Management of service provision in elevator system

Abstract

There is provided a method for managing elevator services to a floor by an elevator system (100), the method comprising: generating (310) a first estimate of a total demand for elevator services for a group of individuals in a predetermined area (220), the total demand being generated by combining several estimates describing a demand for elevator services for each individual at a first moment in time; comparing (320) the first estimate with a first reference value; in response to detecting that the first estimate satisfies a condition defined by the first reference value, a first control signal is generated (330) to reserve a number of elevators (E1, E2, E3) to serve a section (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs. A control system (110), an elevator system (100) and a computer program are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of elevator systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to the management of services provided by elevator systems. Background Art

[0002] The typical way of indicating a request for elevator service is that the individual provides the request through the user interface of the elevator system at the floor where he lives. Other approaches based on utilizing sensor systems have also been described. These are usually based on detecting individuals in the lobby from sensor data and generating elevator calls, i.e. service requests, based on the sensor data. Solutions based on automatically generating elevator calls are prone to errors, since it is difficult to conclude from the sensor data whether certain individuals really need elevator service or they are just roaming in the area monitored with the sensors.

[0003] Document EP3421401A1 describes a prior art solution in which the intention of an individual to board an elevator is evaluated based on sensor data. A number of characteristics that can be derived from the individual are evaluated and based on these characteristics a conclusion is drawn as to whether an elevator service is required.

[0004] The methods known so far may be operable in some cases, but they are still prone to errors, i.e., a request for elevator service is generated, but it turns out that this need does not actually exist because no one enters the elevator car even though the car is indicated to the floor in question. The uncertainty in operation leads to unnecessary resource reserves, waste of energy and dissatisfaction of passengers who really need elevator service.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to introduce further methods that at least partially alleviate at least some of the disadvantages of prior art solutions. Summary of the invention

[0006] A simplified overview is presented below in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is neither intended to identify the key or critical elements of the present invention nor to describe the scope of the present invention. The following overview merely presents some concepts of the present invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a method, a control system, an elevator system and a computer program for managing an elevator service.

[0008] The objects of the invention are achieved by a method, a control system, an elevator system and a computer program as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for managing elevator services to floors by an elevator system, the method being performed by a control system, comprising:

[0010] generating a first estimate of total demand for elevator service for a set of individuals in a predetermined area, generating the total demand for the set of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area at a first moment in time,

[0011] comparing the first estimate with a first reference value,

[0012] In response to detecting that the first estimate satisfies a condition defined by the first reference value, a first control signal is generated to reserve a number of elevators belonging to the elevator system to serve the sector to which the floor belongs.

[0013] The method may further include:

[0014] generating a second estimate of the total demand for elevator service for a set of individuals in the predetermined area, generating the total demand for the set of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area at a second moment in time,

[0015] comparing the second estimated value with a second reference value,

[0016] Based on the comparison between the second estimated value and the second reference value, one of the following operations is performed: i) a second control signal is generated to instruct at least one of the elevators to be reserved for serving the sector to which the floor belongs, ii) the elevators reserved for serving the sector to which the floor belongs are released.

[0017] Several estimates describing the need for elevator service per individual in the predetermined area may be generated, for example, based on data obtained from one or more sensors arranged to monitor the predetermined area.The one or more sensors may be image capture devices.

[0018] Furthermore, multiple characteristics of the individual may be evaluated to generate an estimate describing the individual's need for elevator service. For example, the multiple characteristics of the individual may include at least one of: the individual's location in a predetermined area; the individual's movement in the predetermined area; the individual's posture; the individual's gaze direction.

[0019] The first estimate and the second estimate may be determined as probabilities representing an aggregate demand for elevator service by a group of individuals.

[0020] The first estimate and the second estimate may be expressed as statistical values ​​regarding individuals in a predetermined area.

[0021] Furthermore, the second reference value may be defined as a total demand for elevator service that is greater than the first reference value.

