Construction time monitoring of an elevator car

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a construction time monitoring system comprising at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect; a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identifier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers; and a controller configured to obtain sensor data provided by at least one sensor; trigger, at a time moment, an alarm based on the sensor data; obtain, based on the time moment, at least one remote identi fier detected by the remote identi fier reader; and provide the at least one remote identi fier.

Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTION TIME MONITORING OF AN ELEVATOR CAR

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Elevators may be used in a bui lding construction phase and traf fic profiles of the elevators may change daily . In the constructions phase , the elevators are used primarily for 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 cause damages to an elevator car and / or its doors . This may lead, for example , to a situation in which construction workers during the construction time do not want to use elevators as there is the risk of damage to the elevator car and / or its doors . This in turn may cause challenges , for example , to the overall schedule of a construction site .

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect , there is provided a construction time monitoring system comprising at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect ; a remote identifier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identi fier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers ; and a controller configured to obtain sensor data provided by at least one sensor ; trigger, at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data ; obtain, based on the time moment , at least one remote identi fier detected by the remote identi f ier reader ; and provide the at least one remote identi fier . In an implementation form of the first aspect, the controller is configured to compare the sensor data to at least one threshold value; and trigger the alarm based on the comparison.

[0006] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the controller is configured to control the remote identifier reader to read the at least one remote identifier in response to the triggered alarm.

[0007] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the controller is configured to obtain the at least one remote identifier in real-time from the remote identifier reader.

[0008] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the controller is configured to obtain, based on the time moment, the at least one remote identifier from a memory storing read remote identifiers.

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the controller is configured to obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment; and filter the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment based on the signal strength values .

[0010] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the controller is configured to transmit the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment to a backend system.

[0011] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following: a vibration sensor configured to detect collisions to the elevator car and elevator car doors ; a noise sensor configured to sound associated with the elevator car ; a tilt sensor configured to detect uneven loading of the elevator car ; and an overload sensor configured to detect an overload situation of the elevator car .

[0012] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the construction time monitoring system further comprises at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car, and the controller is configured to obtain video data recorded with the at least one camera, the video data being associated with time moment , and transmit the video data to the backend system .

[0013] In an implementation form of the first aspect , a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car .

[0014] According to a second aspect , there is provided an elevator system comprising the construction time monitoring system of the first aspect .

[0015] According to a third aspect , there is provided a backend system comprising a controller configured to receive , from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, at least one remote identifier detected by a remote identi fier reader associated with an elevator car ; obtain, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi f ier ; and provide the entity information .

[0016] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the controller is configured to obtain, from the construction time monitoring system, video data recorded with at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car ; and associate the video data with the entity information .

[0017] In an implementation form of the third aspect , a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car .

[0018] According to a fourth aspect , there is provided a construction time monitoring system comprising at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect ; a remote identifier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identi fier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers ; and a controller configured to obtain sensor data provided by the at least one sensor ; obtain identi fier data comprising at least one remote identifier detected by the remote identi fier reader ; and transmit the sensor data and the identi fier data to a backend system for further processing .

[0019] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , the construction time monitoring system further comprises at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car, and the controller is configured to obtain video recorded with the at least one camera ; and transmit the video data to the backend system .

[0020] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car .

[0021] In an implementation form of the fourth aspect , the controller is configured to obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identi fier ; and filter the at least one remote identi fier based on the signal strength values . According to a fi fth aspect , there is provided an elevator system comprising the construction time monitoring system of the fourth aspect .

[0022] According to a sixth aspect , there is provided a backend system comprising a controller configured to receive , from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of an elevator car with an obj ect ; receive , from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, identi fier data comprising remote identifiers read with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car ; trigger, at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data ; determine , based on the time moment , at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment ; obtain, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi f ier ; and provide the entity information .

[0023] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , the control ler i s configured to compare the sensor data to at least one threshold value ; and trigger the alarm based on the comparison .

[0024] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , the controller is configured to obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment ; and filter the at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment and detected by the remote identi fier reader based on the signal strength values .

[0025] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , the at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following : a vibration sensor configured to detect collisions to the elevator car and elevator car doors ; a noise sensor configured to sound associated with the elevator car ; a tilt sensor configured to detect uneven loading of the elevator car ; and an overload sensor configured to detect an overload situation of the elevator car .

[0026] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , the controller is configured to obtain video data recorded with at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car ; and associate the video data with the determined at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment .

