System and method for allocating elevator services based on passenger priority

Abstract

An elevator system is disclosed having a plurality of elevators including a first elevator and a second elevator, and a controller controlling the plurality of elevators and communicating over a network with a first device seeking elevator service at a hall, where the controller: receives a first request from the first device to receive the elevator service; providing the first priority number to a first device based on the first priority number and a remaining elevator capacity of the plurality of elevators; a first allocation is implemented in which the first elevator is allocated to serve the first request.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to elevator call services, and more specifically to systems and methods for allocating elevator service based on passenger priority. BACKGROUND

[0002] When an elevator is allocated to a user after an elevator call is made by the user, there can be limited certainty as to whether the elevator can service the user due to available space / capacity. The user can wait until the elevator arrives to learn that the elevator is fully occupied. The user can then be required to re-call the elevator, which can be an annoying and inefficient process. SUMMARY

[0003] An elevator system is disclosed, comprising a plurality of elevators including a first elevator and a second elevator, and a controller controlling the plurality of elevators and communicating over a network with a first device seeking elevator service in a lobby, wherein the controller: receives a first request from the first device to receive elevator service, provides a first priority number to the first device, implements a first allocation based on the first priority number and a remaining elevator capacity in the plurality of elevators, wherein the first elevator is allocated to service the first request.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features, or alternative features, the controller, after implementing the first allocation, monitors for a change in capacity in the first elevator, and upon determining that the remaining capacity in the first elevator is insufficient to service the first request, the controller terminates the first allocation, implements a second allocation, wherein the second elevator is allocated to service the first request.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features, or alternative features, after terminating the first allocation, the controller directs the first elevator to bypass the lobby.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features, or alternative features, the first device includes a first display, and upon reflecting the first determination, the controller transmits first data to the first device for publication on the first display, the first data identifying the first elevator allocated to service the first request.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features, or alternative features, the first data identifies one or more of a first remaining capacity in the first elevator and the first priority number.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features or alternative features, when monitoring for a change in capacity in the first elevator, the first controller transmits second data to the first device for publication on the first display, the second data identifying the monitored change in capacity in the first elevator.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features or alternative features, upon terminating the first allocation and implementing the second allocation, the controller transmits third data to the first device, the third data identifying an allocation change for servicing the first request.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features or alternative features, the system includes a plurality of mobile devices, the plurality of mobile devices including the first device and a second device are in the lobby, and when the second elevator arrives at the lobby, the controller directs the first device and the second device into the second elevator based on a relative priority number between the first device and the second device.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features or alternative features, when the second elevator is in the lobby, the controller monitors for a change in capacity in the second elevator to determine (i) whether the capacity in the second elevator remains sufficient to service the first request, or (ii) whether to terminate the second allocation and reallocate servicing of the first request to another elevator of the plurality of elevators.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the above disclosed features or alternative features, the controller further communicates with the plurality of devices over a personal area network.

[0013] A method of servicing elevator calls with an elevator system is also disclosed, the system including one or more of the above disclosed features.

[0014] The foregoing features and elements can be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof are further described in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an elevator system in which various embodiments of the present invention can be employed; Figure 2Additional features of the disclosed embodiments are shown; and Figure 3 Processes utilizing the disclosed embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105 are connected to each other by the tension member 107. The tension member 107 can include or be configured as, for example, a rope, a steel cable, and / or a coated steel belt. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and to facilitate movement of the elevator car 103 within an elevator hoistway 117 and along the guide rail 109 in parallel and in an opposite direction relative to the counterweight 105.

