Method and apparatus for evaluating configuration associated with elevator

Abstract

According to an aspect, a solution for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator is provided. An update request for a new configuration to be deployed with an elevator may be received. It may be checked from the memory whether a new configuration exists in the memory. When no new configuration exists in the memory, a request may be issued to perform a configuration update test associated with the elevator. The request causes the test environment to obtain information associated with the first test process using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator and to obtain information associated with the second test process using a software package associated with a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator. Diagnostic reports associated with the first and second test processes may be received and stored in a memory. Data stored in the memory may be evaluated to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration, and the at least one prediction may be sent in response to the update request.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In an elevator system, there are a large number of elements and components that operate based on their associated software. Different floors in an elevator system may have different elements and components. This leads to a situation where the software associated with the elements and components may be updated over time at different paces. In addition, some elements or components may be updated or replaced over time. This in turn leads to a situation where the number of various combinations of hardware and software used in different elevator sites is huge.

[0002] When updating software and / or hardware, this usually requires a site visit by maintenance personnel. In addition, when performing an update, it must be ensured that the elevator still operates correctly after the update.

[0003] Therefore, one challenge in modern elevator systems is the combination of different updateable elements and components. This may lead to situations where, for example, a new software version of an element or component is no longer fully compatible with the element or component itself, and the element or component may not necessarily operate correctly after a software update. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator is provided. The method includes receiving an update request for a new configuration to be deployed with an elevator; checking from a memory whether the new configuration exists in the memory; when the new configuration does not exist in the memory, issuing a request for performing a configuration update test associated with the elevator, the request causing a test environment to obtain information associated with a first test process using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator, and to obtain information associated with a second test process using a software package associated with a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; receiving a diagnostic report associated with the first test process and the second test process; storing the diagnostic report in a memory; evaluating the data stored in the memory to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration; and sending the at least one prediction in response to the update request.

[0005] In an implementation of the first aspect, the method further comprises evaluating the data stored in the memory to generate the at least one prediction associated with the new configuration by applying machine learning.

[0006] In an implementation of the first aspect, the at least one prediction includes at least one of a predicted success rate associated with the new configuration and a risk associated with the new configuration.

[0007] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the diagnostic report includes test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration, and the method also includes generating at least one prediction based at least in part on the test data associated with the sub-configuration of the existing configuration and the sub-configuration of the new configuration.

[0008] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the test environment includes a combination of a software test environment and a hardware test environment.

[0010] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the test environment includes a hardware test environment.

[0011] According to a second aspect, a method for testing a configuration associated with an elevator is provided. The method includes receiving a request for a configuration update test associated with the elevator; obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator; obtaining a software package for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; configuring equipment associated with a test environment according to the new configuration; performing a second test procedure by testing the test environment using the software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second test procedure; creating a diagnostic report based on the information associated with the first test procedure and the second test procedure; and sending the diagnostic report in response to the request.

[0012] In an implementation form of the second aspect, obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator comprises: obtaining a software package of the existing configuration used with the elevator; configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to the existing configuration; and performing the first test procedure by testing the test environment with the software package associated with the existing configuration to provide information associated with the first test procedure.

[0013] In an implementation form of the second aspect, obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator comprises obtaining information associated with the first test procedure from a memory.

[0014] In an implementation form of the second aspect, configuring the equipment associated with the test environment according to the existing configuration includes: configuring the equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the existing configuration.

[0015] In an implementation form of the second aspect, configuring the equipment associated with the test environment according to the new configuration includes: configuring the equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the new configuration.

[0016] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

[0017] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the test environment includes a combination of a software test environment and a hardware test environment.

[0018] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the test environment includes a hardware test environment.

[0019] According to a third aspect, a device for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator is provided. The device comprises: a device for receiving an update request for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; a device for checking from a memory whether the new configuration exists in the memory; when the new configuration does not exist in the memory, a device for issuing a request for performing a configuration update test associated with the elevator, the request causing a test environment to obtain information associated with a first test process using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator, and to obtain information associated with a second test process using a software package associated with a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; a device for receiving a diagnostic report associated with the first and second test processes; a device for storing the diagnostic report; a device for evaluating the stored data to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration; and a device for sending the at least one prediction in response to the update request.

[0020] In an implementation of the third aspect, the device also includes a device for evaluating the data stored in the memory to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration by applying machine learning.

[0021] In an implementation of the third aspect, the at least one prediction includes at least one of a predicted success rate associated with the new configuration and a risk associated with the new configuration.

