Dynamic Transport Control via Anonymous Passenger Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling transport vehicles in closed circuits, such as ski lifts and monorails, cannot adjust their speed or capacity based on the number of persons waiting to access them, as they lack real-time anonymous person detection and counting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing thermal or visible-spectrum cameras, or turnstiles, to anonymously count persons and dynamically modulate the speed or capacity of the transport vehicle by processing digital data in real-time or offline, optimizing waiting times and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the means of transport operates at constant speed and capacity, then the system is simple to control, but passenger waiting times increase and energy efficiency decreases when demand is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transport means' operative conditions variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts speed and capacity parameters in real-time based on detected passenger demand, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize both waiting times and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detection means (cameras, sensors) to monitor passenger presence and queue length, then feeding this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adjustment of transport frequency and speed to match actual demand, reducing waiting times without requiring constant manual intervention.
2Loss of time
If the means of transport increases speed and capacity to reduce waiting times, then passenger service improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters (speed, capacity, frequency) based on detected demand conditions. When passenger demand is low, the system reduces speed and capacity to conserve energy. When demand increases, parameters are adjusted to reduce waiting times, optimizing the balance between service quality and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing transport capacity proportional to actual demand rather than maintaining full capacity continuously. The system adjusts the level of service (speed, frequency, capacity) to match the detected passenger need, avoiding excessive energy consumption during low-demand periods while ensuring adequate service during peak times.
3Productivity
If anonymous person detection and counting systems are implemented, then transport operations can be optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual counting and control systems with automated optical detection means (thermal cameras, visible spectrum cameras) and electronic processing. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated sensing and control technology simplifies the overall system while enabling sophisticated passenger detection and response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting passenger presence, counting persons, determining queue length, and adjusting transport operations without human intervention. The detection and control systems operate autonomously, reducing the need for manual monitoring and control while improving transport efficiency.
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 efficient adjustment of transport vehicle speed and capacity based on real-time passenger counts, reducing waiting times and optimizing energy consumption by varying speed and capacity according to passenger demand.
Implementation Method 1
an information acquisition means (11) formed by a thermal camera covering a specific area of interest (Z) close to an access to the means of transport (10), for obtaining digital data formed by one or more images in the infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a computing unit (12) with one or more processors, and running a computing algorithm for processing the obtained digital data, that is, for performing a first calculation of the number of persons (1) present in the mentioned specific area of interest (Z)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling the operative conditions of a means of transport, The system comprises: - an information acquisition means (11) for obtaining digital data with information relating to the number of persons (1) present in a specific area of interest (Z) close to an access to the means of transport (10), without revealing the identity; - a computing unit (12) for processing said obtained digital data performing a first calculation of the number of persons (1) present in said specific area of interest (Z); and - a control unit of said means of transport (10) for dynamically modulating the operative conditions of the means of transport (10) including variation of its speed or adaptation of the transport units forming it or its frequency according to at least one value resulting from said first calculation.