A method and an apparatus for transmitting an elevator call

Abstract

According to an aspect, a method and a device for transmitting an elevator call are provided. In this solution, a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle state is identified, and the transmission of an elevator call is caused based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle state.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] An elevator call is typically made when a passenger arrives at an elevator lobby and presses a landing call button or issues a destination call. Depending on the size of the building in question, it can take a while until the elevator call of the passenger is served. If the passenger is able to use a mobile device application that enables the passenger to make an elevator call remotely, it is also possible to make an elevator call in advance, e.g. a destination call.

[0002] However, it can sometimes be difficult to make an elevator call in advance so that the elevator is ready when arriving at the elevator lobby. This can be the case, for example, when a passenger arrives by car to a garage, unloads shopping bags from the car and starts walking towards the elevator.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a new and easy way to make an elevator call, especially in situations where it is difficult for the passenger to make an elevator call manually. SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method for transmitting an elevator call is provided. The method comprises identifying a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle state and causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle state.

[0005] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the predetermined trigger event comprises disconnection of a wireless connection between the mobile device and a vehicle system.

[0006] In another implementation form of the first aspect, the predetermined trigger event comprises a change in a vehicle door lock state.

[0007] In another implementation form of the first aspect, the predetermined trigger event comprises identifying information that the vehicle has arrived at a parking space.

[0008] In another implementation form of the first aspect, identifying information that the vehicle has arrived at a parking space comprises information originating from a weighing device.

[0009] In another implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises obtaining information identifying a number of passengers related to the vehicle, and wherein causing transmission of an elevator call comprises causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle and the information identifying the number of passengers related to the vehicle.

[0010] In another implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises obtaining information identifying a number of passengers, and wherein causing transmission of an elevator call comprises causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle and the information identifying the number of passengers.

[0011] In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises obtaining information indicative of a location; and wherein causing transmission of the elevator call comprises causing transmission of the elevator call based on the information indicative of the location and the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle.

[0012] In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises, prior to causing transmission of the elevator call, causing transmission of information indicative of an approaching passenger for enabling a landing optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicative of the location.

[0013] In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the information indicative of the location comprises at least one of: positioning system location information; short-range wireless communication related information; wireless local area network related information; vehicle identification information; user identification information; and access reader information.

[0014] In a further implementation form of the first aspect, causing transmission of the elevator call comprises causing transmission of the elevator call to a cloud service.

[0015] In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method is performed by a vehicle.

[0016] In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method is performed by a mobile device application.

[0017] According to a second aspect, there is provided a device for transmitting an elevator call. The device comprises means for identifying a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle status, and means for causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle status.

[0018] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the predetermined trigger event comprises a disconnection of a wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle system.

[0019] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the predetermined trigger event comprises a change of a vehicle door lock state.

[0020] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the predetermined trigger event comprises information identifying a vehicle arrival at a parking space.

[0021] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the information identifying a vehicle arrival at a parking space comprises information originating from a weighing device.

[0022] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the device further comprises means for obtaining information identifying a number of passengers related to the vehicle, and wherein the means for causing transmission of the elevator call are configured to cause transmission of the elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle and the information identifying the number of passengers related to the vehicle.

[0023] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the device further comprises means for obtaining information identifying a number of passengers; and wherein the means for causing transmission of the elevator call are configured to cause transmission of the elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle and the information identifying the number of passengers.

[0024] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the device further comprises means for obtaining information indicative of a location; and wherein the means for causing transmission of the elevator call are configured to cause transmission of the elevator call based on the information indicative of the location and the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle.

[0025] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the device further comprises means for causing transmission of information indicative of an approaching passenger prior to causing transmission of the elevator call, to enable stop optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicative of the location.

[0026] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the information indicative of the location comprises at least one of: positioning system location information, short-range wireless communication related information; wireless local area network related information; vehicle identification information; user identification information; and access reader information.

[0027] In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the means for causing transmission of the elevator call are configured to cause transmission of the elevator call to a cloud service.

