Robotic Meal Serving Method and System for High-Rise Buildings

Abstract

This invention discloses a robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings, comprising: setting a meal delivery time according to the peak dining period of the high-rise building; the elevator main control system group feeding back idle time operation information to the elevator group control and scheduling system; the elevator group control and scheduling system, in conjunction with the set meal delivery time, scheduling the elevator main control system group to enter the meal delivery mode; the elevator group control and scheduling system sending meal delivery start information to the robot group control and scheduling system through a network transfer system; the robot group control and scheduling system scheduling the robot group, the robot group loading the meals and starting delivery; the robot group control and scheduling system transmitting elevator ride requests to the elevator group control and scheduling system, the elevator group control and scheduling system dispatching elevators to the meal delivery floor and sending elevator ride instructions to the robot group; the robots riding the elevators to the meal delivery floor, placing the meals in the warehouse or calling for meal pick-up personnel to deliver the meals in person; completing the meal delivery work or the meal delivery time ending, the robots returning to the meal delivery floor, the elevator main control system group exiting the meal delivery mode and resuming normal operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of robot delivery technology, and more specifically, to a robot meal delivery method and system based on elevator control for use in high-rise buildings. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of urbanization, the number of high-rise and super high-rise buildings is gradually increasing, housing a large number of workers and residents. Vertical elevators are an indispensable means of transportation in these buildings, but their capacity is limited. During peak usage periods, elevator capacity often falls short of demand, especially in high-rise buildings primarily used for office purposes, where the capacity issue is even more severe during rush hour. Furthermore, the dining needs of residents in high-rise buildings are often difficult to meet, primarily due to the relatively uniform meal times and peak dining periods. At these times, elevator capacity is often insufficient to quickly transport people, severely impacting their meal plans.

[0003] Given the large number of people using high-rise buildings, staggered dining times are often impractical. This is because residents often belong to different organizations or companies, making coordination difficult. While food delivery to upper floors is an option, the inability to meet delivery personnel's elevator needs often leads to significantly increased delivery times, negatively impacting the dining experience. Robotic delivery services are a rapidly developing technology in recent years, and with its maturity, they are now commonly found in various hotel sectors. However, current delivery robots are generally independent, often only capable of simple point-to-point delivery, resulting in poor delivery efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of low elevator efficiency during peak dining hours in high-rise buildings. It provides a robot meal delivery method and system for high-rise buildings, establishes a robot group control and scheduling system, communicates with the elevator group control and scheduling system through a network conversion system, breaks down the information barriers between the robot group control and scheduling system and the elevator group control and scheduling system, and improves the comfort of office or living for users of high-rise buildings through unified robot scheduling, elevator access and meal delivery.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for robot-assisted meal delivery in high-rise buildings includes the following steps:

[0007] S1: Set the robot meal delivery time according to the peak dining period of high-rise buildings, and the elevator main control system group feeds back the idle time operation information to the elevator group control and scheduling system.

[0008] S2: The elevator group control and scheduling system receives idle operation information from the elevator main control system group and, in conjunction with the set robot meal delivery time, schedules the elevator main control system group to enter the robot meal delivery mode.

[0009] S3: The elevator group control and dispatch system reserves the elevator main control system to meet the normal elevator riding needs of personnel. Other systems enter the robot meal delivery mode and send the start meal delivery information to the robot group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system.

[0010] S4: The robot swarm control and scheduling system receives the meal preparation start information and, through scheduling the robot swarm in the meal preparation layer, the robot swarm loads the meals from the meal preparation layer and begins delivery;

[0011] S5: The robot group control and scheduling system transmits the elevator ride request to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system. The elevator group control and scheduling system dispatches an elevator to the catering floor and sends the elevator ride instruction to the robot group through the network transfer system.

[0012] S6: The robot takes the elevator to the meal preparation floor, places the meal in the warehouse or calls the meal picker to deliver the meal in person, and completes the meal preparation on the floor. The robot continues to go to other floors to prepare meals or returns to the meal preparation floor according to the meal preparation needs, and repeats the meal preparation steps.