[0022] According to a second aspect, there is provided a control system for managing elevator service to floors by an elevator system, the control system being configured to:

[0023] generating a first estimate of total demand for elevator service for a group of individuals in a predetermined area, generating said total demand for said group of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for said elevator service by each individual in said predetermined area at a first moment in time,

[0024] comparing the first estimate with a first reference value,

[0025] In response to detecting that the first estimate satisfies a condition defined by the first reference value, a first control signal is generated to reserve a number of elevators belonging to the elevator system to serve the sector to which the floor belongs.

[0026] The control system may also be configured as:

[0027] generating a second estimate of the total demand for elevator service for a group of individuals in the predetermined area, generating the total demand for the group of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area at a second moment in time,

[0028] comparing the second estimated value with a second reference value,

[0029] Based on the comparison between the second estimated value and the second reference value, one of the following operations is performed: i) a second control signal is generated to instruct at least one of the elevators to be reserved to serve the sector to which the floor belongs, ii) the elevators reserved to serve the sector to which the floor belongs are released.

[0030] For example, the control system may be configured to generate several estimates describing the need for elevator service for each individual in a predetermined area based on data obtained from one or more sensors arranged to monitor the predetermined area. The control system may be configured to obtain data from one or more sensors that are image capture devices.

[0031] Furthermore, the control system can be configured to evaluate multiple characteristics of the individual to generate an estimate describing the individual's need for elevator service. For example, the multiple characteristics of the individual include at least one of: the individual's position in a predetermined area; the individual's movement in the predetermined area; the individual's posture; the individual's gaze direction.

[0032] The control system may be configured to determine the first estimate and the second estimate to represent a probability of an aggregate demand for the elevator service by the group of individuals.

[0033] The control system may also be configured to represent the first estimate and the second estimate as statistical values ​​regarding individuals in the predetermined area.

[0034] Furthermore, the second reference value may be defined as a total demand for elevator service that is greater than the first reference value.

[0035] According to a third aspect, there is provided an elevator system, the elevator system comprising:

[0036] Several elevators,

[0037] A control system according to the second aspect described above.

[0038] The elevator system may also include one or more sensors configured to obtain data for generating a number of estimates describing the need for elevator service for each individual in a predetermined area.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer readable program code configured to cause the performance of the method according to the first aspect as defined above when the computer readable program code is run on one or more computing devices.

[0040] The expression “a number” refers to any positive integer starting from 1, for example to 1, 2 or 3 in this document.

[0041] The expression “plurality” refers to any positive integer starting from 2, for example to 2, 3 or 4, herein.

[0042] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, both as to constructions and methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The verbs "comprise" and "include" are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the presence of unrecited features. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" (i.e. the singular form) throughout this document does not exclude a plurality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 An elevator system according to an example is schematically illustrated.

[0046] Figure 2 Aspects related to the invention according to examples are schematically shown.

[0047] Figure 3 A method according to an example is schematically illustrated.

[0048] Figure 4 Another method according to an example is schematically illustrated.

[0049] Figure 5 An apparatus suitable for performing operations of a control system according to an example is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The specific examples provided in the description given below should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the appended claims.The lists and groups of examples provided in the description given below are not exhaustive unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0051] Figure 1 Schematically shown is an example of an elevator system 100 into which the present invention may be implemented. The elevator system 100 according to the example consists of a group of elevators E1, E2, E3 controlled by a control system 110, also known as a group controller. Each elevator E1, E2, E3 may for example have one elevator car 130, which is arranged to serve a floor in a shaft, and the movement to the elevator car 130 is generated by a machine 120 arranged in a known manner to each elevator E1, E2, E3. The machine 120 is controlled by the control system 110, which may be arranged to have overall responsibility for the operation of the elevator system 100. For the sake of completeness, it is worth mentioning that the elevator system 100 comprises a plurality of components which are not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity. Figure 1 Many other entities and devices are shown in FIG.