[0028] According to a third aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising the device of the second aspect.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a mobile device comprising the device of the second aspect.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising program code which, when executed by at least one processing unit, causes the at least one processing unit to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program code which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0032] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a device for transmitting an elevator call. The device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory connected to the at least one processor. The at least one memory stores program instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to identify a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle state; and cause transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the application and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and together with the description help to explain the principles of the application. In the drawings:

[0034] In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1A A flowchart illustrating a method for causing transmission of an elevator call according to an aspect is shown.

[0036] Figure 1B A flowchart illustrating a method for causing transmission of an elevator call according to another aspect is shown.

[0037] Figure 1C A flowchart illustrating a method for causing transmission of an elevator call according to another aspect is shown.

[0038] Figure 2A System elements that can be involved in causing transmission of an elevator call in an example embodiment are shown.

[0039] Figure 2B System elements that can be involved in causing transmission of an elevator call in another example embodiment are shown.

[0040] Figure 2C System elements that can be involved in causing transmission of an elevator call in another example embodiment are shown.

[0041] Figure 2D System elements that can be involved in causing transmission of an elevator call in an example embodiment are shown.

[0042] Figure 3 A block diagram of an apparatus for transmitting an elevator call according to an aspect is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description shows a solution that aims to provide flexible demand response resources for balancing power grids.

[0044] Figure 1A A flowchart illustrating a method for causing transmission of an elevator call according to an aspect is shown.

[0045] At 100, a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle status is identified. In an example embodiment, the trigger event related to the vehicle status can comprise, for example, a disconnection of a wireless connection between the mobile device and a vehicle system. For example, there can be a short-range wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection, between the mobile device and the vehicle, and once the distance between the mobile device and the vehicle reaches a certain point, the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle system is disconnected. The vehicle system can comprise, for example, an audio system or a multimedia system of the vehicle. When the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle system is disconnected, this can be interpreted that the driver has left his vehicle. In another example embodiment, the predetermined trigger event can comprise a change in a door lock status. The lock status can refer, for example, to the locking of the vehicle door when the driver parks the vehicle in a parking spot, or the automatic locking of the vehicle when the driver leaves the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0046] In another example embodiment, the predetermined trigger event can comprise information identifying that the vehicle has reached a parking spot. The information identifying that the vehicle has reached a parking spot can be obtained, for example, by a weighing device associated with the parking spot or by a sensor, such as an optical sensor, monitoring whether the parking spot is used. The mobile device or the vehicle can receive information from the weighing device or the sensor that the vehicle is now located in the parking spot. In another example embodiment, the mobile device or the vehicle can infer, based on the location and signals from at least one sensor, such as an acceleration sensor, that the driving of the vehicle has ended at a certain location. This can be interpreted as the predetermined trigger event.

[0047] At 102, based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle status, the transmission of an elevator call is caused. The elevator call can be sent to a cloud service over a wireless communication network, such as a local wireless local area network connection or a mobile communication network connection.

[0048] The elevator call can be a floor call from a predetermined floor. Alternatively, the elevator call can be a destination call to a predetermined floor. The predetermined floor can be pre-programmed, for example, by a user of the mobile device or the vehicle.

[0049] In an example embodiment, the steps discussed above can be performed by the mobile device or the mobile device application. For example, the mobile device or the mobile device application can identify the predetermined trigger event by obtaining information about the predetermined trigger event from the vehicle. Alternatively, the mobile device or the mobile device application can identify the predetermined trigger event based on information obtained from inside the mobile device when, for example, the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle is disconnected. In another example embodiment, the steps described above can be performed by the vehicle. In other words, the elevator call can originate from the mobile device or the vehicle. In another example embodiment, the monitoring module connected to the weighing device and / or the sensors arranged in connection with the parking space can be configured to cause the transmission of the elevator call. Alternatively, the monitoring module can transmit a signal to a service provided by a cloud service, and the service can cause the transmission of the elevator call.

[0050] In an example embodiment, prior to causing the transmission of the elevator call, the transmission of information indicating the approaching passengers can be caused to enable the landing optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicating the location. By enabling the landing optimization, one or more elevators can be landed at the appropriate location prior to receiving the actual elevator call.

[0051] Figure 1B A flowchart of a method for causing the transmission of an elevator call is shown according to another aspect.

