Construction time monitoring of an elevator system

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a controller in an elevator system. The controller comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: obtaining entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identifiers; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identifiers; obtaining exiting floor associated information; and transmitting the entering remote identifiers and their associated timestamp data, the exiting remote identifiers and their associated timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information to a backend system for further analysis.

Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTION TIME MONITORING OF AN ELEVATOR SYSTEM

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Elevators may be used in a building construction phase , for example , for construction worker, construction material and equipment transport . In the construction time use ( CTU) , the elevators may be very heavily used and waiting times may increase . In the CTU, the amount of construction material and equipment transported with the elevators may be signi ficant , and loading and unloading of the transported construction material and equipment may take time .

[0004] In the building construction time , it is di f ficult to accurately determine how site operatives , for example , construction workers , spend their time or move inside the building under construction . A work progress of a construction proj ect may be traced, for example , manually and based on steps completed . This information, however, is inaccurate and delayed as the information may not be updated accurately .

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect , there is provided a controller in an elevator system . The controller comprises at least one proces sor ; and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform : obtaining entering remote identi fiers read with at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fier ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; and transmitting the entering remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the exiting remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information to a backend system for further analysis .

[0007] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the entering floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0008] In an implementation form of the first aspect , obtaining entering floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and obtaining exiting floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi f iers , and wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect , identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers . In an implementation form of the first aspect , identi fying the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers from remote identi fier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers from remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0010] According to a second aspect , there is provided a controller in an elevator system . The controller comprises at least one proces sor ; and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform : obtaining entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fier ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identi fier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identifiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison .

[0011] In an implementation form of the second aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing construction progress monitoring information .

[0012] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform : comparing the time spent on each f loor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation .

[0013] In an implementation form of the second aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .

[0014] In an implementation form of the second aspect , obtaining entering floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and obtaining exiting floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers , and wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0015] In an implementation form of the second aspect , identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0016] In an implementation form of the second aspect , identi fying the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers from remote identi fier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers from remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0017] According to a third aspect , there is provided an elevator system comprising at least one elevator car; at least one remote identi fier reader arranged in at least one location in a building during construction time ; and a controller according to the first or second aspect .

[0018] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the at least one remote identi fier reader comprises a remote identi fier reader arranged in each elevator car of the at least one elevator car .

[0019] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the at least one remote identi fier reader comprises a separate remote identi fier reader associated with each route point providing access to the at least one floor .

[0020] According to a fourth aspect , there is provided a backend system for providing construction time feedback information, the backend system comprising at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the backend system to at least perform : receiving, from a controller of an elevator system, entering remote identi fiers read with at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; receiving, from the controller, entering floor associated information; receiving, from the controller, exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fier ; receiving, from the controller, exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identi fier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identi fiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison .

[0021] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing construction progress monitoring information .

[0022] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the backend system to at least perform : comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation . In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , wherein providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .

[0023] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , the entering floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers ; and the at least one memory store instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the backend system to at least perform : identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on the identifiers of the remote identi fier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers based on based on the identi fiers of the remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0024] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0025] According to a fi fth aspect , there is provided a method for construction time monitoring . The method comprises obtaining entering remote identi fiers read with at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; and transmitting the entering remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the exiting remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information to a backend system for further analysis .

[0026] In an implementation form of the fi fth aspect , the entering floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0027] In an implementation form of the fi fth aspect , obtaining entering floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and obtaining exiting floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi f iers , and wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0028] In an implementation form of the fi fth aspect , identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers .

[0029] In an implementation form of the fifth aspect, identifying the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method for construction time monitoring. The method comprises obtaining entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identifiers; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identifiers; obtaining exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identifiers, exiting remote identifiers, the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identifiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison. In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing construction progress monitoring information .

[0031] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and the method further comprises comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation .

[0032] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .

[0033] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and the method further comprises comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation .

[0034] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .

[0035] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , obtaining entering floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and obtaining exiting floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi f iers , and wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers .

[0036] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect, identifying floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises identifying the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers comprises identifying the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers .

[0037] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect, identifying the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers.

[0038] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method for construction time monitoring. The method comprises receiving, from a controller of an elevator system, entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identifiers; receiving, from the controller, entering floor associated information; receiving, from the controller, exiting remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; receiving, from the controller, exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identi fier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identi fiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison .

[0039] In an implementation form of the seventh aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing construction progress monitoring information .

[0040] In an implementation form of the seventh aspect , the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and the method further comprises comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation .

[0041] In an implementation form of the seventh aspect , providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .

[0042] In an implementation form of the seventh aspect , the entering floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers ; and the method further comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on the identifiers of the remote identi fier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers based on based on the identi fiers of the remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0043] In an implementation form of the seventh aspect , the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .

[0044] According to an eighth aspect , there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one proces sor , cause a system to perform the method of the fi fth, sixth or seventh aspect .

[0045] According to a ninth aspect , there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one proces sor, cause a system to perform the method of the fi fth, sixth or seventh aspect .

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this speci fication, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention . In the drawings : FIG . 1 illustrates a system according to an example embodiment .

[0048] FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of an elevator system according to an example embodiment .

[0049] FIG . 3 illustrates a block diagram of a backend system according to an example embodiment .

[0050] FIG . 4 illustrates an elevator system according to an example embodiment .

[0051] FIG . 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for construction time monitoring according to an example embodiment .

[0052] FIG . 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for construction time monitoring according to an example embodiment .

[0053] FIG . 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for construction time monitoring according to an example embodiment .

[0054] FIG . 8 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment .

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] FIG . 1 illustrates a system according to an example embodiment . The system illustrated in FIG . 1 may be applied, for example , during a construction time use ( CTU) .

[0057] The system comprises a site controller 100 ( or a site hub ) which may be connected to an elevator controller 104 via a site application programming interface (API ) 102 . This enables the site controller 100 to provide instructions to the elevator controller 104 , for example , to allocate elevator calls . In another example embodiment , the functions of the site controller 100 may be implemented by the elevator controller 104 , an elevator group controller or an elevator drive and thus no API 102 and separate site controller 100 are needed . The site controller 100 in general may refer to an entity that is configured to enable an access or a connection to a variety of di f ferent system elements . In an example embodiment , the site controller 100 and the elevator controller 104 may be arranged in an elevator shaft 106 .

[0058] The site controller 100 may comprise a first communication interface configured to provide a connection to at least one local construction site data source 108A, 108B, 108C associated with a construction site 110 , wherein the at least one local construction site data source is configured to track people and / or material flow during the construction time use . In an example embodiment , one or more construction site data sources may be configured to track people flow and one or more construction site data sources may be configured to track material flow . In an example embodiment , one or more construction site data sources may be configured to track both the people flow and the material flow . The connection to the at least one local construction s ite data source 108A, 108B, 108C may be implemented, for example, using at least one the following techniques : a Wi-Fi connection, a physical Ethernet connection or an loT mesh connection depending on the location . The WiFi connection may be used, for example , when high data throughput is needed . The loT mesh connection may be used, for example , for small , cheap and / or battery powered devices that do not send much data . In general, the at least one local construction site data source 108A, 108B, 108C may refer to external sensors, automated systems and / or data sources that store and provide information about which tools, materials and people (i.e. transportable entities) are about to be, or are currently being transported in the elevator. Different site data may be arranged in a single data source, for example, a database, or in multiple data sources. Any appropriate tracking and / or identification system may be used to track and / or identify the tools, material and people, for example, Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID) applying RFID tags, wireless positioning etc. The local construction site data source 108A, 108B, 108C and / or back-end systems 116 may comprise identification information associated with each transportable entity. The identification information may be stored, for example, in a remotely readable device or tag, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, attached to or otherwise associated with a transportable entity. The construction site 110 may then comprise one or more readers that are able to remotely read the identification information, when the corresponding transportable entity is loaded / unloaded to / from an elevator. The readers may be arranged in the elevators or outside the elevators at appropriate locations.

[0059] In an example embodiment, the at least one local construction site data source 108A, 108B, 108C may comprise one or more of the following:

[0060] - a material and waste tracking system

[0061] - a people location and identification system

[0062] - an asset location and usage rate management system

[0063] - a site condition monitoring system. The material and waste tracking system may provide information, for example , where material and / or tools are being located, and how much waste is accumulated during the construction phase . The people location and identi fication system may provide information, for example , on personnel location and identity of the personnel at the location . The asset location and usage rate management system may provide information, for example , on one or more as sets that can be used in the construction site 110 and their associated location . An asset may refer, for example , to a material , a tool , an employee etc . The asset location and usage rate management system may also track usage rate o f the one or more assets , for example , when, where and / or how long an as set was used during the construction phase , where and / or how long a speci fic employee has worked in the constructions site during the construction phase etc . This may then provide management information, for example , to a back-end system 116 . The site condition monitoring system may provide information, for example , on a status associated with the construction site 110 . The status may refer, for example , to a degree of readiness of the construction site 110 , safety and health issues ( for example , the number of reported accidents , the number of accident- free days ) , temperature , humidity, particulate matter levels etc .

