Transport system with vertical and horizontal transport subsystems

Abstract

An integrated transportation system (2) in a building (1) includes an elevator system (2a) and a vehicle system (2b) communicatively coupled to a control system (4). An elevator system (2a) has an elevator (A-D) comprising an elevator car (10) and an elevator controller (12) configured to move the elevator car (10) between floors (L1, Ln) of a building (1). The vehicle system (2b) has a vehicle (2c) arranged on and movable on a floor (L1, Ln) served by the elevator system (2a), where the vehicle (2c) is configured to serve an elevator hall on the floor (L1, Ln). The control system (4) is configured to: process a travel request from a call terminal (6, 6a) that can be used to input the travel request, the travel request specifying a departure point and a destination; calculating a trip schedule based on the travel request, the trip schedule relating to the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b); and controlling the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b) as a function of the travel schedule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to transporting passengers in horizontal and vertical directions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to transporting passengers horizontally and vertically in a building. Background Art

[0002] An elevator system is disclosed in EP 3 448 792 B1, in which an elevator car moves in horizontal and vertical directions. The elevator system is referred to as a multi-axis, multi-car, multi-route elevator system, which provides multiple elevator cars in a single hoistway and allows multiple alternative routes to reach the same destination. The elevator system includes a graphical destination interface for displaying an isometric rendering of at least a part of the building and multiple destinations. A passenger can select from several displayed elevator call request options, such as the route with the shortest distance to the final destination, the route with the shortest time to the destination, the fastest departure or the route with the fastest estimated arrival time, and the route with the shortest ride time.

[0003] This elevator system requires switching to guide the elevator car in horizontal and vertical directions. Although the delay caused by one or more changes in the driving direction may not be a problem in relatively complex buildings, for example because passenger convenience outweighs the delay, in other buildings, such delay may be less acceptable. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that provides for transporting passengers in horizontal and vertical directions with reduced delay and thus in a more convenient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, one aspect relates to an integrated transportation system in a building. The integrated transportation system includes an elevator system and a vehicle system communicatively coupled to a control system. The elevator system has at least one elevator, the at least one elevator having an elevator car and an elevator controller configured to move the elevator car between floors of the building. The vehicle system has at least one vehicle disposed on a floor served by the elevator system and capable of moving on the floor. The vehicle is configured to serve an elevator lobby on the floor. The control system is configured to: process a travel request from a call terminal that can be used to input a travel request, the travel request specifying a departure location and a destination; calculate a travel schedule based on the travel request, the travel schedule relating to the elevator system and the vehicle system; and control the elevator system and the vehicle system according to the travel schedule.

[0005] On the other hand, it relates to a method of operating an integrated transportation system having an elevator system and a vehicle system communicatively coupled to a control system. The elevator system has at least one elevator having an elevator car and an elevator controller configured to move the elevator car between floors of a building. The vehicle system is a vehicle system having at least one vehicle disposed on a floor served by the elevator system and capable of moving on the floor, wherein the at least one vehicle is configured to serve an elevator lobby on the floor. The method includes receiving a travel request from a call terminal and calculating a travel schedule based on the travel request. The travel request specifies a departure location and a destination, and the travel schedule relates to the elevator system and the vehicle system. Further, the method includes controlling the elevator system and the vehicle system according to the travel schedule.

[0006] The techniques described herein provide an integrated transportation system in which the transportation subsystems (e.g., elevator system and vehicle system) of the integrated transportation system are centrally controlled by a control system. The transportation of passengers or robots in the horizontal and vertical directions is performed according to a travel schedule generated by the control system. In this travel schedule, each travel segment is assigned to the elevator system and the vehicle system and coordinated to provide a faster and more convenient travel. For example, a passenger may perceive the travel as being substantially seamless because when an intermediate travel segment is completed using one mode of transportation (e.g., elevator system), the mode of transportation (e.g., vehicle) for the next travel segment is already available and waiting, or is about to be available for boarding.

[0007] In one embodiment that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the integrated transportation system includes a database stored in a storage system configured for read and write operations by the control system. The database stores building planning data, wherein the building planning data specifies, for each floor, at least the location of at least one of an elevator lobby, a residence, an institutional organization, a call terminal, a door, an access gate, an escalator, an emergency exit or route, and a main building entrance, the routes and passages to these locations, and the distances between these locations. This allows determination of a suitable path to serve a travel request, i.e., to transport a passenger or robot from a departure location to a destination. Maintaining this information and data in the database facilitates reading and, if necessary, updating this information and data.

