Elevator operating device with functions related to transportation

Abstract

In an elevator system (1), a floor terminal (LOPi) is controllable by a control device (8) according to one of at least two operating modes. A screen device (34) of the floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) having a functional scope related to the operating mode, wherein a separate functional scope is determined for each operating mode. Controlling the control device (8) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) according to one of the at least two operating modes determines a local load volume at the location of the first floor terminal (LOPi). The local load volume is compared to at least one threshold value determined for a load volume at the first floor terminal (LOPi) to produce a comparison result. The desired operating mode of the first floor terminal (LOPi) is determined depending on the comparison result and the operating mode according to which the control device (8) controls the first floor terminal (LOPi), and the first floor terminal (LOPi) is controlled according to the determined desired operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology described herein generally relates to an elevator system having multiple elevator control devices. Embodiments of this technology also relate to a method for operating such an elevator system. Background Technology

[0002] To enable passengers to call an elevator, an elevator system is known that includes: a floor terminal for inputting the desired direction of travel (e.g., "up" and "down" buttons) or a floor terminal for inputting the desired target floor. The floor terminal for inputting the desired target floor implements an elevator system with a target call controller, which dispatches an elevator car to a passenger's elevator call to transport the passenger to the desired target floor. An embodiment of an elevator system with a target call controller is disclosed in document EP0443188B1; call dispatch is performed by the target call controller based on a calculated service cost.

[0003] EP3102520B1 describes an elevator system with a target call controller in which the control unit selects a first or second operating mode based on the current load conditions in the elevator system. The first operating mode is selected when the load is low, and the second operating mode is selected when the load increases. In the first operating mode, elevator calls entered at the floor terminal on the call input floor are immediately dispatched, and the dispatched elevator is displayed on the floor terminal immediately after the call is entered. In the second operating mode, call dispatch is delayed, meaning the call is dispatched only shortly before the dispatched elevator arrives at the call input floor; the dispatch is either displayed on the floor terminal or referenced from the display panel in the elevator lobby. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The above solution enables call dispatching while taking into account the operation of the corresponding elevator system. Here, the interaction between passengers and the elevator system is essentially limited to call input. In elevator systems where the desired direction of travel can be input, the call is initiated by the first passenger and remains visible to subsequent passengers at the boarding floor until the elevator arrives. For elevator systems where the desired target floor can be input at the floor terminal and then dispatched to the elevator car, the input process is performed individually by each passenger. Several passengers may use the same floor terminal consecutively, which should be done quickly, thus limiting the feasibility of passenger interaction with the floor terminal. However, depending on the building and its purpose, additional interaction feasibility may be required. However, these additional feasibility limitations can extend the interaction of individual passengers to the point that subsequent passengers must wait to use the floor terminal. These delays not only lead to undesirable passenger waiting times but also reduce the elevator system's capacity when the usage time per passenger at an existing floor terminal is too long. Therefore, a technique is needed to create such additional interaction feasibility in the elevator system without incurring the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] One aspect of this improved technology relates to a method for operating an elevator system in a building. The elevator system has multiple floor terminals arranged on the floors of the building, a control device communicatively connected to the floor terminals, and an elevator car capable of moving between the floors of the building. In this method, the control device operates the floor terminals according to one of at least two operating modes, wherein a screen device of the floor terminal generates a user interface with a range of functions associated with the operating mode. A separate range of functions is determined for each operating mode. The local load at the location of a first floor terminal is determined by the control device, which operates the first floor terminal according to one of at least two operating modes. The local load can be determined for each floor terminal. The control device compares the local load with at least one threshold determined for the load at the first floor terminal to generate a comparison result. According to this method, a desired operating mode for the first floor terminal is determined based on the comparison result and the operating mode on which the control device (8) operates the first floor terminal. The first floor terminal then operates according to the determined desired operating mode.

[0006] Another aspect of this improved technology relates to an elevator system comprising: at least one elevator car movable between floors of a building, a control unit, and a plurality of floor terminals arranged on the floors. Each floor terminal has a screen device designed to generate a user interface. The control unit is communicatively connected to the floor terminals. The control unit is designed to operate the floor terminals according to one of at least two operating modes, wherein the screen device of the floor terminal generates a user interface having a functional range associated with the operating mode. A separate functional range is determined for each operating mode. The control unit is also designed to determine the local load at the location of a first floor terminal operated according to one of the at least two operating modes, and compare the local load with at least one threshold determined for the load of the first floor terminal to produce a comparison result. The control unit determines the desired operating mode of the first floor terminal based on the comparison result and the operating mode on which the operation of the first floor terminal is based. The first floor terminal can then operate according to the determined desired operating mode.

