Elevator Scheduling for Time-Window Requests Under Peak Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems struggle to efficiently manage temporary changes in traffic patterns, leading to degraded service levels without increasing transport capacity, which is often unrealistic or impossible.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for scheduling elevator transport that derives a transport schedule based on passenger requests, considering available elevator capacity and predefined scheduling rules to allocate non-allocated places in elevators, taking into account time, load, and passenger groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport capacity of the elevator system is increased by introducing further elevator cars, then the service level is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling rules that automatically adapt to changing traffic patterns in real-time. The system monitors actual traffic conditions and adjusts scheduling parameters dynamically, allowing the existing elevator fleet to operate more efficiently during peak hours without requiring additional cars.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as scheduling rules, dispatching algorithms, and elevator group management settings based on detected traffic patterns. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves improved service levels during high-demand periods without increasing physical capacity.
2Productivity
If access to elevators is denied in certain floors during peak hours, then the service level for passengers traveling between open floors is improved, but the service level for occupants of non-serviced floors degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scheduling priorities and service levels to different floors and passenger groups based on local conditions. Instead of uniform access control, the system tailors elevator allocation to specific floor requirements and traffic patterns, ensuring appropriate service quality for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which floors receive elevator service based on real-time traffic patterns and demand. The scheduling rules adapt continuously to ensure optimal service distribution across different floors during varying traffic conditions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional scheduling rules are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the service level degrades under changing traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-adjusting scheduling rules that automatically detect traffic patterns and optimize themselves without human intervention. The system monitors its own performance and adapts scheduling parameters autonomously, maintaining ease of operation while improving service levels through intelligent self-optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor traffic patterns, waiting times, and service quality metrics. This feedback is used to automatically adjust scheduling rules, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high service levels while requiring minimal operational intervention.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, an apparatus for scheduling elevator transport in an elevator system comprising one or more elevators is provided. The apparatus may be configured to: obtain, for a plurality of passengers, a respective transport request for elevator transport using said one or more elevators, the transport request comprising at least respective indications of an origin floor, a destination floor and a requested transport time window; derive, in dependence of said plurality of transport requests, a transport schedule that includes a respective transport allocation for each of said plurality of passengers, wherein a transport allocation for a passenger is derived in accordance with the requested transport time window indicated for the respective passenger, in view of transport allocations derived for other passengers and in view of a transport capacity of said one or more elevators and wherein the transport allocation for a passenger comprises at least a scheduled transport time for the respective passenger; and operate said one or more elevators in accordance with the derived transport schedule.