Construction time monitoring of a construction site

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a construction time monitoring system for a construction site, the construction time monitoring system comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform: associating a remotely readable identifier for each tool of a set of tools; associating a remotely readable identifier for each member of a user group; linking each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identifier of the tool with the remotely readable identifier of the at least one member of the user group; receiving tracking data comprising remotely readable identifiers read with at least one remotely readable identifier reader arranged at the construction site; and monitoring a flow of remotely readable identifiers at the construction site based on the tracking data.

Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTION TIME MONITORING OF A CONSTRUCTION SITE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Elevators may be used in a building construction phase , for example , for construction worker, construction material and equipment transport . In a 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 tools transported with the elevators may be signi ficant , and loading and unloading of the transported construction material and tools may take time . During the CTU, there may be long waiting queues for elevators of workers that are trying to access their assigned working floor .

[0004] Further, during the CTU, there are factors that may impact negatively on the work ef ficiency of a construction site . For example , tools required in a speci fic phase or floor may be missing or the tools may reside in a wrong location at the construction site . Further, time may be wasted by construction workers waiting for elevators or searching for required tools and / or materials . This in turn may cause challenges , for example , to the overall schedule of the construction site .

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect , there is provided a construction time monitoring system for a construction site , the construction time monitoring system comprising at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : associating a remotely readable identi fier for each tool of a set of tools ; associating a remotely readable identi fier for each member of a user group ; linking each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group ; receiving tracking data comprising remotely readable identi fiers read with at least one remotely readable identi fier reader arranged at the construction site ; and monitoring a flow of remotely readable identi fiers at the construction site based on the tracking data .

[0007] In an implementation form of the first aspect , a remotely readable identifier of a tool is an identi fier uniquely identi fying the tool .

[0008] In an implementation form of the first aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a tool is a common identi fier for all tools of the set of tools .

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a member of the user group is an identi fier uniquely identi fying the member .

[0010] In an implementation form of the first aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a member of the user group is a common identi fier for all members of the user group .

[0011] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site together with a member not linked to the tool ; and issuing an alarm based on the detection . In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site without the at least one member of the user group ; and issuing an alarm based on the detection .

[0012] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : associating a remotely readable identifier for a material to be transported in the construction site ; and linking the material to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the material with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group .

[0013] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : determining, based on the monitoring, a progress report associated with the construction site .

[0014] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : receiving a reservation request associated with a tool , the reservation request reserving the tool at a specified time at a speci fied destination; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination by the speci fied time . In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : receiving a queuing request associated with a reserved tool , the queuing request reserving the tool at a speci fied destination; determining that the reserved tool becomes free ; and controll ing at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination .

[0015] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : receiving a reservation request associated with a tool for a time period from a member not linked to the tool ; and linking, for the time period, the tool to the member by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the member .

[0016] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : generating, based on the tracking data, a session associated with a remotely readable identi fier, the session describing a j ourney of the remotely readable identi fier in the construction site during a time frame .

[0017] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the construction time monitoring system to at least perform : receiving elevator event data ; and analyzing the elevator event data and the sess ion to determine at least one sess ion characteristic . In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one session characteristic comprises one or more of the following : lobby waiting time , start and / or end floors , the number of floors traveled, and total session time .

[0018] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the user group comprises one of the following : workers of a company, a subset of workers of a company, workers sharing the same profession, workers sharing the same work phase , and workers working at the same floor .

[0019] According to a second aspect , there is provided a system comprising at least one transport system provided at a construction site ; a construction time monitoring system according to the first aspect ; and at least one remote identi fier reader arranged at the construction site .

[0020] According to a third aspect , there is provided a method for monitoring a construction site , the method comprising : associating a remotely readable identifier for each tool of a set of tools ; associating a remotely readable identi fier for each member of a user group ; linking each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group ; receiving tracking data comprising remotely readable identi fiers read with at least one remotely readable identi fier reader arranged at the construction site ; and monitoring a flow of remotely readable identi fiers at the construction site based on the tracking data .

[0021] In an implementation form of the third aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a tool is an identi fier uniquely identi fying the tool . In an implementation form of the third aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a tool is a common identi fier for all tools of the set of tools .

