Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a passenger flow management system for managing passenger flow such that elevator waiting times may be limited. The system includes detecting means configured to detect elevator passengers within a detection area located outside the building.

According to the invention there is provided a method according to claim <NUM>.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

Additional embodiments are described below.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description and in the drawings (the contents of which are included in this disclosure by way of reference). It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. In this respect, a coupling between entities may refer to either a direct or an indirect connection.

Exemplary embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods are described for fulfilling a request for service, such as a request for elevator service. In some embodiments, a request for elevator service may be communicated over one or more lines, connections, or networks, such as one or more cellular networks. The request for service may be initiated by a mobile device associated with a user, and according to the invention it is entered in a passive manner. In some embodiments, the mobile device may be operative in conjunction with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and/or the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). According to the invention, a request for service is validated based on a location of the mobile device. In some embodiments, a request for service may be fulfilled in accordance with one or more profiles, such as one or more user or mobile device profiles. In some embodiments the profiles may be registered as part of a registration process. In some embodiments, an elevator system may be registered with a service provider.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary computing system <NUM> is shown. The system <NUM> is shown as including a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store executable instructions. The executable instructions may be stored or organized in any manner and at any level of abstraction, such as in connection with one or more applications, processes, routines, procedures, methods, etc. As an example, at least a portion of the instructions are shown in <FIG> as being associated with a first program 104a and a second program 104b.

The memory <NUM> may store data <NUM>. The data <NUM> may include profile or registration data, elevator car data, a device identifier, or any other type of data.

The instructions stored in the memory <NUM> may be executed by one or more processors, such as a processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be operative on the data <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be coupled to one or more input/output (I/O) devices <NUM>. In some embodiments, the I/O device(s) <NUM> may include one or more of a keyboard or keypad, a touchscreen or touch panel, a display screen, a microphone, a speaker, a mouse, a button, a remote control, a joystick, a printer, a telephone or mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), a sensor, etc. The I/O device(s) <NUM> may be configured to provide an interface to allow a user to interact with the system <NUM>. For example, the I/O device(s) may support a graphical user interface (GUI) and/or voice-to-text capabilities.

Turning now to <FIG>, an exemplary system <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown. The system <NUM> may be implemented in connection with one or more components, devices, or other systems (e.g., system <NUM>). The system <NUM> may be associated with an elevator system. The system <NUM> may be used to process or fulfill requests for elevator service.

The system <NUM> may include one or more mobile devices <NUM>, such as a phone, a laptop, a tablet, etc. One or more of the mobile devices <NUM> may be associated with (e.g., owned by) a particular user <NUM>. The user <NUM> may use his/her mobile device(s) <NUM> to request a service, such as an elevator service.

The user <NUM>/mobile device <NUM> requests service in a passive manner. For example, a profile may be established for the user <NUM> or the mobile device <NUM>, optionally as part of a registration process with, e.g., a service provider. The profile contains a log of the user <NUM>'s history or activities, such as where the user <NUM> has gone or traveled to, the user <NUM>'s preferences, or any other data that may be applicable to the user <NUM> (subject to any privacy restrictions that the user <NUM> may impose or privacy restrictions enforced by law, code, or regulation). The profile is accessed to determine the probability that the user <NUM> will request service (e.g., elevator service) at a particular moment in time (e.g., a particular day or time of day). Resources are provisioned or allocated to fulfill the request (e.g., an elevator car call may be placed) in the event that the probability of use of a resource associated with the service is greater than a threshold.

The request for service may be conveyed or transmitted from the mobile device <NUM> to one or more networks. For example, the request for service may be transmitted to the Internet <NUM> and/or a cellular network <NUM>. The network(s) may include infrastructure that may be organized to facilitate cloud computing. For example, a cloud <NUM> may include one or more servers, such as a primary message server, a backup message server, and a device commissioning message server.

In some embodiments, the request for service may specify a type of service requested, at any level of detail or abstraction. For example, a first request for service may specify that elevator service is requested, a second request for service may specify one or more of a departure floor or landing and/or a destination floor or landing, and a third request for service may specify that elevator service is desired to accommodate a heavy load (e.g., freight or cargo) with a number of other users or passengers in an amount less than a threshold. In some embodiments, the request for service transmitted from the mobile device <NUM> may include an identifier associated with the user <NUM> or the mobile device <NUM> in order to allow, e.g., the servers <NUM> to distinguish between users <NUM> or devices <NUM>.