[0052] At 104, information identifying the number of passengers associated with the vehicle is obtained. The vehicle can be approaching a location, such as a residential or office building, where elevator service is available. At some point of the approach, information identifying the number of passengers can be obtained. The information can be determined based on one or more factors, for example, based on at least one of the following factors:

[0053] - information from a weighing device. When the vehicle arrives at the parking space, all passengers are still inside the vehicle, and the weighing device associated with the parking space provides a first reading. When the passengers have left the vehicle, a second, lower reading can be obtained. By subtracting the second reading from the first reading, the weight corresponding to the passengers who have left the vehicle is obtained, and the number of passengers can be estimated based on the weight.

[0054] - the number of mobile phones connected to the audio or multimedia system of the vehicle.

[0055] - data obtained by an interior camera associated with the vehicle. For example, the number of passengers can be determined based on face recognition.

[0056] - vehicle sensor information. The sensor information can refer, for example, to seat sensor information obtained from the seat sensors of the vehicle.

[0057] - audio information obtained by at least one microphone. The audio characteristics of a person travelling in the vehicle are different and this can be used to determine the number of passengers. The audio information can also identify the closing sound of at least one door and this can be used to determine the number of passengers.

[0058] - pre-stored information stored in the vehicle or in the mobile device indicating an average number of passengers arriving at the building. The average number of passengers can be different for different buildings, e.g. residential buildings, office buildings, etc.

[0059] At 106, a predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle status is identified. In an example embodiment, the trigger event related to the vehicle status can comprise a disconnection of a wireless connection between the mobile device and a vehicle system. For example, there can be a short-range wireless connection, e.g. a Bluetooth connection, between the mobile device and the vehicle and once the distance between the mobile device and the vehicle reaches a certain point, the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle system is disconnected. The vehicle system can comprise for example an audio system or a multimedia system of the vehicle. When the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle system is disconnected, this can be interpreted that the driver has left his vehicle. In another example embodiment, the predetermined trigger event can comprise a change in the door lock status. The lock status can refer for example to the locking of the vehicle door when the driver parks the vehicle in a parking spot or the automatic locking of the vehicle’s lock when the driver leaves the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0060] In another example embodiment, the predetermined trigger event can comprise information identifying that the vehicle has arrived at a parking spot. The information identifying that the vehicle has arrived at a parking spot can be obtained for example by a weighing device associated with the parking spot or by a sensor, e.g. an optical sensor, monitoring whether the parking spot is used. The mobile device or the vehicle can receive information from the weighing device or the sensor that the vehicle is now located in the parking spot. In another example embodiment, the mobile device or the vehicle can infer based on the location and signals from at least one sensor, e.g. an acceleration sensor, that the travel of the vehicle has ended at a certain location. This can be interpreted as a predetermined trigger event.

[0061] At 108, based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle status and the information identifying the number of passengers related to the vehicle, the transmission of an elevator call is caused. The elevator call can be sent to a cloud service over a wireless communication network, e.g. a local wireless LAN connection or a mobile communication network connection. In another example embodiment, the elevator call can be sent directly to a controller controlling the elevators in the vicinity.

[0062] The elevator call can be a floor call from a predetermined floor. Alternatively, the elevator call can be a destination call from a predetermined floor to a predetermined floor. When information about the number of passengers related to the vehicle is available, this information can be used for the destination call. The predetermined floor can be pre-programmed for example by the user of the mobile device or the vehicle.

[0063] In an example embodiment, the steps discussed above can be performed by the mobile device or the mobile device application. For example, the mobile device or the mobile device application can identify the predetermined trigger event by obtaining information about the predetermined trigger event from the vehicle. Alternatively, the mobile device or the mobile device application can identify the predetermined trigger event based on information obtained from inside the mobile device when, for example, the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle is disconnected. In another example embodiment, the steps described above can be performed by the vehicle. In other words, the elevator call can originate from the mobile device or the vehicle. In another example embodiment, the monitoring module connected to the weighing arrangement and / or the sensors arranged in connection with the parking space can be configured to cause the transmission of the elevator call. Alternatively, the monitoring module can transmit a message to a service provided by a cloud service, and the service can cause the transmission of the elevator call. The message can also comprise an indication of the number of passengers related to the vehicle.

