HK1229569A1 - Configuring terminal devices - Google Patents

Description

Configuring a terminal device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a configuration terminal device in, for example, an access control system or an elevator system.

Background

Electronic systems in buildings or located elsewhere typically include a plurality of electronic devices connected by a network. In at least some cases, one or more of the devices are configured by entering configuration information for that particular device. However, configuring the device can be time consuming and error prone.

WO2013012409a1 describes a system for controlling the appearance of an elevator passenger interface device. The user may configure the appearance file, which is then used to provide the image file to the passenger interface device. The plurality of passenger interface devices may be configured through a network using a server.

US20060265386a1 describes a method for configuring thin clients connected to a communication network. The thin client sends a request for configuration information to the configuration server. The request for configuration information includes information on the thin client. Based on the received thin client information, the configuration server generates a configuration file including configuration information. The configuration file is then transmitted by the configuration server to the thin client, which uses the configuration file for configuration.

Disclosure of Invention

Other options for configuring the electronic device may be advantageous. This is solved by at least some embodiments covered by the claims.

The electronic terminal device may be configured using the device identifier entered into the device. The terminal device transmits the device identifier to the configuration server. The server is configured to respond by sending configuration information to the terminal device based on the device identifier.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, a method includes receiving, using a terminal device in a building, a device identifier for the terminal device, transmitting the device identifier from the terminal device to a configuration server, receiving configuration information for the terminal device from the configuration server, and configuring the terminal device based on the configuration information. The configuration information includes the physical location of the terminal device in the building.

In one embodiment, the configuration information comprises an orientation of the terminal device relative to a surface of the building. This improves flexibility in the layout of the electronic systems in the building.

In a further embodiment, the configuration information comprises a set of elevators working with the terminal device. And in another embodiment the terminal device comprises a destination call input device for the elevator system. These embodiments allow the use of the terminal device in conjunction with an elevator system.

In one embodiment, the terminal device includes a lock for a door. This embodiment allows the terminal device to be used in conjunction with the access system.

In one embodiment, the device identifier comprises a string of characters or a number. Regardless of whether the terminal device is used in conjunction with an elevator system or an access system, a string or number may be used.

In one embodiment, the device identifier is received by the terminal device over a wireless connection. This also improves flexibility in the layout of the electronic systems in the building.

In another embodiment, a method includes generating configuration information using a computer-based layout tool. The tool may be used to generate a device identifier for a terminal device.

The system includes a configuration server, and a terminal device in the building. The terminal device is connected to the configuration server and programmed to receive a device identifier for the terminal device in the building and to send the device identifier to the configuration server, receive configuration information for the terminal device from the configuration server, and configure the terminal device based on the configuration information. The configuration information includes the physical location of the terminal device in the building.

In one embodiment, a system includes a removable storage medium connected to a configuration server, where the removable storage medium stores configuration information.

Other embodiments include computer-based apparatuses configured to perform one or more of the disclosed methods.

At least some embodiments of the disclosed methods may be performed using a computer or computer-based device having read instructions for performing method operations from one or more computer-readable storage media. The computer readable storage medium may include, for example, a volatile memory component (such as DRAM or SRAM), a non-volatile memory component (such as a hard drive, optical disk, flash memory, or ROM), or both. Computer readable storage media do not cover pure transient signals. The methods disclosed herein are not specifically performed in the human mind.

Drawings

The present invention relates to the following figures, wherein:

fig. 1 shows a plan view of a floor of a building.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a building system.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for configuring a terminal device.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a method for configuring a terminal device.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary exchange of signals between system components.

Fig. 6 shows an example of an elevator system layout generated using a layout tool.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method of generating device identifiers using a computer-based layout tool.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a type of supporting file.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computer.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a building floor 100. The floor 100 includes a lobby area 102 that is accessible through an exterior door 110. From the lobby 102, rooms A, B and C may be accessed through interior departments 120, 122, and 124, respectively. The lobby 102 also provides access to one or more elevators 130, 132, which elevators 130, 132 provide access to other floors in the building. In room a, an additional elevator 134 is also accessible. In some cases, elevators 130, 132 are passenger elevators and elevator 134 is a service or cargo elevator. In other cases, all of the elevators 130, 132, 134 are passenger elevators, or they are all service or cargo elevators.

