Information content management system for elevators

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an elevator system including an elevator controller, a device gateway, and a computing device. The elevator controller may control operation of the elevator car. A computing device may receive elevator status information from an elevator controller. The computing device may receive the modified configuration file from the device gateway. The computing device may replace the stored configuration file with the modified configuration file and display elevator status information or infotainment content based on the modified configuration file.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Application No. 63 / 378,548, entitled "Infotainment Content Management System for Elevators", filed on October 6, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to infotainment systems and, more particularly, to an infotainment content management system for elevators. Background Art

[0004] Elevators may include a screen for displaying news, entertainment, and other information to elevator passengers. It may be desirable to easily update and manage the information presented on such a screen. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved infotainment content management system for elevators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, an elevator system may include an elevator controller, a device gateway, and a computing device. The elevator controller may control the operation of an elevator car. The computing device may store a configuration file. The computing device may include a first processing device and a first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium. The first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, when executed, may cause the first processing device to: receive elevator status information from the elevator controller, receive a modified configuration file associated with the information to be displayed from the device gateway, replace the configuration file with the modified configuration file, and cause a display device within the elevator car to display the elevator status information or display infotainment content based on the modified configuration file.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method may include: receiving elevator status information from an elevator controller associated with an elevator car, receiving a modified configuration file associated with the information to be displayed from a device gateway, replacing the configuration file with the modified configuration file, and causing a display device within the elevator car to display the elevator status information or display infotainment content based on the modified configuration file.

[0007] In another embodiment, a system can include a remote computing device and an elevator system. The elevator system can include an elevator controller, a device gateway, and a computing device. The elevator controller can control the operation of an elevator car. The computing device can store a configuration file. The computing device can include a first processing device and a first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium. When executed, the first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium can cause the first processing device to: receive elevator status information from the elevator controller, receive a modified configuration file associated with information to be displayed from the device gateway, replace the configuration file with the modified configuration file, and cause a display device within the elevator car to display the elevator status information or display infotainment content based on the modified configuration file.

[0008] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The embodiments illustrated in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structures are denoted with like reference numerals, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1A A first aspect of an example elevator assembly schematic in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0011] Figure 1B A second aspect of an example elevator assembly schematic in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0012] Figure 2 An example display within an elevator in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted;

[0013] Figure 3 An example infotainment content management system for an elevator in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted;

[0014] Figure 4 An example remote computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0015] Figure 5 An example elevator system in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted;

[0016] Figure 6 An example device gateway in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted;

[0017] Figure 7depicts an example computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0018] Figure 8 depicts a flowchart of an example method for operating a Figure 4 remote computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0019] Figure 9 depicts a flowchart of an example method for operating a Figure 6 device gateway in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0020] Figure 10 depicts a flowchart of an example method for operating a Figure 7 computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0021] Figure 11 depicts an example display inside an elevator when an emergency service is in progress in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an in - vehicle infotainment content management system for an elevator. The elevator may include one or more screens for displaying information to riders, such as news, weather, entertainment, etc. (referred to herein as in - vehicle infotainment or in - vehicle infotainment content). Such in - vehicle infotainment content may be received from a cloud server. In an embodiment, a facility administrator associated with one or more elevators may update a layout or other settings associated with the in - vehicle infotainment display via a remote access user portal. Once the facility administrator has made appropriate updates via the user portal, the cloud server sends a configuration file to one or more associated elevators. The elevator may receive the configuration file and update the display, as disclosed herein. Thus, in the embodiments disclosed herein, the elevator in - vehicle infotainment display can be easily updated remotely by a user without accessing the elevator.

[0023] The term "communicatively coupled" is used herein to describe the interconnectivity of various components of an elevator assembly monitoring system, meaning that these components are connected by wires, optical fibers, or wirelessly such that electrical data, optical data, and / or electromagnetic signals can be exchanged between these components. It should be understood that other ways of connecting the various components of the connection system not specifically described herein are also included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1ADepicts a schematic view of an elevator assembly, which shows various components of a first aspect of an exemplary elevator assembly 10. In this aspect, the exemplary elevator assembly 10 can include an elevator car 12, a plurality of elevator hoist members 14 (shown as a single suspension member for illustrative purposes and referred to herein as hoist members), a hoistway 16 or elevator shaft, a plurality of pulleys 18, an exemplary frame 20, and a plurality of counterweights 24 (used as a counterweight for the elevator car 12). The plurality of counterweights 24 move within the exemplary frame 20 in a system vertical direction (i.e., along the + / -Z direction). The exemplary frame 20 can be an elevator frame, a counterweight elevator frame, etc., as discussed in more detail herein. The plurality of elevator hoist members 14 include a distal end 26a and a proximal end 26b.

