Continuous quality monitoring of delivery system

Abstract

The monitoring system includes one or more detection devices, a communication device, and an analysis system. The one or more detection devices generate one or more data streams at the delivery system that describe ride of the delivery system, where the data streams include at least one of vibration data and audio data. A communication device transmits sensor data based on one or more data streams. The analysis system receives the sensor data from the communication device and determines a ride quality of the transport system based on the sensor data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments relate to the field of conveyance systems, and more particularly, to continuous quality monitoring of elevator systems or other conveyance systems. Background Art

[0002] Elevator system ride quality is a key measure of passenger comfort in the elevator car. Currently, ride quality is measured during commissioning and maintenance. A technician places a portable device on the floor of the elevator car. The device takes ride quality-related measurements. These measurements can be read by the technician to determine the current ride quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an embodiment, a monitoring system includes one or more detection devices, a communication device, and an analysis system. The one or more detection devices generate one or more data streams at a conveyor system that describe the ride of the conveyor system, wherein the data streams include at least one of vibration data and audio data. The communication device transmits sensor data based on the one or more data streams. An analysis system (at least a portion of which is remote from the conveyor system) receives the sensor data from the communication device and determines, in real time, a ride quality of the conveyor system based on the sensor data.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a monitoring method includes generating one or more data streams at a conveyor system describing a ride of the conveyor system, wherein the data streams include at least one of vibration data and audio data. Sensor data based on the one or more data streams is transmitted to an analysis system remote from the conveyor system. A ride quality of the conveyor system is determined in real time based on the sensor data.

[0005] According to yet another embodiment, a computer program product for monitoring a conveyor system includes a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a processing unit to cause the processing unit to perform a method. The method includes generating one or more data streams at a conveyor system describing a ride on the conveyor system, wherein the data streams include at least one of vibration data and audio data. Further according to the method, sensor data based on the one or more data streams is transmitted to an analysis system remote from the conveyor system. A ride quality of the conveyor system is determined in real time based on the sensor data.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, one or more data streams generated at the conveying system include vibration data generated by a vibration sensor or audio data captured by a microphone, or both.

[0007] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the transport system is an elevator system.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, a vibration sensor detects a triggering event and generates vibration data in response to the triggering event.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, a microphone detects a triggering event and captures audio data in response to the triggering event.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, local pre-processing is performed on one or more data streams at the conveyance system to generate sensor data.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the audio data captured by the microphone includes audio during operation of the delivery system and audio during operation of the second delivery system.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, a calibration is performed. The calibration includes determining one or more transformations between sensor data and measurements made by a measurement device.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the analysis system learns through machine learning based on historical sensor data to identify the ride quality of the conveyance system.

[0014] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the analysis system automatically performs remedial action in response to the ride quality of the conveyance system.

[0015] The technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include real-time remote monitoring of the ongoing ride quality of a conveyor system without requiring a technician to be present at the conveyor system. Thus, if the performance of the conveyor system degrades sufficiently, an alert is generated to dispatch a technician. Furthermore, the technician can be alerted to potential problems and can arrive ready to perform the intended repair.

[0016] The aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless otherwise expressly indicated. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent in view of the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of examples and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed; Figure 2 is a diagram of a monitoring system for monitoring the ongoing ride quality of a transportation system, such as an elevator system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 illustrates calibration of a monitoring system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of monitoring continuous ride quality according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the figures.

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, tension members 107, guide rails 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. Elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other via tension members 107. Tension members 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, steel cables, and / or coated steel belts. Counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of elevator car 103 and to facilitate movement of elevator car 103 within elevator hoistway 117 and along guide rails 109 in simultaneous and opposite directions relative to counterweight 105.

[0021] Tension member 107 engages machine 111, which is part of the overhead structure of elevator system 101. Machine 111 is configured to control movement between elevator car 103 and counterweight 105. Position reference system 113 can be mounted on a fixed portion at the top of elevator shaft 117, such as on a support or guide rail, and can be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, position reference system 113 can be mounted directly to the moving components of machine 111, or can be located in other locations and / or configurations known in the art. Position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism known in the art for monitoring the position of an elevator car and / or counterweight. For example, without limitation, position reference system 113 can be an encoder, sensor, or other system and can include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, etc. (as will be understood by those skilled in the art).