[0022] In an implementation form of the third aspect, the diagnostic report includes test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration, and the device also includes a device for generating the at least one prediction based at least in part on the test data associated with the sub-configuration of the existing configuration and the sub-configuration of the new configuration.

[0023] In an implementation form of the third aspect, the test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, a system for testing a configuration associated with an elevator is provided. The system includes: a device for receiving a request for a configuration update test associated with the elevator; a device for obtaining information associated with a first test process using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator; a device for obtaining a software package for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; a device for configuring equipment associated with a test environment according to the new configuration; a device for performing a second test process by testing the test environment using the software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second test process; a device for creating a diagnostic report based on the information associated with the first test process and the second test process; and a device for sending the diagnostic report in response to the request.

[0025] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the device for obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator is configured to: obtain a software package for the existing configuration of the elevator; configure the equipment associated with the test environment according to the existing configuration; and perform the first test procedure by testing the test environment using the software package associated with the existing configuration to provide information associated with the first test procedure.

[0026] In an implementation of the fourth aspect, the means for obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator is configured to obtain information associated with the first test procedure from a memory.

[0027] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the means for configuring is configured to configure the equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the existing configuration.

[0028] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the means for configuring is configured to configure the equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the new configuration.

[0029] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the method of the first aspect or the second aspect to be performed.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one processor, cause the method of the first aspect or the second aspect to be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description help explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for testing a configuration associated with an elevator is shown according to another example embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 An apparatus according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 A system according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Various examples and embodiments discussed herein disclose a solution in which a new configuration of an elevator is tested such that, prior to testing the new configuration, information associated with a first test procedure is obtained using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator. Thereafter, a test environment is configured according to the new configuration, and a second test procedure is performed by testing the test environment with a software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second test procedure. A diagnostic report is generated based on the information associated with the first test procedure and the second test procedure. Based on the diagnostic report and previously stored data related to other configurations, at least one prediction associated with the new configuration can be generated.

[0038] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be implemented by a device (eg, a cloud-based server).

[0039] An update request for a new configuration to be deployed with an elevator is received at 100. For example, the update request may be received from an operator preparing a software update for an elevator.

[0040] At 102, a new configuration may be checked from memory to see if it exists in memory, such as a database. If the same configuration already exists in memory, no further testing may be required, and a prediction may be returned to the operator based on the data stored in memory.

[0041] At 104, when there is no new configuration in the memory, a request for performing a configuration update test associated with the elevator may be issued. The request is configured to cause the test environment to obtain information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator, and to obtain information associated with a second test procedure using a software package associated with a new configuration to be deployed in the elevator.

[0042] At 106 , after the tests have been performed, a diagnostic report associated with the first test procedure and the second test procedure may be received.

[0043] At 108 , the diagnostic report may be stored in memory.

[0044] At 110, the data stored in the memory can be evaluated to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration. In an example embodiment, machine learning can be used to provide at least one prediction. The memory can store, for example, early diagnostic reports. Based on the diagnostic reports received at 106 and previously stored data, machine learning can be used to predict, for example, which noisy and / or problematic components are and weight them accordingly. In an example embodiment, there may be noisy interfaces between components that are difficult to handle, or there may be defects / problems in a particular component version, but this is temporary. Collecting data and learning from the data can help predict the results of the software update results. At least one prediction can include, for example, a predicted success rate associated with the new configuration and / or a risk associated with the new configuration.

[0045] At 112 , at least one prediction may be sent, for example to an operator, in response to the update request.

[0046] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for testing a configuration associated with an elevator according to another example embodiment is shown. The method may be performed, for example, by a test system.

[0047] A request for a configuration update test associated with an elevator may be received at 200. The request may identify an existing configuration and a planned new configuration.

[0048] At 202, information associated with a first test procedure may be obtained using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in an elevator. In an exemplary embodiment, a software package for an existing configuration used with an elevator may be obtained, and equipment associated with a test environment may be configured according to the existing configuration. The first test procedure may be performed by testing the test environment with a software package associated with the existing configuration to provide information associated with the first test procedure. In other words, the existing configuration may be copied or cloned with the test environment before testing a new configuration. The software package may include all necessary software required to clone the existing configuration in the test environment. In another exemplary embodiment, instead of configuring the test environment with a software package associated with the existing configuration, information associated with the first test procedure may be obtained from a memory. In other words, the first test procedure may have been performed earlier, and information about it may have been stored in a memory.

[0049] At 204, a software package for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator may be obtained.