[0013] S7: When the robot swarm completes the meal preparation work or the set meal preparation time ends, the robot returns to the meal preparation floor, and the elevator main control system group exits the robot meal preparation mode and resumes normal operation.

[0014] Furthermore, in step S1, the robot group meal preparation time is set according to actual needs, and the robot group meal preparation time is set to 1 to 4 hours before the peak dining period.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S4, the robot swarm control scheduling system sets an interval time to receive the meals to be delivered, and allocates robots according to the principle of proximity of floors within the interval time, with the interval time set to 0-20 minutes.

[0016] Furthermore, each robot is equipped with 1 to 10 meal containers to deliver 1 to 10 meals, and the meal containers have a heat preservation function.

[0017] Furthermore, in step S5, the robot group control and scheduling system transmits elevator information to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system. The elevator information includes one or more of the following: elevator robot information, floor to go, and elevator direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the elevator group control and dispatching system dispatches elevators based on the shortest travel time and the nearest principle. The elevator ride instructions include one or more of the following: elevator location, waiting time, floor to go, and direction of travel.

[0019] Furthermore, in step S6, one elevator carries 1 to 8 delivery robots at the same time. When the elevator is going up, the robots are assigned codes A to H according to the floor where the food is to be delivered, from low to high. The robots enter the elevator in the order set by A to H. The positions A to H are arranged in a clockwise circular pattern along the elevator door. When the elevator is going down, the robots enter the elevator in turn and go to the positions A to H to fill the gaps in the elevator.

[0020] Furthermore, warehouses are installed on each floor where meals need to be delivered. Robots interact with the warehouses, and meal containers filled with food are delivered to the warehouses. Empty meal containers on the warehouses are delivered to the robots. The warehouses have heating functions to automatically heat the meals.

[0021] Alternatively, when the robot delivers the meal to the designated floor, it will call the person receiving the meal, who will then go to collect it. The robot is equipped with a fixed meal delivery container.

[0022] Furthermore, after completing the meal delivery on the floor, when the robot continues to deliver meals to other floors or returns to the delivery floor according to the meal delivery requirements, the robot sends the elevator ride request to the elevator group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system to complete the elevator ride.

[0023] A robotic meal delivery system for high-rise buildings, applied to any of the robotic meal delivery methods for high-rise buildings described above, includes a robot swarm, a robot swarm control and scheduling system, a network switching system, an elevator swarm control and scheduling system, and an elevator main control system swarm.

[0024] The robot swarm control and scheduling system communicates with the delivery robot swarm via a wired connection, the elevator swarm control and scheduling system communicates with the elevator main control system swarm via a wired connection, the robot swarm and the robot swarm control and scheduling system communicate with the network transfer system via a wireless network, and the elevator swarm control system communicates with the network transfer system via a wired connection.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. By utilizing elevator downtime, robots can deliver meals to different floors, effectively solving the problem of low elevator efficiency during peak dining hours in high-rise buildings and helping to improve the comfort of office or living conditions for people using high-rise buildings.

[0027] 2. The robot group control and scheduling system communicates directly with the elevator group control and scheduling system through a network transfer system. The robot group control and scheduling system sends elevator requests in a unified manner, and the elevator group control and scheduling system can dispatch elevators in advance before the robots arrive, reducing robot waiting time and improving meal preparation efficiency.

[0028] 3. The system is easy to integrate. On the existing elevator group control system, it is only necessary to establish communication between the robot group control scheduling system and the elevator group control system through the network transfer system to complete the system integration, which is convenient for transformation.

[0029] 4. By connecting the robot system with the elevator control system and establishing communication, information silos can be broken down and quickly applied to the construction or renovation of smart buildings to achieve smart access. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a robotic meal delivery method for high-rise buildings.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a robotic meal delivery system for use in high-rise buildings.

[0032] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the loading of food into a swarm of robots in preparation for delivery.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the location of the robot taking the elevator to the food preparation floor. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, further illustrates the robot-based meal delivery method and system for high-rise buildings according to the present invention.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 This invention discloses a robot-assisted meal delivery method for high-rise buildings, comprising the following steps:

[0036] S1: Set the robot meal delivery time according to the peak dining period of high-rise buildings, and the elevator main control system group feeds back the idle time operation information to the elevator group control and scheduling system.

