Elevator Event-Based Control Using Media Data for Demand Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack the ability to efficiently adjust operations based on real-time events and conditions, leading to suboptimal passenger experience, energy consumption, and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes media information, such as social media data, to control elevator operations by determining events and conditions, adjusting elevator schedules, and optimizing energy use and maintenance through commands generated by a computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elevator control systems operate elevators based on fixed schedules and basic passenger requests, then the system structure remains simple and reliable, but passenger experience becomes suboptimal during special events and energy consumption increases due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives media information about events and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust elevator operations. The control server monitors event data, analyzes its impact on passenger flow, and modifies elevator schedules in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator control system transitions from static fixed schedules to dynamic event-based scheduling. The system automatically adjusts elevator operations based on real-time event information, creating flexible schedules that adapt to varying passenger demand patterns caused by different types of events
2Loss of time
If elevators operate continuously according to fixed schedules, then passenger waiting time is reduced under normal conditions, but energy consumption increases during periods of low demand such as off-event periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by operating only the necessary number of elevators based on event-based demand prediction. During low-demand periods, fewer elevators are operated, reducing energy consumption while still meeting passenger needs. During high-demand event periods, the system activates additional elevators to maintain acceptable waiting times
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operational parameters such as elevator speed, floor stopping patterns, and schedule intervals based on event characteristics and predicted passenger flow. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between passenger waiting time and energy consumption for different operational scenarios
3Ease of manufacture
If elevators are operated without considering event-based crowd movement patterns, then maintenance costs remain predictable and manageable, but passenger experience deteriorates during events with abnormal crowd flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting crowd movement patterns before events occur and pre-adjusting elevator schedules accordingly. This proactive approach optimizes passenger experience during events while allowing maintenance to be scheduled during predicted low-demand periods, maintaining cost predictability
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system integrates media information and event data to dynamically control elevators, then passenger experience and energy efficiency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary event analysis server that mediates between media information sources and the elevator control system. This intermediary layer processes event data, extracts relevant patterns, and translates them into elevator control commands, managing system complexity while enabling sophisticated event-based adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to controlling elevator operation by means of media information. There is provided a computer implemented method for controlling elevator operation. The method comprises receiving and storing media information over a network (60); obtaining an indication of an event that has occurred or is about to occur based on the media information, the indication including date, time, and location information of the event; and determining one or more buildings (50) associated with the event based on the indication. The method generates a command for controlling the operation of one or more elevators (50n) in the one or more buildings (50) at least partly based on the indication.