Method for operating a lift system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for operating a lift system (100) with a multiplicity of lift cars (105, 105', 105''), wherein passengers (435) can be conveyed by the lift system (100) to a floor (E1-E6) of a multiplicity of floors (E1-E6) of a building. In one step, the method (200) comprises determining a path specification on the basis of the utilization rate of the lift system (100). The invention also covers a lift system (100) with a processing means (120), the processing means (120) being designed to carry out the method (200) for operating a lift system.

Description

[0001] Method for operating an elevator system

[0002] The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system having a plurality of elevator cars by means of which passengers can be transported between a plurality of floors of a building.

[0003] Elevator systems are typically designed to transport passengers to one of a number of floors in a building. The elevator system typically consists of several elevator shafts, each of which houses at least one elevator car. An elevator car can transport at least one passenger to any floor. In some elevator systems, the elevator car can also transport the passenger horizontally.

[0004] Large buildings or building complexes have one or more elevator systems, each with several elevator shafts or groups and elevator cars. The elevators are part of a transportation concept within a building. When people want to get from one place to another within a building or building complex, there are usually various options available, such as using stairs, escalators, various elevators, and the like, the options for using which can also vary depending on the time of day, for example. The goal of the transportation concept is to ensure that people get from one place to another as efficiently as possible. For example, people can also be guided within the building using a navigation device, be it a personal device, a general building navigation system, or they can "navigate" themselves.In order to find an efficient route through the building, it is necessary and helpful to know the occupancy or capacity of the means of transport such as elevator groups or even escalators.

[0005] For example, a passenger on the ground floor who intends to access another floor of the building can call an elevator car of the elevator system via a control panel. Modern elevator systems can also have functionalities for receiving and operating transport requests transmitted remotely, particularly via internet or radio connections, such as those from indoor navigation systems. The elevator system is usually equipped with a processing device that can determine which elevator car of the elevator system is assigned to a transport request or a particular passenger. The processing device can cause an elevator car to be selected and, for example, travel to the ground floor so that the passenger can use the elevator car from there.After the passenger has selected the desired floor, for example via a destination selection field in the elevator car or in the course of a submitted transport request, he or she can be transported to the desired floor in the elevator car.

[0006] In situations where the building with the elevator system is heavily used, efficiently coordinating traffic flow can be challenging. The general goal is to avoid delays for passengers and minimize waiting times. Furthermore, there is a need to provide passengers with a means of facilitating navigation to quickly reach a desired destination within the building.

[0007] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for operating an elevator system that enables a passenger to quickly reach his or her destination.

[0008] The invention solves this problem through the subject matter of the independent claim. Further embodiments and additional features emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] A method for operating an elevator system with a plurality of elevator cars is proposed, by means of which passengers can be transported to at least one of a plurality of floors of a building. The method comprises, in one step, determining a capacity of the elevator system and, in a further step, determining a route based on the capacity of the elevator system. In yet another step, the route is provided in such a way that the route can be detected by at least one passenger.

[0010] Operating an elevator system can encompass a variety of tasks and functions to ensure smooth and safe operation of the elevator system and thus the transport of people in a building. This includes, for example, controlling, monitoring and / or monitoring the elevator system. Various systems and sensors that are functionally connected to an elevator control system can be used to operate the elevator system. In one process step, the utilization of the elevator system is determined. The utilization of an elevator system can relate to various aspects, in particular the use of the elevator system in connection with its capacity and in particular within a predetermined period of time. For example, utilization can generally include the utilization of the entire elevator system; furthermore, utilization can also differentiate between the utilization of the elevator system for each direction of travel, in particular based on different starting positions.Furthermore, the capacity of the elevator system can be differentiated depending on specific floors or within the context of connections between specific floors. Furthermore, capacity can be determined for special elevators in the elevator system, such as transport elevators, elevators specially equipped for disabled people, express elevators, or elevators that are only intended for accessing specific floors or between specific floors. When determining the capacity of the elevator system, the traffic volume within the building can also be taken into account, which means that the capacity of corridors or staircases can also be included in the calculation of the capacity of the elevator system.The data required to determine the capacity utilisation of the lift system can be obtained in particular from the data processed in the control device of the lift system, in particular currently processed data such as dynamic real-time data and / or data from past control processes stored in a memory device of the control device, from which a previous capacity utilisation can be derived, such as existing traffic profiles of the lift control.