[0025] In addition, in this aspect, as shown but not for limitation, the exemplary frame 20 includes two of the plurality of pulleys 18. For example, one pulley is fixedly mounted on an upper portion of the exemplary frame 20, and the upper portion of the exemplary frame 20 is located vertically (i.e., in the + / -Z direction) above the elevator car 12 in the hoistway 16, and another pulley moves with the counterweight 24 as the elevator car 12 moves between various landing positions. This is not limiting, and any number of the plurality of pulleys 18 can be mounted at any location within the hoistway 16, and there can be more or fewer than two pulleys shown in the exemplary frame 20.

[0026] At least one of the plurality of pulleys 18 within the hoistway 16 can include a motor such that the pulley is a traction pulley capable of driving the plurality of elevator hoist members 14 through a plurality of lengths between the elevator car 12 and the traction pulley. In addition, the plurality of pulleys 18 can also include a plurality of idler pulleys, which can also be mounted at various locations within the hoistway 16, and in this aspect, are also coupled to the elevator car 12. The idler pulleys are passive (they do not drive the elevator hoist members 14 but rather guide or route the plurality of elevator hoist members 14) and form a contact point or engagement point with the elevator car 12. The plurality of elevator hoist members 14 and the plurality of pulleys 18 move the elevator car 12 between a plurality of positions within the hoistway 16, including a plurality of landing positions. The plurality of pulleys 18 can include any combination of traction pulleys and idler pulleys. At least one temperature sensor 34 can be located within the hoistway 16. At least one temperature sensor 34 can output data indicative of the temperature within the hoistway 16.

[0027] As Figure 1AAs shown, the elevator assembly 10 is a bottom - suspension system, and the idler pulley is located on the bottom surface of the elevator car 12. Each of the plurality of elevator hoist members 14 can be movably coupled to the traction pulley, and a portion of the plurality of elevator hoist members 14 can be coupled to the bottom surface of the elevator car 12 to suspend the elevator car 12 via the idler pulley. Thus, the elevator hoist members 14 pass under the elevator car 12 from the bottom of the elevator car 12 via the idler pulley and are coupled to various structures, such as an exemplary frame 20, a plurality of track covers 22, etc. at the top of the hoistway 16 under tension. For example, the proximal ends 26b of the plurality of elevator hoist members 14 can be fixedly coupled to the track cover 22, and the movably - coupled portions of the plurality of elevator hoist members 14 move the elevator car 12 between various landing positions under tension. The exemplary frame 20 can include a dead - end hitch device, at least one of the plurality of track covers 22, or other structural components.

[0028] Now referring to Figure 1B , a schematic diagram depicts various components showing a second aspect of an exemplary elevator assembly 10'. It should be understood that in the discussion herein, the elevator assembly 10 and its components can refer to either the elevator assembly 10 or 10'. In this regard, the elevator assembly 10' can include an elevator car 12', a plurality of elevator hoist members 14' (shown as a single suspension member for illustrative purposes), a hoistway 16' or elevator shaft, a plurality of pulleys 18' (such as a traction pulley and / or an idler pulley), an exemplary ground frame 20', and a plurality of counterweights 24' that move in the vertical direction of the system (i.e., along the + / -Z direction) within the exemplary frame 20'. In this regard, the plurality of elevator hoist members 14' extend a length between the counterweights 24' and the elevator car 12'. Additionally, in this regard, at least one of the plurality of pulleys 18' is a traction pulley. For example, the traction pulley can be mounted on the lower surface of the hoistway 16'. This is non - restrictive, and the traction pulley among the plurality of pulleys 18' can be mounted at any position within the hoistway 16', and the plurality of pulleys 18' can include a plurality of idler pulleys and at least one traction pulley. It should be understood that the traction pulley can include a motor such that at least one of the plurality of pulleys 18' is a device that drives the plurality of elevator hoist members 14' through a plurality of lengths relative to the length between the contact points of the traction pulley and the elevator car 12'. The idler pulleys can also be mounted at different positions within the hoistway 16' (including within the exemplary frame 20'). The idler pulleys are passive (they do not drive the plurality of elevator hoist members 14', but rather guide or route the plurality of elevator hoist members 14'). The plurality of elevator hoist members 14' are coupled to the elevator car 12' to form contact points. At least one temperature sensor 34' can be located within the hoistway 16'. At least one temperature sensor 34' can output data indicative of the temperature within the hoistway 16'.

[0029] It should be understood that Figures 1A - 1B The schematic diagrams shown are merely examples, and the routes of the multiple elevator hoisting members 14 may be significantly or slightly different from these shown schematic diagrams. For example, there may be several idler pulleys in the hoistway 16 between the traction pulley and the contact point with the elevator car 12.

[0030] Now referring to Figure 2 , an example display 100 is shown, which may be displayed on a screen or other display device within the elevator car 12. This can make the elevator ride more pleasant for passengers by providing them with news, entertainment, and other information while they are riding the elevator.

