阅读说明：本技术 电梯系统中物体的通知 (Notification of objects in an elevator system ) 是由 S.阿穆杜里 R.林加拉 于 2019-07-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于通知乘客在电梯轿厢中留下了的物体的方法,该方法包含确定乘客是否被授权访问物体跟踪服务；在乘客被授权访问物体跟踪服务时,使用成像装置来匹配乘客与物体；确定乘客已退出电梯轿厢；以及在乘客已退出电梯轿厢而未带走物体时,生成通知。(A method for notifying passengers of objects left in an elevator car, the method comprising determining whether a passenger is authorized to access an object tracking service, matching the passenger with an object using an imaging device when the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service, determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car, and generating a notification when the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object.)

1, a method for notifying passengers of objects left in an elevator car, the method comprising:

determining whether the passenger is authorized to access an object tracking service;

matching the passenger with an object using an imaging device when the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service;

determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car; and

generating a notification when the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service comprises detecting a credential.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service comprises verifying the credential.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein matching the passenger with the object comprises processing images of the passenger and the object.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car comprises processing an image of the passenger.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object comprises processing an image of an interior of the elevator car.

A notification system of , comprising:

a controller configured to perform operations comprising:

determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service;

matching the passenger with an object using an imaging device when the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service;

determining that the passenger has exited an elevator car; and

generating a notification when the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object.

8. The notification system of claim 7, wherein determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service comprises detecting passenger credentials.

9. The notification system of claim 8, wherein determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service comprises the controller verifying the credential.

10. The notification system of claim 8, further comprising a fixture that detects the presence of the credential.

11. The notification system of claim 10, wherein the fixture is located outside of the elevator car or inside the elevator car.

12. The notification system of claim 7, wherein the imaging device is located outside of the elevator car or inside of the elevator car.

13. The notification system of claim 7, wherein matching the passenger with the object comprises processing images of the passenger and the object.

14. The notification system of claim 7, wherein determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car comprises processing an image of the passenger.

15. The notification system of claim 7, wherein determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object comprises processing an image of an interior of the elevator car.

16, a method for notifying a user of an object left in an area, the method comprising:

determining whether the user is authorized to access an object tracking service;

matching the user with an object using an imaging device when the user is authorized to access the object tracking service;

determining that the user has left the area; and

generating a notification when the user has left the area without taking the object.

Background

Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to elevator systems and, more particularly, to elevator systems that notify passengers of objects left behind in an elevator car passengers using an elevator system may travel carrying objects such as luggage, briefcases, handbags, etc. passengers sometimes exit an elevator car without taking their object(s) .

Disclosure of Invention

According to the embodiment, methods for notifying passengers of objects left in an elevator car include determining whether a passenger is authorized to access an object tracking service, matching the passenger and the object using an imaging device when the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service, determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car, and generating a notification when the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the above-described features, other embodiments may include wherein determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service includes detecting a credential.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the above-described features, other embodiments may include wherein determining whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service includes verifying credentials.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the above-described features, other embodiments may include wherein matching the passenger with the object includes processing images of the passenger and the object.

In addition to or as an alternative to of the above-described features, other embodiments may include wherein determining that a passenger has exited the elevator car includes processing an image of the passenger.

In addition to or as an alternative to of the above-described features, other embodiments may include wherein determining that a passenger has exited the elevator car without taking an object includes processing an image of an interior of the elevator car.

According to another embodiment, the notification system includes a controller configured to perform operations including determining whether a passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service, matching the passenger and the object using the imaging device when the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service, determining that the passenger has exited the elevator car, and generating a notification when the passenger has exited the elevator car without taking the object.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the above features, other embodiments may include systems wherein determining whether a passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service includes detecting passenger credentials.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the above-described features, other embodiments may include a system wherein determining whether a passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service includes verifying credentials.

In addition to or as an alternative to or more of the features described above, other embodiments can include a system that further includes a fixture (fixture) that detects the presence of a credential .

In addition to or as an alternative to or more of the features described above, other embodiments may include systems wherein the fixture is located outside or within the elevator car.

In addition to or as an alternative to or more of the features described above, other embodiments may include systems in which the imaging device is located outside or inside the elevator car.