[0008] In one embodiment of an integrated transportation system that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the control system includes a position and status determination unit that is coupled to the elevator system and the vehicle system and is configured to determine the position and status of the at least one elevator and the at least one vehicle. Thus, the position and status determination unit collects real-time information from the elevator system and the vehicle system, and this real-time information is then used for trip planning.

[0009] In one embodiment of an integrated transportation system that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the control system includes a trip planning unit that is coupled to the position and status determination unit, the elevator system, and the vehicle system. The trip planning unit is configured to calculate the trip schedule based on the travel request and the position and status of the at least one elevator and the at least one vehicle determined by the position and status determination unit. The information available to the trip planning unit allows for planning a trip for immediate execution or for execution at a later time. For example, in the case of planning a trip for a passenger (or robot) for the next day, certain transportation modes can be reserved for that trip.

[0010] In one embodiment that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the call terminal is installed on the floors of the building. One or more floor terminals can be installed on each floor served by the transportation system. The call terminal can be a mobile phone carried by a passenger or a radio communication device of a robot. The techniques described herein allow the number and type of call terminals to be adapted to the building and its requirements.

[0011] In one embodiment that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the control system is configured to send the trip schedule to the call terminal and receive the travel request from the call terminal. The trip schedule provides advance information on when and where to start the trip and which transportation mode(s) to use.

[0012] In one embodiment that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, the transportation system includes a camera system that is coupled to the control system and has a plurality of cameras arranged on the floors. The control system is configured to: monitor the movement of passengers to determine whether to transport the passengers according to the trip schedule; and generate an alarm signal in the event of detecting a deviation from the trip schedule. This prevents the system efficiency from being reduced due to the transportation mode assigned to the trip not being used; it also reduces the risk of delaying the trip, for example, because the passenger is transported to the wrong destination.

[0013] In one embodiment that can be combined with any of the described embodiments, in the transportation system, the control system is configured to initiate at least one mitigation measure in response to the alarm signal. The at least one mitigation measure includes: generating a notification for being communicated to the passengers, modifying the scheduled itinerary, and / or controlling the elevator system and the vehicle system according to the modified scheduled itinerary. Thus, even if a deviation is detected, the techniques described herein provide measures to address the deviation, thereby reducing the impact on the efficiency and transportation convenience of the system.

[0014] At least some embodiments of the disclosed method can be implemented using a computer or computer-based device that performs one or more method actions, the computer or computer-based device having read instructions for performing the method actions from one or more computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage media can include, for example, one or more optical discs, volatile memory components (such as DRAM or SRAM), and / or non-volatile memory components (such as a hard disk drive, flash RAM, or ROM). The computer-readable storage media does not cover pure transient signals. The methods disclosed herein are not performed solely in the human mind. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Hereinafter, various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. All the drawings are merely schematic diagrams of the methods and terminals or their components according to the exemplary embodiments of the improved technology. In particular, the distance and dimension relationships are not reproduced to scale in the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a building having a number of floors is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A Figure 1 schematic side view of the building having a transportation system for transporting passengers is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A Figure 2 block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the transportation system is shown;

[0019] Figure 4A An exemplary illustration of a transportation mode is shown;

[0020] Figure 4B An exemplary illustration of possible destinations is shown;

[0021] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method of using a scheduled elevator;

[0022] Figure 6 A block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of using a dispatch elevator;

[0023] Figure 7A An exemplary embodiment of an electronic device showing a graphical user interface that can be used to input travel requests;

[0024] Figure 7B Shows Figure 7A An exemplary embodiment of an electronic device in which the graphical user interface displays travel information in response to a travel request. Detailed Description

[0025] Figure 1 a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a building 1 (which may house, for example, residences, offices, hotels, retail spaces, and / or other facilities), with reference to the depicted x-y-z coordinate system, the building 1 having a length in the x-axis direction (x-direction), a width in the y-axis direction (y-direction), and a height in the z-axis direction (z-direction). In the z-direction, the building 1 has a number of floors L1,..., Ln (n = 1, 2,..., N, where N is the number of floors that can be used and / or served), and in the plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis, i.e., horizontally, the building 1 has a predetermined extent. In Figure 1 the embodiment, the length of the building 1 is longer than the width. Inside the building 1, a transportation system 2 is installed to provide vertical and horizontal transportation for passengers and objects (e.g., robots). The need for such horizontal transportation may be due to the horizontal extent of the building, for example, especially the horizontal extent in the x-direction.

