Elevator system and method for selecting a wireless communication system

Abstract

This invention relates to an elevator system (100) for selecting wireless communication systems (206a, 206b). The elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102), a car control unit (106), and an elevator control unit (108). The car control unit (106) and the elevator control unit (108) include communication devices (202, 204) to establish at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) for providing wireless communication (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106). The elevator control unit (108) is configured to: obtain selection data representing at least one selection parameter, wherein the at least one selection parameter includes at least one elevator-related selection parameter and / or at least one wireless communication system-related selection parameter; and select the most suitable wireless communication system (206a, 206b) at each time point based on the obtained selection data for providing wireless communication connection (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106). The present invention also relates to a method and a computer program.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the technical field of elevator systems. In particular, this invention relates to elevator systems with wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] An elevator system includes: at least one elevator car arranged to travel along at least one corresponding elevator shaft; and an elevator control unit for controlling the operation of the elevator system. Typically, a travel cable is used to connect the electrical equipment of at least one elevator car to the elevator control unit. Typically, in elevator systems, especially high-rise elevator systems, the travel cable is an expensive component; its installation is time-consuming; cable reels can be difficult to handle due to their size and weight; and the travel cable can be easily damaged, leading to expensive replacement of the travel cable and unnecessary downtime of the elevator system.

[0003] The travel cable can be replaced by a wireless communication system to connect the electrical equipment of at least one elevator car to the elevator control unit using wireless communication technology. However, implementing a reliable wireless communication system that meets stringent requirements set by, for example, safety regulations can be difficult.

[0004] The reliability of wireless communication systems can be reduced due to several factors, such as communication distance, interference in the communication system, and / or obstruction of visibility by the swaying of the elevator car's suspension equipment. Typically, the communication connection is only temporarily lost, but because elevator safety systems require continuous communication, even a brief interruption in communication can cause the elevator to stop urgently.

[0005] Therefore, solutions need to be developed to at least partially improve the reliability of wireless communication in elevator systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments of the invention, a simplified overview is given below. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention nor to depict the scope of the invention. The following overview merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an elevator system, method, and computer program for selecting a wireless communication system. Another object of this invention is that the method and computer program for selecting a wireless communication system at least partially improve the reliability of wireless communication in elevator systems.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by the elevator unit, method and computer program defined by the respective independent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, an elevator system for selecting a wireless communication system is provided, wherein the elevator system includes: an elevator car arranged to travel along an elevator shaft, a car control unit arranged to the elevator car, and an elevator control unit, wherein the car control unit and the elevator control unit include communication devices to establish at least two wireless communication systems for providing wireless communication between the elevator control unit and the car control unit, and wherein the elevator control unit is configured to: obtain selection data representing at least one selection parameter, wherein the at least one selection parameter includes at least one elevator-related selection parameter and / or at least one wireless communication system-related selection parameter; and based on the obtained selection data, select the most suitable wireless communication system from at least two wireless communication systems at each time point for providing a wireless communication connection between the elevator control unit and the car control unit.

[0010] The elevator control unit can also be configured to select another wireless communication system from at least two wireless communication systems to provide a wireless communication connection between the elevator control unit and the car control unit, in response to the elevator control unit detecting, based on the obtained selection data, that the other wireless communication system is most suitable at a later point in time.

[0011] At least one selection parameter can be predefined or dynamically defined based on needs.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, at least one elevator-related selection parameter may include at least one of the following: the position of the elevator car inside the elevator shaft, the speed of the elevator car, and / or the oscillation of the elevator car's suspension equipment.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, at least one selection parameter related to the wireless communication system may include interference detected in the wireless communication system.

[0014] At least two wireless communication systems may differ from each other in at least one of the following aspects: frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type and / or antenna properties.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, at least two wireless communication systems may differ from each other due to their communication technologies.

