Genetic Algorithm Elevator Call Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In situations where an elevator group cannot serve all destination calls within one round trip, existing methods often result in passengers being unable to input their calls, leading to frustration and queue formation due to the 'please wait' message, as the system lacks an efficient way to handle and allocate calls beyond the capacity of the elevators.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a genetic algorithm to optimize the allocation and serving of destination calls across multiple round trips, where chromosomes represent call allocations and round trips, allowing for the evaluation and optimization of passenger routes to minimize waiting times and maximize handling capacity, incorporating a common display system to guide passengers on when to board elevators serving their destinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If immediate call allocation is used in destination call control, then call allocation speed is improved, but passenger satisfaction deteriorates when elevators cannot handle all calls in one round trip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall allocation speedVSAvoidpassenger satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by allowing passengers to input their destination calls immediately without waiting, and by pre-calculating multiple round trip plans using genetic algorithms. The DOP displays information about when passengers should board elevators in advance, so passengers are informed of their serving elevator and round trip details before the actual service occurs, eliminating frustration while maintaining fast allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If the system displays 'please wait' message when elevators are at full capacity, then passenger information is provided, but queue formation and frustration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger information provisionVSAvoidpassenger waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback by displaying real-time information on the DOP about elevator capacity status, current round trip plans, and when passengers should board. The genetic algorithm continuously evaluates and updates allocation plans based on current system state, providing passengers with actionable information rather than passive 'please wait' messages, thereby reducing perceived waiting time and frustration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple round trips are planned for destination calls, then elevator handling capacity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator handling capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a genetic algorithm that autonomously optimizes multi-round trip allocation plans without requiring manual intervention or complex control logic. The algorithm self-adjusts to changing conditions, automatically generating optimal service routes and timing for multiple round trips, thereby managing the inherent complexity through automation while maximizing elevator handling capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10183836B2Allocating destination calls using genetic algorithm employing chromosomes

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 KONE OYJ

AI summary

A method of assigning destination call in an elevator group forms chromosomes including genes where each gene is a correlation of a call and an elevator trip, the possible round trips are calculated, each round trip is evaluated for optimization procedure. The calls are assigned to the elevators by the destination call control based on the best chromosome determined.