[0027] In an implementation form of the sixth aspect , a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car .

[0028] According to a seventh aspect , there is provided a method for construction time monitoring . The method comprises obtaining, by a controller in a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect ; triggering, by the controller at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data ; obtaining, by the controller based on the time moment , at least one remote identi fier, the at least one remote identi fier being detected by a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car ; and providing the at least one remote identi fier .

[0029] According to an eighth aspect , there is provided a method for construction time monitoring . The method comprises receiving, from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, at least one remote identifier detected by a remote identi fier reader associated with an elevator car ; obtaining, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi fier ; and providing the entity information .

[0030] According to a ninth aspect , there is provided a method for construction time monitoring . The method comprises obtaining, by a controller in a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect ; obtaining, by the controller, identi fier data comprising at least one remote identi fier detected with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identi fier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers ; and transmitting, by the controller, the sensor data and the identi fier data to a backend system for further processing .

[0031] According to a tenth aspect , there is provided a method for construction time monitoring . The method comprises receiving, from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of an elevator car with an obj ect ; receiving, from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, identi fier data comprising remote identi fiers read with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car ; triggering, at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data ; determining, based on the time moment , at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment ; obtaining, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi fier ; and providing the entity information . According to an eleventh aspect , there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program i s executed by at least one processor, cause a system or an apparatus to perform the method of the seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth aspect .

[0032] According to a twel fth 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 or an apparatus to perform the method of the seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth aspect .

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] 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 :

[0035] FIG . 1 illustrates a system according to an example embodiment .

[0036] FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of a construction time monitoring system according to an example embodiment .

[0037] FIG . 3 illustrates a block diagram of a backend system according to an example embodiment .

[0038] FIG . 4 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment .

[0039] FIG . 5 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment . FIG . 6 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment .

[0040] FIG . 7 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment .

[0041] FIG . 8 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment .

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] 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) .

[0044] 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 .

[0045] 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 site 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.

[0046] 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 identi fication 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 .

[0047] In an example embodiment , the at least one local construction site data source 108A, 108B, 108C may comprise one or more of the following :

[0048] - a material and waste tracking system

[0049] - a people location and identi fication system

[0050] - an asset location and usage rate management system

[0051] - a site condition monitoring system .

[0052] 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 .

[0053] 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 refer to automated systems and data sources that provide information about costs and / or priority of di f ferent materials , tools and people to be trans ferred with the at least one elevator .

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 API s with tool rental information that can be used by the site controller 100 for decision making .

[0059] FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of a construction time monitoring system 200 according to an example embodiment . In an example embodiment , an elevator system may comprise the construction time monitoring system 200 .

[0060] The construction time monitoring system 200 may comprise at least one sensor 208A, 208B, 208C associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor 208A, 208B , 208C being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect . The at least one sensor 208A, 208B, 208C may comprise one or more of the following : a vibration sensor configured to detect coll isions to the elevator car and elevator car doors , a noise sensor configured to sound associated with the elevator car, a tilt sensor configured to detect uneven loading of the elevator car, and an overload sensor configured to detect an overload situation of the elevator car . In an example , at least one sensor of the at least one sensor 208A, 208B, 208C may be arranged in the elevator car . In an example , at least one sensor ( for example , a vibration sensor ) of the at least one sensor 208A, 208B, 208C may be arranged outside o f the elevator car, for example , on the outer wall , below the elevator car, on top of the elevator car or in a lobby ( for example , a voice sensor to record voice ) . The construction time monitoring system 200 may comprise a remote identi fier reader 206 associated with the elevator car . In an example , the remote identi fier reader 206 may be arranged in the elevator car . The remote identi fier reader 206 is configured to read wirelessly readable remote identifiers . The remote identi fier reader 206 may refer, for example , to a reader configured to read radio frequency identi fication (RFID) identi f iers or tags or to a reader implementing any other remote reading technique . In an example , in addition to the remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car, one or more additional remote identi fier readers may be arranged, for example , in a lobby or lobbies .

[0061] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may also comprise at least one camera 208 . The at last one camera 208 may be configured to provide image data about an interior of the elevator car . In an example , a camera may be arranged in the elevator car . In another example , a camera may be arranged in the elevator car and another camera may be arranged in a lobby . The camera in the lobby may be aimed such that it has a visibility to the lobby and inside the elevator car . In another example , a camera may be arranged only in a lobby . The camera in the lobby may be aimed such that it has a vi sibi lity at the same time to the lobby and inside the elevator car .

