Procedure for operating an elevator system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system (100) with a plurality of elevator cabins (105, 105', 105''), wherein passengers (P) can be transported by the elevator system (100) to a floor (E) of a plurality of floors (E) of a building, wherein the method comprises the following steps: capturing a transport request of at least one passenger (P), wherein the transport request includes at least one starting floor (E) and one destination floor (E) in the building, and determining a route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) for the at least one passenger (P) based on the transport request.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system with at least one elevator group in whose elevator shafts a plurality of elevator cars can be moved in order to transport passengers between a plurality of floors of a building.

[0002] Elevator systems are typically designed to transport passengers to one of a number of floors in a building. Especially in larger buildings (complexes), the elevator system may comprise multiple elevator groups, with multiple elevator cars moving through their elevator shafts. Each elevator car can transport at least one passenger to another floor. In some elevator systems, passengers can also be transported horizontally.

[0003] The elevator system is part of a transportation concept within a building. When people want to get from one place to another within the building, there are usually various options available, such as stairs, escalators, various elevators, and the like, the options for which can vary depending on the time of day, for example. The goal of a transportation concept is to get people from one place to another as efficiently as possible. For example, people can also be guided within the building using a navigation device, particularly on-site, be it a personal device, a building navigation system generally accessible to building users, or they can "navigate" themselves.

[0004] Elevator users have different personal characteristics, preferences, and dislikes. For example, people may have different mobility or space requirements, particularly if they are carrying bulky items. Furthermore, elevator users may have different preferences, including regarding the decision to use an elevator at all or only to overcome large differences in height. Another preference may be to use a cabin alone or with as few other people as possible, and in return perhaps forgo a shorter travel time. Other people have individual dislikes, for example, a fear of heights and therefore prefer not to use glass elevators or an aversion to sharing confined spaces with other passengers. Existing elevator systems offer only limited options for responding to such requirements.

[0005] Based on this, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating an elevator system that provides passengers with a means of transport in a building that corresponds to their respective requirements.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments and additional features emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] A method is proposed for operating an elevator system having at least one elevator group in whose elevator shafts a plurality of elevator cars can be moved to transport passengers from a starting floor to a destination floor of a building. The method comprises, in one step, detecting a transport request from at least one passenger, wherein the transport request comprises at least one starting floor and one destination floor in the building. In a further step of the method, at least one user-specific value of the at least one passenger is detected, and in a still further step, a route for the at least one passenger is determined based on the transport request and the at least one user-specific value.

[0008] Operating an elevator system can encompass a variety of tasks and functions to ensure its smooth and safe operation. These may include, for example, controlling, monitoring, and / or controlling the elevator system. Various systems and control units can be used to operate the elevator system.

[0009] The proposed method records a passenger's transportation request. A transportation request can be a request or application for transportation from a starting location to a destination in a building. For example, the transportation request can be a request or application for transportation from a starting floor to a destination floor. The starting floor usually refers to the floor at which a passenger boards the elevator car, while the destination floor is the floor at which the passenger gets out of the elevator car. An elevator car can transport at least one passenger from one floor to another in a building. For example, it is possible for a passenger or a group of passengers to be transported from the ground floor to the fourth floor of a building by means of an elevator car.Furthermore, the elevator system can comprise additional elevator cars, in particular also in at least one additional elevator group located in a different part of the building and transporting other passengers or another group of passengers from one floor to another floor of the building. Thus, it is possible for the elevator system to transport a large number of passengers simultaneously from different floors to other floors of the building. Each passenger can have a destination floor, i.e., for example, a first passenger can have the third floor as their destination floor and a second passenger can have the fifth floor as their destination floor.

[0010] In particular, the transport request can also extend to an area of ​​the building which is not in the immediate vicinity of the elevator system, so that the passenger can receive a route description from or to their start or destination position. The transport request can contain various details, such as the desired start and destination locations, the number of passengers, special requirements or preferences of the passenger(s) such as time information, in particular a desired start or destination time or a duration of the transport. The transport request can be recorded, for example, by being transmitted via wired or wireless communication between the elevator system and the at least one passenger. This communication can also take place, for example, via a system provided for this purpose, such as a building-side navigation system.A navigation system usable in connection with this invention, in particular on the building side, comprises, for example, stationary or portable operating terminals that communicate with the elevator system via wired or wireless communication. In another embodiment, a navigation system usable in connection with this invention, in particular on the building side, can be provided by a software application executed on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet of a potential passenger. A navigation system usable within the scope of the invention is designed in particular on the building side, since it is directly connected to the building's internal elevator system for processing transport requests, in particular also using an internal WLAN system, or can be limited to such a system, in particular for data protection or security reasons.A passenger's transport request can, for example, also be recorded by a stationary control panel of the elevator system connected to a navigation system, particularly on the building's side.

