Shuttle Elevator Monitoring with Dynamic Preference Ordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In elevator systems with multiple elevators operating in shuttle mode, passengers often struggle to reach elevators in time during peak hours, leading to increased lobby congestion and reduced efficiency due to long walking distances and high passenger loads.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor and calculate the arrival and departure times of shuttle elevators, determine user travel time to each elevator, and assign display preferences based on these factors, displaying elevators in order of proximity and availability to guide passengers to the closest and most timely option, while considering crowdedness and passenger load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If passengers are directed to the nearest elevator, then walking distance is reduced, but wait time may increase if the elevator is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the parameters used for elevator selection based on real-time conditions. Instead of always selecting the nearest elevator, the system adjusts the selection criteria by incorporating both distance parameters and availability parameters, calculating a composite preference order that reflects current system state
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator preference order is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors elevator status, arrival times, and departure times, then updates the preference order in real-time to reflect current conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing circumstances during peak hours
2Productivity
If multiple elevators are used in shuttle mode, then transport capacity is increased, but passenger confusion increases due to multiple destinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary information layer (the preference order display and calculation system) that mediates between the complex reality of multiple shuttle elevators and the passenger's need for simple guidance. This intermediary translates multiple elevator options into a clear, prioritized sequence that passengers can easily follow
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to passengers about which elevator to take and when, based on real-time monitoring of elevator arrival and departure times. This feedback loop ensures passengers receive accurate, up-to-date guidance that reflects current elevator status, reducing confusion despite multiple options
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of all elevators is implemented, then passenger guidance accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for shuttle mode operation (arrival times and departure times of relevant elevators) rather than monitoring all possible elevator parameters. This selective extraction reduces processing complexity while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the specific shuttle mode context
Data Source
AI summary
A method monitors a plurality of elevators, in which at least two elevators are set into shuttle mode in which the corresponding elevator travels between two pre-defined floors. The method calculates at least one of an arrival time and a departure time of an elevator car of each of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode at a predetermined floor; determines a time required by a user for reaching each of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode from an operation terminal location; and calculates a preference order of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode on the basis of the time of arrival and/or departure of the elevator car of each of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode and the time required by the user for reaching each of the at least two elevators in the shuttle mode from the operation terminal location.