Elevator system

Abstract

An elevator system, including: a passenger detection device, which is arranged at a predetermined position leading to an elevator and is configured to take an image of a passenger passing by the predetermined position; an identification device, configured to receive the image from the passenger detection device and identify a space requirement of the passenger according to the image; a car detection device, arranged in each car and configured to dynamically monitor a remaining space in each car; and a passenger allocation device, configured to allocate the passenger to an appropriate car according to the space requirement of the passenger and the remaining space in each car. The elevator system can optimize the allocation of cars.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator system, the elevator system being capable of optimizing the allocation of cars.BACKGROUND

[0002] Some special passengers require additional space when taking an elevator, such as passengers carrying large luggage, passengers with baby strollers, or disabled persons in wheelchairs. These special passengers often face situations where there is an available space in the elevator, but the available space is insufficient, making it impossible for them to take the elevator in time.SUMMARY

[0003] To address the above issues, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an elevator system is provided, comprising: a passenger detection device arranged at a predetermined position leading to the elevator, and configured to take an image of a passenger passing by the predetermined position; an identification device configured to receive the image from the passenger detection device and to identify a space requirement of the passenger according to the image; a car detection device arranged in each car and configured to dynamically monitor a remaining space in each car; and a passenger allocation device configured to allocate the passenger to an appropriate car according to the space requirement of the passenger and the remaining space in each car.

[0004] By allocating a passenger to an appropriate car according to the space requirement of the passenger and the remaining space in each car, the elevator system of the present invention can optimize the allocation of cars and reduce situations where a passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size are unable to take an elevator and have to wait for a long time.

[0005] The elevator system of the present invention may include one or more of the following features.

[0006] In one embodiment, the identification device is configured to identify whether the passenger is carrying an item exceeding a predetermined size according to the image, and to classify the space requirement of the passenger not carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size as level 0. Passengers not carrying items exceeding the predetermined size can be allocated to cars using a previous logic.

[0007] In one embodiment, the identification device is configured to classify the space requirement of the passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size into n levels according to the size of the item, n being an integer greater than or equal to 2, the car detection device is configured to classify the remaining space in each car into corresponding n levels; wherein the remaining space of level m can accommodate a passenger having a space requirement of level m, m being an integer less than or equal to n, and wherein the greater the value of m, the greater the space requirement of level m; and the passenger allocation device is configured to allocate a passenger having a space requirement of level m to a car having a remaining space of level m or more. For a passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size, it is possible to allocate the passenger to a car having corresponding or more remaining space according to different space requirements, and to finely classify the space requirements and the remaining spaces into detailed levels, so as to optimize the allocation of car space.

[0008] In one embodiment, the identification device is configured to apply a compensation factor to the remaining space of level m when the number of passengers passing by the predetermined position within a unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold, such that the compensated remaining space of level m is smaller than the uncompensated remaining space of level m. This helps to reduce the impact caused by estimation errors of the remaining space.

[0009] In one embodiment, the identification device is further configured to estimate a time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator according to the image and a distance between the predetermined position and the elevator, the passenger allocation device is further configured to allocate the passenger to an appropriate car according to the estimated time. By taking into account the estimated time for the passenger to arrive at the elevator in the logic of car allocation, the allocation scheme is further optimized..

[0010] In one embodiment, the identification device is configured to estimate the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator according to the image by identifying whether the passenger is carrying an item and determining a type and size of the item. By identifying whether the passenger is carrying an item and determining a type and size of the item, it is possible to more accurately estimate the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator.

[0011] In one embodiment, a turnstile is arranged at the predetermined position, the identification device is further configured to estimate the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator according to a type of the turnstile. In this way, the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator can be estimated more accurately.

[0012] In one embodiment, a guide projection is arranged at the predetermined position and configured to display a number and / or direction of the car allocated to a current passenger. By visually guiding the passenger, convenience is provided to the passenger.

[0013] In one embodiment, a voice guidance device is arranged at the predetermined position and configured to provide voice instructions to a current passenger. By vocally guiding the passenger, convenience is provided to the passenger.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elevator system further comprises a voice device arranged inside the car and configured to provide a voice prompt to existing passengers in the allocated car when the identification device identifies a passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size. By providing an advance notification to the existing passengers in the car, the time required for the passenger to enter the car can be reduced, improving the efficiency of the elevator system.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elevator system further comprises a door control device configured to extend a door opening time of the allocated car when the identification device identifies a passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size. This prevents the passenger carrying the item exceeding the predetermined size from being trapped.