[0011] The process can allow the transportation request to be made before the actual trip, for example, 1 to 10 minutes before the desired departure time. This allows the information transmitted by the transportation request to be used to plan the trip, and the most optimal solution, especially for the passenger, can be determined, particularly taking into account the current traffic situation. The more information available for planning elevator car journeys, the better the route that can be determined.

[0012] Furthermore, in the proposed method, at least one user-specific value of the at least one passenger is recorded. A user-specific value relates in particular to characteristics, preferences, or specific preferences of a passenger which are relevant for determining a route suitable for this passenger. The at least one user-specific value can be defined and transmitted by the passenger, for example, when submitting the transport request. It is also possible for one or more user-specific values ​​of a passenger to be stored in a database which is connected to a device for recording the transport request and which can be read out, for example, based on an input from the passenger or by means of an identification of the passenger when submitting the transport request.Such a database can, for example, be connected to a processing device that processes passenger transport requests, wherein said processing device can access the stored user-specific values ​​of passengers. Accordingly, such a database can be connected to a passenger's personal, particularly mobile, input device, which the passenger uses to submit the transport request. Essentially, knowledge of at least one user-specific value is intended to enable a customized transport or route for each passenger according to their individual needs or wishes, particularly during transport on the specific route, particularly using the elevator system.

[0013] In the proposed method, at least one route is determined for the at least one passenger based on the transportation request and the at least one user-specific value. A route can be visual, auditory and / or haptic instructions for the passenger, describing, for example, how to get from a starting floor to a specific destination floor or from a starting location to a destination in the building. The route can include specific information, such as room numbers, turn-by-turn instructions, prominent locations that must be passed, as well as distances and directions in order to follow a specific path to reach the desired destination. The route can also be a multitude of instructions or information. The route can include the use of an elevator system, a walkway and / or one or more staircases.In particular, in connection with the at least one user-specific value, there may be several possibilities for reaching a destination, whereby a route may describe several of these possibilities.

[0014] The route can further comprise, at least temporarily, a plurality of paths. The route can be determined based on the transportation request and the at least one user-specific value, for example, by determining a plurality of route sections from the starting floor to the destination floor and subsequently determining at least one route from a plurality of route sections identified using at least one user-specific value. A route can thus be understood as a route description individually tailored to a passenger.

[0015] To determine a route, all known algorithms, such as those from the group of genetic algorithms or machine learning, can be used to determine the most efficient routes taking into account at least one user-specific value.

[0016] The proposed method allows routes to be determined and made available according to the specific needs of passengers. Further advantages of the method include increased safety and comfort for passengers. Furthermore, the method can be used to optimize the organization and control of elevator car journeys in the elevator system, enabling efficient use of the elevator system and minimizing waiting times for passengers.

[0017] When the method is carried out, the at least one specific route is displayed to at least one passenger, and the route confirmed by the at least one passenger is then carried out by the elevator system to fulfill the transport request. The at least one specific route can be displayed to the at least one passenger, for example, directly on the operating terminal or a mobile device with which the transport request was made. In particular, the at least one passenger selects the route that best meets his or her requirements. After the at least one passenger has confirmed a route, the elevator system implements it, in particular in cooperation with other facilities in the building, and the information required for implementation is transmitted to the at least one passenger. In particular, the elevator system indicates to the passenger an elevator or elevator required for transport.an elevator car.

[0018] When executing the method, the current traffic situation of the elevator system is taken into account to determine at least one route. By taking the current traffic situation into account, delays expected due to the traffic situation, for example, due to a high volume of passengers in certain areas or floors of the elevator system or maintenance work being performed, can be incorporated into the route determination, allowing at least one convenient route to be suggested to the user.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the method, the at least one user-specific value of the at least one passenger comprises at least one of the following information: a characteristic of the at least one passenger, a preference of the at least one passenger, a usual speed of movement (walking, climbing stairs, etc.) of the at least one passenger in a building, a space requirement of the at least one passenger and / or a biometric feature of the at least one passenger.