[0011] In particular, the term "capacity" can also be determined without a history of traffic jams or the risk of future traffic jams, people, or elevators playing a significant role. The determination of capacity within the meaning of the application can, at least in one embodiment, also be determined without determining a congestion pattern of passengers and / or a congestion pattern of individual elevator cars. This allows for a simple and rapid determination of capacity in this embodiment.

[0012] Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, determining a traffic jam or a future traffic jam or, in general, a traffic jam pattern itself can be considered (too) complex, which is why determining the utilization is possible without complex computational data. As described above, in at least one embodiment, dynamic real-time data and / or data from past control processes stored in the memory device of the control device are sufficient to introduce "predictive maintenance," i.e., to be able to calculate a probability of whether a corresponding, in particular predetermined, utilization level could be exceeded. For example, the term "utilization" therefore also describes a state of the elevator installation itself, i.e., its inherent utilization level, in at least one embodiment.

[0013] The utilization of an elevator system can be determined based on various criteria, particularly those related to passenger use. Examples of criteria include the number of passengers transported in a given period of time relative to the maximum capacity of the elevator system, the waiting time of passengers, the frequency of travel, and the maximum capacity of the elevator system. For the purposes of this description, use by passengers also includes the use of an elevator system for transportation purposes, where goods are transported by the elevator system instead of or with the person themselves. High utilization can indicate that the elevator system is being used effectively, but also that longer waiting times and overloads are possible, thus representing a measure of service quality.In the proposed method, the utilization is determined in a suitable, further processable format and can, for example, be defined by a percentage relating to one or more areas or aspects.

[0014] Based on the determined capacity of the elevator system, a route is determined in a further step of the process. In addition to the capacity, the structure of the elevator system and building as well as the building's transport concept are also taken into account in determining the route. The route information itself is in particular a data set from which visually, audibly and / or haptically perceivable instructions can be derived, which the passenger can infer from them how to get from a starting point to a specific destination as efficiently as possible. The route information can also include specific information such as room numbers, turning instructions, prominent locations that must be passed, as well as distances and directions in order to follow a specific route and reach the desired destination. A route information can also comprise multiple (partial) route information or indications of a suitable route.The route information may also include the use of paths within and / or between buildings or parts of buildings, particularly using staircases. Several alternative routes may be possible to reach a destination, and the route information may include information on several alternative routes.

[0015] A route is determined based on occupancy, for example, by using dynamic real-time data to indicate the most efficient route to a destination. The current position or situation in the surrounding area can be taken into account when determining the route. For example, if the occupancy of an elevator car is high, the route can indicate alternative routes via other elevator cars to avoid congestion or delays. The route can also be determined taking into account the occupancy of alternative routes, for example the occupancy of other elevators / elevator cars or stairwells or escalators, or the time required to use them, to indicate the best option for moving around the building.

[0016] The route information can be provided to the passenger, for example, on a traffic information display, particularly one located in the building, or on a mobile application available to the passenger, particularly using a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a tablet. The route information provided to the passenger should preferably be clear and easy to understand to enable the passenger to choose the best route to their destination. The route information can be dynamically updated by taking into account the load factor, the passenger's origin and destination locations, and other relevant factors. This accessibility of the route information can help improve the passenger experience and ensure smooth transport within the elevator system.