[0050] Equipment associated with the test environment may be configured according to the new configuration at 206. In an example embodiment, an existing configuration may be updated with the new configuration.

[0051] At 208, the second test process is performed by testing the test environment with the software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second test process. When the test environment is first configured according to the existing configuration and updated with the new configuration, this simulates the situation when the actual elevator site is updated from the existing configuration to the new configuration and then tested on site. Alternatively, the information associated with the first test process can be obtained from the memory. In other words, the first test process may have been executed earlier and information about it may have been stored in the memory.

[0052] At 210, a diagnostic report is created based on the information associated with the first test process and the information associated with the second test process. The diagnostic report may, for example, identify subtests that succeeded or failed, and provide additional information about elements or components that may not function properly in the new configuration. The diagnostic report may, for example, include fault log data and / or information about the update process sequence and self-test results. The diagnostic report may, for example, indicate the time taken to perform the update and match it with an expected and still acceptable interval.

[0053] At 212 , the diagnostic report is sent in response to the request to an entity, such as a cloud-based server, which sent the request for the configuration update test.

[0054] Figure 3300 according to an example embodiment is shown. The device 300 may refer to, for example, a cloud-based server or a device for configuring a test, and it may be configured to implement the above Figure 1 or Figure 2 Methods of discussion.

[0055] Device 300 includes one or more processors 302 and one or more memories 304 including computer program code. Device 300 may also be a communication interface 308. Communication interface 308 may provide a wired or wireless connection to other entities, for example, via the Internet. Although device 300 is depicted as including only one processor 302, device 300 may include more than one processor. In an example embodiment, memory 304 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications.

[0056] In addition, the processor 302 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an example embodiment, the processor 302 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. For example, the processor 302 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuit with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits, such as, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a dedicated computer chip, etc. In an example embodiment, the processor 302 may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. In an example embodiment, the processor 302 is implemented as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure the processor 302 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0057] The memory 304 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 304 may be embodied as a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0058] In an embodiment, at least one memory 304 may store program instructions 306, which, when executed by at least one processor 302, cause the device 300 to perform the functions of the various embodiments discussed herein. Furthermore, in an embodiment, at least one of the processor 302 and the memory 304 may constitute a means for implementing the functions discussed. The device 300 may be configured to receive an update request for a new configuration to be deployed with an elevator; check from a memory whether the new configuration exists in the memory; when the new configuration does not exist in the memory, issue a request for performing a configuration update test associated with the elevator, the request causing the test environment to use a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator to obtain information associated with a first test process, and use a software package associated with the new configuration to be deployed with the elevator to obtain information associated with a second test process; receive diagnostic reports associated with the first test process and the second test process; store the diagnostic reports in the memory; evaluate the data stored in the memory to generate a configuration update test associated with the new configuration; at least one prediction; and sending at least one prediction in response to the update request. In another exemplary embodiment, the device 300 can be configured to receive a request for a configuration update test associated with an elevator; use a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator to obtain information associated with a first test process; obtain a software package for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; configure equipment associated with a test environment according to the new configuration; perform a second test process by testing the test environment using the software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second test process; create a diagnostic report based on the information associated with the first test process and the second test process; and send the diagnostic report in response to the request.

[0059] Figure 4 A system according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0060] At 400, a user may send an update request for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevators to the cloud server 300. The user 400 may refer to, for example, an operator who is preparing to perform a software update on one or more elevators.

[0061] At 410, the cloud server 300 may check from memory (e.g., from a database including data related to various configurations at various elevator sites) whether the new configuration already exists in memory. If the same configuration already exists in memory, no further testing may be required, and a prediction may be returned to the operator based on the data stored in memory. When the new configuration does not exist in memory, the cloud server 300 may first suggest further tests associated with the new configuration to the operator.

[0062] In response to confirmation from the operator, or automatically if further testing is required, the cloud server 300 can send a request for performing a configuration update test associated with the elevator to the test system 402. The request can identify an existing configuration and a planned new configuration. The request can be configured to cause the test environment to use a software package associated with the existing configuration used in the elevator to obtain information associated with the first test process, and to use a software package associated with the new configuration to be deployed with the elevator to obtain information associated with the second test process. In an exemplary embodiment, the test environment can refer to a software-based environment that simulates a real elevator environment. In another example embodiment, the test environment can refer to a combination of a software-based environment and a hardware environment, such as a test elevator 404, or only a hardware environment. The test system 402 and the test elevator 404 can form a system 406 for testing configurations together.