[0020] The information about a characteristic of the at least one passenger can, for example, include that the passenger has a physical or mental limitation or disability which, for example, affects their mobility or ability to orientate themselves. Furthermore, the information can, for example, include that the passenger is ill, exhausted and / or weakened, which is why a route that offers a seat for rest could be particularly advantageous. The user-specific value can furthermore include a speed of travel of the at least one passenger that deviates from the general average and serves as a basis for determining a transport time and thus a time-efficient route for the at least one passenger. This particularly relates to a walking or driving speed of pedestrians or wheelchair users along aisles or a speed when pedestrians climb stairs.In addition, the user-specific value as a passenger characteristic may also include that the passenger suffers from claustrophobia or fear of heights, which is why using a panoramic glass elevator may be disadvantageous for this passenger, while it may be particularly suitable for another passenger due to the beautiful view.

[0021] The user-specific value can also include personal preferences such as short waiting times, which is why the passenger prefers the use of express elevators or shortcuts on foot, or, for example, a preference for elevators only above a certain height difference or number of floors for activity reasons. Other passengers prefer to be transported alone or with only a few people in a cabin and are happy to accept longer travel times. Or a passenger prefers routes with a higher proportion of walking and / or with fuller elevator cabins in order to create the lowest possible carbon footprint. Furthermore, passenger preferences can also include requirements regarding the travel speed or door opening times of the elevator cabin.When specifying the space requirement, for example, it can be taken into account that the passenger is using a wheelchair or is transported in a hospital bed, or is carrying a bulky item such as luggage. A user-specific value can also represent information that is only valid for a specific period of time.

[0022] In one implementation, passengers or user-specific values ​​can also be divided into different categories to simplify route calculation by reducing the number of parameters to consider. This could include elevator usage, personal preferences, and fears.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the method, the at least one user-specific value and / or the at least one specific route can be transmitted to an elevator control system in a further step. This occurs depending on the functional structure of the elevator system or a processing device connected to it, in particular a mobile one. In this case, the elevator control system is understood to be the system and / or software that controls or regulates the operation and functionality of the elevator system or the elevator groups and thus ultimately the individual elevator cars. The elevator control system includes, in particular, monitoring the movements of the elevator cars between floors or, in certain embodiments, within floors.The elevator controller can also determine the route based on a user request, the user-specific value, and / or other factors such as load capacity, traffic flow, and priorities, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the elevator system. The elevator controller can also directly control communication with users via displays, audio announcements, or other notifications. Whether only one route or several determined routes are transmitted to the elevator controller to implement the associated transport request depends in particular on the structure of the elevator system and, in particular, on an associated processing device involved in determining the at least one route or its selection.

[0024] When the method is carried out, the at least one route for the at least one passenger is determined by means of a processing device. Such a processing device has software suitable for determining at least one particularly favorable route for the at least one passenger, with the algorithms required to determine a route that is particularly favorable for the passenger. In particular, the processing device has interfaces for reading in all data required or available for determining routes, such as, in particular, user-specific values ​​from passengers, transport requests with desired start and end positions, the current traffic situation, and the structure and possible transport routes of the building and the elevator system. In particular, the processing device is designed such that it is connected to at least one database or storage device.one can read out which, for example, contains the structure and usable transport routes of the building and the lift system as well as other data fundamental to determining a route, such as existing traffic profiles of the building's use, in particular of the lift system and the lift groups belonging to it for the transport of people and / or goods in the building. Information on the structure and possible transport routes in the building includes, for example, data on footpaths, in particular also on stairwells or escalators in the building, from which the route length and time required for walking can be determined. For example, this data can also include information on seating or sanitary facilities, which must be taken into account when determining a route depending on the characteristics or preferences of passengers.Accordingly, the processing device has access to the algorithms and data required to determine at least one route suitable for serving the passenger's transportation request. In one aspect, when determining the route for the passenger, the processing device also considers the interaction, in particular with a route determined in parallel for at least one other passenger, on the overall traffic flow in the building.

[0025] In one embodiment of the method, the at least one route for the at least one passenger is determined by means of a processing device assigned to the elevator system. In this embodiment, the processing device assigned to the elevator system determines at least one favorable transport option with the elevator system itself, which in particular includes the use of specific elevator groups or in particular cabins, as well as, if necessary and / or also included in the transport request, further routes in the building with navigation information, in particular to, between and following transport journeys with the elevator system. The at least one route determined in this way is displayed to the passenger on a display device which interacts in particular with a building-side navigation system, so that the passenger can select the preferred route if there are several route suggestions.Based on the passenger's selection, the transport sections associated with the selected route are displayed to the passenger, in particular in sequence, and the elevator control system assigns the transport journeys associated with the selected route to the passenger.

