Elevator Allocation for Automated Guided Vehicles via Visual Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating autonomously operated vehicles with elevator systems is complex and laborious, as existing solutions require direct connection between the vehicle control system and elevator system, complicating operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method using image data from cameras to detect and recognize automated guided vehicles, determine their destination floor, and allocate suitable elevators without requiring integration between the vehicle and elevator control systems, utilizing displays or machine vision for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct integration between vehicle control system and elevator system is implemented, then reliable elevator allocation for autonomously operated vehicles is achieved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using visual displays and camera recognition systems as mediators between the autonomously operated vehicle and the elevator system. Instead of direct integration, the system uses visual communication (displays showing elevator information) and image processing (cameras capturing vehicle and environment) to enable interaction, thereby reducing system integration complexity while maintaining reliable elevator allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrical integration systems with optical and information-processing mechanisms. Instead of direct electrical or mechanical coupling between vehicle and elevator systems, the invention uses optical fields (cameras capturing images) and information fields (displays showing data) to achieve communication and coordination, significantly reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If direct integration between vehicle control system and elevator system is implemented, then reliable elevator allocation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomously operated vehicle performs self-service by autonomously capturing images of its surroundings and destination using its own cameras and display systems. The vehicle independently processes visual information to determine its location and destination, then autonomously communicates this to the elevator system through visual displays, eliminating the need for complex operational procedures and human intervention while maintaining reliable elevator allocation
3Ease of operation
If traditional elevator call methods are used, then simple operation is maintained, but adaptability to autonomously operated vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional visual communication system that serves multiple purposes: displays show elevator status and destination information to various types of users (pedestrians and autonomously operated vehicles), while cameras capture images for both safety monitoring and vehicle-elevator coordination. This universal visual interface maintains operational simplicity for humans while providing adaptability to autonomously operated vehicles through the same system
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 allocation of elevators for automated guided vehicles without complex system integration, allowing for seamless navigation and operation, reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining image data associated with an area associated with a plurality of elevators
Implementation Method 2
obtaining the information indicating the destination floor for the automated guided vehicle by recognizing, based on the image data, the information indicating the destination floor from a display of the automated guided vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a method and an apparatus for allocating an elevator of an elevator system. In the solution image data associated with an area associated with a plurality of elevators is obtained. An automated guided vehicle is detected based on the image data. Parameter data associated with the automated guided vehicle is determined based on the image data. Information indicating a destination floor for the automated guided vehicle is obtained and an elevator car is allocated for the automated guided vehicle by taking into account at least the parameter data and the destination floor. Finally information identifying the allocated elevator car is caused to be transmitted to the automated guided vehicle.