Elevator Destination Dispatch User Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator users face inconvenience when assigned cars are delayed, full, or less desirable, and there is no mechanism to easily switch to alternative cars that may offer faster service.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow users to select between the initially assigned elevator car and alternative cars by displaying both options on a user device, with the alternative car's status and favorability indicated through graphical cues, enabling users to modify their assignment to a more favorable car if desired.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the system assigns a single optimal elevator car to each user, then the elevator system operates with high efficiency and minimal wait times, but the user cannot switch to alternative cars if the assigned car is delayed or full

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator system efficiencyVSAvoiduser flexibility in car selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically updates elevator car assignments and allows users to switch between primary and secondary assignments in real-time based on current elevator status. The user interface dynamically presents alternative car options when the primary car becomes unavailable, transforming a static single-assignment system into a dynamic multi-option system that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the system provides real-time information about multiple elevator car options to users, then user satisfaction improves due to increased flexibility, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors elevator car status and generates secondary assignments without requiring user intervention. When a user's primary elevator car becomes unavailable, the system proactively identifies and presents alternative car options through the user interface, allowing the system to serve itself in managing complexity while providing enhanced user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface acts as an intermediary that simplifies the complex backend processes. It presents elevator car options in an intuitive visual format with clear indicators of primary versus secondary assignments, masking the underlying system complexity while delivering user-friendly functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the system monitors and presents alternative elevator car assignments in real-time, then wait times are reduced by enabling switches to faster alternative cars, but the loss of information about car status increases without proper display mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser wait timeVSAvoidelevator car status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface employs visual indicators such as color coding to distinguish between primary and secondary elevator car assignments. This visual differentiation helps users quickly understand the status and priority of different car options without overwhelming them with text-heavy information, enabling rapid decision-making to minimize wait times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3643664B1Elevator service request using user device
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3643664B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643664B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3643664B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Methods and systems for providing and selecting multiple elevator assignments in a destination dispatching system. The method includes obtaining and presenting a primary elevator car assignment associated with a destination request, obtaining and presenting a secondary potential elevator car assignment associated with the destination request, and receiving information associated with a user selection related to at least one of the primary elevator car assignment and secondary potential elevator car assignment. The method also includes requesting, by the user device (231, 331, 431, 531), a modification of the primary elevator car assignment if the information associated with a user selection indicates a modification is desired by the user; otherwise, continuing with the primary elevator car assignment.