Elevator Dispatch Presence Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional destination dispatch elevator systems often assign cars based on predetermined parameters, leading to inefficiencies and increased wait times due to users making fake requests to prioritize their travel time over others, which results in decreased occupancy and increased travel times for all passengers.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a presence detector, such as a touch sensor, proximity sensor, or camera, to verify user presence and authenticity of requests, allowing for more accurate car assignment and reducing redundant or fake requests by prompting users to cancel or ignore subsequent identical requests, thereby improving scheduling and reducing wait times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If destination dispatch systems use predetermined parameters for car assignment, then system efficiency is improved, but user preferences such as desired car occupancy and wait time are not aligned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator system efficiencyVSAvoidalignment with user preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts car assignment parameters based on real-time user input and preferences rather than relying solely on predetermined parameters. The controller modifies assignment decisions adaptively by considering user-specified preferences such as desired occupancy levels and wait time tolerances, allowing the system to balance overall efficiency with individual user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If users make multiple fake requests for the same floor, then their individual travel time is reduced, but overall wait times and travel times for other passengers increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual user travel timeVSAvoidoverall system efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors and analyzes request patterns from users. When duplicate or suspicious requests are detected, the system provides feedback to the user interface to prompt the user to cancel redundant requests. This feedback loop prevents fake requests from being processed, thereby maintaining overall system efficiency while still allowing legitimate urgent requests to be accommodated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation of requests by detecting user presence through sensors before processing the car assignment. By verifying that a user is actually present at the interface when making a request, the system prevents fake requests from being submitted in the first place, eliminating the need for subsequent detection and correction of erroneous requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If fake requests are submitted to the destination management system, then car occupancy decreases, but wait times for genuine passengers increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecar occupancyVSAvoidwait time for genuine passengers
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of requests by detecting user presence through sensors before processing the car assignment. By verifying that a user is actually present at the interface when making a request, the system prevents fake requests from being submitted in the first place, eliminating the need for subsequent detection and correction of erroneous requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the accuracy of car assignments, reduces wait times, and optimizes elevator routing by ensuring that car assignments are based on genuine user requests, thereby improving overall system efficiency and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a presence detector to detect the presence of a user at the user interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Implementation Method 2

The presence detector may be configured with a limited field of view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3318524B1Destination dispatch passenger detection
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3318524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3318524B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An elevator car destination dispatching system and methodology are disclosed. The system (100) includes a user interface (106) that is configured to permit a user of a plurality of users to enter a desired destination in a building. The system further includes a presence detector (120) disposed in the vicinity of the user interface (106). The presence detector (120) is configured to detect the presence of the user of the plurality of users at the user interface (106). The presence detector (120) is also operably coupled to a controller (102). The controller (102) is configured to dispatch an elevator car based on the desired destination entered by the user of the plurality of users and the presence of the user of the plurality of users in the vicinity of the user interface (106).