[0026] In one embodiment of the method, the at least one route for the at least one passenger is determined by means of the processing device associated with a navigation system, in particular a building-based navigation system. Such a processing device can be available to the passenger via operating terminals arranged in the building or by means of a software application on a mobile device, or it can also be implemented directly by a software application on a passenger's mobile device, with the passenger's mobile device then representing the processing device. With such a configuration, the elevator system can send a building configuration upon initial coupling with a mobile device, whereby the mobile device contains properties of the elevator system and the building, such as the size and equipment of the elevator cars and / or the precise 3D coordinates of the building or building complex.This allows the navigation system to create previews and static route planning, for example. In large building complexes (campuses) with low lift heights, this may be sufficient for simple navigation.

[0027] The processing device communicates with the elevator control system to obtain the data required to determine at least one route. This includes, on the one hand, static data such as the size, type, and equipment of the elevator cars with respect to the rated load or maximum passenger capacity; whether the elevators are intended for freight or passenger transport; the car size, rated speed, and acceleration of the cars; the layout, type, and opening and closing times of car doors; whether the elevators are glass elevators with panoramic views; whether a voice output device according to EN81-70 is present; or whether a mirror is present to facilitate wheelchair access. The processing device also communicates with the elevator control system to obtain dynamic data.These relate, for example, to the current traffic situation and, in this case, also to the expected waiting and travel times of elevators or the expected number of passengers in a cabin during certain journeys. In this embodiment of the method, the navigation system, in particular on the building's side, determines at least one favorable transport option for the passenger using the elevator system itself, which in particular includes the use of specific elevator groups or cabins, as well as, if necessary or also included in the transport request, other routes in the building with navigation information, in particular to, between and following transport journeys using the elevator system. The at least one route determined in this way is shown to the passenger by means of a display so that, in the case of several route suggestions, the passenger can select and confirm his preferred route.Based on the selection, the passenger is then shown the transport sections associated with the selected route, particularly in sequential order. The navigation system then transmits the selected route to the elevator control system, which then assigns the passenger the transport journeys or elevator cars associated with the selected or confirmed route. When a device is first paired, the elevator system can also send a building configuration containing properties such as the size and equipment of the elevator cars, as well as the precise 3D coordinates within the building.

[0028] In one embodiment of the method, a route optimized for the at least one passenger is determined by a processing device assigned to the navigation system based on the at least one route determined by the processing device assigned to the elevator system. For example, the navigation system can evaluate the routes created by the processing device assigned to the elevator system, for example, based more intensively on capacity aspects of the elevator system, and determine an optimized route for the passenger, taking into account and, for example, based on a higher weighting of user-specific values, and / or perform a preselection for the at least one route displayed to the passenger.

[0029] When the method is implemented, at least one user-specific value of at least one passenger is recorded using the navigation system. In particular, within the context of a transport request, the passenger can be asked for information on the desired type of connection, such as a fast connection, few transfers, short walking distances, or the possibility of using stairs; their walking speed, such as slow, normal, or fast; or the route's accessibility, in particular whether no, conditional, or comprehensive accessibility is desired or required.When using a software application such as an API (Application Programming Interface) on a user's personal mobile device or for a user who regularly moves around the building, it may be provided that such information is permanently stored in the personal settings of the mobile device and / or a database of a building's navigation system.

[0030] When the method is executed, statistical data is made available to the processing device. Such data relates, for example, to a traffic profile of the building's usual use, particularly over the course of a day, week, month, and / or year, which can also be used to forecast traffic within the building, particularly at specific times.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method, the route has a plurality of route sections, each route section being assigned a graphical representation for display. The route can, for example, comprise a first route section and a second route section. The first route section can, for example, comprise the use of a stairwell and the second route section can comprise the use of an elevator car. Symbols and colors can be assigned to the route sections and / or the facilities of the building and / or the elevator system, which simply illustrate how the route sections or the means of transport used by the route are equipped. Properties that can be displayed here include, for example, the travel speed, the car size or whether it is a glass elevator.Accordingly, the first route section can be assigned a graphical representation, such as a staircase symbol and the color green, which can indicate that the stairs are available for use.

[0032] When the method is implemented, the route can be determined based on a mathematical learning model, wherein the mathematical learning model is adapted using the at least one user-specific value. By integrating the user-specific value, the mathematical learning model can modify and adapt assumptions and decisions made in order to determine a route that is better tailored to the needs and requirements of the individual passenger. In other words, the mathematical learning model can be trained using the at least one user-specific value. Artificial neural networks, support vector machines, a random forest model, or a gradient boosting model can be used as the mathematical learning model for the methods described herein. Supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or semi-supervised learning, for example, can be used as the training method for the mathematical learning model..

