阅读说明：本技术 乘客等待评估系统 (Passenger waiting evaluation system ) 是由 P·斯特拉尼里 于 2020-12-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种乘客等待评估系统,包含：传感器；以及调度器,所述调度器包含：处理器；以及包含计算机可执行指令的存储器,所述计算机可执行指令在由所述处理器执行时,促使所述处理器执行操作,所述操作包含：接收多个电梯呼叫；将所述电梯呼叫指派到第一电梯系统的电梯轿厢；将所述第一电梯系统的所述电梯轿厢移动到层站；使用所述传感器检测在等待使用所述第一电梯系统的所述电梯轿厢的个体的数量；以及在个体的所述数量大于阈值时,停止任何另外的电梯呼叫到所述第一电梯系统的所述电梯轿厢的指派。(A passenger wait evaluation system, comprising: a sensor; and a scheduler, the scheduler comprising: a processor; and a memory containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a plurality of elevator calls; assigning the elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system; moving the elevator car of the first elevator system to a landing; detecting, using the sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than a threshold.)

1. A passenger wait evaluation system comprising:

a sensor; and

a scheduler, the scheduler comprising:

a processor; and

a memory comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

receiving a plurality of elevator calls;

assigning the elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system;

moving the elevator car of the first elevator system to a landing;

detecting, using the sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than a threshold.

2. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining a total area of individuals waiting to use the elevator cars of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total area of an individual is greater than a selected floor area of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

3. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining a total area of individuals and objects waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the total area of individuals and objects is greater than a selected floor area of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

4. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining a total volume of individuals waiting to use the elevator cars of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total volume of individuals is greater than a selected volume of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

5. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining a total volume of individuals and objects waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the total volume of individuals and objects is greater than a selected volume of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

6. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a radar sensing system.

7. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a millimeter wave radar sensing system.

8. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is located above or adjacent to an entryway of the first elevator system.

9. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, further comprising:

a sign for the first elevator system, wherein the sensor is located within the sign.

10. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 9, wherein the flag is located above or adjacent to an entryway of the first elevator system.

11. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 9, wherein the flag is in electronic communication with the scheduler of the first elevator system, and the sensor remains in communication with the scheduler through the flag.

12. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein an individual detected waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system is located within a waiting area that is located in front of an entryway of the first elevator system.

13. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:

reassigning the one or more of the elevator calls to an elevator car of a second elevator system; and

moving the elevator car of the second elevator system to the landing.

14. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the threshold is adjustable based on a user load on the first elevator system.

15. The passenger wait evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:

reassigning or cancelling one or more of the elevator calls when the number of individuals is greater than a threshold value of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

16. A method of operating one or more elevator systems, the method comprising:

receiving a plurality of elevator calls;

assigning the elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system;

moving the elevator car of the first elevator system to a landing;

detecting, using a sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than a threshold value of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

determining a total area of individuals waiting to use the elevator cars of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total area of an individual is greater than a selected floor area of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

determining a total area of individuals and objects waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the total area of individuals and objects is greater than a selected floor area of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

determining a total volume of individuals waiting to use the elevator cars of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total volume of individuals is greater than a selected volume of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

20. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

receiving a plurality of elevator calls;

assigning the elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system;

moving the elevator car of the first elevator system to a landing;

detecting, using a sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use the elevator car of the first elevator system; and

stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than a threshold value of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

Technical Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of elevator systems, and in particular, to methods and apparatus for detecting passengers of an elevator car.

