Elevator Dispatch via Sensor-Based Passenger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems struggle to efficiently manage passenger demand in waiting areas, often leading to prolonged wait times and passenger frustration, especially during peak periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor-based system that uses a variety of sensors (piezoelectric, video, sound, infrared, temperature, motion, and vibration) to analyze passenger characteristics and intent, allowing for proactive assignment of additional elevator cars to meet demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional elevator dispatching systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but passenger wait times increase during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by using sensors to identify passengers in the waiting area before they actually call the elevator. The controller proactively assigns elevator cars to waiting passengers based on sensor data, rather than waiting for button presses. This advance assignment reduces wait times by preparing elevator dispatch in advance during peak periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button-press-based calling systems with sensor-based detection systems. Sensors (weight, motion, video, sound, infrared, temperature, vibration) detect passenger presence and characteristics automatically, substituting the manual mechanical action of pressing buttons with automated sensor-based identification and proactive system response.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single elevator car services the waiting area, then device complexity is minimized, but passenger satisfaction deteriorates when capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of elevator cars assigned to service the waiting area based on real-time sensor data. The controller continuously monitors passenger characteristics and waiting area conditions, then dynamically assigns one or more elevator cars as needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle varying passenger volumes and characteristics without requiring a fixed number of cars.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting elevator car assignment based on measured passenger characteristics such as weight, size, quantity, and objects carried. The controller modifies dispatch parameters in real-time to match passenger needs, ensuring adequate capacity while optimizing the number of cars deployed.
3Productivity
If proactive elevator assignment based on sensor data is implemented, then passenger satisfaction improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated controller that handles multiple tasks: receiving sensor data from various sensor types, identifying passenger characteristics, determining passenger intent, comparing capacity requirements, and assigning elevator cars. This universal controller consolidates multiple functions into one device, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting passenger presence and characteristics through sensors, then autonomously assigning elevator cars without requiring passengers to press buttons or manually request service. The controller self-manages the entire dispatch process based on sensor data, improving efficiency while reducing the need for complex passenger-system interactions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables more efficient management of passenger demand, reducing wait times and improving passenger satisfaction by ensuring that adequate elevator capacity is available in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor includes at least one of a piezoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor includes at least one of a piezoelectric sensor, a video recording or transmission device, a sound sensor, an infrared sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator system is provided and includes at least one car; driving elements, each of the driving elements being configured to drive a corresponding car from a waiting area from which at least one passenger boards the corresponding car; at least one sensor configured to identify a presence of more than one passenger intending to board a car and in the waiting area and configured to determine a characteristic of the more than one passenger; and a controller configured to drive more than one car to the waiting area when a capacity of the corresponding car is less than the characteristic of the more than one passenger.