[0033] In one embodiment of the method, the route comprises at least one of the following information: a transport duration for the at least one passenger, a waiting time and / or a travel time for the at least one passenger, at least one lift group or lift shaft of the lift system intended for use, in particular with an indication of a specific property of the at least one lift car or the lift shaft or the lift group, the expected number of passengers who will be transported in the at least one lift car and / or an intended use of a staircase in the building.

[0034] Waiting time typically refers to the amount of time a person waits for the arrival and use of an elevator car after making a transportation request or confirming a specific route. The elevator group intended for use refers to the activity or use of the elevator system for transportation. The elevator group or elevator shaft intended for use can refer to the use of the elevator system for specific directions or stages in a building, whether for a specific floor or to connect between different floors. Use can refer to one or more passengers.

[0035] In one embodiment of the method, at least one user-specific value for at least one passenger is determined by the elevator system. For this purpose, the elevator system can use data recorded and stored during operation, such as travel times or traffic profiles. Furthermore, the elevator system can be equipped with special software to learn passenger behavior (e.g., peak traffic times, car load, preferences, etc.). In particular, this information can be evaluated and stored anonymously. Furthermore, at least one sensor device can be arranged on the elevator system, which records data and information relating to the operation of the elevator system. User-specific values ​​can be derived from this data and information, which can be used to determine at least one route for at least one passenger.With the help of this additional information, a further improved determination of at least one route for the at least one passenger can be made.

[0036] In one embodiment of the method, the elevator installation has at least one sensor device, wherein at least one user-specific value can be determined or derived from a sensor value detected by the sensor device. A sensor device suitable for use in the proposed method has a plurality of sensors, for example sensors for determining the position of the elevator car, sensors for counting the number of passengers in the elevator car, and / or weight sensors for detecting the total weight in the elevator car. The sensor device can also comprise a camera for detecting a residual capacity in the elevator car by area. The elevator installation can store the sensor values ​​detected by the at least one sensor device for use in the processing device for determining a route, for example in a storage device or a database.This makes it possible to provide the processing device with information or data collected by the sensor device for route determination. The data from the sensor device can also be used, for example, to determine the number of people currently in the building, how many of them have requested transportation, or how long it takes them to board and disembark. The data collected by the sensor device can also remain anonymous.

[0037] In one embodiment of the method, at least one of the following pieces of information can be detected by means of the sensor device or can be determined or derived based on the detected sensor values: the number of passengers entering and / or exiting an elevator car, the number of passengers located in an elevator car, the weight of at least one passenger located in an elevator car and / or goods located therein, the position of at least one elevator car of the elevator system, the travel and / or stopping time of at least one elevator car on a floor or from a first floor to a second floor, images of the interior of at least one elevator car or of another building area that is connected in particular to the elevator system and / or the number or an estimate of the number of (potential) passengers located in the building or at least in the vicinity of the elevator system.

[0038] The travel time of at least one elevator car can refer to a period of time required, for example, to transport or convey a passenger or a group of passengers from one floor to another. The travel time can also be a measure of the duration of the transport in the entire elevator system. The travel time also has a start time and an end time. The start time of the travel time can, for example, be the start of the transport of a passenger by means of the elevator system. The end time of the travel time can, for example, be the end of the transport of a passenger by means of the elevator system. The travel time can vary depending on the properties of the elevator system and the building.

[0039] With the help of the sensor device, the elevator system can also provide feedback on special characteristics of the passenger or a user-specific value, such as a walking speed resulting from an arrival time, the space required or the weight in order to take a passenger's luggage into account when the elevator system is at full capacity, to avoid stairs when planning a route or to take into account expected loading and unloading times. In an elevator car, signal transmission to and from a mobile device can be disrupted, which can impair communication between the mobile device and the navigation system. The navigation system may then be unable to detect the passenger's position. To solve this problem, the elevator system can report the position of an elevator car determined by sensors to the navigation system and thus also the position of the passenger in the elevator car.The elevator system can also be connected to an API (Application Programming Interface) or a navigation system. The method can be executed, at least in part, on the API or the navigation system.

[0040] In a further aspect of the present invention, an elevator installation comprises at least one processing device, particularly associated with the elevator installation. The processing device can form part of the elevator control system or be integrated into it. The processing device is configured to execute a method described herein.

