Elevator system with mobile robot

Abstract

The invention relates to a control method of an elevator. In the method, at least one control signal is generated for indicating that at least one mobile robot (150) reaches a predetermined position. The at least one mobile robot (150) generates (320) at least one control signal to the elevator controller (110) for controlling the elevator in response to interaction with the at least one user at the predetermined location. The invention also relates to an elevator system and a mobile robot implementing at least part of the above method.

Description

Case Analysis

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase application (application number: 201880055871.X) of PCT application filed on August 15, 2018, with international application number PCT / EP2018 / 072096 and entitled "Elevator System with Mobile Robot". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates primarily to the field of elevator technology. More specifically, this invention relates to elevator systems comprising one or more mobile robots. Background Technology

[0003] One area of ​​development in elevator systems is solutions for improving user experience. For example, one problem that frustrates elevator users is the waiting time. Several solutions have been developed to address this issue and improve the user experience.

[0004] Traditionally, elevators are called to their floors using a user interface typically located at the elevator entrance. In other words, when a user enters the building and walks to the elevator, they press a button to call the elevator for that floor. It's easy to understand that this implementation of generating elevator calls almost always causes the elevator to wait. Only when the elevator is stationed at the floor where the call was generated is the user's wait time shorter—simply the time it takes to open the elevator door.

[0005] A slightly more sophisticated solution is to place the elevator call device away from the elevator itself, such as at the building entrance. Now, a user can make an elevator call as they enter the building, and this gives the elevator system some time to position the elevator on that floor as the user approaches. An even more sophisticated solution is to use a mobile phone or similar device to generate an elevator call to the elevator system. This allows users to choose the best time to call the elevator for themselves.

[0006] More complex solutions also have their drawbacks. Specifically, when the elevator call-issuing device is located far from the elevator, the user still needs to reach the device, which may require additional walking. In the case of issuing a call using a mobile phone, this use is personal, and the user may need to install an application on their terminal device to use the system. Furthermore, this may require some configuration of the terminal device for the application to function correctly. Additionally, the user may need to establish a connection between their terminal device and the elevator system, which can be more cumbersome, especially in a rush. Of course, these drawbacks also exist, at least partially, for other types of elevator control signals besides elevator calls, such as elevator door opening and closing.

[0007] Therefore, further solutions need to be developed to improve the user experience of elevator systems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following is a brief overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments of the invention. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention, nor is it intended to describe the scope of the invention. The following overview presents only some concepts of the invention in a simplified form, serving as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an elevator system, a mobile robot, and a method for generating elevator control signals. Another purpose of this invention is to make elevator use more comfortable through the aforementioned elevator system, mobile robot, and elevator control signal generation method.

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by the elevator system, mobile robot and method as defined in the individual claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, an elevator system is provided, the elevator system comprising: an elevator controller and at least one mobile robot; wherein the at least one mobile robot is configured to generate at least one control signal for instructing the at least one mobile robot to reach a predetermined position, and wherein the at least one mobile robot is configured to generate at least one control signal to the elevator controller for controlling the elevator in response to interaction with at least one user at the predetermined position.

[0012] Mobile robots may include a user interface for interacting with at least one user.

[0013] The system may further include a data center configured to generate at least one control signal for at least one mobile robot, based on at least one of the following: real-time data acquired near the elevator, statistical data generated from data collected near the elevator, and data defining predetermined rules for determining the predetermined location based on time. Furthermore, the acquired real-time data may represent user traffic near the elevator. The elevator system may further include a sensor system for acquiring real-time data representing user traffic.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the data center can be configured to generate statistics from data collected near the elevator. The statistics can represent user traffic near the elevator over a period of time.

[0015] In addition, at least one control signal generated by the data center can be transmitted to at least one mobile robot via one of the following: the data center, or via an elevator controller.

[0016] The data center can also be configured to start a timer in response to at least one control signal generated to at least one mobile robot to instruct at least one mobile robot to arrive at a predetermined location, so as to reserve the duration of at least one mobile robot for service timer.

[0017] The data center can be configured to generate a release signal to the mobile robot to release the mobile robot in response to the detection of no interaction between the mobile robot and the user within the duration of a timer.