[0016] In one embodiment, the items exceeding the predetermined size are the following types of items: baby strollers, handcarts, wheelchairs, suitcases, and cardboard boxes. Different types of items can be detected.

[0017] In one embodiment, the identification device undergoes AI recognition training in advance for different types of items and different item sizes. Through AI recognition training in advance, the type and size of the item can be more accurately identified, and the space requirement of the passenger can thereby be determined with greater accuracy.

[0018] In one embodiment, the car detection device is pre-trained, based on a neural network, using car images with different remaining spaces. Through training in advance, the remaining space in the car can be detected more accurately.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are briefly described below. The drawings are merely used to show some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit all embodiments of the present invention thereto. FIG. 1 is an example illustrating passenger allocation in an elevator system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example illustrating communication of the elevator system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following provides a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the present invention. In the figures, identical reference numerals indicate the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention and not all possible embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by persons skilled in the art based on the disclosed embodiments of the present invention without involving inventive effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the invention pertains. The use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of the present application does not imply any specific order, quantity, or importance, but is merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "comprise," "include," or similar expressions mean that elements or components listed before such terms cover those listed after and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or components. The terms "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections and may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are used to indicate relative positions and may vary when the object's absolute position changes.

[0022] The invention is now described in detail by way of exemplary embodiments.

[0023] In an embodiment of the elevator system of the present invention, the elevator system is arranged in a building and manages the allocation of multiple cars. The elevator system of the present invention is configured to allocate an appropriate car to an appropriate passenger based on passenger detection and car remaining space detection.

[0024] Specifically, regarding passenger detection, the elevator system may include a passenger detection device arranged at a predetermined position leading to the elevator, and configured to take an image of a passenger passing by the predetermined position. The predetermined position may be any position along a necessary path to the elevator, such as a revolving door at the building entrance, a hallway to the elevator lobby, or a turnstile leading to the elevator. Preferably, the predetermined position is a turnstile, and the passenger detection device includes a camera arranged above the turnstile to take an image of the passenger passing by. Since only one passenger is allowed through the turnstile at a time, the system can more accurately identify each individual passenger.

[0025] Additionally, the elevator system may include an identification device configured to receive the image from the passenger detection device and identify the space requirement of the passenger based on the image captured. Specifically, the identification device may first determine whether the passenger is carrying an item exceeding a predetermined size, and classify the space requirement of the passenger not carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size as level 0. The items exceeding the predetermined size described herein include, but are not limited to, the following types of large items: baby strollers, handcarts, wheelchairs, suitcases, and large cardboard boxes. Passengers not carrying items exceeding the predetermined size may include those carrying no items or small items. Small items refer to those with relatively small sizes that are easy to carry and take up minimal space, such as handbags, shoulder bags, and backpacks. For the passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size, the identification device is further configured to classify the space requirement into n levels based on the size of the item carried, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, when n = 2, the identification device classifies the space requirements of passengers carrying items exceeding the predetermined size into two levels, specifically level 1 and level 2. As an example, level 1 may be defined as a space requirement of 30% of the car space, and passengers carrying large suitcases have a space requirement of level 1. Level 2 may be defined as a space requirement of 50% of the car space, and passengers carrying baby strollers have a space requirement of level 2. Preferably, the identification device undergoes AI recognition training in advance for different types of items and different item sizes. Specifically, images with manually attached labels may be provided to the identification device for such AI recognition training. For example, an image (showing a passenger carrying a baby stroller) labeled with "baby stroller" and "occupies 50% of car spac," may be provided to the identification device.

[0026] The passenger detection device and the identification device may be integrated into a single unit or communicate with each other. In the example of FIG. 2, the passenger detection device and the identification device are for example an AI camera arranged on the turnstile. The AI camera communicates with an elevator controller.