[0022] In an implementation form of the third aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a member of the user group is an identi fier uniquely identi fying the member .

[0023] In an implementation form of the third aspect , a remotely readable identi fier of a member of the user group is a common identi fier for all members of the user group .

[0024] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site together with a member not linked to the tool ; and issuing an alarm based on the detection .

[0025] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site without the at least one member of the user group ; and issuing an alarm based on the detection .

[0026] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises associating a remotely readable identi fier for a material to be transported in the construction site ; and linking the material to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the material with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group . In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises determining, based on the monitoring, a progress report associated with the construction site .

[0027] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises receiving a reservation request associated with a tool , the reservation request reserving the tool at a speci fied time at a speci fied destination; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination by the speci fied time .

[0028] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises receiving a queuing request associated with a reserved tool , the queuing request reserving the tool at a speci fied destination; determining that the reserved tool becomes free ; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination .

[0029] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises receiving a reservation request as sociated with a tool for a time period from a member not linked to the tool ; and linking, for the time period, the tool to the member by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the member .

[0030] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises generating, based on the tracking data, a session associated with a remotely readable identi fier, the session describing a j ourney of the remotely readable identi fier in the construction site during a time frame .

[0031] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method comprises receiving elevator event data ; and analyzing the elevator event data and the session to determine at least one session characteristic .

[0032] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the at least one session characteristic comprises one or more of the following : lobby waiting time , start and / or end floors , the number of floors traveled and total session time .

[0033] In an implementation form of the third aspect , the user group comprises one of the following : workers of a company, a subset of workers of a company, workers sharing the same profession, workers sharing the same work phase and workers working at the same floor .

[0034] According to a fourth 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 third aspect .

[0035] According to a fi 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 third aspect .

[0036] According to a sixth aspect , there is provided a construction time monitoring system for a construction site , the construction time monitoring system comprising means for : associating a remotely readable identi fier for each tool of a set of tools ; associating a remotely readable identi fier for each member of a user group ; linking each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group ; receiving tracking data comprising remotely readable identi fiers read with at least one remotely readable identi fier reader arranged at the construction site ; and monitoring a flow of remotely readable identi fiers at the construction site based on the tracking data .

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] 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 :

[0039] FIG . 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment .

[0040] FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment .

[0041] FIG . 3 illustrates a method according to an example embodiment .

[0042] FIG . 4 illustrates a system according to an example embodiment .

[0043] FIG . 5 illustrates a block diagram of a construction monitoring system according to an example embodiment .

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] 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) of a construction site . 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 an 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 .

[0046] 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 conf igured to track people flow, one or more construction site data sources may be configured to track material flow and one or more construction site data sources may be configured to tools / equipment 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 Wi-Fi 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 .

[0047] 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 are at the construction site, 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, for example, a remotely readable identifier, associated with each transportable entity. The identification information may be stored, for example, in a remotely readable device or tag, for example, an RFID tag, attached to or otherwise associated with a transportable entity (i.e., a tool, material and / or people) . The construction site 110 may then comprise one or more remote identifier readers, for example, RFID readers, that are able to remotely read the identification information, when the corresponding transportable entity is loaded / unloaded to / from an elevator or moves in the construction site. One or more remote identifier readers may be arranged in the elevators and / or outside the elevators at appropriate locations .

[0048] In an example embodiment, the at least one local construction site data source 108A, 108B, 108C may comprise one or more of the following: - a material and waste tracking system

[0049] - a people location and identification 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 identification 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 assets 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 of the one or more assets, for example, when, where and / or how long an asset was used during the construction phase, where and / or how long a specific employee has worked in the constructions site during the construction phase etc. This may then provide management information, for example, to the 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] FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment .

[0055] The system may comprise a construction time monitoring system 200 configured to monitor a construction site during construction time . In an example embodiment , the site controller 100 may be configured to perform the operations associated with the construction time monitoring system 100 . The system comprises at least one remotely readable identi fier reader 202A, 202B . . . 202N configured to read remotely readable identi fiers attached, for example , to people , materials and / or tools . In an example embodiment , a remotely readable identi fier reader 202A, 202B . . . 202N may be arranged in an elevator car, a lobby and / or any other area or location in the construction site . In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be communicatively connected to an elevator controller 204 or an elevator group controller to control operations of elevator cars . The construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to associate a remotely readable identifier for each tool of a set of tools and associate a remotely readable identi fier for each member of a user group . The remotely readable identi fiers may be stored in one or more memories of the construction time monitoring system 200 or in one or more external memories to which the construction time monitoring system 200 has access . The construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured link each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group, receive tracking data compri sing remotely readable identi fiers read with at least one remotely readable identi fier reader arranged at the construction site and monitor a flow of remotely readable identi fiers at the construction site based on the tracking data .

[0056] FIG . 3 illustrates a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment . The steps discussed herein may be performed, for example , by the construction time monitoring system 200 or the site controller 100 .

[0057] At 300 , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to associate a remotely readable identi fier for each tool of a set of tools . Many user groups are normally involved in a construction process of a construction site and members of user group typically carry group-speci fic tools . These tools may be equipped with remotely readable identi fiers , for example , RFID tags , so that a remotely readable identi fier of each tool can be read using remote identi fier readers , for example , RFID tag readers . The remotely readable identi fiers may be stored in one or more memories of the construction time monitoring system 200 or in one or more external memories to which the construction time monitoring system 200 has access. A remotely readable identifier of a tool may be an identifier uniquely identifying the tool. In another example, a remotely readable identifier of a tool may be a common identifier for all tools of the set of tools.

[0058] At 302, the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to associate a remotely readable identifier for each member of a user group. The members of the user group, for example, workers, may be equipped with remotely readable identifiers, for example, RFID tags, so that a remotely readable identifier of each member can be read using remote identifier readers, for example, RFID tag readers. The remotely readable identifier may be arranged in an identification card, helmet or some other apparel worn by the member. The remotely readable identifiers may be stored in one or more memories of the construction time monitoring system 200 or in one or more external memories to which the construction time monitoring system 200 has access. A remotely readable identifier of a member of the user group may be an identifier uniquely identifying the member. In another example, a remotely readable identifier of a member of the user group may be a common identifier for all members of the user group.

[0059] At 304, the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to link each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identifier of the tool with the remotely readable identifier of the at least one member of the user group. In other words, each tool is associated with at least one member of the user group using the remotely readable identifiers. At 306, the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to receive tracking data comprising remotely readable identifiers read with at least one remotely readable identifier reader arranged at the construction site. When members, for example, workers, of at least one user group and tools move in the construction site, remote identifier readers detect remotely readable identifiers associated with the tools and members, when the tools and members pass the remote identifier readers arranged at various location at the construction site.

[0060] At 308, the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to monitor a flow of remotely readable identifiers at the construction site based on the tracking data. The monitoring may involve monitoring tools, members of the user groups or both.

[0061] In an example embodiment, the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to detect, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site together with a member not linked to the tool, and issue an alarm based on the detection. The detection may be made, for example, if the remotely readable identifier of the tool moves together with the remotely readable identifier of a member of a different user group. The detection may be made if both the remotely readable identifier of the tool and the remotely readable identifier of the member are read within a specified time window, i.e. temporally close to each other. As each tool is linked to at least one member of a specific user group, the alarm may indicate, for example, that the tool was stolen by the member of another user group or that the member of the other user group inadvertently carries the tool. In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to detect , based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site without the at least one member of the user group . As each tool is linked to at least one member of a speci fic user group, the alarm may indicate , for example , that the tool was stolen by someone or that someone else than a worker of the company inadvertently carried the tool . It should be noted that i f it is detected that the tool moves in the construction site without the linked member of the user group, it is a strong indication of a theft of the tool as no other remotely readable identi fiers of members of user groups are read substantially at the same time .