[0018] Furthermore, the elevator system may further include a computing device configured to generate at least one control signal for at least one mobile robot based on at least one of the following: real-time data acquired near the elevator, statistical data generated from data collected near the elevator, and data defining predetermined rules for determining the predetermined position based on time. The computing device may be at least one of the following: an elevator controller, a dedicated device, or at least one mobile robot.

[0019] The control signal generated by at least one mobile robot to the elevator controller can be at least one of the following: elevator call, elevator door control signal, or control signal for setting the elevator to a predetermined operating state.

[0020] According to a second aspect, a mobile robot for generating elevator control signals is provided, the mobile robot comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to use the at least one processor to cause the mobile robot to perform the following operations: generating at least one control signal for instructing movement to a predetermined position, and generating at least one control signal to an elevator controller for controlling the elevator in response to interaction with at least one user at the predetermined position.

[0021] According to a third aspect, a method for generating elevator control signals is provided, the method comprising: generating at least one control signal by at least one mobile robot to instruct at least one mobile robot to reach a predetermined position, and generating at least one control signal to an elevator controller for controlling the elevator by at least one mobile robot in response to interaction with at least one user at the predetermined position.

[0022] It can generate at least one control signal in response to a signal received from one of the following: a data center, a computing device.

[0023] In addition, the method may also include: activating a timer in a data center in response to at least one control signal generated to at least one mobile robot for instructing at least one mobile robot to arrive at a predetermined location, so as to reserve the duration for at least one mobile robot to serve the timer.

[0024] The method may further include: in response to the detection of no interaction between the mobile robot and the user during the duration of a timer, a release signal is generated by the data center to the mobile robot (150) to release the mobile robot (150).

[0025] Generating at least one control signal to instruct at least one mobile robot to reach a predetermined position may be based on at least one of the following: real-time data acquired near the elevator, statistical data generated from data collected near the elevator, or data defining predetermined rules for determining the predetermined position based on time.

[0026] The expression “several” in this text refers to any positive integer from the beginning, for example, up to one, two, or three.

[0027] The expression “multiple” in this text refers to any positive integer starting from two, for example, up to two, three, or four.

[0028] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention relating to methods of construction and operation, as well as their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments.

[0029] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of unlisted features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, features in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this document, i.e., the singular form, does not exclude a plurality. Attached Figure Description

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example and not limitation.

[0031] Figure 1 Some aspects of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0032] Figure 2 Some other aspects of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically.

[0033] Figure 3 An example of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0034] Figure 4 An example of a mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 5An example of a data center according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0035] Figure 6 An example of an elevator controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The specific examples provided in the following description should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the lists and sets of examples provided in the following description are not exhaustive.

[0037] This invention relates at least in part to an elevator system comprising elevator equipment and entities residing at elevator operating locations. Additionally, the elevator system according to the invention includes a mobile robot configured to communicate with one or more other entities belonging to the elevator system. Furthermore, the elevator system may include a data center configured to communicate with one or more other entities belonging to the elevator system.

