Elevator Allocation Using Walking Speed Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-rise buildings, elevator systems face inefficiencies due to prolonged door opening times and incorrect allocation of elevator cars, leading to increased travel time and energy consumption, as users often make calls from distant keypads and there is a lack of real-time prediction of passenger arrival times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a user's walking speed by tracking their proximity to card readers and inertial position measurements, allowing for accurate prediction of arrival times and optimal elevator car allocation, thereby minimizing door opening times and improving response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elevator doors are kept open longer to accommodate users with slower walking speeds, then the accessibility and user satisfaction improve, but the overall elevator system productivity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts elevator door opening duration and elevator allocation based on real-time walking speed measurements of users. Walking speed is determined by tracking user position via proximity card readers and inertial sensors, then this information is used to adaptively control door timing and select appropriate elevators, allowing each user to receive personalized service without affecting overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of user walking speed as the user approaches the elevator (via proximity card readers and inertial sensors), then uses this pre-acquired information to pre-determine optimal door opening duration and elevator selection before the user actually reaches the elevator, ensuring timely and efficient service
2Productivity
If the elevator doors are closed quickly to improve response time, then the elevator system productivity improves, but users with slower walking speeds experience difficulty in boarding
Solution Approach 1:
Door opening duration is dynamically adjusted based on measured walking speed. Users with faster walking speeds receive shorter door opening times that enable quick closure and maintain high productivity, while users with slower walking speeds receive extended door opening times that ensure they can board comfortably without compromising overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of door opening duration based on the measured walking speed parameter. By adjusting this parameter in real-time according to user characteristics, the system optimizes both productivity and accessibility for each user interaction
3Reliability
If the keypad is located at a distance from the elevators to improve access control and security, then the building security improves, but the time for users to reach the elevators and make calls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking of user movement from the keypad location to the elevator using inertial sensors and proximity card readers. This pre-measurement of user trajectory and speed allows the system to calculate and communicate optimal elevator selection and estimated arrival times in advance, compensating for the additional distance and reducing perceived waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user position and walking speed as they move from the keypad to the elevator, providing real-time feedback that enables dynamic adjustment of elevator allocation and door timing, ensuring optimal service despite the increased distance
4Productivity
If the system tracks user position continuously to improve elevator allocation accuracy, then the elevator response time improves, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Position tracking is performed periodically at key locations (proximity card readers at strategic points) rather than continuously throughout the entire journey. This periodic sampling provides sufficient information for accurate walking speed determination and elevator allocation while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial tracking information from selected key points along the user's path rather than complete continuous tracking. This partial action provides adequate data for accurate elevator allocation decisions while minimizing the energy and computational resources required
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
This solution reduces travel time, energy consumption, and improves elevator response times by accurately predicting passenger arrival and allocating elevator cars based on walking speed data, ensuring efficient and timely service.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first position of a user of a mobile node at a first time instant, the first position being determined based on a proximity of a proximity card of the user to a first proximity card reader having a predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
determining a second position of the user of the mobile node at a second time instant following the first time instant, wherein the determining of the second position of the user of the mobile node is performed in response to a condition, the condition being at least one of a determination that a predefined time has elapsed from the first time instant, and a determination using at least one inertial position measurement that the user has walked a predefined distance from the first position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and apparatus. In the method a determining a first position of a user of a mobile node is determined at a first time instant. A second position of the user of the mobile node is determined at a second time instant. A time difference is determined between the first time instant and the second time instant. A walking speed of the user is determined using the time difference, the first position and the second position. A third position of the user of the mobile node is determined. A walking time required for the user to reach at least one elevator is determined from the third position based on the walking speed of the user. An elevator call and the walking time are transmitted to an elevator call control node.