[0064] The site controller 100 may further comprise a second communication interface 112 , for example , an application programming interface (API ) , configured to provide a connection to at least one client application 114 configured to access data provided by the site controller and to at least one back-end system 116 configured to provide construction proj ect data associated with the construction site 110 . The second communication interface 112 enables the site controller 100 to connect to external systems and external systems or clients to connect to the site controller 100. For example, elevator calls may be allocated from a mobile device of a person working at the site. Additionally or alternatively, an elevator call may be scheduled and allocated automatically, for example, by a cloud-based managing entity, for example, the back-end system 116. In general, the back-end system or systems 116 may be an entity that processes data receives from the elevator system. The back-end system or systems 116 may store information associated with the construction site 110, for example information on construction workers, tools, materials, construction project schedule, costs of different materials and / or priority of different materials. In another embodiment, the back-end system or systems 116 may have an access to one or more systems that provides this information.

[0065] In an example embodiment, the local construction site data sources 108A, 108B, 108B and / or the back-end systems 116 may store information associated with one or more transportable entities. A transportable entity may refer, for example, to at least one of a material, a tool, a batch of material, a person etc. Further, one or more properties may be associated with a transportable entity and may be known beforehand, for example, a weight, dimensions, a priority, a time window when the transportable entity is needed at a specific location, a destination floor, an identifier etc. Different transportable entities may have different priorities. In other words, the local construction site data sources 108A, 108B, 108B and / or the back-end systems 116 may include any information that somehow characterizes a transportable entity. Then, based on the information stored in the site data sources 108A, 108B, 108C and / or the back-end systems 116, the site controller 100 may be able to optimize the use of the elevators during the CTU. In an example embodiment, the client application 114 may be executed in a device, for example, a mobile device of a user. The client application 114 may be used, for example, to place elevator calls, track material, tools and / or people.

[0066] In an example embodiment, the back-end system 116 may refer to one or more external project planning systems or construction management systems from which data indicating where items should be going may be obtained. The project planning system may comprise, for example, a cloud based construction project planning tool providing APIs to read data to other systems.

[0067] In an example embodiment, the back-end system 116 may refer to one or more logistics systems to obtain identification information of different materials, for example, to cloud based systems for tracking material deliveries and supply lines. The logistics systems may provide APIs to access logistics information that can be used by the site controller 100 for decision making.

[0068] In an example embodiment, the back-end system 116 may refer to one or more tool rental systems to obtain information of what kind of tools are being used, how they are used, and for what work tasks they are used during the CTU. The tool rental systems may refer to cloud based systems providing APIs with tool rental information that can be used by the site controller 100 for decision making.

[0069] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an elevator system 200 according to an example embodiment.

[0070] The elevator system 200 may comprise a controller 202 and one or more remote identifier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204N communicatively connected to the controller 202. The controller 202 may be, for example, an elevator controller or a separate controller arranged in the elevator system 200. The remote identifier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204N are configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identifiers. The remote identifier reader 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204N may refer, for example, to a reader configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) identifiers or tags or to a reader implementing any other remote reading technique, for example, a camera based solution. The remote identifier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204N may be arranged in a building in various locations. For example, one remote identifier reader may be arranged in each elevator car of the elevator system. In another example embodiment, a separate remote identifier reader associated with each access point associated with a floor, for example, stairways, external hoisting solutions (for example, temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) etc.) , providing access to a floor or floors in addition to the normal construction time elevator access. By using the elevator system 200, it is possible to establish a construction time monitoring system for monitoring site operatives, material and tool movements. As the elevator system 200 has existing data communication capabilities to external networks, there is no need to establish a separate data communication network for construction site monitoring in the construction site. Instead, the monitoring may use the communication capabilities of the elevator system 200.

[0071] In an example embodiment, as a minimum setup, a remote identifier reader may be associated with only one floor that is, for example, currently under construction. For example, a single reader arranged in an elevator car or one reader in each elevator car may be provided to enable the monitoring in one floor at a time. This enables a solution in which no additional remote identifier readers are needed other than those arranged in the elevator car(s) . This enables a very simple and inexpensive solution for construction site monitoring. In addition to a remote identifier reader in the elevator car, a separate remote identifier reader may be arranged in a lobby area of a ground floor.

[0072] In another example embodiment, a separate remote identifier reader may be associated with each route providing access to a floor or floors. In other words, in addition to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, other routes providing access to a floor can be equipped with a remote identifier reader. These routes may include, for example, stairs, temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) etc. When all routes to a floor are covered by remote identifier readers, all traffic (incoming and outgoing) associated with the floor can be monitored the construction time.

[0073] In an example embodiment, different phases in the construction project may have a different active floor or floors, and multiple work phases may be active simultaneously. Each work phase having one or more associated active floors may be monitored separately and simultaneously .