[0016] The different communication technologies of at least two wireless communication systems may include at least two of the following communication technologies: point-to-point microwave link, 5G, free-space optical communication technology, Bluetooth (BT), and Zigbee, such that each wireless communication system is based on a different communication technology than the other wireless communication systems.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a method for selecting a wireless communication system is provided, the wireless communication system being used to provide a wireless communication connection between an elevator control unit and a car control unit disposed to an elevator car, wherein the car control unit and the elevator control unit include communication devices to establish at least two wireless communication systems for providing a wireless communication connection between the elevator control unit and the car control unit, wherein the method includes: obtaining selection data representing at least one selection parameter by the elevator control unit, wherein the at least one selection parameter includes at least one elevator-related selection parameter and / or at least one wireless communication system-related selection parameter; and selecting, at each time point, the most suitable wireless communication system from the at least two wireless communication systems of the wireless communication connection by the elevator control unit based on the obtained selection data, for providing a wireless communication connection between the elevator control unit and the car control unit.

[0018] The method may further include, in response to detecting, based on selection data, that the other wireless communication system is most suitable at a later point in time, selecting another wireless communication system from at least two wireless communication systems connected to provide a wireless communication connection between the elevator control unit and the car control unit.

[0019] At least one selection parameter can be predefined or dynamically defined based on needs.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, at least one elevator-related selection parameter may include at least one of the following: the position of the elevator car inside the elevator shaft, the speed of the elevator car, and / or the sway of the elevator car's suspension equipment.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, at least one selection parameter related to the wireless communication system may include interference detected in the wireless communication system.

[0022] At least two wireless communication systems may differ from each other in at least one of the following aspects: frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type and / or antenna properties.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, at least two wireless communication systems may differ from each other due to their communication technologies.

[0024] The different communication technologies of at least two wireless communication systems may include at least two of the following communication technologies: point-to-point microwave link, 5G, free-space optical communication technology, Bluetooth (BT), or Zigbee, such that each wireless communication system is based on a different communication technology than the other wireless communication systems.

[0025] According to a third aspect, a computer program is provided, wherein the computer program includes instructions that, when executed by an elevator control unit, cause the elevator control unit to perform the method described above.

[0026] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention with respect to structure and operation methods, as well as their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as limitations on disclosure, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any uncited features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this document, i.e., the singular form, does not exclude the plural. Attached Figure Description

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example rather than limitation.

[0029] Figure 1A An example of an elevator system is illustrated schematically.

[0030] Figure 1B Another example of an elevator system is illustrated schematically.

[0031] Figure 2 Examples of at least two wireless communication systems are shown.

[0032] Figure 3 An example of a method for selecting a wireless communication system is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 An example of a component of an elevator control unit is shown schematically.

[0034] Figure 5 An example of a component of the car control unit is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1A An example of an elevator system 100 for selecting a wireless communication system is schematically illustrated. The elevator system 100 includes an elevator car 102, a car control unit 106, and an elevator control unit 108. The elevator car 102 is arranged to travel along an elevator shaft 104 between multiple floors. The car control unit 106 is arranged to the elevator car 102, for example, as... Figure 1A As shown in the example, it is arranged on the roof of elevator car 102. Figure 1A The example elevator system 100 includes one elevator car 102 traveling along an elevator shaft 104; however, the elevator system 100 may also include a group of elevators, i.e., a group of two or more elevator cars 102, each elevator car traveling along a separate elevator shaft 104, the elevator shaft being configured to operate as a unit serving the same floors (for clarity, multiple floors are not listed in the original text). Figure 1A(As shown in the diagram). The elevator system 100 also includes an elevator control system 110, such as an elevator controller 110. The elevator control system 110 can be configured to at least partially control the operation of the elevator system 100. The elevator control system 110 can be located, for example, in a machine room (for clarity, shown in the diagram). Figure 1A (Not shown in the image) or in a floor of elevator system 100. Elevator system 100 may also include one or more other known elevator-related entities, such as hoisting systems, user interface devices, safety circuits and devices, elevator door systems, etc., for clarity. Figure 1A It is not shown in the document.