[0017] The route information is provided, in particular, via an interface in software or hardware form, which enables versatile use of the route information. The route information transmitted, in particular, via the interface, may also contain information relating to the capacity utilization of the elevator system, such as maintenance work on the elevator system or, in particular, temporary special uses of certain floors / traffic routes or building areas, such as events, due to which increased traffic volumes are to be expected, particularly at certain times.

[0018] Using the proposed method, the organization and control of elevator car travel can be optimized to enable more efficient use and minimize waiting times for passengers. Furthermore, the method can support the monitoring of energy consumption and the implementation of strategies to improve the energy efficiency of the elevator system.

[0019] In one embodiment of the method, the utilization of the elevator system determined to determine the route information comprises at least one use of the elevator system. One type of use is the use of the elevator system for one direction of travel. Furthermore, the utilization of the elevator system can comprise use of the elevator system for at least one of the plurality of floors in the building. The utilization of the elevator system can further comprise use for a connection between at least two of the plurality of floors in the building. Accordingly, the utilization can be determined in accordance with the specific passenger traffic within a building. This functionality can encompass various aspects, including general access, specific journeys, and customized functions for particular elevators within the elevator system. In particular, the route information can also comprise information resulting from the respective uses.

[0020] When the method is carried out, the route information is determined taking into account a forecast of future utilization of the elevator system. Such a forecast can be derived in particular from existing traffic profiles and / or historical traffic data, in particular taking into account up-to-date information such as an expected deviation in frequency of use for individual floors or areas of the building, certain days of the week or specific periods of use and the like. In addition, known factors influencing future utilization of the elevator system can also be taken into account when determining the route information. For example, for the period of planned maintenance work on elevators or construction work in the building, an increased utilization of traffic routes or the elevator systems, particularly in connection with unavailable or only limited use, can be taken into account in the forecast.In a further embodiment of the method, the route information is provided to a passenger information system. This system can, for example, have at least one display device arranged in the building, which provides the passenger with the route information, for example visually in the form of a graphic representation. It is also possible for the data of the passenger information system, in particular the route information, to be retrievable, for example, wirelessly or web-based via interfaces provided for this purpose, in particular via a passenger's PC or mobile device.

[0021] In particular, route information provided by a passenger information system is graphically presented in such a way that a passenger can grasp the information contained in the route information in a particularly short time. For example, the route information can be visualized using a color scale: Green, for example, signals smooth service with low elevator utilization, so that a passenger can see from the information that no delays are to be expected on their route. Yellow to orange can mean a possible delay with medium elevator utilization. Red can indicate that delays are to be expected on the route associated with red and alternative routes to the destination should be considered, while dark red indicates that an alternative route is necessary to reach the destination in the building.

[0022] In addition to the information provided by a graphical representation regarding potential disruptions and delays when using certain traffic routes or elevators, the route information provided to a passenger can also be graphically presented in such a way that possible alternative routes are also visible. For example, a graphical representation of route information, for example, with color-coded signals, can also provide a passenger with an indication of the best route to their destination. Such a graphical representation of route information can provide the passenger with clear visual cues to facilitate their route selection and help them find the most efficient way to their destination.

[0023] In one embodiment of the method, the route information is provided to a building navigation system for determining at least one favorable route for travel within the building. This can be done, in particular, using a suitable interface. If a building navigation system is available in the building, it can use the route information determined based on the utilization of the elevator system to determine one or more favorable routes through the building or building complex.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the method, the route information from the passenger information system and / or the determined route from the building navigation system is transmitted to a mobile device assigned to at least one passenger. This is done in particular by means of a suitable interface in software or hardware form, in particular by using radio and / or internet-based applications. The provision of the route information or the route can comprise the transmission of corresponding data or information to the passenger's mobile device, which in particular has suitable processing software for this purpose. In this case, information regarding a preferred route, information on the elevator system and, if applicable, information on capacity utilization can also be communicated to the assigned mobile device.By transmitting the directions or the determined route to a mobile device, the passenger can access the directions or route from as many locations in the building as possible, depending on the relevant infrastructure of the building.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the method, the method comprises, in a further step, detecting a transportation request from at least one passenger. The transportation request is transmitted, in particular, by wireless communication between the elevator system and the at least one passenger. Furthermore, in a further step, a start time for the transportation of the at least one passenger can be determined based on the route information, and in a yet further step, an elevator car of the elevator system can be assigned to the at least one passenger based on the determined start time.