[0052] according to Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the floors served by the elevator system 100 are divided into Figure 1 The predetermined sectors are represented by sectors S1, S2 and S3 in FIG. The division into sectors may be arranged in any suitable manner so as to serve the purpose in the most appropriate manner. The number of floors belonging to a sector may be one or more, and the number of floors may vary between sectors if desired. The information on the division of the floors into sectors is available to the control system 110, for example, it may be stored in a data storage accessible to the control system 110.

[0053] For the sake of clarity, it is worth emphasizing that Figure 1An example of an elevator system 100 into which the present invention may be implemented is shown, and which may include other entities as described in the upcoming description. Furthermore, the elevator system 100 may include one or more elevators E1, E2, E3. The number of elevators E1, E2, E3 may, for example, depend on the characteristics of the site into which the elevator system 100 is implemented. For example, the site may be a building or a ship or anything similar.

[0054] Figure 2 Some other aspects related to the present invention are schematically shown. That is, Figure 2 Examples of floors relative to which elevator services according to the invention can be arranged are schematically shown. Figure 2 The space in a house of a non-limiting example may be a corridor type, where individuals can roam in the house. The elevators E1, E2, E3 of the elevator system 100 are arranged to serve individuals in the premises from Figure 2 The floor shown enters other floors. The floor in question can be equipped with one or more sensors 210 in order to generate measurement data describing individuals in the space. According to an example embodiment, the sensor 210 can be, for example, an image capture device capable of generating image data to be analyzed in a manner as described in the upcoming description. The term image capture device should be understood in a broad manner and includes digital cameras, depth cameras, thermal image cameras, etc. The measurement data obtained from the sensor 210 can be delivered to the control system 110 directly or through an intermediary device, which is, for example, a computing device configured to perform image analysis. The image analysis can also be arranged to be performed by the control system 110 of the elevator system 110 and / or the two can be considered to form a control system 110 with a distributed computing environment. Analysis can be performed by the control system 110 on data describing a predetermined area 220 in the space. The predetermined area can be defined by configuring the analysis software to perform analysis only on the measurement data representing the area 220, or the sensors 210 can be arranged so that they only generate measurement data from the predetermined area and then analyze it. In the latter case, the operating area of ​​the corresponding sensor 210 or multiple sensors 210 can be considered to define the predetermined area 220. It is also worth understanding that multiple floors in a house can be arranged in a similar manner. Figure 2 Equipped in the same manner as shown.

[0055] Next, by referring to Figure 3 Describe other aspects related to the present invention, Figure 3An example of a method according to the invention is schematically shown. At least one object of the invention is to manage or control elevator service relative to a floor by controlling the operation of the elevator system 100 according to an estimate of the demand for elevator service by an individual. The management of the elevator service to the floor by the elevator system 100 includes: the control system 110 is configured to generate 310 a first estimate of the total demand for elevator service for a group of individuals in a predetermined area 220. In other words, the first estimate is generated 310 based on data indicating the demand for elevator service by individuals residing in the predetermined area 220. The total demand for the group of persons is generated by combining several estimates describing the demand for elevator service for each person in the predetermined area 220 at a first moment. Combining multiple estimates may correspond to summing the probabilities determined for each individual residing in the predetermined area 220 at a first moment, wherein the first moment may correspond to a moment when data is obtained from one or more sensors 210.