[0031] In Figure 2 's example, the display 100 includes a first display area 102 and a second display area 104. In Figure 2 's example, the first display area 102 displays information about the operation of the elevator, and the second display area 104 displays infotainment content. In Figure 2 's example, the first display area 102 indicates that the elevator is traveling upward from the parking garage. The second display area 104 includes multiple small windows, and each small window displays different news, entertainment, or other types of information.

[0032] In Figure 2 's example, the second display area 104 includes small windows 106, 108, 110, 112. The small window 106 displays news and entertainment information, the small window 108 displays the current time, the small window 110 displays the current date, and the small window 112 displays weather information. However, in other examples, the second display area 104 may include more small windows, fewer small windows, or other types of small windows with other information. In some examples, the second display area 104 may display information related to emergency services. The operation of the display 100 will be disclosed in more detail below.

[0033] Now referring to Figure 3 , an infotainment content management system 200 is shown. The infotainment content management system 200 includes a remote computing device 202 and an elevator system 204. In an embodiment, the elevator system 204 includes an elevator (e.g., Figure 2 's elevator assembly 10 or Figure 1A 's elevator assembly 10') having an infotainment display (such as Figure 1B 's display 100). As disclosed herein, the remote computing device 202 may provide infotainment content to the elevator system 204. The remote computing device 202 and the elevator system 204 may be communicatively coupled to each other via, for example, the Internet, an intranet, or other types of communication. The remote computing device 202 and the elevator system 204 will be described in more detail below.

[0034] Now referring toFigure 4 illustrates a remote computing device 202 schematically. In the example shown, the remote computing device 202 includes a cloud computing server. However, in other examples, the remote computing device 202 may include any other type of computing device. In the example shown, the remote computing device 202 is located at a position remote from the elevator system. However, in some examples, the remote computing device 202 may be located at the same position as the elevator system 204.

[0035] In Figure 4 the example of, the remote computing device 202 may be one or more remote computing devices 202 and may include one or more processors 302, one or more memory modules 304, network interface hardware 306, and a communication path 308. The one or more processors 302 may be a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, a central processing unit (CPU), or any other computing device. The one or more memory modules 304 may include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk drive, or any device capable of storing machine-readable and executable instructions such that the machine-readable and executable instructions can be accessed by the one or more processors 302.

[0036] The network interface hardware 306 may be communicatively coupled to the communication path 308 and may be any device capable of sending and / or receiving data via a network. Thus, the network interface hardware 306 may include a communication transceiver for sending and / or receiving any wired or wireless communication. For example, the network interface hardware 306 may include an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a Wi-Fi card, a WiMax card, mobile communication hardware, near field communication hardware, satellite communication hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices. The network interface hardware 306 of the remote computing device 202 may send data to and receive data from the elevator system 204.

[0037] The one or more memory modules 304 include a database 310, a user portal management module 312, a profile generation module 314, a profile transfer module 316, and a display file transfer module 318. Each of the database 310, the user portal management module 312, the profile generation module 314, the profile transfer module 316, and the display file transfer module 318 may be a program module in the form of an operating system, an application module, and other program modules stored in the one or more memory modules 304. In some embodiments, the program modules may be stored in a remote storage device communicable with the remote computing device 202. Such program modules may include, but are not limited to, routines, subroutines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. for performing specific tasks or operating on specific data types, as described below.

[0038] The database 310 can store data associated with user accounts. In particular, the remote computing device 202 can be associated with multiple elevator systems, where the multiple elevator systems are associated with multiple users. For example, a building owner can establish an account on the remote computing device 202 to manage the infotainment content of all elevators in the building. Thus, as disclosed herein, a building owner can establish an account on the remote computing device 202 to access a user portal for managing the infotainment of building elevators. Accordingly, the database 310 can store usernames, passwords, and other information that allows users to log in to the user portal. The database 310 can also store other data used by the memory module 304.

[0039] The user portal management module 312 can manage the user portal, as disclosed herein. As described above, various users can establish accounts on the remote computing device 202 to manage the infotainment of one or more elevators. In particular, a user can log in to the user portal and update settings or other information to modify the layout and / or type of information displayed on one or more elevators (e.g., as shown in the display 100 of Figure 2 ).

[0040] The user portal management module 312 can manage the user portal. In an embodiment, the user portal management module 312 can allow users to log in to their user accounts. After a user logs in to their account, the user portal management module 312 can allow the user to modify the infotainment display of one or more elevators (e.g., Figure 2 the second display area 104 of). In some examples, the user portal management module 312 can present a graphical user interface (GUI) to a user logged in to their user account. The GUI can allow the user to modify the infotainment display. In other examples, the user portal management module 312 can allow the user to use text or other types of input to modify the infotainment display.