[0026] Figure 2 Shows a schematic side view of a building 1 having, for example, six floors L1,..., L6. Inside the building 1, an exemplary embodiment of the transportation system 2 is installed to serve the floors L1,..., L6 of the building, for example, to transport a passenger 8 from a starting point on floor L2 to a destination on floor L5 along a travel path P, as Figure 2 illustrated by the dashed line in. The transportation system 2 includes an elevator system 2a and a vehicle system 2b as subsystems, the elevator system 2a providing vertical transportation, and the vehicle system 2b providing horizontal transportation in the plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis. In Figure 2In an embodiment, horizontal transportation is along the x-axis, but is not limited to this direction. The transportation system 2 includes a control system 4 (Sys-Ctrl) that controls subsystems, such as both an elevator system 2a and a vehicle system 2b. For illustrative purposes, a passenger 8 and a robot 9 are shown, however the embodiments described hereinafter relate to one or more passengers 8. It is conceivable that the embodiments can be correspondingly applied to the robot 9, which can be equipped with a radio communication device for communicating with the transportation system 2, for example for conveying travel requests and receiving transportation instructions.

[0027] Within the building 1, at least one, for example, cubic space or volume is provided for positioning some components of the elevator system 2a and allowing the elevator car 10 to move vertically between floors L1, …… L6. Provisions are made at each floor L1, …… L6 to allow passengers 8 to board and leave the elevator car 10 (for example, elevator lobbies or landings, hoistways or hoistway doors). Hereinafter, such (cubic) space or volume may be referred to as a hoistway, which may be at least partially restricted by building walls. In one embodiment, the hoistway may be adapted for a so-called panoramic elevator. The elevator system 2a may have more than one elevator car 10 moving in the same hoistway, or the elevator car 10 may be configured as a multi-story car (for example, a double-deck car).

[0028] Elevator systems (including their various configurations and control techniques) are known to those skilled in the art. Known configurations include, for example, traction elevator systems and hydraulic elevator systems. Such elevator systems can be equipped with call control techniques that allow passengers to enter the desired travel direction (up / down) when boarding a floor and the destination floor after boarding the elevator car. Other elevator systems can be equipped with call control techniques that allow passengers to enter the desired destination floor when boarding a floor, and such techniques are also known as destination call control systems. An example of an elevator system equipped with a destination call control system is the Schindler 7000 elevator system with Schindler PORT technology. The destination call control system is based on a call assignment algorithm, the principle of which is roughly described in Koehler, Jana et al., An AI-Based Approach to Destination Control in Elevators, AI Magazine, Vol. 23, Nr. 3, 2002, S. 59-78. The assignment algorithm applies the concept of "cost" and uses one or more cost functions to determine the elevator car that is most suitable for serving an elevator call. In the present disclosure, various embodiments are described with reference to this destination call control system.

[0029] In Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system 2a includes four elevators A, B, C, and D, which are divided into two groups (A, B and C, D), but the grouping is not limited to this. The two groups are shown spaced apart from each other, and for some travel requests, the transportation system 2b can be used to transport passengers 8, goods, or robots 9 between the two groups, as Figure 2 illustrated. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in another embodiment, the elevator system 2a can include fewer than four elevators (e.g., only one elevator) or more than four elevators. Depending on the horizontal expansion of the building, the elevator system 2a can include more than two groups.

[0030] Each of the elevators A, B, C, and D includes an elevator car 10 and is controlled by an elevator controller 12 (EC). The elevator controller 12 is communicatively coupled to the control system 4, which executes the above-mentioned assignment algorithm to determine the elevators A, B, C, and D that serve the travel request. Among other functions, each elevator controller 12 controls the up and down movement of its elevator car 10. These functions are known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The control system 4 is also communicatively coupled to call terminals 6, 6a, which passengers can use to request a transportation service, such as to a desired destination. The call terminals 6 can be installed in public areas (e.g., corridors or lobbies) and / or non-public (private) areas (e.g., apartments or offices) on floors L1, …… Ln. The input request may require the passenger 8 to present an RFID (radio frequency identification) card, a magnetic storage device (e.g., a magnetic stripe card); and / or an optical code device, for example, for identification and / or authentication purposes. These installed terminals 6 are Figure 2 illustrated as floor terminals that display, for example, a selection of possible destinations within the building 1. In addition, a portable mobile device (e.g., a mobile (smart) phone) can be configured to run a dedicated software application (app) and serve as a mobile call terminal 6a, which is Figure 2 illustrated as a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone.