[0056] The estimation generated for the individuals in the predetermined area 220 may involve evaluating the behavioral aspects of the individuals from the data obtained with the sensor 210. The behavioral aspects may describe several features by which an estimation, i.e., a probability, of the individual's need for elevator service may be generated. The features considered may, for example, relate to the position of the individuals in the predetermined area 220, the movement of the individuals in the predetermined area 220, the posture of the individuals, the gaze direction of the individuals, etc. At least some of the features evaluated may require measurement data from several moments (such as the movement of the individuals) in order to generate the estimation in these aspects, and therefore, the monitoring of the predetermined area 210 may be arranged in a continuous manner. When evaluating a feature that requires multiple data samples over a time window, data samples may be collected before the moment defined for generating 310 the first estimation, and the last piece of data used in the evaluation may be the moment in question. For each of the features evaluated, a value may be generated, which may be combined together in order to generate an estimation of the individual in question. In other words, the generation of the estimate for each individual is based on a predetermined mathematical algorithm, into which a number of values ​​derivable from one or more image data captured with one or more sensors 120 are input, and the algorithm can be arranged to generate a probability of the need for elevator service for the individual in question. For example, if the individual is standing still in front of the elevator door and staring at a display showing the floor where the elevator car is located, the algorithm can be configured to generate a high probability for the individual. In contrast, it may happen that another individual resides in the predetermined area 220 and the individual is detected to move in the area 220 and, for example, based on the gaze, does not indicate any interest in the elevators E1, E2, E3, the probability indicating the need for elevator service can be set to low by the algorithm for the individual in question. For the sake of clarity, it is worth mentioning that the algorithm can be defined by an expert based on some available input data, and / or the algorithm can learn by itself using some predetermined machine learning mechanism. Machine learning can be arranged by tracking the behavior of the individual until it is clear whether elevator service is needed, and the self-learning algorithm is arranged to apply this information in the training itself to detect the situation in a better way through training.

[0057] As described above, the described estimates describing the demand for elevator service are generated for each person in the predetermined area 220, and by combining the estimates of the individuals, a first estimate can be generated 310. The first estimate is the total demand or estimate of the demand for elevator service by the individuals in the predetermined area 220. The first estimate can be understood as a value describing the probability that the group of individuals will need elevator service. It can be formed for one or more individuals in the predetermined area 220, as can be directly derived.

[0058] In response to the generation 310 of the first estimate, the control system 110 is configured to compare 320 the first estimate with a first reference value. The first reference value may be set so that it defines a condition, the satisfaction of which may be interpreted as corresponding to the probability that there is a probability that elevator service may be needed soon between individuals in the predetermined area 220. In other words, the first reference value may be understood as defining a trigger level at which measures may be taken to prepare the elevator system 100 to provide service to the floor in question in a manner that produces user satisfaction, but at the same time filter out erroneous decisions of service demand at least to some extent. The comparison 320 operation may generate as an output an indication that the condition defined by the first reference level is not met, which may result in continued monitoring of the predetermined area 220 and the individuals therein, and regeneration of the first estimate at another time. On the other hand, if the condition defined by the first reference value is met, the control system 110 may be configured to generate 330 a first control signal, as described in the upcoming description. For the sake of clarity, it is mentioned here that the satisfaction of the condition with respect to the first reference value may correspond to a situation where the first estimate exceeds or is equal to the first reference value. Alternatively, it may be arranged that satisfaction of the condition about the first reference value may correspond to the case where the first estimate is less than or equal to the first reference value. The implementation depends on how the first estimate 310 is generated. In a typical implementation, satisfaction of the condition is determined if the first estimate exceeds the first reference value.

[0059] In at least some embodiments, the first estimate of the combined individual estimate may be an average value calculated from the summed individual estimate values ​​divided by the number of individuals in the predetermined area 220. This is an advantageous approach because the number of individuals in the area may vary, and therefore, some statistical value, such as an average value, as a representative of the total value is preferred because it helps select the first reference value. Of course, another option is to adjust the first reference value based on the number of individuals detected in the predetermined area 220 before performing the comparison 320.