[0041] In general, features of the various exemplary aspects and / or embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless clearly excluded in the context of the disclosure.

[0042] In the following part of the description, reference is made to the figures, which are shown to illustrate specific aspects and embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes to the illustrated embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of the figures is therefore not to be considered limiting.

[0043] This shows Fig. 1 shows an elevator installation 100 comprising a plurality of elevator cars according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a method for operating an elevator installation according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows an elevator installation with a route comprising a plurality of route sections according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 an elevator installation with a sensor device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0044] In the following, identical reference symbols refer to identical or at least functionally identical features.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an elevator installation 100 comprising a plurality of elevator cars 105, 105', 105" according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The elevator installation 100 comprises an elevator group 140, which has an elevator shaft 130, 130', 130" for each of the elevator cars 105, 105', 105", in which the respective elevator car 105, 105', 105" can move up and down between the floors E1 to E6. Each of the elevator cars 105, 105', 105" is moved by a drive. An elevator control 120 can be provided to control the drives of the respective elevator car 105, 105', 105". The elevator control 120 can thus coordinate or regulate and coordinate the travels of the elevator cars 105, 105', 105" of the elevator group 140.

[0046] The elevator control 120 is connected to the operating terminals or control panels B1 to B6 located on each floor E1 to E6. The elevator control 120 can thus receive information when a passenger 4 is waiting for one of the elevator cars 105, 105', 105" on one of the floors E1 to E6. A passenger can select a transportation request to one of the floors E1 to E6, to which they intend to be transported, via one of the control panels B1 to B6.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a method 200 for operating an elevator installation 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In a first step 210, the method comprises detecting a transportation request from at least one passenger. The transportation request comprises at least one starting floor and one destination floor in the building. In a second step 220, at least one user-specific value of the at least one passenger is detected. In a sub-step 220a of the second step 220, the method may comprise detecting at least one sensor value using at least one sensor device of the elevator installation 100. In a further sub-step 220b of the second step 220, the method may comprise determining at least one user-specific value from the sensor value.

[0048] In a third step 230, a route is determined for the at least one passenger based on the transportation request and the at least one user-specific value. The method is executed by a processing device 150, which can be assigned, for example, to the elevator system 100 or, in particular, to a building-based navigation system.

[0049] In an optional fourth step 240, the at least one specific route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 can be displayed to the at least one passenger P and confirmed by the passenger P, or, in the case of multiple optional routes, selected and confirmed by the passenger P. The route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 confirmed by the at least one passenger P is then executed by the elevator system 100 to fulfill the transport request. Depending on the device to which the processing device 150 is assigned, the at least one specific route can be transmitted to an elevator control system 120 and / or a navigation system in an optional fifth step 250. In a likewise optional sixth step 260, the at least one determined route can be transmitted to at least one display device 151 in order to display the route and, in particular, individual route sections to the at least one passenger.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary elevator installation 100, in which several alternative routes 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 are shown, which have a plurality of route sections according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The Fig. The elevator system 100 shown in Figure 4 comprises a first elevator group 140, a second elevator group 140', a stairwell 440 and a third elevator group 140''.

[0052] The first elevator group 140 comprises two elevator shafts 130 with a first and a second elevator car 105. Furthermore, the second elevator group 140' also comprises two elevator shafts 130' with a first and a second elevator car 105'. The third elevator group 140'' also comprises two elevator shafts 130'' with a first and a second elevator car 105''.

[0053] The elevator cars 105 of the first elevator group 140 can be controlled via a first elevator control 120, and the elevator cars 105' of the second elevator group 140' can be controlled via a second elevator control 120'. The elevator cars 105'' of the third elevator group 140' can be controlled via a third elevator control 120''. The elevator controls 120, 120', 120'' are connected to a processing device 150, which can determine at least one route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 based on a received user request from a passenger P. In this exemplary embodiment, the processing device 150 represents at least part of a navigation system, in particular on the building's side, and communicates with the elevator controls 120, 120', 120'' andwith the elevator installation 100 and / or at least one, in particular personal, mobile device 152 of at least one passenger P, in order to determine the at least one route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 and to assign the route confirmed by the passenger P to the passenger P and to control the elevator installation 100 accordingly. The processing device 150 or the navigation software itself can represent an independent component of the elevator installation 100, or can be implemented in at least one elevator control 120, 120', 120'' or at least partially in an application on the mobile device 152 of a passenger P. In particular, the devices of the elevator installation 100 required to carry out the method communicate with one another via corresponding interfaces and memory devices.