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a backend system 300 according to an example embodiment. The backend system 300 comprises a controller 302 configured process data received from the elevator system 200. The backend system 300 may be a cloud-based entity that is connected both to the elevator system 200 and at least one construction management system and / or a project planning system. The backend system 300 may store information that links the remote identifiers to actual construction workers, tools and materials . Alternatively, the backend system 300 may be able to retrieve this information from the construction management system or the project planning system based on the remote identifiers. Further, the backend system 300 may itself also store information associated with the construction project. The information may comprise, for example, project management data, site operative data, tool data, material data etc.

[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates an elevator system 400 according to an example embodiment. An elevator car 402 is configured to move vertically in an elevator shaft 404. Although FIG. 4 illustrates only one elevator shaft and one elevator car, in other embodiments there may be multiple elevator shafts having an associated elevator car. The elevator system 400 further comprises remote identifier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204E, 204N arranged in selected locations in a building and communicatively connected to the controller 202. The controller 202 may be an elevator controller or a separate controller arranged in the elevator system 400. The remote identifier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204E, 204N are configured to detect remote identifier carried by site operatives (for example, construction workers) and / or attached to tools and / or materials. FIG. 4 illustrates a solution in which remote identifier readers have been arranged also in an elevator lobby and stairs to cover all access routes to floors. In other example embodiments, the locations and / or the amount of the remote identifier readers may be different.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a method for construction time monitoring according to an example embodiment. The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example, by the controller 202 of the elevator system 200.

[0077] At 500, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain entering remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identifiers. At minimum, a remote identifier reader may be arranged in each elevator car of the elevator system. Additional remote identifier readers may be arranged, for example, in stairs and other vertical transportation solutions, for example, temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) etc. The timestamp data may be obtained from the remote identifier reader or determined by the controller 202 when receiving the remote identifier.

[0078] At 502, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain entering floor associated information. For example, relating to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, the elevator system may provide information on the floor at which the remote identifier was first read, when the remote identifier entered an elevator car, and then on the floor at which the remote identifier exited the elevator car. If the remote identifier was read using a remote identifier reader not located in the elevator car but elsewhere, for example, in a lobby or stairs, this location information of the remote identifier reader may also be available to the controller 202. The entering floor associated information may comprise the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers received from the remote identifier readers. Alternatively, the controller 202 may be configured to determine the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers.

[0079] In an example embodiment, obtaining entering floor associated information may comprise identifying floors associated with the entering remote identifiers. The entering floor associated information may then comprise the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers. In an example, the information obtained from a remote identifier reader may comprise an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader. The controller 202 may then be configured to determine the floor information associated with an entering remote identifier based on the identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the entering remote identifier. For example, the controller 202 may have access to information that binds identifiers associated with the remote identifier readers to floors where the remote identifier readers are located. In another example embodiment, the controller 202 may be configured to request floor information associated with the entering remote identifier based on an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the entering remote identifier from an external entity, for example, a cloud entity. Yet in another example embodiment, the floor information associated with a remote identifier reader may be coded into the remote identifier reader, and the remote identifier reader may provide the floor information to the controller 202 together with the read entering remote identifier.

[0080] At 504, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain exiting remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identifier. The exiting remote identifier may be read in an elevator car, in temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) or stairs. In other words, a singe remote identifier may enter a floor using a first access route (for example, an elevator) , and then exit the floor using a second access route (for example, the stairs) . The timestamp data may be obtained from the remote identifier reader or determined by the controller 202 when receiving the remote identifier.

[0081] At 506, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain entering floor associated information. For example, relating to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, the elevator system may provide information on the floor at which the remote identifier was first read, when the remote identifier entered an elevator car, and then on the floor at which the remote identifier exited the elevator car. If the remote identifier was read using a remote identifier not located in the elevator car but elsewhere, for example, in a lobby or stairs, this location information of the remote identifier reader may also be available to the controller 202. The exiting floor associated information may comprise the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers received from the remote identifier readers. Alternatively, the controller 202 may be configured to determine the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers.

[0082] In an example embodiment, obtaining exiting floor associated information may comprise identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers. The exiting floor associated information may then comprise the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers. In an example, the information obtained from a remote identifier reader may comprise an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader. The control ler 202 may then be configured to determine the floor information associated with an exiting remote identi fier based on the identifier associated with the remote identi fier reader that read the exiting remote identi fier . For example , the controller 202 may have access to information that binds identifiers associated with the remote identi f ier readers to f loors where the remote identi fier readers are located . In another example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to request floor information associated with the exiting remote identi fier based on an identi fier associated with the remote identi fier reader that read the remote identi fier from an external entity, for example , a cloud entity . Yet in another example embodiment , the floor information associated with a remote identi fier reader may be coded into the remote identifier reader, and the remote identi fier reader may provide the floor information to the controller 202 together with the read exiting remote identi fier .

