Assistance interface for passenger assistance

Abstract

The invention relates to an assistance interface for passenger assistance. A control system is provided and includes a personnel movement system deployed in a building as well as a passenger device and a building owner device. A memory of the passenger device has stored thereon first executable instructions of the control application that, when executed, cause the passenger device processor to register a passenger with the control application and to store a passenger profile of the passenger with the control application and to generate a passenger interface through which the passenger interfaces with the control application. A memory of the building owner device has stored thereon second executable instructions of the control application that, when executed, cause the building owner device processor to register the building with the control application and store a description of the building with the control application.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to personnel mobility systems, and more specifically, to elevator systems, escalator systems, and moving walkway systems that provide passenger assistance in the form of an auxiliary interface, a guiding robot, and elevator functionality derived from a wayfinding application.

[0002] In an elevator system, specifically, an elevator shaft is built into the building, and the elevator car travels up and down along the shaft to reach landing doors on different floors of the building. The elevator's movement is driven by a machine controlled by a controller based on instructions received from users of the elevator system. During operation, passengers typically arrive at an elevator landing in the building, press the call button, and wait for the elevator to arrive. Once the elevator arrives and its doors open, passengers enter the elevator and select their destination floor. The doors close, and the elevator travels up or down to the selected floor, at which point the passengers disembark.

[0003] Using elevators, escalators, and moving walkways can often be challenging for passengers with special needs. Blind or visually impaired passengers may not be able to see elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, their respective floors, or their individual buttons. Passengers with mobility impairments may not be able to enter or exit elevators in time when doors open or close. Even for passengers without special needs, locating elevators, escalators, and moving walkways within a given building can be difficult, especially when only certain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways serve certain floors or other designated areas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a control system is provided, comprising a personnel movement system deployed in a building, a passenger device, and a building owner device. The memory of the passenger device stores thereon first executable instructions for a control application, which, when executed, cause a processor of the passenger device to register a passenger with the control application, store a passenger profile of the passenger using the control application, and generate a passenger interface through which the passenger interfaces with the control application. The memory of the building owner device stores thereon second executable instructions for the control application, which, when executed, cause a processor of the building owner device to register the building with the control application and store a description of the building using the control application.

[0005] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, the passenger profile of the passenger includes at least a description of the type of the passenger.

[0006] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, the passenger profile of the passenger may further include at least one or more of the passenger's disability information, the passenger's role information, passenger assistance information, and passenger device information.

[0007] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the description of the building includes at least the location of the building.

[0008] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the description of the building may further include at least a description of the building's floors and floor layout, as well as a description of the building's services.

[0009] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, when executed, the first executable instructions of the control application cause the passenger device processor to provide navigation and assistance to the passenger via the passenger interface as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile and a description of the building.

[0010] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the navigation and assistance include wayfinding to and through buildings.

[0011] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, when executed, the second executable instruction of the control application causes the building owner device processor to instruct the elevator system to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile and the description of the building.

[0012] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the available assistance includes automatic elevator calling and dispatching, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a control system is provided, comprising a personnel movement system deployed in a building, a passenger device, and a building owner device. The passenger device's memory stores thereon first executable instructions for a control application, which, when executed, cause a passenger device processor to register a passenger with the control application, store a passenger profile with the control application, and generate a passenger interface through which the passenger interacts with the control application. The building owner device's memory stores thereon second executable instructions for the control application, which, when executed, cause a building owner device processor to register the building with the control application and store a description of the building with the control application. The passenger profile includes at least the passenger's disability information, and the description of the building includes at least the building's available assistive information.

[0014] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, the passenger profile of the passenger includes at least a description of the type of the passenger.

[0015] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, the passenger profile may further include at least one or more of the passenger's disability information, passenger role information, passenger assistance information, and passenger device information.

[0016] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the description of the building includes at least the location of the building.

[0017] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the description of the building may further include at least a description of the building's floors and floor layout, available auxiliary information about the building, and a description of the building's services.

[0018] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, when executed, the first executable instructions of the control application cause the passenger device processor to provide navigation and assistance to the passenger via the passenger interface as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile, the passenger's disability information, a description of the building, and available assistance information for the building.

[0019] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the navigation and assistance include wayfinding to and through buildings.

[0020] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, when executed, a second executable instruction of the control application causes the building owner device processor to instruct the elevator system to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile, the passenger's disability information, the building's description, and the building's available assistance information.

