Automatic Elevator Dispatch via Room Access Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems require passengers to manually call for elevator service after leaving their room, which is inefficient and does not provide automatic service.
Innovation Solution
A building-integrated elevator system that includes a system controller communicating with a first device, such as a door lock or card controller, to automatically determine when a passenger is leaving their room and instruct an elevator car to provide service at the appropriate lobby level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual elevator calling is implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but service efficiency and passenger convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door lock system and elevator calling system into an integrated building management system. The key card reader that authenticates passengers for room access is merged with the elevator control system, allowing the same device to trigger both room access and automatic elevator service without adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The key card reader device performs multiple functions: it authenticates passenger identity for room access, detects when a passenger is leaving the room, and automatically triggers elevator service. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate manual elevator calling devices while improving service efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If automatic elevator service is implemented, then passenger convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting when a passenger leaves the room through the door lock system and autonomously dispatching the elevator without requiring the passenger to manually press any buttons or interact with elevator calling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the door lock state and power status of room devices to detect when a passenger has left. This feedback mechanism triggers the automatic elevator dispatch sequence, creating a closed-loop system that responds automatically to passenger behavior.
3Extent of automation
If door lock engagement is used to detect passenger departure, then automation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system checks the power status of room devices before finalizing the departure detection. By preliminarily verifying that room devices are powered off in addition to door lock engagement, the system reduces false positives and improves the accuracy of departure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple indicators (door lock engagement plus power status of one or more devices) to detect departure, rather than relying on a single signal. This excessive action approach ensures higher detection accuracy by requiring multiple conditions to be met simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an elevator system (200) including: a system controller (300) that communicates with a first device (290) and responsively controls an elevator car (260) for transporting a passenger (270), the system controller (300) is configured to render a plurality of determinations for transporting the passenger (270), including: a first determination that the first device is transmitting first data that is indicative of the passenger (270) seeking elevator service, a second determination to assign the elevator car (260) to provide elevator service to the passenger (270), and the system controller is configured to transmit a first instruction to the elevator car (260) to effect the second determination.