Elevator operating device with waiting time and occupancy symbolization

Abstract

The elevator operation device (4) for inputting travel requests on building floors (L, L1) comprises a touch-sensitive screen system (68) having a screen area (37) visible to passengers (P), and a central control device (40). The central control device (40) controls the screen system (68) in a first elevator operation mode to display a first graphical user interface (34) on the screen area (37), and controls the screen system (68) in a second elevator operation mode to display a second graphical user interface (35) on the screen area (37). The first graphical user interface (34) includes one or two travel direction symbols (30, 32). The second graphical user interface (35) includes edge zones (38) provided to symbolize the waiting time until the elevator car (10) reaches the floor (L, L1), and a central zone (28) that can be displayed separately from the edge zones (38) and is provided to symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car (10) by passengers (P), the displayed fill level of the central zone (28) symbolizing the occupancy of the elevator car (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology described herein relates generally to elevator systems in buildings. In particular, embodiments of the technology relate to elevator operating devices, elevator systems having such elevator operating devices, and methods for operating such elevator systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In buildings with elevator systems, elevator operating devices are provided that allow passengers to input elevator calls. In known elevator systems, elevator operating devices are located on individual floors. These elevator operating devices have up and down buttons that allow passengers to input their desired direction of travel. An elevator controller then moves the elevator car to, for example, the floor (boarding floor) where the passenger has input their desired direction of travel. In this elevator system, the elevator operating device is provided in the elevator car, and this device allows passengers in the elevator car to input their desired destination floor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] While passengers can use the up and down buttons described above to call an elevator to their floor, elevator systems and / or buildings may need to provide additional functionality to passengers. Thus, there is a need for technology that fully or at least partially meets these requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One aspect of the technology described herein relates to an elevator operating device for inputting a travel request on a floor of a building where an elevator system having an elevator car and an elevator controller is located. The elevator operating device includes a communication device configured to communicate with the elevator controller, a touch-sensitive screen system having a screen area visible to passengers, and a central control device communicatively connected to the communication device and the screen system. The central control device is configured to control the screen system in a first elevator operating mode to display a first graphical user interface on the screen area, and to control the screen system in a second elevator operating mode to display a second graphical user interface on the screen area. The first graphical user interface includes one or two travel direction symbols. The second graphical user interface is configured to display a touch-sensitive screen area visible to passengers. surroundings and an edge zone having a specified width extending into the screen area along the edge zone, the edge zone being provided to symbolize waiting times for elevator cars to reach floors; surroundings The second graphical user interface also includes a central zone, which may be displayed separately from the edge zones and is provided to symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car by passengers, and the displayed fill of the central zone symbolizes the occupancy of the elevator car.

[0005] Further aspects of the technology described herein relate to elevator systems having such elevator operating devices.

[0006] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method for operating an elevator system, the method including controlling a touch-sensitive screen system of an elevator operating device located on a building floor in a first elevator operating mode to display a first graphical user interface including one or two travel direction symbols on a screen area of ​​the touch-sensitive screen system that is visible to a passenger. A travel request is detected when a passenger touches the travel direction symbols. The touch-sensitive screen system is controlled in a second elevator operating mode to display a second graphical user interface on the screen area. The second graphical user interface is displayed on the screen area. surroundings and an edge zone having a specified width extending into the screen area along the edge zone, the edge zone being provided to symbolize waiting times for elevator cars to reach floors; surroundings The second graphical user interface also includes a central zone, which may be displayed separately from the edge zones and is provided to symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car by passengers, and the displayed fill of the central zone symbolizes the occupancy of the elevator car.

[0007] The technology described herein creates an elevator operating device that can display two graphical user interfaces separately from each other on a screen area. Which graphical user interface is displayed depends on the elevator operating mode. This allows passengers to input travel directions through a first graphical user interface, while a second graphical user interface can transmit additional information to passengers regarding wait times and occupancy of the elevator car that is executing the elevator call. Passengers who are better informed perceive the elevator system as more user-friendly.

[0008] It is also advantageous to configure the elevator operator as a kind of sole human-machine interface device for passenger interaction and information transfer with the elevator system. Thus, passengers can largely limit their attention to using the elevator with the elevator operating device. In some circumstances, additional information devices on the floors may be omitted.

