Elevator operating device with traffic dependent functionality

Abstract

In an elevator system (1), floor terminals (LOPi) are able to be actuated by a control unit (8) in one of at least two operating modes. A screen unit (34) of a floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a functional scope dependent on the operating mode, with an individual functional scope being defined for each operating mode. The control unit (8), which actuates a first floor terminal (LOPi) in one of the at least two operating modes, ascertains a local traffic volume at the location of the first floor terminal (LOPi). The local traffic volume is compared with at least one threshold value that is defined for the traffic volume at the first floor terminal (LOPi) in order to generate a comparison result. A desired operating mode of the first floor terminal (LOPi) is defined on the basis of the comparison result and of the operating mode in which the control unit (8) actuates the first floor terminal (LOPi), and the first floor terminal (LOPi) is actuated in the defined desired operating mode.

Description

[0001] The technology described here generally relates to an elevator system having a plurality of elevator operating devices. Embodiments of the technology also relate to a method for operating such an elevator system.

[0002] To enable a passenger to call an elevator, elevator systems are known that have either a floor terminal for entering the desired direction of travel (e.g., "Up" and "Down" buttons) or a floor terminal for entering the desired destination floor. The latter is made possible by elevator systems with a destination call controller, which assigns an elevator car to a passenger's elevator call in order to transport the passenger to a desired destination floor. One embodiment of an elevator system with a destination call controller is disclosed in document EP 0 443 188 B1; the call allocation is performed by the destination call controller based on calculated service costs.

[0003] US 2009 / 294221 A1 discloses an elevator system with floor terminals, each having a programmable touchscreen that can be programmed to display destination call buttons with ten buttons, up and down buttons, or a number of destination buttons. Furthermore, buttons for various uses can be displayed, e.g., cafeteria, sky lobby, parking, public transport, and lobby. A controller programs the touchscreen depending on traffic volume, the time of day, the floor of the building on which the touchscreen is located, or the identity of a passenger (VIP). US 2009 / 294221 A1 discloses the preamble of claims 1 and 14.

[0004] EP 3 102 520 B1 describes an elevator system with a destination call control, in which a control unit selects a first or second operating mode according to a traffic situation prevailing in the elevator system. When traffic is low, the first operating mode is selected, and when traffic is high, the second operating mode is selected. In the first operating mode, an elevator call entered at a floor terminal on a call input floor is allocated immediately, and the allocated elevator is displayed at this floor terminal immediately after the call is entered. In the second operating mode, the call is allocated with a delay, i.e., only shortly before the allocated elevator arrives at the call input floor; either no display is displayed at the floor terminal or reference is made to a display board in the elevator hall.

[0005] The solutions mentioned enable call allocation taking into account the operating situation of the respective elevator system. Passenger interactions with the elevator system are essentially limited to call input. In elevator systems with input of the desired direction of travel, the call is input by the first passenger and remains visible to subsequent passengers on the boarding floor until a serving elevator arrives. In elevator systems with input of the desired destination floor at a floor terminal and subsequent allocation to an elevator car, the input is made individually by each passenger. In some cases, several passengers use the same floor terminal one after the other, which must be done quickly; therefore, the options for a passenger to interact with a floor terminal are limited.Depending on the building and its use, additional interaction options may be desired. However, these additional options can prolong the interaction of an individual passenger to such an extent that subsequent passengers have to wait until they can use the floor terminal. These delays can not only result in unsatisfactory waiting times for passengers, but can also lead to a reduction in the transport capacity of the elevator system if the usage time per passenger at the existing floor terminals becomes too long. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that creates such additional interaction options in an elevator system without the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system in a building. The elevator system has a number of floor terminals arranged on floors of the building, a control device communicatively connected to the floor terminals, and an elevator car that can be moved between the floors of the building. In the method, the floor terminals are controlled by the control device according to one of at least two operating modes, wherein a screen device of a floor terminal generates a user interface with a range of functions dependent on the operating mode; an individual range of functions is defined for each operating mode. A local traffic volume at a location of a first floor terminal is determined by the control device, which controls the first floor terminal according to one of the at least two operating modes.A local traffic volume can be determined for each floor terminal. The local traffic volume is compared by the control device with at least one threshold value defined for the traffic volume at the first floor terminal to generate a comparison result. According to the method, a desired operating mode of the first floor terminal is defined depending on the comparison result and the operating mode according to which the control device (8) controls the first floor terminal. The first floor terminal is then operated according to the defined desired operating mode.

