Building system with elevator system and door intercom system

Abstract

A building system (1) comprises an elevator system (10), an interface device (4), and a door intercom system (2) which has a first and a second speech device (2a, 2b), said interface device (4) being connected to the door intercom system (2) and to a network access device (24). The interface device (4) is designed to receive a ringing signal, which is generated by the first speech device (2a), for the second speech device (2b), to generate a notification signal, and to cause the notification signal to be transmitted to a mobile communication device (6) of a person (P2) via the network access device (24) and the communication network (26). The communication device (22) of the elevator system (10) is designed to receive an elevator call from the mobile communication device (6), the elevator call being a response by the person (P2) to the notification signal, and the elevator controller (14) is designed to move the elevator car (20) according to the elevator call.

Description

[0001] Building system with elevator system and door intercom

[0002] Description

[0003] The technology described here generally relates to a building system with an elevator and an intercom system. Implementation examples of the technology include the method for operating the building system.

[0004] Buildings can be equipped with various systems depending on their needs and use. One example is an elevator, which transports people from one floor to another. Another system is an intercom, which, among other things, enhances building security by controlling access. Intercoms (also called door intercom systems) are typically equipped with a doorbell or chime, with or without video transmission, and doors with simple mechanical or electromechanical locks. An audio / video intercom unit at a building entrance is connected via cables to one or more audio / video units within the building.

[0005] In addition to such door intercom systems, complex access control systems are also known. US 9,077,716, for example, describes an access control system in which a mobile electronic device communicates with an electronic door lock via a Bluetooth or WLAN radio connection and with a web server via a WAN (Wide Area Network) radio connection to open the electronic lock using a code pattern generated by the web server. WO 2010 / 112586 A1 describes an access control system in which a mobile phone carried by a user sends an identification code to an access node. WO 2018 / 224426 A1 discloses an elevator system that has a visitor operating mode to maintain contact with a visitor from the building entrance on their way to the host.

[0006] These access control systems offer a certain degree of user-friendliness, for example, because users don't need to carry access cards or traditional keys and don't have to remember an access code. These systems also offer a degree of security, for example, because a host can contact a visitor before the visitor enters the building and while moving towards the host within it. These systems rely, among other things, on the visitor having a mobile phone with them. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that eliminates this requirement, yet still meets security requirements, can be implemented cost-effectively, and is user-friendly.

[0007] One aspect of such technology involves a building system with an elevator and an intercom system. The elevator system comprises an elevator control unit, an elevator car, and a drive unit that, when activated by the control unit, moves the elevator car between floors of a building. The intercom system has a primary intercom unit installed at a building entrance, accessible to one person, and a secondary intercom unit installed in a restricted-access area within the building, accessible to a second person. The elevator system includes a communication device designed for communication with a network. Furthermore, an interface device is connected to the intercom system and a network access device.The interface device is configured to receive a ring signal generated by the first intercom device for the second intercom device, to generate a notification signal, and to transmit the notification signal via the network access device and the communication network to a mobile communication device of the second person. The communication device of the elevator system is configured to receive an elevator call from the mobile communication device, the elevator call being the second person's response to the notification signal. The elevator control system is configured to move the elevator car according to the elevator call.

[0008] Another aspect of the technology concerns a method for operating such a building system. According to this method, a doorbell signal is received by the interface device, with the doorbell signal being generated by the first intercom at the building entrance for the second intercom. The first intercom generates the doorbell signal at the instigation of the first person (when they "ring the bell"). A notification signal is sent by the interface device to a mobile communication device of the second person via the network access device and the communication network. Additionally, an elevator call generated by the mobile communication device is received by the elevator system's communication device. The elevator call is the second person's response to the notification signal.In addition, the drive unit is controlled by the elevator control system according to the elevator call in order to move the elevator car according to the elevator call.

[0009] The technology described here enables cross-system communication between the door intercom and the elevator system. In a building, especially an existing or older building, the door intercom and the elevator system are typically two separate systems. The door intercom allows an authorized visitor to gain access to the building entrance; the visitor can then request an elevator ride from the elevator lobby to reach the host's floor. In contrast, according to the technology described here, the host initiates the elevator call. In one embodiment, the elevator call specifies an elevator ride from a starting floor to a destination floor. The building entrance is on the starting floor, and the destination floor is the floor where the second intercom is located. Therefore, the visitor does not need to know the host's floor.Depending on the building and the status of the elevator system (e.g., traffic situation, status of the elevator car), an elevator car may already be ready for boarding when the visitor arrives in the elevator hall.