[0083] At 508 , the controller 202 may be configured to transmit the entering remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the exiting remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information to a backend system for further analysis .

[0084] The solution discussed above enables to collect and transmit construction site monitoring information using the elevator system and its existing communication capabilities . Thus , no other communication solution needs to be established for transmitting the construction site monitoring information .

[0085] FIG . 6 illustrates a block diagram of a method for construction time monitoring according to an example embodiment . The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example, by the controller 202 of the elevator system 200.

[0086] At 600, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain entering remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identifiers. At minimum, a remote identifier reader may be arranged in each elevator car of the elevator system. Additional remote identifier readers may be arranged, for example, in stairs and other vertical transportation solutions, for example, temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) etc. The timestamp data may be obtained from the remote identifier reader or determined by the controller 202 when receiving the remote identifier.

[0087] At 602, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain entering floor associated information. For example, relating to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, the elevator system may provide information on the floor at which the remote identifier was first read, when the remote identifier entered an elevator car, and then on the floor at which the remote identifier exited the elevator car. If the remote identifier was read using a remote identifier reader not located in the elevator car but elsewhere, for example, in a lobby or stairs, this location information of the remote identifier reader may also be available to the controller 202. The entering floor associated information may comprise the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers received from the remote identifier readers. Alternatively, the controller 202 may be configured to determine the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers.

[0088] In an example embodiment, obtaining entering floor associated information may comprise identifying floors associated with the entering remote identifiers. The entering floor associated information may then comprise the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers. In an example, the information obtained from a remote identifier reader may comprise an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader. The controller 202 may then be configured to determine the floor information associated with an entering remote identifier based on the identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the entering remote identifier. For example, the controller 202 may have access to information that binds identifiers associated with the remote identifier readers to floors where the remote identifier readers are located. In another example embodiment, the controller 202 may be configured to request floor information associated with the entering remote identifier based on an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the entering remote identifier from an external entity, for example, a cloud entity. Yet in another example embodiment, the floor information associated with a remote identifier reader may be coded into the remote identifier reader, and the remote identifier reader may provide the floor information to the controller 202 together with the read entering remote identifier.

[0089] At 604, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain exiting remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identifier. The exiting remote identifier may be read in an elevator car, in temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) or stairs. In other words, a singe remote identifier may enter a floor using a first access route (for example, an elevator) , and then exit the floor using a second access route (for example, the stairs) . The timestamp data may be obtained from the remote identifier reader or determined by the controller 202 when receiving the remote identifier.

[0090] At 606, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain entering floor associated information. For example, relating to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, the elevator system may provide information on the floor at which the remote identifier was first read, when the remote identifier entered an elevator car, and then on the floor at which the remote identifier exited the elevator car. If the remote identifier was read using a remote identifier reader not located in the elevator car but elsewhere, for example, in a lobby or stairs, this location information of the remote identifier reader may also be available to the controller 202. The exiting floor associated information may comprise the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers received from the remote identifier readers. Alternatively, the controller 202 may be configured to determine the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers .

[0091] In an example embodiment, obtaining exiting floor associated information may comprise identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers. The exiting floor associated information may then comprise the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers. In an example, the information obtained from a remote identifier reader may also comprise an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader. The controller 202 may then be configured to determine the floor information associated with an exiting remote identifier based on the identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the exiting remote identifier. For example, the controller 202 may have access to information that binds identifiers associated with the remote identifier readers to floors where the remote identifier readers are located. In another example embodiment, the controller 202 may be configured to request floor information associated with the exiting remote identifier based on an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the exiting remote identifier from an external entity, for example, a cloud entity. Yet in another example embodiment, the floor information associated with a remote identifier reader may be coded into the remote identifier reader, and the remote identifier reader may provide the floor information to the controller 202 together with the read exiting remote identifier.

[0092] At 608, the controller 202 may be configured to determine for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identifiers, exiting remote identifiers, the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information. As entering / exiting of the remote identifier to / from a floor is identified based on reading the read remote identifiers, and also time data associated with the entering and exiting is available, the controller 202 is able to determine for the remote identifier the time spent on the floor. If a site operative, tool or material then moves to another floor, this is similarly identifiable based on the data received from the remote identifier readers. At 610, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain reference information associated with a construction site. The reference information may refer, for example, to construction project schedule information and information that associates remote identifiers to specific site operatives, tools and materials. In an example embodiment, the reference information and the information that associates remote identifiers to specific site operatives, tools and materials may be stored in the elevator system. In another example embodiment, the reference information and the information that associates remote identifiers to specific site operatives, tools and materials may be obtained from a remote memory or a remote system, for example, a construction project management system.