[0009] The way in which latency and occupancy are symbolized also contributes to ease of use. surroundings The varying edge zone fullness along is configured as decreasing edge zone fullness, symbolizing decreasing latency.

[0010] In one embodiment, the screen area is circular. As a result, the portion of the elevator operating device visible to passengers has an aesthetically pleasing design. Correspondingly, the edge zone and the middle zone may be circular. Alternatively, the screen area may be, for example, polygonal. As a result, one of several configurations can be selected for the shape of the passenger-side elevator operating device.

[0011] In one embodiment, a central zone of the second graphical user interface is also provided to display the floor at or near which the elevator car is located. This additional information also contributes to ease of use; for example, a passenger can see that the elevator car is moving toward his floor as the floor display changes, albeit slowly under certain circumstances. In one embodiment, a central zone of the second graphical user interface is also provided to display the direction of travel of the elevator car.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second graphical user interface also includes an intermediate zone located between the edge zone and the center zone for displaying the elevator car travel direction corresponding to the travel request, so that, for example, additional passengers who also wish to use the elevator can recognize whether an arriving elevator car is already offered for travel in the travel direction desired by other passengers.

[0013] In one embodiment, the central zone is also provided for displaying operational symbols, pictograms, or text. In this way, it can be shown, for example, that the elevator car carrying out the call has arrived at the floor and the elevator doors are opening. In addition, this display can be flexibly used to provide information about the operating status of the elevator system, for example, that the elevator system is out of service or may not be in use.

[0014] There is also flexibility in terms of placement of the elevator operating device, which can be located on the shaft door or shaft door frame of the elevator system, or on the wall of the building. In some buildings, the elevator operating device can be located on a pedestal (or column) fixed to the ground.

[0015] In one embodiment, a sensor device is arranged in the elevator system and configured to determine the occupancy of the elevator car by passengers. In this case, it is advantageous that the sensor device or its functionality can be implemented in various ways. For example, a load measuring device already provided in the elevator system can be used, or an optical measuring device (e.g., a video device) can be installed.

[0016] The touch-sensitive screen system used in accordance with the technology described herein includes a touchscreen. The touchscreen can be manufactured in different sizes or dimensions depending on the application and requirements. Therefore, the size of the screen system can also be selected depending on the requirements within the building. In addition to this flexibility in size, touchscreens also have the advantage of having a smooth surface. Dirt can be more easily removed from a smooth surface than, for example, an arrangement having one or more buttons with ridges and / or grooves and gaps. This reduces maintenance costs.

[0017] The technology described herein also allows for freedom in configuration, for example, with regard to the shape of the passenger-side elevator operating device. Creative freedom extends to the configuration of the user interface. Particularly in buildings where a modern or contemporary look is desired, an elevator operating device equipped with a touchscreen can help achieve this goal.

[0018] Various aspects of the improved technology are described in more detail below with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which like elements have like reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a situation in a building with multiple floors and an example of an elevator system; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a screen area of ​​an elevator operating device arranged on a floor in the elevator system according to FIG. 1; [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 3c] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 3d]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 3e] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 3f] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 3g] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a graphical user interface. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of components located in an elevator operating device and their connections. [Figure 5] 1 is an example representation of an embodiment of a method for operating an elevator system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a situation in a building 2 having multiple floors L, L1 served by an elevator system 1. Floor L may be the building's foyer where passengers P enter to access the building 2 and exit the building 2 again. From floor L, passengers P can reach each floor L, L1 of the building 2 with appropriate access privileges via the elevator system 1. For illustrative purposes, only the elevator controller 8, drive machine 14, suspension means 16 (e.g., steel cables or flat belts), elevator car 10 (hereinafter also referred to as car 10) suspended by the suspension means 16 and movable within a shaft 18, and several elevator operating devices 4, 6 are shown in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that elevator system 1 can also include multiple cars 10 in one or more shafts 18 controlled by a group controller. Instead of a traction elevator (shown in FIG. 1), elevator system 1 can also have one or more hydraulic elevators.

[0021] In the situation shown in Figure 1, an elevator operating device 4 is located on each floor L, L1, where a passenger P can input a desired direction of travel and thus call the elevator to the floor L, L1. The floor L, L1 where the passenger P is located and calling the elevator is also referred to as the boarding floor. The passenger P can input a desired destination floor on an elevator operating device 6 located in the elevator car 10. This control technology is known to those skilled in the art, so a more detailed explanation is not considered necessary; below, this technology is only described to the extent that it is considered helpful in understanding the technology described herein. The embodiment of the technology described below relates to an elevator operating device 4 located on the floor L, L1.

