Destination Dispatch Elevator Access for Multi-Floor Security Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for robots to utilize destination dispatch elevator systems within buildings, limiting their ability to move between floors and requiring multiple robots for each floor, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that enables robots to use destination dispatch elevators by receiving a tag indicating arrival, transmitting a credential to the elevator system, and receiving an assigned elevator cab, allowing the robot to travel to specific floors while eliminating the need for arms or actuators to engage elevator buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robots are deployed on each floor for patrol, then building security coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robot is designed to perform patrol functions across multiple floors by integrating elevator interaction capabilities, credential verification, and autonomous navigation. The robot serves universal security purposes throughout the building rather than being floor-specific, reducing the total number of robots needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
An elevator system acts as an intermediary between the robot and different floors. The robot interacts with the elevator through credential transmission and command reception, allowing indirect access to multiple floors without requiring the robot to physically navigate between them independently. This mediator approach simplifies inter-floor movement while maintaining security protocols.
2Reliability
If multiple robots are deployed for multi-floor patrol, then security coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed with multi-functional capabilities including patrol, elevator interaction, credential verification, and autonomous navigation. This universal design allows one robot to replace multiple floor-specific robots, reducing the quantity needed while maintaining comprehensive security coverage across all floors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the robot with credentials and patrol routes before deployment. The elevator system pre-processes credential verification and cab assignment, allowing the robot to efficiently move between floors without requiring multiple units for simultaneous multi-floor monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If robots use traditional elevators with buttons, then floor access is achieved, but device complexity increases due to arms or actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical button-pressing system is replaced with an electronic credential-based interaction system. The robot transmits credentials electronically to the elevator system, which automatically authenticates and assigns cabs, eliminating the need for mechanical arms or actuators to physically press buttons. This substitution simplifies the robot's mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of floor access.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system provides self-service by automatically verifying credentials and assigning cabs without requiring physical interaction from the robot. The system handles authentication, cab selection, and door control autonomously, allowing the robot to access floors through simplified credential transmission rather than complex mechanical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for controlling a robot to use an elevator of a building. A tag indicating arrival at an elevator block can be received from a robot. Based on receiving the tag, a credential for the robot can be transmitted to an elevator system. An indication of an elevator cab assigned to the robot can be received from the elevator system. A command to travel to the elevator cab can be transmitted to the robot.