The servers may be configured to process requests for service received from mobile devices <NUM>. As part of the processing, the servers may validate or authenticate a mobile device <NUM> and/or a user <NUM>, potentially based on an identifier associated with the user <NUM> or the mobile device <NUM>. The validation may be based on a location of the user <NUM> or the mobile device <NUM>. The location may be determined based on one or more location-based services or techniques, such as triangulation, global positioning system (GPS), etc. In some embodiments, the user may need to be within a threshold distance of a location (e.g., a building) where the requested service (e.g., elevator service) is provided in order for the service request to be approved. Such validation or conditional-approval may be used to minimize nuisance calls to the location or prevent intentional service-attacks (e.g., hacking). A profile for a user <NUM> or mobile device <NUM> may maintain a log or count of the number of times a service request for the user <NUM>/device <NUM> has been approved and/or a count of the number of times a service request for the user <NUM>/device <NUM> has been disapproved. If the number of disapprovals (or the ratio of disapprovals to approvals) exceeds a threshold, future requests for service from the user <NUM>/device <NUM> may be denied in order to help minimize abusive practices/requests.

If a service request is validated or approved by, e.g., the servers <NUM>, the service request may be transmitted from the servers <NUM> to one or more controllers <NUM>, such as one or more elevator controllers. The service request may be routed through a device <NUM>, such as a gateway or modem. The device <NUM> may be configured to monitor for service requests. The device <NUM> may be coupled to the servers <NUM> and/or the networks <NUM>, <NUM> via one or more mediums, such as a phone line, a cable, a fiber optic line, etc..

The controllers <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the computing device <NUM> and/or one another to fulfill service requests. In this respect, it should be noted that service requests might not only originate from servers <NUM> but may also originate locally (e.g., within a building <NUM> in which the controllers <NUM> may be located or in which the requested service(s) may be provided). The controllers <NUM> may select a resource (e.g., an elevator system or elevator car) that is suited to fulfill a service request, potentially based on one or more considerations, such as power consumption/efficiency, quality of service (e.g., reduction in waiting time until a user or passenger arrives at a destination floor or landing), etc. In some embodiments, the servers <NUM> may select the resource to fulfill a service request, and such a selection may be transmitted by the servers <NUM> to one or more of the controllers <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more of the controllers <NUM> and/or the device <NUM> may be registered with, e.g., a service provider. The service provider may be responsible for accepting and processing (e.g., validating or approving/disapproving) service requests and routing (approved) service requests to an appropriate entity (e.g., one or more controllers <NUM>).

The systems <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrative. In some embodiments, one or more of the entities may be optional. In some embodiments, additional entities not shown may be included. For example, in some embodiments the systems <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be associated with one or more networks, such as one or more computer or telephone networks. In some embodiments, the entities may be arranged or organized in a manner different from what is shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG> a flowchart of a method <NUM> is shown that may be used in connection with one or more entities, devices or systems, such as those described herein. The method <NUM> may be used to fulfill a request for service, such as a request for service received from a mobile device over one or more networks.

In block <NUM>, profile information may be obtained. The profile information may be obtained as part of a registration process. The profile information may include one or more of an identifier associated with a mobile device, a nickname associated with the mobile device or a user of the mobile device, preferences associated with a user of the mobile device, patterns of usage of a service or system (e.g., an elevator system), etc. As part of block <NUM>, a registration or profile may be received for the service or system itself.

In block <NUM>, a request for service may be received.

In block <NUM>, the request may be validated. As part of the validation, the request may be approved, partially approved, denied/rejected, or a counter-proposal may be transmitted to a requester or requesting device modifying one or more terms of the requested service. As part of block <NUM>, a status message or the like may be transmitted to a mobile or user device advising of the status of the validation.

In block <NUM>, approved (or partially approved) requests for service, potentially subject to processing, may be transmitted or forwarded to, e.g., one or more controllers.