In addition to or as an alternative to or more of the features described above, other embodiments may include systems wherein matching passengers and objects includes processing images of passengers and objects.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the features described above, other embodiments may include systems wherein determining that a passenger has exited an elevator car includes processing an image of the passenger.

In addition to or as an alternative to of one or more of the features described above, other embodiments may include systems wherein determining that a passenger has exited an elevator car without having taken an object includes processing an image of an interior of the elevator car.

According to another embodiment, methods for notifying a user of an object left in an area include determining whether the user is authorized to access an object tracking service, matching the user and the object using an imaging device when the user is authorized to access the object tracking service, determining that the user has left the area, and generating a notification when the user has left the area without taking the object.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for detecting when a passenger leaves an object in an elevator car and for sending a notification to the passenger that the object is left in the elevator car.

The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations, but not exclusively, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the following description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature, and not restrictive.

Drawings

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system in an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts components of a notification system in an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process for notifying passengers of forgotten objects in an example embodiment; and

fig. 4 illustrates a process for notifying passengers of forgotten objects in an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other by a tension member 107. Tension members 107 may comprise or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables, and/or composite steel belts. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and to facilitate movement of the elevator car 103 simultaneously and in an opposite direction relative to the counterweight 105 within the hoistway 117 and along the guide rails 109.

The tension member 107 engages the machine 111, which is an portion of the overhead structure of the elevator system 101. the machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. the position reference system 113 can be mounted on a fixed portion of the top of the hoistway 117, such as on support rails or guide rails, and can be configured to provide position signals related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117. in other embodiments, the position reference system 113 can be mounted directly to a moving component of the machine 111, or can be positioned in other locations and/or configurations as is well known in the art.

The controller 115 is positioned in a controller room 121 of the hoistway 117 as shown and is configured to control operation of the elevator system 101 and specifically the elevator car 103 for example, the controller 115 may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103 the controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device the elevator car 103 may stop at or more landings (landings) 125 as controlled by the controller 115 as it moves up or down the hoistway 117 along the guide rails 109. although shown in the controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be positioned and/or configured at other locations or positions within the elevator system 101. in embodiments, the controller can be positioned remotely or in the cloud.

The machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electric drive motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source, including the power grid, which is supplied to the motor in combination with other components. The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that transmits force to the tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117.

Although shown and described with respect to a roping system that includes tension members 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms of moving an elevator car within a hoistway can employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments may be employed in a ropeless elevator system using linear motors to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may be employed in a ropeless elevator system using a hydraulic hoist to impart motion to an elevator car. FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example presented for purposes of illustration and explanation only.

Fig. 2 depicts components of an example notification system 200 that can be used in conjunction with the elevator system 101. The notification system 200 sends a notification to the passenger (and optionally to others) that an object is left in the elevator car 103. NotificationSystem 200 includes one or more imaging devices 202. th imaging device 202¹The area in front of the elevator car , such as a landing zone, can be imaged the second imaging device 202²The area within the interior of the elevator car 103 can be imaged. The imaging device 202 may be a visible light camera, but may produce images in different wavelengths (e.g., millimeter waves). In other embodiments, imaging device 202 uses image analysis to match the passenger with the object and stores this information in a database for the passenger.

The notification system 200 includes one or more fixtures 204 that wirelessly detect passenger credentials the fixtures 204¹Which may be an elevator operating panel in a lobby or at a landing. Second fixing device 204²The fixtures 204 may also take the form of lights, speakers, display screens, etc. the fixtures 204 use wireless communication to detect passenger credentials, as described in further detail herein at step .

Passenger credentials may also be implemented using facial recognition based on images captured by the imaging device 202. For example, when a person registers for a hotel, an image of his face may be captured and stored on the controller 210. The user's face can then be used as a credential to authorize access to the object tracking service as described herein.

The imaging device 202 and the stationary device 204 communicate with a controller 210 over a network 220. The network 220 may be implemented using known wired and/or wireless networking systems. The controller 210 may be implemented using a processor-based device such as a server. The controller 210 contains typical computer hardware, such as a processor, memory, and communication units. Controller 210 performs several operations including identifying that the passenger is authorized to utilize the object notification feature, detecting a forgotten object, and initiating notification of the forgotten object by the passenger.

