Elevator control unit and method for transmitting data in an elevator arrangement

Abstract

An elevator, an elevator control unit, and a method for data transmission in an elevator arrangement including at least one elevator shaft (101), an elevator car (102) configured to move within the elevator shaft, and at least one wireless communication channel, such as a wireless network, capable of communicating within the elevator shaft. The method includes: determining the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel at different locations of the elevator car (102) within the elevator shaft (101); moving the elevator car (102) to a selected location or area based on the determined signal quality and / or data transmission quality; and performing data transmission in the selected area or at the selected location of the elevator car (102).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on May 4, 2020, with application number 202080100501.0 and invention title "Elevator Control Unit and Method for Transmitting Data in Elevator Arrangement". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an elevator control unit and a method for transmitting data in an elevator layout. Background Technology

[0003] With the introduction of new technologies and equipment into the elevator environment, the demand for data transmission capabilities is constantly growing. Therefore, existing solutions and technologies for data transmission in elevator environments cannot meet future needs.

[0004] The need for increased data transmission capabilities stems from the growing number of applications installed in elevator cars, such as infotainment solutions, closed-circuit television solutions, and digital elevator cars. Similarly, the incorporation of elements like energy-efficient windows in buildings impacts mobile network coverage, leading to higher environmental requirements for wireless communication in modern buildings.

[0005] For these reasons, there is a need to improve solutions for data transmission in elevator environments to achieve reliable and efficient data transmission between elevators and related equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a reliable and efficient data transmission solution for elevators and devices associated with the elevator environment (e.g., installed inside the elevator car).

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting data in an elevator arrangement comprising at least one elevator shaft, an elevator car capable of moving within the elevator shaft, and at least one wireless communication channel, such as a wireless network, capable of communicating within the elevator shaft. The method includes determining the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of the at least one wireless communication channel at different locations of the elevator car within the elevator shaft; moving the elevator car to a selected location or area based on the determined signal quality and / or data transmission quality; and performing data transmission at the selected area or location of the elevator car. In one embodiment of the invention, the elevator car moves to the selected location or area in response to receiving a request or the need to observe or determine data transmission.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a first wireless communication unit is arranged to and / or connected to the elevator car, and a second wireless communication unit, such as a wireless router, is arranged to have coverage within the elevator shaft, for example, the second wireless communication unit is arranged to be connected to and / or arranged to the elevator shaft. The second wireless communication unit can establish a wireless network, and the first communication unit can communicate with the second communication unit via at least one wireless communication channel of, for example, a wireless network. Therefore, data can be transmitted between an external server and the elevator system.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the selected location for data transmission is one of the locations with the highest signal quality and / or data transmission quality or preset locations, such as the floor with the highest signal quality and / or data transmission quality.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, when the elevator car is not in use, the elevator car is generally always stopped at a selected location, such as a selected floor, based on preset conditions.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel at different locations of the elevator car in the elevator shaft is determined by measuring the signal quality and / or data transmission quality continuously or at predetermined time intervals during elevator operation while the elevator car is moving within the elevator shaft and / or during elevator operation.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined at least in each layer.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined by analyzing and measuring signal levels and / or data transmission quality by the elevator control unit and / or cloud backend system, and / or based on information from elevator commissioning software or other external systems (e.g., building control systems).

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined based on real-time measurement and / or real-time determination of signal quality or data transmission quality.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, when selecting the location of the elevator car for data transmission, information collected from the determination of signal quality and / or data transmission quality based on earlier results of the day and / or earlier results of the determination of signal quality and / or data transmission quality is used.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined at different times of the day, and data transmission is performed when the idle capacity of the communication channel exceeds a preset value or when the idle capacity available for data transmission in the communication channel is at its maximum.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an elevator control unit for an elevator arrangement, the elevator arrangement including at least an elevator shaft, an elevator car configured to move within the elevator shaft, and at least one wireless communication channel, such as a wireless network, for communication within the elevator shaft. The elevator control unit includes at least one processing unit and at least one memory. The elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement to determine the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of the at least one wireless communication channel at different positions of the elevator car within the elevator shaft, move the elevator car to a selected position or area based on the determined signal quality and / or determined data transmission quality, and perform data transmission at the selected area or selected position of the elevator car. In one embodiment of the invention, the elevator control unit is configured to cause the elevator car to move to the selected position or area in response to a received data transmission request or data transmission demand.