[0038] Figure 1At least some aspects of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically, wherein an elevator environment includes one or more elevators residing at a location such as in a building or ship. The elevator includes an elevator controller 110 configured to control an elevator entity 120 installed at that location. Entity 120 may include, for example, drive circuitry and devices, safety circuitry and devices, sensors, elevator call devices 122 and elevator door 124 circuitry and devices, an elevator car, etc. The entities are communicatively coupled to each other at least directly or indirectly, for example, through the elevator controller 110, which operates as the main equipment of the elevator. The elevator may be communicatively coupled from the elevator controller 110 to a data center 140, for example. The data center 140 may refer to a standalone server or multiple servers providing distributed computing resources within the elevator system. For example, the data center 140 may perform monitoring functions of the elevator system, but may also obtain information from other resources, such as from one or more sensors located at the elevator location or any other location. The elevator controller 110 and the data center 140 may be communicatively coupled to each other, for example, through a communication network 130. The communication network may employ wired or wireless communication technologies. The communication network 130 may, for example, be a mobile communication network. The elevator controller 110 includes a communication interface toward the communication network 130, such as a modem that implements communication technology in use. Similarly, the data center is configured accordingly to communicate via the communication network 130. The elevator system also includes at least one mobile robot 150. In the context of this document, the term "mobile robot" 150 should be understood as a machine capable of automatically performing actions in response to inputs provided to the robot. Furthermore, in the context of this document, the robot includes means for enabling it to move within its operating area, such as the location of the elevator. The means for enabling mobility may refer to a power generation device, such as an electric motor that receives power from a battery inside the robot. Additionally, the mobile robot 150 includes a transport device, such as a drive shaft and several tires, to which power from the electric motor is introduced. The means for enabling mobility as described above are non-limiting examples, and any means by which the robot can move may be applicable. Furthermore, the mobile robot 150 may include computing resources for controlling the operation of the robot. At least some control can be received from an external control device. In the context of this invention, the external control device may refer to the elevator controller 110 or the data center 140, or even a combination thereof, or some other entity configured to generate control signals and transmit them to the mobile robot 150. Furthermore, the mobile robot 150 may include a communication interface through which it can communicatively couple to the data center 140 or the elevator controller 110, or both. According to some embodiments, the mobile robot 150 may be configured to communicate with the data center 140 via the elevator controller 110.Communication between the mobile robot 150 and the mentioned entities, namely the data center 140 and / or the elevator controller 110, can be arranged, for example, via the communication network 130. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile robot 150 can be configured to communicate locally with at least one of the mentioned entities, for example, via short-range wireless communication technology. For example, the mobile robot 150 and the elevator controller 110 can be coupled to a local Wi-Fi network, and communication can be arranged on the local Wi-Fi network. According to yet another embodiment, a dedicated communication channel can be arranged between the mobile robot 150 and the elevator controller 110. The mobile robot 150 may also be equipped with several sensors. The sensors can, for example, acquire environmentally relevant information. Examples of sensors may be sensors that broadcast location information from an applicable positioning system (e.g., an indoor positioning system). The positioning of the mobile robot 150 can also be based on a transmitter arranged in the robot, which is configured to transmit signals detected by one or more receivers arranged in the area, and the position of the mobile robot 150 can be derived based on the detected signals. Furthermore, the mobile robot 150 may include a user interface, such as I / O devices like buttons, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a microphone, a speaker, a display, etc., for receiving input and output information. I / O devices may also refer to the aforementioned sensors. For example, an example of input given to the robot could be an instruction to use an elevator, i.e., issuing an elevator call via the mobile robot 150, which can be signaled from the robot 150 to the elevator controller 110. Alternatively or additionally, input given to the robot could indicate another type of control request for the elevator, such as a request to control the elevator doors (e.g., open or close).

[0039] Next, through reference Figure 2 This invention introduces some aspects of the present invention. Figure 2 Examples of environments in which the invention can be applied are shown. Here, at least some aspects of the invention are described in the context of a passenger wanting to use an elevator and generating an elevator call in a predetermined manner. However, the invention is not limited to the generation of elevator call signals, but can also generate any other control signals for controlling the elevator, such as signals for controlling one or more elevator doors. Furthermore, the generated signals can carry information that causes multiple operations in the elevator, such as generating an elevator call and control signals for the elevator doors. As described below... Figure 2 The invention is schematically illustrated in a building comprising an elevator arranged to transport passengers from one floor to another. Figure 2 In the middle, elevator door 124 is shown to indicate Figure 2The location of the elevator is specified. The elevator is controlled by elevator controller 110. In this embodiment, the elevator controller is communicatively coupled to data center 140. Furthermore, a sensor system is arranged in the building, including multiple sensors 210A, 210B and a sensor controller 220, which can be configured to transmit acquired sensor information to data center 140 in the form of sensor data. Sensors 210A, 210B can be, for example, infrared sensors configured to detect, for example, motion originating from people roaming the building. Additionally, at least one mobile robot 150 is arranged in the building. In this embodiment, data center 140 receives sensor data in its raw form or sensor data processed by sensor controller 220 in a predetermined manner. Communication between data center 140 and sensor controller 220 can be arranged using any known wireless communication method. Data center 140 can be configured to generate control signals for mobile robot 150 based at least in part on data acquired from the sensor system. In other words, the sensor system can provide information about people roaming the building, and data center 140 can process the data and generate signals to elevator controller 110 based on that data. The generated signals can carry information to the mobile robot 150. This information can be, for example, an instruction to move the mobile robot 150 to a location, or an instruction to set the mobile robot 150 to a predetermined mode, such as preparing to receive input from at least one person. Therefore, the data center 140 can be configured, for example, to process information received from the sensor system through programming, thereby generating an understanding of people in the building and possibly their movement and / or position. For this purpose, the data center 140 can, for example, store building layout information. After information processing, the data center can, for example, generate information about instructing the mobile robot 150 to move to a location to serve at least one person. The generated information can express the location directly or indirectly. In the case where the generated information indirectly expresses the location, the elevator controller 110 can generate the position of the mobile robot 150 based on the information received from the data center 140. In any of the described cases, the elevator controller 110 generates control signals to the mobile robot 150, the mobile robot interprets the contents of these control signals, and can internally generate multiple necessary control signals to generate motion power, thereby causing the mobile robot 150 to move to the indicated position. In response, the mobile robot 150 can move to a location to serve at least one person roaming the building. For example, the mobile robot 150 can move toward a person. When one or more people approach the mobile robot 150, the mobile robot 150 can be configured to prompt that person to indicate a need for an elevator. This prompt can be arranged as a voice prompt, a prompt displayed on a display of the user interface, or any similar prompting mechanism.In response to the prompt, at least one of these individuals may indicate a need for an elevator, for example, by performing a predetermined action using the user interface of the mobile robot 150. Upon receiving the instruction, the mobile robot 150 generates a signal to the elevator controller 110, which in turn can generate an elevator call.