[0036] The elevator control unit 108 can be a local elevator control unit, meaning it can be located on-site, specifically within the elevator system 100. The local elevator control unit 108 can be implemented as follows: Figure 1A This is part of the elevator control system 110 in the example elevator system 100. The elevator control unit 108, implemented as part of the elevator control system 110, can be configured to control one or more operations or functions of the elevator system 100. The one or more operations or functions of the elevator system 100 that the elevator control unit 108 can be configured to control may include, for example, one or more lifting-related operations or functions, one or more lighting-related operations or functions, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator control unit 108 may be an external control unit, i.e., the elevator control unit 108 may be located off-site, i.e., outside the elevator system 100. Figure 1B As shown, the external elevator control unit can be implemented as an external entity of the elevator system 108. Figure 1B An example of an elevator system 100 is schematically shown, wherein the elevator control unit 108 is an external elevator control unit. Figure 1B Example elevator system 100 is similar to the above in other respects. Figure 1A Example elevator system 100. In other words, Figure 1B Example elevator system 100 may include the above Figure 1A The example elevator system 100 is the same entity. The external elevator control unit can be, for example, a cloud server, service center, or data center.

[0037] Figure 2An example is shown of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b established to provide wireless communication connections 206a, 206b between elevator control unit 108 and car control unit 106. Both car control unit 106 and elevator control unit 108 include communication devices 202, 204 to establish at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b for providing wireless communication connections 208a, 208b between elevator control unit 108 and car control unit 106. In other words, car control unit 106 includes communication device 202, and elevator control unit 108 includes communication device 204, which together are configured to establish at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b for providing wireless communication connections 206a, 206b between elevator control unit 108 and car control unit 106. The communication device 202 of car control unit 106 may include one or more communication devices 210a, 210b, such as at least one radio transceiver, at least one antenna, etc., for each of the at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. Similarly, the communication device 204 of the elevator control unit 108 may include one or more corresponding communication devices 212a, 212b for each of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. The one or more communication devices 210a, 210b, 212a, 212b may depend on the communication technology used for each wireless communication system 206a, 206b. Figure 2 The example illustrates two wireless communication systems 206a and 206b, such as a first wireless communication system 206a and a second wireless communication system 206b, but... Figure 2 The three dots indicate that two or more wireless communication systems 206a and 206b can also be established. The wireless communication connections 208a and 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 enable data exchange, i.e., communication, between them. In other words, the elevator control unit 108 can provide data to the car control unit 106 via the wireless communication connections 208a and 208b, and / or the car control unit 106 can provide data to the elevator control unit 108 via the wireless communication connections 208a and 208b. The data can include any data about the elevator system 100. Data about the elevator system 100 can include, for example, but not limited to, movement data of the elevator car 104, any safety-related data, and / or control data.

[0038] At least two wireless communication systems 206a and 206b may differ from each other due to their communication technologies. In other words, each of the at least two wireless communication systems 206a and 206b may be based on a different communication technology than the other wireless communication systems 206a and 206b. For example, in the case of two wireless communication systems 206a and 206b, the first wireless communication system 206a may be based on a first communication technology, while the second wireless communication system 206b may be based on a second communication technology. The different communication technologies of the at least two wireless communication systems 206a and 206b may include at least two of the following communication technologies: point-to-point microwave link, 5G, free-space optical communication technology, Bluetooth (BT), and Zigbee, such that each wireless communication system 206a and 206b is based on a different communication technology than the other wireless communication systems 206a and 206b. According to a non-limiting example, in the case of two communication systems 206a and 206b, the first wireless communication system 206a may be based on, for example, 5G, and the second wireless communication system 206b may be based on, for example, a point-to-point microwave link.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may differ from each other in at least one of the following aspects: frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type, and / or antenna attributes. According to an example, all at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may be based on the same communication technology, but differ from each other in at least one of the following aspects: frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type, and / or antenna attributes. According to another example, each of the at least two communication systems 206a, 206b may be based on a different communication technology and also differ from each other in at least one of the following aspects: frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type, and antenna attributes. According to a non-limiting example, in the case of two communication systems 206a, 206b, both communication systems 206a, 206b may be based on, for example, a point-to-point microwave link; however, compared to the second wireless communication system 206b, the first wireless communication system 206a may use, for example, a different modulation technique, a different power level, and / or a different antenna type.

[0040] Figure 3 An example of a method for selecting wireless communication systems 206a, 206b to provide wireless communication connections 208a, 208b between elevator control unit 108 and car control unit 106 is shown. In the initial startup state, one of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b can be used to provide wireless communication connections 208a, 208b between elevator control unit 108 and car control unit 106.