[0093] At 612, the controller 202 may be configured to compare the time spent on each floor of the remote identifiers to the reference information. The reference information may indicate, for example, an active floor or floors that are currently under construction and in which certain remote identifiers should appear.

[0094] At 614, the controller 202 may be configured to provide feedback information based on the comparison. For example, when the reference information comprises construction project schedule information, the controller 202 may compare the time spent on each floor of the remote identifiers to the construction project schedule information to determine at least one deviation and provide a report based on the at least one deviation. For example, if a site operative, for example, a specific subcontractor is supposed to be working on floor 21, a report may be provided to the construction site management including an alarm that the site operative has spent only 20% their work on floor 21, 50% of their time on floor 20, and 30% just moving between different floors looking for tools and materials.

[0095] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a method for construction time monitoring according to an example embodiment. The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example, by the controller 302 of the backend system 300.

[0096] At 700, the controller 302 may be configured to receive, from a controller of an elevator system, entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identifiers. A construction site tracks remote identifier movements in the construction site using at least one remote identifier reader arranged in an elevator car. Additional remote identifier readers may have been arranged in an elevator lobby, stairs, temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) etc.

[0097] At 702, the controller 302 may be configured to receive, from the controller of the elevator system, entering floor associated information. The elevator system may be configured to determine the floor information based on information obtained from the remote identifier readers reading the remote identifiers. For example, relating to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, the elevator system may provide information on the floor at which the remote identifier was first read, when the remote identifier entered an elevator car, and then on the floor at which the remote identifier exited the elevator car. If the remote identifier was read using a remote identifier reader not located in the elevator car but elsewhere, for example, in a lobby or stairs, this location information of the remote identifier reader may also be available to the controller 302. The entering floor associated information may comprise the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers received from the remote identifier readers. Alternatively, the controller 302 may be configured to determine the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers. For example, the controller 302 may have access to information that binds identifiers associated with the remote identifier readers to floors where the remote identifier readers are located. In another example embodiment, the controller 302 may be configured to request floor information associated with the entering remote identifier based on an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the entering remote identifier from an external entity, for example, a cloud entity .

[0098] At 704, the controller 302 may be configured to receive, from the controller of the elevator system, exiting remote identifiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identifiers. The exiting remote identifier may be read in an elevator car, in temporary elevators, construction hoists and work platforms (for example, built on rack and pinion and traction technologies) or stairs. In other words, a singe remote identifier may enter a floor using a first access route (for example, an elevator) , and then exit the floor using a second access route (for example, the stairs) .

[0099] At 706, the controller 302 may be configured to receive, from the controller of the elevator system, obtain entering floor associated information. For example, relating to the remote identifier reader in the elevator car, the elevator system may provide information on the floor at which the remote identifier was first read, when the remote identifier entered an elevator car, and then on the floor at which the remote identifier exited the elevator car. If the remote identifier was read using a remote identifier reader not located in the elevator car but elsewhere, for example, in a lobby or stairs, this location information of the remote identifier reader may also be available to the controller 302. The exiting floor associated information may comprise the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers received from the remote identifier readers. Alternatively, the controller 302 may be configured to determine the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers. For example, the controller 302 may have access to information that binds identifiers associated with the remote identifier readers to floors where the remote identifier readers are located. In another example embodiment, the controller 302 may be configured to request floor information associated with the exiting remote identifier based on an identifier associated with the remote identifier reader that read the exiting remote identifier from an external entity, for example, a cloud entity.

[0100] At 708, the controller 302 may be configured to determine for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identifiers, exiting remote identifiers, the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information. As entering / exiting of the remote identifier to / from a floor is identifier based on the read remote identifiers, and also time data associated with the entering and exiting is available, the controller 302 is able to determine for the remote identifier the time spent on the floor. If a site operative, tool or material then moves to another floor, this is similarly identifiable based on the data received from the remote identifier readers.

[0101] At 710, the controller 302 may be configured to obtain reference information associated with the construction site. The reference information may refer, for example, to construction project schedule information and information that associates remote identifiers to specific site operatives, tools and materials. In an example embodiment, the reference information and the information that associates remote identifiers to specific site operatives, tools and materials may be stored in the backend system. In another example embodiment, the reference information and the information that associates remote identifiers to specific site operatives, tools and materials may be obtained from a remote memory or system, for example, a construction project management system.

[0102] At 712, the controller 302 may be configured to compare the time spent on each floor of the remote identifiers to the reference information. The reference information may indicate, for example, an active floor or floors that are currently under construction and in which certain remote identifiers should appear.