[0040] The above embodiments are based on the concept of a mobile robot 150 receiving instructions or control signals from an elevator controller 110. In another embodiment, a data center 140 may generate instructions for the mobile robot 150 and transmit those instructions directly to the mobile robot 150. In this embodiment of the invention, the elevator controller 110 is not involved in instructing the mobile robot 150 to reach a specific location to pick up or drop off one or more people. When the mobile robot 150 receives an indication of elevator demand, it may be arranged to generate a signal to the data center 140 to provide information about the elevator demand indication. The data center 140 may be configured to transmit information to the elevator controller 110 to generate an elevator call or any other type of control signal, as explained. Alternatively, the mobile robot 150 may be directly communicatively coupled to the elevator controller 110, and therefore, the mobile robot 150 may generate a signal in response to receiving such input from at least one person to directly indicate a demand for an elevator to the elevator controller 110.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the control signals generated for the mobile robot 150 are based on measurement data representing real-time information about events at the robot's location (e.g., a location within a building). As described above, real-time information can be acquired using sensor systems. According to another embodiment, statistical information about user traffic at the location can be provided to a data center. The statistical information can be generated based on data collected at the location over a period of time. For example, the data can be collected using any sensor system, or even manually, i.e., collected in any way that can generate statistical information. According to one embodiment, the statistical information is generated in a time-based manner. In other words, the statistical information represents user traffic in a time-based manner. This data advantageously provides location information about user traffic at a specific time or time period within the location in question. With this information, the data center 140 can directly generate control signals to the mobile robot 150, or indirectly, for example, through the elevator controller 110, to instruct the mobile robot 150 or multiple mobile robots 150 to move to a predetermined location within the user-serving location as described above.

[0042] Some aspects of the invention may relate to even more complex embodiments, in which the data center 140 may be configured to determine at least one time frame based on at least one predetermined criterion, within which the mobile robot 150 in question is reserved to serve a user. In other words, since the mobile robot 150 can be directed to a location via the mechanism described above, it is possible that the user triggering the movement of the mobile robot 150 may not need the elevator at all and therefore will not interact with the mobile robot 150. To release the robot from serving the user in question, it can be arranged, for example, to also provide the mobile robot 150 with time frame information indicating the time period it is reserved to serve the user in question, within the movement instruction message. If no interaction is received from the user within that time frame, the mobile robot can release itself and cease serving the user. This could, for example, cause the mobile robot 150 to return to a predetermined location, such as a waiting area, and wait for the next instruction message. Alternatively, data center 140, or even elevator controller 110, can be configured to, for example, start a timer in response to a direct or indirect instruction message transmitted to mobile robot 150. This timer indicates that mobile robot 150 is reserved a time frame for performing the task in question (i.e., serving a user). The time parameter for the timer can be determined based on the task in which mobile robot 150 is instructed to perform, for example, based on the known duration of the task in question, or a default value can exist for all tasks. In response to the termination of the timer, and in response to the detection that mobile robot 150 has not received a predetermined input from the user, for example, no elevator call has been generated to the elevator system, data center 140, or elevator controller 110, can be configured to generate a release signal to mobile robot 150 to indicate its release from the previously instructed task. In this manner, the elevator system according to this embodiment can operate more efficiently, and the number of mobile robots 150 requiring operation in a specific area can be optimized.