[0007] The technology described here enables elevator systems to operate in a manner that provides additional interaction possibilities between passengers and floor terminals without causing unsatisfactory passenger waiting times or a reduction in elevator system capacity. This is achieved by basing the feasibility of interaction with floor terminals on the local load at that floor terminal. Depending on the local load, floor terminals have more or less interaction feasibility, and a corresponding range of functions is created related to the operating mode. For example, when the local load exceeds a threshold set for the load at a floor terminal, this is considered an increase in load, and delays at the (busier) floor terminal must be avoided during this period. Therefore, the range of functions offered to passengers is reduced to minimize their time spent at the floor terminals.

[0008] The reduced functionality essentially includes only elevator-specific functions, particularly those for entering elevator calls. These functions are collectively referred to below as primary functions. However, when local passenger volume is within a normal range, for example, an extended functionality is provided to passengers; this extended functionality includes both (elevator-specific) primary functions and supplementary service functions (such as information services). Using the techniques described here, local passenger volume is used to control the corresponding floor terminals.

[0009] In one embodiment, the floor terminal is controlled by a control device according to one of two operating modes. Additionally, a first threshold for the load at the first floor terminal is determined; a comparison indicates an increase in load when the local load is at least equal to the load determined by the first threshold. Correspondingly, the same or different thresholds can be determined for other or all floor terminals. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is determined that the first floor terminal is controlled in a first operating mode, and the screen device of the first floor terminal generates a user interface with a first functional range. When the comparison indicates an increase in load, the first floor terminal is controlled in a second operating mode, wherein the screen device of the first floor terminal generates a user interface with a second functional range. The second functional range is smaller than the first functional range. With just one threshold, it is easy to determine whether the load at the first floor terminal has increased, and which of the two operating modes the floor terminal should operate in.

[0010] In one embodiment, both the first and second functional ranges include a function for inputting elevator calls. Therefore, call input can be performed in each operating mode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first functional scope includes a first primary function and service functions; while the second functional scope includes only the second primary function. The first primary function may be equal to the second primary function. In this case, passengers can obtain the same primary functions in both operating modes regardless of local capacity. In another embodiment, the first primary function may be different from the second primary function. In this case, different primary functions are provided to passengers based on local capacity; one or more substantially identical functions may exist in the two primary functions. This means that, for example, the feasibility of interaction can be further reduced when local capacity increases, rather than simply not displaying service functions.

[0012] In one embodiment, both the first and second functional areas include call input fields corresponding to the floor, and the first functional area includes information fields corresponding to various services. These information fields are not included in the second functional area. The call input fields and information fields can be displayed on the user interface of the floor terminal. Passengers are generally familiar with this type of display on the user interface, so operation is essentially self-explanatory.

[0013] Passengers are usually aware of which areas offer the corresponding service when touched. For example, when a passenger touches an information field, the service corresponding to that field is executed. The relevant floor terminal's screen then controls the user interface to display the selected service.

[0014] The available services can be flexibly determined for a building. In one embodiment, services include weather information services, elevator information services, user setting services, building information services, shopping and / or entertainment services, and / or messaging services or news services. For example, in an office building, news services may include current business news. Other examples of such services are provided elsewhere in this specification.

[0015] In one embodiment, call input fields and / or information fields can be displayed dynamically as a function of a time parameter. The time parameter can specify a month, a day of the week, a specific time of day, or a season. Thus, for example, the number of information fields and / or the services corresponding to them can vary depending on a day of the week.

[0016] If a passenger touches the call input field on the first-floor terminal, the control device records the elevator call from the passenger's current floor to the floor corresponding to the call input field. In one embodiment, an elevator car (or elevator) is immediately assigned to serve the elevator call. The control device manipulates the screen device of the first-floor terminal to display the assigned elevator car on the user interface in real time. The assigned elevator car is displayed in real time regardless of whether local traffic increases.

[0017] In one embodiment, the user interface generated by the screen device of the first floor terminal is related not only to the functional range according to the operating mode, but also to the location of the first floor terminal. Therefore, the user interface can be specifically designed for the location of the first floor terminal in each operating mode.