[0007] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an elevator system comprising at least one elevator car that can be moved between floors of the building, a control device, and a number of floor terminals arranged on the floors. A floor terminal has a screen device configured to generate a user interface. The control device is communicatively connected to the floor terminals. The control device is configured to control the floor terminals according to one of at least two operating modes, wherein the screen device of a floor terminal generates the user interface with a range of functions dependent on the operating mode. An individual range of functions is defined for each operating mode.The control device is also configured to determine a local traffic volume at a location of a first floor terminal controlled according to one of the at least two operating modes, and to compare the local traffic volume with at least one threshold value defined for the traffic volume at the first floor terminal to generate a comparison result. The control device determines a desired operating mode of the first floor terminal based on the comparison result and the operating mode according to which the first floor terminal is to be controlled. The first floor terminal can then be operated according to the defined desired operating mode.

[0008] The technology described here enables an elevator system to be operated in such a way that additional opportunities for interaction between a passenger and a floor terminal are created without resulting in unsatisfactory waiting situations for passengers or a reduction in the elevator system's transport capacity. The technology described here achieves this by making the possibility of interaction with a floor terminal dependent on the local traffic volume at that floor terminal. Depending on the local traffic volume, more or fewer interaction options are available at the floor terminal, and the range of functionality is generated accordingly, depending on the operating mode.For example, if the local traffic volume exceeds a threshold defined for the traffic volume at the floor terminal, this is considered an increased traffic volume, during which delays at the (busier) floor terminal must be avoided. As a result, the passenger is offered a reduced range of functions in an effort to minimize their time spent at the floor terminal.

[0009] The reduced functionality essentially comprises only elevator-specific functions, in particular a function for entering elevator calls. These functions are collectively referred to below as the main functionality. However, if the local traffic volume is within the normal range, for example, the passenger is offered an expanded functionality; this includes the (elevator-specific) main functionality plus a service functionality (e.g., information services). The technology described here therefore uses the local traffic volume to control the respective floor terminal.

[0010] In one embodiment, the floor terminals are controlled by the control device according to one of two operating modes. Furthermore, a first threshold value is defined for the traffic volume at the first floor terminal, with the comparison result indicating an increased traffic volume if the local traffic volume is at least equal to the traffic volume defined by the first threshold value. Accordingly, identical or different threshold values ​​can be defined for additional or all floor terminals. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is specified that the first floor terminal is controlled in a first operating mode, and the screen device of the first floor terminal generates a user interface with a first range of functionality.If the comparison result indicates an increased traffic volume, the first floor terminal is controlled in a second operating mode. The screen device of the first floor terminal generates the user interface with a second set of functions in the second operating mode. The second set of functions is less than the first set of functions. Using just one threshold value, it is easy to determine whether there is an increased traffic volume at this first floor terminal and in which of the two operating modes the first floor terminal should be operated.

[0011] In one embodiment, both the first and second functionality scopes include a function for entering elevator calls. Call entry is therefore possible in each of the operating modes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first functionality scope comprises a first main functionality and a service functionality; the second functionality scope, in contrast, exclusively comprises a second main functionality. The first main functionality can be the same as the second main functionality. In this case, the passenger is offered the same main functionality in both operating modes, regardless of the local traffic volume. In one embodiment, the first main functionality can be different from the second main functionality. In this case, the passenger is offered different main functionalities depending on the local traffic volume; one or more essentially identical functions can be present in both main functionalities.This means that, for example, in the event of increased local traffic volume, the possibility of interaction can be further reduced and not only by omitting the display of the service functionality.

[0013] In one embodiment, both the first functionality scope and the second functionality scope comprise call input fields assigned to the floors, and the first functionality scope comprises information fields assigned to individual services. These information fields are not included in the second functionality scope. The call input fields and the information fields can be displayed on the user interface of a floor terminal. Passengers are typically familiar with this type of display on a user interface, so operation is essentially self-explanatory.

[0014] Passengers can also usually see which fields perform a service assigned to that field when touched. For example, if a passenger touches an information field, a service assigned to the touched information field can be executed. The screen device of the relevant floor terminal then controls the user interface to display the selected service.

[0015] The services available for selection can be flexibly defined for a building. In one embodiment, the services include a weather information service, an elevator information service, a user settings service, a building information service, a shopping and / or entertainment service, and / or a news service. In an office building, the news service may, for example, include current business news. Further examples of such services are given elsewhere in this description.

[0016] In one embodiment, the call input fields and / or the information fields can be dynamically displayed as a function of a time parameter. The time parameter can specify a month, a day of the week, a time of day, and / or a season. This allows, for example, the number of information fields and / or the services assigned to them to vary depending on the day of the week.

[0017] If a passenger touches a call input field on the first floor terminal, the control device registers an elevator call for a trip from the floor on which the passenger is located to the floor assigned to the call input field. In one embodiment, an elevator car (or elevator) is immediately assigned to this elevator call for call operation. The control device controls the screen device of the first floor terminal to immediately display the assigned elevator car on the user interface. The immediate display of the assigned elevator car occurs regardless of whether there is increased local traffic or not.