[0021] According to additional or alternative embodiments, the available assistance includes automatic elevator calling and dispatching, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

[0022] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for operating a control system for use in a personnel mobility system deployed in a building is provided. The method includes registering a passenger with a control application; storing a passenger profile of the passenger in the control application; registering the building with the control application; storing a description of the building in the control application; providing navigation and assistance to the passenger via a passenger interface as the passenger arrives at and passes through the building, based on the passenger profile and the description of the building; and instructing an elevator system to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger arrives at and passes through the building, based on the passenger profile and the description of the building.

[0023] According to additional or alternative embodiments, providing navigation and assistance via the passenger interface includes wayfinding to and through the building, and instructing the elevator system to provide the available assistance includes instructing the elevator system to perform automatic elevator calls and scheduling, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

[0024] Additional features and advantages are achieved through the technology disclosed herein. Other embodiments and aspects of this disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed technical concept. For a better understanding of the advantages and features of this disclosure, please refer to the specification and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an elevator system according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of an elevator system control application according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2B This illustrates how the parties, according to the embodiments, interact with... Figure 2A A flowchart of the elevator system control application interaction;

[0029] Figure 3 According to the embodiments Figure 2A and Figure 2B A graphical description of an example of elevator control application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an elevator control system according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 This illustrates an embodiment for use Figure 4 A flowchart of the operation method of the elevator control system;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the system according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a graphical display of a pathfinding application in which a user interface has been generated according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computing system for pathfinding and elevator system control according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a diagram of an automated pathfinding system with robot guidance;

[0036] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a robot guide virtually bound to a passenger according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 11 This is an illustration of a robotic guide coupled to a passenger's wheelchair according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 12 This is an illustration of a robotic guide provided as a passenger's wheelchair according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an automatic pathfinding system according to an embodiment; and

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an interactive system executable on a portable computing device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] There is a continued need for elevator systems, escalators, and moving walkways, and more generally, a need to make building transportation systems more inclusive and easier to use, thus making buildings easier to navigate. This is especially true for passengers with special needs, such as blind or visually impaired passengers, and passengers with mobility impairments.

[0042] Therefore, as described below, a personnel mobility system is provided in the form of an elevator system, escalator system, and / or moving walkway system, with a dual-sided application including both a passenger side and a building side. Several users of different types are included based on their respective roles (i.e., passengers, mechanics, etc.), with each user optionally having a detailed profile for each user type. Based on passenger data, certain modules are activated to assist passengers when they wish to use the personnel mobility system (i.e., visual assistance for those with visual challenges, voice assistance for deaf passengers, and slowing down operations for passengers with mobility impairments). Similar profiles can be created by building owners interested in using the application platform to improve inclusivity, ease of use, and building navigation. Furthermore, an elevator system is provided where a navigation application (such as a navigation application installed on a smartphone) allows passengers to navigate solely to the personnel mobility system without requiring a separate personnel mobility system application. Additionally, an automated wayfinding system is provided that uses robotics to mimic the behavior of a hotel concierge or porter. The automated wayfinding system can be invoked by the aforementioned application, particularly where (one or more) passengers can register their desired destination, whereby the system can respond by assigning a robotic guide assistant. Based on passenger profiles and needs, the range of robotic guide assistants can vary from simple navigational robotic guides to robotic assistive devices coupled to wheelchairs, stand-alone robotic wheelchairs, luggage racks, and more. The system's robotic guide scheduler will send the appropriate guide device to the passenger and will use building layout data to provide a navigation path to their elevator. The robotic assistive device will move along this path and will be virtually tethered to the passenger using human detection technologies such as LiDAR, RADAR, millimeter-wave sensing, and optical sensing to ensure it stays close to the passenger and moves at their pace. The robotic assistive device can provide coordinated movement when needed and can accompany them in the elevator if required. Once at the elevator, the robotic assistive device can signal its arrival and readiness to board. The robotic assistive device can also be programmed to communicate with passengers using greetings and helpful information (similar to those provided by concierges and porters). When needed, the robotic assistive device can also provide storage for passengers' bags and other belongings.