[0037] S2: The elevator group control and scheduling system receives idle operation information from the elevator main control system group and, in conjunction with the set robot meal delivery time, schedules the elevator main control system group to enter the robot meal delivery mode.

[0038] S3: The elevator group control and dispatch system reserves the elevator main control system to meet the normal elevator riding needs of personnel. Other systems enter the robot meal delivery mode and send the meal delivery start information to the robot group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system.

[0039] S4: The robot swarm control and scheduling system receives the meal preparation start information. By scheduling the robot swarm in the meal preparation layer, the robot swarm loads the meals from the meal preparation layer and begins delivery.

[0040] S5: The robot group control and scheduling system transmits the elevator ride request to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system. The elevator group control and scheduling system dispatches elevators to the catering floor and sends the elevator ride instruction to the robot group through the network transfer system.

[0041] S6: The robot takes the elevator to the meal preparation floor, places the meal in the warehouse or calls the person picking up the meal to deliver the meal in person, and completes the meal preparation for the floor. The robot continues to go to other floors to prepare meals or returns to the meal preparation floor to repeat the meal preparation steps according to the meal preparation needs.

[0042] S7: When the robot swarm completes the meal preparation work or the set meal preparation time ends, the robot returns to the meal preparation floor, and the elevator main control system group exits the robot meal preparation mode and resumes normal operation.

[0043] Specifically, in step S1, the robot group meal preparation time is set according to actual needs, and the robot group meal preparation time is set to 1 to 4 hours before the peak dining period.

[0044] Specifically, in step S4, the robot swarm control and scheduling system sets an interval time to receive the meals to be delivered, and allocates robots according to the principle of proximity of floors within the interval time. The interval time is set to 0-20 minutes. Each robot is equipped with 1-10 meal containers to complete the delivery of 1-10 meals. The meal containers have a heat preservation function.

[0045] Specifically, in step S5, the robot group control and scheduling system transmits elevator information to the elevator group control and scheduling system through a network transfer system. This elevator information includes one or more of the following: elevator robot information, destination floor, and direction of travel. The elevator group control and scheduling system dispatches elevators based on the shortest travel time and proximity principle. The elevator instructions include one or more of the following: elevator location, waiting time, destination floor, and direction of travel.

[0046] Specifically, in step S6, one elevator carries 1 to 8 delivery robots simultaneously. When the elevator is going up, the robots are assigned codes A to H according to the floor where the food is to be delivered, from low to high. The robots enter the elevator in the order set by A to H. The positions A to H are arranged in a clockwise circular pattern along the elevator door. When the elevator is going down, the robots enter the elevator in sequence and go to the positions A to H to fill the gaps in the elevator.

[0047] The automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) is installed on each floor where meals need to be delivered. Robots interact with the AS / RS; food containers are delivered to the AS / RS, and empty food containers are delivered to the robots. The AS / RS has a heating function to automatically heat the food. Alternatively, when the robot delivers a meal to the designated floor, it calls the recipient, who then goes to collect the meal. The robot is equipped with a fixed food container.

[0048] After completing the meal delivery on the floor, the robot will continue to deliver meals to other floors or return to the delivery floor according to the meal delivery requirements. The robot will send the elevator ride request to the elevator group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system to complete the elevator ride.

[0049] Please see Figure 2The present invention also discloses a robot meal delivery system for high-rise buildings, which is applied to the robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings described in any of the above claims, including a robot swarm, a robot swarm control and scheduling system, a network transfer system, an elevator swarm control and scheduling system, and an elevator main control system swarm.

[0050] The robot swarm control and scheduling system communicates with the delivery robot swarm via a wired connection, the elevator swarm control and scheduling system communicates with the elevator main control system swarm via a wired connection, the robot swarm and the robot swarm control and scheduling system communicate with the network transfer system via a wireless network, and the elevator swarm control system communicates with the network transfer system via a wired connection.