[0060] As described above, according to the present invention, the control system 110 is configured to generate 330 a control signal in response to detecting in the comparison 320 that the first estimate satisfies the condition defined by the first reference value. The control signal is generated such that it causes a number of elevators E1, E2, E3 belonging to the elevator system 100 to be reserved for serving the sectors S1, S2, S3 to which the floor for which the measurement data is obtained by the sensor 210 belongs. If the control system 110 is an elevator controller, the control signal may be an internal signal that causes at least one elevator E1, E2, E3 to be selected among the number of elevators E1, E2, E3, for example based on various parameters such as the current allocation of their service calls, to preferentially serve the sectors S1, S2, S3 to which the floor belongs. Naturally, if the control system 110 is different from the elevator controller, the control system 110 may generate a corresponding control signal to the elevator controller. In any case, the controller configured to control the elevator system 100 causes a rearrangement of the services provided by the elevators E1, E2, E3 in the premises so that at least one elevator E1, E2, E3 prioritizes the sectors S1, S2, S3 in an emphatic manner. As a non-limiting example, the priority may refer to an arrangement in which at least one elevator E1, E2, E3 is arranged to serve only the sectors S1, S2, S3 in question, for example by taking passengers from the ground floor to those floors and leaving from there to the ground floor.

[0061] In view of the method according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above, the advantage obtained by utilizing this method is that it balances the uncertainty of the monitoring solution in evaluating user behavior when triggering elevator service provision, but at the same time prepares the elevator system 100 for servicing the floors from which the sensor data is obtained.

[0062] In response to the elevator system 100 being set to operate in the described manner, i.e. at least one elevator E1, E2, E3 giving priority to the sector S1, S2, S3 in which the floor in question is located, the floors and in particular the predetermined area 220 may continue to be monitored. Further steps according to the exemplary embodiment are Figure 4. In response to the continuation of monitoring, a second estimate may be generated 410 when the elevator system 100 is set to a mode for preparing the elevator system 100 to serve a floor. The second estimate is again generated 410 to describe the total demand for elevator service by a group of individuals in the predetermined area 220 at a second moment. Depending on the implementation, the second estimate may be generated 410 based on measurement data obtained only at the second moment, or it may be based on measurement data obtained at multiple moments in a manner as discussed in the context of the generation 310 of the first estimate in the foregoing description. The second moment or the time window applied in the generation 410 of the second estimate may be defined as after an applicable time period after the generation of the first estimate, so that meaningful information may be captured. The method refers to the assumption that the situation in the predetermined area 220 is continuously changing, and as a result, the second estimate generated in the same manner as the first estimate but at another moment or another time window is different from the first estimate with a high probability due to the change in the situation in the predetermined area 220. In other words, some new individuals may enter the predetermined area 220, and some other individuals may leave the area 220. Furthermore, the positions of the individuals in the predetermined area 220 may change, and the same may occur for other features included in the generation of the estimates 310, 410. For the sake of completeness, it is mentioned here that a second estimate indicating the total demand for elevator service is also generated by combining estimates generated for each individual in the predetermined area 220 at a second moment in time, wherein behavioral aspects of the individuals are evaluated based on data obtained with the sensor 210.

[0063] Next, the generated second estimate is compared 420 with a second reference value. The second reference value can in turn be set such that it defines a condition, the fulfillment of which can be interpreted as corresponding to the presence of a high probability of the presence of an individual in the predetermined area 220 who needs elevator service. In other words, the second reference value can be understood as defining a trigger level, at which the control system 110 is configured to perform further measures, namely to generate 430 a second control signal to indicate that at least one of the several elevators E1, E2, E3 is reserved to serve the sector S1, S2, S3 to which the floor belongs, or to release 440 the current operating mode of the elevator system 100. The comparison 420 operation can generate as an output an indication whether the condition defined by the second reference level is met. In the event that the condition is met based on the comparison, the control system 110 is configured to generate 430 a second control signal, which causes, for example, the generation of a service call to the elevator system 100, i.e. an elevator call, so that at least one elevator car 130 of the reserved elevators E1, E2, E3 arrives at the floor in question to serve one or more individuals therein. In at least some implementations, the second control signal itself may be considered a service call. On the other hand, if the condition defined by the second reference level is not met in the comparison 420, the control system 110 may be configured to release 440 the mode in which at least one elevator E1, E2, E3 of the elevator system 100 is arranged to serve the sectors S1, S2, S3 to which the floor belongs. The release 440 may be implemented by generating such a control signal to an entity that controls the operating mode of the elevator system 110, which entity may be, for example, the control system 110 itself, or, if the elevator controller is separate from the control system 110, the elevator controller. In other words, in response to the release 440, the elevator system 100 returns to the normal mode.