[0043] The following description will relate to situations involving personnel movement systems, particularly elevator systems. This is done for clarity and brevity and should not be construed as limiting the description or the claims below in any way. To further understand, other personnel movement systems may include, but are not limited to, escalator systems and moving walkway systems, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art without any excessive experimentation. Therefore, any references in the following description should be construed as relating to elevator systems, escalator systems, moving walkway systems, other similar systems, and / or personnel movement systems in general.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a perspective view of elevator system 101, which includes elevator car 103, counterweight 105, tension member 107, guide rails 109, machine 111, position reference system 113, and controller 115. Elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are interconnected via tension member 107. Tension member 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables, and / or coated steel strips. Counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of elevator car 103 and is configured to facilitate simultaneous and opposite movement of elevator car 103 relative to counterweight 105 within elevator shaft 117 and along guide rails 109.

[0045] 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 may be mounted on a fixed portion at the top of elevator shaft 117, such as on a support or guide rail, and may be configured to provide a position signal relating to the position of elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, position reference system 113 may be directly mounted to a moving component of machine 111, or may be located in other locations and / or configurations known in the art. Position reference system 113 may be any device or mechanism known in the art for monitoring the position of elevator car and / or counterweight. For example, but not limited to, position reference system 113 may be an encoder, sensor, or other system, and may include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0046] As shown, controller 115 may be located in controller room 121 of elevator shaft 117 and configured to control the operation of elevator system 101, and particularly the operation of elevator car 103. It should be understood that controller 115 does not need to be in controller room 121, but may be located in other locations within the elevator shaft or elevator system. For example, controller 115 may provide drive signals to machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc., of elevator car 103. Controller 115 may 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 rail 109 within elevator shaft 117, elevator car 103 may stop at one or more floors 125 as controlled by controller 115. Although shown in controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that controller 115 may be located and / or configured in other locations or places within elevator system 101. In one embodiment, controller 115 may be remotely located or positioned in a distributed computing network (e.g., a cloud computing architecture). The controller 115 can be implemented using a processor-based machine, such as a personal computer, server, or distributed computing network.

[0047] Machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to embodiments of this disclosure, machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power source for the motor is a variable speed drive, which is generally referred to as a drive. As those skilled in the art will understand, the drive includes several circuits, such as an inverter, a rectifier stage, a filter, and control circuitry components for controlling the motor. Machine 111 may include a traction pulley that applies a force to a tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117.

[0048] Elevator system 101 also includes one or more elevator doors 104. Elevator doors 104 may be integrally attached to elevator car 103, or elevator doors 104 may be located on a landing 125 of elevator system 101, or both. The embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to elevator doors 104 integrally attached to elevator car 103 or elevator doors 104 located on a landing 125 of elevator system 101, or both. Elevator doors 104 open to allow passengers to enter and exit elevator car 103.

[0049] Although illustrated and described using a rope system including tension member 107, elevator systems employing other methods and mechanisms for moving the elevator car within the elevator shaft can utilize embodiments of this disclosure. For example, embodiments can be used in cordless elevator systems that apply motion to the elevator car using a linear motor. Embodiments can also be used in cordless elevator systems that apply motion to the elevator car using a hydraulic lift. Embodiments can also be used in cordless elevator systems that utilize self-propelled elevator cars (e.g., elevator cars equipped with friction wheels, clamping wheels, or traction sheaves, escalator assemblies, and moving walkways). Figure 1 These are non-restrictive examples presented merely for illustrative and explanatory purposes.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1 And refer to other sources. Figure 2A and Figure 2B as well as Figure 3 , Figure 1 The elevator system 101 may be equipped with application 201 or generally controlled by application 201.