[0026] A transportation request can, for example, be a request or order for transportation from a departure point to a destination. It can contain various details, such as the desired departure point, the destination, the number of passengers, any special requirements or preferences of at least one passenger, and possibly time preferences for transportation.

[0027] By taking the route information into account, a suitable start time for transportation by the elevator system can be determined, so that an elevator car can be made available for the determined start time. A start time can be, for example, the time window or period from 8:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. The start time can be the time period within which the passenger can board an elevator car based on their transportation request.

[0028] Assigning an elevator car to a passenger may involve assigning an available elevator car according to the determined start time to ensure smooth and efficient transportation. This assignment can allow for time constraints via route information and optimal use of the elevator system to ensure seamless and punctual transportation.

[0029] The method can allow a transportation request to be made well in advance of the actual trip, for example, 1 to 15 minutes before the trip. The elevator system can then use the information obtained from the transportation request to plan the trip and apply the most appropriate solution. With more information, scheduling of elevator car trips can lead to better results. For example, if a building navigation system knows the estimated arrival time of a passenger at an elevator stop, this time information can also be passed on to the elevator system, for example, using an application programming interface (API).

[0030] In a further embodiment of the method, a waiting time of at least one passenger is determined in a further step based on the starting time period. The waiting time can refer to the period of time a person waits for the arrival and use of an elevator car after submitting a transportation request. The waiting time depends in particular on the current capacity of the elevator system.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the method, in a further step, a transport time of the at least one passenger is determined based on the start period. The transport time refers in particular to the period of time required to transport or convey a passenger or a group of passengers from one floor to another, in particular depending on the capacity utilization of the elevator system. The transport time can be a measure of the duration of the transport process. The transport time can furthermore have a start time and an end time. The start time of the transport time can, for example, be the start of the transport of a passenger by means of the elevator system. The end time of the transport time can, for example, be the end of the transport of a passenger by means of the elevator system or the reaching of the destination.The travel time may vary depending on the characteristics and capacity of the elevator system and the building.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the method, assigning an elevator car of the elevator system to the at least one passenger can comprise at least one of the following steps: assigning the elevator car of the elevator system directly after the transportation request; assigning the elevator car of the elevator system within a predefined time period before the determined start time period; and / or assigning the elevator car of the elevator system when the at least one passenger is located in an area of ​​the elevator system, such as a foyer or a building area connected to the elevator system. Accordingly, the passenger receives information about the elevator car assigned to them in a reasonable time before the passenger is scheduled to enter the elevator car in order to enable a delay-free start to the journey.

[0033] If, for example, the variant is selected in which an elevator car to be assigned is selected within a predefined period of time before the determined start period and, simultaneously and / or prior to and / or after the start period, the elevator car is assigned to the elevator system when at least one passenger is located in an area of ​​the elevator system, this can be understood as meaning that the two assignment alternatives are equivalent or identical. This means that, for example, these two assignment alternatives can be carried out simultaneously, i.e. according to the principle of one assignment and for two effects, namely those mentioned in this "and" variant. On the other hand, the elevator car can be assigned to the elevator system within a predefined period of time before the determined start period, during which the passenger is located in an area of ​​the elevator system.