[0063] The test system 402 may be configured to obtain software packages of an existing configuration used with the elevator and a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator. The software packages may include all necessary software required to clone the existing configuration in the test environment. At 414, the test system 414 is configured to pre-configure the test elevator 404, i.e., the test environment, according to the existing configuration. In other words, the existing configuration is replicated or cloned using the test environment before testing the new configuration.

[0064] At 418, the existing configuration is applied and tested. This may mean, for example, that all actions required to take the existing configuration into use are performed and a self-test is initiated. At 420, all necessary actions have been performed and an indication is provided to the test system that the test elevator 404 is ready for update. In another exemplary embodiment, information associated with the first test process may be obtained from a memory. In other words, the first test process may have been performed earlier and information about it may have been stored in a memory, and there is no need to configure the test environment according to the existing configuration.

[0065] At 422, the test system 414 can be configured to configure the test elevator 404 according to the new configuration, i.e., the test environment. Again, all actions required to take the new configuration in use are performed, and a self-test can be initiated. This can simulate the situation when an actual elevator is updated from an existing configuration to a new configuration and then tested in the field. At 426, the test system 402 can receive an indication that the update is complete.

[0066] During testing of the existing configuration (or based on information about the first test process stored in the memory) and the new configuration, the test system 402 can collect information about the entire update process and the tests performed, i.e., information associated with the first test process and the second test process. When the update has been performed, the test system 402 can create a diagnostic report based on the information associated with the first test process and the second test process. The diagnostic report can, for example, identify subtests that succeeded or failed and / or provide additional information about elements or components that may not function properly in the new configuration.

[0067] At 430, a diagnostic report may be sent to the cloud server 300 as a response to the update request 408. At 432, the cloud server 300 may store the diagnostic report in a memory and evaluate the data stored in the memory to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration. In other words, the cloud server 300 may use both the diagnostic report and the data already stored in the memory when determining at least one prediction. In an example embodiment, machine learning may be used to provide at least one prediction. For example, at least one prediction may include a predicted success rate associated with the new configuration and / or a risk associated with the new configuration. In an example embodiment, the diagnostic report may include test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration. For example, both the existing configuration and the new configuration may involve an elevator in a high-rise building. When testing the configuration, the test environment may not achieve exactly the same confirmation. For example, the test environment may only involve six floors, while the high-rise building includes 50 floors. The cloud server 300 may then generate at least one prediction based at least in part on the test data associated with the sub-configuration of the existing configuration and the sub-configuration of the new configuration, and summarize the results to also apply to the remaining floors.

[0068] At 434, the cloud server 300 may provide at least one prediction to the user 400. Based on the at least one prediction, the user may make a final decision on whether to perform an update on the actual elevator.

[0069] At least one of the examples and embodiments disclosed above may provide a solution that enables more frequent and / or faster software updates for elevators. For example, if the requested configuration already exists in the database, the cloud server may determine that the software can be updated without any additional testing. And when testing new configurations, the cloud server may use the data obtained related to them to generate subsequent configuration predictions. In addition, at least one of the examples and embodiments disclosed above may provide a solution that enables determination of whether new features associated with a new software version can be applied to older elevator installations. In addition, at least one of the examples and embodiments disclosed above may provide a solution that enables developers to understand and improve design, component, and / or interface weaknesses.

[0070] The example embodiments may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The example embodiments may store information related to the various methods described herein. The information may be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a RAM, etc. One or more databases may store information for implementing the example embodiments. The database may be organized using a data structure (e.g., a record, a table, an array, a field, a graph, a tree, a list, etc.) included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. The method described with respect to the example embodiments may include an appropriate data structure for storing data collected and / or generated by the method of the device and subsystem of the example embodiments in one or more databases.

[0071] The components of the example embodiments may include a computer-readable medium or memory for storing instructions programmed according to the teachings and for storing data structures, tables, records and / or other data described herein. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any medium or component that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit instructions for use by an instruction execution system, device or equipment (such as a computer) or in combination with an instruction execution system, device or equipment (such as a computer). A computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium, which may be any medium or device that can contain or store instructions for use by an instruction execution system, device or equipment (such as a computer) or in combination with it. A computer-readable medium may include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, etc.

[0072] Although the basic novel features applied to the preferred embodiments thereof have been shown and described and pointed out, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the described apparatus and methods may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be recognized that the structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in conjunction with any disclosed form or embodiment can be incorporated into any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. In addition, the device plus function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the functions described, and not only covers structural equivalents, but also covers equivalent structures.