[0054] The elevator shafts 130 and the elevator cars 105 of the first elevator group 140 have glass walls, allowing passengers using one of the elevator cars 105 of the first elevator group 140 to enjoy the view of their surroundings from the elevator cars 105 during their ride. In contrast, the elevator cars 105' of the second elevator group 140' have no viewing windows, and the elevator shafts 130' of the second elevator group 140' are made of concrete, preventing any view to the outside. However, the elevator cars 105' of the second elevator group 140' move at 7 meters per second, ensuring fast transportation with the second elevator group 140'.

[0055] The elevator cars 105" of the third elevator group 140" offer particularly ample space, allowing wheelchairs, beds, or larger objects to be accommodated. Furthermore, the elevator cars 105" can transport a load of up to 3000 kg. This allows the third elevator group 140" to transport particularly heavy and bulky objects. The third elevator group 140" thus provides barrier-free or handicapped-accessible elevator cars 105". The building in which the elevator system 100 is located also has a staircase 440, which offers a particularly simple, safe, and environmentally friendly way to reach the various floors E of the building.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the method described herein, based on a transportation request from a passenger P and at least one recorded user-specific value of the passenger P, at least one route 470 with a plurality of alternative routes 471, 472, 473, and 474 can be determined for the elevator system 100. The passenger P wishes to reach the destination Z. It is of course possible - particularly in larger building complexes - that there are further routes, in particular with alternative route sections, for the passenger P to reach their destination Z. The at least one determined route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 can, for example, only comprise those route sections that can be determined based on the at least one user-specific value.

[0057] The first route 471 includes the use of the first elevator group 140, the second route 472 includes the use of the second elevator group 140' and the third route 473 includes the use of the stairs 440. The fourth route 474 includes the use of the third elevator group 140'.

[0058] The at least one route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 intended for the passenger P is determined based on the transport request and the at least one user-specific value, wherein the passenger P transmits the at least one user-specific value to the elevator system or the processing device 150, for example by means of an input device such as a control panel B of the elevator system 100 or a personal mobile device in particular.

[0059] The user-specific value includes, for example, at least one piece of information about a characteristic, preference, speed of travel, space requirement, or biometric feature of passenger P. The information about the characteristic of passenger P may include, for example, that passenger P has limited mobility, a specific disadvantage, or a disability. Furthermore, the information may include, for example, that passenger P is exhausted or weakened.

[0060] For example, due to the limited mobility of passenger P, a route or route section that requires the use of a stairwell 440 may be excluded. However, a route section via the third elevator group 140'' may be determined to be particularly suitable for passenger P.

[0061] Fig.4 shows a schematic representation of an elevator installation 100 with a sensor device 530 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The exemplary elevator system 100 is connected to a navigation system 500, which is available, in particular, within the building and serves for navigation within the building or building complex. The navigation system 500 provides passenger data 510 to the elevator system 100. The elevator system 100 is connected to a sensor device 530, which detects at least one sensor value 520 and transmits it to the navigation system 500 or a processing device 150 connected thereto.

[0063] Depending on the type of sensors included in the sensor device 530, the sensor value 520 can, for example, include the number of passengers P in an elevator car 105 of the elevator system 100. The sensor value 520 can further include the travel time of an elevator car 105 from a departure floor to a destination floor of the elevator system 100. It is also possible for the sensor value 520 to include the weight of at least one person P located in an elevator car 105 of the elevator system 100 or of a good transported thereby. Furthermore, the sensor value 520 can include an image recording of the interior of an elevator car 105 or the access area to the elevator system 100.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensor device 530 can have at least one sensor 521 for counting the number of passengers P in the elevator car 105, a sensor 522 for detecting the travel time of the elevator car 105, a sensor 523 for detecting the load of the elevator car 105 and a sensor 524, for example a camera, for detecting an image of the interior or the surroundings of an elevator car 105.

[0065] The requirements or user-specific values ​​of passengers P can be exchanged via an interface (API: Application Programming Interface) of the elevator system 100 to a navigation system 500, in particular on the building side, and thus a route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 to the desired destination Z can be determined that is as optimized as possible for a passenger P.

[0066] The navigation system 500 can, in turn, use this information to offer the passenger P various routes 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 with their respective characteristics (eco / short routes / reaching the destination quickly). If the navigation system 500 transmits the known characteristics, preferences, limitations, and / or fears to the elevator system 100, these can be taken into account when determining waiting and travel times and then, in turn, compiled by the navigation system into an optimal route 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 tailored to the passenger P.

