Elevator Control for Robot Boarding and Dedicated Service Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently controlling elevators for robot passengers, leading to frequent instances where robots cannot get on due to congestion or improper elevator usage, hindering their ability to provide services effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling elevators that detect robot passengers, set dedicated elevators for a given time period, and configure user interfaces to indicate robot usage, ensuring efficient service provision by prioritizing robot access and minimizing user interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elevator is simply summoned and used by the robot or a robot control system controlling the robot, then the robot can request elevator service, but a congested elevator is summoned or the robot cannot get on the elevator frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting robot presence before elevator arrival and pre-controlling the elevator to move to the robot's floor. The control system identifies robots in the waiting space and proactively directs the elevator to their location, ensuring the elevator is ready and positioned correctly before the robot needs to board, thereby preventing congestion and ensuring reliable access.
2Productivity
If the elevator is controlled to move to a floor where the robot is to provide the service, then the robot can efficiently reach its destination, but the elevator may not respond to user summons
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control by adjusting elevator behavior based on real-time conditions. When a robot is detected, the elevator prioritizes transporting the robot to its destination floor. The control system dynamically modifies elevator routing and stopping behavior to accommodate robot service delivery requirements while maintaining the ability to respond to user summons when appropriate, thus balancing efficiency with adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If at least one of the internal user interface and external user interface of the elevator is configured to indicate whether the robot is using the elevator, then user interference is minimized, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual indicators through the user interface to communicate elevator status. When a robot is detected or the elevator is designated for robot service, the interface displays visual signals (such as color changes or icon modifications) to indicate the elevator's current status. This allows users to understand when the elevator is occupied by a robot and avoid unnecessary attempts to use it, minimizing interference without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an elevator includes detecting that a robot providing a service on a floor within a building has gotten on an elevator moving through floors within the building, and controlling the elevator to move to a floor where the robot is to provide the service. At least one of the internal user interface and the external user interface of the elevator is configured to indicate whether the robot is using the elevator.