[0018] In another embodiment, a third operating mode is determined for the floor terminals to be operated by a control device. For this third operating mode, a second threshold for the total capacity of the elevator system is determined. A comparison indicates that the elevator system is fully loaded when the general capacity is at least equal to the capacity determined by the second threshold. The first floor terminal is then operated to enter the third operating mode, and its screen device generates a user interface with a third functional scope. This third functional scope includes information about the elevator system's full capacity. For example, this information may inform passengers that no calls can currently be recorded or that a long waiting time is expected. In one embodiment, this information may include alternative suggestions, such as displaying the expected waiting time and / or alternative routes (possibly stairs and / or other elevators). Thus, passengers remain informed even under such operating conditions.

[0019] Using the techniques described herein, local passenger volume can be determined at the first-floor terminal (or at several or all floor terminals). For this purpose, in one embodiment, elevator calls entered at the first-floor terminal and recorded by the control device within a fixed time period can be evaluated. This information is stored in the control device, allowing the control device to be designed (e.g., programmed) for this purpose without significant overhead.

[0020] In another embodiment, a sensor system installed in the building can be used, which is communicatively connected to the control unit. To determine local passenger volume, the sensor signals generated by the sensor system are evaluated. By design, the sensor system can detect passengers not only when there is an actual call input at the first-floor terminal, but also passengers who may be lingering near the first-floor terminal and may want to enter the next elevator call.

[0021] In another embodiment, stored payload samples are used to determine local payload capacity. The payload samples are determined based on local payload data up to the present time as a function of time. To determine payload capacity at a specific local time (e.g., month, day, hour), payload capacity present at corresponding times in the past can be used. In this embodiment, the control device can also be designed (e.g., programmed) accordingly without incurring significant overhead. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The various aspects of the improved technology will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an elevator system in a building with multiple floors;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the elevator group in the elevator system is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the user interface of a floor terminal according to a first operating mode;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the user interface of a floor terminal according to a second operating mode;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of displaying the assigned elevator on a user interface at a floor terminal; and

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrates an embodiment of a method for controlling a floor terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an embodiment of elevator system 1 in building 2 is shown; building 2 can in principle be any type of multi-story building (e.g., residential building, hotel, office building, stadium, etc.). The components and functions of elevator system 1 are explained below, as long as they are presented in a manner conducive to understanding the technology described herein. Figure 1 Building 2 shown has multiple floors L1, L2, Ln (n = number of floors), and elevator control devices LOPi (hereinafter referred to as floor terminals LOPi) are installed on these floors, where i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...m and m = number of floor terminals LOPi. Floors L1, L2, and Ln are served by elevator system 1, meaning that passenger 4 can enter an elevator call at a floor terminal LOPi so that elevator system 1 can subsequently transport them from the call input floor to the target floor. The call input floor is also called the boarding floor.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system 1 has an elevator car 10 that can move within an elevator shaft 18. This elevator car is connected to and suspended from a drive unit (DR) 14 via a hoist 16 (rope or belt). Here, a traction elevator may be involved, although... Figure 1 Further details, such as the counterweight and guide rails, are not shown. The elevator controller (EC) 12 is connected to and operates the drive unit 14 to move the elevator car 10 within the shaft 18. The functions of the traction elevator, its components, and the tasks of the elevator controller 12 are generally known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the elevator system 1 may include a hydraulic elevator. It is also known to those skilled in the art that the elevator system 1 may include multiple cars, or one or more sets of elevators.

[0031] Figure 1 The elevator system 1 shown is equipped with a target call controller, the function of which is represented by a control unit (CTRL) 8 in the illustrated embodiment. In this specification, the term "target call controller" is understood to refer to components (e.g., computers, processors, storage devices) that perform the functions described below and / or participate in the performance of those functions, along with the corresponding control and computer programs. The control unit 8 represents these components and the control and computer programs in… Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control device 8 or its functions may be fully or partially implemented in the elevator controller 12. When the elevator system 1 includes one or more elevators, the functions of the target call controller may be fully or partially implemented in the group controller. The functions of the target call controller may also be implemented in combination with the floor terminal LOPi. The target call controller assigns one of multiple elevator cars 10 existing in the elevator system 1 to the elevator call (target call) entered by passenger 4 at the floor terminal LOPi, and transmits the corresponding assignment information to the elevator controller 12 via the communication bus 24, and to the floor terminal LOPi where passenger 4 was located when entering the call via the communication bus 22. Further details regarding the functions of the control device 8 and its functions related to the target call controller are given elsewhere in this specification.