[0051] The robotic meal delivery system for high-rise buildings of the present invention can execute the robotic meal delivery method for high-rise buildings of the present invention, and can execute any combination of the implementation steps of the method embodiments, and has the corresponding functions and beneficial effects of the method.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] In this embodiment, an office building with 50 floors and 12 elevators is used for office work. The peak lunch hour is from 12:00 to 13:00. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings includes the following steps:

[0054] S1: Based on the peak dining hours of the office building, the robot meal delivery time is set to 10:50-11:50. The elevator main control system group reports that the elevator is in idle operation state and transmits this information to the elevator group control and dispatch system.

[0055] S2: The elevator group control and scheduling system receives idle operation information from the elevator main control system group. Combined with the preset robot meal delivery time of 10:50 to 11:50, when the time reaches 10:50, the elevator group control and scheduling system starts to schedule the elevator main control system group to enter the robot meal delivery mode.

[0056] S3: The elevator group control and dispatch system reserves 4 elevators to meet the normal elevator usage needs of people, while the other 8 elevators enter the robot meal delivery mode. At the same time, the elevator group control and dispatch system sends the start meal delivery information to the robot group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system.

[0057] S4: The robot swarm control and scheduling system receives the meal preparation start information, activates the robot swarm's meal preparation mode, and sets the interval to 15 minutes. Within 15 minutes, based on the number of meals received and the floors to be delivered to, robots are assigned according to the principle of proximity to the floors. Robot 1 loads 10 meals, targeting floors 10 and 11. After loading, robot 1 departs for the elevator waiting hall. Figure 3 As shown.

[0058] S5: The robot group control and scheduling system transmits the elevator travel requests of multiple robots, including robot 1, to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system. The elevator group control and scheduling system receives the elevator travel requests of the robot group, dispatches the elevator to the catering floor through the intelligent scheduling algorithm, and sends elevator travel instructions to the robot group, including robot 1, through the network transfer system.

[0059] S6: Four robots, including robot l (l), m, n, and o, are assigned to elevator number 6. Based on their destination floors, the four robots are assigned to positions B, A, C, and D respectively. (Refer to...) Figure 4 As shown in the sequence, the robots enter the elevator one by one. Robot 1 takes the elevator to the 10th floor, places the meal in the automated warehouse, and completes the meal distribution on the 10th floor. Based on the meal distribution needs, Robot 1 sends an elevator request to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system, continues to the 11th floor to complete the meal distribution, and then returns to the distribution floor to repeat the meal distribution steps.

[0060] S7: When the time reaches 11:50, the meal preparation time ends, the robot group returns to the meal preparation floor, the elevator main control system group exits the robot meal preparation mode, and resumes normal operation.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] In this embodiment, the office building has a total of 20 floors and 4 elevators. The lunch peak is from 12:00 to 13:00, so there is no need to equip each floor with a three-dimensional warehouse.

[0063] Based on Example 1, the setting of a three-dimensional warehouse on each floor is cancelled. Instead, when the robot group delivers meals to the delivery floor, it calls the person to be delivered the meal. The person to be delivered the meal goes to pick up the meal. The robot is equipped with a fixed meal delivery container.

[0064] In summary, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0065] 1. By utilizing elevator downtime, robots can deliver meals to different floors, effectively solving the problem of low elevator efficiency during peak dining hours in high-rise buildings and helping to improve the comfort of office or living conditions for people using high-rise buildings.

[0066] 2. The robot group control and scheduling system communicates directly with the elevator group control and scheduling system through a network transfer system. The robot group control and scheduling system sends elevator requests in a unified manner, and the elevator group control and scheduling system can dispatch elevators in advance before the robots arrive, reducing robot waiting time and improving meal preparation efficiency.

[0067] 3. The system is easy to integrate. On the existing elevator group control system, it is only necessary to establish communication between the robot group control scheduling system and the elevator group control system through the network transfer system to complete the system integration, which is convenient for transformation.

[0068] 4. By connecting the robot system with the elevator control system and establishing communication, information silos can be broken down and quickly applied to the construction or renovation of smart buildings to achieve smart access.