[0010] According to the technology described here, the host can use their mobile communication device to operate both the door intercom and the elevator system. It is no longer necessary for the host to go to the intercom in their apartment when the doorbell rings. Using the mobile communication device, they can be located elsewhere in the apartment, in the building, or even outside the building and respond to the doorbell and operate the door intercom and / or the elevator system from there. As mentioned, the door intercom and the elevator system in an existing building are often two separate systems. According to the technology described here, such a building can be retrofitted with an interface device to enable the aforementioned cross-system communication between the door intercom and the elevator system, even in an existing building.Depending on the elevator system, it may already have a communication device, e.g., if the elevator system is equipped for call input via mobile phone, or the communication device can be retrofitted by connecting it to the elevator control system.

[0011] In one embodiment, the interface device can be installed in the access-restricted zone, e.g., an apartment, and connected to the intercom located there. In a building with several independent access-restricted zones, e.g., several separate apartments or offices, the door intercom system in one embodiment includes additional intercoms, each located in a further access-restricted zone. At least one of these additional intercoms is connected to another interface device, which is connected to one of the additional network access devices in the further access-restricted zone. If the building has several independent access-restricted zones, a user (host) of an access-restricted zone may decide to install an interface device and its functionalities, while another user may not wish to do so.The technology described here thus enables the individualization of an apartment and the functionalities available there.

[0012] In one embodiment, the functionality includes the ability for the host to unlock the building entrance, allowing the visitor to enter. The network access device is configured to receive an unlock signal from the mobile communication device via the communication network and transmit it to the interface device. The interface device is configured to transmit the unlock signal to the door intercom system to unlock the building entrance. In another embodiment, the functionality includes the ability for the host to communicate with the visitor at the building entrance via audio using their mobile communication device. The interface device is configured to transmit an audio signal, with the transmission occurring between the mobile communication device and the first intercom system.

[0013] Because the host retains control over the building entrance and can ensure that the visitor is physically present at the intercom at the entrance, security is guaranteed. The host can unlock the building entrance once they have verified the visitor's identity, for example, by speaking with the visitor and / or viewing a camera recording of the visitor. The host can then, for example, call an elevator (or an elevator car) for the visitor's ride.

[0014] The interface device used in this technology can be flexibly and easily connected to the elevator system within the building. The interface device generally serves to transmit data and / or voice (or voice data); accordingly, it is designed for at least one of these purposes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the interface device sends feedback via the communication network to the communication device to inform the host that the building entrance is open. Information that a visitor now has access to the building can improve the host's sense of security.

[0016] In one embodiment, a status signal generated by the elevator control system is received by the interface device. This status signal indicates that the elevator car has reached the second designated floor (destination floor). The status signal is then sent to the communication device to inform the host that the visitor has arrived at the destination floor. This information can also enhance the host's sense of security; furthermore, the host can then greet the visitor. Various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail below using embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, identical elements have the same reference symbols. They show:

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a building with a building system that includes an elevator system and a door intercom system;

[0018] Fig. 2 shows exemplary signal diagrams for different application examples in building systems; and

[0019] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating the building system.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a building with a building system 1, which includes an elevator system 10, an intercom system 2, and a building entrance 12. The building entrance 12 can, for example, lead from a ground floor L0 into an entrance hall in which an elevator control terminal 14 of the elevator system 10 is located and from which there is access to an elevator car 11. The building 1 has at least one access-restricted zone; this zone can be, for example, an apartment, a hall, and / or office or other commercial premises. Depending on the building, it can have a number of access-restricted zones, in particular apartments. In the situation shown in Fig. 1, a person PI is outside the building 1 near the building entrance 12 and wishes to visit a person P2 inside the building 1. In Fig. 1, person P2 is, for example, in their apartment on floor LI.The person P2 in the apartment on floor LI is hereinafter referred to as host P2, and the person PI outside building 1 is referred to as visitor, to better distinguish between the two. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the technology described here is not limited to a host-visitor scenario; the technology is also applicable in scenarios involving family members, suppliers, or service providers.