[0033] To illustrate, Figure 1 Four floor terminals LOP1-LOP4 are shown on floor L1, two floor terminals LOP5 and LOP6 are shown on floor L2, and a single floor terminal LOPi is shown on floor Ln. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of floor terminals LOPi arranged on floors L1, L2, and Ln can be determined based on the elevator system 1 and the building 2. Figure 2 For example, an arrangement of twelve elevators (elevator cars 10) is shown, such as one that could exist on floor L1. The elevators are grouped into two elevator groups, each with six elevators (elevator AF and elevator GL), and passengers 4 have entrances on both sides to each elevator group. In the illustrated embodiment, floor terminals LOP1-LOP4 are arranged at each entrance. Those skilled in the art will understand that the elevator groups, entrances, and floor terminals LOP1-LOP4 can be arranged in different ways. Those skilled in the art will also understand that access monitoring of the elevator groups can be performed in conjunction with floor terminals LOP1-LOP4.

[0034] Passenger 4 can input the desired target floor at one of the floor terminal LOPis. According to one embodiment, each floor terminal LOPi includes a display device with a touch-sensitive screen (hereinafter also referred to as a touchscreen) that displays fields and / or identifiers corresponding to the target floor. The operation and structure of touchscreens are generally known to those skilled in the art, particularly based on the programming and use of smartphones, such as generating symbols, pictographs, input and output fields, etc., on the touchscreen and displaying them on the user interface. It is also known to those skilled in the art that the components of the floor terminal LOPi can be arranged, for example, in a housing, such that the floor terminal LOPi can be arranged at desired locations on floors L1, L2, Ln.

[0035] In building 2, which has elevator system 1, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, the techniques described herein can be advantageously used to operate elevator system 1 with the highest possible capacity and the best possible comfort for passenger 4. Simply and as an example, the operation of elevator system 1 according to an embodiment is achieved in such a way that control device 8 records the load in building 2, which may fluctuate within a normal or predetermined range, but may also be higher or lower than that range. For this purpose, control device 8 may, for example, evaluate elevator calls input per unit time, sensor signals generated by a sensor system, and / or use load samples generated from historical usage data. Additionally, control device 8 is designed to determine (locally) the local load at floor terminal LOPi; this floor terminal LOPi is hereinafter referred to as the first floor terminal LOPi and represents the techniques described herein. In hotel reception halls, load is typically high after tour groups arrive; particularly, for example, floor terminal LOP1 (LOP1) located close to the reception area... Figure 2 The carrying capacity on the ) may be higher than that of the more distant floor terminals LOP4 ( Figure 2 The carrying capacity on ).

[0036] According to the technology described herein, control device 8 operates the (first) floor terminal LOPi based on local passenger volume. When local passenger volume is low, the floor terminal LOPi is operated according to a first operating mode, in which the user interface displays extended screen content or a first screen content with an (extended) first functional range; this user interface includes (elevator-specific) main functions and service functions (e.g., information services). Passenger 4 can, for example, take time to view or read information services (e.g., before or after entering a call) without interfering with other passengers 4's call input. When local passenger volume increases, the floor terminal LOPi is operated according to a second operating mode, in which the user interface displays (reduced) second screen content with a second functional range. The first functional range differs from the second functional range. The reduced functional range essentially includes only the aforementioned main functions. In one embodiment, the main functions implement input for the target floor, where only elevator-specific functions (e.g., the "button" corresponding to the target floor) are displayed. This ensures that the floor terminal LOPi is freed up for subsequent passengers 4 as soon as possible after passenger 4 enters a call and reads the assigned elevator.

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary user interface with different functional ranges (screen content) is shown. Figure 3A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a floor terminal LOPi shows a processing device 30 (μP), a storage device 32, and a display device 34. As described above, the display device 34 includes a touchscreen. In one embodiment, the storage device 32 stores a computer program executed by the processing device 30 during operation. The processing device 30 controls the display device 34 as described below; the processing device can also communicate with the elevator controller 12, which, for illustrative purposes, is shown below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The elevator controller 12 is shown in dashed lines. Under the control of the control device 8, the processing device 30 controls the display device 34 according to one of at least two operating modes, such that the processing device 30 generates a user interface 38 with a range of functions related to the operating mode based on the current passenger load. Using this user interface 38, passengers 4 can, for example, enter elevator calls and receive information about issued and confirmed calls. In addition to the user interface 38, in one embodiment, the floor terminal LOPi also has a speaker (not shown) for outputting audio messages.

[0038] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, user interface 38 displays a first functional range according to a first operating mode. The first functional range includes a first main function and service functions. The exemplary user interface 38 displays multiple fields 36, 40. The main function includes field 36, which is arranged in columns and corresponds to floors. Field 36 may be indicated, for example, by number (e.g., floors 1-9), (e.g., by name), and / or by symbols / pictographs (e.g., floors 8, 9). If passenger 4 touches one of the fields 36, a target call to the floor corresponding to field 36 is recorded. Field 36 may also be referred to as call input field 36.