[0041] In an embodiment, the user portal management module 312 can allow users to modify various settings that affect the infotainment display of the elevator. In one example, regarding Figure 2For the infotainment display in the second display area 104, the user can modify the size and position of the small windows 106, 108, 110, 112. In another example, the user can modify the language settings so that the text of the infotainment display uses a certain language. In another example, the user can modify the location settings so that the news, weather, and other information displayed are relevant to the selected location. In another example, the user can specify the time and date format (e.g., 12-hour time, 24-hour time, American date, European date, etc.) to display the time and date. In another example, the user can specify the type of news or specific news items to be displayed. In another example, the user can specify the specific messages to be displayed (e.g., messages associated with the building where the elevator is located). In other examples, the user portal management module 312 can allow the user to modify other settings associated with the infotainment display or infotainment content.

[0042] Return reference Figure 4 , the profile generation module 314 can generate or modify a profile based on the information input by the user through the user portal. In particular, the profile generation module 314 can generate or modify a profile that specifies the specific settings of the infotainment display. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile generation module 314 generates a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file as the profile. In other examples, the profile generation module 314 can generate the profile using other data formats.

[0043] The profile generated by the profile generation module 314 can specify parameters that affect the infotainment display and / or infotainment content (e.g., as described above). Whenever the user logs in to the user portal and modifies any infotainment settings, the profile generation module 314 generates a modified profile (e.g., a JSON file). The modified profile can be used by the elevator system 204 to modify the infotainment display, as discussed in further detail below.

[0044] Still referring Figure 4 , the profile transfer module 316 can send the modified profile generated by the profile generation module 314 to the elevator system 204. The elevator system 204 can receive the sent profile and use the profile to affect the infotainment settings, as discussed in further detail below.

[0045] Still referring Figure 4 , the display file transfer module 318 can send the display file to the elevator system 204, as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the elevator system 204 can store the display file (which can be referred to herein as an infotainment display file), which causes the elevator screen to display infotainment content (e.g., as Figure 2as shown in the second display area 104). In the example shown, the display file is a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) file. However, in other examples, the display file can be in other data formats.

[0046] In an embodiment, the display file can be an HTML file that causes the screen in the elevator car 12 to display infotainment content. In particular, the display file can access a configuration file to determine the specific information to be displayed. For example, the display file can be an HTML file that specifies Figure 2 that the small window 106 should display news items from a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) specified in the configuration file. Thus, when the elevator system 204 reads the display file, it can access the configuration file to determine the URL from which the content to fill the small window 106 is sourced. The elevator system 204 can then access the specified URL to retrieve the information to be displayed by the small window 106.

[0047] Thus, as described above, setting information and minor updates to the infotainment display can be made by updating the configuration file, and major updates to the infotainment display can be made by updating the display file. Thus, if a major update to the infotainment display is to be made, the display file transfer module 318 can send the updated display file to the elevator system 204. In some examples, the user portal management module 312 can allow a user to modify the display file through the user portal. In other examples, the display file can be modified by other means (e.g., by a web designer) and then sent to the elevator system 204 by the display file transfer module 318.

[0048] Now referring to Figure 5 , a schematic diagram of the elevator system 204 is shown. In the example shown, the elevator system 204 includes a device gateway 400, a controller 402, and a computing device 404.

[0049] The device gateway 400 acts as a gateway or interface for the elevator system 204. In particular, the device gateway 400 can receive Application Programming Interface (API) commands, parse the commands, and send the commands to the appropriate location. For example, the device gateway 400 can receive API commands from the remote computing device 202 to update the infotainment settings. The API commands received from the remote computing device 202 can include the updated configuration file as described above. After receiving such an updated configuration file, the device gateway 400 can parse the configuration file, identify that it is a configuration file associated with infotainment, and send the configuration file to the computing device 404, as discussed further below in detail.

[0050] The device gateway 400 can also receive other types of API commands that are not related to infotainment. For example, the device gateway 400 can receive API commands associated with the control of an elevator, and can parse these commands and send them to the controller 402. The device gateway 400 will be discussed in more detail below in conjunction with Figure 6 Figure 2.

[0051] The controller 402 (also referred to herein as the elevator controller) can control the operation of the elevator car 12. In addition, the controller 402 can send information about the state of the elevator (e.g., the current floor and direction of travel of the elevator car 12) to the computing device 404. This can allow the display 100 to include elevator status information in the infotainment display (e.g., in Figure 2 the first display area 102).

[0052] The computing device 404 can control the infotainment display as disclosed herein. In particular, the computing device 404 can receive a configuration file from the device gateway 400 and / or elevator status information from the controller 402. The computing device 404 can use the received information to output infotainment information to a screen in the elevator car 12. The operation of the computing device 404 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figure 7 Figure 3.