[0062] The construction time monitoring system 200 further comprises a controller 202 configured to obtain data from the at least one sensor 208A, 208B, 208C, the remote identi fier reader 206 and the camera 208 . In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may refer to an elevator controller or an elevator group controller . In another example embodiment , the controller 202 may be a separate controller arranged in an elevator system .

[0063] FIG . 3 illustrates a block diagram of a backend system 300 according to an example embodiment . The backend system comprises a controller 302 configured process data received from the construction time monitoring system 200 . The backend system 300 may be a cloud-based entity that is connected both to the construction time monitoring system 200 and at least one construction management system or a proj ect planning system .

[0064] FIG . 4 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment . The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example , by the controller 202 of the construction time monitoring system 200 .

[0065] At 400 , the control ler 202 may be configured to obtain sensor data provided by at least one sensor associated with an elevator car . In an example embodiment , the control ler 202 may be configured to receive the sensor data directly from the at least one sensor in real-time or substantially in real-time . In another example embodiment , the controller 202 may obtain the sensor data from a memory storing the sensor data . The sensor data in the memory may also include timestamp data indicating, when each sensor reading was obtained .

[0066] At 402 , the controller 202 may be configured to trigger, at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data . In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to compare the sensor data to at least one threshold value and trigger the alarm based on the comparison . Thus , the alarm may be triggered, for example , when at least one threshold value relating to the sensor data provided by the at least one sensor is exceeded . When the alarm is triggered, it provides an indication that at least one of the sensors has sensed signals that are not normal signals .

[0067] At 404 , the controller 202 may be configured to obtain, based on the time moment , at least one remote identi fier detected by the remote identi fier reader . In an example embodiment , the control ler 202 may obtain the at least one remote identifier directly from the remote identifier reader, when the alarm is triggered. In other words, the controller 202 may be configured to control the remote identifier reader to read the at least one remote identifier in response to the triggered alarm. This means that the controller may be configured to monitor the sensor data from the least one sensor continuously and in real-time, and when the alarm is triggered, obtain the at least one remote identifier directly from the remote identifier reader. In another example embodiment, the controller 202 may be configured to obtain, based on the time moment, the at least one remote identifier from a memory storing read remote identifiers. The memory may store timestamp data together with the read remote identifiers, wherein the timestamp data indicates, when the remote identifiers were read. Thus, when the controller 202 obtains the sensor data from the memory storing the sensor data and timestamp data associated with the sensor data, the controller 202 may obtain the corresponding remote identifiers based on the timestamp data associated with the remote identifiers. In an example embodiment, the controller 202 may obtain remote identifiers that were detected within a specified time, for example, 10 or 30 seconds, before and / or after the alarm was triggered.

[0068] At 406, the controller 202 may be configured to provide the at least one identifier. In an example embodiment, the controller 202 may be configured to transmit the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment to a backend system. The backend system is then able to link the at least one remote identifier to specific entities, for example, to one or more construction workers and / or items transported by the one or more construction workers. In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment , and filter the at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment based on the signal strength values . When remote identi fiers are read with the remote identi fier reader, the reading distance may cover remote identi fiers , which are not actually close to the elevator . Signal strength values of these remote identi fiers are thus weaker than signal strength values of remote identi fiers being closer to the elevator car or inside the elevator car . Thus , by setting a threshold value for the signal strength, it is possible to filter out remote identi fiers , which could not have caused the alarm to be triggered .

[0069] In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to obtain video data recorded with the camera 208 , wherein the video data is associated with time moment . In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to trigger the video data to be recorded in response to the triggered alarm and transmit the video data to the backend system. In another example embodiment , video data may be stored continuously in a memory buf fer, and when the alarm is triggered, video data covering time before ( for example , one minute ) the alarm triggering and after ( for example , one minute ) the alarm triggering may be obtained from the memory buf fer . The video data shows the entities that were in the elevator car, when the alarm was triggered . In another example embodiment , the video data associated with the time moment may be obtained from a memory storing timestamped video data . The memory may store video data for a longer time period, for example , a day or week, and the controller 202 is able to access the correct section of the video data based on the time moment . FIG . 5 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment . The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example , by the controller 302 of the backend system 300 .

[0070] At 500 , the controller 302 may be configured to receive , from the controller 202 of the construction time monitoring system 200 , at least one remote identi fier detected by a remote identi fier reader associated with an elevator car . The at least one remote identi fier may relate to one or more construction workers and / or items transported by the one or more construction workers .