[0039] Service functions include fields 40, also arranged in columns in the illustrated embodiment. At least one function or service can be assigned to each (information) field 40: information field 40.1 is configured for weather information (weather information service 40.1), information field 40.2 is configured for elevator information (e.g., arrival time, operation, and malfunction information of the assigned elevator) (elevator information service 40.2), information field 40.3 is configured for user settings (e.g., settings that passenger 4 can make on-site, such as preferred target floor and / or PIN code selection or change) (user settings service 40.3), information field 40.4 is configured for building information (e.g., building floor plan) (building information service 40.4), information field 40.5 is configured for shopping and / or entertainment feasibility (shopping and / or entertainment service 40.5), and information field 40.6 is configured for messaging (messaging service 40.6). Depending on the design of the floor terminal LOPi, passenger 4 can touch one of these fields 40 to display additional information corresponding to that field 40.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement, division, and number of fields 36 and 40 are exemplary, and that fields 36 and 40 can be arranged in different ways. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the design of fields 36 and 40 (e.g., size, shape, black / white, color, etc.) can be coordinated with the floor terminal LOPi (e.g., the size of display device 34) and the building 2.

[0041] Figure 4 An exemplary user interface 38 with a second functional scope is shown according to a second operating mode. The second functional scope includes a second main function; service functions (similar to...) are not shown here. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram). The exemplary user interface 38 displays fields 42 corresponding to the floors served by the elevator system 1; these (call input) fields 42 can also be numbered, for example (e.g., floors 1-9, as shown in the diagram). Figure 4 As shown, the fields 42 are labeled (e.g., by name) and / or indicated by symbols / pictographs. If a passenger touches one of the fields 42, a destination call to the floor corresponding to field 42 is recorded. In the illustrated embodiment, the fields 42 are arranged in a matrix; the fields 42 can also be arranged in different ways (e.g., in combination). Figure 3 As explained above, this also applies to the design of the fields (e.g., size, shape, black / white, color, etc.).

[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The embodiments illustrate that a separate functional scope is determined for each operating mode. In these embodiments, the second functional scope is smaller than the first functional scope. Figure 3 In the first main function, the numbered and labeled call input field 36 is shown as an example, while... Figure 4 In this example, the second primary function displays only the numbered call input field 42. In these embodiments, the first primary function differs from the second primary function (e.g., in terms of scope of function and display method). In another embodiment, the first primary function may be equal to the second primary function.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to the first and second operating modes, other operating modes can be used depending on the determined (local) capacity. Numerous operating modes can be assigned to different capacities, for example, by reducing the functionality of operating modes as capacity increases.

[0044] When operated by passenger 4 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The screen content shown can change, for example, within a fixed time period. If passenger 4 touches one of field 36 ( Figure 3 ) or one of field 42 ( Figure 4The user enters a call (target call) to travel from the floor to the desired target floor. The floor terminal then displays the LOPi controlled by the processing unit 30 on the user interface 38, showing, for example, the name of the elevator assigned to the elevator call (e.g., "A") and the selected target floor (e.g., "5"). Figure 5 The example is shown below. In one embodiment, the assigned elevator and its name are displayed immediately after a call is entered. The elevator name may be displayed for, for example, 1-2 seconds.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will know that: Figure 3 Touching one of the (information) fields 40 shown also causes the screen content to change from a standard setting to a temporary setting. In the temporary setting, additional information corresponding to the touched field 40 can be displayed within that field 40. In one embodiment, the field 40 can also be enlarged after being touched. For example, one or more untouched fields 40 can be covered. Untouched fields 40 can also be (temporarily) not displayed. In one embodiment, the temporary setting can be set for a period of time. After this period, the screen content will be displayed again in the standard setting. The duration and information content of the displayed screen content can be related to (first or second) operating modes. In the first operating mode, the duration can be longer and / or the information content can be richer, or four other interactive possibilities can be provided to the passenger. In the second operating mode, the duration can be shorter and / or the information content can be reduced without further interactive possibilities.

