Elevator Controller Calendar Integration for Wait Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large population buildings, elevator usage can hinder timely arrival at scheduled meetings due to waiting times at the elevator lobby.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system with a controller that communicates with mobile devices to synchronize elevator service with scheduled events, providing timely service by determining the need for elevator service based on calendar entries and sending reminders, and automatically calling an elevator car when confirmed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional elevator service is provided without calendar integration, then the system complexity remains low, but passenger waiting time increases and punctuality cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by integrating with the passenger's calendar to identify scheduled events in advance. The elevator controller proactively determines elevator service needs before the scheduled time, allowing the system to prepare and position elevators in advance, thereby reducing waiting time without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the elevator controller continuously monitors calendar data, passenger confirmations, and elevator status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust elevator dispatching based on actual passenger needs, optimizing waiting time while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
2Reliability
If the system proactively determines elevator service needs based on calendar entries, then passenger punctuality improves, but the risk of unnecessary elevator dispatch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic decision-making where elevator service determination is not static but adapts based on multiple factors including passenger confirmation, current elevator status, and time sensitivity. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high punctuality reliability while avoiding unnecessary dispatches by continuously evaluating whether service is truly needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system initially determines elevator service needs proactively (potentially excessive action), but then refines this determination through passenger confirmation and real-time conditions. This partial action approach ensures that while the system errs on the side of ensuring punctuality, it ultimately avoids unnecessary energy consumption by confirming actual needs before final dispatch.
3Measurement precision
If the system communicates repeatedly with mobile devices to check calendar updates, then service accuracy improves, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic communication with mobile devices at strategically determined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains service determination accuracy by checking for calendar updates at meaningful frequencies while avoiding excessive communication overhead and managing system complexity through rhythmic, predictable interaction patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system including an elevator controller configured for: effecting a first communication with a mobile device to receive data from an electronic calendar that is activated on the mobile device, rendering a plurality of determinations from the first communication, including: a first determination that a first entry in the electronic calendar indicates that a passenger associated with the mobile device has a first scheduled event that occurs at a first scheduled time, a second determination to effect elevator service proximate to the first scheduled time to the passenger, and effecting a second communication with the elevator car to thereby effect the second determination.