[0053] In an embodiment, the controller 402 that controls the operation of the elevator and the computing device 404 that controls the infotainment of the elevator are separate devices. This isolates elevator control from infotainment control, thus meeting code requirements. Therefore, if there are any problems with the infotainment system, it will not affect the operation of the elevator.

[0054] Now turning to Figure 6 Figure 2, the device gateway 400 is schematically depicted. In the example shown, the device gateway 400 is located within the elevator car 12. In some examples, the device gateway 400 can be located within the doorframe of the elevator. However, in other examples, the device gateway 400 can be located at other positions within the elevator car 12.

[0055] In Figure 6 the example of Figure 2, the device gateway 400 includes one or more processors 502, one or more memory modules 504, network interface hardware 506, and a communication path 508. The one or more processors 502 can be a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The one or more memory modules 504 can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk drive, or any device capable of storing machine-readable and executable instructions such that the machine-readable and executable instructions can be accessed by the one or more processors 502.

[0056] Network interface hardware 506 may be communicatively coupled to communication path 508 and can be any device capable of sending and / or receiving data via a network. Accordingly, network interface hardware 504 may include a communication transceiver for sending and / or receiving any wired or wireless communication. For example, network interface hardware 506 may include an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a Wi-Fi card, a WiMax card, mobile communication hardware, near field communication hardware, satellite communication hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices. The network interface hardware 506 of device gateway 400 may send data to and receive data from controller 402 and computing device 404.

[0057] One or more memory modules 504 include an API command receiving module 510, an API command parsing module 512, and an API command transmitting module 514. Each of the API command receiving module 510, the API command parsing module 512, and the API command transmitting module 514 may be a program module in the form of an operating system, an application program module, and other program modules stored in one or more memory modules 504. In some embodiments, the program modules may be stored in a remote storage device that can communicate with device gateway 400. Such program modules may include, but are not limited to, routines, subroutines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. for performing specific tasks or operating on specific data types, as described below.

[0058] The API command receiving module 510 may receive API commands from remote computing device 202 or other devices. In one example, as described above, the API command receiving module 510 may receive infotainment-related API commands from remote computing device 202. For example, the API command receiving module 510 may receive API commands from remote computing device 202 that include a modified configuration file or a modified display file. In some examples, the API command receiving module 510 may receive API commands related to the operation control of an elevator. In other examples, the API command receiving module 510 may receive API commands related to other operating characteristics of elevator system 204.

[0059] Still referring to Figure 6, the API command parsing module 512 can parse the API commands received by the API command receiving module 510, as disclosed herein. In particular, the API command parsing module 512 can analyze the content of the API commands and determine the purpose of the API commands and, accordingly, where the API commands should be routed. For example, if the API command receiving module 510 receives an API command including an updated configuration file from the remote computing device 202, the API command parsing module 512 can parse the received configuration and determine that the configuration file is associated with the infotainment and should be routed to the computing device 404. Similarly, if the API command receiving module 510 receives an API command including an updated display file from the remote computing device 202, the API command parsing module 512 can parse the received display file and determine that it should be routed to the computing device 404. In another example, if the API command receiving module 510 receives an API command associated with the control of the elevator, the API command parsing module 512 can determine that the received API command should be routed to the controller.

[0060] Still referring to Figure 6 , the API command transmission module 514 can send the API commands received by the API command receiving module 510 to the appropriate device determined by the API command parsing module 512. For example, if the API command parsing module 512 determines that the received API command is associated with the infotainment, the API command transmission module 514 can send the API command to the computing device 404. Alternatively, if the API command parsing module 512 determines that the received API command is associated with the control of the elevator, the API command parsing module 512 can send the API command to the controller 402.

[0061] Now turning to Figure 7 , the computing device 404 is schematically depicted. In the illustrated example, the computing device 404 is located within the elevator car 12. As disclosed herein, the computing device 404 can control the information displayed to the user in the elevator (e.g., as Figure 2 shown).

[0062] In Figure 7 the example of, the computing device 404 includes one or more processors 602, one or more memory modules 604, network interface hardware 606, a communication path 608, and a screen 609. The one or more processors 602 can be a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The one or more memory modules 604 can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk drive, or any device capable of storing machine-readable and executable instructions such that the machine-readable and executable instructions can be accessed by the one or more processors 602.

[0063] The network interface hardware 606 can be communicatively coupled to a communication path 608 and can be any device capable of sending and / or receiving data via a network. Accordingly, the network interface hardware 602 can include a communication transceiver for sending and / or receiving any wired or wireless communication. For example, the network interface hardware 606 can include an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a Wi-Fi card, a WiMax card, mobile communication hardware, near field communication hardware, satellite communication hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices. The network interface hardware 606 of the computing device 404 can send data to and receive data from the device gateway 400 and the controller 402. In the illustrated example, the computing device 404 is communicatively coupled to the controller 402 via a controller area network (CAN) bus, and the computing device 404 is communicatively coupled to the device gateway 400 via an Ethernet connection. However, in other examples, the computing device 404 can be communicatively coupled to the controller 402 and the device gateway 400 via other communication modes.