[0041] In step 310, the elevator control unit 108 obtains selection data representing at least one selection parameter. The at least one selection parameter includes at least one elevator-related selection parameter and / or at least one wireless communication system-related selection parameter. The elevator control unit 108 can continuously obtain the selection data. Continuously obtaining the selection data enables the elevator control unit 108 to continuously respond to one or more changes detected in the obtained selection data, which in turn enables the elevator control unit 108 to continuously select the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a, 206b for providing wireless communication connections 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106, as will be described. The at least one elevator-related selection parameter may include at least one of the following: the position of the elevator car inside the elevator shaft, the speed of the elevator car, and / or the swaying of the suspension equipment of the elevator car 102. The swaying of the suspension equipment (e.g., ropes or belts) may obstruct the view of the wireless communication connections 208a, 208b. The at least one wireless communication system-related selection parameter may include interference detected in the wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. The elevator control unit 108 may obtain selection data representing at least one elevator-related selection parameter, for example, from the elevator system 100 and / or from one or more sensor devices arranged to the elevator system 100 and configured to provide sensor data. The elevator control unit 108 may obtain selection data representing at least one wireless communication system-related selection parameter, for example, by characterizing and / or monitoring network traffic in at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b.

[0042] In step 320, the elevator control unit 108 selects the most suitable wireless communication system 206a, 206b from at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b at each time point based on the obtained selection data, for providing the wireless communication connection 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 in step 330. In other words, the elevator control unit 108 selects the most suitable wireless communication system 206a, 206b from at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b at each time point, i.e., at each time point the selection is performed, based on the obtained selection data. This allows for the selection of the most suitable wireless communication system 206a, 206b at each time point. Alternatively or additionally, this allows a reliable wireless communication connection 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 to be continuously provided. For example, at a certain point in time, depending on at least one selection parameter, one of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may be most suitable, i.e., more suitable than the other wireless communication systems 206a, 206b, while at any other point in time, some other wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may be most suitable. A change in at least one selection parameter and / or at least one selection parameter can affect the wireless communication connection 208a, 208b of each wireless communication system 206a, 206b in different ways. In other words, depending on the selection parameter and the point in time, at least one of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may be the most suitable wireless communication system. The term "most suitable wireless communication system" in this application refers to a wireless communication system 206a, 206b having one or more of the most suitable operating parameters for the wireless communication connection 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106. One or more operating parameters may include, for example, but are not limited to, signal strength, signal quality, the ability to transmit the required amount of data, and / or the ability to transmit the required data type. In other words, the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a and 206b at a given point in time may have, for example, but not limited to, the most suitable signal strength, signal quality, the ability to transmit the required amount of data (e.g., large amounts of data), and / or the ability to transmit the required data types at that point in time. Depending on the operating parameters, most suitable may be, for example, highest, best, and / or maximum. For example, some of at least two wireless communication systems 208a and 208b may be more suitable (i.e., better suited) for short-range wireless communication, while some of the other systems in at least two wireless communication systems 208a and 208b may be more tolerant of interference. The reliability of each wireless communication system 206a and 206b may vary (e.g., decrease or increase) depending on at least one selection parameter and / or a change in at least one selection parameter.According to the example, a change in communication distance, i.e., a change in the position of the elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft 104, can reduce the reliability of one or more of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b, and increase the reliability of the other one or more of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. According to another example, interference may reduce the reliability of one or more of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. According to yet another example, the swaying of the suspension equipment of the elevator car 104 may reduce the reliability of one or more of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. The elevator control unit 108 can obtain one or more operating parameters, for example, by characterizing and / or monitoring network traffic in at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b.

[0043] According to the examples, when the car control unit 106 and the elevator car control unit 108 are substantially close to each other, for example, when the elevator car 102 is located, for example, near the top of the elevator shaft 104, and the elevator control unit 108 is located, for example, inside a machine room located at the top of the elevator shaft 104, the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may be wireless communication systems using lower power levels and / or lower directional antennas. According to another example, when the car control unit 106 and the elevator car control unit 108 are far from each other, for example, when the elevator car 102 is located, for example, near the pit of the elevator shaft 104, and the elevator control unit 108 is located, for example, inside a machine room located at the top of the elevator shaft 104, the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a, 206b may be wireless communication systems using higher power levels and / or more directional antennas. In these examples, at least one selection parameter includes at least the position of the elevator car 102 inside the elevator shaft 104. The position of the elevator car 102 inside the elevator shaft 104 affects the communication distance between the elevator control unit 108 and the elevator car control unit 106.