[0073] Applicants hereby disclose in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, as long as such feature or combination can be performed based on the present specification as a whole according to the common knowledge of those skilled in the art, regardless of whether such feature or combination of features solves any problem disclosed herein, and without limiting the scope of the claims. Applicants point out that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator, the method include: receiving an update request for a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; Checking from a memory whether the new configuration exists in the memory; When the new configuration does not exist in the memory, issuing a request for executing a configuration update test associated with the elevator, the request causing the test environment to obtain information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator, and to obtain information associated with a second test procedure using a software package associated with a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; receiving a diagnostic report associated with the first test procedure and the second test procedure; storing the diagnostic report in a memory; evaluating data stored in the memory to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration; and The at least one prediction is sent in response to the update request.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: The data stored in the memory is evaluated to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration by applying machine learning.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one prediction comprises at least one of a predicted success rate associated with the new configuration and a risk associated with the new configuration.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The diagnostic report includes test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration, and the method further includes: The at least one prediction is generated based at least in part on test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

6. A method for testing a configuration associated with an elevator, the method include: receiving a request for a configuration update test associated with the elevator; obtaining information associated with a first testing procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in an elevator; obtaining a software package for a new configuration for deployment with the elevator; configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to the new configuration; performing a second testing process by testing the test environment using a software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second testing process; creating a diagnostic report based on information associated with the first testing procedure and the second testing procedure; and The diagnostic report is sent in response to the request.

7. The method according to claim 6, in, Using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator to obtain information associated with a first test procedure includes: obtaining a software package for an existing configuration for use with the elevator; configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to the existing configuration; and The first testing process is performed by testing the test environment using a software package associated with the existing configuration to provide information associated with the first testing process.

8. The method according to claim 6, in, Using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator to obtain information associated with a first test procedure includes: Information associated with the first testing procedure is obtained from a memory.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, in, Configuring the equipment associated with the test environment according to the existing configuration includes: configuring the equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the existing configuration.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, in, Configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to the new configuration includes configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the new configuration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, in, The test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

12. A device for evaluating a configuration associated with an elevator, the device include: means for receiving an update request for a new configuration to be deployed with said elevator; means for checking from a memory whether the new configuration is present in the memory; means for issuing a request to perform a configuration update test associated with the elevator when the new configuration is not present in the memory, the request causing the test environment to obtain information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator and to obtain information associated with a second test procedure using a software package associated with a new configuration to be deployed with the elevator; means for receiving a diagnostic report associated with the first and second testing procedures; a device for storing said diagnostic report; means for evaluating the stored data to generate at least one prediction associated with the new configuration; and Means for sending the at least one prediction in response to the update request.

13. The device according to claim 12, further comprising: include: Means for evaluating the data stored in the memory to generate the at least one prediction associated with the new configuration by applying machine learning.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the at least one prediction comprises at least one of a predicted success rate associated with the new configuration and a risk associated with the new configuration.

15. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, in, The diagnostic report includes test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration, and the apparatus further includes: Means for generating the at least one prediction based at least in part on test data associated with a sub-configuration of the existing configuration and a sub-configuration of the new configuration.

16. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, in, The test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

17. A system for testing a configuration associated with an elevator, the system include: means for receiving a request to update a test of a configuration associated with said elevator; means for obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in an elevator; means for obtaining a software package for a new configuration to be deployed with an elevator; means for configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to the new configuration; means for performing a second testing procedure by testing the test environment using a software package associated with the new configuration to provide information associated with the second testing procedure; means for creating a diagnostic report based on information associated with the first test procedure and the second test procedure; and Means for sending the diagnostic report in response to the request.

18. The system according to claim 17, in, The device configuration for obtaining information associated with the first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator is: obtaining a software package for an existing configuration for use with the elevator; configuring equipment associated with the test environment according to the existing configuration; and The first testing process is performed by testing the test environment using a software package associated with the existing configuration to provide information associated with the first testing process.

19. The system according to claim 17, in, The means for obtaining information associated with a first test procedure using a software package associated with an existing configuration used in the elevator is configured to obtain information associated with the first test procedure from a memory.

20. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, in, The means for configuring is configured to configure equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the existing configuration.

21. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, in, The means for configuring is configured to configure equipment associated with the test environment according to a sub-configuration of the new configuration.

22. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 21, in, The test environment includes a software test environment and / or a hardware test environment.

23. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-5 or 6-11 to be performed.

24. A computer readable medium comprising a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one processor, cause the execution of the method according to any one of claims 1-5 or 6-11.

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