Elevator system and control method thereof

Abstract

An elevator system is disclosed. The elevator system assigns an authority level to each passenger, and differently applies allocation and control methods of elevator lines for each authority level.

Description

Elevator system and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator system and a control method thereof.

[0002] An elevator includes an elevator car that moves along a vertical shaft formed inside a building, a traction machine that generates power to raise and lower the elevator car, and a power transmission member that transmits the power of the traction machine to the car.

[0003] An elevator car moves along a vertical shaft formed within a building. Motors, traction machines, and other devices are installed to generate power to raise and lower the elevator car. One or more elevators installed within a building can be controlled and managed in an integrated manner.

[0004] Elevators allow for the vertical movement of people, cargo, animals, plants, and / or robots within a building. Recently, robot-based services have become increasingly popular. Various interoperable control technologies between robots and elevators are being developed to enable robots to ride elevators and move between floors within a building.

[0005] In prior art document, Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0162937, an elevator system (100) includes a beacon (110) adapted to broadcast a beacon signal (170) to a mobile device (150) carried by a user (160) when activated, a sensor device (120), and a controller (130, 135) adapted to selectively activate the beacon (110), and a method (200) for operating the elevator system (100) comprises: a step of capturing a capture of a user (160) by the sensor device (120), the capture including capture data representing user activity; a step of inferring intent data representing an intent of the user (160) to board an elevator from the capture data; It is disclosed that the method includes a step of activating the beacon (110) to broadcast a beacon signal (170) under a condition that the intention data indicates the intention of the user (160) to board an elevator; and a step of receiving, by the controller (135), a command signal (180) transmitted by a mobile device (150) upon receiving the beacon signal (170).

[0006] Meanwhile, conventionally, a single allocation method was applied uniformly regardless of the passenger calling the elevator. This control method had the disadvantage of not being able to reflect the varying traffic conditions within the building in elevator allocation and making it difficult to meet the potential needs of passengers.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide an elevator system and a control method thereof, which can grant authority levels to each passenger and apply different allocation and control methods for elevator cabins according to the authority levels.

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide an elevator system and a control method thereof, which enable the passenger or (building / security) manager to directly customize control conditions applicable to each passenger's authority level.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an elevator system and a control method thereof, which can apply different allocation and control methods of elevators according to time zones.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, an elevator system is provided that grants authority levels to each passenger and applies different allocation and control methods for elevator cabins according to the authority levels.

[0011] The applicable control conditions for each of the above authority levels can be customized by the passenger.

[0012] The allocation and control methods of elevators can be applied differently depending on the time zone.

[0013] The above elevator system includes a setting unit, and the setting unit can perform one or more of 1) mapping of elevator car allocation and control method by authority level and 2) granting the authority level to each passenger.

[0014] The above elevator system includes a processing unit, and the processing unit can perform at least one of: 1) displaying applicable control conditions according to the authority level of the passenger; and 2) assigning and controlling an elevator car that matches the authority level and customizing conditions for a new call.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, an elevator system control method is provided, comprising: 1) a step of mapping an allocation and control method of elevator units by authority level; 2) a step of granting the authority level to each passenger; 3) a step of registering a new call; and 4) a step of allocating and controlling an elevator unit appropriate for the authority level to the new call.

[0016] The above elevator system control method may further include a step of customizing control conditions applicable to each passenger's authority level, and in step 4), an elevator car matching the authority level and the customizing conditions may be assigned and controlled for the new call.

[0017] The above elevator system control method may further include a step of displaying applicable control conditions for each authority level.

[0018] The allocation and control methods of elevators can be applied differently depending on the time zone.

[0019] AI models can recommend or automatically set allocation and control methods by time zone and permission level.

[0020] The present invention can increase the satisfaction of passengers using an elevator by granting authority levels to each passenger and applying different allocation and control methods for elevators according to the authority levels.

[0021] The present invention can increase the satisfaction of passengers using elevators by enabling the passenger or (building / security) manager to directly customize control conditions applicable to each passenger's authority level.

