Elevator Evacuation Orchestration with Real-Time Occupant Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator evacuation systems lack the ability to efficiently manage large numbers of people and provide clear information to occupants during emergencies, leading to confusion and delays.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes displaying evacuation information on touch screens, mobile devices, and fixed displays, using sensors to count waiting people, and automatically dispatching elevators based on evacuation requests, with features like arrival time estimates, evacuation maps, and warnings, and the option to notify occupants through audio signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the elevator controller dispatches elevators one at a time based on calls, then the system operation is simple, but the evacuation efficiency is low and cannot accommodate large numbers of people quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting people waiting on floors before evacuation requests are made, pre-calculating the number of elevators needed, and pre-positioning elevators for optimal dispatch. This allows the system to rapidly accommodate large numbers of people during evacuation without chaotic sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the controller continuously monitors elevator capacity, floor occupancy sensors, and evacuation progress to dynamically adjust dispatch decisions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to optimize evacuation efficiency while managing complexity through adaptive control rather than rigid predetermined sequences.
2Loss of information
If no information is provided to occupants about evacuation status, then the system is simple, but passenger anxiety increases and confusion occurs during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to occupants through displays showing evacuation status, estimated wait times, and elevator arrival information. This feedback loop reduces passenger anxiety and improves compliance with evacuation procedures by keeping occupants informed about the system's response to their requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication layer between the elevator control system and occupants, using displays and notifications as mediators to convey system status and instructions. This intermediary layer manages information flow without requiring direct complex interactions between occupants and the control system.
3Quantity of substance
If the elevator controller does not detect the number of people waiting, then the system operation is simple, but the controller cannot dispatch the proper number of elevators to accommodate the group
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service detection mechanisms where sensors automatically detect and count people waiting on floors without requiring manual input from occupants or complex survey procedures. This automatic detection capability enables the controller to determine the proper number of elevators to dispatch based on actual occupancy conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of orchestrating an evacuation operation using an elevator is provided. The method (500) includes displaying that an evacuation request using the elevator is an available option (505), receiving one or more evacuation requests to use the elevator (510), and displaying evacuation information (515).