[0051] like Figure 2AAs shown, application 201 includes: a passenger database 210, which optionally includes information about different types of passengers (such as mechanics, facility owners, public servants, salespeople, employees, building residents, and guests); and a passenger profile database 220, which includes optional passenger profiles for each passenger included in passenger database 210 who has chosen to create a passenger profile. The passenger profile for each passenger who has chosen to create a passenger profile may include at least one or more of disability information 221 (as well as passenger preferences and various other characteristics), role information 222, assistive information 223, and device information 224, all of which can be entered by the passenger when deemed appropriate, and all of which can be protected and secured so that no other person can access them. Disability information 221 describes the corresponding passenger's disability (i.e., any disability, such as but not limited to vision, mobility, memory, communication, hearing, etc.) as well as the passenger's preferences and various other characteristics; role information 222 describes the corresponding passenger's role (i.e., any function, such as but not limited to working in the building, living in the building, visiting the building, etc.); assistive information 223 describes the corresponding passenger's assistive mechanisms, such as his / her wheelchair; and device information 224 describes the corresponding passenger's portable electronic devices (i.e., any device or device type, such as but not limited to watches, telephones, gadgets, computers, etc.). Application 201 also includes a building profile database 230 and an assistive database 240. The building profile database 230 may include descriptions of the building in which the elevator system 101 is deployed (i.e., offices, layouts, rooms, key locations including elevator groups, available robots, etc.). The auxiliary database 240 may include descriptions of auxiliary devices with various preferences, expectations, needs or requirements (i.e., any auxiliary device, such as, but not limited to, talkative, quiet, professional and / or friendly robots, service pets, gadgets, etc.).

[0052] Similarly, Figure 2A As shown, application 201 can interface with third-party tools 250, such as wayfinding applications, vision-aided applications or devices, and hearing-aided applications or devices, and can be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning (ML) capabilities 260. The third-party tool 250 can provide one or more services, including greetings, wheelchair parking, support, navigation services, provisioning, elevator calling, and dispatching.

[0053] like Figure 2BAs shown, for example, application 201 can be provided as a two-sided service for both users and building owners. On the passenger side 301, users download and / or use application 201 and register, and then they enter their profile information and any applicable disability information. On the building owner side 302, a representative of the building owner downloads and / or uses application 201 and registers, and then provides a description of the building, including disability support information, layout, available robots, etc. Separately from the passenger side 301 and the building owner side 302, a third-party tool 250 may, in certain circumstances, access user information and building information, enabling the third-party tool 250 to provide corresponding services.

[0054] Using the above architecture, application 201 can define operation module 1 for passengers, operation module 2 for mechanics, operation module 3 for building owners, operation module 4 for potential customers, operation module 5 for sales personnel, etc.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, in an exemplary instance, Figure 1 The elevator system 101 can be deployed in, for example, an office building 310 with multiple floors 311 and multiple offices 312 on each floor 311 (of course, the building does not have to be an office building). The office building 310 can be owned by an owner who is a registered user of the application 201, and the passenger 320 can be blind or visually impaired and can also be a registered user of the application 201. Upon registration, the passenger 320 indicates to the application 201 that he / she is blind or visually impaired and needs navigation and wayfinding assistance, and the building owner provides the application 201 with the layout of each office 312 on each floor 311 and the layout of the elevator group 313 serving those offices 312 and floors 311. In this exemplary instance, the passenger 320 can input his / her destination into the application 201, in which case the destination can be an apartment, an office, or another commercial location 312 on a specific floor 311 of the office building 310. Thus, the passenger 201 is guided to the office building 310 via voice navigation through his / her smartphone using the application 201. Once inside office building 310, application 201 provides additional voice navigation to the nearest elevator group 313, so application 201 can then... Figure 1 The controller 115 calls the elevator 314 without the passenger needing to press a call button, and can also... Figure 1 The elevator system 101 inputs the destination floor. Once the elevator 314 arrives, the application 201 can guide passengers to enter and exit the elevator 314 without requiring passengers to press floor buttons, and once the elevator 314 reaches the destination floor 311, the application 201 can guide passengers to the destination apartment, office or other commercial place 312.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figure 1-3 And refer to other sources Figure 4 A control system 401 is provided, and the control system 401 includes an elevator system 410 (such as...). Figure 1 The elevator system, or more specifically, the controller 115 deployed in building 420, passenger devices 430 (such as portable computing devices and / or smartphones), and building owner devices 440 (such as portable computing devices, smartphones, and / or the computer system of building 420). The memory of passenger device 430 stores elevator control applications thereon (i.e., Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 The first executable instruction of the application 201, when executed, causes the processor of the passenger device 430 to register the passenger with the elevator control application, store the passenger profile in the elevator control application, and generate a passenger interface 431 through which the passenger can interface with the elevator control application. The memory of the building owner device 440 stores a second executable instruction of the elevator control application, which, when executed, causes the processor of the building owner device 440 to register the building 420 with the elevator control application and store a description of the building 420 in the elevator control application. According to an embodiment, the passenger profile may include at least the passenger's disability information, preferences, and various other characteristics (i.e., disability information entered by the user or passenger, provided by the user, or provided by the passenger), and the description of the building 420 may include at least the available assistive information of the building 420, as well as the building address, building name, tenant list, and other characteristics of the building 420.