[0067] Escalators and stairwells 440 can also be included as possible route sections. An escalator 440 can offer the advantage of no waiting time and a very precise travel time (or distance) can be determined, which depends only on the walking or stair-climbing speed of the passenger P. List of reference symbols 100 elevator system 105, 105', 105'' elevator car 120, 120', 120'' elevator control 130, 130', 130'' elevator shaft 140, 140', 140'' elevator group 150 processing facilities 151 Display device 152 mobile devices E, E1 - E6 floors B, B1 - B6 control panels 200 procedures 210, 220, 220a, 220b, 230, 240, 250, 260 procedural steps 440 stairs 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 routes P Passenger Z Target 500 navigation system 510 passenger data 520 Sensor value 521 Sensor for counting the number of passengers in the elevator car 522 Sensor for recording the travel time of the elevator car 523 Sensor for detecting the load of the elevator car 524 Sensor for capturing an image 530 Sensor device

Claims

[1] Method for operating an elevator installation (100) with at least one elevator group (120, 120', 120''), in whose elevator shafts (130, 130', 130'') a plurality of elevator cars (105, 105', 105'') can be moved in order to transport passengers (P) from a starting floor (E) to a destination floor (E) of a building, the method comprising the following steps: - detecting a transport request from at least one passenger (P), the transport request comprising at least one starting floor (E) and one destination floor (E) in the building; - detecting at least one user-specific value of the at least one passenger (P); and - Determining at least one route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) for the at least one passenger (P) based on the transportation request and the at least one user-specific value. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein in a further method step the at least one specific route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) is displayed to the at least one passenger (P), and the route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) confirmed by the at least one passenger (P) is executed by the elevator installation (100) to fulfill the transport request. [3] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a current traffic situation of the elevator installation (100) is taken into account for determining the at least one route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474). [4] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one user-specific value of the at least one passenger (P) comprises at least one of the following information: - a characteristic of the at least one passenger (P); - a preference of at least one passenger (P); - a speed of movement of at least one passenger (P); - a space requirement of at least one passenger (P); and / or - a biometric characteristic of at least one passenger (P). [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one user-specific value and / or the at least one route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) is transmitted to an elevator control (120, 120', 120'') in a further step. [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) for the at least one passenger (P) is determined: - by means of a processing device (150) which is assigned to the elevator installation (100), and / or - by means of a processing device (150) which is associated with a navigation system (500). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein, based on the at least one route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) determined by means of the processing device (150) assigned to the elevator installation (100), a route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) optimized for the at least one passenger (P) is determined by means of a processing device (150) assigned to the navigation system (500). [8] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the user-specific value of the at least one passenger (P) is detected using the navigation system (500). [9] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein statistical data are made available to the processing device (150). [10] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) has a plurality of route sections and each route section is assigned a graphical representation for display. [11] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) is determined based on a mathematical learning model and wherein the mathematical learning model is adapted by means of at least one user-specific value. [12] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one specific route (470, 471, 472, 473, 474) comprises at least one of the following information: - a duration of transport for at least one passenger (P); - a waiting time and / or a travel time for at least one passenger (P); - at least one elevator group (140, 140', 140'') or elevator shaft (130, 130', 130'') of the elevator installation (100) intended for use, in particular with an indication of a specific property of the elevator car (105, 105', 105'') of the elevator group (140, 140', 140'') or of the elevator shaft (130, 130', 130''); - Expected number of passengers (P) to be transported in the at least one elevator car (105, 105', 105''); and / or - an intended use of a staircase (440) of the building. [13] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one user-specific value of at least one passenger (P) is determined by the elevator installation (100). [14] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator installation (100) has at least one sensor device (530) for detecting at least one sensor value (520). [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the following information can be determined by means of the at least one sensor device (530): - the number of passengers (P) entering and / or exiting a lift car (105, 105', 105''); - the number of passengers (P) in a lift car (105, 105', 105''); - the weight of at least one passenger (P) and / or goods located in the elevator car (105, 105', 105''); - the position of at least one elevator car (105, 105', 105'') of the elevator installation (100); - the travel and / or stopping time of at least one elevator car (105, 105', 105'') at a floor (E) or from a first floor (E) to a second floor (E); - Image recordings of the interior of at least one elevator car (105, 105', 105'') or another building area which is in particular connected to the elevator system; and / or - the number of passengers (P) in the building or at least in the vicinity of the lift. [16] Elevator installation (100) with at least one processing device (150), wherein the at least one processing device (150) is configured to carry out a method according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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