[0034] The start period can therefore be the period that begins before the passenger is located in an area of ​​the elevator system. Alternatively or additionally, the start period can also be selected so that it begins when the passenger is located in an area of ​​the elevator system. Further alternatively, the start period can be selected so that it begins when the passenger is about to leave the area of ​​the elevator system or is in danger of leaving it. In at least one embodiment, the "and" connection of the two assignments can therefore be understood as an assignment chain, i.e. forming a chain through two assignments that follow one another in time or that occur at the same time.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the method, the allocation of the elevator car of the elevator system to the at least one passenger can be based on a prediction of the elevator system's behavior. The prediction of the elevator system's behavior can optionally be determined using a mathematical model. This prediction can make it possible to anticipate the future behavior of the elevator system, particularly in connection with its capacity utilization, particularly in connection with other existing transport requests, possibly relating to a later period, and to allocate the appropriate elevator car accordingly, enabling an optimal transport process of the elevator system. This prediction of the elevator behavior can optionally be determined using a mathematical model.This model allows various factors such as capacity utilization, traffic patterns and historical data to be analyzed to generate the most accurate predictions possible and thus enable the efficient allocation of an elevator car.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the method, the allocation of an elevator car of the elevator system to the at least one passenger can be based on at least one of the following factors: a boarding floor of the at least one passenger; a destination floor of the at least one passenger; and / or an estimated travel time of the at least one passenger. The boarding floor typically refers to the floor at which a passenger enters the elevator car, while the destination floor refers to the floor at which the passenger exits the elevator car. The estimated travel time can, for example, be a forecast duration of time required to get from an boarding floor to the desired destination floor, particularly taking into account the capacity utilization of the elevator system, and in particular also taking into account the number of stops to be reached.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the method, the method comprises, in a further step, determining the utilization of the elevator system based on an absolute transport capacity and / or an absolute arrival rate of passengers. The absolute arrival rate of passengers can optionally have been determined from passenger data during operation of the elevator system over a predefined period of time, in particular in the past, and thus from historical passenger data. The absolute transport capacity of the elevator system can be a maximum transport capacity, i.e. a maximum possible number of passengers that can be transported within a certain period of time. The absolute arrival rate can be the number of passengers arriving at the elevator system and requesting transport.The absolute arrival rate can be determined by counting calls from the elevator system, monitoring a load measuring unit of the elevator system or by visual people counting, in particular an image capture device with suitable evaluation software.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the method, an elevator system with a processing device is provided. The processing device can be configured to carry out a method described herein. In a further embodiment of the method, the waiting time of a passenger and the transport time could also be forecast. Furthermore, an expected transport time could also be forecast and, for example, also promised, in particular to the effect that the waiting or transport time is below a certain value. In particular, this could be done for transport requests announced early in order to encourage passengers to submit transport requests early, which can improve the determination of capacity utilization. The promise of transport orHowever, a transport time can only be given subject to reservation, since incorrect use of the lift system, for example by passengers, can lead to delays (for example, if a person blocks a cabin door).

[0039] In further implementations of the method, seats in elevator cars could be reserved for passengers who have submitted early transportation requests. For example, if an elevator car seats sixteen passengers, only ten transportation requests from elevator calls would be accepted per elevator car, but transportation requests from the building navigation system could be accepted until the sixteenth passenger is assigned. This could make it more attractive for passengers to submit transportation requests early using a navigation system, thus contributing to an overall improvement in the elevator system's transport capacity.

[0040] In general, features of the various exemplary aspects and / or embodiments described herein may be combined with one another, unless clearly excluded in the context of the disclosure. In the following part of the description, reference is made to the figures, which are shown to illustrate specific aspects and embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other aspects may be used and structural or logical changes to the illustrated embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of the figures is therefore not to be understood as limiting.