[0064] In an example embodiment, prior to causing the transmission of the elevator call, the transmission of information indicating the approaching passenger can be caused to enable the landing optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicating the location. By enabling the landing optimization, one or more elevators can be landed at the appropriate location prior to receiving the actual elevator call.

[0065] Figure 1C A flowchart of a method for causing the transmission of an elevator call is shown according to another aspect.

[0066] At 110, information indicating a location is obtained. The information can directly indicate the location of the passenger or the vehicle, and it can comprise, for example, satellite positioning system location data or data related to another positioning system solution, such as a positioning system solution within a building. In another example embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the information indicating the location can comprise indirect data based on which the location can be determined. The term "indirect data" can refer to data based on which it is possible to determine the location of the passenger or the vehicle. The indirect data can comprise data related to at least one of the following:

[0067] - short-range wireless communication related information;

[0068] - wireless local area network related information;

[0069] - vehicle identification information;

[0070] - user identification information; and

[0071] - access control information.

[0072] The user identification, the vehicle identification, and / or the access control can be performed with specific means, such as one or more sensors, such as optical sensors, video cameras, wireless identification sensors, etc.

[0073] A particular device can have a known location, and this location or location information obtained using a positioning system location solution can identify a building or part of a building that the user is at or approaching. Similarly, short-range wireless communication and wireless location local area network communication can include wireless stations located at particular locations in a building. Furthermore, when a building, part of a building or location of a building is known, predetermined floors and elevators or groups of elevators can already be associated with the building or part.

[0074] In an example embodiment, information identifying a number of passengers associated with a vehicle can be obtained. The vehicle can be approaching a location, such as a residential or office building, where elevator service is available. At some point of the approach, information identifying the number of passengers can be obtained. This information can be determined based on one or more factors, such as based on at least one of:

[0075] - information from a weighing device. When the vehicle arrives at a parking spot, all passengers are still in the vehicle, and a weighing device associated with the parking spot provides a first reading. When the passengers have exited the vehicle, a second, lower reading can be obtained. By subtracting the second reading from the first reading, a weight corresponding to the passengers exiting the vehicle is obtained, and the number of passengers can be estimated based on this weight.

[0076] - a number of mobile phones connected to an audio or multimedia system of the vehicle.

[0077] - data obtained by an interior camera associated with the vehicle. For example, the number of passengers can be determined based on facial recognition.

[0078] - vehicle sensor information. The sensor information can refer to, for example, seat sensor information obtained from seat sensors of the vehicle.

[0079] - audio information obtained by at least one microphone. The audio characteristics of people travelling in the vehicle are different, and this can be used to determine the number of passengers. The audio information can also identify a closing sound of at least one door, and this can be used to determine the number of passengers.

[0080] - pre-stored information stored in the vehicle or a mobile device indicating an average number of passengers arriving at a building. The average number of passengers can be different for different buildings, such as residential buildings, office buildings, etc.

[0081] At 112, a predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle status is identified. In an example embodiment, the trigger event related to the vehicle status can include, for example, a disconnection of a wireless connection between the mobile device and a vehicle system. For example, there can be a short-range wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection, between the mobile device and the vehicle, and once the distance between the mobile device and the vehicle reaches a certain point, the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle system is disconnected. The vehicle system can include, for example, an audio system or a multimedia system of the vehicle. When the short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle system is disconnected, it can be interpreted that the driver has left his vehicle. In another example embodiment, the predetermined trigger event can include a change in a door lock status. The lock status can refer to, for example, locking the vehicle door when the driver parks the vehicle in a parking spot, or the vehicle's lock being automatically locked when the driver leaves the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0082] In another example embodiment, the predetermined trigger event can include information identifying that the vehicle has reached a parking spot. The information identifying that the vehicle has reached a parking spot can be obtained, for example, by a weighing device associated with the parking spot or by a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) that monitors whether the parking spot is being used. The mobile device or the vehicle can receive information from the weighing device or the sensor that the vehicle is now located in the parking spot. In another example embodiment, the mobile device or the vehicle can infer that the travel of the vehicle has ended at a certain location based on the location and signals from at least one sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor). This can be interpreted as a predetermined trigger event.