[0022] As shown, controller 115 is located in controller room 121 of elevator hoistway 117 and is configured to control the operation of elevator system 101, and in particular, elevator car 103. For example, controller 115 can provide drive signals to machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of elevator car 103. Controller 115 can also be configured to receive position signals from position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. When moving up or down along guide rails 109 within elevator hoistway 117, elevator car 103 can stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by controller 115. Although shown in control room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that controller 115 can be located and / or configured at other locations or positions within elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller can be remotely located or in the cloud.

[0023] Machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power source for the motor may be any power source (including the electrical grid), which (in combination with other components) supplies the motor. Machine 111 may include a traction sheave that imparts force to tension member 107 to move elevator car 103 within elevator hoistway 117.

[0024] Although shown and described with a pulling system as the tension member 107, embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed with elevator systems 101 that employ other methods and mechanisms for moving an elevator car within the elevator hoistway 117. For example, embodiments may be employed in a ropeless elevator system 101 that uses a linear motor to move the elevator car 103. Embodiments may also be employed in a ropeless elevator system 101 that uses a hydraulic lift to move the elevator car 103. Figure 1 These are non-limiting examples presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram of a monitoring system 200 for monitoring the continuous ride quality of a transportation system, such as elevator system 101, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Although this disclosure describes monitoring system 200 in detail as applied to elevator system 101, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments may be applicable to escalators or other transportation systems.

[0026] In some embodiments, monitoring system 200 includes one or more detection devices, such as vibration sensor 210 and microphone 220. In some embodiments, vibration sensor 210 or microphone 220, or both, are connected to processing unit 230, which receives measurements from the connected vibration sensor 210 or microphone 220, or both. Processing unit 230 can be connected to cloud 250 via communication device 240. Processing unit 230 can thereby transmit sensor data 260 to cloud 250, where analysis system 270 can perform analysis to determine ongoing ride quality and thereby remotely monitor ongoing ride quality.

[0027] although Figure 2 The vibration sensor 210, microphone 220, processing unit 230, and communication device 240 are shown as being located together, but this is for illustration purposes only. When both the vibration sensor 210 and microphone 220 are used, these can be separate devices or can be integrated together into a single detection device. In addition, each of the processing unit 230 and the communication device 240 can also be distinct devices. Furthermore, these various components do not need to be located together in the elevator system 101, but can instead be distributed throughout the elevator system 101, as will be discussed further below. Thus, although Figure 2 A single device is illustrated as vibration sensor 210 , microphone 220 , processing unit 230 , and communication device 240 , but those skilled in the art will understand that monitoring system 200 may include one or more devices for these purposes.

[0028] As in Figure 2 As shown in FIG, vibration sensor 210, microphone 220, processing unit 230, and communication device 240 can be positioned above elevator car 103. However, other locations for monitoring system 200 can also be used. For example, and not by way of limitation, vibration sensor 210 can be built into the wall of elevator car 103 or attached to the lintel of elevator car 103. For another example, a microphone can be integrated into elevator car 103 as part of an in-cabin telecommunications system, which can be used for additional purposes beyond those described herein. Processing unit 230 can be positioned to enable connection with each of vibration sensor 210 and microphone 220, and communication device 240 can be positioned to enable connection with processing unit 230. Each of vibration sensor 210, microphone 220, processing unit 230, and communication device 240 can be attached to or integrated with elevator system 101, or can be positioned within or above the elevator system without being attached.

[0029] As discussed above, conventionally, portable devices are used during commissioning and maintenance to test the ride quality of elevator systems at the time of such commissioning or maintenance. However, commissioning and maintenance events are short-term, and thus, testing performed during those times is insufficient to obtain a comprehensive picture of ride quality. Furthermore, because measuring ride quality typically involves only a single person, conventional mechanisms do not account for fluctuations in passenger volume. However, according to some embodiments of the disclosure, ride quality can be monitored in real time on a continuous basis. Furthermore, because vibration sensor 210 can have higher fidelity than conventional devices used to measure ride quality, the measurements taken can therefore be more reliable. Furthermore, because further analysis can be performed in cloud 250, ride quality can be remotely monitored and analyzed over varying passenger volumes.