[0021] As illustrated by example in Fig. 1, the host P2 can use a mobile electronic communication device 6 (hereinafter also referred to as mobile phone 6) for communication purposes. Such a mobile phone 6 can be a smartphone, which offers significantly more extensive computer functionalities and connectivity than a standard mobile phone. In one embodiment, the mobile phone 6 has a camera (in particular a digital camera) and associated application-specific software (app) and can be used, for example, for voice and / or text communication. Many functions, at least in the case of a smartphone, can typically be controlled by means of a touch-sensitive screen that displays a graphical user interface (GUI). In other embodiments, the mobile electronic communication device 6 can be a tablet PC, a notebook / laptop computer, or similar device.These devices typically also include a camera and a radio module. In the implementation examples described here, the mobile phone 6 includes an app for communication with the elevator system 10 ("elevator app").

[0022] The door intercom system 2 shown in Fig. 1 comprises an outdoor intercom unit 2a, which is located on the outside of the building at the building entrance 12, and an indoor intercom unit 2b, which is located in the access-restricted zone (e.g., an apartment) and is equipped with a tone generator. The outdoor intercom unit 2a and the indoor intercom unit 2b can each be equipped with a video camera for video communication and can be located, for example, on or next to a building door. A doorbell (bell) is typically provided at the building entrance 12, and the doorbell and the outdoor intercom unit 2a can, for example, be integrated into a single housing. In a building with several access-restricted zones (e.g., apartments), a doorbell system is typically installed, on which the individual access-restricted zones are marked (e.g., by letter, letter, or sign).(with names) and are individually selectable / callable, whereupon an electrical ring signal is generated in each case, which is transmitted to the corresponding indoor intercom unit 2b. The outdoor intercom unit 2a can also be integrated into such a doorbell system.

[0023] Depending on the building and the corresponding scope of the door intercom system 2, the door intercom system 2 can include an internal switching center 8, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1. The switching center 8 is designed to transmit an electrical ring signal generated by the doorbell system to the indoor intercom unit 2b of the selected access-restricted zone (apartment) and to activate the tone generator there. In the opposite direction, the switching center 8 can, for example, enable a voice connection between the (selected) indoor intercom unit 2b and the outdoor intercom unit 2a and send an unlocking signal to a locking system at the building entrance 12.

[0024] The elevator system 10 shown in Fig. 2 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, an elevator control unit (EC) 14, an elevator car 11, and a drive unit (motor) 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elevator system 10 comprises further components. The components of the elevator system 10 and its operation are generally known to those skilled in the art, so more detailed explanations are only provided to the extent necessary for a better understanding of the technology described here. For example, the elevator control unit 14 processes a received elevator call and accordingly controls the drive unit 16 to move the elevator car 11 in a shaft.

[0025] According to the technology described here, the building system 1 also includes an interface device (IF) 4, which is connected to the door intercom 2 to receive a doorbell signal. The interface device 4 has a signal input for this purpose (e.g., a plug, clamp, or screw connection), and the connection can be made, for example, with separate wire sections or a multi-core cable (e.g., a telephone cable such as for a subscriber line). In Fig. 1, the interface device 4 is connected to the indoor intercom 2b and can be located in the apartment of the host 2b. In another embodiment, the interface device 4 can be connected to the central office 8; in this case, the interface device 4 can be located inside or outside the apartment.

[0026] Building system 1 is designed for communication with a communication network 26, which, for example, provides access to the internet. Communication network 26 comprises a data network that can be part of an IT infrastructure for so-called cloud computing (colloquially also referred to as "the cloud"). This includes, for example, storing data in a remote data center, but also running programs that are not installed locally, but remotely. Depending on the configuration, certain functionality can be provided within building system 1 or via the "cloud." For example, a software application or parts thereof can be executed in the "cloud." A check to determine whether a person has access to the building or elevator system 10 can be performed either locally in the building or in the cloud.The IT infrastructure can, for example, be operated by a company that maintains and / or has installed building system 1 and / or elevator system 10. Such an IT infrastructure is referred to below as a "service cloud." Building system 1 can access the service cloud via communication network 26. Communication can take place according to a known transmission protocol, such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), IP (Internet Protocol), and UDP (User Data Protocol).