[0064] For the sake of clarity, it is worth understanding that the satisfaction of the condition about the second reference value can be understood to correspond to the case where the generated second estimate exceeds or is equal to the second reference value in value. Alternatively, it can be arranged that the satisfaction of the condition about the second reference value can correspond to the case where the second estimate is less than or equal to the second reference value. The implementation depends on the way how the second estimate 310 is generated. In a typical implementation, if the second estimate exceeds the second reference value, that is, the total probability exceeds the second reference value, then the satisfaction of the condition is judged.

[0065] The second reference value is advantageously selected so that it is equal to or preferably greater than the first reference value. In an embodiment, the compared value should exceed the corresponding reference value in order to determine the satisfaction of the condition. In another embodiment in which the compared value should be lower than the corresponding reference value, the second reference value should be less than the first reference value. According to any embodiment, the purpose is to set or define the second reference value so that it requires a greater total demand for elevator service than the first reference value in order to decide to meet the condition for providing elevator service. The selection of the reference values ​​and their mutual relationship can be based on the desired trigger level for the described operation to occur in the elevator system 100. In addition, in some example embodiments, the first reference value and the second reference value depend on the environment in which the elevator system 100 is installed even on the floor level in the same place. These values ​​can take into account the type of area 220, that is, the predetermined area 220 is defined into which environment (such as a corridor or lobby) and / or the traffic level therein. The reference value can be established, for example, based on historical data representing the flow of people in the predetermined area and the utilization of the elevator system 100 in the place and / or at the floor for which the reference is defined. In addition, the reference value can depend on the time of day, that is, they can be set differently for different times of the day.

[0066] About Figure 4 The second stage in the method shown is the same as that already mentioned in the context of the first reference value, and in at least some embodiments, the second estimate of the estimate of the combined individual can be an average value calculated based on the summed individual estimate values ​​divided by the number of individuals in the predetermined area 220. This is an advantageous method because the number of individuals in the area 220 can vary, and therefore, some statistical value (such as an average value) as a representative of the total value is preferred because it helps to select the second reference value. Of course, another option is to adjust the second reference value based on the number of individuals detected in the predetermined area 220 before performing the comparison 420.

[0067] In the description of at least some embodiments of the present invention, it is mainly related to such an embodiment in which the determination of the first estimate and the second estimate is performed by evaluating the same features of individuals in the predetermined area 220 for both estimates. However, it can also be arranged to weigh different features in different ways in the calculation of the first estimate and the second estimate in order to more accurately optimize the operation of the present invention. It can also be arranged that some features are not considered at all in at least one estimate.

[0068] As already mentioned, aspects of the invention described herein are primarily accomplished with reference to embodiments in which the control entity is such as Figure 1 The control system 110 of the elevator system 100 is shown. However, as already mentioned, the functionality of the control system 110 may also be integrated into another computing device or arranged as a computing device separate from the elevator system 100. Figure 5 An example of such an apparatus that may be configured to implement the operation of a computing device and, therefore, a control system 110 is schematically shown in FIG. In other words, the control system 110 may be configured to perform the method according to the present invention as described using the examples in the foregoing description. In other words, Figure 5 The device can be configured to perform the function of managing the elevator service of the elevator system 100 to the floor. For the sake of clarity, it is worth mentioning that Figure 5 The block diagrams depict some components of entities that can be used to implement the functions of the device. Figure 5 The device comprises a processor 510 and a memory 520. The memory 520 may store data, such as data segments as described, but may also store computer program code 525 that causes the management of the elevator service to be arranged in the described manner. The device may also include a communication interface 530, such as a wireless communication interface or a communication interface for wired communication or both to communicate with the other entities described. Therefore, the communication interface 530 may include one or more modems, antennas, and any other hardware and software for implementing the execution of communications, for example, under the control of the processor 510. In addition, an I / O (input / output) component may be arranged together with the processor 510 and a portion of the computer program code 525 to provide a user interface for receiving input from a user (such as from a technician), and / or providing output to a user of the device when necessary. In particular, the user I / O component may include a user input device, such as one or more keys or buttons, a keyboard, a touch screen or touchpad, etc. The user I / O component may include an output device, such as a speaker, a display, or a touch screen. The components of the device may be communicatively connected to each other via a data bus, which enables the transmission of data and control information between the components.