[0018] The tension member 107 engages the machine 111, which is part of a head structure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 can be mounted on a stationary portion of the elevator hoistway 117, such as a support or guide rail, at the top of the elevator hoistway 117 and can be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the elevator hoistway 117. In other embodiments, the position reference system 113 can be mounted directly to a moving member of the machine 111, or can be located in other positions and / or configurations, as known in the art. The position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring the position of the elevator car and / or counterweight, as known in the art. The position reference system 113 can be, for example, but is not limited to, an encoder, a sensor, or other system, and can include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0019] The controller 115 is located in a controller room 121 of the elevator hoistway 117 as shown, and is configured to control operation of the elevator system 101 and, in particular, the elevator car 103. For example, the controller 115 can provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 can also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. The elevator car 103 can be stopped at one or more landings 125 as controlled by the controller 115 as it moves up or down along the rails 109 within the elevator hoistway 117. Although shown in the controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be positioned and / or configured in other locations within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller can be remotely positioned or in the cloud.

[0020] The machine 111 can include a motor or similar driving mechanism. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power source for the motor can be any power source (including a power grid) that is combined with other components to supply to the motor. The machine 111 can include a traction sheave that exerts a force on the traction member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the elevator hoistway 117.

[0021] Although shown and described with a roped system including a traction member 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms to move an elevator car within an elevator hoistway can employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments can be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a linear motor to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments can also be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a hydraulic lift to impart motion to an elevator car. Figure 1 The non-limiting examples presented are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. Figure 2 An elevator system, generally referred to as 200, is disclosed in the background. The system 200 can include a plurality of elevators, generally referred to as 210, including a first elevator 220 and a second elevator 230. A controller 240 can control the plurality of elevators 210. The controller 240 can communicate with a first device 260, which can be a mobile phone of a person seeking elevator service at a lobby 270, over a network 250. According to embodiments, the first network can be a private area network (PAN). According to embodiments, the first device 260 can represent a first passenger seeking elevator service.

[0022] Turning to Figure 3, the controller 240 can perform a first process S200 that allocates elevator service to the first device 260 based on a device priority. The first process S200 can include a step S210 that the controller 240 receives a first request from the first device 260 to receive elevator service. The first process S200 can include a step S220 that the first controller 240 provides a first priority number to the first device 260. Based on the first priority number and a remaining elevator capacity in the plurality of elevators 210, the controller 240 can perform a step S230 that implements a first allocation in which a first elevator 220 in the plurality of elevators 210 is allocated to service the first request.

[0023] The first process S200 can include the controller 240 performing a step S240 that monitors for a change in capacity in the first elevator 220 after implementing the first allocation. Upon determining that the remaining capacity in the first elevator 220 is insufficient to service the first request, the controller 240 can perform a step S250 that terminates the first allocation and implements a second allocation. According to the second allocation, a second elevator 230 in the plurality of elevators 210 can be allocated to service the first request. Additionally, according to an embodiment, upon terminating the first allocation, the controller 240 can perform a step S260 that directs the first elevator 220 to bypass the lobby 270.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the first device 260 can include a first display 280. Upon reflecting the first determination, the controller 240 can transmit first data to the first device 260 for publication on the first display 280. The first data can identify that the first elevator 220 is allocated to service the first request. The first data can also identify one or more of the remaining capacity in the first elevator 220 and the first priority number. According to an embodiment, upon monitoring for a change in capacity in the first elevator 220, the first controller 240 can transmit second data to the first device 260 for publication on the first display 280. The second data can identify the monitored change in capacity in the first elevator 220. According to an embodiment, upon terminating the first allocation and implementing the second allocation, the controller 240 can transmit third data to the first device for publication on the first display 280. The third data can identify the change in allocation to service the first request.

[0025] At the lobby 270, there can be a plurality of mobile devices, generally referred to as 290, including the first device 260 and the second device 300. As indicated, the plurality of mobile devices 290 can be a respective plurality of mobile phones utilized by a respective plurality of passengers seeking elevator service. According to an embodiment, when the second elevator 230 arrives at the lobby 270, the controller 240 can direct the first device 260 and the second device 300 to enter the second elevator 230 based on a relative priority number between the first device 260 and the second device 300. According to an embodiment, when the second elevator 230 is stationed at the lobby 270, the controller 240 monitors for a change in capacity in the second elevator 230 (i.e., the elevator currently assigned to service the lobby 270). During this time, the controller 240 determines (i) whether the capacity in the second elevator 230 remains sufficient to service the first request, or (ii) whether to terminate the second assignment and reassign service of the first request to another elevator in the plurality of elevators 210. The other elevator can be the first elevator 220 or a different elevator (not shown) in the plurality of elevators 210.

