Elevator Controller Proximity-Based Service Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face inefficiencies due to remote elevator calls being made from locations far from the elevator lobby, leading to wasted power and delays for other passengers.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system with a controller that communicates with smart devices to prioritize elevator service based on proximity to the lobby and the time of request, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elevator responds to remote elevator calls from locations far from the lobby, then the passenger convenience is improved, but the power consumption increases and other passengers experience undue delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of passenger proximity to the lobby before dispatching the elevator. The controller continuously tracks passenger location via smart devices and only prioritizes remote calls when passengers are within a threshold distance, preventing wasted elevator trips when passengers are not yet ready to board
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring passenger location through smart devices and adjusting elevator dispatch priorities in real-time. The controller receives location data, determines whether passengers are within the threshold distance, and dynamically modifies service prioritization based on this feedback loop
2Ease of operation
If the elevator responds to remote elevator calls from locations far from the lobby, then the passenger convenience is improved, but the wait time for other passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of passenger proximity before honoring remote calls. By checking whether passengers are within the threshold distance to the lobby, the system prevents elevator dispatches that would cause delays for other passengers while still maintaining convenience for those ready to board
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator service prioritization is made dynamic rather than static. The controller continuously adjusts service priorities based on real-time passenger location data, switching between serving remote calls and maintaining normal operation based on whether passengers are within the threshold distance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an elevator system for a building including an elevator and an elevator controller for communicating with a plurality of smart devices for passengers disposed on building levels, the controller rendering determinations including: a first determination that the controller receives from the smart devices requests for elevator service, a second determination to effect monitoring of smart devices relative to area limits on the levels, the area limits including the lobbies, a third determination to identify a first group of the smart devices that are within the area limits, a fourth determination to identify a first schedule that prioritizes elevator service within the first group based on a time of placement of elevator service requests, a fifth determination to instruct the elevator to provide elevator service following the first schedule, and wherein the controller effects a first communication in which the controller instructs the elevator to effect the fifth determination.