Background

An elevator call can be placed by a first passenger, but there is nothing to limit a second passenger to pick up the elevator by taking the elevator car called by the first passenger. Boarding can cause overcrowding of the car if the dispatcher does not notice additional passengers waiting for the car.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment, a passenger waiting evaluation system is provided. The passenger waiting evaluation system includes: a sensor; and a scheduler, the scheduler comprising: a processor; and a memory containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a plurality of elevator calls; assigning an elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system; moving an elevator car of a first elevator system to a landing; detecting, using a sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of a first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than the threshold.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: the operations further comprise: determining a total area of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of the first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total area of the individuals is greater than the selected floor area of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: the operations further comprise: determining a total area of individuals and objects waiting to use an elevator car of a first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the total area of the individuals and objects is greater than the selected floor area of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: the operations further comprise: determining a total volume of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of the first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total volume of the individual is greater than the selected volume of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: the operations further comprise: determining a total volume of individuals and objects waiting to use an elevator car of a first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the combined volume of the individual and the object is greater than the selected volume of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include the sensor being a radar sensing system.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include the sensor being a millimeter wave radar sensing system.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include the sensor being located above or adjacent to an entryway of the first elevator system.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include a flag for the first elevator system, wherein the sensor is located within the flag.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include the marking being located above or adjacent to the entryway of the first elevator system.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include the flag being in electronic communication with a scheduler of the first elevator system, and the sensor being in communication with the scheduler through the flag.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include an individual detected waiting to use an elevator car of the first elevator system being located within a waiting area, the waiting area being located in front of an entryway of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: the operations further comprise: reassigning one or more of the elevator calls to an elevator car of a second elevator system; and moving an elevator car of the second elevator system to the landing.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include the threshold being adjustable based on a user load on the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: the operations further comprise: reassigning or cancelling one or more of the elevator calls when the number of individuals is greater than a threshold value of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

According to another embodiment, a method of operating one or more elevator systems is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a plurality of elevator calls; assigning an elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system; moving an elevator car of a first elevator system to a landing; detecting, using a sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of a first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than the threshold value for the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: determining a total area of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of the first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total area of the individuals is greater than the selected floor area of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: determining a total area of individuals and objects waiting to use an elevator car of a first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator car of the first elevator system when the total area of the individuals and objects is greater than the selected floor area of the elevator car of the first elevator system.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, other embodiments may include: determining a total volume of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of the first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the total volume of the individual is greater than the selected volume of the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

According to another embodiment, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided. The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: receiving a plurality of elevator calls; assigning an elevator call to an elevator car of a first elevator system; moving an elevator car of a first elevator system to a landing; detecting, using a sensor, a number of individuals waiting to use an elevator car of a first elevator system; and stopping assignment of any additional elevator calls to the elevator cars of the first elevator system when the number of individuals is greater than the threshold value for the elevator cars of the first elevator system.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include using detected passengers waiting for an elevator car to help find individuals taking an elevator on elevator calls made by other individuals.

The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations, non-exclusively, unless explicitly stated otherwise. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the following description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature, and not restrictive.

Drawings

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system that can employ various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a passenger wait evaluation system in accordance with a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of sensors within a sign for the passenger wait evaluation system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method of operating one or more elevator systems according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other by a tension member 107. Tension members 107 may comprise or be configured as, for example, ropes, steel cables, and/or coated steel belts. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and to facilitate movement of the elevator car 103 relative to the counterweight 105 within the hoistway 117 and along the guide rails 109 simultaneously and in a reverse direction.

The tension member 107 engages a machine 111 that is part of the overhead structure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 can be mounted on a fixed portion of the top of the hoistway 117, such as on a support rail or guide rail, and can be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117. In other embodiments, the position reference system 113 may be mounted directly to the moving components of the machine 111, or may be positioned in other locations and/or configurations as is well known in the art. As is well known in the art, the position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring the position of an elevator car and/or counterweight. For example and without limitation, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the position reference system 113 can be an encoder, sensor, or other system, and can include velocity sensing, absolute position sensing, or the like.

The controller 115 is positioned in a controller room 121 of the elevator hoistway 117 as shown and is configured to control operation of the elevator system 101 and specifically operation of the elevator car 103. For example, the controller 115 may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling (leveling), stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. As it moves up or down the hoistway 117 along the guide rails 109, the elevator car 103 can stop at one or more landings (landings) 125 controlled by the controller 115. Although shown in the controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be located and/or configured in other locations or positions within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller may be located remotely or in the cloud.

The machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electric drive motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source, including the power grid, which is supplied to the motor in combination with other components. The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that transmits force to the tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117.

Although shown and described with respect to a roping system that includes tension members 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms of moving an elevator car within a hoistway can employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments may be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a linear motor to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use a hydraulic hoist to transfer motion to an elevator car. FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example presented for purposes of illustration and explanation only.

In other embodiments, the system includes a conveyor system that moves passengers between floors and/or along a single floor. Such a conveying system may include escalators, people movers, and the like. Thus, the embodiments described herein are not limited to elevator systems, such as the elevator system shown in fig. 1. In one example, the embodiments disclosed herein can be applicable conveying systems, such as the elevator system 101, and conveying equipment of the conveying system, such as the elevator car 103 of the elevator system 101. In another example, embodiments disclosed herein can be applicable conveying systems, such as escalator systems, and conveying apparatuses of conveying systems, such as escalators of escalator systems.

Elevator system 101 also includes one or more elevator doors 104. Elevator doors 104 may be integrally attached to elevator car 103. There may also be elevator doors 104 located on landings 125 of the elevator system 101 (see fig. 2). Embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to elevator doors 104 integrally attached to elevator car 103 and/or landing elevator doors 104a located on landings 125 of elevator system 101. Elevator doors 104, 104a open to allow passengers to enter and exit elevator cab 103.

Referring now to fig. 2 with continued reference to fig. 1, a passenger wait evaluation system 200 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that while particular systems are defined separately in the schematic block diagrams, in other cases each of the systems, or any of the systems, may be combined or separated via hardware and/or software.

As illustrated in fig. 2, a building elevator system 100 within a building 102 can include a plurality of different individual elevator systems 101 organized in an elevator bank 112. The elevator systems 101 each contain an elevator car 103 (for simplicity, one elevator car 103 is not shown in fig. 2). It is understood that although two elevator systems 101 are utilized for exemplary illustration, the embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to a building elevator system 100 having one or more elevator systems 101. Further, the elevator system 101 illustrated in fig. 2 is organized into elevator groups 112 for ease of explanation, but it is understood that the elevator system 101 can be organized into one or more elevator groups 112. Each of the elevator groups 112 may contain one or more elevator systems 101. Each of the elevator groups 112 can also be located on the same or different landings 125.

There may be an elevator call device 89 located near the elevator system 101 at the landing 125. The elevator call device 89 communicates an elevator call 380 to the dispatcher 350 of the building elevator system 100. Elevator call 380 may contain the destination of individual 190 (i.e., the passenger). It should be appreciated that while the scheduler 350 is defined separately in the schematic block diagram, the scheduler 350 may be combined via hardware and/or software in any controller 115 or other device. The elevator call 380 may contain the source of the elevator call 380 (i.e., the individual 190 making the elevator call 380). The elevator call device 89 may contain a destination input option which may contain the destination of the elevator call 380. The elevator call device 89 may be a button and/or a touch screen and may be activated manually or automatically. For example, the elevator call 380 may be sent by the individual 190 via the elevator call device 89.

The mobile device 192 may also be configured to transmit an elevator call 380. The individual 190 may own a mobile device 192 to transmit the elevator call 380. The mobile device 192 may be a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop computer, or any other mobile device known to those skilled in the art. Mobile device 192 may be configured to communicate elevator call 380 to scheduler 350 through computing network 232 or directly to scheduler 350. The mobile device 192 may communicate with the computing network 232 through a wireless access protocol device (WAP) 234 using a short-range wireless protocol. The short-range Wireless protocol may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, HaLow (801.11 ah), zWave, ZigBee, or Wireless M-Bus. Alternatively, the mobile device 192 may communicate directly with the computing network 232 or the scheduler 350 using a long-range wireless protocol. Remote wireless protocols may include, but are not limited to, cellular, LTE (NB-IoT, CAT M1), LoRa, satellite, Ingeniu, or SigFox.