[0018] In one embodiment, the user interface generated by the screen device of the first floor terminal depends not only on the operating mode-dependent functionality, but also on the location of the first floor terminal. Thus, the user interface can be designed specifically for the location of the first floor terminal in each operating mode.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a third operating mode is defined for controlling the floor terminals by the control device, for which third operating mode a second threshold value for the general traffic volume in the elevator system is defined. If the general traffic volume is at least equal to the traffic volume defined by the second threshold value, a comparison result indicates that the elevator system is at full capacity. The first floor terminal is then controlled in the third operating mode, and the screen device of the first floor terminal generates a user interface with a third range of functionality. The third range of functionality includes information on the full capacity of the elevator system. This information can, for example, inform passengers that no calls can currently be registered or that long waiting times are to be expected.In one embodiment, the information may include alternative suggestions, e.g., an estimated waiting time and / or alternative routes (possibly including stairs and / or other elevators). This keeps passengers informed even in such operational situations.

[0020] With the technology described here, the local traffic volume is determined at the first floor terminal (or at several or all floor terminals). In one embodiment, elevator calls can be evaluated that are entered at the first floor terminal within a specified period and registered by the control device. This information is stored in the control device, so the control device can be configured (e.g., programmed) for this purpose without significant effort.

[0021] In another embodiment, a sensor system installed in the building can be used, which is communicatively connected to the control device. Sensor signals generated by the sensor system are evaluated to determine the local traffic volume. Depending on its design, the sensor system can detect not only a passenger during the (actual) call entry at the first floor terminal, but also passengers who may be in the vicinity of the first floor terminal and may wish to enter an elevator call next.

[0022] In another embodiment, a stored traffic pattern is used to determine the local traffic volume. The traffic pattern is determined from data on previous local traffic volumes as a function of time. To determine the local traffic volume at a specific time (e.g., month, day, time of day), the traffic volume that existed at a corresponding time in the past can be used. In this embodiment, the control device can also be configured (e.g., programmed) accordingly without major effort.

[0023] Various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, like elements have like reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an elevator system in a building with multiple floors; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of elevator groups of the elevator system; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a user interface of a floor terminal according to a first operating mode; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a user interface of a floor terminal according to a second operating mode; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a display of an assigned elevator on the user interface of a floor terminal; and Fig. 6 shows an exemplary representation of an embodiment of a method for controlling a floor terminal using a schematic flow diagram.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an elevator system 1 in a building 2; the building 2 can, in principle, be any type of multi-story building (e.g., residential building, hotel, office building, sports stadium, etc.). Components and functions of the elevator system 1 are explained below, insofar as they appear helpful for understanding the technology described here. Fig. 1 The building 2 shown has several floors L1, L2, Ln (n = number of floors) on which elevator operating devices LOPi (hereinafter referred to as floor terminals LOPi), where i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... m and m = number of floor terminals LOPi). The floors L1, L2, Ln are served by the elevator system 1, i.e., a passenger 4 can enter an elevator call at a floor terminal LOPi in order to then be transported by the elevator system 1 from a call input floor to a destination floor. The call input floor is also referred to as the boarding floor.

[0025] In Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the elevator system 1 has an elevator car 10 which can be moved in an elevator shaft 18 and which is connected to a drive unit (DR) 14 via a support means 16 (ropes or belts) and is suspended from this drive unit 14. This can be a traction elevator, with further details, such as a counterweight and guide rails in Fig. 1 are not shown. The elevator control (EC) 12 is connected to the drive unit 14 and controls the drive unit 14 to move the elevator car 10 in the shaft 18. The function of a traction elevator, its components, and the tasks of an elevator control 12 are generally known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the elevator system 1 may comprise a hydraulic elevator. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the elevator system 1 may comprise multiple cars or one or more groups of elevators.

[0026] The Fig. 1 The elevator system 1 shown is equipped with a destination call control, the functionality of which is represented in the illustrated embodiment by a control device (CTRL) 8. The term "destination call control" in this description refers to the components (e.g., computers, processors, memory devices) and associated control and computer programs that execute the functions described below and / or are involved in their execution. The control device 8 is representative of these components and control and computer programs in Fig. 1 shown.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the control device 8 or its functionality can be implemented entirely or partially in the elevator control 12. If the elevator system 1 comprises one or more groups of elevators, the functionality of the destination call control can be implemented entirely or partially in a group control. The functionality of the destination call control can also be implemented in combination with the floor terminals LOPi. The destination call control assigns an elevator call (destination call) of a passenger 4 entered at a floor terminal LOPi to one of several elevator cars 10 present in the elevator system 1 and communicates the corresponding allocation information via a communication bus 24 to the elevator control 12 and via a communication bus 22 to the floor terminal LOPi at which the passenger 4 is located when the call is entered.Further details on the functionality of the control device 8 and its function in connection with a destination call control are given elsewhere in this description.