[0022] The elevator operating device 4 includes a touch-sensitive screen system 68 having a screen area 37 that is visible to passenger P. The screen system 68 can be controlled depending on the (elevator) operating mode of the elevator system 1. Accordingly, the screen area 37 of the elevator operating device 4 displays a first graphical user interface 34 or a second graphical user interface 35. The elevator operating device 4 located on floor L in FIG. 1 displays the first graphical user interface 34 on the screen area 37, which includes an up direction of travel symbol 30 and a down direction of travel symbol 32. The elevator system 1 is in the first operating mode for this floor L, in which a desired direction of travel (elevator call) can be input at the elevator operating device 4 there.

[0023] An elevator operating device 4 located on floor L1 in Figure 1 displays a second graphical user interface 35 in screen area 37. The illustrated second graphical user interface 35 includes a floor designation ("3"), a symbol (24), and example areas (28, 38); a more general representation of one embodiment of second user interface 35 is shown in Figure 2. The elevator system 1 is in a second operating mode for this floor L1, in which elevator call inputs are made at the elevator operating device 4 therein and status information is displayed at the elevator operating device 4.

[0024] According to a more general representation of one embodiment of the second user interface 35 shown in FIG. 2 , the second user interface 35 is divided into different zones: an edge zone 38, a central zone 28, and an intermediate zone 25. In one embodiment, the screen area 37 has a circular area. Correspondingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the edge zone 38 is annular, and the central zone 28 is circular and spaced apart from the edge zone 38. The annular intermediate zone 25 is located between the edge zone 38 and the central zone 28. These zones (25, 28, 38) form areas on the screen area 37 that are used to display status information according to the techniques described herein.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the screen region 37 and / or the zones (25, 28, 38) may deviate from the circular shape shown by way of example in other embodiments. At least one of the screen region 37 and / or the zones (25, 28, 38) may be configured, for example, as an ellipse or a polygon. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the area formed by the zones (25, 28, 38) may be specified as desired; for example, the central zone 28 may have a smaller area, thereby increasing the area of ​​the intermediate zone 25. The same applies to the edge zone 38.

[0026] The edge zone 38 is the area of ​​the screen 37 surroundings and has a specified width, resulting in said area. Edge zones 38 are provided to symbolize the waiting time until the elevator car 10 reaches the (boarding) floors L, L1. In the illustrated embodiment, the waiting time is symbolized by the fact that the area is more or less filled; this surface filling will be referred to as fullness in the following. The fullness can be represented, for example, by color and / or by a pattern or structuring. surroundings Varying edge zone 38 fullness along the axis symbolizes varying wait times. For example, decreasing edge zone 38 fullness symbolizes decreasing wait times. Examples of edge zone 38 fullness are shown in Figures 1 and 3c-3f. In one embodiment, the fullness may represent wait times in seconds or minutes; a completely filled edge zone 38 may represent a wait time of approximately 30 or 60 seconds, for example.

[0027] The central zone 28, displayed separately from the edge zones 38, is provided to symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car 10 by passengers P. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the elevator system 1 includes a sensor device 12 from which the occupancy of the elevator car 10 by passengers P (or objects) can be determined. The occupancy indicates, for example, whether the elevator car 10 is empty or full, or whether there are few or many passengers P in the elevator car 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the occupancy is symbolized by the fact that the area of ​​the central zone 28 is more or less filled; this surface fullness is hereinafter referred to as fullness. The fullness can be represented, for example, by color and / or by a pattern or structuring. A changing fullness of the central zone 28 symbolizes a changing occupancy. For example, an increasing fullness of the central zone 28 symbolizes an increasing occupancy. Examples of the fullness of the central zone 28 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 3c-3f.

[0028] The intermediate zone 25 is provided to indicate the direction of travel of the elevator car 10 corresponding to the travel request. The direction of travel can be indicated by a direction of travel symbol 24, which can be configured, for example, similar to the direction of travel symbols 30, 32. The direction of travel symbol 24 indicates to a passenger P on a floor L, L1 that the next elevator car 10 departing from this floor L, L1 is traveling in the indicated direction of travel. One embodiment of the intermediate zone 25 with the direction of travel symbol 24 is shown in Figures 1 and 3c-3f.