[0064] The screen 609 can be located within the elevator car 12 and can display infotainment and other information as disclosed herein. For example, the screen 609 can show Figure 2 display 100.

[0065] One or more memory modules 604 include a database 610, an API command receiving module 612, a configuration file updating module 614, a display file updating module 616, a content retrieval module 618, an elevator status receiving module 620, and a display control module 622. Each of the database 610, the API command receiving module 612, the configuration file updating module 614, the display file updating module 616, the content retrieval module 618, the elevator status receiving module 620, and the display control module 622 can be a program module in the form of an operating system, an application program module, and other program modules stored in one or more memory modules 604. In some embodiments, the program modules can be stored in a remote storage device communicable with the computing device 404. Such program modules can include, but are not limited to, routines, subroutines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. for performing specific tasks or operating on specific data types, as described below.

[0066] The database 610 can store information to be used by the computing device 404 to control the information to be displayed on the screen 609, as disclosed herein. As described above, the infotainment to be displayed on the screen 609 is controlled by a display file (e.g., an HTML file) and a configuration file (e.g., a JSON file). The display file can include HTML or other commands to indicate the information that should be displayed by the screen 609. The display file can refer to the configuration file to determine settings or parameters that affect the display. Thus, the database 610 can store the display file and the configuration file in the file system of the computing device 404. In addition, the database 610 can also store a front-end application that controls the overall display to be shown on the screen 609. The front-end application will be discussed in more detail below.

[0067] As described above, the API command receiving module 612 can receive API commands from the device gateway 400. In particular, the API command receiving module 612 can receive API commands that include a modified configuration file or a modified display file. After receiving the modified configuration file, the configuration file updating module 614 can update the configuration file stored on the database 610. After receiving the modified display file, the display file updating module 616 can update the display file stored on the database 610.

[0068] The content retrieval module 618 can retrieve the content to be displayed on the screen 609, as specified in the configuration file. As described above, the configuration file can specify the settings or parameters of the information to be displayed on the screen 609. In particular, the configuration file can specify the location (e.g., a URL) from which to retrieve news, weather, and other information. Thus, the content retrieval module 618 can retrieve the appropriate news, weather, and other information from the specified location. For example, the content retrieval module 618 can access a news server to retrieve news storage, access a weather server to retrieve weather information, etc. After the content retrieval module 618 retrieves the specified content, the content can be displayed on the screen 609 as disclosed herein.

[0069] The elevator status receiving module 620 can receive the status of the elevator from the controller 402. As Figure 2 shown in the example, the display 100 can include elevator status information in the first display area 102. Thus, the elevator status receiving module 620 can continuously receive elevator status information from the controller 402, which can be used to populate the appropriate portion of the display shown on the screen 609. In the example shown, the elevator status receiving module 620 can receive the current floor of the elevator and the direction of travel of the elevator from the controller 402. However, in other examples, the elevator status receiving module 620 can receive other elevator status information from the controller 402.

[0070] In some examples, when an emergency service is initiated, the second display area 104 may display information about the emergency service. Such emergency services may include emergency phone calls, elevator malfunctions, earthquake mode, fire mode, evacuation, service mode, etc. In these examples, when the emergency service has been initiated, in addition to receiving other information continuously received from the controller 402, the elevator status receiving module 620 may also receive information about the emergency service from the controller 402, as described above. Then, the received emergency service information may be displayed in the second display area 104. In particular, when the emergency service has been initiated, the emergency service information received from the controller 402 may override the infotainment information, such that the second display area 104 displays only the emergency service information. Figure 11 An example of the display 100 is shown when emergency service information is displayed in the second display area 104. After the emergency service ends, the second display area 104 may return to displaying infotainment information based on the display file and the configuration file, as described above.

[0071] The display control module 622 may control the information displayed on the screen 609, as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the display control module 622 may execute a front-end application stored on the database 610 to control the overall display on the screen 609. In Figure 2 the example, the front-end application may cause the first display area 102 to display elevator status information and may cause the second display area 104 to display infotainment. Although Figure 2 the example shows the first display area 102 on the left side of the display 100 and the second display area 104 on the right side of the display 100, in other examples, the screen 609 may display elevator status information and infotainment in other configurations.

[0072] The elevator status information to be shown in the first display area 102 may be based on the elevator status information received by the elevator status receiving module 620 from the controller 402. In particular, whenever the elevator status receiving module 620 receives updated elevator status information, the front-end application may cause the display control module 622 to update the first display area 102 with the updated elevator status information. Thus, the first display area 102 may continuously display the latest elevator status information.