[0062] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be conf igured to as sociate a remotely readable identi fier for a material to be transported in the construction site and link the material to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the material with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group . When also the material moving at the construction site is equipped with a remotely readable identifier, this may enable , for example , detecting when the material moves and / or who i s moving together with the material . Thi s in turn may allow for determining progress reports associated with the construction site as a proj ect plan of the construction site indicates what materials should be used and where at point of time . Further, by including also the management of material s into the solution, it is possible to enable a solution in which a member / worker is able to determine beforehand, when he / she is supposed to perform an assigned task . In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to determine , based on the monitoring, a progress report associated with the construction site . For example , companies may perform di f ferent tas ks at the construction site and a proj ect plan of the construction site may indicate speci fic timing for each user group . Therefore , monitoring the flow of remotely readable identi fiers at the construction site may reveal that , as members of a speci fic user group are currently working at a speci fic location at the construction site , a predetermined phase is currently performed in the proj ect plan .

[0063] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to receive a reservation request associated with a tool , the reservation request reserving the tool at a specified time at a speci fied destination, and control at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination by the speci fied time . This allows for a solution which includes the possibility to reserve a tool at a certain time and to have it delivered to a predefined destination, for example , with elevators construction li fts , or sometimes even with cranes . Further, the pre-booking system may be configured to be open and scalable . For example , subcontractors can add and remove their tools to and from the system according to agreements so that also other entities have the possibility of using their tools . The pre-booking system may comprise one or more dedicated drop-of f points having one or more remotely readable identi fier readers , where used tools may be stored after logout .

[0064] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to receive a queuing request associated with a reserved tool , the queuing request reserving the tool at a speci fied destination, determine that the reserved tool becomes free , and control at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination . In other words , an opportunity to line up may be provided in case a needed tool is currently occupied . This allows for a solution in which the tool can be delivered after being again available to a predefined destination, for example , with elevators construction li fts , or sometimes even with cranes .

[0065] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to receive a reservation request associated with a tool for a time period from a member not l inked to the tool , and link, for the time period, the tool to the member by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the member . This enables a solution in which a tool linked to one user group can be temporarily assigned also a to a member of another user group . Then, when monitoring the flow of remotely readable identi fiers at the construction site based on the tracking data, no incorrect alarms are generated as the member of the other user group is validly linked with the tool .

[0066] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to generate , based on the tracking data, a session associated with a remotely readable identi fier, the session describing a j ourney of the remotely readable identi fier in the construction site during a time frame . Using the remotely readable identi fier readers , the movements of materials , tools and their respective users can be aggregated into sessions . A sess ion may describe the j ourney of a remotely readable identi fier, starting, for example , from arriving to the construction site , then possibly being in a temporary storage some time and then finally being transported using an elevator to a destination . The sessions may also contain timing information, for example , an entry and exit time for each part of the session .

[0067] In an example embodiment , the construction time monitoring system 200 may be configured to receive elevator event data and analyze the elevator event data and the session to determine at least one session characteristic . The elevator event data may comprise , for example , door data, position data, action data and / or call state data . The analysis made based on the elevator event data and the session may provide further insights on the movement of individual remotely readable identi fiers . For example , the at least one session characteristic may comprise one or more of the following : lobby waiting time , start and / or end floors , the number of floors traveled, and total sess ion time . These characteristics may be used, for example , to monitor and improve waiting times .

[0068] In an example embodiment , the user group comprises one of the following : workers of a company, a subset of workers of a company, workers sharing the same profession, workers sharing the same work phase , and workers working at the same floor . In other words , the user group may be formed based on any common factor shared by the workers . For example , plumbers , electricians and carpenters may each form a dedicated user group . As another general example , 3rdfloor ventilation workers , topmost concreting workers and 5thfloor painters may each form a dedicated user group as they are performing a di f ferent work phase .

[0069] One or more of the above discussed examples and example embodiments may provide a solution that enables reporting of work progress , as work factors can be linked both to the materials and tools . Based on the data provided by the construction time monitoring system, managers are able , for example , to download a daily work program to mobile devices of every worker at the construction site during or immediately after a site meeting . I f material management is also linked to the construction time monitoring system, then a worker is able to track when he / she has to proceed to perform a given work task . Further, when a speci fic work phase is finished, the worker can report that the work is done so the progress of the construction site can be monitored in real-time . Further, i f for some reason it is not possible to finish a work phase in the time allotted for it , for example , due to a lack of material or a worker illness , the management may obtain from the construction time monitoring system information that enables them to direct another worker to do the work or direct a worker to do another work for which material is ready, thus providing flexibility in performing the needed work .