While many of the disclosed embodiments are described in the context of systems deployed in a building, other embodiments include systems that are only partially in a building or not.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a building system 200. In general, the system 200 may be used in environments such as the building floor 100, as well as in other environments. The system 200 includes a configuration server 210 and one or more terminal devices 220, 222. Typically, the terminal devices are computer-based components that have assigned physical locations in an area (e.g., in a building floor 100) and communicate with other components in the system 200. Possible examples of terminal devices may include call entry terminals for elevator systems, and electronic locks for access control systems. In the particular environment of the floor 100 of fig. 1, the call entry terminals 140, 142, 144 of the elevator system are terminal devices. The electronic locks 150, 152, 154, 156 of fig. 1 that control access to the doors 110, 120, 122, 124 are also terminal devices.

Returning to fig. 2, the system 200 further comprises a data storage means 260, the data storage means 260 storing configuration information relating to the terminal devices 220, 222. The data storage component 260 may be internal or external to the configuration server 210 and may include any computer-readable storage medium. In a specific case, the data storage means 260 includes a multimedia card (MMC) or a Secure Digital (SD) card.

In some cases, system 200 further includes a programming station 250. In a particular embodiment, system 200 includes an elevator control unit 230, elevator control unit 230 managing operation of one or more elevators. In additional embodiments, system 200 also includes access control system 240. The system 200 may include a database 270, the database 270 including user information, other information, or both.

The various components of system 200 may be communicatively connected to each other via a network 280. In various embodiments, network 280 includes wired connections, wireless connections, or both.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method 300 for configuring a terminal device, such as terminal devices 220, 222 of fig. 2. In method operation 310, the terminal device receives a device identifier through an input output interface. The device identifier includes information that allows the terminal device to be distinguished from one or more other terminal devices in the system. The device identifier may take the form of a number, a string of characters, another type of information, or any combination of these items.

In method operation 320, the terminal device sends a device identifier to the configuration server.

In response, the terminal device receives configuration information for the terminal device from the server. The configuration information may be sent in XML format or any other suitable format. This occurs in method operation 330. The configuration information allows the terminal device to configure itself for operation with the building system, for example, with an elevator system or access control system. The configuration information may specify, for example: a physical location of the terminal device; the orientation (e.g., lateral, longitudinal) of the terminal device relative to the other surface; an elevator group operating with the terminal device; the type of building (e.g., office building, hospital, hotel, or apartment).

Based on the configuration information, the terminal device configures itself in method operation 340. The terminal device may then operate with the building system.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method 400 for configuring a terminal device, such as terminal devices 220, 222 of fig. 2. In general, method 400 is performed by a configuration server, such as configuration server 210 of FIG. 2. In method operation 410, the configuration server receives a device identifier from the terminal device. In method operation 420, the configuration server determines configuration information for the terminal device based on the device identifier. For example, the configuration information may be read by the configuration server from a computer-readable medium, such as data storage component 260 of FIG. 2. In method operation 430, the configuration server sends configuration information to the terminal device. The terminal device may thus configure itself using the configuration information.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary exchange of signals between components of at least some disclosed embodiments. In signal 510, a device identifier is transmitted from a device identifier source to a terminal device. In some cases, the device identifier source is a person entering a device identifier into the terminal device through a user interface (e.g., a keypad, a touch screen, or another interface). In other cases, the device identifier source is a computer-readable storage device from which the terminal device reads the device identifier. The reading may occur in a wired or wireless manner. The storage means may comprise, for example, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, (near field communication) tag, an optical code or MMC or other type of removable storage means.

In signal 520, the terminal device transmits a device identifier to the configuration server. Once the configuration information is determined, the server sends the configuration information to the terminal device in signal 530. The terminal device may then configure itself using the configuration information.