[0028] For illustration, Fig. 1 On floor L1, there are four floor terminals LOP1 - LOP4, on floor L2, two floor terminals LOP5, LOP6, and on floor Ln, a single floor terminal LOPi. The expert will recognize that the number of LOPi floor terminals arranged on a floor L1, L2, Ln can be determined depending on elevator system 1 and building 2. Fig. 2 shows, for example, an arrangement of twelve elevators (elevator cars 10), such as may exist on floor L1. The elevators are organized into two elevator groups of six elevators each (elevators A - F and elevators G - L), and the passengers 4 have access to each elevator group on two sides. In the illustrated embodiment, a floor terminal LOP1 - LOP4 is arranged at each entrance. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the elevator groups, the entrances, and the floor terminals LOP1 - LOP4 can be arranged in a different way. The person skilled in the art will also recognize that access control to the elevator groups can be implemented in conjunction with the floor terminals LOP1 - LOP4.

[0029] At one of the floor terminals LOPi, a passenger 4 can enter a desired destination floor. According to one exemplary embodiment, each floor terminal LOPi comprises a display device (hereinafter also referred to as a touchscreen) with a touch-sensitive screen that displays fields and / or identifiers assigned to destination floors. The functionality and structure of a touchscreen are generally known to those skilled in the art; in particular, those skilled in the art know, for example from the programming and use of smartphones, how symbols, pictograms, input and output fields, etc. are generated on a touchscreen and displayed on a user interface. Those skilled in the art also know that the components of the floor terminal LOPi can be arranged, for example, in a housing, so that the floor terminal LOPi can be arranged at a desired location on a floor L1, L2, Ln.

[0030] In building 2 with an elevator system 1, as in Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 As shown by way of example, the technology described here can be advantageously used to operate the elevator system 1 with the highest possible transport capacity and the best possible comfort for the passengers 4. Briefly and by way of example, the operation of the elevator system 1 according to one embodiment is as follows: The control device 8 registers a traffic volume prevailing in the building 2, which may be within the usual or a predetermined range, but may also be above or below this. For this purpose, the control device 8 can, for example, evaluate the elevator calls entered per unit of time, sensor signals generated by a sensor system, and / or use a traffic pattern generated from historical usage data.Furthermore, the control device 8 is configured to determine a local traffic volume that prevails (locally) at a specific floor terminal LOPi; this floor terminal LOPi is referred to below as the first floor terminal LOPi and is representative of the technology described here. In a hotel lobby, for example, the traffic volume is generally higher after the arrival of a tour group; specifically, the traffic volume can be determined, for example, at a floor terminal LOP1 (. Fig. 2 ), which is located closer to the reception, may be higher than at a floor terminal LOP4 ( Fig. 2 ), which is located further away from it.

[0031] According to the technology described here, the control device 8 controls this (first) floor terminal LOPi as a function of the local traffic volume. When local traffic volume is low, the floor terminal LOPi is controlled according to a first operating mode, in which the user interface displays an extended screen content or a first screen content with a first (extended) range of functionality; it comprises a (elevator-specific) main functionality and a service functionality (e.g., information services). A passenger 4 can, for example, take their time viewing or reading the information services (e.g., before or after entering a call) without interfering with the call entry of other passengers 4.In the event of increased local traffic volume, the LOPi floor terminal is controlled according to a second operating mode, in which the user interface displays a second (reduced) screen content with a second set of functions. The first set of functions differs from the second set of functions. The reduced set of functions essentially comprises only the aforementioned main functionality. In one embodiment, the main functionality enables the input of a destination floor, whereby only elevator-specific functions are displayed (e.g., "buttons" for destination floors). This ensures that passenger 4, after entering the call and reading the assigned elevator, frees up the LOPi floor terminal as quickly as possible for a subsequent passenger 4.

[0032] Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 show example user interfaces with different functionality (screen contents). Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a floor terminal LOPi, which has a processing device 30 (µP), a memory device 32, and a display device 34. The display device 34 comprises, as stated above, a touchscreen. In one embodiment, the memory device 32 stores a computer program that the processing device 30 executes during operation. The processing device 30 controls the display device 34, as described below; it is also connected to the elevator control 12, which in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 4 shown with dashed lines for illustration. Controlled by the control device 8, the processing device 30 controls the display device 34 according to one of at least two operating modes such that, depending on the prevailing traffic volume, it generates a user interface 38 with a range of functionality dependent on the operating mode. Using this user interface 38, a passenger 4 can, for example, enter an elevator call and receive information about made and confirmed calls. In addition to this user interface 38, the floor terminal LOPi, in one embodiment, has a loudspeaker (not shown) for outputting acoustic messages.