[0057] Generally, a passenger's passenger profile includes a description of the passenger type, as well as information such as the passenger's disability (along with the passenger's preferences and various other characteristics, any other personal information the passenger wishes to share regarding his / her mobility preferences, expectations, and / or needs and requirements), and at least one or more of the following: passenger role information, passenger assistance information, and passenger device information. Furthermore, the description of building 420 generally includes the location of building 420, a description of the floors and floor layout of building 420, available assistance information for building 420, and a description of the building's services.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figure 4 And in exemplary cases (see Figure 3(and the attached text), when executed, the first executable instruction of the elevator control application causes the processor of passenger device 430 to provide navigation and assistance to the passenger via passenger interface 431 as the passenger travels to and through building 420, based on the passenger profile, passenger disability information, passenger preferences and various other characteristics, description of building 420, and available assistance information of building 420. The navigation and assistance may include, for example, wayfinding to and through building 420. Furthermore, when executed, the second executable instruction of the elevator control application causes the processor of building owner device 440 to instruct elevator system 410 to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger travels to and through building 420, based on the passenger profile, passenger disability information, passenger preferences and various other characteristics, description of building 420, and available assistance information of building 420. The available assistance may include, for example, automatic elevator calling and scheduling, and automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

[0059] refer to Figure 5 Provided Figure 4 The control system operation method 500 of control system 401. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the control system operation method 500 includes registering passengers with an elevator control application (box 501); storing passenger profiles in the elevator control application (box 502); registering buildings with the elevator control application (box 503); storing descriptions of the buildings in the elevator control application (box 504); providing navigation and assistance to passengers via a passenger interface as they arrive at and pass through the buildings based on the passenger profiles and the descriptions of the buildings (box 505), and instructing the elevator system (i.e., Figure 1 The controller 115 provides available assistance to passengers as they travel to and through the building based on passenger profiles and a description of the building (box 506). According to an embodiment, providing navigation and assistance via the passenger interface in box 505 may include, for example, wayfinding to and through the building (box 5051), and instructing the elevator system to provide available assistance in box 506 may include, for example, instructing the elevator system to perform automatic elevator calls and scheduling, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments (box 5061).

[0060] refer to Figure 6 The system 601 is provided and includes an electromechanical system 610 and a controller 620 (such as...). Figure 1The electromechanical system 610 includes a controller 115 and a multi-mode navigation system 630. According to embodiments, the electromechanical system 610 may include an elevator system (or escalator or moving walkway) 611, a banking kiosk 612, a shopping checkout kiosk 613 and a food ordering kiosk 614, and any one or more of controlled doors 615 and rotary doors 616. The controller 620 may be controllable and operable by the primary operator of the electromechanical system 610, but is not required to be so. In any case, the controller 620 is configured to control the operation of the electromechanical system 610 according to passenger commands.

[0061] The multi-mode navigation system 630 can be provided, for example, as an end-to-end multi-mode navigation system, wherein various modes of travel include, but are not limited to, people transport systems such as elevators, escalators and moving walkways; pedestrian systems on sidewalks, through corridors and up and down stairs; drive systems on road networks, including the provision of parking garages and parking lots; public transport systems such as trains, subways and buses; bicycle systems; systems that allow passage through security gates and turntables, etc.

[0062] The multi-mode navigation system 630 communicates with the controller 620. Under these conditions, the multi-mode navigation system 630 receives information related to the operation of the electromechanical system 610 and is configured to control at least a first subset of the operation of the electromechanical system 610 based on at least a second subset of the information received from the controller 620 and passenger commands. According to an embodiment, the multi-mode navigation system 630 can be configured to generate a route (or multiple routes selectable by the user) from a starting point to a destination point, wherein the route may traverse various “modes,” such as driving, taking a train, walking on a sidewalk, taking an elevator, etc. Furthermore, the multi-mode navigation system 630 considers convenience factors, such as the time required to traverse a route using a given mode. It should be understood that, as used herein, the terms “starting point” and “destination point” can refer to geographical location and vertical location, such as the number of floors in a building.