The controller 115 can be combined, local, remote, cloud, etc. Scheduler 350 may be local, remote, cloud, etc. The scheduler 350 is in communication with the controller 115 of each elevator system 101. Alternatively, there may be a single controller that is common to all elevator systems 101 and controls all elevator systems 101, rather than two separate controllers 115 as illustrated in fig. 2. The scheduler 350 may be "group" software configured to select the best elevator car 103 to be assigned to an elevator call 380. The dispatcher 350 manages the elevator call devices 89 associated with the elevator group 112.

The scheduler 350 is configured to control and coordinate the operation of the plurality of elevator systems 101. Scheduler 350 may be an electronic controller that includes a processor 352 and associated memory 354, the associated memory 354 including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 352, cause processor 352 to perform various operations. Processor 352 may be, but is not limited to, a single-processor or multi-processor system having any of a wide range of possible architectures including a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware in a homogeneous or heterogeneous arrangement. The memory 354 may be, but is not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable medium.

The dispatcher 350 is in communication with the elevator call devices 89 of the building elevator system 100. The dispatcher 350 is configured to receive elevator calls 380 transmitted from the elevator call devices 89 and/or the mobile devices 192. The dispatcher 350 is configured to manage incoming elevator calls 380 from the elevator call devices 89 and/or the mobile device 192 subsequently commands one or more elevator systems 101 to respond to the elevator calls 380.

Passenger waiting evaluation system 200 also includes a sensor 920 configured to detect an individual 190 and/or an object 194 waiting on elevator car 103. The individual 190 may be standing in a waiting area 260 in front of the entryway 108 of a landing elevator door 104a located on a landing 125. The sensor 920 is configured to determine individuals located in this waiting area 260. The sensor may visualize the waiting area 260 within its overall viewing area. In an embodiment, the sensors 920 may be located above or adjacent to the entryway 108 and landing elevator doors 104 in order to obtain a good view of the waiting area 260 of the elevator system 101. In an embodiment, there may be one sensor 920 per elevator system 101. In another embodiment, there may be one sensor 920 per elevator group 112. In an embodiment, the sensor 920 is located in the elevator sign 900, as illustrated in fig. 2. The sign 900 can be located above or adjacent to the entryway 108 and landing elevator doors 104 in order to obtain a good view of the waiting area 260 of the elevator system 101. The elevator sign 900 can identify the current landing 125 of the elevator system 101 at which the elevator car 103 is currently located so that the individual 190 waiting for the elevator car 103 can know when the elevator car 103 will arrive. Advantageously, the sensor 920 can be configured to be discreetly hidden within the sign 900 such that the individual 190 at the landing 125 does not see the sensor 920.

Referring now to fig. 3 with continued reference to fig. 1-2, a schematic diagram of a flag 900 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flag 900 is in communication with the controller 115 of the elevator system 101. As illustrated in fig. 3, the sensor 920 may be located within the sign 900. For example, the sensor 920 is constructed entirely on a circuit board mounted in an open connector on the sign 900.

The flag 900 includes a flag controller 902 configured to control operation of the flag 900. The flag controller 902 may be an electronic controller comprising a processor 904 and associated memory 906, the associated memory 906 comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 904, cause the processor 904 to perform various operations. Processor 904 may be, but is not limited to, a single-processor or multi-processor system having any of a wide range of possible architectures including a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware, arranged either isomorphically or heterogeneously. The memory 906 may be, but is not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable medium. In one embodiment, the flag controller 902 may be absent, and the input may come from the controller 115 of the elevator system 101 or elsewhere.