[0043] In some further embodiments, the mobile robot 150 may be configured to guide a user to an elevator, or even to a final destination, in response to interaction with the user. For example, the user may be instructed to indicate to the mobile robot 150 who they intend to meet or where they intend to go, such as an office. The mobile robot 150 may determine the instructions to reach the destination internally or externally by communicating with, for example, a data center, and as a result of this determination, the mobile robot 150 may generate an elevator call signal, which may, for example, indicate the elevator required for the user to reach their destination, and an indication that the mobile robot 150 intends to accompany the user to the elevator car. Providing this information can cause adjustments to the operation of the elevator system. For example, the elevator doors may remain open for a longer period than in at least one other case, because the entry of the mobile robot may require a longer loading time than in some other cases. Furthermore, this indication may allow the elevator system to further adjust its operation.

[0044] In the foregoing, at least some aspects of the invention have been described in an environment where data center 150 is implemented as a standalone device or a distributed computing solution, performing operations to achieve the results of the invention. However, as previously stated, at least some control may be performed in combination with the described entities, or some other entities may be configured to perform at least some of the operations. Another entity may refer to a computing device configured to directly or indirectly generate at least one control signal to a mobile robot 150 to instruct at least one mobile robot 150 to reach a predetermined location. The computing device may, for example, receive real-time data or statistical data, or process and generate such data to generate at least one control signal to at least one mobile robot 150 as described above. The computing device may, for example, be communicatively coupled to at least one sensor to acquire data for processing and analysis. Furthermore, the computing device may include a timer discussed above in the context of a data center. The computing device may be, for example, an elevator controller 110 or any locally or remotely positioned dedicated device configured to perform a task, such as a server device. The computing device may be implemented as a standalone device or a distributed computing environment among multiple standalone devices. In a particular embodiment, the computing device may refer to at least one mobile robot 150, which may be equipped, for example, with one or more sensors for monitoring the environment to obtain data for generating control signals as described above. Alternatively, the mobile robot 150, as a computing device, may communicate with a sensor system to obtain data. Furthermore, the computing device, such as the mobile robot, may be configured to generate control signals based on some predetermined rules. The predetermined rules may, for example, define the robot's position relative to time. For example, it may be defined that at a certain time in the morning, the mobile robot should have a position near the building entrance because passengers are entering the building at that time. At a second time, the robot should have another position, such as being stationed near the restaurant entrance during lunchtime, because potential users of the elevator system are moving around the restaurant area at that time. Naturally, the computing device is equipped with the necessary hardware and software for enabling communication with other entities or at least some of them belonging to the elevator system.

[0045] Based on the above, entities such as data centers or computing devices acting as mobile robots or elevator controllers can generate control signals based on any data processed and / or analyzed by the respective entity. The data can be, for example, sensor data or any other data from which at least a portion of location information can be derived directly or indirectly. Furthermore, location information can be derived by multiple mentioned entities in combined operations.

[0046] Figure 3The principle of a method according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically. In step 310, the system may be configured to generate a control signal for moving at least one mobile robot 150 to a predetermined location. Generating the control signal may represent, but is not limited to, a data center generating a control signal or an instruction to such a control signal and sending the control signal or the instruction to such a control signal directly to at least one mobile robot 150, or indirectly to at least one mobile robot 150 via an elevator controller 110. The generation of the control signal may be initiated in response to a predetermined triggering event. The triggering event may be predefined, for example, through statistical analysis of user traffic within a location or any real-time monitoring device (such as a sensor system that generates data representing user traffic within a location). The control signal causes at least one mobile robot 150 to move to the predetermined location within that location.