[0083] At 114, based on the predetermined trigger event related to the vehicle status and the information identifying the location, a transmission of an elevator call is caused. If information about the number of passengers is available, the elevator call can also be based on this information. The elevator call can be sent to a cloud service over a wireless communication network (e.g., a local wireless LAN connection or a mobile communication network connection). In another example embodiment, the elevator call can be sent directly to a controller that controls a nearby elevator.

[0084] The location can identify, for example, a residential or office building where elevator service is available. Due to the location information being available, the elevator call can be a floor call from a predetermined floor. Alternatively, the elevator call can be a destination call from a predetermined floor to a predetermined floor. The predetermined floor for the floor call or the predetermined floor for the destination call can be pre-programmed, for example, by a user of the mobile device or the vehicle.

[0085] In an example embodiment, the steps discussed above can be performed by the mobile device or a mobile device application. For example, the mobile device or mobile device application can identify the predetermined trigger event by obtaining information about the predetermined trigger event from the vehicle. Alternatively, the mobile device or mobile device application can identify the predetermined trigger event based on information obtained from inside the mobile device when, for example, a short-range wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle is disconnected. In another example embodiment, the steps described above can be performed by the vehicle. In other words, the elevator call can originate from the mobile device or the vehicle. In another example embodiment, a monitoring module connected to a weighing device and / or sensors arranged in connection with a parking space can be configured to cause transmission of an elevator call. Alternatively, the monitoring module can transmit a message to a service provided by a cloud service, and the service can cause transmission of an elevator call. The message can also comprise an indication of the number of passengers related to the vehicle.

[0086] In an example embodiment, prior to causing transmission of the elevator call, transmission of information indicating an approaching passenger can be caused to enable stop optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicating the location. By enabling stop optimization, one or more elevators can be stopped at an appropriate location prior to receiving the actual elevator call.

[0087] Figure 2A System elements that can be involved in causing transmission of an elevator call in an example embodiment are shown. The system comprises a mobile device 200, such as a smartphone that can be wirelessly connected to a vehicle 202. There can be a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection, between the mobile device 200 and the vehicle 202. Via the wireless connection, the mobile device 200 is able to control the vehicle 202 and / or receive information from the vehicle 202, such as about a predetermined trigger event related to the state of the vehicle. The mobile device 200 can perform some or all of the steps discussed in relation to any of the example embodiments discussed above. Figures 1A-1C The mobile device 200 or an application executed by the mobile device 200 can cause transmission of an elevator call to a cloud service 206 via a communication network 204, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular communication network.

[0088] Figure 2B System elements that can be involved in causing transmission of an elevator call in another example embodiment are shown. The system comprises a mobile device 200, such as a smartphone that can be wirelessly connected to a vehicle 202. There can be a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection, between the mobile device 200 and the vehicle 202, via which the mobile device 200 and the vehicle 202 can exchange information. For example, when the wireless connection between the mobile device 200 and the vehicle 202 is disconnected, the vehicle 202 can use the disconnection as a predetermined trigger event related to the state of the vehicle. The disconnection can be used as an indication that the vehicle user is going to use an elevator. The vehicle 202 can perform some or all of the steps discussed in relation to any of the example embodiments discussed above.Figures 1A-1C Some or all of the steps discussed in any of the example embodiments discussed above can be performed by the vehicle 202 or by an application executed by the vehicle system. The vehicle 202 can cause transmission of the elevator call to the cloud service 206 via the communication network 204, e.g. a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular communication network.

[0089] Figure 2C The system elements that can be involved in causing transmission of the elevator call in another example embodiment are shown. The information identifying that the vehicle 202 has arrived at the parking space can be obtained, e.g. with a monitoring module 208 that can be connected to a weighing device associated with the parking space or to a sensor, e.g. an optical sensor, that monitors whether the parking space is in use. The monitoring module 208 can be configured to cause transmission of the elevator call. Alternatively, the monitoring module 208 can transmit a message to a service provided by the cloud service and the service can cause transmission of the elevator call. The message can also comprise an indication of the number of passengers associated with the vehicle 202.

[0090] Figure 2D The system elements that can be involved in causing transmission of the elevator call in an example embodiment are shown. The system comprises a vehicle 202 connected to the communication network 204. The vehicle 202 can perform some or all of the steps discussed in any of the example embodiments discussed above. Figures 1A-1C Some or all of the steps discussed in any of the example embodiments discussed above can be performed by the vehicle 202 or by an application executed by the vehicle system. The vehicle 202 can cause transmission of the elevator call to the cloud service 206 via the communication network 204, e.g. a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular communication network.