[0073] The front-end application may cause the display control module 622 to display infotainment in the second display area 104. In particular, the front-end application may point to a front-end object reference to be displayed in the second display area 104. In the example shown, the front-end object reference may be an iFrame object. However, in other examples, the front-end object reference may be another data structure.

[0074] In an embodiment, the front-end object reference essentially acts as a black box that simply points to the object to be displayed in the second display area 104. In the example shown, the front-end object reference points to a display file stored in the database 610. Thus, the display file can be updated to change the content displayed in the second display area 104 without changing the front-end application. Additionally, the configuration file can be updated to change the settings associated with the infotainment display without changing the front-end application or the display file.

[0075] In an embodiment, when the display file update module 616 updates the display file stored in the database 610, the front-end object reference of the front-end application will automatically point to the new display file. Thus, the display control module 622 will refresh the display 100 based on the information in the new display file. Additionally, when the configuration file update module 614 updates the configuration file stored in the database 610, the display file can cause the display control module 622 to refresh the display 100 based on the updated information in the configuration file. Thus, the elevator infotainment display can be easily and effectively remotely managed by the user. In some examples, when an emergency service has been initiated, the display control module 622 can cause the second display area 104 to display the emergency service information received from the controller 402, as described above.

[0076] Now turning to Figure 8 , a flowchart of an example method that can be performed by the remote computing device 202 is depicted. At step 700, the user portal management module 312 authenticates a user logged into its user portal. Then, at step 702, the user portal management module 312 receives a user update. In particular, a user logged into the user portal can use the user portal to submit changes to the settings and / or layout of the elevator infotainment display.

[0077] At step 704, the configuration file generation module 314 generates a modified configuration file based on the user update made by the user through the user portal. Then, at step 706, the configuration file transfer module 316 sends the modified configuration file to the elevator system 204. In some examples, the display file transfer module 318 can also send the updated display file to the elevator system 204.

[0078] Now turning to Figure 9 , a flowchart of an example method that can be performed by the device gateway 400 is depicted. At step 800, the API command receiving module 510 receives an API command. In one example, the API command receiving module 510 receives an infotainment-related API command from the remote computing device 202. In other examples, the API command receiving module 510 can receive other types of API commands from the remote computing device 202 or from other computing devices.

[0079] In step 802, the API command parsing module 512 parses the API command received by the API command receiving module 510. In particular, the API command parsing module 512 can analyze the received API command and determine the purpose and appropriate routing of the API command. For example, the API command parsing module 512 can determine that the received API command includes a modified configuration file or a modified display file, and is thus related to infotainment and should be routed to the computing device 404. Alternatively, the API command parsing module 512 can determine that the received API command is related to elevator control and that it should be routed to the controller 402.

[0080] In step 804, the API command transmission module 514 sends the received API command to the appropriate location determined by the API command parsing module 512. For example, if the API command parsing module 512 determines that the API command received by the API command receiving module 510 is related to infotainment, the API command transmission module 514 can send the received API command to the computing device 404. Alternatively, if the API command parsing module 512 determines that the API command received by the API command receiving module 510 is related to elevator control, the API command transmission module 514 can send the received API command to the controller 402.

[0081] Now turning to Figure 10 , a flowchart of an example method that can be performed by the computing device 404 is depicted.

[0082] In step 900, the API command receiving module 612 receives an API command from the remote computing device 202. The API command received by the API command receiving module 612 can include a modified configuration file and / or a modified display file.

[0083] In step 902, the configuration file update module 614 determines whether the received API command includes a modified configuration file or a modified display file. If the API command does not include a modified configuration file or a modified display file (No in step 902), the control returns to step 900 until an API command including a modified configuration or display file is received. If the received API command does include a modified configuration file or display file (Yes in step 902), the control goes to step 904.

[0084] In step 904, the elevator status receiving module 620 determines whether an emergency service is in progress. For example, the elevator status receiving module 620 can determine whether an emergency service is in progress based on whether emergency service information has been received from the controller 402. If the emergency service is in progress (step 904 is yes), the control proceeds to step 906. If the emergency service is not in progress (step 904 is no), the control proceeds to step 910.

[0085] In step 906, after determining that the emergency service is in progress, the modified configuration file or the modified display file received by the API command receiving module 612 is queued until the emergency service ends. This is because when the emergency service is in progress, the emergency service information takes precedence over the infotainment. Therefore, the modified configuration file or the modified display file is queued (e.g., in the database 610) until the emergency service ends. In step 908, the elevator status receiving module 620 receives emergency service information from the controller 402.

[0086] In step 910, after determining that no emergency service is in progress, if a modified configuration file is received, the configuration file update module 614 updates the database 610 with the modified configuration file. Alternatively, if a modified display file is received, the display file update module 616 updates the database 610 with the modified display file.