In some embodiments, the device identifier for the terminal device in the system is generated using a computer-based layout tool, such as a computer-aided design (CAD) tool. The CAD tool may be run, for example, on the programming station 250. CAD tools are generally known in many industries; one example of a CAD tool for elevator system layout is the leego Builder from EAS Engineering Automation Systems, inc. Fig. 6 shows an example of an elevator system layout 600 generated using a layout tool. Layout 600 illustrates the second floor of a ten-floor elevator arrangement. Which is served by passenger elevators A, B and C and service elevator S. The layout comprises three destination call terminals 610, 612, 614. In this particular arrangement, the terminals 610, 612, 614 are PORT terminals available from Schinder group of Switzerland. Further, layout 600 illustrates the physical locations of elevators and terminals on a floor of a building.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method 700 of generating device identifiers using a computer-based layout tool. In method operation 710, a layout of an elevator system is generated. The layout may include, for example, information about: the location of walls, doors and other building structures; the location of the hoistway, doors, call entry devices, and other elevator system components; how the elements of the elevator system are connected to each other, including wiring information; other information; or any combination of these items. The layout may be generated using manual input, using automated techniques, or using both.

In method operation 720, device identifiers for one or more terminal devices are generated and associated with corresponding configuration information. In some cases, the device identifier is based on manual input from the user (e.g., a user-selected identifier). In other cases, the device identifier is generated according to a randomly or pseudo-randomly generated pattern. Fig. 6 shows an example of possible device identifiers, in this case illustrated with a layout 600. In this description, the labeling box 620 shows that the terminal 610 has been assigned the device identifier "EGUBNP". (in this particular embodiment, the device identifier is referred to as an "ID") labeling boxes 622 and 624 show the device identifiers for terminals 612 and 614, respectively. In this particular embodiment, the annotation boxes 620, 622, 624 also show additional information about the respective terminal, namely: a name for the terminal (e.g., "P + 2/1"); type name for terminal (e.g., "PORT 1.1"); a color for the terminal (e.g., "white"); and mounting means for the terminal (e.g., "W" for wall mounting, "P" for base mounting).

In method operation 730, the device identifier and configuration information are written to a computer readable storage device. Using the storage device, the device identifier and configuration information may then be transmitted directly or indirectly to the configuration server.

In some embodiments, support files for system layout are generated in method operation 740. In general, a "support file" refers to a file that may be used to install or otherwise perform at least a portion of a planned elevator system. Fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of one type of possible support files, a detailed list 800 of terminals. The list 800 includes information about terminal devices in the elevator device. Column 810 indicates the number of floors for a given terminal device. Column 820 indicates the floor name for a given terminal device. (in this particular example, the floor name is the same as the floor index, but this is not always the case.) column 830 represents a device identifier for the terminal device. Column 840 represents a terminal descriptor (name) for the terminal device. Columns 850 and 860 indicate the X and Y coordinates, respectively, of the terminal device on its particular floor. Other embodiments of the terminal detail list 800 may include other types of information.

In other embodiments, the support file includes a list of components for the planned installation. The list of parts may include prices for one or more parts.

In additional embodiments, the support file includes a wiring schematic. The wiring diagram shows how, for example, terminal devices, configuration servers, elevator control units and other components are connected.

In some embodiments, the support file includes a layout diagram showing the locations of various system components in the floor. The schematic may be similar to those shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computer 900 (e.g., components of a terminal device, components of a configuration server, components of an access control system, components of an elevator control unit, components of a reader, components of a database, components of a programming station) that may be used with one or more techniques disclosed in this application. The computer 900 includes one or more processors 910. The processor 910 is connected to a memory 920, the memory 920 including one or more computer-readable storage media storing software instructions 930. When executed by the processor 910, the software instructions 930 cause the processor 910 to perform one or more of the method operations disclosed herein. Other embodiments of computer 900 may include one or more additional components. In at least some embodiments, computer 900 can be connected to other computers or electronic devices through a network 940. In particular embodiments, computer 900 operates with one or more other computers located locally, remotely, or both. One or more of the disclosed methods may thus be performed using a distributed computing system. Computer 900 may also include input/output devices (I/O devices) 940 that allow computer 900 to exchange information with a person or another electronic device.

