Elevator Call Misuse Detection via Light Port Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face inefficiencies due to misuse of group calling features, where passengers prioritize larger groups or make imaginary calls, leading to suboptimal load and reduced capacity, which existing systems struggle to accurately detect and correct.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses machine vision or weight-based methods to identify and count passengers upon entry, comparing this information to the initial call data, and taking corrective actions when discrepancies are found, such as canceling calls or adjusting elevator assignments in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prioritization algorithms are used to give priority to larger groups or longer journeys, then elevator allocation efficiency is improved, but passengers tend to place false or imaginary calls to exploit the prioritization, reducing system capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses light ports at elevator entrances to provide feedback on actual passenger presence. When the light port detects that the elevator is already occupied or no one is entering, it sends a signal back to the control system to cancel the call, preventing false or imaginary calls from consuming elevator resources
Solution Approach 2:
The light port mechanism is activated in advance at the elevator entrance to detect passenger intent before the elevator doors fully open. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for potential false calls and cancel them before they consume elevator capacity
2Measurement precision
If light port systems are used to detect passenger presence, then false calls can be detected, but the system cannot distinguish between actual passengers and imaginary calls when multiple people are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simple light port detection mechanism that provides partial information (presence/absence) rather than attempting to count or identify every passenger. This partial action is sufficient to detect false calls while avoiding the complexity of full passenger monitoring systems
3Ease of operation
If elevators are dispatched to respond to group calls, then service coverage is improved, but elevators travel with non-optimal load when false calls are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The light port provides real-time feedback on actual passenger boarding status. When the feedback indicates no passengers are entering or the elevator is already occupied, the control system cancels the dispatch, preventing energy waste from traveling to floors with false calls while maintaining service coverage for genuine requests
Data Source
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AI summary
In elevator journey prioritization often calls for larger groups are prioritized. This is often misused by placing elevator calls for larger groups that are actually travelling. This problem can be reduced by identifying the calling person when placing the call and again in the elevator. The number of people in the elevator can be estimated by using machine vision or weight-based approximation methods. When the number of passengers is not known the possible misuse can be suspected if a person places considerably more group calls as than average.