The message server 230 communicates with the controller 210. the message server 230 may transmit a message to a passenger upon detection of a forgotten object associated with the passenger. the message server 230 may be a stand-alone device or may be implemented as part of the controller 210. the message server 230 generates communications with the passenger using or more communication protocols (including or more of SMS, bluetooth, cellular, email, paging, etc.).

The process begins at 300, where a passenger receives credentials authorizing the passenger to service with a forgotten object, in an example, the passenger is a hotel guest, and the passenger receives credentials as part of to check in to the hotel.

At 302, the passenger arrives at the elevator zone. If at 302 the credential is not present (e.g., the passenger does not have a credential, or it is not carried with the passenger), then flow continues to 304 where no object tracking is provided. If the credential is implemented by facial recognition, step 302 may be skipped.

If the credential exists, then at 306, the fixture 204 is outside the elevator car 103¹Or a fixing device 204 in the elevator car 103²The credentials are read. Imaging device 202 outside of elevator car 103 if facial recognition is used as a credential¹Or imaging device 202 in elevator car 103² capture images of the passenger's face, these operations are depicted graphically in fig. 4 as operations 1-3.

At 308, the credential is verified by the controller 210. Controller 210 accesses the passenger profile associated with the credential and determines whether the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service. This operation is graphically depicted in fig. 4 as operation 4. If the passenger is not authorized to access the object tracking service, flow continues to 304 and no object tracking is performed.

If the passenger credentials indicate that the passenger is authorized to access the object tracking service at 308, flow continues to 310 where the object tracking service is initiated. At this stage, the controller 210 sends a command to the imaging device 204 to capture an image of the passenger. This operation is graphically depicted in fig. 4 as operation 5. The image may be from an imaging device 202 outside the elevator car 103¹Or from the imaging device 202 in the elevator car 103 if the passenger has entered the elevator car 103²The passenger may also be identified by comparing the image from the imaging device 204 with a picture of the passenger stored in a passenger profile associated with the credential.

The next steps for object tracking are at 314 matching an object and a specific passenger it is understood that multiple objects (e.g., suites of baggage) may be matched with a passenger this operation is depicted graphically in FIG. 4 as operation 6 for ease of description this may be done in a variety of ways first, the controller may analyze images from imaging devices within the elevator car 103 and detect when a new passenger and a new object are detected, if only a single passenger enters the elevator car 103, any new object (e.g., luggage, handbag, backpack, etc.) will be associated with the new passenger.

At 316, controller 210 then monitors data from imaging device 202²To determine when a passenger exits the elevator car 103, this operation is depicted graphically in fig. 4 as operation 7 detection of a passenger exiting the elevator car 103 may be performed by comparing successive images (taken in real-time or near real-time) to detect the absence of a previously existing passenger.

once the passenger exits the elevator car 103, the flow continues to 318 where the controller 210 determines whether the passenger has taken his or her object, as described above, match each passenger with the object, if the passenger exits the elevator car 103 without a matching object ( or more), the flow continues to 320 at 320 the controller 210 instructs the passenger server 230 to send a notification to the passenger indicating that he or she has left an object in the elevator car 103.

The notification at 320 can also include an audible or visual notification to a passenger in the elevator car 103 or a passenger at a landing outside of the elevator car 103 when the passenger exits the elevator car 103 such notification can be generated at a fixture 204 or other device (e.g., body phone (kiosk), intercom, etc.) that has the ability to produce sound or images.

It should be noted that the process of fig. 3 can be used to detect when passengers have entered the elevator car but have left or more objects at the elevator landing in such cases, the system can prevent elevator from closing and/or immediately send a message to the passengers indicating that they have entered the elevator car without carrying their object(s) .

While described with respect to passengers forgetting an object with respect to an elevator car, embodiments may be applied to hotel rooms where a guest may forget an object outside the room.A system may detect an object and prompt a user with a message.an embodiment may be extended to areas outside the room, including public areas where guests can forget their belongings, and then a recent camera will trigger an event to the guest based on the hotel's movement credentials.

As described above, embodiments can take the form of processor-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes, such as the controller 210. embodiments can also take the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as network cloud storage, SD cards, flash drives, floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments.

As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms " (a/an)" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, it will be understood at the step that the words "include" and/or "comprise" when used in this specification indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, without excluding the presence or addition of or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or combinations thereof.

The present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the invention.