Method for sub-zoning an elevator group

Abstract

A method for increasing the transportation capacity of elevators in a building involving dividing the elevators (2-7) into two or more groups, each comprising one or more elevators, in such manner that in certain loading situations the groups will temporarily serve different zones (11, 12) of the building (1). Upward peak traffic conditions are detected and the boundaries between zones (11, 12) are determined and maintained by the steps which include: (a) detecting by a peak traffic condition, mainly on the basis of elevator loading time and/or the number of people arriving in an elevator lobby (9) of the building (1). (b) calculating an initial optimal zone boundary value mainly on the basis of traffic statistics and existing transportation capacity. (c) effecting transition of elevator operation to sub-zoning during upward peak traffic. (d) re-calculating the optimal zone boundary value mainly on the basis of short-term traffic statistics, the number of people in the elevator lobby and the available transportation capacity. (e) sensing the need for change in the zone boundary and effecting the desired change as calculated in section (d). (f) cancelling the sub-zoning upon completion of the upward peak passenger period or when the volume of upward traffic has fallen below a predetermined limit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.