[0032] Referring to the vehicle system 2b, on at least some of the floors L1, …… Ln, at least one passageway (track, road, or corridor) can be provided for the vehicle 2c to move in the horizontal direction. In Figure 2 this, such a passageway extends in the x direction, however, the passageway can also extend in the y direction or in both the x direction and the y direction. The passageway can be reserved specifically for the vehicle 2a. Figure 2Shows a vehicle 2c located on floors L2 and L5. Depending on the building 1, for example with respect to dimensions, distance to the bridge, and / or use, the vehicle 2c can be a rail vehicle, in which case the passage includes rails; or the vehicle 2c can be a road vehicle, in which case the passage can be road-like. Regardless of their configuration, the vehicles 2c can be driverless and are configured to transport one or more passengers 8, goods, and robots 9. In some embodiments, the vehicle 2c can be a battery-operated autonomous vehicle that uses, for example, a global navigation / guidance system (e.g., using GPS or the Galileo system) or an indoor navigation / guidance system (e.g., using induction lines or wireless beacons embedded in the passage). Each vehicle 2c can be provided with a wireless communication system 14a configured to communicate with the communication system 14 of the control system 4. Using the communication systems 14, 14a, each vehicle 2c can transmit its position and status information to the control system 4 and receive driving orders or commands from the control system 4.

[0033] Systems using autonomous vehicles are known, see for example Kareem O., Public Transportation on the Era of Autonomous Vehicles: Exploring Different Scenarios. Civil Eng Res J. 2020; 10(5): 555800. DOI: 10.19080 / CERJ.2020.10.555800. Autonomous vehicle systems are also described in a manual titled "Autonomous Transport Systems" from the ZF Group in Friedrichshafen, Germany. In these contexts, autonomous vehicles are also referred to as "pods" or "pod cars". In one embodiment, the vehicle system 2b can use such autonomous vehicles.

[0034] The control system 4 is communicatively coupled to the elevator system 2a and the vehicle system 2c, which enables the control system 4 to monitor and control the two systems (2a, 2b), and in particular, to coordinate their operations to serve the travel requests of passengers in an optimized manner such that the journey meets the set travel criteria, such as minimum travel time, shortest distance, non-stop travel, or minimum number of transfers. In one embodiment, the elevator system 2a and the vehicle system 2c are configured to transmit their respective statuses (e.g., available, standby, out of service, in use, available transport capacity) and locations (e.g., current floor, location on the floor) for each elevator A, B, C, D and each autonomous vehicle 2c. The status and location information may be stored in a storage device accessible by the control system 4. In one embodiment, the control system 4 runs an assignment algorithm that is similar to the assignment algorithm of the destination call control system described above, applying one or more cost functions to determine a path / travel route (including elevators and / or vehicles 2c) that meets one or more travel criteria. For this purpose, the assignment algorithm reads the status and location information stored in the storage device.

[0035] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control system 4 may apply any number of path calculation techniques, for example, in combination with the assignment algorithm. Example techniques may be similar to those used by software programs for planning travel routes and / or driving directions.

[0036] In Figure 2 an embodiment, the transportation system 2 includes a camera system 7 communicatively coupled to the control system 4. The camera system 7 is indicated by symbols for cameras at various locations within the building 1. For illustrative purposes, only two camera symbols are shown. However, it is contemplated that the number and location of the cameras may depend on, for example, the structure of the building 1 and / or the transportation system 2. It is also contemplated that the camera system 7 includes hardware and software for controlling the cameras and processing their recordings. The processing may include: detecting passengers 8 or robots 9 (e.g., for determining in which direction a passenger 8 is walking, or which elevator car 10 or vehicle 2c a passenger 8 boards, and at what time) in a video recording for tracking purposes, or performing facial recognition for identification and / or authentication purposes (e.g., for determining whether a passenger 8 is authorized to use the transportation system 8 and / or access a certain destination). Tracking, identification, and / or authentication may also be applied to determine whether a passenger 8 follows a certain path / travel route, e.g., whether a passenger 8 boards the "correct" elevator or vehicle 2c.

[0037] In the transportation system 2, various interactions and operations may occur, for example, between the control system 4 and the elevator system 2a and the vehicle system 2b, and between the passengers 8 and the transportation system 2. Some of the interactions and operations are described in conjunction with Figure 3 and Figure 3 illustratesFigure 2 Block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a transportation system 2. In addition to the elevator system 2a, the vehicle system 2b, the call terminals 6, 6a and the camera system 7, it is also indicated in the illustrated embodiment that these components communicate via a network 20 (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, the Internet and / or a telephone network), and the control system 4 includes a trip planning unit 26 and a position and status determination unit 24. The control system 4 is computer-based and is configured to run one or more software programs to perform the dedicated functions of the transportation system 2. For example, the function of planning a trip can be assigned to the trip planning unit 26, and the function of determining the position and status of the vehicle 2c and the elevators A-D can be assigned to the position and status determination unit 24.