[0030] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the vibration sensor 210 is an accelerometer, such as a three-axis accelerometer. Thus, the vibration sensor 210 can detect vibrations in three dimensions. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 210 can detect vibrations in one or two dimensions. In some embodiments, multiple vibration sensors 210 can be used. Generally, the vibration sensor 210 can output a data stream of vibration data that includes measurements describing vibrations detected during elevator operation in the elevator system 101. The vibration sensor 210 can communicate with the processing unit 230 and can thus transmit the data stream to the processing unit 230.

[0031] In contrast to conventional portable devices, vibration sensor 210 can remain with elevator system 101 regardless of whether a technician is present. Specifically, vibration sensor 210 can remain with elevator system 101 from the time of installation until removal, which could be days, months, or years later. During this time, vibration sensor 210 can continuously measure vibrations of elevator car 103. In addition, vibration sensor 210 can continuously deliver detected measurements to processing unit 230.

[0032] In some embodiments of the disclosure, vibration sensor 210 need not always detect vibration. Instead, vibration sensor 210 can be in either a dormant mode or an active mode at a given time, such that vibration sensor 210 measures vibration during active mode but not during dormant mode. In such embodiments, active mode can be triggered in response to a set of one or more triggering events, where the presence of at least one triggering event causes vibration sensor 210 to switch to active mode. For example, and not by way of limitation, a triggering event can be the presence of at least one person inside an elevator car. To this end, for example, a motion sensor or other device for detecting presence can communicate with vibration sensor 210, or a motion sensor or other presence detector can communicate with controller 115, which can communicate information to vibration sensor 210 as needed. In this manner, vibration sensor 210 can switch to active mode upon the occurrence of a triggering event. For additional examples, a triggering event can include one or more of: movement of elevator car 103, which can be detected by controller 115; or the closing of an elevator door, which can also be detected by controller 115.

[0033] The vibration sensor 210 can return to sleep mode in response to one or more sets of sleep events, wherein the presence of at least one of such sleep events can cause the vibration sensor 210 to switch into sleep mode. The sleep events can include, for example, one or more of the following: a predetermined period of time has passed since the last triggering event; arrival at a landing, which can be detected by the controller 115; or an elevator door opening, which can be detected by the controller 115. Detection of the triggering event or sleep event can be achieved in various ways, such as by connecting sensors for the triggering event and the sleep event to the processing unit 230 or to the controller 115, either of which can enable or disable the vibration sensor 210 as needed.

[0034] Microphone 220 captures audio associated with the movement of elevator car 103, and in particular, captures movement during elevator operation. Generally, this can be useful because a typical elevator ride is relatively quiet without unexpected noises, and the sounds of the ride typically fall within an expected range. Microphone 220 can be positioned inside the elevator car, on top of elevator car 103, or elsewhere in a location where microphone 220 can capture sounds emitted by the movement of elevator car 103. Microphone 220 can output a data stream of audio data representing the captured audio. Microphone 220 can communicate with processing unit 230 and can thereby transmit the data stream to processing unit 230.

[0035] When microphone 220 is positioned atop an elevator car 103, the captured audio can relate not only to the elevator system 101 in which the microphone is positioned, but also to one or more other nearby elevator systems 101. That is, when positioned atop an elevator car 103, the microphone is not isolated from background noise caused by nearby elevator systems 101 within range of microphone 220, and thus the microphone's output also relates to those nearby elevator systems 101. For example, a group of two or more elevator systems 101 may be positioned near each other, perhaps sharing an elevator bay, and perhaps also connected to nearby elevator shafts. In this case, a microphone 220 positioned atop an elevator car 103 of one of such elevator systems 101 can pick up audio representing the movement of the other elevator cars 103. This can be advantageous because, in some embodiments, nearby elevator systems 101 can be monitored by monitoring system 200 without being equipped with microphones 220 themselves.

