Global Dispatcher Interface

The efficiency of a lift group depends heavily on its dispatcher (also known as the group traffic control). A dispatcher decides how a group of lifts serve the passenger demand, normally based on calls placed on the system by the passengers. Defining a common, global dispatcher interface makes it easier for simulation and real word systems to talk to each other. The author draws on practical experience to consider if the next generation of dispatchers should be centralized or decentralised, and to suggest a dividing line between lift controller and lift dispatcher functions. Having addressed dispatcher architecture and scope, the requirements of a global dispatcher interface are considered. These include, but are not limited to single deck cars, double deck cars, and multiple independent cars in a shaft. The dispatcher interface also needs to consider different user interface options including landing call buttons, car call buttons, destination based input, together with associated indicators and displays.