Methods, apparatus and elevator systems for controlling elevators

Abstract

An apparatus, elevator system, and method for controlling an elevator, wherein the elevator (100) includes at least two operating modes for operating the elevator, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein at least some operating parameters are different between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method includes changing the elevator's operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on determined differences in elevator use and / or detected elevator usage patterns.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the technical field of elevator technology. In particular, this invention relates to a method, apparatus, and elevator system for controlling an elevator. Background Technology

[0002] Elevators are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. In residential buildings, elevators serve as a means of transportation for residents and their property, and may also be used occasionally when people are entering or leaving apartments. Similarly, in commercial environments, companies frequently use elevators to relocate their offices or facilities.

[0003] Conventional elevator systems, primarily designed for transporting people, often encounter significant limitations when transporting large items or goods. A problem arises when people attempt to move fairly large or numerous items within the elevator car. In such situations, elevator doors tend to close rapidly, causing inconvenience and potential safety hazards for users. A common solution is to place or insert objects between the doors, but this is not a safe solution for users as it can create a tripping hazard.

[0004] Furthermore, when one person is attempting to unload an elevator car loaded with multiple items, another user might inadvertently call the elevator from a different floor. Consequently, the elevator car might be summoned to another floor, making personal belongings inside vulnerable to theft. Simultaneously, the person responsible for the items is unable to continue transporting them, which occupies the elevator car and inconveniences all users.

[0005] Therefore, solutions need to be developed to mitigate the described drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method, apparatus and elevator system for controlling elevators.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by the method, apparatus and elevator system as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling an elevator, wherein the elevator includes at least two operating modes for operating the elevator, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein at least some operating parameters are different between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method includes changing the elevator's operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on determined differences in elevator use and / or detected elevator usage patterns.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the determined differences in elevator use involve at least one of the following: the determined or measured load, the destination of the elevator car, the travel time, elevator car door opening timing data, and elevator car door closing timing data. In one embodiment of the invention, the detected elevator usage pattern involves at least one of the following: a predefined number of times or trips within a predefined duration between certain floors (e.g., the ground floor and a certain upper floor), a door opening time longer than a predefined threshold, and / or a weight change in the elevator car faster than or greater than a predefined threshold level.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor (e.g., a camera, microwave radar, lidar) is arranged in the elevator car and / or elevator waiting area, such that the sensor is able to detect the presence and / or movement of objects and / or people in the elevator car and / or elevator waiting area, wherein the method further includes detecting differences in elevator use and / or detecting patterns of elevator use based at least in part on data from at least one sensor.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes detecting at least one of the following patterns based on data from at least one sensor: a person carrying or moving an object, an item on an elevator floor or waiting area, an item in an unoccupied elevator car, a person carrying multiple items into and / or into an elevator car, or an item in an elevator car or elevator waiting area having a size or predefined form larger than a predefined threshold size, such as a pallet trolley or handcart.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the method further includes using machine learning to analyze elevator-related data and / or sensor data to identify changes or patterns in elevator usage, thereby changing from a first operating mode to a second operating mode.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first operating mode is a passenger transport mode, and the second operating mode is a cargo transport and / or movement mode.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, compared with the first operating mode, the elevator car door closing waiting time is longer and / or the closing speed is slower in the second operating mode.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elevator's operating mode is changed from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when the elevator idle predefined time and / or the mode change criteria from the first mode to the second mode are no longer met, for example, when the determined differences in elevator use and / or the detected elevator use mode do not meet the criteria for changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the elevator includes at least one display indicating at least one activated operating mode, such as a second operating mode, and / or at least one display is arranged in the elevator car and / or the elevator waiting area.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, in the second operating mode, the elevator does not serve other floors and / or the elevator car remains at the destination floor, with the doors open until someone enters the elevator car. In another embodiment of the invention, the elevator comprises multiple elevators forming an elevator group, and the elevator in the second operating mode is not activated in the elevator group as long as the elevator uses the second operating mode.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling an elevator, such as an elevator control unit, wherein the elevator includes at least two operating modes for operating the elevator, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein at least some operating parameters differ between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The apparatus is configured to change the elevator's operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on detected differences in elevator use and / or detected elevator usage patterns.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an elevator system comprising at least one elevator shaft, at least one elevator car configured to travel along the elevator shaft between multiple floors, and means according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, device, or elevator control unit, cause the computer, device, or elevator control unit to perform a method according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0023] An advantage of the method, apparatus, and elevator system according to the present invention is that the solution of the present invention can better and more safely handle situations where elevators are used to transport large or numerous items. Using the solution of the present invention, the opening and closing times of the doors can also be optimized to accommodate the movement of items in elevators designed for passenger transport, thus eliminating the need for items to block the elevator doors. Therefore, dangerous situations can be avoided. Using at least some embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to prevent elevators fully loaded with items from being dispatched to serve users.