[0063] refer to Figure 7 In cases where the electromechanical system 610 includes or is provided as an exemplary elevator system 611, the electromechanical system 610 can be deployed in a building as described above, where the primary operator is the building owner. In these or other cases, the wayfinding application 701 is a client of the multi-mode navigation system 630 and, within the passenger interface 710, displays navigation information and generates an interface through which at least a first subset of the operation of the electromechanical system 610 can be controlled with at least a second subset of information and passenger commands.

[0064] like Figure 7As shown, the passenger interface 710 may include graphic markers 711 (which can be active or clickable, like buttons in a virtual or real world, or can be any other type of interactive element) appearing on the navigation map 702 of the wayfinding application 701 and representing elevator groups and their locations on the map. When the graphic marker 711 is active or clicked, the passenger interface 710 provides elevator-specific details 712, including one or more of the following: a list of service floors, estimated elevator arrival time, number of elevators, elevator operating status, queue length, elevator car size, and car speed. Furthermore, when the graphic marker 711 is active or clicked, the passenger interface 710 can be used to call an elevator and may include at least one or more of a two-button interface 713 and a destination input interface 714. Additionally, when the graphic marker 711 is active or clicked and is a waypoint along the passenger's navigation path, the passenger interface 711 may include at least one of a floor selection menu with automatic elevator calling and an automatic notification posting capability, which may be provided as a menu button 715.

[0065] In exemplary cases where the electromechanical system 610 includes or is provided as at least one of a bank self-service machine 611, a shopping checkout self-service machine 612, and a food ordering self-service machine 613, the electromechanical system 610 can be deployed in the building or space area described above, where the primary operator is the owner of the building or space area. In these or other cases, the multi-mode navigation system 630 may also be Figure 7 The provider of the navigation application 701 can generate an interface within the navigation application 701 through which at least a subset of passenger commands can be used to control at least a subset of the operation of the electromechanical system 610. In other words, the user of the navigation application 701 will be able to use the navigation application to navigate and control the bank self-service machine 611, for example, using his / her smartphone, without removing a bank card or interfacing with the control buttons on the bank self-service machine 611 itself.

[0066] refer to Figure 8 The system provides a computing system 801 for pathfinding and elevator system control. This computing system includes components deployed within the building and controlled by, for example... Figure 2A and Figure 2B An elevator control application, such as application 201, can control an elevator system 810, a first device 820, a second device 830, and a third device 840 configured to execute the elevator control application. The second device 830 is configured to perform actions such as... Figure 7 The first side of pathfinding applications such as 701; and generating such Figure 7A passenger interface, such as passenger interface 710, is provided for display within a wayfinding application, through which passengers can interact with a second side of the elevator control application. A third device 840 is configured to execute a second side of the wayfinding application in which the passenger interface is displayed, thereby enabling passengers to interact with the second side of the elevator control application.

[0067] As described above, the passenger interface may include graphic markers (which can be activated or clickable, as in virtual or real-world buttons, or can be any other type of interactive element) that appear on the navigation map of the wayfinding application and represent elevator groups and their locations on the map. When a graphic marker is activated or clicked, the passenger interface provides elevator-specific details, including one or more of the following: a list of service floors, estimated elevator arrival time, number of elevators, elevator operating status, queue length, elevator car size, car speed, and additional elevator car characteristics (i.e., operating status, car size and speed, whether the elevator car is a glass elevator, elevator car style or theme, etc.). Furthermore, when a graphic marker is activated or clicked, the passenger interface can be used to call an elevator and may include at least one of a two-button interface and a destination input interface. Additionally, when a graphic marker is activated or clicked and is a waypoint along the passenger's navigation path, the passenger interface may include at least one of a floor selection menu with automatic elevator calling and automatic notification posting capabilities (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 7 ).