[0046] Furthermore, interactive feasibility is not only displayed or not displayed depending on the operating mode; when interactive feasibility is set in the operating mode, it also means that it is feasible in the relevant operating mode, but is only displayed when further conditions are met (e.g., based on the location of the floor terminal, a certain time of day, a certain day of week, the settings or usage information of the building operator or moved-out user, data from sensors in the building or external data sources). In the first operating mode, in one embodiment, the arrangement, division, and / or number of fields 36, 40 can vary; for example, information field 40.5 for shopping and / or entertainment feasibility can only be displayed during its opening hours, and weather information (information field 40.1) can only be displayed in the morning; they can also vary alternatively or additionally locally, i.e., related to the location of the floor terminal LOPi. Similarly, the content of fields 36, 40 can be displayed in a way that is appropriate for time and / or location.

[0047] according to Figure 1The control device 8 present in the elevator system 1 represents the function of the target call controller. The basic functions of the target call controller and the call dispatch performed by it are known, for example, from G.C. Barney et al., *Elevator Traffic Analysis Design and Control*, Rev. 2nd Ed., 1985, pp. 135-147, or the aforementioned patent document EP0443188B1. For example, this patent document describes a computer that constantly monitors the load of each elevator in the elevator system, the location and operating status of the elevator car, the operating status of the drive, and has additional information about current and previous loads. Based on this information, the target call dispatch algorithm described therein dispatches an elevator as optimally as possible to a newly entered target call according to specified criteria (e.g., waiting time before reaching the floor where the call is input). The basis of target call dispatch is the calculation of service costs. The service costs calculated individually are compared for each call, and the elevator with the lowest service cost is determined to serve the target call.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control device 8 evaluates pre-given information regarding the load. The control device 8 may be centralized for the elevator system 1, or distributed for individual elevators or individual floor terminals (LOPi). The control device 8 is designed (e.g., using an executable computer program) to evaluate the number of elevator calls input as a function of time and floors L1, L2, Ln, or floor terminals (LOPi). Thus, for example, the current load can be determined for each floor L1, L2, Ln. The control device 8 is also designed to perform corresponding evaluations in relation to individual floor terminals (LOPi). Such evaluations can be performed on one, multiple, or all floor terminals (LOPi). In addition to the evaluation of specific floors described above, the current load of each floor terminal (LOPi) can also be determined. When multiple floor terminals (LOPi) are arranged on floors L1, L2, Ln, the (local) load at the location of each floor terminal (LOPi) can be determined. In the example of the tour group's arrival mentioned above, for instance, the current carrying capacity at floor terminal LOP1 is determined and compared with pre-given information about the carrying capacity, thereby allowing the selection of an operating mode that increases the carrying capacity accordingly.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control device 8 stores the determined load data as a function of time and location (floor, location) in a storage device. The storage device can be an internal data storage unit of the control device 8 or an external storage device communicatively connected to the control device 8. The stored data can be used to determine what loads existed at which locations and at which times (e.g., year, month, day of the week, time, season) in the past. Thus, the average value can be determined as a function of time and location, primarily using the load samples shown in the embodiment, which can be used to determine the normal range of loads for the floor terminal LOPi. Based on this, it can be determined whether the current load is high or low during operation. In one embodiment, identifying a load higher than this level may be sufficient to subsequently switch to a second operating mode. In this case, Figure 3 The screen content shown has changed to Figure 4 The screen content shown is shown below. The second operating mode will remain in effect until the load returns to normal levels.

[0050] In one embodiment, the elevator system 1 includes a sensor system 6. Sensor system 6 is preferred; for example, this sensor system can be used in conjunction with a target call controller to determine the load. In another embodiment, the sensor system can be used to determine the load substantially independently of the target call controller. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optional sensor system 6 is shown below for illustration. In sensor system 6, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates various camera devices arranged on floors L1, L2, and Ln, connected to control device 8, for example, via communication bus 22. Each camera device is assigned a spatial detection area, and each camera device is arranged such that its spatial detection area includes floor terminal LOPi and / or its spatial environment. The detection area of ​​one camera device may also include multiple floor terminal LOPi (and their respective spatial environments). In one embodiment, the camera device may be arranged above the floor terminal LOPi, for example, on the ceiling of the building.