[0038] Figure 3 A storage system 22 storing at least one database is also shown. The storage system 22 is communicatively coupled to the control system 4 for read and write operations by the control system 4. The database stores data of a building plan or a building model. The stored data may include a directory of residents in the building 1 and available services (e.g., company names, hotels, restaurants, gyms and other services or points of interest), including data specifying where they are located (e.g., floor numbers and office / shop / room / apartment numbers). For each resident or group of residents (e.g., a family or a company), a passenger profile may be stored in the same or a different database. The stored data may also specify the positions of the elevators A-D, and the corresponding distances from the residential locations (e.g., room / apartment numbers), the call terminals 6 and the available services. The building plan data may further specify, for example, the positions of doors, security / access gates, escalators, emergency exits or routes, the main building entrance, the routes and passages to these positions, and the distances between these positions. Areas or zones within the building 1 that are not assigned to a residence or a service may be identified or labeled by one or more sectors or sector numbers. It is conceivable that the stored building data is provided and is detailed to such an extent that it can be used to allow the planning of a route from a starting location to a destination location. The building data may be updated, for example, due to changed occupancy or use, or to reflect the current building situation (e.g., construction, out-of-service elevator cars or vehicles).

[0039] In one embodiment, the storage system 22 may include the above-described storage means storing the status and position information of the transportation system 2. Since the storage system 22 is communicatively coupled to the control system 4 in one embodiment, the control system 4 can access the stored building data as well as the status and position information, for example, when the trip planning unit 26 is responsible for applying an assignment algorithm to plan a trip.

[0040] Although Figure 3 The specific arrangement of the components of the transportation system 2 is shown, where some components are depicted as discrete components, but in other embodiments the components may be arranged differently. For example, a single processing unit may perform the functions of the trip planning unit 26 as well as the position and status determination unit 24. In some embodiments, the components are located at a common location (e.g., in the same room of the building 1). In other embodiments, at least some of the components are located away from each other or remotely. For example, the trip planning unit 26 may be located away from or remotely from the control system 4 and the associated elevator system 2a. In such a case, the trip planning unit 26 may communicate with the control system 4 via one or more networks.

[0041] Passengers 8 typically use a combination of transportation modes to reach their destinations, for example due to convenience or necessity (e.g., due to the distance to the destination or the reduced mobility of the passenger). Although the transportation system 2 is configured to transport passengers 8 in a convenient and efficient manner using the elevator system 2a and the vehicle system 2b, there may be other available transportation modes in the building 1. Figure 4A An exemplary transportation mode 30 that may be used by the passenger 8 between a starting location (origin) and a destination is shown. Additional modes 30 may include, for example, a bicycle, a taxi, an electric scooter, and walking. In Figure 4B Possible destinations 40 are shown, and may include, for example, an airport, a shopping mall, a school, an office (e.g., with a number), a residence (e.g., with a number), and / or a building exit. Depending on the building 1, additional destinations may exist. Other transportation modes and destinations are also possible. These transportation modes 30 and destinations 40 may be presented to the passenger 8 for selection when entering a travel request.

[0042] Figure 5A An example of a passenger's trip along a timeline is visually depicted (where the time of travel and the distance traveled increase from left to right). Starting at the origin (depicted on the left hand side of the figure), the passenger 8 first completes part A of the trip, and then completes part B of the trip to reach the destination (depicted on the right hand side of the figure). Parts A and B use different transportation modes. It is conceivable that the passenger trip is not limited to two parts, and the trip may include more than two parts, as Figure 5C shown.

[0043] Figure 5BIllustrates a more specific example of a passenger trip. As indicated by timeline T, passenger 8 leaves the office after having entered a travel request using call terminals 6, 6a, and begins the first part of the trip. In this case, the first part is the "autonomous vehicle part", where passenger 8 travels horizontally in autonomous vehicle 2c from the office to an elevator that is allocated to transport the passenger 8 vertically. As indicated by timeline T, upon completion of the autonomous vehicle part, passenger 8 is at the elevator and enters elevator car 10. Thereby, the second part of the passenger trip begins, namely the "elevator part", where passenger 8 uses the elevator. Upon completion of the elevator part (e.g., at the destination floor), the passenger has reached the destination floor or can use another transportation mode to reach the final destination.