[0022] The present invention can allocate and control elevators by taking into account various traffic conditions within a building by applying different allocation and control methods for elevators according to time zone.

[0023] The present invention can contribute to reducing carbon emissions by efficiently utilizing energy and can contribute to ESG management.

[0024] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a robot and a non-robot riding in an elevator car included in the elevator system of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an elevator system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for setting authority levels according to passenger types and setting elevator unit allocation and control services corresponding to each authority level.

[0027] Figure 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for recognizing a passenger, granting an authority level corresponding to the recognized information, and providing elevator car allocation and control services.

[0028] The configuration and operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention can be applied in various fields of robot control and elevator control. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0029]

[0030] The elevator system of the present invention and its control method can grant authority levels to each passenger and apply different allocation and control methods for elevator cabins according to the authority levels, and the control conditions applicable to each passenger's authority level can be directly customized by the passenger or the (building / security) manager.

[0031] In addition, the elevator system of the present invention and its control method can apply different allocation and control methods for elevators by time zone, and an artificial intelligence model can recommend or automatically set allocation and control methods by time zone and authority level.

[0032] A closer look at this is as follows:

[0033]

[0034] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a robot (310) and a non-robot (320), such as a person, riding in an elevator car (EC) included in the elevator system of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the elevator car (EC) included in the elevator system of the present invention can accommodate not only non-robots (320) such as people, cargo, animals / plants, etc., but also robots (310). In the present specification, the robot (310) is used as a concept broadly encompassing autonomous vehicles, unmanned vehicles, and other mechanical devices that automatically move and / or perform tasks or are controlled externally. The robot (310) may be a service robot for providing services on at least one floor within a building.

[0036] In this specification, a call generating entity including a robot (310) and a non-robot (320) is referred to as a ‘passenger.’

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an elevator system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the elevator system (100) of the present invention may include a setting unit (110) and / or a processing unit (120).

[0039]

[0040] The setting unit (110) can perform one or more of the following functions.

[0041] 1) Mapping of elevator allocation and control methods by authority level

[0042] 2) Granting authority levels to each passenger

[0043]

[0044] The processing unit (120) can perform one or more of the following functions.

[0045] 1) Display applicable control conditions according to the passenger's authority level.

[0046] 2) Assign and control elevators that match the authority level and customization conditions for new calls.

[0047]

[0048] Figure 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for setting authority levels according to passenger types (VIP, semi-VIP, general public, robot, etc.) and setting elevator unit allocation and control services corresponding to each authority level.

[0049] Figure 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for recognizing a passenger (boarding call input device linked to a device such as a card key / face recognition / RFID / QR code / personally identifiable mobile device), granting an authority level corresponding to the recognized information, and providing elevator unit allocation and control services.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the elevator system control method of the present embodiment includes at least one of a step of mapping allocation and control methods of elevator units by authority level (S110), a step of granting authority levels to passengers (S120), a step of displaying applicable control conditions by authority level of the passenger (S130), a step of customizing control conditions (S140), a step of registering a new call (S150), and a step of allocating and controlling an elevator unit that matches the authority level and customizing conditions for a new call (S160).

[0051]

[0052] 1) Step for mapping the allocation and control method of elevator doors by authority level (S110)

[0053] The configuration unit (110) can divide passenger authority levels and map elevator unit allocation and control methods for each authority level. For example, passenger authority levels can be divided as shown below, and elevator unit allocation and control methods can be mapped for each authority level. Furthermore, elevator unit allocation and control methods can be applied differently for each time period, such as assigning default optimal units to levels other than VIP during peak hours.

[0054]

[0055] ① Normal level

[0056] - Default optimal oxygen allocation

[0057] - Customizing service provided

[0058] - Customization services are not available during peak hours.

[0059] - The level can also be given to robots

[0060]

[0061] ② Preferential level

[0062] - Select one of the elevator car types below (if not selected, the default optimal car is assigned)

[0063] * Elevator number designated by passenger

[0064] * The elevator closest to the passenger's current location

[0065] * Elevator with the shortest waiting time

[0066] - We do not provide door open waiting service.