[0069] The memory 520 and at least a portion of the computer program code 525 stored therein may also be arranged with the processor 510 so that the apparatus performs at least a portion of the method as described herein. The processor 510 may be configured to read from and write to the memory 520. Although the processor 510 is depicted as a respective single component, it may be implemented as a respective one or more separate processing components. Similarly, although the memory 520 is depicted as a respective single component, it may be implemented as a respective one or more separate components, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cache storage.

[0070] The computer program code 525 may include computer executable instructions that implement functions corresponding to the steps implemented in the method when loaded into the processor 510 of the corresponding control system 110. As an example, the computer program code 525 may include a computer program consisting of one or more sequences of one or more instructions. The processor 510 is capable of loading and executing the computer program by reading one or more sequences of one or more instructions included therein from the memory 520. One or more sequences of one or more instructions may be configured to cause the device to perform the method as described when executed by the processor 510. Therefore, the device may include at least one processor 510 and at least one memory 520, the at least one memory 520 including computer program code 525 for one or more programs, the at least one memory 520 and the computer program code 525 being configured to, together with the at least one processor 510, cause the device implementing the control system 110 to perform the method.

[0071] The computer program code 525 may be provided as, for example, a computer program product including at least one computer-readable non-transitory medium having the computer program code 525 stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor 510, causes the apparatus to perform the method. The computer-readable non-transitory medium may include a memory device or a recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, or another article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program. As another example, the computer program may be provided as a signal configured to reliably transmit the computer program.

[0072] Furthermore, the computer program code 525 may include proprietary applications, such as computer program code for causing the execution of the method in the manner as described in the description herein.

[0073] Any programming functions mentioned may also be performed in firmware or hardware adapted or programmed to perform the necessary tasks.

[0074] For the sake of completeness, it is worth mentioning that the entity executing the method in the role of the control system 110 may also use multiple devices (such as Figure 5 210) as a distributed computing environment corresponding to the control system. For example, one of the devices can be communicatively connected to the other devices and, for example, share data of the method so that the other device performs at least one other part of the method. As a result, the method executed in the distributed computing environment generates control signals indicating the described distribution of responsibilities. For example, some steps of the method can be shared between an elevator controller and a computing device, for example, configured to analyze measurement data obtained from the sensor 210.

[0075] As already mentioned, the method implemented with the invention allows at least to manage the optimization of the elevator system 100, so that a service offer can be prepared even if the input on which the decision on the service offer is based is not necessarily accurate, as is the case when personal characteristics are evaluated based on measured data. It can also be arranged that if a person explicitly indicates the need for elevator service, for example by generating a service call using a user interface of the elevator system 100, the mechanism according to the invention is overruled.

[0076] The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims.The lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A method for managing elevator service to floors by an elevator system (100), the method being performed by a control system (110), comprising: generating (310) a first estimate of total demand for elevator service for a group of individuals in a predetermined area (220), generating the total demand for the group of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area (220) at a first moment in time, comparing the first estimate with a first reference value (320), In response to detecting that the first estimate satisfies a condition defined by the first reference value, a first control signal is generated (330) to reserve a number of elevators (E1, E2, E3) belonging to the elevator system (100) to serve the sector (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: generating (410) a second estimate of the total demand for elevator service for a group of individuals in the predetermined area (220), generating the total demand for the group of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area (220) at a second moment in time, comparing the second estimate with a second reference value (420), Based on the comparison between the second estimate and the second reference value, one of the following operations is performed: i) a second control signal is generated (430) to indicate that at least one of the plurality of elevators (E1, E2, E3) is reserved to serve the sector (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs, ii) the plurality of elevators reserved to serve the sector (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs is released (440).

