Mobile Robot Elevator Calling for Conveyance Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance systems such as elevators, escalators, and moving walkways have limited data collection capabilities due to hardwired sensors, restricting their ability to gather comprehensive data.
Innovation Solution
A robot data collection system that moves around the landing or within the elevator lobby to collect data, including detecting individuals, determining their identities, and transmitting elevator calls to dispatchers, while also detecting fires and other issues to adjust conveyance system operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If hardwired sensors are used in conveyance systems, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the data collection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile robot acts as an intermediary between users and the conveyance system. The robot collects data using its sensors and communicates with the conveyance system controller, enabling enhanced data collection without hardwiring sensors throughout the entire system. This mediator approach allows comprehensive information gathering while maintaining the simplicity of the core conveyance system structure.
2Loss of information
If mobile robots are deployed to collect data, then data collection capability is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot performs multiple functions: it collects data using sensors, navigates autonomously, communicates with the conveyance system, and provides user assistance. This multi-functionality consolidates various system components into a single versatile unit, enhancing data collection capability while actually reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elevator calling systems are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide personalized service to robots and co-bots
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator calling system transitions from a static, fixed interface to a dynamic, adaptive interface. The mobile robot can dynamically adjust its calling behavior based on real-time conditions such as its current location, destination, travel speed, and interaction with users. This dynamic approach enables personalized service for robots and co-bots while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the elevator car waits for the robot at the landing, then the robot's service capability is improved, but the elevator system efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system performs preliminary actions by calculating the robot's estimated time of arrival based on its location, travel speed, and distance to the landing. The elevator car positions itself in advance to arrive simultaneously with the robot, eliminating waiting time. This preliminary calculation and coordinated scheduling enable personalized service for robots while maintaining overall system efficiency through optimized dispatch algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of collecting data using a robot data collection system (200) including: collecting data on a landing (125) of a building (102) using a sensor system (270) of a robot (202); transmitting the data to a conveyance system (100) of the building (102); and adjusting operation of the conveyance system (100) in response to the data.