Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring the operation of elevators to determine elevator shutdown. A control box is mounted to each elevator that includes one or more sensors that can detect movement of the elevator, a processor that can process data received from the sensors and a communications device that can transmit the processed data. The method includes determining a usage rate of movement of each of the elevators in the processor using the data, transmitting the usage rate from each of the communications devices to a remote server, and comparing the usage rate of each of the elevators to the usage rate of the other elevators in the server. The method then determines that one of the elevators has shut down or has a low performance if its usage rate is significantly different than the usage rate of the other elevators.

Abstract: A system for providing audio, video and movement data of an elevator to a remote application. The system includes a camera positioned in the elevator that provides video images of the elevator, an audio device that provides audio data of the operation of the elevator, and one or more sensors that provide data showing movement of the elevator. The system also includes a controller that is responsive to and processes the video images, the audio data and the elevator movement data. A communications device transmits the processed video images, the audio data and the elevator movement data to the remote application to allow a user of the application to watch a video of a trip of the elevator, listen to the audio of operation of the elevator during the trip, feel the vibration of the elevator during the trip, and see the speed, acceleration and direction of the elevator.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring an elevator controller that controls an elevator, where the elevator controller includes one or more visual indicators of the status or operating mode of the elevator, such as LED indicator lights and an LCD display. The system includes an optical device, such as a digital camera, positioned to provide images of the visual indicators and a processor responsive to the images from the optical device. The processor processes and analyzes the images and provides processed data and other information of the operation of the elevator. A communications device transmits the processed data, and a remote application provided remotely from the elevator receives the processed data, which may include the images themselves or information identifying an elevator problem or other issue.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring the operation of elevators to determine elevator shutdown. A control box is mounted to each elevator that includes one or more sensors that can detect movement of the elevator, a processor that can process data received from the sensors and a communications device that can transmit the processed data. The method includes determining a usage rate of movement of each of the elevators in the processor using the data, transmitting the usage rate from each of the communications devices to a remote server, and comparing the usage rate of each of the elevators to the usage rate of the other elevators in the server. The method then determines that one of the elevators has shut down or has a low performance if its usage rate is significantly different than the usage rate of the other elevators.