[0070] Further, one or more of the above discussed examples and example embodiments may provide a solution that makes it more ef ficient for both the construction site and the workers to perform the planned tasks in a timely manner and in the right place , by being able to monitor that all parties are in the right place in the right time , from materials to personnel . This also means that managers at the construction site do not have to wander around the construction site unnecessarily looking for people , materials and tools , and their working time i s freed up for what they should actually be doing, i . e . , monitoring the progress of the work at the construction site .

[0071] Further, one or more of the above discussed examples and example embodiments may provide a solution that enables real-time monitoring of people flow, material flow and tool flow at a construction site . When this information is compared, for example , to a proj ect plan of the construction site , valuable information about the progress of the construction site may be obtained .

[0072] FIG . 4 illustrates a system 400 according to an example embodiment . An elevator car 402 is configured to move vertically in an elevator shaft 404 . The system 400 further comprises remotely readable identi fier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204E , 204N arranged in selected locations at a construction site and connected to a construction time monitoring system 200 . The construction time monitoring system 200 may be an elevator controller or a separate system arranged in the system 400 . The remotely readable identi fier readers 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204E , 204N are configured to detect remotely readable identi fiers carried by workers and / or attached to tools and / or materials . FIG . 4 also illustrates an example in which tools 406 and materials 408 are waiting to be transported to the uppermost floor, whereas materials 410 and tools 412 have already been transported to a speci fic floor .

[0073] FIG . 5 illustrates a block diagram of a construction time monitoring system 200 according to an example embodiment . The system 200 may be , for example , a computer, a computer system or a server computer . In an example embodiment , the system 200 may be integrated to be part o f an elevator controller or an elevator group controller . In an example embodiment , the system 200 may be configured to implement the method and / or any of its embodiments discussed relating to FIG . 3 .

[0074] The system 200 comprises one or more processors 502 , and one or more memories 504 that comprise computer program code . The system 200 may also include a communication interface 508 configured to enable communication with other entities or network elements . Although the system 200 is depicted to include only one processor 502 , the system 200 may include more than one processor . In an example embodiment , the memory 504 is capable of storing instructions , such as an operating system and / or various applications .

[0075] Furthermore , the processor 502 is capable of executing the stored instructions . In an example embodiment , the processor 502 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 502 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 502 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality . In an example embodiment , the processor 502 is embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may speci fically configure the processor 502 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed .

[0076] The memory 504 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 504 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM ( erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) .

[0077] In an embodiment , the at least one memory 504 may store program instructions 506 that , when executed by the at least one processor 502 , cause the system 200 to perform the functionality of the various embodiments discussed herein . Further, in an embodiment , at least one o f the processor 502 and the memory 504 may constitute means for implementing the discussed functionality .

[0078] 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 ( for example , 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 .

[0079] 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 .

[0080] 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 . 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 construction time monitoring system (200) for a construction site, the construction time monitoring system (200) comprising: at least one processor (500) ; and at least one memory (502) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: associating a remotely readable identifier for each tool of a set of tools; associating a remotely readable identifier for each member of a user group; linking each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identifier of the tool with the remotely readable identifier of the at least one member of the user group; receiving tracking data comprising remotely readable identifiers read with at least one remotely readable identifier reader arranged at the construction site; and monitoring a flow of remotely readable identifiers at the construction site based on the tracking data.2 . The construction time monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a tool is an identifier uniquely identifying the tool.

3. The construction time monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a tool is a common identifier for all tools of the set of tools.

4. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a member of the user group is an identifier uniquely identifying the member.

5. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a member of the user group is a common identifier for all members of the user group.

6. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site together with a member not linked to the tool; and issuing an alarm based on the detection.

7. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site without the at least one member of the user group; and issuing an alarm based on the detection.

8. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, whenexecuted by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: associating a remotely readable identifier for a material to be transported in the construction site; and linking the material to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identifier of the material with the remotely readable identifier of the at least one member of the user group.

9. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: determining, based on the monitoring, a progress report associated with the construction site.

10. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: receiving a reservation request associated with a tool, the reservation request reserving the tool at a specified time at a specified destination; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the specified destination by the specified time.

11. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause theconstruction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: receiving a queuing request associated with a reserved tool, the queuing request reserving the tool at a specified destination; determining that the reserved tool becomes free; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the specified destination.

12. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: receiving a reservation request associated with a tool for a time period from a member not linked to the tool; and linking, for the time period, the tool to the member by associating the remotely readable identifier of the tool with the remotely readable identifier of the member .

13. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: generating, based on the tracking data, a session associated with a remotely readable identifier, the session describing a journey of the remotely readable identifier in the construction site during a time frame.

14. The construction time monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one memory (502) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (500) , cause the construction time monitoring system (200) to at least perform: receiving elevator event data; and analyzing the elevator event data and the session to determine at least one session characteristic .

15. The construction time monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one session characteristic comprises one or more of the following: lobby waiting time; start and / or end floors; the number of floors traveled; and total session time.

16. The construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 15, wherein the user group comprises one of the following: workers of a company; a subset of workers of a company; workers sharing the same profession; workers sharing the same work phase; and workers working at the same floor.

17. A system comprising: at least one transport system provided at a construction site; a construction time monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 - 16; and at least one remote identifier reader arranged at the construction site.

18. A method for monitoring a construction site, the method comprising:associating a remotely readable identifier for each tool of a set of tools; associating a remotely readable identifier for each member of a user group; linking each tool of the set of tools to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identifier of the tool with the remotely readable identifier of the at least one member of the user group; receiving tracking data comprising remotely readable identifiers read with at least one remotely readable identifier reader arranged at the construction site; and monitoring a flow of remotely readable identifiers at the construction site based on the tracking data.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a tool is identifier uniquely identifying the tool.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a tool is a common identifier for all tools of the set of tools.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a member of the user group is an identifier uniquely identifying the member.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein a remotely readable identifier of a member of the user group is a common identifier for all members of the user group.

23. The method according to any one of claims18 - 22, further comprising:detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site together with a member not linked to the tool ; and issuing an alarm based on the detection .24 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 22 , further comprising : detecting, based on the monitoring, that a tool linked to at least one member of the user group moves in the construction site without the at least one member of the user group ; and issuing an alarm based on the detection .25 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 24 , further comprising : associating a remotely readable identi fier for a material to be transported in the construction site ; and linking the material to at least one member of the user group by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the material with the remotely readable identi fier of the at least one member of the user group .26 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 25 , further comprising : determining, based on the monitoring, a progress report associated with the construction site .27 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 26 , further comprising : receiving a reservation request associated with a tool , the reservation request reserving the tool at a speci fied time at a speci fied destination; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci f ied destination by the speci fied time .28 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 27 , further comprising : receiving a queuing request associated with a reserved tool , the queuing request reserving the tool at a speci fied destination; determining that the reserved tool becomes free ; and controlling at least one transport system to transport the tool to the speci fied destination .29 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 26 , further comprising : receiving a reservation request associated with a tool for a time period from a member not linked to the tool ; and linking, for the time period, the tool to the member by associating the remotely readable identi fier of the tool with the remotely readable identi fier of the member .30 . The method according to any one of claims 18 - 29 , further comprising : generating, based on the tracking data, a session associated with a remotely readable identi fier, the session describing a j ourney of the remotely readable identi fier in the construction site during a time frame .31 . The method according to claim 30 , further comprising : receiving elevator event data ; and analyzing the elevator event data and the session to determine at least one session characteristic .

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the at least one session characteristic comprises one or more of the following: lobby waiting time; start and / or end floors; the number of floors traveled; and total session time.

33. The according to any one of claims 18 - 32, wherein the user group comprises one of the following: workers of a company; a subset of workers of a company; workers sharing the same profession; workers sharing the same work phase; and workers working at the same floor.

34. A computer program comprising program code configured to, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus at least to perform the method according to any of claims 18 - 33.

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