Elevator Waiting Time Estimation Using Queue and Boarding Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator waiting time estimation methods struggle to accurately calculate waiting times during congestion without requiring complex algorithms or large-scale system configurations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sensor, queueing start measurement unit, boarding measurement unit, storage unit, and waiting time calculation unit to measure and calculate waiting times based on arrival and boarding times, excluding users who do not board the elevator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image analysis and continuous tracking of multiple persons are used to calculate waiting time during congestion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for waiting time calculation - specifically the number of persons in the queue and their boarding status - while discarding unnecessary detailed tracking information. This allows accurate waiting time measurement during congestion without requiring complex continuous tracking of each person's movement across multiple camera ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing full continuous tracking of all persons throughout the entire elevator system, the patent applies partial action by only monitoring key states (queue presence and boarding occurrence). This selective measurement approach achieves sufficient precision for waiting time calculation while significantly reducing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex algorithms and large-scale system configuration are used to track multiple persons during congestion, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the critical data points needed for waiting time calculation - queue size and boarding events - eliminating the need for complex algorithms that track every movement detail. This simplifies system operation while maintaining measurement precision during congestion scenarios.
3Device complexity
If approximation of waiting time from call button press to elevator dispatch is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates during congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting and recording queue formation at the landing area before the elevator arrives. This allows the system to capture the actual waiting experience of persons in queue, providing accurate waiting time measurement during congestion without requiring complex real-time tracking algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A queueing start measurement unit which measures arrival of an elevator user at a preset location; a boarding measurement unit which measures boarding of the elevator user in an elevator car; a storage unit which stores an arrival time measured by the queueing start measurement unit and a boarding time measured by the boarding measurement unit; and a waiting time calculation unit which, on the basis of the arrival time and the boarding time stored in the storage unit, calculates a waiting time for which the elevator user is expected to wait before boarding the elevator car are provided. As a result, it is possible to calculate a waiting time at an elevator landing area with simple processing and a simple configuration.