Elevator Hall Call Assignment Controller Using Dynamic Time Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator hall call allocation systems fail to adequately account for the impact of new calls on existing passengers and require destination input devices at every landing, leading to inefficiencies and passenger inconvenience due to delayed travel times and perceptions of inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that calculates a 'Call Cost' for each elevator car, considering System Degradation Factors and handling capacity, to optimize hall call assignments, allowing for adjustments in estimated waiting and travel times to improve passenger perception of efficiency without compromising system handling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If destination dispatch systems make an instant call assignment to inform waiting passengers which car to enter, then the system responds quickly to new calls, but the assignment cannot be improved if conditions change during the time period between call entry and car arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically recalculates elevator assignments in real-time as conditions change, rather than making static instant assignments. The assignment algorithm continuously monitors elevator positions, passenger loads, and call patterns, adjusting assignments adaptively to current system state while maintaining rapid response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assignment calculations based on current conditions, provides preliminary guidance to passengers, but retains the capability to update assignments if conditions change before car arrival, allowing flexibility without sacrificing initial response speed
2Extent of automation
If destination dispatch systems require entry devices at every elevator landing, then instant call assignment can be made, but the system complexity and installation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a centralized control architecture where a single control system performs multiple functions: receiving calls from any landing, tracking all elevator positions, calculating optimal assignments, and communicating with all elevators. This eliminates the need for dedicated entry devices at every landing while maintaining automated assignment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control system acts as an intermediary between passengers and elevators. Instead of requiring direct interaction devices at each landing, the control system receives call information, processes assignments, and directs elevators to appropriate destinations, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Loss of time
If elevators prioritize minimizing passenger waiting time, then passenger satisfaction improves, but system handling capacity may be reduced during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its optimization objectives based on system conditions. During peak periods when handling capacity is critical, the algorithm prioritizes elevator utilization and throughput while still considering passenger wait times. During off-peak periods, it can focus more heavily on minimizing individual passenger waiting times without compromising overall system productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal includes a controller that determines which elevator car will respond to the call signal based on certain time metrics. The controller receives a hall call signal, and based on certain time metrics that can include, e.g., an estimated wait time (EWT), and/or estimated travel time (ETT), assigns the call signal to an elevator car. In this example, EWT represents the time a passenger is waiting for an elevator car to arrive, and ETT represents the it takes for a passenger to reach their destination once having boarded an elevator car. In some versions, an estimated time to destination (ETD) is used in determining which elevator car to assign, where ETD represents the sum of EWT and ETT. In some versions, a handling capacity coefficient (HCx), which reflects current traffic conditions, is used in determining which elevator car to assign.