[0044] According to another example, when the swaying of the suspension equipment of the elevator car 102 is detected to obstruct the view, the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a and 206b can be wireless communication systems that operate without a line of sight. In this example, at least one selection parameter includes at least the swaying of the suspension equipment of the elevator car 102.

[0045] According to another example, when interference (e.g., radio frequency interference (RFI)) is detected in the currently used wireless communication systems 206a and 206b, the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a and 206b may be wireless communication systems using frequency hopping. In this example, at least one selection parameter includes the interference detected in the wireless communication system.

[0046] According to the example, for at least one of the at least one selection parameter, or for each of the at least one selection parameter, the most suitable wireless communication system 206a, 206b can be predefined. In other words, the elevator control unit 108 can predefine a certain wireless communication system 206a, 206b as the most suitable for at least one of the at least one selection parameter, or for each of the at least one selection parameter. This means that at least one selection parameter can be predefined, i.e., selection can be based on at least one predefined selection parameter. The elevator control unit 108 can use, for example, predefined historical data and / or one or more operating parameters of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b for selection data; static data for selection data and / or one or more operating parameters of at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b; and / or data learned by using, for example, machine learning algorithms. According to the example, if at least one selection parameter is the position of the elevator car 102 inside the elevator shaft 104, then the elevator control unit 108 can predefine the use of a certain wireless communication system 206a, 206b when the elevator car 102 is in a predefined position inside the elevator shaft 104. For example, when the elevator car 102 is at the top floor, the elevator control unit 108 can pre-define the selection of a first wireless communication system 206a. Alternatively, for at least one of the at least one selection parameters, or for each of the at least one selection parameters, the most suitable wireless communication system can be dynamically defined based on needs. In other words, the elevator control unit 108 can dynamically define the most suitable wireless communication system 206a, 206b for at least one of the at least one selection parameters, or for each of the at least one selection parameters, based on needs. This means that at least one selection parameter can be dynamically defined based on needs, i.e., selection can be based on at least one dynamically defined selection parameter.

[0047] According to the example, alternatively or additionally, one or more selection parameters may be prioritized for selecting the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a, 206b. The elevator control unit 108 may select the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a, 206b based on one or more selection parameters with the highest priority. In other words, one or more selection parameters may have higher importance when selecting the most suitable wireless communication systems 206a, 206b in step 320.

[0048] As described above, after selecting the most suitable wireless communication system 206a, 206b in step 330, i.e. step 320, and while using the selected wireless communication system 206a, 206b to provide the wired communication connection 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106, the elevator control unit 108 can continue to obtain selection data.

[0049] According to the example, if the obtained selection data indicates that another wireless communication system 206a, 206b is most suitable at a later time point, that is, if the elevator control unit 108 detects in step 340 that the other wireless communication system 206a, 206b is most suitable at a later time point based on the obtained selection data, then the elevator control unit 108 can select the other wireless communication system 206a, 206b from at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b used to provide wireless communication connections 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 in step 350. Figure 3 In the example, these steps are shown as optional steps 340 and 350. Alternatively, if the obtained selection data indicates that the previously selected wireless communication systems 206a and 206b, i.e., the wireless communication systems 206a and 206b currently used to provide the wireless communication connection 208a and 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106, are still most suitable at the later point in time, then the previously selected wireless communication systems 206a and 206b continue to be used to provide the wireless communication connection 208a and 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106, and the elevator control unit 108 continues to obtain selection data.