[0018] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an elevator, including an elevator car, an elevator motor configured to move the elevator car, and an elevator control unit according to the solution of the present invention.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program, including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to the invention.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program according to the invention.

[0021] The solution of this invention allows for the monitoring of wireless network signal levels across different locations and communication technologies. Based on the monitoring data, a wireless signal coverage map can be created, for example, covering all floors and all available communication technologies. For instance, when a new software update or data transmission is required, the system can select the optimal location (or optimal area) of the elevator for data transmission, such as a synchronization zone. The data transmission location could be, for example, one of the floors. The elevator car moves to the selected location, and data transmission can then begin, for example, transmitting data between an external server and the elevator system.

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention may include sub-components and / or functions, such as a signal level / quality monitoring controller and / or cloud-based analytics / computation. In one embodiment, the signal level / quality monitoring controller or cloud backend system may analyze measurements (e.g., wireless signal coverage maps) created by measuring wireless signals at different technologies and / or locations (e.g., across all floors). The system may also utilize data available from conveyor field systems and / or other building solutions capable of providing the required information. The coverage map may be based on real-time data or information collected from previous data synchronization cycles (e.g., based on the time of day / field strength statistics of the day, etc.).

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, devices and / or components requiring external connections can receive an indication that data is now available during normal use. The elevator system can send a call to the elevator locally or via a cloud API interface as soon as possible to move to a selected location or area to initiate data transmission. In one embodiment of the invention, normal operation of the elevator can override data transmission and / or move to the location where data transmission is performed.

[0024] This invention offers advantages over existing solutions for those requiring external wireless connectivity, providing better and more reliable data transmission. For example, in situations where wireless coverage in a building is unstable, the solution can be used to report potential connectivity problems or generate service or solution optimization requests. This information can also be used to notify users of potential delays when performing updates to applications.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the arrangement includes multiple parallel connectivity solutions (e.g., primary connectivity solutions and backup connectivity solutions based on different technologies), and the system can switch between these technologies to optimize application operation.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, software updates can be performed when there is available capacity in the wireless network. In one example embodiment, software updates and / or other data transmissions requiring high transmission capacity occur at certain times of day, such as at night, when there is a high probability of additional available capacity in the network. Information about available capacity can be determined during elevator operation and it does not require a fixed time or date, which is hard-coded into the system. This has the potential to further benefit, such as lower data protocol costs if an agreement can be reached with the network provider when the network can be used for a larger load.

[0027] The word “some” in this article refers to any positive integer starting from 1, such as 1, 2, or 3.

[0028] The term “multiple” in this article refers to any positive integer starting from 2, such as 2, 3, or 4.

[0029] The various constructions and methods of operation of the invention, as well as the various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments with their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood when the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of undescribed features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout the document, i.e., the singular form, does not exclude a plurality. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention by way of example and not limitation, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 An elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention is described;

[0033] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The specific examples provided in the description below should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and sets of examples provided in the description below are not exhaustive.

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 An elevator system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The elevator system includes an elevator shaft 101, and an elevator car 102 moves within the elevator shaft 100 to serve different floors. Figure 1 Only one type of elevator system is described and illustrated, but the solution of the present invention can be used with... Figure 1 The descriptions relate to different types of elevators. Although Figure 1 It specifies four floors: 103, 104, 105, and 106, but there can be any number of floors. Similarly, Figure 1 Only one elevator shaft 102 is described, but an elevator system can have more than one elevator shaft. Figure 1 In the elevator system 100 shown, the landing doors 108 on each floor can open to one side. Although Figure 1 While one side has been described, in another embodiment the elevator car may have doors facing more than one side of the elevator car 102.