[0041] This shows

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematically illustrated elevator system comprising a plurality of elevator shafts with elevator cars according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematically illustrated method for operating an elevator installation according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 3A shows another schematically illustrated elevator system with a passenger information system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Fig. 3B shows the schematically illustrated method according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the route information is transmitted to a mobile device assigned to the at least one passenger;

[0046] Fig. 4A is a schematic representation of an elevator system and method according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein an elevator car of the elevator system is assigned to the passenger based on the start time period; and

[0047] Fig. 4B is a diagram of the movement of a first elevator car and a second elevator car of an elevator installation according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] In the following, identical reference symbols refer to identical or at least functionally identical features.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows an elevator installation 100 comprising a plurality of elevator cars 105, 105', 105" according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The elevator installation 100 comprises an elevator group 140, which has an elevator shaft 130, 130' and 130" for each of the elevator cars 105, 105' and 105", in which the respective elevator car 105, 105' and 105" can move up and down between the floors E1 to E6. Each of the elevator cars 105, 105' and 105" is moved by a respective drive. A processing device 120 can be provided to control the drives of the respective elevator car 105, 105' and 105". The processing device 120 can thus coordinate or regulate the travels of the elevator cars 105, 105', 105" and coordinate them with one another.

[0050] The processing device 120 is connected to the control panels B1 to B6 arranged on each floor E1 to E6 and to the destination selection panels 110, 110', and 110" arranged in each elevator car 105, 105', and 105". The processing device 120 can thus receive information when a passenger 4 is waiting on one of the floors E1 to E6 for one of the elevator cars 105, 105', and 105".

[0051] A passenger can select one of the floors E1 to E6 to which they intend to be transported using one of the destination selection panels 110, 110', and 110". It is also possible for the passenger to select the desired floor using one of the control panels B1 to B6 to indicate the destination. The processing device 120 can therefore determine which elevator car 105, 105', and 105" is assigned to the passenger.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a method 200 for operating an elevator installation 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0053] In a first step 210, the method comprises determining the capacity of the elevator system 100. In a second step 220, a route is determined based on the capacity of the elevator system 100, and in a third step 230, the route is provided in such a way that it can be detected by at least one passenger. The route can be a plurality of route options. For example, the passenger can select one route option from the plurality of route options.

[0054] In a fourth, optional step 240, the method may include detecting a transportation request from at least one passenger, wherein the transportation request is transmitted via wireless communication between the elevator system 100 and the at least one passenger. For example, if the passenger has selected a route from the plurality of route options, a transportation request can be automatically transmitted to the elevator system 100.

[0055] In a fifth, likewise optional step 250, the method may include determining a starting time for the transport of the at least one passenger 435 based on the route information. The route information may include the starting time for the transport. In a further optional sixth step 260, the method may include assigning an elevator car of the elevator system to the at least one passenger based on the starting time.

[0056] Fig. 3A shows the elevator installation 100 with a passenger information system 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. The exemplary passenger information system 400 comprises a plurality of traffic information displays 425, 425', and 425", wherein the traffic information displays 425, 425', and 425" are each assigned to an elevator group 140, 140', and 140", each of which has a plurality of elevator shafts with elevator cars 105, 105', 105" that can be moved therein. This means that one traffic information display 425 is assigned to elevator group 140, another traffic information display 425' is assigned to elevator group 140', and another traffic information display 425" is assigned to elevator group 140".

[0057] For example, the traffic information display 425 of elevator group 140 displays a yellow light, thus signaling that passengers 435 at elevator group 140 must wait for an elevator car 105. The traffic information display 425' of elevator group 140' displays a green light, for example, thus signaling that passengers can immediately use an elevator car 105' of elevator group 140'. In this exemplary embodiment, elevator group 140" is undergoing maintenance, so the traffic information display 425" of elevator group 140" displays a red light. An elevator car 105" of elevator group 140" can also be an express elevator for upper floors, in particular floors not accessible to the public, which should only be used for the public transport of passengers 435 in exceptional cases.

[0058] Fig. 3B shows the method 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the route information is provided to a passenger 435. The elevator installation 100 shown in Fig. 3B comprises a processing device 120, which is connected via an interface 410 to a passenger information system 400 and a building navigation system 420. The passenger information system 400 includes a traffic information display 425.