[0027] The interface device 4 has a signal output (e.g., designed as a connector) that is connected to a network access device 24, which is configured for communication with the communication network 26. The interface device 4 is generally used for transmitting signals (data, voice (or voice data), and / or image data); accordingly, it is designed for this purpose. The interface device 4 includes an electronic circuit that detects an incoming electrical ring signal and generates an electrical notification signal from it. Depending on its configuration, the interface device 4 may include a processing unit, a storage unit (e.g., RAM, flash memory), an on / off switch, a program function for defining active / inactive time periods, and / or a connector socket for connection to an external power source.In one embodiment, the energy source can be located in the interface device 4; in another embodiment, the energy supply can be provided via the door intercom system 2.

[0028] In one embodiment, the network access device 24 comprises a modem belonging to the host P2, which it uses, for example, for internet services. The elevator system 10 also has a communication device 22 for communication with the communication network 26. The communication device 22 is connected to the elevator control unit 14. For illustration, exemplary communication paths C1 and C2 of the interface device 4 and the communication device 22 are shown in Fig. 1; a further communication path C1 is shown between the mobile phone 6 and the communication network 26. Further details regarding the communication paths C1, C2, and C3 are provided elsewhere in this description.

[0029] In the building system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the technology described here can be advantageously applied to operate the building system 1 efficiently, thereby improving ease of use for the host P2. In brief and exemplary terms, the operation of the building system 1 is as follows: When the visitor P1 is at the building and activates the first intercom 2a at the building entrance 12 to contact the host P2 by ringing the bell, the interface device 4 receives a ring signal and then initiates the transmission of a notification signal to the host P2's mobile phone 6 via the network access device 24 and the communication network 26. The host P2 can then use the mobile phone 6 instead of the indoor intercom 2b to communicate with the visitor P1 and, if necessary, grant access and / or initiate an elevator call using the elevator app.

[0030] The elevator call can be a destination call, specifying a starting floor (boarding floor) and a destination floor. In elevator system 10, the location of the intercom unit 2a is fixed and corresponds to the destination floor in relation to the elevator call (destination call). From the perspective of the elevator control unit 14, the elevator call means that the elevator car 11 is needed on floor L0 and must then travel to the destination floor. The visitor PI can then board the waiting or arriving elevator car 11 on floor L0 and will be transported to the destination floor without the visitor PI having to remember, for example, the floor (destination floor) of the host P2.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows exemplary signal diagrams for different situations Al - A4 starting from the building system 1 shown in Fig. 1. In each situation Al - A4, signals as a function of time t are shown schematically and not to scale for illustration and reference. The units involved in the respective communication shown in Fig. 2 schematically (from left to right) are the outdoor intercom 2a, the (optional) switching center 8, the indoor intercom 2b, the interface device 4 in conjunction with the network access device 24, the communication network 26, the mobile phone 6, and the elevator system 10. In situation Al, communication takes place from the outdoor intercom 2a, which emits a ringing signal, to the mobile phone 6.The ring signal is transmitted via signaling devices M1 to the interface unit 4 and the network access unit 24, from which the corresponding notification is transmitted to the mobile phone 6 via communication paths C1 and C3. The mobile phone 6 displays the notification, for example, on its touchscreen. The host P2 can then decide whether to ignore or activate the notification (e.g., by touching the displayed notification). If the host P2 activates the notification, the mobile phone 6, in one embodiment, opens the elevator app, which allows the host P2 to select actions, for example, using the graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile phone 6.

[0032] As an action, the host P2 can, for example, choose to have a conversation with the visitor PI. To do this, the host P2 can, for example, touch a displayed audio symbol. The elevator app enables the establishment of an audio channel between the mobile phone 6 and the external intercom 2a. This is shown schematically in situation A2: The mobile phone 6 establishes the audio channel to the external intercom 2b via the communication paths C3 and Clund signaling M2.

[0033] Referring to the schematically depicted situation A3, the host P2 can request that building entrance 12 be unlocked so that visitor PI can enter the building. To do this, host P2 can, for example, touch a depicted unlock symbol. The elevator app then triggers the generation of an unlock signal, which unlocks building entrance 12, allowing visitor PI to enter the building. Host P2 can initiate the unlocking during or after the conversation (see situation A1), or as soon as the elevator app opens without a prior conversation. In situation A3, the communication between the mobile phone 6 and the external intercom 2b via communication paths C1 and C3 and signaling M3 is simplified and represented by double arrows.

