Dynamic Elevator Assignment Timing Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator systems may assign elevators inefficiently due to changes in user circumstances after initial assignment, leading to suboptimal travel routes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that delays and changes elevator assignments based on conditions such as user arrival time, distance from the elevator, elevator location, and deceleration points to optimize route efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If elevator assignment is made immediately when user calls, then user waits less time for assignment notification, but assignment may become suboptimal if circumstances change before user arrives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser waiting time for assignment notificationVSAvoidelevator route efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the assignment timing based on real-time conditions. Instead of static immediate assignment or fixed delay, the system continuously monitors user progress toward the elevator and elevator position, making the assignment decision dynamic and adaptive to changing circumstances, thereby resolving the contradiction between quick notification and optimal routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and evaluation of assignment options before finalizing the assignment. By preparing multiple potential assignments and evaluating them in advance based on projected arrival times and current conditions, the system ensures that the final assignment remains optimal even if circumstances change during the user's approach to the elevator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If elevator assignment is delayed to allow for circumstance changes, then assignment optimality is improved, but user experiences longer waiting time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator route efficiencyVSAvoiduser waiting time for assignment notification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of assignment timing based on multiple factors including user distance to elevator, elevator position, and traffic conditions. By adjusting the assignment delay parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed delay, the system optimizes the balance between waiting time and assignment quality for each specific situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of user progress and elevator status. This feedback loop allows the system to determine when sufficient information is available to make an optimal assignment without excessive delay, automatically adjusting the timing based on real-time conditions rather than predetermined fixed delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If system continuously monitors to change assignments based on changing circumstances, then assignment optimality is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment optimalityVSAvoidsystem monitoring and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different monitoring intensities and assignment change criteria to different situations. Instead of uniform continuous monitoring for all cases, the system adjusts the level of monitoring and willingness to change assignments based on local conditions such as user distance, elevator position, and time sensitivity, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimality where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses readily available data from existing elevator control infrastructure and user input devices to make assignment decisions. By leveraging existing sensors, communication channels, and processing capabilities rather than requiring entirely new monitoring systems, the solution maintains assignment optimality without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3152145B1Variable elevator assignment
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3152145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3152145B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A system 110 includes an input/output 113 unit for receiving a user request to call an elevator 101, 102 and a processor 111 for processing the user request to assign an elevator to the user 105. The processor performs one of a first assignment process and a second assignment process. The first assignment process includes determining whether a delay condition exists for delaying assignment of the elevator to the user 202, delaying assignment of the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition exists 203, and assigning the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition does not exist 204. The second assignment process includes assigning the elevator to the user and notifying the user of the assignment, determining whether an assignment change condition exists 206, changing the assignment to another elevator based on determining that the assignment change condition exists 207, and notifying the user of the assignment change 208.