[0033] In Fig. 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the user interface 38 displays a first range of functionality according to the first operating mode. The first range of functionality comprises a first main functionality and a service functionality. The exemplary user interface 38 displays a plurality of fields 36, 40. The main functionality comprises the fields 36, which are arranged in a column and assigned to floors. The fields 36 can, for example, be numbered (e.g., floors 1-9), labeled (e.g., with names), and / or marked with symbols / pictograms (e.g., floors 8, 9). If a passenger 4 touches one of the fields 36, a destination call to the floor assigned to the field 36 is registered. The fields 36 can also be referred to as call input fields 36.

[0034] The service functionality includes the fields 40, which in the embodiment shown are also arranged in a column. Each (information) field 40 can be assigned at least one functionality or service: An information field 40.1 is provided for weather information (weather information service 40.1), an information field 40.2 for elevator information (e.g., arrival time of the assigned elevator, operating and fault information) (elevator information service 40.2), an information field 40.3 for user settings (e.g., settings that can be made on-site by a passenger 4, e.g., preferred destination floors and / or selection or change of a PIN code) (user settings service 40.3), an information field 40.4 for building information (e.g., a building plan) (building information service 40.4), an information field 40.5 for shopping and / or entertainment options (shopping and / or entertainment service 40.5), and an information field 40.6 for messages (message service 40.6). Depending on the configuration of the LOPi floor terminal, passenger 4 can touch one of these fields 40 to display additional information associated with field 40.

[0035] The person skilled in the art will recognize that the arrangement, division, and number of fields 36, 40 are exemplary and that the fields 36, 40 can be arranged in a different way. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the design of the fields 36, 40 (e.g., size, shape, black / white, color, etc.) can be tailored to the floor terminal LOPi (e.g., size of the display device 34) and building 2.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary user interface 38 with a second functionality scope according to the second operating mode. The second functionality scope includes a second main functionality; a service functionality (analogous to that in Fig. 3 shown) is not displayed. The exemplary user interface 38 displays fields 42 that are assigned to the floors served by the elevator system 1; these (call input) fields 42 can also be numbered, for example (e.g. floors 1 - 9, as in Fig. 4 shown), labeled (e.g. with names) and / or marked with symbols / pictograms. If a passenger touches one of the fields 42, a destination call to the floor assigned to the field 42 is registered. In the embodiment shown, the fields 42 are arranged in a matrix; the arrangement of the fields 42 can also be done in a different way (as in connection with Fig. 3 executed), which also applies to their design (e.g. size, shape, black / white, color, etc.).

[0037] The examples of the Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 show that an individual functionality scope is defined for each operating mode. The second functionality scope is smaller than the first functionality scope in these embodiments. In Fig. 3 The first main functionality shows the numbered and marked call input fields 36, while in Fig. 4 The second main functionality, for example, only displays the numbered call input fields 42. In these embodiments, the first main functionality is different from the second main functionality (e.g., with regard to the scope of functionality and the manner of display). In another embodiment, the first main functionality may be the same as the second main functionality.

[0038] The person skilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to the first and second operating modes, further operating modes can be used, depending on the detected (local) traffic volume. Thus, a plurality of operating modes can be assigned to a plurality of traffic volumes, for example, with the functionality of an operating mode decreasing as traffic volume increases.

[0039] The Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 The screen content shown can change when operated by a passenger 4, for example, for a specified period of time. If the passenger 4 touches one of the fields 36 ( Fig. 3 ) or one of the fields 42 ( Fig. 4 ) to enter a call (destination call) for a journey from the boarding floor to a desired destination floor, the floor terminal LOPi - controlled by the processing device 30 - displays on the user interface 38, for example, a designation of the elevator (e.g. "A") assigned to the elevator call and the selected destination floor (e.g. "5"), as shown by way of example in Fig. 5 is shown. In one embodiment, the allocation and display of the assigned elevator name occurs immediately after the call is entered. The elevator name can be displayed for 1-2 seconds, for example.

[0040] The expert recognizes that touching one of the Fig. 3 shown (information) fields 40 also results in the screen content changing from a standard setting to a temporary setting. In the temporary setting, the additional information associated with the touched field 40 can be displayed within this field 40. In one embodiment, the field 40 can also be displayed enlarged after the touch; for example, it can cover one or more untouched fields 40. A non-touched field 40 can also be (temporarily) not displayed. In one embodiment, a time period can be specified for the temporary setting; after this time period has elapsed, the screen content is displayed again in the standard setting. Both the time period and the information content of the displayed screen content can depend on the (first or second) operating mode.In the first operating mode, the duration can be longer and / or the information content can be richer, or passengers can be offered four additional interaction options. In the second operating mode, the duration can be shorter and / or the information content can be reduced, with no additional interaction options.