[0071] At 502 , the controller 302 may be configured to obtain, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi fier . "Entity information" as discussed herein may relate to the actual entity that has been associated with a remote identi fier . For example , each construction worker may carry a wirelessly readable identi fier that identi fies the construction worker . Further, some items , for example , materials and / or working tools used in the construction site may have an associated wirelessly readable identi fier, which identi fies the material or working tool . When the entity information has been obtained, it is known who and / or what items were transported with the elevator car, when the alarm was triggered in the construction time monitoring system 200 . In an example embodiment , the backend system 300 may have an access to a construction management system that maintains associations between the remote identi fiers and their entity information . In another example embodiment , the backend system 300 may store the associations between the remote identi fiers and their entity information, and thus the associations are directly available in the backend system . At 504 , the controller 302 may be configured to provide the entity information . In an example embodiment , the entity information may be reported, for example, to the construction management system, for example , together with timestamp data indicating, when the alarm was triggered in the construction time monitoring system . In an example embodiment , the controller 302 may additionally be configured to obtain video data recorded with a camera arranged in the elevator car and associate the video data with the entity information . In another example embodiment , video data may be stored continuously in a memory buf fer, and when the alarm is triggered, video data covering time before ( for example , one minute ) the alarm triggering and after ( for example , one minute ) the alarm triggering may be obtained from the memory buf fer . In other words , the video data may provide further information about the remote identi fiers that were present in the elevator or closed to the elevator car, when the alarm was triggered in the construction time monitoring system .

[0072] FIG . 6 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment . The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example , by the controller 202 of the construction time monitoring system 200 .

[0073] At 600 , the control ler 202 may be conf igured to obtain sensor data provided by at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect . In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to receive the sensor data in real-time or substantially in real-time from the at least one sensor and store the sensor data in a memory . Further, i f the sensor data does not comprise timestamp data indicating, when the sensor data was measured, the controller 202 may be configured to associate timestamp data with the sensor data, when the sensor data is received from the at least one sensor .

[0074] At 602 , the controller 202 may be configured to obtain identi fier data comprising at least one remote identi fier detected with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identi fier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers . In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to receive the identi fier data in real-time or substantially in real-time from the remote identi fier reader and store the identi f ier data in the memory . Further, i f the identi fier data does not comprise timestamp data indicating, when the at least one remote identi fier was detected, the controller 202 may be conf igured to as sociate timestamp data with the identi fier data, when the identifier data is received from the remote identi fier reader .

[0075] At 604 , the controller 202 may be configured to transmit the sensor data and the identifier data to a backend system for further processing . The data transmitted to the backend system may also comprise the timestamp data associated with the sensor data and the identi fier data .

[0076] In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be conf igured to obtain video data recorded with a camera associated with the elevator car, and transmit the video data to the backend system .

[0077] In an example embodiment , the sensor data, identi fier data and video data may be transmitted to the backend system in real-time or substantially in real-time after they have obtained . In another example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to buf fer the sensor data, identifier data and video data in the memory, and transmit the data to the backend system during speci fic time intervals , for example , once in an hour or using any other appropriate transmission schedule .

[0078] In an example embodiment , the controller 202 may be configured to obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identi fier, and fi lter the at least one remote identi fier based on the signal strength values . When remote identi fiers are read with the remote identi fier reader, the reading distance may cover remote identi fiers , which are not actually close to the elevator . Signal strength values of these remote identi fiers are thus weaker than signal strength values of remote identi fiers being closer to the elevator car or inside the elevator car . Thus , by setting a threshold value for the signal strength, it is possible to filter out remote identi fiers , which could not have caused the alarm to be triggered .

[0079] FIG . 7 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment . The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example , by the controller 302 of the backend system 300 .

[0080] At 700 , the controller 302 may be configured to receive , from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of an elevator car with an obj ect . The sensor data may comprise timestamp data indicating, when each measurement in the sensor data was measured .

[0081] At 702 , the controller 302 may be configured to receive , from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, identi fier data comprising remote identifiers read with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car. The identifier data may comprise timestamp data indicating, when each identifier was read with the remote identifier reader.

[0082] At 704, the controller 302 may be configured to trigger, at a time moment, an alarm based on the sensor data. In an example embodiment, the controller 302 may be configured to compare the sensor data to at least one threshold value and trigger the alarm based on the comparison. Thus, the alarm may be triggered, for example, when at least one threshold value relating to the sensor data provided by the at least one sensor is exceeded. When the alarm is triggered, it provides an indication that at least one of the sensors has sensed signals that are not normal signals.