[0026] According to the above-described embodiments, a user's mobile device requests an elevator, and based on the assigned priority, the user can be assigned a queue for space in an elevator by the controller in order of priority if space / capacity is available. If a maximum assigned capacity is reached before the elevator arrives for the user, the user can be assigned a second elevator. For example, for a fifth user at the fifth floor, the first elevator can become capacity limited and only have space for two additional passengers. Then the two passengers in the request priority queue can be serviced. Subsequently, the system can dynamically re-route the remaining three passengers to a second elevator. Relevant information can be displayed on the user's mobile device.

[0027] As described above, embodiments can take the form of processor- implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes, such as processors. Embodiments can also take the form of computer program code embodied in tangible media, such as network cloud storage, an SD card, a flash drive, a floppy disk, a CD ROM, a hard disk drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing an embodiment. Embodiments can also take the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing an embodiment. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0028] The term "about" is intended to encompass a degree of error with respect to the manufacturing tolerances of the equipment that can be utilized in the submission of the application and / or the measurement of a particular quantity.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is 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.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will realize that the various example embodiments illustrated and described herein have certain features and characteristics in common with one another, but that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular embodiment. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all variations, modifications and equivalents, which fall within the scope of the present disclosure, along with their sub-combinations. Additionally, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure can include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as being limited by the foregoing description but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevator system comprising: a plurality of elevators; and a controller that controls the plurality of elevators and communicates through a network and a mobile device associated with a passenger seeking elevator service at a lobby, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to receiving an elevator service request from the mobile device, assign a first elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicate the assigned first elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger; monitor for a change in capacity in the first elevator after assigning the first elevator to the passenger; in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the first elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, assign a second elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicate the assigned second elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger; and monitor for a change in capacity in the second elevator while the second elevator is at the lobby and, in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the second elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, reassign another elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicate the reassigned elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger. The controller is further configured to, in response to assigning a second elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby, direct the first elevator to bypass the lobby.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to, in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the first elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, communicate the monitored change in capacity in the first elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to, in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the second elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, communicate the monitored change in capacity in the second elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to:

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, provide a priority number to the mobile device, and direct the passenger to enter the reassigned elevator when the reassigned elevator arrives at the lobby based on the priority number of the mobile device. The controller communicates with the mobile device through a personal area network.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, 7. A method of servicing an elevator call with an elevator system, the system comprising a plurality of elevators and a controller that controls the plurality of elevators and communicates through a network and a mobile device associated with a passenger seeking elevator service at a lobby, wherein the method comprises: in response to receiving an elevator service request from the mobile device, assigning a first elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicating the assigned first elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger; monitoring for a change in capacity in the first elevator after assigning the first elevator to the passenger; in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the first elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, assigning a second elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicating the assigned second elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger; and in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the second elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, reassigning another elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicating the reassigned elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger. ​ while the second elevator is at the lobby, monitoring a capacity change in the second elevator, and in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the second elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, reassigning another elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby and communicating the reassigned elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: in response to assigning a second elevator of the plurality of elevators to service the passenger at the lobby, directing the first elevator to bypass the lobby.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the first elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, communicating the monitored capacity change in the first elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: in response to determining that a remaining capacity of the second elevator is insufficient to service the passenger, communicating the monitored capacity change in the second elevator to the mobile device for display to the passenger.

11. The method of any of claims 7-10, further comprising: providing a priority number to the mobile device; and when the reassigned elevator arrives at the lobby, directing the passenger into the reassigned elevator based on the priority number of the mobile device.

12. The method of any one of claims 7-10, wherein, the controller communicates with the mobile device over a personal area network.

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