[0027] For car detection, the elevator system may include a car detection device arranged in each car and configured to dynamically monitor the remaining space inside each car. For example, the car detection device may be arranged on the ceiling, specifically at the center or corner of the ceiling, and take images of the car interior from above. In the example of FIG. 2, the car detection device is a fill level sensor arranged in the car. The fill level sensor communicates with the elevator controller. The car detection device is configured to classify the remaining space in each car into n levels, corresponding to the n levels of the space requirement, where the remaining space of level m can accommodate a passenger with a space requirement of level m. m is a positive integer less than or equal to n, and the larger the value of m, the greater the space requirement of level m. For example, if n = 2, the remaining space of the car may be divided into two levels, being specifically level 1 and level 2. The remaining space of level 1 can accommodate a passenger with the space requirement of level 1, and the remaining space of level 2 can accommodate a passenger with the space requirement of level 2. As an example, the remaining space of level 1 is 30%-50%, and the remaining space of level 2 is 50%-100%. In this case, the remaining space of level 1 (30%-50%) can accommodate a passenger with the space requirement of level 1 (30%), such as passengers carrying large suitcases. The remaining space of level 2 (50%-100%) can accommodate passengers with the space requirement of level 2 (50%), such as passengers carrying suitcases. Preferably, the car detection device is pre-trained, based on a neural network, using car images with different remaining spaces. Specifically, images with manually attached labels may be provided to the car detection device for pre-training. For example, an image labeled with "50% remaining space" may be provided to the car detection device, and an image labeled with "30% remaining space" may be provided to the car detection device.

[0028] In an aspect of combining the two detection, the elevator system may include a passenger allocation device configured to allocate a passenger to an appropriate car based on the space requirement and the remaining space in each car. The passenger allocation device may be integrated into the elevator controller. Specifically, the passenger allocation device is configured to allocate a passenger with the space requirement of level m to a car with the level m or more. That is, a passenger with the space requirement of level may be allocated to either a car with the remaining space of level 1 or a car with the remaining space of level 2. If there is a passenger with a space requirement of a higher level, it is preferable to allocate the passenger with the space requirement of a higher level to a car with a remaining space of a higher level. For example, according to the example described above, when there is only a passenger carrying a large suitcase (with a space requirement of 30%), he may be allocated to a car with a remaining space of level 1, or alternatively, to a car with a remaining space of level 2. However, when there are a passenger carrying a large suitcase (with a space requirement of 30%) and a passenger carrying a baby stroller (with a space requirement of 50%) at the same time, the passenger carrying a baby stroller (with a space requirement of 50%) is given priority to be allocated to the car with the remaining space of level 2, and the passenger carrying a large suitcase (with a space requirement of 30%) is allocated to a car with the remaining space of level 1.

[0029] By allocating passengers to appropriate cars based on the space requirements of the passengers and the remaining space in each car, the allocation of cars can be optimized, reducing situations where passengers carrying items exceeding the predetermined size are unable to take the elevator and have to wait for a long time.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the passenger detection device and the identification device arranged at the turnstile detect and identify that a passenger A is not carrying large items, a passenger B is carrying a baby stroller, and a passenger C is carrying a large suitcase. The car detection device detects that the car passenger space usage rate of an elevator A is 90%, an elevator B is 100%, an elevator C is 70%, and an elevator D is 50%. The passenger allocation device then allocates the passenger A to the car of the elevator A, the passenger B to the car of the elevator D, and the passenger C to the car of the elevator C. In this way, the optimization of car allocation is achieved, improving the overall passenger loading rate of the elevators.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, data from the elevator system may also be uploaded to the cloud for further processing or training of other elevator systems.

[0032] The car detection device inevitably has errors in detecting the remaining space in the car. Preferably, based on the level of passenger flow, the judgment logic for the remaining space inside the car is optimized. For example, when the passenger flow is high, a smaller value is used for the remaining space; when the passenger flow is low, a larger value is used, thereby reducing the impact caused by errors in the remaining space judgment. Specifically, the identification device can be used to identify the passenger flow, and then compensate for the remaining space. As an example, the identification device can be configured such that when the number of passengers passing by a predetermined position within a unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold, a compensation factor is applied to the remaining space of level m, so that the compensated remaining space of level m is smaller than the uncompensated remaining space of level m. That is, when the passenger flow is high, the remaining space is adjusted to a smaller value through compensation; at other times (when the passenger flow is low), no compensation is applied (normal value is used).

[0033] Additionally, the identification device can also be configured to estimate the time required for a passenger to arrive at the elevator based on the captured images (for example, to identify whether the passenger is carrying items exceeding the predetermined size, as well as the type and size of the carried items) and the distance between the predetermined position and the elevator. The passenger allocation device can also be configured to allocate the passenger to an appropriate car based on the estimated time. That is, the time it takes for the passenger to move from the predetermined position to the elevator entrance is also taken into account in the car allocation. Moreover, differentiated time estimations can be made for different passengers, for example, passengers carrying items exceeding the predetermined size are estimated to move at a slower speed. If a turnstile is arranged at the predetermined position, the identification device can also be configured to estimate the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator based on the type of turnstile. For example, if the passenger needs to perform identity verification to pass through the turnstile, the estimated time increases.