[0029] The elevator operating device 4 according to the technology described herein can be disposed on the elevator shaft door 11 or shaft door frame of the elevator system 1, or on the wall of the building. Depending on the situation within the building, the elevator operating device 4 can also be disposed on a column erected on the ground of the floor. The elevator shaft door 11 separates the floors L, L1 from the elevator shaft 18; when the elevator car 10 is located on the floor L, L1, its car door (not shown in FIG. 1 ) can move, for example, the elevator shaft door 35 along with the elevator car. When the elevator operating device 4 is disposed on the shaft door 11, the elevator operating device 4 moves together with the shaft door 11.

[0030] The elevator operating devices 4 are connected to an elevator controller 8 via a communication network 22. Communication lines 20 connect the (car-side) elevator operating devices 6 to the elevator controller 8. In one embodiment, the communication lines 20 also connect sensor devices 12 located in or on the car 10 to the elevator controller 12.

[0031] The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows that the sensor device 12 can include a load measuring device (represented by a scale symbol) and / or a camera device (represented by a camera symbol). The sensor device 12 determines a measure of the occupancy of the car 10, which is available to the elevator controller 8. This measure ranges from a minimum occupancy (i.e., the car 10 is empty) to a maximum occupancy (i.e., the car 10 is full (maximum number of passengers or maximum payload)). For example, the load measuring device can be used to determine the load weight; this also allows conclusions to be drawn about the number of passengers. Elevator cars 10 are usually equipped with load measuring devices that detect loads, for example, exceeding the maximum payload, and generate a warning signal. For example, passengers P (or objects) in the car 10 can be counted using a camera device. The camera device can be based on different measurement principles, for example, classified by optical range (visible, infrared) or evaluation (e.g., 3D camera). Those skilled in the art will recognize that multiple methods are available for determining occupancy, that the sensor device 12 can be located in locations other than the car 10 within the elevator system 1, and that all or part of the functionality of the sensor device 12 can be implemented within the elevator controller 12.

[0032] In the situation shown in FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of elevator system 1, the technology described herein advantageously uses elevator operating device 4, which not only confirms the input of an elevator call for passenger P, but also provides the additional function of informing passenger P accordingly. The elevator operating device 4 on floor L displays direction-of-travel symbols 30, 32, thereby informing passenger P, for example, that no elevator call input is currently being made on this elevator operating device 4 and that the elevator control device 4 is available for inputting a desired direction of travel. After an elevator call is input there, the elevator operating device 4 on floor L1 informs passenger P, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , of the current position of elevator car 10 (“3” (symbol 26)), its occupancy rate (half full) (center zone 28), and the remaining waiting time (edge ​​zone 38).

[0033] 3a-3g show schematic diagrams of example graphical user interfaces 34, 35. This representation particularly illustrates the changes over time in the displayed user interfaces 34, 35. FIG. 3a shows a first graphical user interface 34 with direction symbols 30, 32, as also displayed by the elevator operating device 4 shown on floor L in FIG. 1. FIG. 3b shows the first graphical user interface 34 after passenger P presses the direction symbol 30 for an upward travel request. The direction symbol 30 can be optically highlighted (e.g., by changing color and / or brightness / illumination) to confirm to passenger P that a call has been entered. In contrast, the downward direction symbol 32 is not highlighted or is deactivated; for example, it may no longer be visible. FIG. 3b shows the direction symbol 32 in dashed lines for illustrative purposes.

[0034] 3c-3g show the second graphical user interface 35, for example, as visible to passenger P on floor L1 after entering a call, floor L1 being the boarding floor. The passenger's desired direction of travel is upward, as indicated by travel direction symbol 24 (see FIGS. 3c-3f) in intermediate zone 25 (see FIG. 2). Travel direction symbol 24 may be optically highlighted, for example, as described in connection with travel direction symbols 30, 32, although no such highlighting is provided for the downward travel direction symbol. In FIGS. 3c-3f, the travel direction symbol is shown with a downward dashed line for illustrative purposes.