The sign 900 also includes a display device 910 configured to display the landing 125 at which the elevator car 103 of the elevator system 101 is currently located. It is understood that the display device 910 is not limited to displaying the landing 125, and that embodiments disclosed herein are applicable where the display device 910 displays other information. The display can be a conventional screen-type display (e.g., a computer monitor or television), a fixed segment display, or an illuminated fixed display of an elevator number, floor, group, or the like.

The sensor 920 includes a controller 922 configured to control the operation of the sensor 920. The controller 920 is in communication with the flag controller 902. The controller 922 may be an electronic controller that includes a processor 924 and an associated memory 928, the associated memory 928 including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 924, cause the processor 924 to perform various operations. Processor 924 may be, but is not limited to, a single-processor or multi-processor system having any one of a wide range of possible architectures including a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware, arranged either isomorphically or heterogeneously. The memory 928 may be, but is not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable medium.

In an embodiment, the sensor 920 is a radar sensing system as illustrated in fig. 3. In an embodiment, sensor 920 is a millimeter wave radar sensing system. The sensor 920 includes a radar transmitter 930 and a radar receiver 932. The radar transmitter 930 is configured to transmit radar pulses 934 and the radar receiver is configured to detect reflected radar pulses 936. Reflected radar pulse 936 is radar pulse 934 reflected from individual 190 and object 194. Advantageously, the radar pulses 934 can be transmitted through the outer cladding/structure of the sign 900, and thus the sensor 920 may be hidden within the sign 900, out of view of the individual 190. Using radar is advantageous because no apertures are required in the outer cladding/structure of the sign 900. The use of radar is also advantageous over video or images for privacy concerns because the actual images of the individual 190 are not collected.

The reflected radar pulse 936 is detected by the radar receiver 932 and analyzed by the radar controller 922. Reflected radar pulses 936 reflected from the individual 190 or object 194 are received and analyzed as a point cloud 950. The point cloud 950 may be a two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional point cloud. Radar controller 922 is configured to determine whether each point cloud 950 is an individual 190 or an object 194. Once the individual 190 or object 194 is identified in the point cloud 950. The radar controller 922 may be configured to focus only on the point cloud 950 within the waiting area 260 of the elevator system 101. The point clouds 950 may be delineated 952 by the controller 922 to identify them as individual points 190 or objects 194. Radar controller 922 may be configured to determine the approximate size of each individual 190 or each object 194. Size may be defined as the volume and/or floor area occupied by the individual 190 or object 194. Advantageously, by being able to determine the volume and/or floor area occupied by the individual 190 and/or object 194 waiting on the elevator car 103, this information can be shared with the controller 115 and/or scheduler 350 to determine whether the elevator car 103 to arrive will have sufficient space to accommodate the individual 190 and/or object 194 within the elevator car 103. Some elevator calls 380 may be reassigned to different elevator cars 103 if the elevator cars 103 do not have sufficient space to accommodate the individual 190 and/or the object 194. Scheduler 350 is configured to assign elevator call 380 when elevator call 380 is received. One elevator call 380 may be equivalent to one individual and the dispatcher 350 may be configured to reserve the elevator car 130 to a selected percentage of fullness.

Advantageously, by comparing the number of individuals 190 waiting for the elevator car 103 with the number of elevator calls 380, the dispatcher 350 can then determine whether one individual 190 "takes the elevator" on an elevator call 380 of another individual 190.

Referring now to fig. 4 with continued reference to fig. 1-2, a flow diagram of a method 1000 of operating one or more elevator systems 101 is illustrated, in accordance with a disclosed embodiment. In an embodiment, the method 400 is performed by the passenger wait evaluation system 200 or the scheduler 350 of fig. 2.

At block 1004, a plurality (e.g., measured quantities) of elevator calls 380 are received. At block 1006, an elevator call 380 is assigned to the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101. The number of elevator calls 380 assigned to each elevator car 130 is tracked. At block 1008, the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 moves to the landing 125. At block 1010, the number of individuals 190 waiting to use the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 is detected using the sensor 920. The individual 190 waiting to use the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 is located within a waiting area 260, which waiting area 260 is located in front of the entryway 108 of the first elevator system 101.