[0034] Referring to the schematically depicted situation A4, the host P2 can initiate an elevator call. The elevator call causes the elevator car 11 to be reserved for a ride by visitor PI and, for example, to be moved to an entrance hall of the building. To do this, the host P2 can, for example, touch a depicted elevator symbol. Communication between the mobile phone 6 and the external intercom 2b takes place via communication paths C1 and C3 and signaling signals M4, which correspond, for example, to situation A2 (unlocking the building entrance 12). In one embodiment, touching the elevator symbol triggers the unlocking of the building entrance 12 and the elevator call essentially simultaneously. By touching the elevator symbol, the host P2 can unlock the building entrance 12 and call an elevator. In another embodiment, the host P2 can first initiate the unlocking and then the elevator call.Communication between the mobile phone 6 and the elevator control 14 takes place via communication path C3.

[0035] With an understanding of the system components and functionalities described above, an exemplary method for operating building system 1 is described below in conjunction with Fig. 3. The method begins in step S1 and ends in step S7. The description is given from the perspective of building system 1, depicted in Fig. 1, which includes the elevator system 10 and the door intercom 2, and with reference to visitor PI, who wishes to enter building 1 at building entrance 12 (floor L0) in order to reach the host P2 (floor LI). The network access device 24 and the mobile phone 6 are operational, with the network access device 24 being configured, for example, for internet access and communicating according to an internet protocol (TCP / IP).

[0036] Host P2 is registered as a user in the service cloud of building system 1, specifically elevator system 10, using their mobile phone 6 and the ready-to-use elevator app. In one embodiment, a user account is created for host P2 in a database for building system 1 within the service cloud. Host P2's user account includes, for example, one or more names, apartment data (floor L0), access permissions, and a telephone number or mobile phone 6 identifier. When host P2 uses the elevator app, the telephone number or identifier serves, in one embodiment, to identify and / or authorize host P2, as these are linked to host P2 in the user account. In step S2, a doorbell signal is generated. If visitor P1 is at building entrance 12, visitor P1 contacts host P2 by ringing the doorbell, for example, by pressing the bell on the external intercom 2a.The doorbell signal is generated by the door intercom system 2 when, for example, an electrical contact is closed by pressing the doorbell.

[0037] In step S3, the doorbell signal is received. The interface unit 4 receives the doorbell signal from the door intercom 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the interface unit 4 is connected to the indoor intercom 2b and can therefore receive the doorbell signal (in other words, the doorbell signal is tapped from the indoor intercom 2b by the interface unit 4).

[0038] In step S4, the doorbell signal is sent as a notification via communication network 26 to mobile phone 6. The expert recognizes that the doorbell signal is processed accordingly for transmission. The interface device 4 adds, for example, an identifier for the intercom 2b to the doorbell signal, where the identifier indicates in which apartment the doorbell signal is received, and enables a control signal to be sent to intercom 2b. The network access device 24 sends the doorbell signal (plus identifier) ​​according to the internet protocol via communication network 26 to the service cloud. The service cloud uses the identifier to determine the telephone number of mobile phone 6 assigned to it and then sends the notification to mobile phone 6.

[0039] When the mobile phone 6 receives the notification, it is displayed, for example, on the user interface. If the host P2 touches the notification, the elevator app opens and the host P2 can, for example, select one of the actions A2, A3, A4 shown in Fig. 2: an audio channel, unlocking the building entrance 12, or calling the elevator.

[0040] In step S5, a selection signal is received. If the host P2 selects one of the specified actions, the elevator app generates the corresponding selection signal and instructs the mobile phone 6 to transmit the selection signal to the service cloud. The selection signal includes information that identifies the mobile phone 6 and / or the elevator app. The service cloud uses this information to send the selection signal to door system 2 (intercom 2b at host 2b and / or building entrance 12) or elevator system 10 (for travel from floor L0 to the host's floor LI).