[0047] In response to moving at least one mobile robot 150 to a predetermined location, one or more users can use the mobile robot 150 to indicate their desire to use the elevator. This instruction can be performed, for example, through the user interface of at least one mobile robot 150. Alternatively, at least one mobile robot 150 can be configured to receive the instruction in any other way, such as by identifying the user in question and acquiring data, for example, by communicating with a data center 140 that can be assumed to be the user's destination. Based on the user's destination, such as an office on the 4th floor, the mobile robot 150 can be configured to generate an elevator call without any specific user action. In response to receiving an elevator call 320, the elevator controller 110 can generate the necessary control signals to reserve the elevator for the user in question. As previously discussed, the elevator call can be transmitted directly from the mobile robot 150 to the elevator controller 110, or indirectly to the elevator controller 110 via the data center 140. Figure 3 The method illustrated schematically is a non-limiting example, and the method may include, for example, in Figure 2 Other steps described in the context of the description.

[0048] Figure 4An example of a mobile robot 150 belonging to an elevator system is schematically shown. The mobile robot 150 may include at least the following entities: a processing unit 410, a memory unit 420, a communication unit 430, a user interface (UI) unit 440, a sensor unit 450, and a motor unit 460. These entities may include one or more operating units, such as one or more microprocessors, one or more memories, one or more communication devices (such as modems), one or more user interface devices, one or more sensors, and one or more motors. In addition to the entities mentioned, the mobile robot 150 may include other devices and entities, such as batteries that store energy for use by other entities. Entities belonging to the mobile robot 150 may communicate with each other using, for example, a communication bus. The processing unit 410 may be configured to control the operation of the mobile robot 150 and to communicate with any external entities, such as a data center 140, an elevator controller 110, other mobile robots, or other entities. Communication may be performed, for example, wirelessly. Users of the elevator system can provide input to the mobile robot 150 through the user interface unit 440, and the mobile robot can output information such as prompts to the user under the control of the processing unit 410. Sensors can include any sensors that the mobile robot 150 can use to acquire environmental information, but the sensor unit 450 can also include sensors capable of localization and / or navigation within a location. The processing unit 410 can also be configured to generate control signals to the motor unit 460 to move the mobile robot 150. Furthermore, the mobile robot 150 can include means that enable the robot to move, such as the transport device described above. The operation of the processing unit 410 can be implemented by executing portions of computer program code stored, for example, in the memory unit 420, to generate control signals and thus cause the mobile robot 150 to operate in the described manner. The memory unit 420 can also be used to permanently or temporarily store acquired and received information and any other data. In some non-limiting embodiments, the mobile robot 150 can be configured to disable the user interface in response to receiving input from a user, so that the robot can perform tasks requested by the user. In this way, when the first request is served by the mobile robot 150 in question, no other user can enter any other requests.

[0049] Figure 5An example of a data center 140 is then schematically illustrated, wherein the data center 140 is implemented as a stand-alone server device. In this implementation, the data center 140 may include: a processing unit 510 including one or more processors, a memory unit 520 including one or more memories, and a communication unit 530 including one or more communication devices, such as a modem. Advantageously, the memory unit 520 may store a portion of computer program code and any other data, and the processing unit 510 may enable the data center 140 to operate as described above by executing at least some portions of the computer program code stored in the memory unit 520. The data center 140 may be configured to communicate, for example, with any sensor system, a mobile robot 150, an elevator controller 110, and some combination thereof. Additionally, the data center 140 may include a timer implementation, which can be configured to monitor duration.

[0050] Figure 6 An example of an elevator controller 110 is schematically shown, configured to communicate with at least one of the following: a data center 140 and a mobile robot 150. The elevator controller 110 may include: a processing unit 610 including one or more processors, a memory unit 620 including one or more memories, and a communication unit 630 including one or more communication devices, such as a modem or other device. Advantageously, the memory unit 620 may store portions of computer program code and any other data, and the processing unit 610 can operate the elevator controller 110 as described above by executing at least some portions of the computer program code stored in the memory unit 620.