[0041] Furthermore, the interaction options can be displayed or not displayed not only depending on the operating mode; if an operating mode provides for an interaction option, this can also mean that it is possible in the respective operating mode, but is only displayed if further conditions are met (e.g., based on the location of the floor terminal, the time of day, the day of the week, the settings of the building operator or the move-out user or usage information thereof, data from sensors in the building or external data sources). In the first operating mode, the arrangement, division and / or number of fields 36, 40 can vary in one embodiment, for example, the information field 40.5 for shopping and / or entertainment options can only be displayed during their opening hours and the weather information (information field 40.1) is only displayed in the morning; they can alternatively or additionally vary locally, i.e.depending on the location of the LOPi floor terminal. Similarly, the contents of fields 36 and 40 can be displayed according to time and / or location.

[0042] The elevator system 1 according to Fig. 1 The existing control device 8 represents the functionality of a destination call control system. The basic function of a destination call control system and the call allocation performed by it are known, for example, from the book by GC Barney et al., Elevator Traffic Analysis Design and Control, Rev. 2nd Ed., 1985, pp. 135-147, or the above-mentioned patent document EP 0 443 188 B1. This patent document describes, for example, that a computer knows the load, position, and operating status of an elevator car, the operating status of a drive, and has additional information about the current and previous traffic volume for each elevator in the elevator system at any given time. Based on this information, the destination call allocation algorithm described therein allocates newly entered destination calls to the elevators as optimally as possible according to predetermined criteria (e.g., waiting time until arrival at the call input floor). The destination call allocation is based on calculations of the operating costs.The individual calculated service costs are compared call by call and the elevator with the lowest service costs is selected to serve the destination call.

[0043] In one embodiment, the control device 8 evaluates predetermined information about traffic volume. The control device 8 can, for example, be present centrally for the pull-out system 1, or decentrally for individual elevators or individual floor terminals LOPi. The control device 8 is designed (e.g., by means of an executable computer program) to evaluate the number of entered elevator calls as a function of time and the floor L1, L2, Ln or even the floor terminals LOPi. This makes it possible, for example, to determine a current traffic volume for each floor L1, L2, Ln. The control device 8 is also designed to perform a corresponding evaluation related to an individual floor terminal LOPi. Such an evaluation can be performed for one, several, or all floor terminals LOPi.In addition to the aforementioned floor-specific analysis, the current traffic volume at a single floor terminal (LOPi) can be determined. If multiple floor terminals (LOPi) are located on a floor (L1, L2, Ln), the (local) traffic volume at the location of the respective floor terminal (LOPi) can be determined. In the above example of the arrival of a tour group, for example, the current traffic volume at floor terminal (LOP1) is determined and compared with predefined traffic volume data, allowing an operating mode to be selected for increased traffic volume.

[0044] In one embodiment, the control device 8 stores the data of the determined traffic volume as a function of time and location (floor, site) in a memory device. The memory device can be an internal data memory of the control device 8 or an external memory device that is communicatively connected to the control device 8. From the stored data, it can be determined which traffic volumes existed at which locations at which times (e.g. year, month, day of the week, time of day, season) in the past. From this, average values ​​can be determined as a function of time and location, including a traffic pattern, which are used in one embodiment to define a usual framework for the traffic volume for a floor terminal LOPi. Based on this, it can be determined during operation whether a current traffic volume is above or below this.In one embodiment, it may be sufficient to detect that the traffic volume is above this level to then switch to the second operating mode. In this case, the switch to . Fig. 3 shown screen content in the Fig. 4 The second operating mode remains until traffic volume returns to normal.

[0045] In one embodiment, the elevator system 1 comprises a sensor system 6. The sensor system 6 is optional; it can, for example, be used together with the destination call control to determine the traffic volume. In another embodiment, it can be used essentially independently of the destination call control to determine the traffic volume. Both in Fig. 1 as well as in Fig. 2 The optional sensor system 6 is shown for illustration purposes. The sensor system 6 is Fig. 1 Individual camera devices arranged on floors L1, L2, Ln are shown, which are connected to the control device 8, for example, via the communication bus 22. Each camera device is assigned a spatial detection area, and each camera device is arranged such that its spatial detection area comprises a floor terminal LOPi and / or its spatial surroundings, wherein the detection area of ​​a camera device can also comprise more than one floor terminal LOPi (and the corresponding spatial surroundings). In one embodiment, a camera device can be arranged above a floor terminal LOPi, e.g., on a building ceiling.

[0046] The sensor system 6 comprises an image processing device that evaluates images generated by the camera devices (e.g., video recordings, individual images). The evaluation of the image(s) from one of the camera devices aims to detect the presence of a passenger 4 within the detection area and, if multiple passengers 4 are present there, to determine the number of passengers 4. In one embodiment, the camera devices can be configured, for example, for image recordings in the visible optical spectrum or in the infrared range; the camera devices can comprise 3D cameras based, for example, on the principle of time-of-flight (TOF) measurement. Details on this measurement principle are given, for example, in R. Jeremias et al., "A CMOS Photosensor Array for 3D Imaging Using Pulsed Laser," 2001 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, page 252.Such a 3D camera can detect objects (passengers 4) and determine their number, positions, and directions of movement. A computer program is installed in the image processing device for such an evaluation; such computer programs for image processing or image analysis are known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the sensor system 6 detects the passengers 4 located on each floor L1, L2, Ln. In one embodiment, the traffic volume can thus be determined for each floor L1, L2, Ln. Depending on the design of the sensor system 6 and / or the arrangement of the individual camera devices, in one embodiment, the traffic volume can be determined for each floor terminal LOPi, i.e., a local traffic volume can be determined for each floor.