[0059] The processing device 120 transmits route information via the interface 410 to the passenger information system 400 and the building navigation system 420. In a scenario A, the route information is provided to the passenger 435 via the traffic information display 425 in such a way that the passenger can record it. In a further scenario B, the route information is transmitted via the passenger information system 400 to a mobile device 430 assigned to the passenger 435. In a further scenario C, the route information is transmitted via the building navigation system 420 to a mobile device 430 assigned to the passenger 435.

[0060] Fig. 4A shows the elevator installation 100 and the method 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein an elevator car 105, 105' of the elevator installation 100 is assigned to the passenger 435 based on a start time period 500. The elevator installation 100 shown in Fig. 4A comprises a processing device 120, which is connected to the building navigation system 420 via an interface 410. In a step 240, the exemplary method 200 for operating an elevator installation 100 comprises detecting a transportation request from the passenger 435, wherein the transportation request is transmitted from the mobile device 430 to the building navigation system 420 via wireless communication. In a step 250 of the method 200, a start time period 500 for the transportation of the passenger 435 is determined based on the route information.The start period 500 can be determined by the building navigation system 420 and sent to the processing device 120 via the interface 410. The start period 500 can, for example, be the period from 8:00 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. In a further step 260, the method 200 can include assigning an elevator car 105 of the elevator system 100 to the passenger 435 based on the start period 500. The assignment of the elevator car 105 is determined by the processing device 120.

[0061] The allocation of a specific elevator car 105, 105' can be done using different strategies:

[0062] Assigning the elevator car 105, 105' of the elevator system 100 directly after the transport request; Assigning the elevator car 105, 105' of the elevator system 100 in a predefined period of time before the determined start period 500; and / or

[0063] Assigning the elevator car 105, 105' of the elevator system 100 when the at least one passenger 435 is located in an area of ​​the elevator system 100.

[0064] For example, the building navigation system 420 can use an API (Application Programming Interface) to transmit a transportation request with the passenger's approximate arrival time to the elevator system 100. Instead of sending an elevator car 105, 105' directly to the starting floor, the elevator system 100 incorporates the transportation request into the calculation of the car travels and optimizes the travels of the elevator cars 105, 105' such that an elevator car 105, 105' is ready at the starting floor of the passenger 435 within the given time period in which the passenger 435 is expected to arrive. The elevator system 100 can respond to the transportation request with a predicted waiting and / or travel time for this passenger.

[0065] Fig. 4B shows a diagram of the movement of a first elevator car 105 and a second elevator car 105' of an elevator installation 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. At a first time (9:00 a.m.), the first elevator car 105 is assigned three transport requests from E1 to E2, from E1 to E5, and from E5 to E4, which it serves consecutively. The second elevator car 105' is assigned two transport requests from E5 to E1 and from E1 to E4, which are served by this elevator car 105'.

[0066] For a starting time period 500 at 9:05 a.m., another transportation request 530 from E1 to E3 is registered. Based on the proposed method 200, the elevator system 100 regulates that the first elevator car 105, after stopping on floor E4, travels to floor E1 and waits there for the passenger to transport them to floor E3 according to the transportation request 530.

[0067] If a new transportation request from E3 to E1 is registered before 9:03 a.m., the elevator system 100 could assign this new transportation request to the first elevator car 105, since this trip is likely to have already ended before the newly announced passenger arrives. However, if a transportation request from E1 to E5 is registered at 9:03 a.m., the first elevator car 105 can wait on floor E1 for the newly announced passenger. The dashed line represents the predicted behavior of the first elevator car 105 and the second elevator car 105' of the elevator system 100. List of Reference Symbols