[0091] Figure 3 A block diagram of an apparatus 300 for transmitting an elevator call according to an aspect is shown.

[0092] The apparatus 300 shown can include at least one controller or processor 302 (e.g., signal processor, microprocessor, ASIC, or other control and processing logic circuitry) for performing such tasks as signal coding, data processing, input / output processing, power control, and / or other functions. The apparatus 300 shown can include one or more memory 304. The memory 304 can include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. The non-removable memory can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk, or other well-known memory storage technologies. The memory 304 can be used to store data and / or code for running one or more applications.

[0093] The device 300 can comprise at least one transceiver, enabling the device 300 to communicate with external devices or networks. The transceiver 306 can comprise at least one wired or wireless transceiver for communicating with external devices or networks, such as a short-range wireless communication transceiver, a wireless local area network transceiver, a mobile communication network transceiver, etc. The memory 304 can store operating system software controlling the operation of the device 300. The memory 304 can also include one or more application programs that can be executed by the processor 302. The illustrated components of the device 300 are not all-inclusive because any components can be deleted and other components can be added.

[0094] The memory 304 can comprise a computer program, which, when executed by the processor 302, causes the device 300 to identify a predetermined trigger event related to a state of a vehicle and to cause transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the state of the vehicle.

[0095] Furthermore, Figure 3 Any combination of the illustrated components disclosed in the above can constitute, for example, at least one of the processor 302 and the memory 304, means for identifying a predetermined trigger event related to a state of a vehicle, and means for causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to the state of the vehicle.

[0096] Furthermore, the device 300 can be configured to implement some or all of the features discussed in relation to any one of the above. Figures 1A-1C

[0097] In an example embodiment, the device 300 can be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, carried by a user. In another example embodiment, the device 300 can be a device arranged in a vehicle, and it can be connected to an information system of the vehicle. Furthermore, in an example embodiment, the information system of the vehicle can be configured to implement one or more of the above embodiments.

[0098] At least some of the embodiments discussed above can achieve one or more of the following effects. The illustrated solution can initiate an elevator call without a passenger action, based on a predetermined trigger event related to a state of a vehicle. Various information related to the vehicle can be used as the predetermined trigger event. This achieves the result that the elevator is waiting in the elevator lobby when the passenger arrives at the lobby.

[0099] ​Example embodiments can be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The example embodiments can store information relating to various processes described herein. This information can reside on one or more storage devices such as a hard disk, optical disc, magnetic optical disk, RAM memory, etc. One or more databases can store information used by example embodiments. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, etc.) included in one or more memories or storage devices. The processes described with respect to example embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and / or generated by the processes of example embodiments' devices and subsystems.

[0100] Those skilled in the art of computers and / or software will appreciate that one or more general purpose processors, microprocessors, digital signal processors, microcontrollers, etc., programmed according to the teachings of example embodiments can readily implement all or part of the example embodiments. Those skilled in the art of software will appreciate that the ordinary skill in programming can readily prepare appropriate software based on the teachings of example embodiments. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that example embodiments can be implemented by a specially constructed computer, or other programmable apparatus. Thus, the examples are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and / or software. Examples stored on any one or combination of computer readable media can include software to control the components of example embodiments, to drive the components of example embodiments, to enable the components of example embodiments to interact with a human user, etc. Such computer readable media can further include the computer programs to perform all or part of the processing described in implementing example embodiments. The computer code devices of the examples can include any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), Java classes and applets, complete executable programs, etc. In the context of this document, a "computer readable medium" can be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer readable medium can include a computer readable storage medium that can be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer readable medium can include any suitable medium or means that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, etc.

[0101] While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the devices and methods described can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is intended that each of the disclosed forms or embodiments and any of their equivalents can be employed in any combination with any other disclosed form or embodiment or equivalents thereof.

