in scenarios with varying passenger loads and special loading conditions.
Innovation Solution
A depth sensor-based system that uses technologies like structured light, LIDAR, and computational imaging to track passengers and objects, providing real-time data on object parameters such as location, velocity, and classification, allowing for optimized elevator control, including simultaneous dispatch of multiple cabs and adaptive door control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional elevator control methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but passenger wait time and ride time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical occupancy sensors and button-based control systems with a depth-sensing camera system that uses optical fields to detect passengers. The depth camera captures spatial information and passenger movements, which are then processed by algorithms to trigger elevator operations, substituting mechanical sensing and control with optical sensing and computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic elevator dispatch by detecting passenger presence and movement through depth sensing without requiring manual button presses. The processing module autonomously determines when to dispatch the elevator based on detected passenger behavior patterns, such as approaching the elevator or waiting in queue, allowing the system to self-regulate based on real-time spatial data.
2Measurement precision
If depth sensing technology is implemented, then passenger tracking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth-sensing camera system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects passenger presence, measures distance, tracks movement trajectories, determines queue positioning, and identifies when the elevator should be dispatched. This single sensor platform replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors and detectors, consolidating functionality while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If real-time passenger tracking is implemented, then elevator dispatch efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth camera system operates by capturing frames at specific intervals rather than continuously streaming data. The processing module analyzes depth information periodically to detect passenger movements and trigger dispatch events. This periodic sampling approach maintains real-time tracking capability while reducing computational load and energy consumption compared to continuous high-frequency processing.
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
The system significantly reduces passenger wait and ride times by accurately tracking passengers and adapting elevator operations, improving traffic efficiency and passenger experience, especially in crowded conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the depth-sensing sensor or technology comprises a structured light measurement, phase shift measurement, time of flight measurement
Implementation Method 2
the depth-sensing sensor or technology comprises a structured light measurement
Implementation Method 3
A depth sensor-based system that uses technologies like structured light, LIDAR, and computational imaging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A passenger conveyance system includes a depth-sensing sensor (62) for capturing depth map data of objects within a field of view adjacent a passenger conveyance door (24). A processing module (66) in communication with the depth-sensing sensor (62) receives the depth map data, the processing module (66) using the depth map data to track an object and calculate passenger data associated with the tracked object. A passenger conveyance controller (32) receives the passenger data from the processing module (66), wherein the passenger conveyance controller (32) controls a passenger conveyance dispatch control function in response to the passenger data.