[0067] - Customizing service provided

[0068] - During peak hours, the above services are not provided even at the preferential level, and the default optimal time is allocated.

[0069] - All services applicable to the general level are applicable (at the discretion of the passenger or (building / security) manager)

[0070] - The level can also be given to robots

[0071]

[0072] ③ Semi-VIP level

[0073] - Excluding or suppressing new call registration in the assigned elevator car, and moving previously registered hall calls and car calls to the floor where VIP passengers are waiting after service.

[0074] - We do not provide door open waiting service.

[0075] - During peak hours, the above services are not provided even at the semi-VIP level, and the default optimal time is allocated.

[0076] - Both general and preferential level services are applicable (at the discretion of the passenger or (building / security) manager)

[0077] - The level can also be given to robots

[0078]

[0079] ④ VIP level

[0080] - Excluding new call registrations in assigned elevators, deleting previously registered hold calls, and moving previously registered car calls to the floor where VIP passengers are waiting after service.

[0081] - When the assigned elevator arrives at the floor where VIP passengers are waiting, the door remains open until the passengers board.

[0082] - The above services are provided even during peak hours.

[0083] - All services applicable to general level, preferential level, and semi-VIP level are applicable (at the option of the passenger or (building / security) manager)

[0084] - The level can also be given to robots

[0085]

[0086] 2) Step of granting authority level to each passenger (S120)

[0087] The configuration unit (110) can assign authority levels to each passenger. Authority levels can be assigned not only to non-robots such as humans, but also to robots. When a new call is made, the elevator car assignment and control method mapped to the authority level assigned to the passenger can be automatically applied.

[0088]

[0089] 3) Step (S130) of displaying applicable control conditions according to the passenger's authority level

[0090] The processing unit (120) may display applicable control conditions according to the passenger's authority level, if the passenger's authority level allows for customization services. Accordingly, the passenger or (building / security) manager may customize the control conditions by selecting a desired control condition from among the applicable control conditions according to the authority level. Furthermore, the processing unit (120) may recommend a control mode combining multiple control conditions based on the passenger's age, gender, existing data, etc. If the AI ​​model recommends or automatically sets the allocation and control method by time zone and authority level, this information may also be displayed.

[0091] Applicable control conditions, control mode recommendations, artificial intelligence recommendations or automatic settings, etc. for each passenger's authority level may be displayed on the device through which the passenger registers a new call (boarding call device, smartphone application, etc.).

[0092] For example, applicable control conditions for each passenger's authority level may be as follows:

[0093]

[0094] ① Load occupancy rate, space occupancy rate, and number of objects by robot / non-robot in the elevator car

[0095] - Induce new call assignments to elevators that do not exceed pre-set criteria, taking into account current measurements or forecasts.

[0096] - It can also be categorized by permission level. In this case, permission can be granted to those with a level higher than the preferred level.

[0097]

[0098] ② Door opening waiting time

[0099] - Learn or set individual walking time to each floor and call input device, and operate individual door opening waiting time separately considering walking time (customization possible for each individual regardless of authority level)

[0100]

[0101] ③ Option control exception handling

[0102] - Temporarily provide exceptional service to VIP or semi-VIP level passengers on aircraft where new call services are restricted due to reasons such as energy-saving operation or parking control.

[0103]

[0104] 4) Step for customizing control conditions (S140)

[0105] Passengers or (building / security) managers can select the control conditions they wish to apply from the applicable control conditions based on their level of authority. Passengers or (building / security) managers can also select a specific control mode from among control modes that combine multiple control conditions.

[0106] Passengers or (building / security) managers can preset control conditions that will be applied by default when assigning elevators. In this case, these preset control conditions will be automatically applied when a passenger calls an elevator.

[0107] Additionally, passengers or (building / security) managers can set control conditions to apply to elevator calls. In this case, the device used to make elevator calls first displays applicable control conditions based on the passenger's authority level. The passenger or (building / security) manager then selects the control conditions before the call is registered.