At block 1012, the scheduler 350 may stop assignment of any additional elevator calls 280 to the elevator cars 103 of the first elevator system 101 when the number of individuals 190 is greater than the threshold value for the elevator cars 103 of the first elevator system 101. The threshold may be less than or equal to the capacity of the elevator car 103. For example, the threshold may be 90% of the capacity of the elevator car 103. It is understood that the threshold may be greater than or less than 90% of the capacity of the elevator car 103. In one embodiment, the threshold is adjustable based on user load on the elevator system 101. For example, the threshold may be a higher threshold during busy times or a lower threshold during less busy times. Additionally, one or more of the elevator calls 380 can be reassigned or cancelled when the number of individuals 190 is greater than the threshold value of the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101.

The method 1000 can further include determining a total area of individuals 190 waiting to use the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101. The scheduler 350 can stop the assignment of any additional elevator calls 280 to the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 when the total area of the individuals 190 is greater than the selected floor area of the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101. The total area of the individuals 190 is defined as the sum of the floor areas occupied by each individual 190. In one example, the selected floor area may be 90% of the floor area, but it is understood that the selected floor area may be greater or less than 90%.

The method 1000 can further include determining a total area of the individual 190 and the object 194 of the elevator car 103 waiting to use the first elevator system 101. The scheduler 350 can stop assignment of any additional elevator calls 280 to the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 when the total area of the individual 190 and the object 194 is greater than the selected floor area of the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101. The total area of the objects 194 is defined as the sum of the floor area occupied by each object 194.

The method 1000 can further include determining a total volume of individuals 190 waiting to use the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101. The scheduler 350 can stop the assignment of any further elevator calls 280 to the elevator cars 103 of the first elevator system 101 when the total volume of the individuals 190 is greater than the selected volume of the elevator cars 103 of the first elevator system 101. The total volume of individuals 190 is defined as the sum of the total volume occupied by each individual 190. In one example, the selected volume may be 90% of the volume of the elevator car 103, but it is understood that the selected volume may be greater or less than 90%.

The method 1000 can further include determining a total volume of the individual 190 and the object 194 of the elevator car 103 waiting to use the first elevator system 101. The scheduler 350 can stop the assignment of any additional elevator calls 280 to the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 when the combined volume of the individual 190 and the object 194 is greater than the selected volume of the elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101. The total volume of the objects 194 is defined as the sum of the total volume occupied by each object 194.

In an embodiment, the sensor 920 is a radar sensing system. In another embodiment, sensor 920 is a millimeter wave radar sensing system. In an embodiment, the sensor 920 is located above or adjacent to the entryway 108 of the first elevator system 101. In an embodiment, the sensor 920 is located within the sign 900 of the first elevator system 101. In another embodiment, the sign 900 is located above or adjacent to the entryway 108 of the first elevator system 101. The flag 900 is in electronic communication with the scheduler 350 of the first elevator system 101 and the sensor 920 is in communication with the scheduler 350 through the flag 900.

The method 1000 can further include one or more of the elevator calls 380 being reassigned to the elevator car 103 of the second elevator system 101 and moving the elevator car 103 of the second elevator system 101 to the landing 125.

While the above description has described the flow of fig. 4 in a particular order, it should be appreciated that the order of the steps may be changed unless specifically required by the appended claims.

The present invention may be a system, method and/or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail integration. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (medium or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to perform various aspects of the present invention.

As described above, embodiments may take the form of processor-implemented processes and apparatuses, such as processors, for practicing those processes. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code (e.g., a computer program product) containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the example embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

The term "about" is intended to encompass a degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity and/or manufacturing tolerance based on equipment available at the time of filing the application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in specific embodiments, but the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.