[0035] To place an elevator call, the elevator controller 8 causes the elevator car 10 to move toward the loading floor (L1) unless the elevator car 10 is already located at the loading floor (L1). In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator car 10 is directed toward the loading floor (L1). The movement of the elevator car 10 toward the loading floor (L1) is represented, for example, by a car movement symbol 40 displayed in the central zone 28. The car movement symbol 40 indicates the direction of travel of the elevator car 10 in Figures 3c, 3d, and 3f. The current location of the elevator car 10 is represented by a numerical floor designation in the central zone 28. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3c-3f, the elevator car 10 is moved downward from floor "5" to floor "2" (see car movement symbol 40).

[0036] In Figures 3c-3f, the central zone 28 is more or less filled with occupancy indicators 42; the area of ​​the central zone 28 filled by occupancy indicators 42 is referred to as the fullness. The occupancy indicators 42, or fullness, symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car 10 by passengers P. In the illustrated embodiment, the occupancy indicators 42 are configured to fill the circular central zone 28 from the bottom (i.e., empty elevator car 10) to the top (increasing occupancy of the elevator car 10). The occupancy indicators 42 can be optically highlighted, for example, by a selection of color and / or lighting and / or by a selection of surface patterns. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the occupancy indicators 42 can be configured differently to clearly symbolize occupancy; for example, one or more circular or polygonal areas (e.g., circles or bars) of varying sizes can be displayed.

[0037] In Figure 3e, the (square) car movement symbol 40 indicates that the elevator car 10 is at floor "3." In this embodiment, at least one additional passenger P enters the elevator car 10. Because passenger P does not exit, the occupancy rate increases. The increased occupancy rate of the elevator car 10 is indicated in Figure 3f by a higher degree of fullness, i.e., by a larger area of ​​the occupancy indicator 42.

[0038] FIG. 3g shows an embodiment of the second graphical user interface 35 when the elevator car 10 arrives at the boarding floor (L1). This arrival can be communicated to the passenger P, for example, before the shaft doors 11 are opened. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying an action symbol 44, a pictogram 44, and / or text. FIG. 3g shows a horizontally arranged double arrow symbolizing the opening of the shaft doors 11. At least the central zone 28 or a region thereof can be used for this indication; in addition, the intermediate zone 25 can be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this notification can be complemented by an acoustically perceptible notification.

[0039] As the elevator car 10 moves towards the boarding floor (L1), the waiting time of the passenger P waiting there changes. The waiting time is displayed to the passenger P by the edge zone 38. As mentioned above, the filling of the edge zone 38 symbolizes the waiting time. In FIG. 3c, the edge zone 38 is almost completely filled and is shown as a darkened area. Starting from this state, the waiting time decreases. In FIGS. 3d-3f, this waiting time is symbolized by a darkened area that becomes smaller. In FIG. 3g, the elevator car 10 has arrived at the boarding floor (L1), so no waiting time is displayed.

[0040] 4 shows a schematic diagram of an elevator operating device 4 having components therein, for example, disposed within or on or above a carrier element, according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, the components are disposed on a carrier element 7, which can be inserted, for example, into a building wall or shaft door 11. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the arrangement of these components and the manner in which they are communicatively connected are exemplary. In the illustrated embodiment, a touch-sensitive screen system 54, a central control device 46 (CPU), a lighting device 50, an electro-acoustic transducer 48 (e.g., a speaker), and a communication device 36 (PoE, Power over Ethernet) are disposed within the carrier element 7. The central control device 46 is communicatively connected to the aforementioned components to ensure the operation and functionality of the elevator operating device 4.

[0041] The touch-sensitive screen system 54 is hereinafter referred to as the touchscreen 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the touchscreen 54 comprises a transparent glass or plastic plate (not shown) and a processor 52. The graphical user interfaces 34, 35 displayed by the display device of the touchscreen 54 are visible to the passenger P through the transparent glass or plastic plate, depending on the operating mode. The processor 52 is connected to the central control device 46 and generates a signal, for example, when the passenger P touches one of the directional symbols 30, 32 with their finger; the processor 52 controls the display device, the electro-acoustic transducer 38, and / or the lighting device 50 to confirm the input to the passenger P. In one embodiment, the central control device 46 controls the transducer 38 (speaker) to audibly communicate the input elevator call to the passenger P, for example, by voice. The structure and function of touchscreens, particularly for inputting calls, are known to those skilled in the art and therefore no further explanation is believed necessary.