[0037] Elevator car 102 is configured to perform travel within elevator shaft 101, in this example where the elevator car is moved by motor 110. The term "travel" can refer to a process in which elevator car 102 can be configured to move within elevator shaft 101 to pass through or visit each floor at least once, i.e., elevator car 102 can perform end-to-end travel. In another embodiment, travel within elevator shaft 101 may not be a complete end-to-end journey. For example, it may not be possible to move to one or more floors, such as the highest or lowest floor. The elevator system may include a controller 111, such as a motor, configured to control elevator movement.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, a first wireless communication unit 107 is arranged to and / or connected to the elevator car. A second wireless communication unit 109, such as a wireless router, is arranged to provide coverage in the elevator shaft, for example, the second wireless communication unit is arranged to be connected to and / or arranged to the elevator shaft. The second wireless communication unit 109 can establish a wireless network, and the first communication unit 107 can communicate with the second communication unit 109 via at least one wireless communication channel of, for example, a wireless network. At least one wireless antenna can be connected to at least one wireless communication unit, such as a router. The solution of the invention can utilize different types of wireless technologies, such as cellular network communication, WLAN, wireless sensor networks, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. When using multiple different communication methods, the elevator system, such as the controller, can be connected to different communication units using different communication methods.

[0039] In the solution of this invention, at least one wireless communication channel is arranged to connect to the elevator and / or elevator shaft, for example, a wireless network that can be used for communication within the elevator shaft. In the solution of this invention, the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel are determined and recorded at different locations within the elevator car within the elevator shaft. Based on this, the signal quality and / or data transmission quality at different parts of the elevator shaft and / or different locations within the elevator car can be understood. Figure 1 In the example, the signal quality is weak at the top layer but good in the layers below it. In this example, the signal quality is weak at the two lowest layers. For example, certain signal levels or quality levels can be predefined in the system, such that if the signal level and / or quality is below a certain threshold, the signal is determined to be weak, and if the signal level and / or quality is above a certain threshold, the signal is determined to be good.

[0040] In the solution of this invention, when there is a data transmission need and / or the elevator receives a data transmission request, the elevator car moves to a selected location or area around the selected location based on a determined signal quality and / or a determined data transmission quality. In one embodiment of this invention, the elevator car can even reach the selected location before or without a data transmission need or request, such that if a data transmission need or request occurs, the elevator will already be in the correct location. The selected location may be, for example, a location with the highest and / or higher signal quality than a preset level, or an area around that location. In one embodiment, the location may be a floor where the signal quality and / or data transmission quality is determined to be optimal and / or higher than a preset level.

[0041] Data transmission can begin after the elevator car has moved to the selected position and / or around the selected position (i.e., within a certain distance of the selected position). In one embodiment of the invention, data transmission can be paused or stopped if the elevator car must move, and the elevator car can return to the selected position when it is idle and ready for data transmission.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the elevator car is parked at or around a selected location (e.g., a selected floor) when not in use. The optimal parking area can change automatically, for example, if a better signal is detected on some other floors.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, multiple wireless communication technologies and / or methods can be used, and signal quality and / or data transmission quality measurements can be performed separately for all different communication technologies and methods. In this case, different optimal locations for data transmission can exist for different communication technologies and methods.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the selected location for data transmission is one of the locations with the highest determined signal quality and / or data transmission quality, or a preset location, such as the floor with the highest determined signal quality and / or data transmission quality. In one embodiment of the invention, the stopping point may not be the exact location where the elevator car normally stops while carrying passengers.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel is determined at different locations of the elevator car in the elevator shaft by measuring the signal quality and / or data transmission quality at predetermined time intervals during elevator operation while the elevator car is moving within the elevator shaft and / or by continuously measuring the signal quality and / or data transmission quality while the elevator is running.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the system can be triggered to continuously or at regular intervals determine the quality of signal and / or data transmission, for example, during normal elevator operation, i.e., when the elevator is moving in the elevator shaft and / or when the elevator is stopped at different floors. In one embodiment, wireless signal measurement can be triggered when the elevator car has stopped at a floor and / or its doors have opened.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined at least in each layer.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined by analyzing and measuring signal levels and / or data transmission quality by the elevator control unit and / or cloud backend system, and / or based on information from elevator commissioning software or other external systems (e.g., building control systems).