[0069] The above description is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made under the technical spirit disclosed in the present invention should fall within the patent scope covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for robot-assisted meal delivery in high-rise buildings, employing a robot-assisted meal delivery system for high-rise buildings, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Set the robot meal delivery time according to the peak dining period of high-rise buildings, and the elevator main control system group feeds back the idle time operation information to the elevator group control and scheduling system. S2: The elevator group control and scheduling system receives idle operation information from the elevator main control system group and, in conjunction with the set robot meal delivery time, schedules the elevator main control system group to enter the robot meal delivery mode. S3: The elevator group control and dispatch system reserves the elevator main control system to meet the normal elevator riding needs of personnel. Other systems enter the robot meal delivery mode and send the start meal delivery information to the robot group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system. S4: The robot swarm control and scheduling system receives the meal preparation start information and, through scheduling the robot swarm in the meal preparation layer, the robot swarm loads the meals from the meal preparation layer and begins delivery; S5: The robot group control and scheduling system transmits the elevator ride request to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system. The elevator group control and scheduling system dispatches an elevator to the catering floor and sends the elevator ride instruction to the robot group through the network transfer system. S6: The robot takes the elevator to the meal preparation floor, places the meal in the warehouse or calls the meal picker to deliver the meal in person, and completes the meal preparation on the floor. The robot continues to go to other floors to prepare meals or returns to the meal preparation floor according to the meal preparation needs, and repeats the meal preparation steps. S7: When the robot swarm completes the meal preparation work or the set meal preparation time ends, the robot returns to the meal preparation floor, and the elevator main control system group exits the robot meal preparation mode and resumes normal operation; In step S5, the robot group control and scheduling system transmits elevator information to the elevator group control and scheduling system through the network transfer system. In step S6, one elevator carries 1 to 8 delivery robots at the same time. When the elevator is going up, the robots are assigned codes A to H according to the floor where the food is served, from low to high. The robots enter the elevator in the order set by A to H. The positions A to H are arranged in a clockwise circular pattern along the elevator door. When the elevator is going down, the robots enter the elevator in turn and go to the positions A to H to fill the gaps in the elevator. The robotic food delivery system for high-rise buildings includes a robot swarm, a robot swarm control and scheduling system, a network transfer system, an elevator swarm control and scheduling system, and an elevator main control system. The robot swarm control and scheduling system communicates with the delivery robot swarm via a wired connection, the elevator swarm control and scheduling system communicates with the elevator main control system via a wired connection, the robot swarm and the robot swarm control and scheduling system communicate with the network transfer system via a wireless network, and the elevator swarm control system communicates with the network transfer system via a wired connection.

2. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the robot group meal preparation time is set according to actual needs, and the robot group meal preparation time is set to 1 to 4 hours before the peak dining period.

3. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the robot group control and scheduling system sets an interval time to receive the meals to be delivered, and allocates robots according to the principle of proximity of floors within the interval time. The interval time is set to 0 to 20 minutes.

4. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each robot is equipped with 1 to 10 meal containers to deliver 1 to 10 meals. The meal containers have a heat preservation function.

5. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 1, characterized in that, Elevator information includes one or more of the following: elevator robot information, floor to be reached, and direction of travel.

6. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elevator group control and dispatching system dispatches elevators based on the shortest travel time and the nearest principle. The elevator ride instructions include one or more of the following: the location of the elevator to be taken, the waiting time, the floor to go to, and the direction of travel.

7. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 6, characterized in that, The warehouses are installed on each floor where meals need to be delivered. The robots interact with the warehouses, and meal containers filled with food are delivered to the warehouses. Empty meal containers on the warehouses are delivered to the robots. The warehouses have a heating function to automatically heat the meals. Alternatively, when the robot delivers the meal to the designated floor, it will call the person receiving the meal, who will then go to collect it. The robot is equipped with a fixed meal delivery container.

8. The robot meal delivery method for high-rise buildings according to claim 7, characterized in that, After completing the meal delivery on the floor, the robot will continue to deliver meals to other floors or return to the delivery floor according to the meal delivery requirements. The robot will send the elevator ride request to the elevator group control and dispatch system through the network transfer system to complete the elevator ride.

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