[0042] In one embodiment, touchscreen 54 has a specified size, for example, specified as a diameter if screen area 37 is circular, or as a width and length (or height) if screen area 37 is rectangular, or as a screen diagonal. The selected shape and size of touchscreen 54 or its screen area 37 may depend on which area or portion of touchscreen 54 is designated as a usable area (for touching and / or displaying information). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size of screen area 37 can be selected according to the requirements specified for the building, for example, the number of floors and / or the type or use of the building (regular / occasional passengers familiar / unfamiliar with the building and therefore requiring less / more information).

[0043] The lighting device 50 is used to illuminate the touchscreen 54 or the user interfaces 34, 35 of the elevator operating device 4, or only the areas of the user interfaces 34, 35. Controlled by the central control device 46, the lighting device 50 can illuminate the user interfaces 34, 35 or selectively illuminate these user interfaces so that the displayed travel direction symbols 30, 32, as well as symbolizations of, for example, passenger P's waiting time and occupancy, are perceptible, especially in poor lighting conditions. The lighting device 50 can also illuminate the user interfaces 34, 35 or individual symbols and zones with colored light, for example to confirm the input of an elevator call. In one embodiment, the lighting device 50 includes one or more LED light sources.

[0044] The communication network 22 connects the floor-side elevator operating devices 4 to the elevator controller 8, thus enabling communication between the elevator controller 8 and the elevator operating devices 4. For this communication, the elevator operating devices 4 and the elevator controller 8 can be directly or indirectly connected to the communication network 22. The communication network 22 can include a communication bus system, individual data lines, or a combination thereof. Depending on the implementation of the communication network 22, individual addresses and / or identifiers can be assigned to the elevator controller 8 and each elevator operating device 4, thereby, for example, allowing the elevator controller 8 to send messages to the desired elevator operating device 4 in a targeted manner. Communication can be performed according to a protocol for wired communication, such as an Ethernet protocol. In one embodiment, the elevator operating devices 4 are supplied with electrical energy via the communication network 22 (PoE).

[0045] With an understanding of the above-described basic system components of elevator system 1, elevator operating device 4, and their functions, a description of an example method for operating elevator system 1 shown in Figure 1 will now be provided with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example flowchart of the method; it begins with step S1 and ends with step S7. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this division into steps is exemplary, and that one or more of the steps may be divided into one or more sub-steps, or multiple steps may be combined into a single step.

[0046] The method will be described with reference to a passenger P located on a (current) floor L, L1. In an elevator operating device 4 located there, the passenger P will want to input a travel request (call) to be transported by elevator from the current floor L, L1 to a destination floor L, L1. From this floor L, L1, the passenger P may wish to travel upwards or downwards; the destination floor L, L1 may be located above or below the (current) floor L, L1. The floor L, L1 is therefore an intermediate floor; such a situation will be described below. However, the passenger P may also be on the lowest floor L or the top floor L1, where only one travel direction is possible.

[0047] When the elevator system 1 is ready for operation and the elevator operating devices 4 on floors L and L1 are ready to receive an elevator call, in step S2, the screen systems 54 of the elevator operating devices 4 are controlled in a first operating mode. In step S3, a first graphical user interface 34 is displayed in this first operating mode. The first graphical user interface 34 displays at least one travel direction symbol 30, 32. In the situation described herein, passenger P is located on an intermediate floor; therefore, the graphical user interface 34 displays the up and down travel direction symbols 30, 32.

[0048] In step S4, the passenger P's request for travel is detected. It is also detected which travel direction symbol 30, 32 the passenger P is touching. An elevator call is sent from the elevator operating device 4 to the elevator controller 8. The elevator controller 8 detects the floor L, L1 at which the elevator call was entered and which travel direction is desired. The elevator controller 8 then causes the elevator call to be made in a known manner, in particular the elevator car 10 at floor L, L1 (boarding floor) becoming available.

[0049] In step S5, the screen system 54 of the elevator operating device 4 is controlled in a second operating mode. In step S6, the second graphical user interface 35 is displayed in this second operating mode. The second graphical user interface 34 displays the waiting time in the edge zone 38 and the occupancy rate in the central zone 28, as described above in connection with Figures 1 to 3f.

[0050] The elevator controller 8 records measurements from which the current position of the elevator car 10 can be determined. From the current position of the elevator car 10, the elevator controller 8 determines the remaining time until the elevator car 10 arrives at the boarding floor. The amount of time is determined continuously while the elevator car 10 is moving toward the boarding floor; intermediate stops at other floors can also be taken into account. The elevator controller 8 transmits the determined time period to the elevator operating device 4, which then displays this time period as a waiting time in the edge zone 38. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elevator car 10 may already be at the boarding floor; in this case, no waiting time display is provided.