[0041] In step S6, the selected action is executed. The process ends in step S7.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Building system (1) with an elevator system (10) and an intercom system (2), wherein the elevator system (10) has an elevator control unit (14), an elevator car (20) and a drive unit (16) which, when controlled by the elevator control unit (14), moves the elevator car (20) between floors (LI, L2, L3) of a building, and wherein the intercom system (2) has a first intercom device (2a) which is installed at a building entrance (12) accessible to a first person (PI), and a second intercom device (2b) which is installed in an access-restricted zone accessible to a second person (P2) inside the building, characterized in that the elevator system (10) has a communication device (22) which is configured for communication with a communication network (26), and that an interface device (4) is connected to the intercom system (2) and a network access device (24).wherein the interface device (4) is configured to receive a ring signal generated by the first intercom device (2a) for the second intercom device (2b), to generate a notification signal and to cause the notification signal to be sent via the network access device (24) and the communication network (26) to a mobile communication device (6) of the second person (P2), and wherein the communication device (22) of the elevator system (10) is configured to receive an elevator call from the mobile communication device (6), wherein the elevator call is a response of the second person (P2) to the notification signal, and wherein the elevator control (14) is configured to move the elevator car (20) according to the elevator call.

2. Building system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the communication device (22) of the elevator system (10) is configured to receive an elevator call signal via the communication network (26) from the mobile communication device (6) and to transmit it to the elevator control (14).

3. Building system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network access device (2) is configured to receive a release signal from the mobile communication device (6) via the communication network (26) and to transmit it to the interface device (4), wherein the interface device (4) is designed to transmit the release signal to the door intercom (2) in order to release the building entrance (12).

4. Building system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface device (4) is installed in the access-restricted zone and is connected to the second intercom device (2b).

5. Building system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface device (4) is configured to transmit an audio signal, the transmission taking place between the mobile communication device (6) and the first speaking device (2a).

6. Building system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the door intercom system (2) comprises further second intercom devices (2b), wherein each further second intercom device (2b) is arranged in a further access-restricted zone, wherein at least one further second intercom device (2b) is connected to a further interface device (4) which is connected to a further network access device (24) in the further access-restricted zone.

7. Building system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator call specifies an elevator journey from an entry floor (L0) to a destination floor (LI), wherein the building entrance (12) is located on the entry floor (L0) and wherein the destination floor (LI) is a floor on which the second speaking device (2b) is located.

8. Method for operating a building system (1) with an elevator system (10) and a door intercom system (2) according to one of claims 1 - 7, comprising: Receiving a doorbell signal by the interface device (4), wherein the doorbell signal is generated by the first intercom device (2a) at the building entrance (12) for the second intercom device (2a), wherein the first intercom device (2a) transmits the doorbell signal at the instigation of the first person (PI) generated; Sending a notification signal by the interface device (4) to a mobile communication device (6) of the second person (P2) via the network access device (24) and the communication network (26); Receiving an elevator call generated by the mobile communication device (6) by the communication device (22) of the elevator system (10), wherein the elevator call is a response of the second person (P2) to the notification signal; and The drive unit (16) is activated by the elevator control (14) in accordance with the elevator call in order to move the elevator car (20) in accordance with the elevator call.

9. Method according to claim 8, further comprising receiving an elevator call signal by the communication device (22), wherein the elevator call signal originating from the mobile communication device (6) is received via the communication network (26), and transmitting the elevator call signal to the elevator control (14).

10. Method according to one of claims 8 - 9, further comprising receiving a release signal originating from the mobile communication device (6) via the communication network (26) by the network access device (2), transmitting the release signal by the network access device (2) to the interface device (4) and transmitting the release signal by the interface device (4) to the door intercom (2) in order to release the building entrance (12).

11. Method according to one of claims 8 - 10, further comprising transmitting an audio signal through the interface device (4), wherein the transmission takes place between the mobile communication device (6) and the first speaking device (2a).

12. Method according to one of claims 8 - 11, further comprising sending a feedback through the interface device (4) via the communication network (26) to the mobile communication device (6) to inform the host (P2) that the building entrance (12) is open.

13. Method according to one of claims 8-12, wherein the control of the drive unit (16) for an elevator journey from an entry floor (LO) to a destination floor (LI) is carried out, wherein the building entrance (12) is located on the entry floor (LO) and wherein the destination floor (LI) is a floor on which the second intercom device (2b) is located.

14. Method according to claim 13, further comprising sending a status signal generated by the elevator control (14) through the communication device (22) to the mobile communication device (6), wherein the status signal indicates that the elevator car (11) has reached the target floor (LI).

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