[0024] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, communication regarding when the elevator is being continuously pre-booked for moving large quantities of goods is improved because, for example, the elevator's operating mode is indicated to all elevator users. Displays indicating the operating mode used can be arranged at the landings and / or the elevator car.

[0025] This invention can also be used during the construction of a building, when transporting materials to different areas of the building. This can be accomplished efficiently and safely using the solution provided by this invention.

[0026] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprising" is used in this patent application as an open-ended limitation, which does not exclude the presence of features not described. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other.

[0027] The expression “several” in this text may refer to any positive integer starting from one (1). The expression “multiple” may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2).

[0028] The novel features considered to be characteristic of the invention are particularly set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, its construction and operation, and its additional objects and advantages will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example and not limitation.

[0030] Figure 1 An elevator system according to an example embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0031] Figure 2 An elevator car and an elevator waiting area are schematically shown according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 An elevator waiting area according to an example embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0033] Figure 4 An example method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1An example elevator is schematically illustrated, demonstrating the use of the solutions of the present invention. Elevator 100 according to an example embodiment may include an elevator car 110 arranged to move within an elevator shaft 112. Movement of the elevator car 110 may be achieved via a lifting rope or belt 113 connected to a traction pulley 114, etc. Furthermore, elevator 100 includes an elevator motor arranged to operate (e.g., by rotating its rotor) the traction pulley 114 for moving the elevator car 110 (if not substantially directly coupled to the lifting rope 113). The traction pulley 114 may be directly or indirectly connected to the motor shaft via a mechanical connection or via gears. Elevator 100 may include a machine room or be machine-room-less, for example, having a motor within the elevator shaft 112.

[0035] Elevator 100 may include at least one or at least two traction mechanical brakes 116 configured to directly or via traction pulleys 114 or components thereof and / or between traction pulleys 114 to prevent or preferably stop movement of the motor (i.e., its rotor). Furthermore, elevator 100 may include a brake controller 125 configured to operate at least one of the at least one traction mechanical brakes 116. Brake controller 125 may also be connected to other components of elevator 100, such as elevator control units and / or safety systems. Brake controller 125 may include, or be at least connected to, actuators (not shown) for operating the brakes 116.

[0036] In at least some embodiments, a counterweight 118, such as that known to those skilled in the art of elevators, may additionally be present and connected to the elevator car 110. Furthermore, the elevator 100 may additionally include one or more guide rails 117 arranged in the elevator shaft 112 for guiding the movement of the elevator car 110.

[0037] Figure 1 The elevator 100 may also include a converter unit. The converter unit may include, or essentially be, an inverter or frequency converter for connecting to and controlling the operation of the motor, and a controller connected to the converter unit, wherein the controller is configured to operate the converter unit to provide electrical power (signals) such as having variable voltage and variable frequency to the windings of the motor. For example, the controller may be a separate controller device or may be included within the converter unit.

[0038] Furthermore, the converter unit can be arranged to be powered by a power source such as elevator 100 (e.g., from an external power grid or mains power supply) or another power source (e.g., a battery system). Additionally, power can be drawn from the converter unit.

[0039] One or more devices may be arranged between the power supply and the converter unit, such as input filters, circuit breakers and / or contactors or relays, and / or devices for charging the energy storage elements of the converter unit.

[0040] The elevator 100 preferably includes landings 119 or landing floors 119 and, for example, landing doors and / or openings, and the elevator car 110 is arranged to move between landings 119 or landing floors 119 during normal operation of the elevator 100 in order to move people and / or goods between the floors 119.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor 111 may be arranged in the elevator car, the sensor being capable of observing the presence and movement of objects or people in and / or near the elevator car. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor 115 may be arranged in the elevator waiting area, the sensor being capable of observing the presence and movement of objects or people in and / or near the elevator waiting area.