[0048] With the understanding of the in connection with Fig. 1 - Fig. 5 The basic structure and function of the elevator system 1 described below is explained using Fig. 6 a description of an embodiment of a method for operating the elevator system 1, in particular a method for operating the floor terminals LOPi. Fig. 6 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method for operating the elevator system 1. The method according to Fig. 6 starts in a step S1 and ends in a step S8.

[0049] In one step S2 The floor terminals LOPi are controlled by the control device 8 according to one of at least two operating modes. The screen device 34 of one of these floor terminals LOPi generates a user interface 38 with a functionality scope dependent on the operating mode, with an individual functionality scope being defined for each operating mode. In the embodiment according to Fig. 6 A (first) floor terminal LOPi, considered as an example for this description, is controlled by the control device 8 according to a first operating mode; this is an initial situation assumed as an example. In the first operating mode, the user interface 38 displays an extended functionality. The extended functionality includes the main functionality and the service functionality.

[0050] In one step S3 a local traffic volume at a location of the first floor terminal LOPi is determined by the control device 8, which controls the first floor terminal LOPi according to one of at least two operating modes. The control takes place in Fig. 6 according to the first operating mode. Local traffic volume can be determined using one of the above-mentioned approaches.

[0051] In one step S4 This will be done in step S3determined local traffic volume is compared with at least one threshold value that is defined for the traffic volume at the relevant or the first floor terminal LOPi by the control device 8 in order to generate a comparison result. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6 The local traffic volume is compared with a threshold value (norm). If the comparison result shows that the local traffic volume is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds along the yes branch to step S6. If this is not the case, the process proceeds along the no branch to step S7. S5.

[0052] In the steps S5 and S6 a desired operating mode of the first floor terminal LOPi is determined depending on the comparison result and the operating mode according to which the control device 8 controls the first floor terminal LOPi. Fig. 6In the illustrated embodiment, the first floor terminal LOPi is controlled in the first operating mode (initial situation, see step S2 ). If the local traffic volume is less than the threshold (No branch of step S4 ), no change of operating mode is required and the first operating mode is retained or in step S5 The first floor terminal LOPi is operated according to the specified first operating mode, with the extended functionality still being displayed. However, the operating mode changes when the local traffic volume is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Yes branch of step S4 ). In step S6 The second operating mode is then set as the desired operating mode and the first operating mode (initial situation, see step S2) switches to the second operating mode. The first floor terminal LOPi operates according to the specified second operating mode, with reduced functionality displayed.

[0053] At certain times, there may be very few passengers in the building, and / or there may be very few or no travel requests (e.g., at night or on weekends). At these times, the elevator system 1 can be put into a standby mode, in which, among other things, the floor terminals are put into an energy-saving mode; their display devices 34 are then deactivated and do not display a user interface 38. This can be done in one step S7 shown; as long as the elevator system 1 is not in standby mode, the procedure returns along the No branch to step S3. If, however, elevator system 1 is in standby mode, the procedure proceeds along the Yes branch and ends in step S8.

Claims

1. A method for operating an elevator system (1) in a building (2), wherein the elevator system (1) has a number of floor terminals (LOPi) which are arranged on floors (L1, L2, Ln) of the building (2), a control unit (8) communicatively connected to the floor terminals (LOPi), and an elevator car (10) which can be moved between the floors (L1, L2, Ln) of the building (2), comprising: actuating the floor terminals (LOPi) by the control unit (8) in one of at least two operating modes, wherein a screen unit (34) of a floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a functional scope dependent on the operating mode, and wherein an individual functional scope is defined for each operating mode, characterized in that the method further comprises: determining a local traffic volume at a location of a first floor terminal (LOPi) by the control unit (8) which actuates the first floor terminal (LOPi) in one of the at least two operating modes; comparing the local traffic volume with at least one threshold value that is defined for the traffic volume at the first floor terminal (LOPi), by the control unit (8) in order to generate a comparison result, defining a desired operating mode of the first floor terminal (LOPi) on the basis of the comparison result and the operating mode in which the control unit (8) actuates the first floor terminal (LOPi); and operating the first floor terminal (LOPi) in the defined desired operating mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the floor terminals (LOPi) are actuated by the control unit (8) in one of two operating modes, in which a first threshold value for the traffic volume is defined at the first floor terminal (LOPi), and in which the comparison result indicates an increased traffic volume when the local traffic volume is at least equal to the traffic volume defined by the first threshold value, wherein the first floor terminal (LOPi) is actuated in a first operating mode, and the screen unit (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a first functional scope, and wherein the first floor terminal (LOPi) is actuated in a second operating mode in the event of an increased traffic volume indicated by the comparison result, wherein the display device (34) of the second floor terminal (LOPi) generates the user interface (38) with a second functional scope in the second operating mode, wherein the second functional scope is less than the first functional scope.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein both the first functional scope and the second functional scope comprise a function for entering elevator calls.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein both the first functional scope and the second functional scope each comprise call entry fields (36, 42) assigned to the floors (L1, L2, Ln), and wherein the first functional scope comprises information fields (40) assigned to individual services, which information fields the second functional scope of does not comprise, wherein the call entry fields (36, 42) and the information fields (40) can be displayed on the user interface (38) of a floor terminal (LOPi).