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined based on real-time measurement and / or real-time determination of signal quality or data transmission quality.

[0050] A wireless communication unit configured to connect to the elevator car can determine and / or transmit data related to the strength values ​​of the wireless network and / or the connected wireless signal. The wireless device installed in the elevator car can send data to the elevator controller in a single transmission after each movement. In another embodiment, data can be sent to the elevator controller after each stop.

[0051] For example, when determining signal quality within an elevator shaft, a first wireless communication unit deployed to or connected to the elevator car can record the wireless signal strength or quality and / or data transmission quality as the elevator car moves within the shaft. For instance, it could record: "Signal strength is N dBm when the side door on the Z side of floor Y is open" or "Wireless signal strength is N dBm on floor Y." In one embodiment, a timestamp, along with the signal quality and / or data transmission quality, is also recorded, indicating the time when the wireless signal strength or quality was recorded. This means that multiple (separate) entries for a given location can be recorded.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, when selecting the elevator car location for data transmission, information collected from the signal quality and / or data transmission quality determination is used based on earlier results of the day and / or earlier results determined based on signal quality and / or data transmission quality.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined at different times of the day, and data transmission is performed when the idle capacity of the communication channel exceeds a preset value or when the idle capacity available for data transmission in the communication channel is at its maximum.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one door facing the side can be opened during preparation and / or execution of data transmission. This is advantageous in certain situations where the signal or data transmission quality is better when the elevator door is open than when it is closed. This can be due to the attenuation of wireless signals when passing through obstacles, such as closed doors (elevator car and / or landing doors) or the floor / ceiling of the elevator car or the building.

[0055] A controller for an elevator system that can be used in one embodiment of the invention may include at least one processor connected to at least one memory. The at least one memory may include at least one computer program that, when executed by the processor or processors, causes the controller to perform programmed functions. In another embodiment, the at least one memory may be the internal memory of at least one processor. The controller may also include an input / output interface. Through the input / output interface, the control device may be connected to at least one wireless device. The controller may be a control entity configured to implement only the operating features disclosed above, or it may be part of a larger elevator control entity (e.g., an elevator controller or elevator group controller).

[0056] As described above, components or other parts of the example embodiments may include computer-readable media or memory for storing instructions programmed according to the teachings of the present embodiments and for storing data structures, tables, records, and / or other data described herein. Computer-readable media may include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example: floppy drives, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other suitable magnetic media, CD-ROMs, CD±Rs, CD±RWs, DVDs, DVD-RAMs, DVD1RWs, DVD±Rs, HD DVDs, HD DVD-Rs, HD DVD-RWs, HD DVD-RAMs, Blu-ray discs, any other suitable optical media, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EPROMs, any other suitable memory chips or tapes, or any other suitable computer-readable medium.