[0042] The elevator may include at least one control unit 120 for controlling the operation of the elevator and / or its safety system. The control unit 120 may be a separate device or may be included in other components of the elevator, such as in or as part of an electric drive. The control unit may also be implemented in a distributed manner, such that, for example, part of a conveyor control unit may be included in the electric drive, while another part may be included in the elevator car. The control units may also be distributed across two or more locations or devices. In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the power unit supplying power to the conveyor system. The elevator control unit may also be configured to collect status information of the elevator car and fault information in the event of an elevator malfunction.

[0043] The movement of the elevator car can be controlled at least partially by the elevator control unit. When the elevator car is configured to reach a desired floor, the elevator car's speed is instructed to decelerate so that it can stop at the floor. Deceleration is the operation of reducing the elevator car's speed from its normal operating speed to a lower speed and / or stopping it. Deceleration can also be called slowdown. The elevator then waits at the floor for the next passenger. At the floor, the elevator doors can remain open and / or closed.

[0044] In the solution of this invention, the elevator includes at least two operating modes for operating the elevator, a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein at least some operating parameters are different between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method includes changing the elevator's operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on determined differences in elevator use and / or detected elevator usage patterns.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the elevator's operating mode can be changed between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on determined differences in elevator use and / or detected elevator usage patterns. In one embodiment, information can be received from the elevator control unit, which may, for example, report information relating to at least one of the following: elevator load, destination, travel time, door opening time, and door closing time. In one embodiment of the invention, the mode can be identified based on this information used to change between the first and second operating modes of the elevator.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, for example, for an elevator in a residential building, frequent trips between the ground floor and an upper floor can be identified. In one embodiment of the invention, this can be used as a criterion for automatically activating a second operating mode. In one embodiment of the invention, this can be combined with a determined longer door opening time. In one embodiment of the invention, frequent trips (e.g., as described above) and / or door opening times longer than a predefined duration can be used to activate the second operating mode.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the combination of a door opening time longer than a predefined value and an increase in elevator load can be identified as a mode that triggers a second operating mode of the elevator.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elevator's operating mode can be changed from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when the identification mode is no longer identified, the criteria for changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode are no longer met, and / or the duration of the elevator being in an idle state is longer than a predefined duration.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor (e.g., a camera, microwave radar, lidar, or other sensor) can be used to identify situations where the elevator should change its mode from a first operating mode to a second operating mode and / or use the second operating mode. In another embodiment of the invention, machine learning and AI can be utilized when analyzing data from the sensors to determine when a switch should occur between the first and second operating modes.

[0050] In the solution of this invention, the second operating mode of the elevator can be used, for example, for situations where people are entering or exiting apartments in residential buildings. A similar situation may exist in commercial buildings (such as offices) when companies move in or out. In these cases, people (or an individual) are carrying items into the elevator, and in the solution of this invention, when the elevator system notices this situation, it can change the elevator's operating mode to take the identified situation into account. One way to take this into account could be, for example, that the elevator car doors remain open for a longer period in the second operating mode than in the first operating mode, making, for example, easier to load the elevator.

[0051] Mobility can also be problematic for other users in the building. For others, the elevator being constantly and persistently pre-booked can lead to frustration. In one embodiment of the invention, when a second operating mode is activated, a display (e.g., an elevator landing screen) can notify the user. This can help other users understand the situation and adjust their movement within the building. In another embodiment of the invention, for example, using advanced landing devices, requests to release the elevator for a period of time can be fulfilled.

[0052] Another situation that could cause problems is when one person is loading or unloading an elevator car with multiple items while another person makes an elevator call. Sometimes, the elevator car then travels to another floor based on the elevator call, with personal belongings inside the elevator car. In one embodiment of the invention, this can be prevented in a second operating mode of the elevator, such that the elevator does not serve other floors when the second operating mode is activated. In one embodiment of the invention, the elevator does not serve other floors when the second operating mode is activated and there are items inside the elevator car.

[0053] Another situation where the solution of the present invention can be used is when large items are moving with the elevator. This requires elevator users to be very careful, as injury is easily caused, for example, when trying to load items such as sofas, bicycles, or cargo pallets into the elevator. In these situations, the person moving the large item can use both hands when the door begins to close. In one embodiment of the invention, this situation can be considered by using a second operating mode of the elevator, and in one embodiment of the invention, in the second operating mode, the elevator door can remain open for the user when the system detects (e.g., via sensors) that someone is moving or carrying a large object.