[0051] Sensor system 6 includes an image processing unit that evaluates photographs (e.g., video recordings, individual images) generated by the camera unit. The purpose of evaluating photographs(s) from one or more camera units is to detect the presence of passenger 4 within a detection area, and if multiple passenger 4 are present, to determine the number of passenger 4. In one embodiment, the camera unit may be designed, for example, for image capture in the visible or infrared range; the camera unit may include a 3D camera, such as one based on the time-of-flight (TOF) measurement principle. Detailed information about this measurement principle can be found, for example, in the article “A CMOS Photosensor Array for 3D Imaging Using Pulsed Laser” by R. Jeremias et al., 2001 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, page 252. Using such a 3D camera, objects (passengers 4) can be detected and their number, position, and direction of movement can be determined. For such evaluation, a computer program is installed in the image processing unit. Such computer programs for image processing or image evaluation are known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sensor system 6 detects passengers 4 staying on each floor L1, L2, Ln. In one embodiment, the carrying capacity can be determined for each floor L1, L2, Ln. Depending on the design of the sensor system 6 and / or the arrangement of the various camera devices, in one embodiment, the carrying capacity of each floor terminal LOPi can be determined, i.e., the local carrying capacity can be determined separately.

[0053] By understanding the combination of elevator system 1 Figures 1 to 5 The basic structure and functions are introduced below in conjunction with... Figure 6 An embodiment of a method for operating elevator system 1, particularly a method for operating floor terminals LOPi, is described. Figure 6 An exemplary flowchart of a method for operating elevator system 1 is shown. Figure 6 The method begins in step S1 and ends in step S8.

[0054] In step S2, the floor terminal LOPi is operated by the control device 8 according to one of at least two operating modes. The screen device 34 of one of these floor terminal LOPis generates a user interface 38 with a functional range associated with the operating mode, wherein a separate functional range is determined for each operating mode. Figure 6In this embodiment, the (first) floor terminal LOPi, observed for illustrative purposes, is operated by the control device 8 according to a first operating mode. This is an example of the initial configuration used. In the first operating mode, the user interface 38 displays extended functions. These extended functions include main functions and service functions.

[0055] In step S3, the local carrying capacity at the location of the first floor terminal LOPi is determined by the control device 8, which operates the first floor terminal LOPi according to one of at least two operating modes. Figure 6 The system operates according to the first operating mode. Local capacity can be determined using one of the methods described above.

[0056] In step S4, the control device 8 compares the local carrying capacity determined in step S3 with at least one threshold determined for the carrying capacity at the relevant or first floor terminal LOPi, in order to generate a comparison result. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the local carrying capacity is compared with a threshold (norm). If the comparison result indicates that the local carrying capacity is greater than or equal to the threshold, the method proceeds to step S6 along the "yes" branch; otherwise, the method proceeds to step S5 along the "no" branch.

[0057] In steps S5 and S6, the desired operating mode of the first floor terminal LOPi is determined based on the comparison results and the operating mode on which the control device 8 operates the first floor terminal LOPi. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first floor terminal LOPi operates in a first operating mode (initial state, see step S2). When the local load is less than a threshold (the "No" branch of step S4), there is no need to change the operating mode, and the first operating mode is retained or redefined in step S5. The first floor terminal LOPi operates according to the determined first operating mode, in which extended functions continue to be displayed. However, when the local load is greater than or equal to the threshold (the "Yes" branch of step S4), a change in operating mode occurs. In step S6, a second operating mode is then determined as the desired operating mode, and the first operating mode (initial state, see step S2) is changed to the second operating mode. The first floor terminal LOPi operates according to the determined second operating mode, and reduced functions are displayed.

[0058] At certain times, there may be few passengers staying in the building, and / or few or no trip requests (e.g., at night or on weekends). In this case, elevator system 1 can enter standby mode, in which the floor terminals primarily enter energy-saving mode; then, the screen device 34 of the floor terminals is deactivated and the user interface 38 is not displayed. This is shown in step S7; as long as elevator system 1 is not in standby mode, the process returns to step S3 along the "No" branch. When elevator system 1 is in standby mode, the method continues along the "Yes" branch and ends in step S8.