In block <NUM>, the controller(s) may schedule resource(s) to fulfill the service request of block <NUM>. For example, in the context of an elevator system, an elevator bank or elevator car call may be made to summon an elevator car to a particular floor or landing to pick-up a user or passenger.

The method <NUM> is illustrative. In some embodiments, one or more of the blocks or operations (or portions thereof) may be optional. In some embodiments, additional operations not shown may be included. In some embodiments, the operations may execute in an order or sequence different from what is shown.

In some embodiments, a user of a mobile wireless programmable device may request a service within or outside of a building or facility.

In some embodiments, a flexible interface is provided to allow a user to request one or more services. The look-and-feel of the interface may be selected by the user. In some embodiments, the look-and-feel of the interface may be selected by a service provider or an owner or operator of the service being provided to the user. In this respect, the same service (e.g., elevator service) provided by first and second operators (e.g., a hotel brand/chain and an airport authority, respectively) may be distinguishable to a user requesting service at first and second locations (e.g., a hotel and an airport, respectively).

In some embodiments, requests for service may be scheduled in advance of when needed. In this manner, service can be provided more efficiently (e.g., wait times for fulfilling service requests may be reduced or minimized).

In some embodiments, a request for service may be entered on a user device, such as a mobile device. Thus, a user might not be required to touch public devices located within a building or facility, thereby promoting health/hygiene.

In some embodiments, such as embodiments where a profile is maintained for a user or a user device, customized or tailored services may be provided. For example, a very important person (VIP) may receive upgraded services, such as his/her own elevator car to travel to a destination floor or landing of his/her choosing.

As described above, UDP and/or TCP protocols may be used. Such protocols may provide a low overhead cost of operation of a mobile device connecting to an elevator group. More generally, aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in connection with existing infrastructure, thereby reducing cost and allowing for efficient installation into new or existing facilities or buildings. This allows for the opportunity for service upgrades or enhancements to accommodate wireless device-based services.

In some embodiments, one or more fees may be charged to enable or provide a particular service. In some embodiments, services may be provided for specified durations or times. If a user wishes to use a service beyond the specified duration/time, the user may be required to pay a fee for such extended service opportunities.

In some embodiments, protocols or communication pathways may be used to convey or transfer data or information of any type. Such data/information may include files, videos, pictures, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) data, etc..

In some embodiments, services may be targeted to elevator maintenance and facility staff, e.g., security, cleaning, management, etc..

Aspects of the disclosure may be used in connection with one or more data mining applications. For example, patterns of elevator usage may be analyzed to suggest alternative times that users could consume elevator resources. Advertising opportunities may be available. For example, if a user profile indicates that the user likes to drink coffee, coupons for free coffee may be provided to the user as an incentive to utilize the elevator during off-peak times or periods.

While some of the examples described herein related to elevator systems, aspects of this disclosure may be applied in connection with other types of conveyance devices and systems, such as a dumbwaiter, an escalator, a moving sidewalk, a wheelchair lift, etc..

As described herein, in some embodiments various functions or acts may take place at a given location and/or in connection with the operation of one or more apparatuses, systems, or devices. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of a given function or act may be performed at a first device or location, and the remainder of the function or act may be performed at one or more additional devices or locations.

Embodiments may be implemented using one or more technologies. In some embodiments, an apparatus or system may include one or more processors, and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus or system to perform one or more methodological acts as described herein. Various mechanical components known to those of skill in the art may be used in some embodiments.

Embodiments may be implemented as one or more apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. In some embodiments, instructions may be stored on one or more computer program products or computer-readable media, such as a transitory and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions, when executed, may cause an entity (e.g., an apparatus or system) to perform one or more methodological acts as described herein.

Claim 1:
A method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device (<NUM>) comprising a processor (<NUM>), a request for at least one service associated with an elevator system (<NUM>) from a mobile device (<NUM>) over a cellular network (<NUM>);
validating the request based on a determined location of the mobile device; and
causing at least one resource associated with the at least one service to be scheduled based on the validating indicating that the request is approved;
characterised in that the request for service is entered in a passive manner, and in that the validation of the request comprises a determination that a probability that the at least one resource will be used at a particular moment in time is greater than a threshold by accessing a profile for a user or the mobile device containing a log of the user's history or activities.