Elevator Control Using Video and Location Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems struggle to efficiently manage the movement of robots between floors, as commercially available robots are not designed for vertical movement, leading to a need for interlocking control technologies between robots and elevators.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system operated based on video information, which includes one or more elevator lines, an image unit, and a control unit. The image unit uses first and second imaging devices to capture images of elevator cars and halls, transmitting data to the control unit. The control unit adjusts serviceable robots and switches operation modes based on differences between robot counts from video and location signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the elevator system uses location signals from robots to determine robot presence, then the control system can operate with automated data, but the robot count may be inaccurate when robots are misplaced or signals are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different measurement methods (location signals from robots and video recognition) into a unified control system. The controller receives both types of data and cross-validates them to determine the actual robot presence, eliminating the weaknesses of relying on a single method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing robot counts from location signals with those from video recognition. When discrepancies are detected, the system uses video feedback to correct the robot count, ensuring accurate measurement while maintaining automated operation.
2Measurement precision
If the elevator system installs imaging devices to accurately count robots, then robot presence can be verified, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging devices serve multiple functions: they count robots, verify their presence, and provide visual feedback for system monitoring. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive solutions to multiple problems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging devices act as intermediaries between the physical robot presence and the control system's decision-making process. They translate physical presence into verifiable data that the controller can use to make accurate scheduling and allocation decisions.
3Productivity
If the elevator prioritizes robot service with dedicated modes, then robot transport efficiency improves, but non-robot service may be delayed when robots are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the elevator operation mode based on real-time robot presence detection. When robots are present, the system switches to robot-priority mode for efficient automated service. When no robots are detected, it automatically transitions to non-robot mode, ensuring continuous adaptability to current operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes one or more elevator lines, an image unit, and a control unit, where each of the elevator lines includes at least one elevator car; the image unit includes a first imaging device installed inside the elevator car and a second imaging device provided to an elevator hall on each floor of a building; the control unit includes a first controller controlling and managing operation of the elevator and a second controller controlling and managing operation of the robots; and each of the elevator lines is operated in any one of a non-robot exclusive mode, a robot exclusive mode, and a boarding-share mode.