[0044] At least some embodiments of the disclosed technology are not limited to passenger trips such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B the passenger trips specifically presented in. For example, a passenger trip can include an autonomous vehicle part that occurs after the elevator part, as Figure 5C shown, and as indicated by path P in Figure 2 After entering a travel request to a selected destination, as Figure 4B shown, while still in the apartment and having received a travel schedule, passenger 8 leaves the apartment at an appropriate time and walks to the nearest location on floor L2 where autonomous vehicle 2c can stop. Autonomous vehicle 2c transports passenger 8 to elevator A (part A), and then this elevator A transports passenger 8 from floor L2 to floor L5 (part B). On floor L5, at or near elevator A, another autonomous vehicle 2c is waiting or about to arrive to transport passenger 8 to the final destination on floor L5 or to another elevator (part C). In various embodiments, any one of these three parts can be an elevator part, and any one of these three parts can be an autonomous vehicle part. Thus, the example trip can also include one or more of the transportation modes 30 shown in Figure 4A

[0045] With an understanding of the components of transportation system 2 and their functions as described above, the following describes an exemplary method of operating transportation system 2 in conjunction with Figure 6 Figure 2 shown. In Figure 2In the situation shown, passenger 8 is on floor L2 and uses call terminals 6, 6a to enter a travel request specifying a desired destination within building 1. Depending on the building, passenger 8 may need to present some form of credential when issuing the travel request; this credential can be used to verify the passenger's transportation and / or access rights. If call terminal 6 is installed on floor L2, the location of this call terminal 6 is archived in the building plan and can be obtained from the building plan. If call terminal 6a is a mobile phone, according to one embodiment, this call terminal 6a receives a radio transmission from a fixed radio transmitting device (e.g., a transmitter, transceiver, or beacon using WLAN or Bluetooth technology), the location of which is archived in the building plan; then the location of the mobile phone is set to be near this radio transmitting device. In another embodiment, passenger 8 can manually enter the location using the graphical user interface provided by the touch screen of call terminals 6, 6a (in their installed terminal configuration or as a mobile phone). In Figure 7A and Figure 7B FIGS. Figure 7A and Figure 7B show an exemplary graphical user interface 60 of (mobile phone) call terminal 6a.

[0046] The user interfaces of call terminals 6, 6a can be configured to display a selection of possible destinations (e.g., as shown in Figure 4B FIG. Figure 4B ), such as recently used destinations or only those destinations that passenger 8 is authorized to access, from which passenger 8 can select a destination. In another embodiment, the user interface can display a keyboard to allow passenger 8 to enter the destination. The travel request can be executed immediately, i.e., passenger 8 needs transportation when requesting the travel request. Alternatively, the travel request can be set to be executed at a certain time in the future, i.e., passenger 8 can book or reserve a trip in advance; then transportation system 2 can reserve certain transportation modes (e.g., one or more elevators and autonomous vehicle 2c) so that they are available without delay at the required time.

[0047] Figure 6 The method shown starts at step S1 and ends at step S9. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the division into these steps is by way of example, and one or more of these steps can be divided into one or more sub-steps, or several of the steps can be combined into one step.

[0048] In step S2, a travel request is received. The travel request is received by control system 4 from call terminals 6, 6a, which passenger 8 uses to enter the travel request. The travel request specifies a departure location and a destination.

[0049] In step S3, a transportation mode is assigned and a trip segment is determined. Using the departure location, destination, and building layout data, the trip planning unit 26 of the control system 4 determines one or more possible routes for servicing the travel request. For each route, one or more transportation modes ( Figure 4A ) may be available at this time, and thus one or more trip segments (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5C ) can be determined. Additionally, the control system 4 or its trip planning unit 26 accesses the storage system 22 respectively to obtain status and location information. The assignment algorithm of the control system uses the available transportation modes, trip segments, and the status and location information of the elevator system 2a and the vehicle system 2b to calculate a transportation cost value for each possible route. In one embodiment, the control system 4 is configured to assign the travel request to the route with the lowest transportation cost value.

[0050] In step S4, the trip is planned. This includes, for example, creating a travel schedule that lists the departure location, the transportation mode to be used (including the estimated departure time or arrival time), and the destination. The listed transportation mode can identify the elevator ("A") or the vehicle 2c (e.g., vehicle name or number). Other or additional information, such as guidance information to and from the elevator or the vehicle 2c, can be provided. It is contemplated that the planned trip allows the passenger 8 sufficient time to transfer from one transportation mode to another.