While at least some of the embodiments described in this application are described in the context of elevator devices, the embodiments are also generally applicable to access control systems that use electronic locks. For example, any of the locks 150, 152, 154, 156 of FIG. 1 may be used as a terminal device. Thus, for example, the lock 150 may be configured using a device identifier, which the lock 150 sends to the configuration server. The lock 150 may then be configured to work with an access control system, an additional device (e.g., an elevator control unit), or both.

In one non-limiting example, the technician installs the destination call terminal on a building floor. In this case, the destination call terminal is a PORT terminal. After connecting the terminal to the elevator system network, the technician inputs the device identifier ("EFAD 5H") using the touch screen on the PORT terminal. The terminal sends the device identifier to a configuration server, which is also connected to the elevator system network. In this case, the configuration server is a PORT Technology Gateway (PTG) from Schinder group, Switzerland. Based on the device identifier, the configuration server determines configuration information for the particular destination call terminal. In particular, the configuration server reads configuration information from an MMC connected to the server. The configuration server then sends configuration information to the destination call terminal. The destination call terminal then uses this information to configure itself. In this example, the terminal configures itself to operate with a first of two elevator groups in the building (e.g., to place a destination call with the first elevator group). The terminal also configures itself to operate its touch-sensitive display in a landscape orientation. Thus, the terminal is suitably configured by inputting only one piece of information (i.e., the device identifier).

At least some disclosed embodiments allow for configuring a terminal device for operation on a network without entering detailed configuration information for the device. Alternatively, the device may be configured by merely inputting the device identifier. It is not necessary for each terminal device to be configured separately (e.g., at the factory where the terminal device is manufactured) prior to installation. The installation of the terminal device can thus be performed more quickly, with a lower error rate, or both. Installation can thus be less expensive than other methods. Because installation of the terminal device is easier than other processes, the installation technician requires less time and less training.

While some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein are described as including some method operations, other embodiments of the given methods may include more or less method operations than are explicitly disclosed herein. In additional embodiments, the method operations are performed in an order other than that disclosed herein. In some cases, two or more method operations may be combined into one method operation. In some cases, a method operation may be split into two or more method operations.

Having illustrated and described the principles of the disclosed technology, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments can be varied in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, the illustrated embodiments should be considered only as examples of technology and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents. All inventions that come within the scope of these claims are therefore claimed.

Claims (10)

1. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving, using a terminal device (220, 222) in a building, a device identifier for the terminal device;

sending a device identifier from the terminal device (220, 222) to the configuration server (210);

receiving configuration information for a terminal device (220, 222) from a configuration server (210), the configuration information comprising a physical location of the terminal device (220, 222) in a building; and is

The terminal devices (220, 222) are configured based on the configuration information.

2. The method of claim 1, the configuration information further comprising an orientation of the terminal device (220, 222) relative to a surface of the building.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, the configuration information further comprising a set of elevators working with the terminal device (220, 222).

4. The method of any preceding claim, the terminal device (220, 222) comprising a destination call input device for the elevator system (130, 132, 134).

5. The method of claim 1, the terminal device (220, 222) comprising a lock (150, 152, 154) for the door (120, 122, 124).

6. The method of any preceding claim, the device identifier comprising a string of characters or a number.

7. The method of any preceding claim, the device identifier being received by a terminal device (220, 222) over a wireless connection.

8. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising generating configuration information using a computer-based layout tool.

9. A system, comprising:

a configuration server (210); and

a terminal device (220, 222) in a building, the terminal device (220, 222) being connected to a configuration server (210), the terminal device (220, 222) being programmed to,

receiving a device identifier for a terminal device (220, 222) in a building,

sending the device identifier to a configuration server (210),

receiving configuration information for the terminal device (220, 222) from a configuration server (210), the configuration information comprising a physical location of the terminal device (220, 222) in the building, and

the terminal devices (220, 222) are configured based on the configuration information.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a removable storage medium (260) connected to the configuration server (210), the removable storage medium (260) storing configuration information.