[0057] For those skilled in the art, the basic concept of optically readable parameters can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Therefore, the optically readable codes arranged in relation to conveyor components and their embodiments are not limited to the examples described above; rather, they can vary within the scope of the claims. While the present invention has been described in connection with many exemplary embodiments and implementations, it is not so limited, but rather includes various modifications and equivalent arrangements that fall within the contemplated scope of the claims.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention described above, along with the accompanying drawings and description, can be used in conjunction with each other. At least two embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] The specific examples provided in the description above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and set of examples provided in the description above are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting data in an elevator arrangement, said elevator arrangement comprising at least an elevator shaft (101), an elevator car (102) configured to move within the elevator shaft, and at least one wireless communication channel, such as a wireless network, for communication within the elevator shaft. wherein The method includes: The signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel are determined at different locations of the elevator car (102) in the elevator shaft (101). Based on determined signal quality and / or determined data transmission quality, the elevator car (102) is moved to a selected position or area, and Data transmission is performed in a selected area or location within the elevator car (102). Its features are, Data transmission is initiated in response to the elevator car moving to or returning to a selected position; In response to the car moving from the selected position, data transmission is paused or stopped.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selected location for data transmission is one of the locations with the highest signal quality and / or data transmission quality or preset locations, such as the floors with the highest signal quality and / or data transmission quality (103, 104, 105, 106).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the elevator car (102) is not in use, the elevator car (102) is substantially always or based on preset conditions stopped at a selected location, such as a selected floor.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel is determined at different locations of the elevator car (102) in the elevator shaft (101) by measuring and / or continuously measuring or measuring the signal quality and / or data transmission quality at predetermined time intervals during elevator operation while the elevator car (102) is moving in the elevator shaft (101).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined at least at each layer (103, 104, 105, 106).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined by analyzing and measuring the signal level and / or data transmission quality by the elevator control unit and / or cloud backend system, and / or based on information from elevator commissioning software or other external systems such as building control systems.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined based on real-time measurement and / or real-time determination of the signal quality or data transmission quality.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein when selecting the location of the elevator car (102) for data transmission, information collected from the determination of signal quality and / or data transmission quality based on earlier results of the day and / or earlier results of the determination of signal quality and / or data transmission quality is used.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined at different times of the day, and data transmission is performed when the idle capacity of the communication channel exceeds a preset value or when the idle capacity available for data transmission in the communication channel is at its maximum.

10. An elevator control unit for an elevator arrangement, the elevator arrangement including at least an elevator shaft (101), an elevator car (102) configured to move within the elevator shaft (101), and at least one wireless communication channel, such as a wireless network, for communication within the elevator shaft, the elevator control unit including at least one processing unit and at least one memory, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement to: The signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel are determined at different locations of the elevator car (102) in the elevator shaft (101). Based on determined signal quality and / or determined data transmission quality, the elevator car (102) is moved to a selected position or area, and Perform data transmission in a selected area or location within the elevator car (102).

11. The elevator control unit of claim 10, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the arrangement for data transmission at a selected location that is one of the locations with the highest determined signal quality and / or data transmission quality or preset locations, such as the floors with the highest determined signal quality and / or data transmission quality (103, 104, 105, 106).

12. The elevator control unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement so that when the elevator car (102) is not in use, the elevator car (102) is substantially always or based on preset conditions stopped at a selected location, such as a selected floor.

13. The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement to determine the signal quality and / or data transmission quality of at least one wireless communication channel at different locations of the elevator car (102) in the elevator shaft (101) by measuring and / or continuously measuring, or measuring at predetermined time intervals during elevator operation, the signal quality and / or data transmission quality as the elevator car (102) is moving in the elevator shaft (101).

14. The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement to determine signal quality and / or data transmission quality at least on each floor.

15. The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to analyze the measured signal level and / or data transmission quality by analyzing the measured signal level and / or measured data transmission quality to determine the signal quality and / or data transmission quality, and / or control the elevator arrangement to determine the signal quality and / or data transmission quality by analyzing the measured signal level and / or data transmission quality by a cloud backend system, and / or based on information from elevator commissioning software or other external systems such as building control systems.

16. The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein the signal quality and / or data transmission quality are determined based on real-time measurement and / or real-time determination of the signal quality or data transmission quality.

17. The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement to use information collected from the signal quality and / or data transmission quality determination based on earlier results of the day and / or earlier results of the signal quality and / or data transmission quality determination when selecting the location of the elevator car for data transmission.

18. The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-17, wherein the elevator control unit is configured to control the elevator arrangement to determine signal quality and / or data transmission quality at different times of the day, and to perform data transmission when the idle capacity of the communication channel exceeds a preset value or when the idle capacity available for data transmission in the communication channel is at its maximum.

19. An elevator (100), comprising Elevator car (102), An elevator motor (110) is configured to move the elevator car (102), and The elevator control unit according to any one of claims 10-18.

20. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising the computer program of claim 20.

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