[0036] In some embodiments of the disclosure, microphone 220 need not capture audio at all times. Instead, microphone 220 can be in either a dormant mode or an active mode at a given time, such that microphone 220 captures audio during its active mode but not during its dormant mode. In such embodiments, active mode can be triggered in response to a triggering event, and dormant mode can be triggered in response to a dormant event. For example, and not by way of limitation, a dormant event can be the presence of at least one person inside the elevator car. When passengers are present in elevator car 103, microphone 220 will pick up the sounds made by those passengers, and thus, some embodiments only capture audio when elevator car 103 is empty. To this end, for example, a motion sensor or other device for detecting presence can communicate with microphone 220, or a motion sensor or other presence detector can communicate with controller 115, which can communicate presence to microphone 220 as needed. For another example, a triggering event can be the detection of the absence of passengers in elevator car 103, and thus, microphone 220 can resume capturing sound when elevator car 103 is empty. Detection of a trigger event or a dormant event may be accomplished in various ways, such as having sensors of the trigger event and dormant event connected to the processing unit 230 or to the controller 115 , either of which may enable or disable the microphone 220 as needed.

[0037] In some embodiments of the disclosure, both the vibration sensor 210 and the microphone 220 can operate simultaneously, so that vibration and audio are measured simultaneously. As discussed above, both the vibration sensor 210 and the microphone 220 can communicate with the processing unit 230. Thus, if the monitoring system 200 includes the vibration sensor 210, the processing unit 230 can receive a corresponding data stream from the vibration sensor 210, and if the monitoring system 200 includes the microphone 220, the processing unit 230 can receive a corresponding data stream from the microphone 220.

[0038] Processing unit 230 may perform local pre-processing on each received data stream. For example, and not by way of limitation, pre-processing may include one or more of compression, removal of data within a threshold, or other operations. In some embodiments, pre-processing may reduce network traffic from processing unit 230 to cloud 250 or reduce or eliminate data that may be unusable by analysis system 270.

[0039] Processing unit 230 can transmit sensor data 260 to cloud 250, where sensor data 260 is data received from vibration sensor 210 or microphone 220, or both. As discussed above, in some embodiments, processing unit 230 can perform pre-processing on the data stream, and thus, sensor data 260 transmitted to cloud 250 is not necessarily raw data from the data stream, but rather may be data resulting from pre-processing the data stream. However, if no pre-processing is performed, sensor data 260 may be the same as the data stream received by processing unit 230. In some embodiments of the disclosure, processing unit 230 transmits sensor data 260 to cloud 250 autonomously, e.g., in real time, in response to having received the data stream. Additionally or alternatively, cloud 250 can request to receive sensor data 260, and processing unit 230 can thereby transmit sensor data 260 on demand.

[0040] To enable the transmission of sensor data 260, processing unit 230 can be connected to communication device 240. The connection between processing unit 230 and communication device 240 can be wired or wireless, such as Ethernet, optical, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Zigbee, Zwave, Bluetooth, or any other known communication protocol. For example and not by way of limitation, communication device 240 can be a cellular gateway or other device capable of communicating with cloud 250.

[0041] The cloud 250 may include one or more nodes, each of which may be a computing device or a portion of a computing device. Through these nodes, the cloud 250 may execute an analysis system 270 that may perform analysis on the sensor data 260 received from the processing unit 230. In general, the analysis system 270 may attempt to determine the ride quality of the elevator system 101, or the ride quality of the elevator system 101 and one or more nearby elevator systems 101.

[0042] In some embodiments of the disclosure, analysis system 270 utilizes machine learning to analyze sensor data 260 received from processing unit 230. For example, analysis system 270 may include a cognitive engine that is trained on historical sensor data 260 associated with tags. This historical sensor data 260 may include data from vibration sensor 210 or microphone 220, or both. Specifically, tags may associate certain portions of historical sensor data 260 with corresponding ride quality (such as a particular level of ride quality). For example, and not by way of limitation, if it is desired to group ride quality into three levels, portions of historical sensor data 260 may be labeled according to those three levels. After being trained, the cognitive engine may be able to receive sensor data 260 and determine the ride quality of the received sensor data 260. For example, given three levels of ride quality, the cognitive engine may be able to identify the ride quality level in each portion of sensor data 260.