[0102] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of each of the above-listed U.S. patent applications. Applicant hereby discloses each of the individual features mentioned herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the knowledge of one of skill in the art, regardless of whether such features or combinations are explicitly disclosed herein or otherwise disclosed in the prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to claim, as a single independent invention, any such individual feature or combination of features disclosed herein, and to describe such features or combinations in any claim, even if the scope of such a claim might not be obvious to an outsider based on the disclosure of the application. Applicant expressly reserves the right to amend any claim to depend upon any other claim, even if the scope of the original claim might not obviously depend on the other claim. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of each of the above-listed U.S. patent applications. Applicant hereby discloses each of the individual features mentioned herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the knowledge of one of skill in the art, regardless of whether such features or combinations are explicitly disclosed herein or otherwise disclosed in the prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to claim, as a single independent invention, any such individual feature or combination of features disclosed herein, and to describe such features or combinations in any claim, even if the scope of such a claim might not be obvious to an outsider based on the disclosure of the application. Applicant expressly reserves the right to amend any claim to depend upon any other claim, even if the scope of the original claim might not obviously depend on the other claim.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting an elevator call, the method comprising: identifying a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle status; and obtaining information identifying a number of passengers related to a vehicle based on at least one of: - a difference between a first reading and a second reading, the first reading being a reading obtained by a weighing device before passengers leave the vehicle, the second reading being a reading obtained by the weighing device after passengers leave the vehicle; - a number of mobile phones connected to an audio system or a multimedia system of the vehicle; - data obtained by an internal camera related to the vehicle; - audio information obtained by at least one microphone; causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle status and the information identifying a number of passengers related to a vehicle; wherein the predetermined trigger event comprises at least one of: a disconnection of a wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle system; a change in a door lock status; information identifying that the vehicle has reached a stopping position.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The information identifying that the vehicle has reached a stopping position comprises information originating from a weighing device.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: obtaining information indicating a location; and wherein causing transmission of an elevator call comprises causing transmission of an elevator call based on the information indicating a location and the predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: prior to causing transmission of an elevator call, causing transmission of information indicating approaching passengers for enabling stop optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicating a location.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein, The information indicating a location comprises at least one of: positioning system location information; short-range wireless communication related information; wireless local area network related information; vehicle identification information; user identification information; and access reader information.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, Causing transmission of an elevator call comprises causing transmission of an elevator call to a cloud service.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The method is performed by a vehicle.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The method is performed by a mobile device application.

9. An apparatus for transmitting an elevator call, the apparatus comprising: means for identifying a predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle status; and means for obtaining information identifying a number of passengers related to a vehicle based on at least one of: - a difference between a first reading and a second reading, the first reading being a reading obtained by a weighing device before passengers leave the vehicle, the second reading being a reading obtained by the weighing device after passengers leave the vehicle; - a number of mobile phones connected to an audio system or a multimedia system of the vehicle; - data obtained by an internal camera related to the vehicle; - audio information obtained by at least one microphone; means for causing transmission of an elevator call based on the predetermined trigger event related to a vehicle status and the information identifying a number of passengers related to a vehicle; wherein the predetermined trigger event comprises at least one of: a disconnection of a wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle system; a change in a door lock status; information identifying that the vehicle has reached a stopping position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The information identifying that the vehicle has reached a stopping position comprises information originating from a weighing device.

11. The device according to any of claims 9-10, further comprising: means for obtaining information indicative of a location; and wherein the means for causing transmission of an elevator call is configured to cause transmission of an elevator call based on the information indicative of a location and a predetermined triggering event related to the vehicle.

12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising: means for causing transmission of information indicative of an approaching passenger prior to causing transmission of an elevator call to enable stop optimization of at least one elevator based on the information indicative of a location.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein, the information indicative of a location comprises at least one of: positioning system location information; short-range wireless communication related information; wireless local area network related information; vehicle identification information; user identification information; and access reader information.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-13, wherein, the means for causing transmission of an elevator call is configured to cause transmission of an elevator call to a cloud service.

15. A vehicle comprising the device according to any of claims 9-14.

16. A mobile device comprising the device according to any of claims 9-14.

17. A computer program product comprising program code which, when executed by at least one processing unit, causes the at least one processing unit to carry out the method according to any of claims 1-8.

18. A computer readable medium comprising a computer program comprising program code which, when executed by at least one processing unit, causes the at least one processing unit to carry out the method according to any of claims 1-8.

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