People Conveyor API Testing for Automated Commissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for testing components and API interfaces in people conveyor systems, such as elevators and escalators, are time-consuming and prone to errors, often requiring multiple parties and manual intervention, which complicates the installation and commissioning process.

Innovation Solution

An automated testing method using remote and local computing devices, along with an application programming interface (API), sends test data patterns to components, receives responses, and emulates operations without affecting the system's functionality, enabling end-to-end API testing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual testing of API interface and components is performed at the conveyor site, then testing can be carried out with simple equipment, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple parties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting equipment complexityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system performs preliminary actions by automatically executing test sequences before final system deployment. The API interface and components are tested in advance through automated scripts that simulate various operational scenarios, ensuring readiness before actual use without requiring manual intervention during critical testing phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses virtual copies and simulations of the actual conveyor system components and API interfaces. Instead of physically testing each component manually, the system creates digital replicas and test environments that mirror production conditions, allowing comprehensive testing to be performed rapidly on copies before deploying to the actual system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If multiple parties at different locations are involved in testing, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but coordination complexity and error probability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting completenessVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple testing functions and previously separate testing activities into a single integrated automated testing system. By combining component testing, API interface testing, and system integration testing into one unified automated framework, the system achieves comprehensive coverage while eliminating the coordination complexity and error-prone manual processes associated with multiple parties working separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated testing system implements continuous feedback loops that automatically detect, report, and track testing results. When issues are detected during automated testing, the system provides immediate feedback and can automatically retry or escalate issues, eliminating the need for manual coordination between multiple parties while maintaining high testing reliability through systematic monitoring and reporting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated testing is implemented, then manual work at the conveyor site is eliminated, but the testing system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting operation easeVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated testing system is designed to be self-service capable, automatically configuring test environments, executing test sequences, analyzing results, and generating reports without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the entire testing workflow from initiation to completion, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual testing tasks while the complexity is encapsulated within the automated system itself rather than requiring complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230030102A1People conveyor arrangement and a method for testing components and/or functions of the people conveyor
Publication Date: 2023.02.02 KONE OYJ
  • US20230030102A1 patent drawing
  • US20230030102A1 patent drawing
  • US20230030102A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A people conveyor arrangement and a method for testing components and/or functions of the people conveyor in a people conveyor arrangement including at least one remote computing device and/or local computing device, and at least one communication channel and an application programming interface arranged between the people conveyor component and the at least one computing device. The method includes sending from the at least one computing device test related data via an application programming interface to a component of the people conveyor, receiving test related data via the application programming interface by the component when the component is connected to the communication channel, and responding from the component of the people conveyor to the local computing device and/or to the remote computing device via the application programming interface that the test related data was received and/or that a test was carried out or emulated based on the test related data.