[0034] Preferably, a guiding projection is provided at the predetermined position, configured to display the number and / or direction of the car allocated to the current passenger. For example, if a turnstile is provided at the predetermined position and a passenger carrying a baby stroller arrives at the turnstile, the passenger detection device takes an image of the passenger, and the identification device identifies that the passenger has a space requirement of 50%. At the same time, the car detection device detects that a car C has a remaining space of 60% and is about to arrive at the floor where the passenger is located. Then, the passenger allocation device allocates the car C to the passenger, and the guiding projection displays "C" at the entrance of the turnstile passed through by the passenger and shows a guiding line from the entrance to the car C to indicate the direction. Alternatively or additionally, a voice guidance device is provided at the predetermined position and configured to provide voice guidance to the current passenger. For example, it plays a voice message to the passenger saying "Please proceed to car C."

[0035] Preferably, the elevator system further includes a voice device arranged inside the car, configured to provide a voice prompt to the existing passengers in the allocated car when the identification device identifies that the passenger is carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size. For example, when the passenger allocation device allocates the car C to a passenger carrying a baby stroller, the voice device plays a voice message to the existing passengers in the car C: "Please reserve space for the passenger with a baby stroller. Thank you." More preferably, the elevator system further includes a door control device configured to extend the door opening time of the allocated car when the identification device identifies that the passenger is carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size. For example, when the passenger allocation device allocates the car C to a passenger carrying a baby stroller, the door opening time of the car C is extended by 3-5 seconds compared to the normal time.

Claims

1. An elevator system comprising: a passenger detection device arranged at a predetermined position leading to elevators and configured to take an image of a passenger passing by the predetermined position; an identification device configured to receive the image from the passenger detection device and to identify a space requirement of the passenger according to the image; a car detection device arranged in each car and configured to dynamically monitor a remaining space in each car; and a passenger allocation device configured to allocate the passenger to an appropriate car according to the space requirement of the passenger and the remaining space in each car.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the identification device is configured to identify whether the passenger is carrying an item exceeding a predetermined size according to the image, and to classify the space requirement of the passenger not carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size as level 0.

3. The elevator system according to claim 2, wherein the identification device is configured to classify the space requirement of the passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size into n levels according to the size of the item, n being an integer greater than or equal to 2; the car detection device is configured to classify the remaining space in each car into corresponding n levels; wherein the remaining space of level m can accommodate a passenger having a space requirement of level m, m being an integer less than or equal to n, and wherein the greater the value of m, the greater the space requirement of level m; and the passenger allocation device is configured to allocate a passenger having a space requirement of level m to a car having a remaining space of level m or more.

4. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein the identification device is configured to apply a compensation factor to the remaining space of level m when the number of passengers passing by the predetermined position within a unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold, such that the compensated remaining space of level m is smaller than the uncompensated remaining space of level m.

5. The elevator system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the identification device is further configured to estimate a time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator according to the image and a distance between the predetermined position and the elevator, the passenger allocation device is further configured to allocate the passenger to an appropriate car according to the estimated time.

6. The elevator system according to claim 5, wherein the identification device is configured to estimate the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator according to the image by identifying whether the passenger is carrying an item and determining a type and size of the item.

7. The elevator system according to claim 5, wherein a turnstile is arranged at the predetermined position, the identification device is further configured to estimate the time required for the passenger to arrive at the elevator according to a type of the turnstile.

8. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a guiding projection is arranged at the predetermined position and configured to display a number and / or direction of the car allocated to a current passenger.

9. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a voice guidance device is arranged at the predetermined position and configured to provide voice instructions to a current passenger.

10. The elevator system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a voice device arranged inside the car and configured to provide a voice prompt to existing passengers in the allocated car when the identification device identifies a passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size.

11. The elevator system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a door control device configured to extend a door opening time of the allocated car when the identification device identifies a passenger carrying an item exceeding the predetermined size.

12. The elevator system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the item exceeding the predetermined size are the following types of items: baby strollers, handcarts, wheelchairs, suitcases, and cardboard boxes.

13. The elevator system according to claim 12, wherein the identification device undergoes AI identification training in advance for different types of items and different item sizes.

14. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the car detection device is pre-trained, based on a neural network, using car images with different remaining spaces.

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