[0068] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 An automated pathfinding system 901 is provided, comprising a robot guide 910 (which may be one of multiple robot guides 910, each with a unique configuration), a passenger interface 920, and a scheduling module 930. Through the passenger interface 920, a passenger provides input of their desired destination. Upon receiving the desired destination input, the scheduling module 930 schedules the robot guide 910 to the passenger. In addition to providing destination input, the passenger can also generate a passenger profile through the passenger interface 920, which may include a description of the passenger's disabilities, preferences, and various other characteristics. At least one of the robot guide 910 and the scheduling module 930 has access to a navigation map that includes the desired destination, the passenger's current location, and information related to one or more paths from the passenger's current location to the desired destination. The robot guide 910 can be equipped with a unique configuration corresponding to the passenger's disability, preferences, and various other characteristics, and is programmed to guide the passenger along one or more paths while remaining attached to the passenger. In this case, the scheduling module 930 selects the robot guide 910 whose configuration corresponds to the passenger's disability, preferences, and various other characteristics (i.e., Figure 9The robot guide 910 was chosen to correspond to blindness, while Figure 11 and Figure 12 The robotic guide was selected to correspond with passengers who require mobility assistance.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the automated pathfinding system 901 can be deployed in a building including an elevator system as described above, and in these or other cases, the navigation map can include information about the elevator system, and one or more paths can include elevator entrances and exits as well as vertical movement along the elevator shaft. In any case, the robot guide 910 can communicate with the elevators of the elevator system (i.e., make elevator calls on behalf of passengers) and can communicate with passengers, and is equipped with storage components 911 for luggage and other bags.

[0070] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the robotic guide 910 can be virtually attached to a passenger and can use detection technologies such as LiDAR to detect the passenger's position while guiding the passenger along one or more paths. It can also be programmed to stay close to the passenger by matching their walking speed. This could be particularly helpful in cases where the passenger's disability is blindness, for example, as... Figure 10 As shown, the robot guide 910 is able to guide passengers in very close proximity, but does not require the robot guide 910 to be physically attached to the passenger.

[0071] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The robot guide 910 can be physically attached to the passenger by coupling with the passenger's wheelchair 1101 or by the independent wheelchair 1201, which is itself the passenger.

[0072] refer to Figure 13 It provides things like Figure 9 The operation method 1300 is an operation method for an automated pathfinding system such as an automated pathfinding system 901, and the operation method 1300 can be deployed in a building including an elevator system as described above. The operation method 1300 includes: registering a passenger (box 1301); receiving a passenger profile from the passenger (box 1302); and receiving input of the desired destination from the passenger (box 1303). The operation method 1300 also includes: selecting a robot guide from a plurality of robot guides having a unique configuration corresponding to the passenger profile (box 1304); dispatching the robot guide to the passenger (box 1305); and programming the robot guide to guide the passenger from the passenger's current location to the desired destination while remaining attached to the passenger (box 1306).

[0073] refer to Figure 14An integrated system 1401 is provided and executable on a portable computing device 1410. This integrated system includes a passenger interface 1411 and multiple applications 1420 networked together for data sharing. The multiple applications 1420 may include at least: a multi-modal navigation system, whose wayfinding application is a client; and a mobility system application for controlling personnel mobility systems such as the elevator system described above. The passenger interface 1411 is configured to present at least the wayfinding application and the mobility system application to a passenger via the portable computing device 1410, such that the wayfinding application and the mobility application interact with the passenger to navigate and control the personnel mobility system using sensory feedback (from sensors in the portable computing device 1410) associated with the passenger interaction with the wayfinding application and the mobility application. According to an embodiment, the sensory feedback may include at least one of audio feedback, visual feedback, and tactile feedback. According to a further embodiment, the wayfinding application may be configured for passengers with disabilities or a preferred set of assistive modalities. In any case, the passenger interface 1411 may present graphic markers in the navigation map of the wayfinding application (see...). Figure 7 The graphic marker represents one or more of the elevator groups, escalators, and moving walkways in the personnel movement system, along with their respective locations. As described above, when the graphic marker is activated or clicked, the passenger interface provides elevator-specific details, including a list of service floors, estimated elevator arrival time, number of elevators, elevator operating status, queue length, elevator car size, car speed, and one or more additional elevator car characteristics. Furthermore, as described above, the passenger interface can be used to call an elevator when the graphic marker is activated or clicked.

[0074] The technical effects and benefits of this disclosure are to provide elevator system applications that enable and assist people, especially people with disabilities, to interact with elevators for access, use, service, and maintenance. This also allows buildings to generate additional revenue by offering services to customers through rental assistance or services, as well as through advertising in robotics and communications. It also improves accessibility for people with disabilities across all user groups and lifecycles. Furthermore, an elevator system is provided that utilizes a navigation application for wayfinding and provides users with a way to interact with the elevator system and its elevators without requiring the installation of an elevator system application. In addition, the robotic assistance of the elevator system effectively provides automated doorman and porter services for passengers (such as people with disabilities) to assist them in finding their way within the building, thereby reducing their stress through interactive technology to facilitate their requests and navigation.