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Estimates describing the demand for the elevator service for each individual in the predetermined area (220) are generated based on data obtained from one or more sensors (210) arranged to monitor the predetermined area (220).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The one or more sensors (210) are image capture devices.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Several characteristics of an individual are evaluated to generate an estimate describing the individual's need for elevator service.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The several characteristics of the individual include at least one of the following: the position of the individual in the predetermined area (220); the movement of the individual in the predetermined area (220); the posture of the individual; the gaze direction of the individual.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first estimate and the second estimate are determined as probabilities representing an aggregate demand for the elevator service by the group of individuals.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first estimate and the second estimate are represented as statistical values ​​about individuals in the predetermined area (220).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second reference value is defined as a total demand requiring elevator service that is greater than the first reference value.

10. A control system (110) for managing elevator service of an elevator system (100) to floors, the control system (110) being configured to: generating (310) a first estimate of total demand for elevator service for a group of individuals in a predetermined area (220), generating the total demand for the group of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area (220) at a first moment in time, comparing the first estimate with a first reference value (320), In response to detecting that the first estimate satisfies a condition defined by the first reference value, a first control signal is generated (330) to reserve a number of elevators (E1, E2, E3) belonging to the elevator system (100) to serve the sector (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs.

11. The control system (110) according to claim 10, wherein the control system (110) is further configured to: generating (410) a second estimate of the total demand for elevator service for a set of individuals in the predetermined area (220), generating the total demand for the set of individuals by combining a number of estimates describing the demand for elevator service by each individual in the predetermined area (220) at a second moment in time, comparing the second estimate with a second reference value (420), Based on the comparison between the second estimate and the second reference value, one of the following operations is performed: i) a second control signal is generated (430) to indicate that at least one elevator (E1, E2, E3) of a number of elevators (E1, E2, E3) is reserved to serve the section (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs, ii) a number of elevators reserved to serve the section (S1, S2, S3) to which the floor belongs are released (440).

12. The control system (110) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The control system (110) is configured to generate a number of estimates describing the demand for the elevator service for each individual in the predetermined area (220) based on data obtained from one or more sensors (210) arranged to monitor the predetermined area (220).

13. The control system (110) of claim 12, wherein: The control system (110) is configured to obtain the data from one or more sensors (210) as image capture devices.

14. The control system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein: The control system (110) is configured to evaluate a number of characteristics of an individual to generate an estimate describing the individual's need for elevator service.

15. The control system (110) of claim 14, wherein: The several characteristics of the individual include at least one of the following: the position of the individual in the predetermined area (220); the movement of the individual in the predetermined area (220); the posture of the individual; the gaze direction of the individual.

16. The control system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 15, wherein: The control system (110) is configured to determine the first estimate and the second estimate to express a probability of the group of individuals' aggregate demand for the elevator service.

17. The control system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 16, wherein: The control system (110) is configured to represent the first estimate and the second estimate as statistics about individuals in the predetermined area (220).

18. The control system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 17, wherein: The second reference value is defined as a total demand requiring elevator service that is greater than the first reference value.

19. An elevator system (100), comprising: Several elevators (E1, E2, E3), A control system according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. The elevator system (100) of claim 19, further comprising one or more sensors (210) configured to obtain data for generating a plurality of estimates describing the need for the elevator service for each individual in the predetermined area (220).

21. A computer program comprising computer readable program code configured to cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to be performed when the computer readable program code is run on one or more computing devices.

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