[0083] At 706, the controller 302 may be configured to determine, based on the time moment, at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment. As the identifier data may comprise timestamp data associated with the remote identifiers, it is possible to identifier the remote identifiers, which were present in the elevator car or in its vicinity, when the alarm is triggered. In an example embodiment, the controller 302 may obtain remote identifiers that were detected within a specified time, for example, 10 or 30 seconds, before and / or after the alarm was triggered.

[0084] At 708, the controller 302 may be configured to obtain, based on the at least one remote identifier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identifier. "Entity information" as discussed herein may relate to the actual entity that has been associated with a remote identifier. For example, each construction worker may carry a wirelessly readable identifier that identifies the construction worker. Further, some items, for example, materials and / or working tools used in the construction site may have an associated wirelessly readable identi fier, which identi fies the material or working tool . When the entity information has been obtained, it is known who and / or what items were transported with the elevator car, when the alarm was triggered in the construction time monitoring system 200 . In an example embodiment , the backend system 300 may have an acces s to a construction management system that maintains associations between the remote identi fiers and their entity information . In another example embodiment , the backend system 300 may store the associations between the remote identi fiers and their entity information, and thus the associations are directly available in the backend system .

[0085] At 710 , the controller 302 may be configured to provide the at least one entity . In an example embodiment , the entity information may be reported, for example , to the construction management system, for example , together with timestamp data indicating, when the alarm was triggered in the construction time monitoring system . In an example embodiment , the controller 302 may be configured to obtain video data recorded with a camera arranged in the elevator car and associate the video data with the entity information . In other words , the video data may provide further information about the remote identi fiers that were present in the elevator or closed to the elevator car , when the alarm was triggered in the construction time monitoring system .

[0086] In an example embodiment , the controller 302 may be configured to obtain, from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identi fier, and filter the at least one remote identi fier based on the signal strength values . When remote identi fiers are read with the remote identifier reader, the reading distance may cover remote identi fiers , which are not actually close to the elevator . Signal strength values of these remote identi fiers are thus weaker than signal strength values of remote identi f iers being closer to the elevator car or inside the elevator car . Thus , by setting a threshold value for the signal strength, it is possible to filter out remote identifiers , which could not have caused the alarm to be triggered .

[0087] FIG . 8 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus or a system 800 according to an example embodiment . The apparatus 800 may be , for example , a computer, a computer system or a server computer, and it may be configured to implement the functions of the controller 202 or the controller 302 . In an example embodiment , the apparatus 800 may be integrated to be part of an elevator controller or an elevator group controller . In an example embodiment , the apparatus 800 may be configured to implement the method discussed in any of FIGS . 4 , 5 , 6 or 7 .

[0088] 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 .

[0089] 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 .

[0090] 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 . ) .

[0091] 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 . Further, in an embodiment , at least one of the processor 802 and the memory 804 may constitute means for implementing the discussed functionality . One or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which an elevator system can be used to transmit information associated with the monitoring to the backend system . Further, one or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution for tracking the persons who have damaged the elevator car or the car door during the construction time . This also enables a solution in which compensation for damages can be requested from a correct party . Further, one or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution that enhances the utili zation of elevators during the construction time , thus enhancing the overall construction proj ect schedule .

[0092] 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 .

[0093] 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 .

[0094] 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 .

[0095] 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

1. CLAIMS1. A construction time monitoring system comprising : at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an object; a remote identifier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identifier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identifiers; and a controller configured to obtain sensor data provided by at least one sensor; trigger, at a time moment, an alarm based on the sensor data; obtain, based on the time moment, at least one remote identifier detected by the remote identifier reader; and provide the at least one remote identifier.

2. The construction time monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: compare the sensor data to at least one threshold value; and trigger the alarm based on the comparison.

3. The construction time monitoring system according to any of claims 1 - 2, wherein the controller is configured to: control the remote identifier reader to read the at least one remote identifier in response to the triggered alarm.

4. The construction time monitoring system according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain the at least one remote identifier in real-time from the remote identifier reader.

5. The construction time monitoring system according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain, based on the time moment, the at least one remote identifier from a memory storing read remote identifiers .

6. The construction time monitoring system according to any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment; and filter the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment based on the signal strength values.