[0043] In some embodiments, the analysis system 270 automatically performs remedial actions in response to various levels of ride quality that are less than an established minimum level. For example, and not by way of limitation, the remedial action may be issuing an alert that can notify the owner or maintenance organization of the elevator system 101 that maintenance is required. For example, and not by way of limitation, if the analysis system 270 is able to associate a portion of the sensor data 260 with a quality level selected from a set of three quality levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), where increasing levels indicate increasing quality, then Level 2 can be considered the minimum acceptable level. In this case, Level 2 quality can prompt the analysis system 270 to issue an alert indicating that maintenance may be required, while Level 1 quality can prompt the analysis system 270 to issue an alert indicating that maintenance is urgently needed. Upon notification of the alert, the maintenance organization can dispatch a technician to physically inspect the elevator system 101. Thus, the disclosed embodiments enable continuous and remote monitoring of ride quality, rather than conventionally determining ride quality only when a technician is present.

[0044] In some embodiments of the disclosure, analysis performed by analysis system 270 may be facilitated by calibration. Figure 3 FIGURE 2 illustrates the calibration of the monitoring system 200 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, in some embodiments, calibration of the monitoring system 200 is performed using the vibration sensor 210 or the microphone 220, or both, in combination with a conventional portable device 310 or other manually used measuring device. Although calibration is discussed herein as being performed using the portable device 310, it will be understood that other measuring devices available to a technician may also be used during calibration. To perform calibration, the portable device 310 may be placed on the floor of the elevator car 103 as is conventional. Because the use of the portable device 310 is well known, there may be established thresholds indicating acceptable measurements for the portable device.

[0045] During calibration, the portable device 310 can take measurements during movement of the elevator car 103 while the vibration sensor 210 is also taking measurements or the microphone 220 is capturing audio, or both. Using techniques known in the art, one or more transformations can be established to map the sensor data 260 of the vibration sensor 210 or the microphone 220, or both, to measurements output by the portable device 310. Specifically, for example, the sensor data 260 and measurements of the portable device 310 can be transmitted to the cloud 250, where the analysis system 270 can determine the one or more transformations. Thus, because one or more acceptable measurement ranges for the portable device 310 are known, it can be determined which measurements of the vibration sensor 210 or the microphone 220, or both, represent acceptable ride quality using these one or more transformations.

[0046] Thus, in this manner, monitoring system 200 can be trained offline. Furthermore, in some embodiments, analysis system 270 utilizes the resulting one or more transformations to remotely analyze ongoing ride quality based on current sensor data 260.

[0047] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for monitoring continuous ride quality according to some embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that the method 400 is an illustrative example and does not limit the various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0048] As in Figure 4 , at block 405, the monitoring system 200 is installed in the elevator system 101. In some embodiments, this occurs during commissioning of the elevator system 101, but alternatively, the monitoring system 200 can be installed in the elevator system 101 after the elevator system 101 has entered regular use. As discussed above, the placement of the various components of the monitoring system 200 can vary.

[0049] At block 410, the monitoring system 200 is initialized, which may include, for example, calibration or cognitive training. As discussed above, calibration may involve training the analysis system 270 to identify various levels of ride quality by determining the transformation between measurements from the vibration sensor 210 or microphone 220 and measurements from the portable device 310. Additionally or alternatively, the analysis system may learn to identify ride quality levels in the sensor data 260 via machine learning.

[0050] At block 415, monitoring system 200 continuously detects at least one of vibration data and audio data. This can occur without human supervision. Furthermore, detection by each of vibration sensor 210 and microphone 220 need not occur at all times. Instead, each of vibration sensor 210 and microphone 220 can be associated with a corresponding set of trigger events, which can cause them to begin detecting and generate a corresponding data stream, and a corresponding set of sleep events, which can cause them to cease detecting and, thereby, cease generating a corresponding data stream.

[0051] At block 420, processing unit 230 of monitoring system 200 receives a respective data stream from each of vibration sensor 210 and microphone 220. At block 425, processing unit 230 pre-processes the data stream, which generates sensor data 260. At block 430, processing unit 230 transmits sensor data 260 to cloud 250 via communication device 240. At block 435, in the cloud, analysis system 270 analyzes sensor data 260 upon receipt to thereby remotely and in real time monitor ongoing ride quality.

[0052] At decision block 440, the analysis system 270 determines whether the received sensor data 260 meets a threshold quality. If the threshold quality is met, then at block 445, the analysis system 270 continues to receive the sensor data 260 and analyzes the sensor data 260 as it arrives. However, if the threshold quality is not met, then at block 450, the analysis system 270 additionally issues an alert indicating that maintenance may be required. In either case, the analysis system 270 can continuously monitor the elevator system 101 by analyzing the sensor data 260 as it is received.