[0103] At 714, the controller 302 may be configured to provide feedback information based on the comparison. For example, when the reference information comprises construction project schedule information, the controller 302 may compare the time spent on each floor of the remote identifiers to the construction project schedule information to determine at least one deviation and provide a report based on the at least one deviation. For example, if a site operative, for example, a specific subcontractor is supposed to be working on floor 21, a report may be provided to the construction site management including an alarm that the site operative has spent only 20% their work on floor 21, 50% of their time on floor 20, and 30% just moving between different floors looking for tools and materials.

[0104] In an example embodiment, a cost-efficient solution may be provided by arranging a remote identifier reader only in an elevator. This enables monitoring all floors that use elevator access for the floors. In another example, one or more additional remote identifier readers may be arranged so that all access route associated with an active floor are covered. Thus, a complete monitoring of an active floor may be implemented cost-ef f iciently .

[0105] In an example embodiment, remote identifiers may be mapped into different classes, for example, electricians, carpenters, materials, tools, general construction workers etc. This then enables a solution in which the construction time monitoring may be implemented by class basis.

[0106] In an example embodiment, there may be different phases in the construction site, and each phase may have different active floors. The discussed solution enables monitoring different phases simultaneously, and thus phase specific reporting may be provided. Further, based on the monitoring data, it is possible to determine based on the obtained remote identifiers that one work phase has been completed and then trigger another work phase to start.

[0107] In an example embodiment, the feedback may be provided using one or more channels. In an example embodiment, the backend may be configured to provide the feedback using noti fications ( for example , text messages ) , automated phone calls , data communication etc . directly to speci fic recipients or management systems . In another example embodiment , the backend system may provide an API for providing the feedback to one or more external systems .

[0108] FIG . 8 il lustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 800 or a system according to an example embodiment . The apparatus 800 may be , for example , a computer or a server computer, and it may be configured to implement the functions of the controller 202 or the control ler 302 . In an example embodiment , the apparatus 800 may be integrated to be part of an elevator controller or an elevator group controller .

[0109] The apparatus 800 comprises one or more processors 802 , and one or more memories 804 that comprise computer program code . The apparatus 800 may also include a first communication interface 808 configured to enable communication with other entities or network elements . Although the apparatus 800 is depicted to include only one processor 802 , the apparatus 800 may include more than one processor . In an example embodiment , the memory 804 is capable of storing instructions , such as an operating system and / or various applications .

[0110] Furthermore , the processor 802 is capable of executing the stored instructions . In an example embodiment , the processor 802 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors . For example , the processor 802 may be embodied as one or more of various process ing devices , such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor ( DSP ) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as , for example , an application speci fic integrated circuit (AS IC ) , a field programmable gate array ( FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like . In an example embodiment, the processor 802 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality . In an example embodiment , the processor 802 is embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may speci fically configure the processor 802 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed .

[0111] The memory 804 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices , one or more non-volatile memory devices , and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices . For example , the memory 804 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM ( erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) .

[0112] In an embodiment , the at least one memory 804 may store program instructions 806 that , when executed by the at least one processor 802 , cause the apparatus 800 to perform the functionality of the various embodiments discussed herein, for example , one or more methods discussed relating to FIG . 5 , 6 and 7 . Further, in an embodiment , at least one of the processor 802 and the memory 804 may constitute means for implementing the discussed functionality .

[0113] One or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may reduce the cost and time required for construction proj ects by optimi zing the resources , avoiding delays , and improving the quality of the work . Further, one or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may provide real-time data or substantially real-time data and feedback on the progress and performance of the construction site , helping to enhance the decision-making and planning process . Further, one or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may provide a simple and inexpensive solution for construction site monitoring . Further, one or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may enable a construction time monitoring solution that uses an elevator system in the construction site to collect and transmit monitoring information . This means that no additional monitoring solutions requiring separate communication capabilities need to be implemented at the construction site as the elevator system provides the required communication capabilities .

[0114] Example embodiments may be implemented in software , hardware , application logic or a combination of software , hardware and application logic . The example embodiments can store information relating to various methods described herein . This information can be stored in one or more memories , such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like . One or more databases can store the information used to implement the example embodiments . The databases can be organi zed using data structures ( e . g . , records , tables , arrays , fields , graphs , trees , lists , and the like ) included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein . The methods described with respect to the example embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and / or generated by the methods of the devices and subsystems of the example embodiments in one or more databases .

[0115] The components of the example embodiments may include computer readable medium or memories for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings and for holding data structures , tables , records , and / or other data described herein . In an example embodiment , the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media . In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any media or means that can contain, store , communicate , propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus , or device , such as a computer . A computer- readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus , or device , such as a computer . A computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution . Such a medium can take many forms , including but not limited to , non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like .