[0087] In step 912, the content retrieval module 618 retrieves the content specified by the configuration file. For example, the content retrieval module 618 can retrieve news items from a news server and / or weather information from a weather server.

[0088] In step 914, the elevator status receiving module 620 receives elevator status information from the controller 402. For example, as described above, the elevator status receiving module 620 can receive the current floor and the traveling direction of the elevator.

[0089] In step 916, the display control module 622 refreshes the display on the screen 609. In particular, if the emergency service is in progress, the display control module 622 can refresh the display on the screen 609 to include emergency service information in the second display area 104, as Figure 11 shown. Alternatively, if the emergency service is not in progress, the display control module 622 can refresh the display on the screen 609 based on the updated configuration file and / or display file to display the updated infotainment information in the second display area 104. In either case, regardless of whether the emergency service is in progress, the elevator status information can be displayed in the first display area 102.

[0090] It should now be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein provide an infotainment content management system for an elevator. A user can remotely access a user portal to change the infotainment display in one or more elevators. A modified configuration file can be sent from a cloud server to the elevator system to effect the change without the user having to access the elevator. A device in the elevator system controls the infotainment display, and this device is different from the separate device that controls the operation of the elevator.

[0091] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionally, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. An elevator system, comprising: An elevator controller, configured to control the operation of an elevator car; A device gateway; And A computing device that stores a configuration file; Wherein, the computing device includes a first processing device and a first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, and when the first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium is executed, it causes the first processing device to: Receive elevator status information from the elevator controller; Receive a modified configuration file associated with infotainment content to be displayed from the device gateway; Replace the configuration file with the modified configuration file; and Cause a display device in the elevator car to display the infotainment content or display the elevator status information based on the modified configuration file.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator status information includes the floor of the elevator car and the traveling direction of the elevator car.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The first processing device causes the display device to display the infotainment content based on an infotainment display file and the modified configuration file.

4. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein, The infotainment display file includes an HTML file, and the modified configuration file includes a JSON file.

5. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The first processing device retrieves at least a portion of the infotainment content from one or more remote computing devices specified in the modified configuration file.

6. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The first processing device causes the display device to display the elevator status information on a first display area of the display device and display the infotainment content on a second display area of the display device.

7. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The device gateway includes a second processing device and a second non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, and when the second non-transitory processor-readable storage medium is executed, it causes the second processing device to: Receive an API command from a remote computing device; Parse the API command to determine whether the API command includes the modified configuration file; And When it is determined that the API command includes the modified configuration file, transmit the modified configuration file to the computing device.

8. A method, comprising: Receive elevator status information from an elevator controller associated with an elevator car; Receive a modified configuration file associated with infotainment content to be displayed from a device gateway; Replace the configuration file with the modified configuration file; And Cause a display device in the elevator car to display the infotainment content or display the elevator status information based on the modified configuration file.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The elevator status information includes the floor of the elevator car and the traveling direction of the elevator car.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Display the infotainment content based on an infotainment display file and the modified configuration file.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The infotainment display file includes an HTML file, and the modified configuration file includes a JSON file.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Retrieve at least a portion of the infotainment content from one or more remote computing devices specified in the modified configuration file.

13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Cause the display device to display the elevator status information on a first portion of the display device and display the infotainment content on a second portion of the display device.

14. A system, comprising: A remote computing device; And An elevator system, comprising: An elevator controller, configured to control the operation of an elevator car; A device gateway; and A computing device that stores a configuration file; Wherein, the computing device includes a first processing device and a first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, and when the first non-transitory processor-readable storage medium is executed, it causes the first processing device to: Receive elevator status information from the elevator controller; Receive a modified configuration file associated with the infotainment content to be displayed from the device gateway; Replace the configuration file with the modified configuration file; and Cause a display device in the elevator car to display the infotainment content or the elevator status information based on the modified configuration file.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The first processing device causes the display device to display the infotainment content based on an HTML file and the modified configuration file.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The first processing device retrieves at least a portion of the infotainment content from one or more remote computing devices specified in the modified configuration file.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The first processing device causes the display device to display the elevator status information on a first portion of the display device and display the infotainment content on a second portion of the display device.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The device gateway includes a second processing device and a second non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, and when the second non-transitory processor-readable storage medium is executed, it causes the second processing device to: Receive an API command from the remote computing device; Parse the API command to determine whether the API command includes the modified configuration file; And When it is determined that the API command includes the modified configuration file, transmit the modified configuration file to the computing device.

19. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The remote computing device is configured to: Receive a user update associated with the infotainment content; Generate the modified configuration file based on the user update; and Send the modified configuration file to the device gateway.

20. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The first processing device is further configured to: Receive emergency service information from the elevator controller; and Cause the display device to display the emergency service information.

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