Elevator Control System for Robot Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing elevator control systems often conflict with the actual state of a robot using the elevator, leading to potential damage to the robot or inefficiencies in elevator services, such as doors being improperly opened or closed.

Innovation Solution

An elevator control method and system that uses image data from cameras and weight sensors to determine exceptional situations where the elevator operation conflicts with the robot's state, allowing for dynamic adjustment of control signals to maintain or clear elevator operations based on the presence and actions of the robot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the elevator control system operates autonomously based on registered control signals, then elevator service efficiency is improved, but conflicts with the robot's actual state may cause damage to the robot or service delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator service efficiencyVSAvoidrobot safety and operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the robot's actual state through sensors (door sensors, position sensors) and compares it with the expected state from control signals. When a conflict is detected (e.g., robot still boarding while door should close), the system receives feedback and adjusts the control signal accordingly, maintaining both efficiency and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator control system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. Instead of rigidly executing pre-registered control signals, the system modifies door opening/closing timing and elevator movement based on the robot's actual boarding/alighting status, enabling adaptive control that prevents conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the door remains open to allow robot boarding/alighting, then robot safety is ensured, but the elevator cannot move to destination floor causing service delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot safety during boardingVSAvoidelevator service time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by keeping the door open for a predetermined period after robot boarding/alighting is detected. This advance preparation ensures the robot has sufficient time to complete boarding without immediately closing the door, while the system simultaneously prepares to close the door after this period to resume normal service operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The door control system dynamically adjusts opening/closing timing based on real-time detection of robot presence and boarding status. The system extends door opening time when robots are detected and closes it after a predetermined period, creating flexible timing that balances safety with service efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the door closes automatically after predetermined time, then elevator service efficiency is improved, but robot damage may occur if robot is still boarding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator operation efficiencyVSAvoidpotential robot damage from door closure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by maintaining door open state during a predetermined period after robot boarding detection. This advance protective measure prevents door closure from causing robot damage while the system prepares to close the door after this safety period to maintain service efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by implementing a predetermined time buffer during which the door remains open after robot boarding detection. This time cushion acts as a protective buffer that prevents immediate door closure from causing robot damage, while still enabling timely door closure for service efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20240400349A1Method and system for controlling elevator

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 HYUNDAI ELEVATOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein are an elevator control method and an elevator control system. The elevator control method includes the steps of: receiving a request signal from a robot; registering an elevator control signal to control operation of an elevator based on the request signal; determining whether a current situation corresponds to an exceptional situation in which operation of the elevator dictated by the elevator control signal conflicts with an actual state of the robot based on an image acquired by a camera disposed in the elevator, a location of the robot, and a situation at a platform; maintaining the currently registered elevator control signal based on determination that the current situation corresponds to the exceptional situation; and clearing the currently registered elevator control signal based on determination that the current situation corresponds to the exceptional situation.