[0050] Next, two wireless communication systems 206a and 206b (e.g.) are used. Figure 2(As shown), that is, a first wireless communication system 206a and a second wireless communication system 206b are used to select an example of wireless communication systems 206a and 206b. In this non-limiting example, at least one selection parameter is the position of the elevator car 102 inside the elevator shaft 104, and the most suitable one or more operating parameters for the wireless communication connection 208a, 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 are the highest signal quality. However, the invention is not limited to these, and any other at least one selection parameter and / or one or more operating parameters can be used. As an initial assumption, the first wireless communication system 206a is used to provide the wireless communication connection 208a between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 in the initial situation, for example because the first wireless communication system 206a has the highest signal strength in the initial situation. However, the second communication system 206b can also be used to provide the wireless communication connection 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 in the initial situation. As the elevator car 102 moves along the elevator shaft 102, for example from the top floor to the bottom floor, and at a certain point in time, the elevator control unit 108 detects, based on acquired selection data, that the position of the elevator car 102 results in the second wireless communication system 206b having the highest signal strength, the elevator control unit 108 continuously acquires selection data, in this example representing the position of the elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft 104. In other words, the elevator control unit 108 detects, based on the selection data acquired at said certain point in time, that the second wireless communication system 206b is the most suitable communication system. In response to detecting that the second wireless communication system 206b is the most suitable wireless communication system, the elevator control unit 108 selects the second wireless communication system 206b to provide a wireless communication connection 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106. The second wireless communication system 206b provides the wireless communication connection 208b between the elevator control unit 108 and the car control unit 106 after selection, and the elevator control unit 108 can continue to acquire selection data.

[0051] Figure 4An example of the components of an elevator control unit 108 is schematically shown. The elevator control unit 108 may include a processing unit 410 containing one or more processors, a memory unit 420 containing one or more memories, a communication interface unit 430, and possibly a user interface (UI) unit 440. The aforementioned components may be communicatively connected to each other via, for example, an internal bus. The memory unit 420 may store and maintain portions of a computer program (code) 425 and any other data, such as acquired selection data. The computer program 425 may include instructions that, when executed by the processing unit 410 of the elevator control unit 108, cause the processing unit 410, and thus the elevator control unit 108, to perform desired tasks, such as at least some of the aforementioned method steps. Therefore, the processing unit 410 may be arranged to access the memory unit 420 and retrieve and store any information in the memory unit 420. For clarity, the term "processor" here refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of the elevator control unit 108, as well as other tasks. These operations may also be implemented using a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, memory unit 420 is not limited to a specific type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing the described information segments can be applied in the context of this invention. Communication interface unit 430 provides an interface for communicating with any external unit, such as car control unit 106, one or more databases, and / or any other external unit. Communication interface unit 430 may include the aforementioned communication device 204 of elevator control unit 108. Communication device 204 of elevator control unit 108 may include one or more communication devices 210a, 210b, such as at least one radio transceiver, at least one antenna, etc., for each of the at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b as described above. Communication interface unit 430 may further include one or more other communication devices for communicating with any other unit besides car control unit 106. One or more user interface units 440 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices, such as buttons, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc., for receiving user input and output information. The computer program 425 may be a computer program product, which may be contained in a tangible, non-volatile (non-transitory) computer-readable medium carrying embedded computer program code 425 for use with a computer (i.e., elevator control unit 108).

[0052] Figure 5An example of the components of the car control unit 106 is schematically shown. The car control unit 106 may include a processing unit 510 containing one or more processors, a memory unit 520 containing one or more memories, a communication interface unit 530, and possibly a user interface (UI) unit 540. The mentioned components may be communicatively connected to each other, for example, via an internal bus. The memory unit 520 may store and maintain portions of a computer program (code) 525 and any other data, such as acquired selection data. The computer program 525 may include instructions that, when executed by the processing unit 510 of the car control unit 106, cause the processing unit 510, and thus the car control unit 106, to perform desired tasks, such as at least some operations of the car control unit 106 as described above. Therefore, the processing unit 510 may be arranged to access the memory unit 520 and retrieve and store any information therefrom. For clarity, the term "processor" here refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of the car control unit 106, as well as other tasks. These operations may also be implemented using a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, memory unit 520 is not limited to a specific type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing the described information segments can be applied in the context of this invention. Communication interface unit 530 provides an interface for communicating with any external unit, such as elevator control unit 108, one or more databases, and / or any other external unit. Communication interface unit 530 may include the aforementioned communication device 202 of car control unit 106. Communication device 202 of car control unit 106 may include one or more communication devices 212a, 212b, such as at least one radio transceiver, at least one antenna, etc., for each of the at least two wireless communication systems 206a, 206b as described above. Communication interface unit 530 may further include one or more other communication devices for communicating with any other unit besides elevator control unit 108. One or more user interface units 540 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices, such as buttons, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc., for receiving user input and output information. The computer program 525 may be a computer program product, which may be contained in a tangible, non-volatile (non-transitory) computer-readable medium carrying embedded computer program code 525 for use with a computer (i.e., car control unit 106).