[0054] Furthermore, problems may arise if objects placed inside the elevator car are too large for a user to fit inside. In these cases, the user may have difficulty accessing the car's control panel, and may need to catch up with the elevator to unload it before any other user calls a fully loaded elevator to another floor. These situations can be addressed by using a second operating mode for the elevator. In one embodiment of the invention, a second operating mode can be activated when a user is identified as unsuitable for the elevator car. In another embodiment, the elevator car remains in a second operating mode at the destination floor, for example, with the doors open, until the user arrives there. In yet another embodiment, for example, utilizing advanced landing devices, elevator calls can be made at a landing, for example, in the elevator waiting area.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor can be used to identify one or more people carrying multiple items in the elevator car and / or elevator landings or waiting areas, and this information can be used to determine whether a second operating mode should be activated. In another embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor can also be used to identify the presence of objects or items in the elevator car. In this case, the elevator can activate the second operating mode.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor can be used to identify large items or objects, such as pallet carts or trolleys on elevator floors or in the waiting area or in the elevator car. Based on this, the elevator can change its operating mode to a second operating mode.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, when determining differences in elevator use and / or detecting patterns in elevator use and / or deciding when to complete the change between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, information from both the elevator system and sensors can be utilized.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, in a second operating mode, automatic door closing can be disabled, for example, causing the elevator door to remain open until it is manually closed by a person.

[0059] Figure 2An elevator car and an elevator waiting area are schematically illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a person 203 carries an object 205 (e.g., a large object) from the elevator waiting area 204 into the elevator car 210. The person 203 and the object 205 can be identified, for example, by a sensor 201 arranged in the elevator car 210. Based on the identified object, such as the object being large and / or having a predefined size or shape, the elevator can automatically switch its operating mode from a first operating mode (which may be a normal operating mode) to a second operating mode (which may be an operating mode used during the transport of large items, such as a moving or transport mode). In this example embodiment, the activation of the operating mode can be indicated on a display 202 in the elevator car 210. In one embodiment of the invention, instructions or other information, such as, in addition to the elevator's active operating mode, can be displayed on the display. Figure 2 The example shows the message "Please carefully load your items into the elevator." This could, for instance, only occur when the elevator's second operating mode is activated.

[0060] Figure 3 An elevator waiting area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. The waiting area may include a sensor 301, which may be used, for example, to identify the presence of people and / or objects that can be transported by elevator in an exemplary embodiment. A door 303 may be arranged in the elevator waiting area, through which a person may enter the elevator car. The elevator waiting area may also include a display 302 capable of displaying the elevator's active operating mode. Using the display, other users of the elevator can see that the elevator is in a second operating mode, and this can affect elevator usage. In one embodiment of the invention, the display in the waiting area may be arranged in association with an operation panel arranged on each floor and / or a status display of the elevator arranged on each floor. In one embodiment of the invention, in addition to the elevator's active operating mode, instructions or other information may also be displayed on the display. Figure 3 In the example, when the elevator is operating in the second operating mode, a message "Elevator is in cargo mode" is displayed on the screen. Each elevator waiting area in the elevator system may include sensors and / or displays, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In this example, waiting area 304 can be as follows: Figure 2 In another floor of the example. In this case... Figure 2 People can see the elevator has an active second operating mode on the display 202 in the elevator car, and at the same time, other people on other floors can see the active operating mode on the display 302 arranged in the waiting area.

[0061] Figure 4An example method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The example method includes operating an elevator using at least two operating modes, a first operating mode and a second operating mode. At least some operating parameters differ between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method includes changing the elevator's operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode based on determined differences in elevator use and / or detected elevator usage patterns.