[0108] Not only non-robots like humans, but also robots can customize their control conditions. Robot managers can customize the control conditions for each robot, or robots can customize their own control conditions through artificial intelligence learning.

[0109] Additionally, according to the present invention, the artificial intelligence model can recommend or automatically set the allocation and control method by time zone and authority level.

[0110]

[0111] 5) New call registration step (S150)

[0112] A new call is made by the person making the new call entering the 'destination layer' that he or she wants to go to.

[0113] A new call can be generated by a passenger entering the destination floor on a call device installed at the boarding gate, or by remotely entering the destination floor using an application installed on a smartphone. Furthermore, if the robot (310) is the passenger, the call can be generated by the robot (310) or the robot management system transmitting a destination floor input signal.

[0114] If a passenger inputs the destination floor on the call device installed at the elevator, the floor on which the call device is installed, i.e. the floor on which the new call originates, can be the 'boarding floor' on which the passenger wishes to board the elevator.

[0115] If a passenger enters the destination floor remotely, the floor where the passenger is located can be set as the boarding floor (if the passenger's location can be confirmed through smartphone location tracking, etc.), or the passenger can directly enter the boarding floor.

[0116] If the passenger is a robot (310), the floor where the robot (310) is located can be set as the boarding floor, and the robot (310) or the robot management system can transmit boarding floor information.

[0117]

[0118] 6) Step of assigning and controlling an elevator car that meets the authority level and customization conditions for a new call (S160)

[0119] The processing unit (120) can assign an elevator number that matches the authority level and customizing conditions to a new call, and control the elevator number to match the authority level and customizing conditions.

[0120]

[0121] The present invention can increase the satisfaction of passengers using an elevator by granting authority levels to each passenger and applying different allocation and control methods for elevators according to the authority levels.

[0122] The present invention can increase the satisfaction of passengers using elevators by enabling the passenger or (building / security) manager to directly customize control conditions applicable to each passenger's authority level.

[0123] The present invention can allocate and control elevators by taking into account various traffic conditions within a building by applying different allocation and control methods for elevators according to time zone.

[0124] The present invention can contribute to reducing carbon emissions by efficiently utilizing energy and can contribute to ESG management.

[0125]

[0126] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and that various modifications or variations can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0127] [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] EC: Elevator Car 100: Elevator System

[0129] 110: Settings section 120: Processing section

[0130] 310: Robot 320: Non-robot

Claims

1. An elevator system that grants authority levels to each passenger and applies different allocation and control methods for elevators according to the authority levels.

2. In claim 1, An elevator system in which passengers can customize the control conditions applicable to each authority level.

3. In claim 1, An elevator system that applies different allocation and control methods for elevators depending on the time zone.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, Includes a settings section, The above setting section, 1) Mapping of elevator allocation and control methods by authority level 2) Granting the above authority level to each passenger An elevator system that performs one or more of the following:

5. In any one of claims 1 to 3, Including a processing unit, The above processing unit, 1) Display applicable control conditions according to the passenger's authority level. 2) Assign and control elevators that match the authority level and customization conditions for new calls. An elevator system that performs one or more of the following: 6.1) Step of mapping the allocation and control method of elevator doors by authority level; 2) Step of granting the above authority level to each passenger; 3) New call registration step; and 4) An elevator system control method, comprising a step of allocating and controlling an elevator car suitable for the authority level to the new call.

7. In claim 6, Further comprising a step for customizing applicable control conditions for each passenger's authority level; An elevator system control method, wherein in step 4), an elevator number matching the authority level and the customizing conditions is assigned and controlled to the new call.

8. In claim 7, An elevator system control method further comprising a step of displaying applicable control conditions for each authority level.

9. In any one of claims 6 to 8, An elevator system control method that applies different allocation and control methods for elevators according to time zone.

10. In any one of claims 6 to 8, An elevator system control method in which an artificial intelligence model recommends or automatically sets allocation and control methods by time zone and authority level.

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