[0051] As already mentioned, at least some aspects of the invention have been described to enable control signals generated by a mobile robot to function as elevator call signals. However, the generated control signals can be any other type of signal, such as signals inducing control of elevator doors or any other elevator-related functions. Some other non-limiting examples of the type of generated control signal could be canceling an earlier generated elevator call or changing the elevator call. Furthermore, the control signal can instruct the elevator to change its operating state, such as instructing the elevator to set to energy-saving mode or instructing the elevator to enter or leave a maintenance area. The type of generated control signal can also be related to external phenomena, such as fire, earthquake, or vandalism, even if the elevator is unusable. In other words, the mobile robot provides an interface for users, such as passengers, to control the elevator in one or another manner. The invention is particularly suitable for inducing elevator calls.

[0052] The advantages of the above system compared to existing technical solutions are that it can improve the user experience and optimize the efficiency of the elevator system.

[0053] The specific examples provided in the foregoing description should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the lists and sets of examples provided in the foregoing description are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An elevator system, comprising: Elevator controller (110), and At least one mobile robot (150), wherein the at least one mobile robot (150) is configured to generate at least one control signal to the elevator controller (110) for controlling the elevator in response to interaction with at least one user at a predetermined location, wherein the elevator system further includes: Data center (140) The data center (140) is configured to generate at least one control signal to the at least one mobile robot (150) to instruct the at least one mobile robot (150) to reach the predetermined location.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile robot (150) includes a user interface for interacting with the at least one user.

3. The elevator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data center (140) is configured to generate the control signal for instructing the at least one mobile robot (150) to reach the predetermined location based on at least one of the following: real-time data acquired in the vicinity of the elevator, statistical data generated from data collected in the vicinity of the elevator.

4. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein the acquired real-time data represents the user traffic in the vicinity of the elevator.

5. The elevator system according to claim 4, further comprising a sensor system for acquiring the real-time data representing the user traffic flow.

6. The elevator system of claim 3, wherein the data center (140) is configured to generate the statistics from data collected in the vicinity of the elevator.

7. The elevator system of claim 6, wherein the statistical data represents user traffic in the vicinity of the elevator over a period of time.

8. The elevator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one control signal generated by the data center (140) is transmitted to the at least one mobile robot (150) via one of the following: the data center (140), or via the elevator controller (110).

9. The elevator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data center (140) is further configured to: start a timer in response to the generation of the at least one control signal to the at least one mobile robot (150) indicating that the at least one mobile robot (150) has reached a predetermined position, for reserving the at least one mobile robot (150) for the duration of the timer.

10. The elevator system of claim 9, wherein the data center (140) is configured to generate a release signal to the mobile robot (150) for releasing the mobile robot (150) in response to detecting that no interaction is performed between the mobile robot (150) and the user during the duration of the timer.

11. The elevator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal generated by the at least one mobile robot (150) to the elevator controller (110) is at least one of the following: elevator call, elevator door control signal, control signal for setting the elevator to a predetermined operating state.

12. A mobile robot (150) for generating elevator control signals, the mobile robot comprising: At least one processor (410); At least one memory (420) includes computer program code; The at least one memory (420) and the computer program code are configured to cause the mobile robot (150) to perform the following actions using the at least one processor (410): In response to interaction with at least one user at a predetermined location, at least one control signal is generated to the elevator controller (110) for controlling the elevator, wherein the mobile robot (150) is also caused to perform: Through a communication interface with the data center (140), at least one control signal is received to instruct the mobile robot (150) to move to the predetermined position.

13. A method for generating elevator control signals, wherein the method includes: At least one control signal generated (310) by the data center (140) to at least one mobile robot (150) for instructing the at least one mobile robot (150) to reach a predetermined position, and In response to interaction with at least one user at the predetermined location, at least one control signal for controlling the elevator is generated (320) by the at least one mobile robot (150) and sent to the elevator controller (110).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein generating the at least one control signal by the data center comprises: The control signal is transmitted to the mobile robot (150) in one of the following ways: directly from the data center (140) or indirectly through the elevator controller (110).

15. The method according to any one of claims 13-14, wherein the method further comprises: A timer in the data center is started in response to the generation of at least one control signal to the at least one mobile robot (150) indicating that the at least one mobile robot (150) has reached a predetermined position, for reserving the at least one mobile robot (150) for the duration of the timer.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: In response to the detection that no interaction was performed between the mobile robot (150) and the user during the duration of the timer, a release signal is generated by the data center (140) to the mobile robot (150) for releasing the mobile robot (150).

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