[0062] The system's apparatus, elevator unit, control unit, or controller (e.g., an elevator control unit) may include one or more processors, one or more volatile or non-volatile memories for storing portions of computer program code and any data values, and possibly one or more user interface units. The aforementioned elements may be communicatively interconnected using, for example, an internal bus. The one or more processors of the processing unit may be any suitable processor for processing information and operating the control unit, as well as other tasks. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to implement methods according to any embodiment of the invention. The memory unit may store portions of computer program code and any other data, and the processing unit may operate the unit as described above by executing at least some portions of the computer program code stored in the memory unit. Furthermore, the one or more memories of the memory unit may be volatile or non-volatile. Moreover, the one or more memories are not limited to a certain type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing the described multiple pieces of information may be applied in the context of the invention. The communication unit may be based on at least one known wired or wireless communication technology to exchange information as described above. The communication unit may provide an interface for communicating with any external unit, such as the brake control unit of the drive unit, a positioning system, a database, and / or any external system. The unit may also include a user interface, which includes I / O devices for receiving input and output information, such as buttons, keyboards, touch screens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc.

[0063] The specific examples provided in the description above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the description above are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an elevator, in, The elevator (100) includes at least two operating modes for operating the elevator, a first operating mode and a second operating mode. At least some operating parameters differ between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The method includes: Based on the determined differences in elevator use and / or the detected elevator usage patterns, the elevator's operating mode is changed from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The determined differences in elevator usage involve at least one of the following: determined or measured load, elevator car destination, travel time, elevator car door opening timing data, elevator car door closing timing data, and / or The detected elevator usage pattern involves at least one of the following: a predefined number of trips or journeys between certain floors (e.g., the ground floor and a certain upper floor) within a predefined duration, a door opening time longer than a predefined threshold, and / or a weight change in the elevator car that is faster than or greater than a predefined threshold level.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one sensor (111, 115, 201, 301), such as a camera, microwave radar, or lidar, is arranged in an elevator car (110, 210) and / or an elevator waiting area (204, 304) such that the sensor (111, 115, 201, 301) is capable of detecting the presence and / or movement of an object (205) and / or a person (203) in the elevator car (110, 210) and / or the elevator waiting area (204, 304), wherein the method further includes detecting differences in elevator use and / or detecting patterns in elevator use based at least in part on data from the at least one sensor (111, 115, 201, 301).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes detecting at least one of the following patterns based on data from the at least one sensor (111, 115, 201, 301): A person (203) carrying or moving an object (205). The object (205) on the elevator floor or waiting area (204, 304). The object (205) is in the elevator car (110, 210), but there is no one in the elevator car (110, 210). One or more persons (203) carrying multiple objects (203) into elevator cars (110, 210) and / or carrying multiple objects (203) in elevator cars (110, 210). Objects of a size or predefined form, such as pallet trucks or trolleys, that are larger than a predefined threshold size in the elevator car (110, 210) and / or in the elevator waiting area (204, 304).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method also includes using machine learning to analyze elevator-related data and / or sensor data to identify changes or patterns in elevator use for switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first operating mode is a passenger transport mode, and the second operating mode is a cargo transport and / or movement mode.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Compared to the first operating mode, in the second operating mode, the elevator car door has a longer closing wait time and / or a slower closing speed.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elevator's operating mode is changed from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when the predefined idle time of the elevator and / or the criteria for changing the mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode are no longer met. For example, when the determined differences in elevator use and / or the detected elevator use mode does not meet the criteria for changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the elevator's operating mode is changed to the first operating mode.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elevator includes at least one display indicating at least one active operating mode, such as the second operating mode, and / or wherein the at least one display (202, 302) is arranged in the elevator car (110, 210) and / or the elevator waiting area (204, 304).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the second operating mode, the elevator does not serve other floors and / or the elevator car (110, 210) remains at the destination floor, the doors are open until a person enters the elevator car (110, 210), and / or The elevator includes multiple elevators forming an elevator group, and the elevator in the second operating mode is not activated in the elevator group as long as the elevator uses the second operating mode.

11. A device for controlling an elevator, such as an elevator control unit, in, The elevator (100) includes at least two operating modes for operating the elevator, a first operating mode and a second operating mode. At least some operating parameters differ between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The device is configured as follows: Based on the detected differences in elevator use and / or the detected elevator usage patterns, the elevator's operating mode is changed from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The apparatus is configured to perform any one of the methods according to claims 2 to 10.

13. An elevator system, wherein, The elevator system includes: At least one elevator shaft (112) and at least one elevator car (110, 210) are configured to travel along the at least one elevator shaft between multiple floors (119), and The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, device, or elevator control unit, cause the computer, device, or elevator control unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising the computer program of claim 14.

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