[0051] In step S5, the travel schedule is communicated to the passenger 8. In one embodiment, the travel schedule is displayed at the call terminal 6 used to input the travel request. An option to print the travel schedule can be obtained at the call terminal 6. In another embodiment, the travel schedule can be sent to the passenger's mobile phone.

[0052] In step S6, one or more elevator segments are scheduled. For the transportation system 2, this scheduling includes setting the operating details for the elevator system 2a. In one embodiment, the operating details specify, for each segment, for example, the time (date) and (departure) floor (L2) when the assigned elevator (A) must be available for the passenger 8 to board. The operating details can also specify the destination floor (L5). The elevator system 2a is configured to operate one or more elevator segments as scheduled.

[0053] In step S7, one or more autonomous vehicle segments are scheduled. This scheduling includes setting the operating details for the vehicle system 2b. In one embodiment, the operating details specify, for each segment, for example, the time (date) and floors (L2, L5) when the assigned vehicle 2c must be available for the passenger 8 to board. The operating details can also specify the final destination and / or intermediate destinations entered by the passenger 8, such as Figure 2Elevator A therein. The vehicle system 2a is configured to operate one or more vehicle parts as scheduled.

[0054] In step S8, the execution of the schedule is monitored. The control system 4 monitors the operation of the elevator system 2a in real time and can thus compare the current state of the elevator system 2a with the state that the elevator system 2a should have according to the scheduled elevator parts. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the control system 4 can query the position and status determination unit 24. Similarly, the control system 4 monitors the operation of the vehicle system 2b. In the case where the control system 4 determines a deviation that has a negative impact on serving the travel request, the control system 4 can initiate mitigation measures (e.g., reallocating the transport mode) and / or notifications for the passengers 8, for example, by sending (pushing) a message to the passengers' mobile phones. The message can inform the passengers 8 that the travel schedule has been modified and includes the updated travel schedule.

[0055] In addition, the control system 4 can use the camera system 7 to monitor / track the passengers 8 while using the transportation system 2. The monitoring can be configured to determine whether the passengers 8 are using the transport mode scheduled for the passengers' trips. For example, the control system 4 can identify that the passengers 8 board or are about to board an elevator or vehicle 2c that has not been allocated for the trip, or identify that the passengers 8 leave the elevator on the wrong floor. In such cases, the control system 4 can cause a notification to be issued to the passengers 8, and / or plan and provide an alternative route for transporting the passengers 8 to the desired destination.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the method ends with step S9.

[0057] In one embodiment, the travel request of the passenger can specify the time of arrival at the requested destination. The arrival time can be expressed in terms of a specific time (e.g., "9:00 am") or relative time (e.g., "not later than 9:00 am", "within two hours", "the start of the last museum tour today").

[0058] Figure 7A An exemplary embodiment of an electronic device (in this case a mobile phone 6a) that can be used in combination with the technologies described herein is shown. In this particular embodiment, the mobile phone 6a includes a touch screen, but other embodiments can use various input and output devices. In Figure 7AIn it, the touch screen displays a graphical user interface 60 having an input area for receiving the end destination of a passenger trip. In the illustrated case, the entered destination is "office". The touch screen also displays an input area for indicating the desired arrival time at the final destination. In the illustrated case, the entered desired arrival time is "9:45 this morning". The passenger can use a button to submit the trip information and reserve the trip. In other embodiments, one or more other user interface elements are used. The passenger 8 can also provide additional information through the call terminal 6a. For example, the passenger 8 can indicate a preferred mode of transportation, how many other people will travel with the passenger 8, how much luggage the passenger 8 will carry, and / or information about any reminders that the passenger 8 wishes to receive before departure.

[0059] Figure 7B An exemplary embodiment of the mobile phone 6a after receiving the departure information for a passenger trip is shown. The reserved departure time for the passenger trip appears in the display area. In this case, the vehicle 2c is scheduled to leave at 9:15 in the morning. The elevator car assignment appears in a separate display area. In this case, the passenger 8 is assigned to take elevator A leaving at 9:35 in the morning. Additional information about the trip can also be provided to the passenger 8 through the phone 6a.

Claims

1. An integrated transportation system (2) in a building (1), comprising: An elevator system (2a) having at least one elevator (A-D), the at least one elevator having an elevator car (10) and an elevator controller (12), the elevator controller being configured to move the elevator car (10) between floors (L1, Ln) of the building (1); A vehicle system (2b) having at least one vehicle (2c), the at least one vehicle being disposed on floors (L1, Ln) served by the elevator system (2a) and being capable of moving on the floors, wherein the at least one vehicle (2c) is configured to serve elevator lobbies on the floors (L1, Ln); And A control system (4) communicatively coupled to the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b), and the control system being configured to: - Process travel requests from call terminals (6, 6a) that can be used to input travel requests, the travel requests specifying a departure location and a destination; - Calculate a travel schedule based on the travel requests, the travel schedule involving the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b); and - Control the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b) according to the travel schedule.