Claims

1. A method for operating an elevator system (1) in a building (2), wherein, The elevator system (1) includes: multiple floor terminals (LOPi) arranged on floors (L1, L2, Ln) of the building (2), a control device (8) communicatively connected to the floor terminals (LOPi), and an elevator car (10) capable of moving between floors (L1, L2, Ln) of the building (2). The method includes: The control device (8) operates the floor terminal (LOPi) according to one of at least two operating modes, wherein the screen device (34) of the floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a range of functions associated with the operating mode and determines a separate range of functions for each operating mode; The control device (8) determines the local carrying capacity at the location of the first floor terminal (LOPi) and operates the first floor terminal (LOPi) according to one of at least two operating modes. The local load is compared with at least one threshold determined for the load at the first floor terminal (LOPi) using the control device (8) to generate a comparison result; Based on the comparison results and the operating mode on which the control device (8) operates the first floor terminal (LOPi), the desired operating mode of the first floor terminal (LOPi) is determined; and The first floor terminal (LOPi) is operated according to the determined desired operating mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The floor terminal (LOPi) is operated by the control device (8) according to one of two operating modes, and a first threshold for the carrying capacity at the first floor terminal (LOPi) is determined. A comparison result indicates an increase in carrying capacity when the local carrying capacity is at least equal to the carrying capacity determined by the first threshold. The first floor terminal (LOPi) is operated in a first operating mode, and the screen device (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a first functional range, and When the comparison results show that the carrying capacity increases, the first floor terminal (LOPi) is operated in a second operating mode, wherein the screen device (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a second functional range in the second operating mode, wherein the second functional range is smaller than the first functional range.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Both the first functional scope and the second functional scope include the function of inputting elevator calls.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The first functional scope and the second functional scope respectively include call input fields (36, 42) corresponding to floors (L1, L2, Ln), and the first functional scope includes information fields (40) corresponding to various services, while the second functional scope does not include the information fields. The call input fields (36, 42) and the information fields (40) can be displayed on the user interface (38) of the floor terminal (LOPi).

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The system detects when a passenger (4) touches an information field (40) and performs the service corresponding to the touched information field (40), wherein the screen device (34) of the corresponding floor terminal (LOPi) controls the user interface (38) to display the selected service.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The services include: weather information service (40.1), elevator information service (40.2), user setting service (40.3), building information service (40.4), shopping and / or entertainment service (40.5) and / or messaging service (40.6).

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: When a passenger (4) inputs an elevator call, the touch of the call input field (36, 42) is detected, the control device (8) records the elevator call for the journey to the floor (L1, L2, Ln) corresponding to the call input field (36, 42), the control device (8) immediately assigns the elevator call to the elevator car (10), and controls the screen device (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) to display the assigned elevator car (10) in real time on the user interface (38).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The user interface (38) generated by the screen device (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi), along with the range of functions associated with the operating mode, is also generated according to the location of the first floor terminal (LOPi).

9. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The call input fields (36, 42) and / or the information field (40) are dynamically displayed as a function of the time parameter.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The time parameter specifies a month, a day of a week, a time of day, and / or a season.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, In order for the control device (8) to operate the floor terminal (LOPi) and determine a third operating mode, in which a second threshold for the general load in the elevator system (1) is determined, and the comparison result shows that the elevator system (1) is fully loaded when the local load is at least equal to the load determined by the second threshold, wherein the first floor terminal (LOPi) is operated in the third operating mode, and the screen device (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a third functional range, wherein the third functional range includes information about the full load of the elevator system (1).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, In order to determine the local carrying capacity, the elevator calls recorded by the control device (8) are evaluated.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The elevator call entered at the first-floor terminal (LOPi) will be used for evaluation.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, To determine local carrying capacity, sensor signals are evaluated. These signals are generated by a sensor system (6) installed in the building (2) and are communicatively connected to a control device (8).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, To determine local ridership, a stored ridership sample is used, wherein the ridership sample is determined as a function of time based on local ridership data up to the current time.

16. An elevator system (1) located in a building (2), comprising: At least one elevator car (10) is capable of moving between floors (L1, L2, Ln) of the building (2); Multiple floor terminals (LOPi) are arranged on floors (L1, L2, Ln), wherein each floor terminal (LOPi) has a screen device (34) designed to generate a user interface (38); and A control device (8) communicatively connected to a floor terminal (LOPi), wherein the control device (8) is designed to: The floor terminal (LOPi) is operated according to one of at least two operating modes, wherein the screen device (34) of the floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a range of functions associated with the operating mode, wherein a separate range of functions is determined for each operating mode; Determine the local load at the location of the first floor terminal (LOPi) that is operated according to at least one of two operating modes; The local load factor is compared with at least one threshold determined for the load factor at the first floor terminal (LOPi) to produce a comparison result; Based on the comparison results and the operating mode on which the first floor terminal (LOPi) is operated, the desired operating mode of the first floor terminal (LOPi) is determined; and The first floor terminal (LOPi) is operated according to the determined desired operating mode.

17. The elevator system (1) according to claim 16, wherein, A sensor system (6) is present, which is communicatively connected to a control device (8) and generates sensor signals, which are evaluated by the control device (8) to determine local load. The control device (8) is designed to evaluate recorded elevator calls to determine local load, and the control device (8) is designed to use stored load samples to determine local load samples, wherein the local load samples are determined as a function of time based on data of local load up to the current time.

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