[0068] 100 elevator system

[0069] 105 elevator car

[0070] 110 Speed ​​Dial Field

[0071] 120 processing facility

[0072] 130 elevator shaft

[0073] 140 elevator group

[0074] 105' another elevator car

[0075] 110' another destination field

[0076] 130' another elevator shaft

[0077] 140' another elevator group

[0078] 105“ another elevator car

[0079] 110" another destination field

[0080] 130“ another elevator shaft

[0081] 140“ another elevator group

[0082] E1 - E6 floors

[0083] B1 - B6 control panels

[0084] 200 procedures

[0085] 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 process steps

[0086] 400 Passenger Information System

[0087] 410 interface

[0088] 420 Building Navigation System

[0089] 425 Traffic information display

[0090] 430 mobile device

[0091] 435 passengers

[0092] 500 start period

[0093] 530 transport request

Claims

Claims 1. A method (200) for operating an elevator system (100) having a plurality of elevator cars (105, 105', 105"), by means of which passengers (435) can be transported to at least one floor (E1 - E6) of a plurality of floors (E1 - E6) of a building, the method (200) comprising the following steps: Determining the capacity of the elevator system (100); Determining a route indication based on the capacity utilization of the elevator system (100); and Providing the route information so that the route information can be detected by at least one passenger (435).

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, wherein the determined utilization of the elevator installation (100) comprises at least one of the following uses: a use of the elevator installation (100) for one direction of travel; a use of the elevator installation (100) for at least one floor (E1 - E6) of the plurality of floors (E1 - E6) of the building; and / or a use of the elevator installation (100) for a connection between at least two floors (E1 - E6) of the plurality of floors (E1 - E6) of the building.

3. Method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the route information takes place taking into account a forecast of a future utilization of the elevator installation (100).

4. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the route information is provided to a passenger information system (400).

5. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the route information is provided to a building navigation system (420) for determining at least one favorable route for paths within the building.

6. The method (200) according to at least one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the route information from the passenger information system (400) and / or the determined route from the building navigation system (420) is provided to a mobile device (430) assigned to the at least one passenger (435).

7. Method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (200) comprises the following further steps: Detecting a transport request (530) from at least one passenger (435), wherein the transport request (530) is transmitted by means of communication between the elevator system (100) and the at least one passenger (435); Determining a start time (500) for the transport of the at least one passenger (435) based on the route information; and Assigning an elevator car (105, 105', 105") of the elevator system (100) to the at least one passenger (435) based on the determined start period (500).

8. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (200) determines, in a further step, a waiting time of the at least one passenger (435) based on the start period (500).

9. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (200) determines, in a further step, a transport time of the at least one passenger (435) based on the start period (500).

10. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the assignment of an elevator car (105, 105', 105") of the elevator installation (100) to the at least one passenger (435) comprises at least one of the following steps: Assigning the elevator car (105, 105', 105") of the elevator system (100) directly after the transport request (530); Assigning the elevator car (105, 105', 105") to the elevator installation (100) in a predefined period of time before the determined start period (500); and / or Assigning the elevator car (105, 105', 105") of the elevator system when the at least one passenger (435) is located in an area of the elevator system (100).

11. Method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the allocation of the elevator car (105, 105', 105") of the elevator installation (100) to the at least one passenger (435) is based on a prediction of the behavior of the Elevator system (100) and the prediction of the behavior of the elevator system (100) is optionally determined by means of a mathematical model.

12. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the assignment of an elevator car (105, 105', 105") of the elevator installation (100) to the at least one passenger (435) is based on at least one of the following factors: a boarding floor (E1 - E6) of the at least one passenger (435); a destination floor (E1 - E6) of the at least one passenger (435); and / or an estimated travel time of the at least one passenger (435).

13. The method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (200) comprises, in a further step, determining the capacity of the elevator installation (100) based on an absolute conveying capacity and / or an absolute arrival rate of passengers (435), wherein the absolute arrival rate of passengers (435) was optionally determined in particular from historical passenger data during the operation of the elevator installation (100) over a predefined period of time.

14. An elevator installation (100) with a processing device (120), wherein the processing device (120) is configured to carry out a method (200) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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