2. The integrated transportation system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a database stored in a storage system (22), the storage system being configured for read and write operations by the control system (4), wherein the database stores building planning data, the building planning data specifying, for each floor (L1, Ln), at least the location of at least one of an elevator lobby, a residence, an institutional organization, a call terminal (6), a door, an access gate, an escalator, an emergency exit or route, and a main building entrance, the routes and passages to these locations, and the distances between these locations.

3. The integrated transport system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control system (4) includes a position and status determination unit (24), the position and status determination unit being coupled to the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b), and being configured to determine the position and status of the at least one elevator (A-D) and the at least one vehicle (2c).

4. The integrated transportation system (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The control system (4) includes a travel planning unit (26), the travel planning unit being coupled to the position and status determination unit (24), the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b), the travel planning unit (26) being configured to calculate the travel schedule based on the travel requests and the position and status of the at least one elevator (A-D) and the at least one vehicle (2c) determined by the position and status determination unit (24).

5. The integrated transport system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The call terminal (6) is installed on the floors (L1, Ln), and / or wherein the call terminal (6a) is a mobile communication device carried by a passenger (8) or a mobile communication device of a robot (9).

6. The integrated transportation system (2) according to claim 5, wherein, The control system (4) is configured to send the itinerary schedule to the calling terminal (6a), and the control system (4) receives the travel request from the calling terminal.

7. The integrated transportation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a camera system (7), the camera system being connected to the control system (4) and having a plurality of cameras (7) arranged on the floors (L1, Ln), wherein, The control system (4) is configured to: - Monitor the movement of the passenger (8) to determine whether to transport the passenger (8) according to the itinerary schedule; and - Generate an alarm signal when a deviation from the itinerary schedule is detected.

8. The integrated transportation system (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The control system (4) is configured to initiate at least one mitigation measure in response to the alarm signal, wherein the at least one mitigation measure includes: generating a notification for communication to the passenger (8), modifying the scheduled itinerary, and / or controlling the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b) according to the modified scheduled itinerary.

9. A method of operating an integrated transportation system (2), the integrated transportation system having an elevator system (2a) and a vehicle system (2b) communicatively coupled to a control system (4), wherein, The elevator system (2a) has at least one elevator (A-D), the at least one elevator having an elevator car (10) and an elevator controller (12), the elevator controller being configured to move the elevator car (10) between floors (L1, Ln) of a building (1), and wherein the vehicle system (2b) is a vehicle system (2b) having at least one vehicle (2c), the at least one vehicle being provided on the floors (L1, Ln) served by the elevator system (2a) and being capable of moving on the floors, wherein the at least one vehicle (2c) is configured to serve the elevator lobbies on the floors (L1, Ln), the method comprising: - Receiving a travel request from a calling terminal (6, 6a), the travel request specifying a departure location and a destination; - Calculating an itinerary schedule based on the travel request, the itinerary schedule involving the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b); and - Controlling the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b) according to the itinerary schedule.

10. The method according to claim 9 further comprises: Reading building planning data from a database stored in a storage system (22), the building planning data specifying for each floor (L1, Ln) at least the location of at least one of an elevator lobby, a residence, an organization, a calling terminal (6), a door, an access gate, an escalator, an emergency exit or route, and a main building entrance, the routes and passages to these locations, and the distances between these locations; And using the read building planning data to calculate the itinerary schedule.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Determining the positions and states of the at least one elevator (A-D) and the at least one vehicle (2c), and using the positions and the states to calculate the itinerary schedule.

12. The method according to one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: Sending the itinerary schedule to the calling terminal (6a), the control system (4) receiving the travel request from the calling terminal.

13. The method according to one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising: - Monitoring the movement of the passenger (8) using a camera system (7) to determine whether to transport the passenger (8) according to the itinerary schedule, the camera system being coupled to the control system (4) and having a plurality of cameras (7) arranged on the floors (L1, Ln); and - Generate an alarm signal in case a deviation from the travel schedule is detected.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising initiating at least one mitigation measure in response to the alarm signal, wherein, The at least one mitigation measure includes: generating a notification for communication to the passenger (8), modifying the scheduled travel, and / or controlling the elevator system (2a) and the vehicle system (2b) according to the modified scheduled travel.

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