7. The construction time monitoring system according to any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the controller is configured to: transmit the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment to a backend system.

8. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following: a vibration sensor configured to detect collisions to the elevator car and elevator car doors; a noise sensor configured to sound associated with the elevator car;a tilt sensor configured to detect uneven loading of the elevator car; and an overload sensor configured to detect an overload situation of the elevator car.

9. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 8, further comprising at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain video data recorded with the at least one camera, the video data being associated with time moment; and transmit the video data to the backend system.

10. The construction time monitoring system according to claim 9, wherein a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car.

11. An elevator system comprising the construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 10.

12. A backend system comprising: a controller configured to receive, from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, at least one remote identifier detected by a remote identifier reader associated with an elevator car; obtain, based on the at least one remote identifier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identifier; and provide the entity information.

13. The backend system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to:obtain, from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, video data recorded with at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car ; and associate the video data with the entity information .14 . The backend system according to claim 13 , wherein a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car .15 . A construction time monitoring system comprising : at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an obj ect ; a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identi fier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers ; and a controller configured to obtain sensor data provided by the at least one sensor ; obtain identi fier data comprising at least one remote identi fier detected by the remote identi fier reader ; and transmit the sensor data and the identi fier data to a backend system for further processing .16 . The construction time monitoring system according to claim 15 , further compris ing at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car, wherein the controller is configured to : obtain video data recorded with the camera ; and transmit the video data to the backend system .

17. The construction time monitoring system according to claim 16, wherein a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car.

18. The construction time monitoring system according to any of claims 15 - 17, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identifier; and filter the at least one remote identifier based on the signal strength values.

19. An elevator system comprising the construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 15 - 18.

20. A backend system comprising: a controller configured to receive, from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of an elevator car with an object; receive, from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, identifier data comprising remote identifiers read with a remote identifier reader associated with the elevator car; trigger, at a time moment, an alarm based on the sensor data; determine, based on the time moment, at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment ; obtain, based on the at least one remote identifier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identifier; and provide the entity information.21 . The backend system according to claim 20 , wherein the controller is configured to : compare the sensor data to at least one threshold value ; and trigger the alarm based on the comparison .22 . The backend system according to any one of claims 20 - 21 , wherein the controller is configured to : obtain signal strength values of signals associated with the at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment ; and filter the at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment and detected by the remote identi fier reader based on the signal strength values .23 . The backend system according to any one of claims 20 - 22 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following : a vibration sensor configured to detect collisions to the elevator car and elevator car doors ; a noise sensor configured to sound associated with the elevator car ; a tilt sensor configured to detect uneven loading of the elevator car ; and an overload sensor configured to detect an overload situation of the elevator car .24 . The backend system according to any one of claims 20 - 23 , wherein the controller is configured to : obtain video data recorded with at least one camera configured to provide video data about an interior of the elevator car ; and associate the video data with the determined at least one remote identifier associated with the time moment .25 . The backend system according to claim 24 , wherein a camera of the least one camera is arranged in the elevator car .26 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : obtaining, by a controller in a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions associated with an interior of the elevator car with an ob j ect ; triggering, by the controller at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data ; obtaining, by the controller based on the time moment , at least one remote identi fier, the at least one remote identi fier being detected by a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car ; and providing the at least one remote identi fier .27 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : receiving, from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, at least one remote identifier detected by a remote identi fier reader associated with an elevator car ; obtaining, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi fier ; and providing the entity information .28 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : obtaining, by a controller in a construction time monitoring system, sensor data provided by at least one sensor associated with an elevator car, the at least one sensor being configured to detect collisionsassociated with an interior of the elevator car with an ob j ect ; obtaining, by the controller, identifier data comprising at least one remote identi fier detected with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car, the remote identifier reader configured to detect wirelessly readable remote identi fiers ; and transmitting, by the controller, the sensor data and the identi fier data to a backend system for further processing .29 . A method for construction time monitoring, the method comprising : receiving, from a controller of a construction time monitoring system, sensor data detected by at least one sensor being configured to detect collisions as sociated with an interior o f an elevator car with an ob j ect ; receiving, from the controller of the construction time monitoring system, identi fier data comprising remote identi fiers read with a remote identi fier reader associated with the elevator car ; triggering, at a time moment , an alarm based on the sensor data ; determining, based on the time moment , at least one remote identi fier associated with the time moment ; obtaining, based on the at least one remote identi fier, entity information associated with the at least one remote identi fier ; and providing the entity information .

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