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising detecting a touching of an information field (40) by a passenger (4) and executing a service that is associated with the touched information field (40), wherein the screen unit (34) of the relevant floor terminal (LOPi) actuates the user interface (38) to display the selected service.

6. The method according to any of claims 4 - 5, wherein the services comprise a weather information service (40.1), an elevator information service (40.2), a user setting service (40.3), a building information service (40.4), a shopping and / or entertainment service (40.5), and / or a news service (40.6).

7. The method according to any of claims 4 - 6, further comprising detecting a touching of a call entry field (36, 42) when an elevator call is entered by a passenger (4), registering the elevator call for a trip to the floor (L1, L2, Ln) associated with the call entry field (36, 42) by the control unit (8), directly assigning the elevator call to the elevator car (10) by the control unit (8), and actuating the screen unit (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) for directly displaying the associated elevator car (10) on the user interface (38).

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 7, wherein the user interface (38) generated by the screen unit (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) with the functional scope depending on the operating mode is furthermore generated depending on the location of the first floor terminal (LOPi).

9. The method according to any of claims 4 - 8, wherein the call entry fields (36, 42) and / or the information fields (40) are displayed dynamically as a function of a time parameter, wherein the time parameter specifies in particular a month, a weekday, a time of day, and / or a season.

10. The method according to any of claims 2 - 9, wherein, in order to actuate the floor terminals (LOPi) by the control unit (8), a third operating mode is defined in which a second threshold value for a general traffic volume in the elevator system (1) is defined, and wherein the comparison result indicates a full load of the elevator system (1) when the local traffic volume is at least equal to the traffic volume defined by the second threshold value, wherein the first floor terminal (LOPi) is actuated in the third operating mode, and the screen unit (34) of the first floor terminal (LOPi) generates a user interface (38) with a third functional scope, wherein the third functional scope comprises information on the full load of the elevator system (1).

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein elevator calls which are registered by the control unit (8) are evaluated in order to determine the local traffic volume, wherein elevator calls which are entered at the first floor device (LOPi) are used in particular for the evaluation.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein sensor signals that are generated by a sensor system (6) installed in the building (2) that is communicatively connected to the control unit (8) are evaluated in order to determine the local traffic volume.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a stored traffic pattern is used to determine the local traffic volume, wherein the traffic pattern is determined from data on previous local traffic volumes as a function of time.

14. An elevator system (1) in a building (2), comprising: at least one elevator car (10) that can be moved between floors (L1, L2, L3) of a building (2); a number of floor terminals (LOPi) that are arranged on the floors (L1, L2, Ln), wherein a floor terminal (LOPi) has a screen unit (34) which is designed to generate a user interface (38); and a control unit (8) communicatively connected to the floor terminals (LOPi), characterized in that the control unit (8) is configured to: actuate the floor terminals (LOPi) in one of at least two operating modes, wherein the screen unit (34) of a floor terminal (LOPi) generates the user interface (38) with a functional scope dependent on the operating mode, wherein an individual functional scope is defined for each operating mode, determine a local traffic volume at a location of a first floor terminal (LOPi) actuated in one of the at least two operating modes, compare the local traffic volume with at least one threshold value that is defined for the traffic volume at the first floor terminal (LOPi) in order to generate a comparison result; define a desired operating mode of the first floor terminal (LOPi) on the basis of the comparison result and the operating mode in which the first floor terminal (LOPi) is to be actuated, and operate the first floor terminal (LOPi) in the defined desired operating mode.

15. The elevator system (1) according to claim 14, wherein a sensor system (6) is present which is communicatively connected to the control unit (8) and generates sensor signals which are evaluated by the control unit (8) for determining the local traffic volume, wherein the control unit (8) is designed to evaluate registered elevator calls in order to determine the traffic volume, in particular a local traffic volume, and wherein the control unit (8) is designed to use a stored traffic pattern to determine a local traffic pattern, wherein the local traffic pattern is determined from data on previous local traffic results as a function of time.

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