[0051] The elevator controller 8 also records measurements from which the current occupancy of the elevator car 10 can be determined. The occupancy is determined, for example, at the start of the movement of the elevator car 10 and at possible intermediate stops, and when passengers P board or disembark. The elevator controller 8 transmits the determined occupancy to the elevator operating device 4, which then displays the occupancy in the central zone 28.

Claims

1. An elevator operating device (4) for inputting a request for travel on a floor (L, L1) of a building in which an elevator system (1) having an elevator car (10) and an elevator controller (8) is located, comprising: a communication device (36) configured to communicate with the elevator controller (13); a touch-sensitive screen system (68) having a screen area (37) visible to a passenger (P); a central control device (40) communicatively connected to the communication device (36) and the screen system (54), the central control device (40) being configured to control the screen system (54) in a first elevator operating mode to display a first graphical user interface (34) on the screen area (37) and to control the screen system (54) in a second elevator operating mode to display a second graphical user interface (35) on the screen area (37); Equipped with the first graphical user interface (34) comprises one or two heading symbols (30, 32); The second graphical user interface (35) an edge zone (38) having a specified width extending within the screen area (37) along the periphery of the screen area (37), the edge zone (38) being provided to symbolize a waiting time for the elevator car (10) to reach a floor (L, L1), the varying fill of the edge zone (38) along the periphery symbolizing the varying waiting time; a central zone (28) that can be displayed separately from the edge zones (38) and is provided to symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car (10) by passengers (P), the displayed fill level of the central zone (28) symbolizing the occupancy of the elevator car (10); Equipped with Elevator operating device (4).

2. 2. The elevator operating device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the varying edge zone (38) fullness along the periphery is a decreasing edge zone (38) fullness symbolizing a decreasing waiting time.

3. 3. The elevator operating device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central zone (28) of the second graphical user interface (35) is also provided for displaying the floor (L, L1) on which the elevator car (10) is located or its vicinity.

4. 4. An elevator operating device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central zone (28) is also provided for indicating the direction of travel of the elevator car (10).

5. 5. The elevator operating device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the second graphical user interface (35) also comprises an intermediate zone (25) arranged between the edge zone (38) and the central zone (28), the intermediate zone (25) being provided for displaying a direction of travel of the elevator car (10) corresponding to the travel request.

6. 6. An elevator operating device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the central zone (28) is also provided for displaying an operating symbol (44), a pictogram (44) or a text.

7. 7. An elevator operating device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the screen area (37) is circular.

8. 8. An elevator operating device (4) according to claim 7, wherein the edge zone (38) is annular.

9. 9. An elevator operating device (4) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the central zone (28) is circular and the intermediate zone (25) is annular.

10. An elevator system (1) comprising an elevator operating device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 11. An elevator system (1) according to claim 10, wherein a sensor device (12) configured to determine the occupancy of the elevator car (10) by passengers (P) is arranged.

12. 12. An elevator system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the elevator operating device (4) is arranged on a shaft door (11) or a shaft door frame of the elevator system (1) or on a wall of the building.

13. A method for operating an elevator system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: controlling, in a first elevator operating mode, a touch-sensitive screen system (68) of an elevator operating device (4) located on a floor (L, L1) of the building to display a first graphical user interface (34) including one or two travel direction symbols (30, 32) on a screen area (37) of the touch-sensitive screen system (68) that is visible to a passenger (P); detecting a request to proceed when a passenger (P) touches a direction of travel symbol (30, 32); controlling the touch-sensitive screen system (68) in a second elevator operating mode to cause a second graphical user interface (35) to be displayed on the screen area (37), the second graphical user interface (35) comprising: an edge zone (38) having a specified width extending within the screen area (37) along the periphery of the screen area (37), the edge zone (38) being provided to symbolize a waiting time for the elevator car (10) to reach a floor (L, L1), the varying fill of the edge zone (38) along the periphery symbolizing the varying waiting time; a central zone (28) that can be displayed separately from the edge zones (38) and that is provided to symbolize the occupancy of the elevator car (10) by passengers (P), the displayed fill level of the central zone (28) symbolizing the occupancy of the elevator car (10); and A method for operating an elevator system (1), comprising:

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