[0053] Thus, according to embodiments of the disclosure, the ride quality of an elevator system 101 or a group of elevator systems 101 can be continuously and remotely monitored, regardless of whether a technician is present. In some embodiments, this remote monitoring occurs in real time and can therefore be used to initiate maintenance visits on an as-needed basis.

[0054] As described above, embodiments may take the form of processes implemented by a processing unit and apparatus for practicing those processes (such as a processing unit). Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in a tangible medium (such as a network cloud storage, an SD card, a flash drive, a floppy disk, a CD ROM, a hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments may also take the form of, for example, computer program code stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium (such as by wire or cable, by fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessing unit, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessing unit to create specific logic circuits.

[0055] The term "about" is intended to encompass the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0056] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises and / or comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for continuous quality monitoring of an elevator system, comprising: a sensor, disposed on an elevator car of the elevator system to detect whether a passenger is present in the elevator car; a vibration sensor disposed on the elevator car, the vibration sensor being in a dormant mode or in an active mode at a given time and, in response to a first triggering event from the sensor indicating the presence of at least one passenger within the elevator car and in response to movement of the elevator car, switching from the dormant mode to the active mode to measure vibration data during elevator operation; a microphone disposed on the elevator car, the microphone being in a dormant mode or an active mode at a given time and, in response to a second triggering event from the sensor indicating the absence of a passenger in the elevator car and in response to movement of the elevator car, switching from the dormant mode to the active mode to measure audio data associated with the movement of the elevator car; a communication device configured to transmit sensor data based on the vibration data and / or the audio data; as well as An analysis system remote from the elevator system, wherein the analysis system is configured to receive the sensor data from the communication device and determine a ride quality of the elevator system based on the sensor data.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The microphone is also configured to capture audio of operation of a second elevator system within range of the microphone. 3 . The monitoring system of claim 1 , further comprising a processing unit configured to perform local pre-processing of the vibration data and / or the audio data at the elevator system to generate the sensor data.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein: The processing unit is further configured to perform calibration locally at the elevator system, and wherein the calibration comprises determining one or more transformations between the sensor data and a plurality of measurements made by a measurement device.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The analysis system is further configured to learn through machine learning based on historical sensor data to identify the ride quality of the elevator system.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The analysis system is further configured to automatically perform remedial action in response to the ride quality of the elevator system.

7. A monitoring method for continuous quality monitoring of an elevator system, comprising: Detecting whether there are passengers in the elevator car by using a sensor provided on the elevator car of the elevator system; triggering a vibration sensor disposed on the elevator car to switch from a dormant mode to an active mode to measure vibration data during elevator operation in response to a first triggering event from the sensor indicating the presence of at least one passenger in the elevator car and in response to movement of the elevator car; in response to a second triggering event from the sensor indicating that no passengers are present in the elevator car and in response to movement of the elevator car, triggering a microphone disposed on the elevator car to switch from a dormant mode to an active mode to measure audio data associated with the movement of the elevator car; generating sensor data based on the vibration data and / or the audio data at the elevator system; transmitting the sensor data to an analysis system remote from the elevator system; as well as A ride quality of the elevator system is determined based on the sensor data.

8. The monitoring method according to claim 7, further comprising: Audio of the operation of a second elevator system within range of the microphone is captured by the microphone.

9. The monitoring method according to claim 7, further comprising: Local pre-processing of the vibration data and / or the audio data is performed at the elevator system to generate the sensor data.

10. The monitoring method according to claim 9, further comprising: Calibration is performed locally at the elevator system to determine one or more transformations between the sensor data and a plurality of measurements made by a measurement device.

11. The monitoring method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining a ride quality of the elevator system based on the sensor data includes identifying the ride quality of the elevator system through machine learning based on historical sensor data.

12. The monitoring method according to claim 7, further comprising: Remedial action is automatically performed in response to the ride quality of the elevator system.

13. A computer program product for continuous quality monitoring of an elevator system, comprising computer instructions which, when executed by a processing unit, cause the processing unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A computer-readable storage medium for continuous quality monitoring of an elevator system, the computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed by a processing unit, cause the processing unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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