[0075] The corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all components or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action for performing a function in conjunction with other claimed elements of the specific claims. The description of this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to exhaustively or limit the technical concepts in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure of various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

[0076] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be understood that various modifications and enhancements can be made by those skilled in the art now and in the future, falling within the scope of the appended claims. These claims should be construed as maintaining appropriate protection for the disclosure first described.

Claims

1. A control system, comprising: Personnel movement systems deployed within buildings; as well as Passenger facilities and building owner facilities, The passenger device's memory stores first executable instructions for a control application. When executed, these instructions cause the passenger device processor to register passengers with the control application, store passenger profiles for those passengers using the control application, and generate a passenger interface through which the passenger interacts with the control application. The memory of the building owner device stores a second executable instruction of the control application thereon, which, when executed, causes the building owner device processor to register the building with the control application and to store a description of the building with the control application.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, The passenger profile of the passenger includes at least a description of the passenger's type.

3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein, The passenger profile also includes at least one or more of the following: the passenger's disability information, the passenger's role information, passenger assistance information, and passenger device information.

4. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, The description of the building includes at least its location.

5. The control system according to claim 4, wherein, The description of the building also includes at least a description of the building's floors and floor layout, as well as a description of the building's services.

6. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, When executed, the first executable instruction of the control application causes the passenger device processor to provide navigation and assistance to the passenger via the passenger interface as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile and the description of the building.

7. The control system according to claim 6, wherein, The navigation and assistance include wayfinding to and through buildings.

8. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, When executed, the second executable instruction of the control application causes the building owner device processor to instruct the elevator system to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile and the description of the building.

9. The control system according to claim 8, wherein, The available assistance includes automatic elevator calling and dispatching, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

10. A control system, comprising: Personnel movement systems deployed within buildings; as well as Passenger facilities and building owner facilities, The passenger device's memory stores first executable instructions for a control application. When executed, these instructions cause the passenger device processor to register passengers with the control application, store passenger profiles for those passengers using the control application, and generate a passenger interface through which the passenger interacts with the control application. The memory of the building owner device stores second executable instructions for the control application, which, when executed, cause the building owner device processor to register the building with the control application and to use the description of the building stored in the control application. The passenger profile includes at least the passenger's disability information, and The description of the building includes at least the available auxiliary information about the building.

11. The control system according to claim 10, wherein, The passenger profile includes at least a description of the passenger's type.

12. The control system according to claim 11, wherein, The passenger profile also includes at least one or more of the passenger's disability information, as well as the passenger's role information, passenger assistance information, and passenger device information.

13. The control system according to claim 10, wherein, The description of the building includes at least its location.

14. The control system according to claim 13, wherein, The description of the building also includes at least a description of the building's floors and floor layout, the available auxiliary information of the building, and a description of the building's services.

15. The control system according to claim 10, wherein, When executed, the first executable instruction of the control application causes the passenger device processor to provide navigation and assistance to the passenger via the passenger interface as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile, the passenger's disability information, the description of the building, and the available assistance information of the building.

16. The control system according to claim 15, wherein, The navigation and assistance include wayfinding to and through the building.

17. The control system according to claim 10, wherein, When executed, the second executable instruction of the control application causes the building owner device processor to instruct the elevator system to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile, the passenger's disability information, the description of the building, and the available assistance information of the building.

18. The control system according to claim 17, wherein, The available assistance includes automatic elevator calling and dispatching, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

19. A method for operating a control system for use in a personnel movement system deployed in a building, the method comprising: Register passengers with the control application; The passenger profile of the passenger is stored in the control application; Register the building with the control application; The control application stores a description of the building; Based on the passenger profile and the description of the building, navigation and assistance are provided to the passenger via the passenger interface as the passenger travels to and through the building; as well as The elevator system is instructed to provide available assistance to the passenger as the passenger travels to and through the building, based on the passenger profile and the description of the building.

20. The control system operation method according to claim 19, wherein: The navigation and assistance provided via the passenger interface includes wayfinding to and through the building, and Instructing the elevator system to provide the available assistance includes instructing the elevator system to perform automatic elevator calling and dispatching, as well as automatic elevator system operation adjustments.

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