[0116] While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit o f the disclosure . For example , it is expres sly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the disclosure . Moreover, it should be recogni zed that structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiments may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice . Furthermore , means-plus- function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents , but also equivalent structures .

[0117] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features , to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present speci fication as a whole , in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art , irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims . The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features . In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modi fications may be made within the scope of the disclosure .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A controller in an elevator system, the controller comprising : at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform : obtaining entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; and transmitting the entering remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the exiting remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information to a backend system for further analysis .2 . The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the entering floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .3 . The controller according to claim 1 , wherein obtaining entering floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and obtaining exiting floorassociated information comprises identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers, and wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers .

4. The controller according to claim 3, wherein : identifying floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises identifying the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers comprises identifying the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers based on identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers.

5. The controller according to claim 3, wherein : identifying the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers .

6. A controller in an elevator system, the controller comprising: at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform : obtaining entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identi fiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison .7 . The controller according to claim 6 , wherein providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing construction progress monitoring information .8 . The controller according to claim 6 , wherein the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform :comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation .9 . The controller according to one of claims 6 - 8 , wherein providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .10 . The controller according to any one of claims 6 - 9 , wherein obtaining entering floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and obtaining exiting floor associated information comprises identi fying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers , and wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi f iers and the exiting floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .11 . The controller according to claim 10 , wherein : identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers comprises identi fying the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers comprises identifying the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers based on identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .

12. The controller according to claim 10, wherein : identifying the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the entering remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identifiers; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers comprises obtaining the floors associated with the exiting remote identifiers from remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identifiers .

13. An elevator system comprising: at least one elevator car; at least one remote identifier reader arranged in at least one location in a building during construction time; and a controller according to any one of claims 1 - 12.

14. The elevator system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one remote identifier reader comprises a remote identifier reader arranged in each elevator car of the at least one elevator car.

15. The elevator system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one remote identifier reader comprises a separate remote identifier reader associated with each route point providing access to the at least one floor.

16. A backend system for providing construction time feedback information, the backend system comprising: at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the backend system to at least perform : receiving, from a controller of an elevator system, entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identi fier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; receiving, from the controller, entering floor associated information; receiving, from the controller, exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; receiving, from the controller, exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identi fiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison .17 . The backend system according to claim 16 , wherein providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing construction progress monitoring information .18 . The backend system according to claim 16 , wherein the reference information comprises construction proj ect schedule information, and whereinexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the backend system to at least perform : comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the construction proj ect schedule information to determine at least one deviation; and providing a report based on the at least one deviation .19 . The backend system according to one of claims 16 - 18 , wherein providing feedback information based on the comparison comprises providing the feedback information via a data interface to at least one external entity .20 . The backend system according to any one of claims 16 - 19 , wherein the entering floor associated information comprises identifiers of remote identifier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floor associated information comprises identi fiers of remote identifier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers ; and wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the backend system to at least perform : identi fying floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers based on the identi fiers of the remote identi fier readers that read the entering remote identi fiers ; and identifying floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers based on based on the identi fiers of the remote identi fier readers that read the exiting remote identi fiers .21 . The backend system according to any one of claims 16 - 19 , wherein the entering floor associated information comprises the floors associated with the entering remote identi fiers and the exiting floorassociated information comprises the floors associated with the exiting remote identi fiers .22 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : obtaining entering remote identi fiers read with a at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; and transmitting the entering remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the exiting remote identi fiers and their associated timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information to a backend system for further analysis .23 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : obtaining entering remote identi fiers read with at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; obtaining entering floor associated information; obtaining exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; obtaining exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based onthe entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identi fiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; and providing feedback information based on the comparison .24 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : receiving, from a controller of an elevator system, entering remote identifiers read with at least one remote identi fier reader associated with at least one floor and timestamp data associated with the entering remote identi fiers ; receiving, from the controller, entering floor associated information; receiving, from the controller, exiting remote identi fiers read with the at least one remote identifier reader and timestamp data associated with the exiting remote identi fiers ; receiving, from the controller, exiting floor associated information; determining for each remote identifier time spent on each floor of the at least one floor based on the entering remote identi fiers , exiting remote identi fiers , the timestamp data, the entering floor associated information and the exiting floor associated information; obtaining reference information associated with a construction site ; comparing the time spent on each floor of the remote identi fiers to the reference information; andproviding feedback information based on the comparison .25 . A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform the method o f any of claims 22 - 24 .26 . A computer-readable medium compri sing a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 22 - 24 .

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