Elevator Destination Call Controller for Passenger-Specific Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems face challenges in optimizing call assignments to meet passenger-specific options during peak times, leading to suboptimal allocations and disappointed passenger expectations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a destination call controller determining the most favorable call allocation, ensuring that passenger-specific options are met by considering parameters like elevator car features and situational factors, and only assigning the allocation if these options can be fulfilled, with the option to generate a second-best allocation if initial conditions are not met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the elevator system assigns the most favorable call allocation based on optimization rules, then system efficiency and productivity are improved, but passenger-specific options may not be guaranteed leading to disappointed passenger expectations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidpassenger expectation fulfillment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts call allocation decisions by evaluating multiple parameters including passenger-specific options, elevator car characteristics, and situational factors. The destination call controller modifies allocation strategies in real-time based on changing conditions, transitioning from static optimization rules to dynamic decision-making that balances system efficiency with passenger satisfaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously when determining call allocation, including passenger-specific options (waiting time, target time), elevator car parameters (equipment, speed, transport capacity), and situational parameters (instantaneous transport volume, distance to elevator car). This multi-parameter approach allows the system to optimize for both productivity and reliability by finding allocations that satisfy passenger expectations while maintaining system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the elevator system considers multiple parameters for call allocation, then passenger-specific options are better guaranteed, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger option fulfillmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a destination call controller that determines call allocation, an output device that communicates allocations to passengers, and an input device that receives passenger responses. This segmentation allows the complex multi-parameter evaluation to be handled in a structured manner, managing complexity through modular design while maintaining high reliability in passenger option fulfillment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The destination call controller acts as an intermediary between the complex parameter evaluation process and the final call allocation decision. It receives multiple parameters (passenger-specific options, elevator car characteristics, situational factors), processes them through optimization algorithms, and outputs a determined call allocation that balances all considerations. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex decision-making logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2149533B1Method for controlling a lift assembly considering user specific options
Publication Date: 2012.02.29 INVENTIO AG
  • EP2149533B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2149533B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2149533B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The method involves controlling an elevator car by controllers (2,2',2''). A convenient call allocation is determined by target call controllers (3,3',3''), where incase the detected convenient call allocation is not fulfilled, an unallocation of the call allocation is carried out in an elevator call. An independent claim is included for a computer program product.