Elevator Call Allocation with Logistic Operation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevators often become reserved for extended periods due to logistic operations like large deliveries or construction, leading to unpredictable waiting times for other users.

Innovation Solution

Detect logistic operations using elevator door monitoring, position monitoring, and machine learning models to limit new elevator calls to the occupied car, adjusting availability estimates and resuming calls when the operation ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If elevators are allocated to logistic operations with unknown duration, then the elevator can complete its primary task, but waiting times for other users increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator utilization for logistic operationsVSAvoidwaiting time for other users

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of logistic operations using door monitoring and usage pattern analysis before allocating elevators. By identifying logistic operations early through abnormal door usage patterns (extended open times, multiple close-reopen cycles), the system can proactively limit call allocations to affected elevators, preventing other users from being assigned to elevators that will be unavailable for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors elevator door operations and usage patterns, using this feedback to dynamically adjust call allocation decisions. Machine learning models analyze real-time door usage data to detect logistic operations and update elevator availability estimates, creating a closed-loop system that adapts allocation strategies based on actual operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the system monitors door operations and usage patterns to detect logistic operations, then call allocation accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of logistic operationsVSAvoidmonitoring and detection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the elevator's existing door operation monitoring infrastructure and control system to detect logistic operations. Rather than adding separate complex monitoring devices, the solution leverages data already being collected by the elevator control system (door open/close events, position information), processing this existing data through analysis algorithms to identify logistic patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical or manual detection methods with automated electronic monitoring and machine learning-based pattern recognition. By using software-based analysis of door operation data and usage patterns, the system achieves accurate logistic operation detection without requiring additional physical sensors or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250230013A1Elevator call allocation

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 KONE OYJ

AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a method for elevator call allocation in an elevator group comprising a plurality of elevator cars. The method comprises detecting a logistic operation associated with an elevator car, the elevator car being stationary at a floor, and limiting allocation of new elevator calls to the elevator car in the elevator group in response to detecting the logistic operation.