[0053] The elevator system 100 and method described above improve the reliability of the wireless communication connection of the elevator system 100. The elevator system 100 and method described above reduce temporary interruptions in the wireless communication connection, thus also reducing the need for emergency stops of the elevator system.

[0054] The specific examples provided in the description above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the description above are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An elevator system (100) for selecting a wireless communication system (206a, 206b), wherein the elevator system (100) comprises: The elevator car (102) is arranged to travel along the elevator shaft (104). The car control unit (106) is arranged in the elevator car (102), and Elevator control unit (108). The car control unit (106) and the elevator control unit (106) include communication devices (202, 204) to establish at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) for providing wireless communication (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106), and The elevator control unit (108) is configured as follows: Obtain selection data representing at least one selection parameter, wherein the at least one selection parameter includes at least one elevator-related selection parameter, wherein the at least one elevator-related selection parameter includes at least one of the following: the position of the elevator car (102) inside the elevator shaft (104), the speed of the elevator car (102), and / or the swing of the suspension device of the elevator car (102), and Based on the obtained selection data, at each time point, the most suitable wireless communication system (206a, 206b) is selected from the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) to provide wireless communication connection (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106).

2. The elevator system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the elevator control unit (108) is further configured to select another wireless communication system (206a, 206b) from the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) in response to the elevator control unit (108) detecting, based on the obtained selection data, that another wireless communication system (206a, 206b) is most suitable at a later time point, for providing a wireless communication connection (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106).

3. The elevator system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one selection parameter further includes at least one selection parameter related to a wireless communication system.

4. The elevator system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the selection parameters associated with the at least one wireless communication system include interference detected in the wireless communication system (206a, 206b).

5. The elevator system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) are different from each other in at least one aspect of frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type and / or antenna properties.

6. The elevator system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) are different from each other in terms of communication technology.

7. The elevator system according to claim 6, wherein the different communication technologies of the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) include at least two of the following communication technologies: point-to-point microwave link, 5G, free-space optical communication technology, Bluetooth (BT), and Zigbee, such that each wireless communication system (206a, 206b) is based on a different communication technology from the other wireless communication systems (206a, 206b).

8. A method for selecting wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) for providing wireless communication connections (208a, 208b) between an elevator control unit (108) and a car control unit (106), the car control unit (106) being disposed in an elevator car (102), wherein the car control unit (106) and the elevator control unit (108) include communication devices to establish at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) for providing wireless communication connections (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106), wherein the method comprises: Selection data representing at least one selection parameter is obtained (310) by the elevator control unit (106), wherein the at least one selection parameter includes at least one elevator-related selection parameter, wherein the at least one elevator-related selection parameter includes at least one of the following: the position of the elevator car (102) inside the elevator shaft (104), the speed of the elevator car (102) and / or the swing of the suspension device of the elevator car (102), and The elevator control unit (106) selects the most suitable wireless communication system (206a, 206b) from the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) at each time point based on the obtained selection data, so as to provide a wireless communication connection (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106).

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising, in response to detecting (340) based on the selection data that another wireless communication system (206a, 206b) is most suitable at a later point in time, selecting another wireless communication system (206a, 206b) from the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) to provide a wireless communication connection (208a, 208b) between the elevator control unit (108) and the car control unit (106).

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one selection parameter further includes at least one selection parameter related to the wireless communication system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the selection parameter associated with the at least one wireless communication system includes interference detected in the wireless communication system.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) are different from each other in at least one aspect of frequency band, modulation technique, power level, antenna type and / or antenna properties.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) are different from each other in terms of communication technology.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the different communication technologies of the at least two wireless communication systems (206a, 206b) include at least two of the following communication technologies: point-to-point microwave link, 5G, free-space optical communication technology, Bluetooth (BT), or Zigbee, such that each wireless communication system (206a, 206b) is based on a different communication technology from the other wireless communication systems (206a, 206b).

15. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an elevator control unit (108), cause the elevator control unit (108) to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

Images