Dynamic Elevator Allocation Signaling Based on Lobby Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator allocation systems face inefficiencies due to immediate signaling after allocation, which prevents adjustment to changing call situations, and alternative systems that delay signaling until arrival may require passengers to rush to the elevator, while reprogramming is needed to manage traffic effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method that allocates an elevator and signals the allocated elevator to the passenger based on real-time traffic data, determining a dynamic signaling moment to balance allocation and loading time, using sensors and cameras to generate traffic data and adjust the signaling time accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If immediate signaling is performed after allocation, then the allocation process is fast and responsive, but the system cannot take into account changes in call situation occurring after allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation speedVSAvoidadaptability to changing call situation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary allocation immediately upon receiving the call, then continues monitoring the call situation and performs subsequent allocations before the car arrives. This allows the system to prepare early while still having opportunities to optimize based on changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The allocation process is made dynamic by allowing multiple allocation operations to occur between the initial call and the car arrival. The system can adjust the allocation based on real-time changes in call situation, making the allocation adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If signaling is delayed until close to arrival, then the system can optimize allocation based on changing call situation, but the passenger has to walk to the elevator door in haste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing call situationVSAvoidpassenger convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides the allocation result to the passenger in advance (e.g., via display or notification), allowing the passenger to prepare and move at a comfortable pace. The preliminary allocation gives the passenger sufficient time to get ready without rushing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the call situation and provides updated allocation information to the passenger. This feedback mechanism allows the passenger to know which elevator will serve them and when, enabling better planning of their movement to the elevator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If fixed-time signaling is used before arrival, then the system can ensure passenger time to reach the elevator, but cannot dynamically balance allocation time and loading time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger time to reach elevatorVSAvoidoverall system efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the signaling moment based on real-time factors such as call situation changes, elevator travel time, and lobby traffic conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between giving passengers sufficient time and maintaining system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of signaling based on various conditions. Instead of using a fixed time offset, the signaling moment is determined by multiple parameters including allocation results, elevator position, and traffic data, allowing optimization of both passenger convenience and system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If reprogramming is implemented to manage traffic, then the system can optimize elevator operation, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator operation optimizationVSAvoidsystem reprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs multiple self-service allocation operations automatically between the initial call and car arrival. The control system monitors changes in call situation and autonomously performs subsequent allocations without requiring external reprogramming or manual intervention, optimizing operation while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3003943B1A method in allocation of an elevator and an elevator system
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 KONE OYJ
  • EP3003943B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method in allocation of an elevator for a passenger (2) of an elevator system (1 ), comprising a step of allocating an elevator (A, B, C or D) for a passenger (2) in a lobby (L) of the elevator system (1 ), and thereafter a step of signaling the allocated elevator (A, B, C or D) to the passenger (2) before the arrival of the car (Ci, C2, C3 or C4) of the allocated elevator (A, B, C or D) at said lobby (L). The method comprises the steps of obtaining traffic data describing traffic in said elevator lobby (L), and determining the signaling moment based on said traffic data, and thereafter signaling the allocated elevator (A, B, C or D) to the passenger (2) at the determined moment. The invention relates also to an elevator system implementing the method.