CONTROLLING TRAFFIC WITHOUT INTEGRATING WITH A SECURITY VENDOR

Embodiments are directed to providing access without determining an identity of a requester. A fixture may receive a rule pertaining to access to a floor of a building. The fixture may receive a request to access the floor of the building. The fixture may grant access to the floor based on a determination that the rule indicates that access to the floor should be granted. 1. A method for providing access without determining an identity of a requester , comprising:receiving, by a fixture, a rule pertaining to access to a floor of a building;receiving, by the fixture, a request to access the floor of the building; andgranting, by the fixture, access to the floor based on a determination that the rule indicates that access to the floor should be granted.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiving of the rule by the fixture comprises at least one of: receiving the rule as an initial rule and receiving the rule as a modification to an existing rule.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the rule is based on at least one of: a day of week claim 1 , a time of day claim 1 , a direction of travel for an elevator claim 1 , an identification of an originating floor claim 1 , and an identification of a destination floor.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the granting of access to the floor by the fixture comprises a requirement that a user go to a second floor prior to going to the floor.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:receiving, by a second fixture located on the second floor, a request to access the floor; andgranting, by the second fixture, access to the floor based on the request to access the floor received by the second fixture.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the second fixture is associated with a security desk.7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the grant of access to the floor by the second fixture is based on authentication of a credential that is presented to the second fixture.8. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; and receive a rule ...

Elevator passenger interface including images for requesting additional space allocation

An exemplary elevator destination entry system includes a passenger interface device that presents a visual representation of at least one item that will accompany a passenger on an elevator car. The passenger interface allows the passenger to select the visual representation. A controller is configured to receive indications of passenger requests for elevator service and an indication from the passenger interface device regarding a selected visual representation. The controller determines an amount of space within an elevator car required to accommodate the item based on predetermined space information corresponding to the selected visual representation. The controller assigns a car to a passenger request based on a determination that the assigned car will have adequate space to accommodate the passenger and the item.

ORCHESTRATION OF AN OCCUPANT EVACUATION OPERATION USING DESTINATION ENTRY FIXTURES

A system and method of orchestrating an evacuation operation using an elevator is provided. The method includes displaying that an evacuation request using the elevator is an available option, receiving one or more evacuation requests to use the elevator, and displaying evacuation information. 1. A method of orchestrating an evacuation operation using an elevator , the method comprising:displaying that an evacuation request using the elevator is an available option;receiving one or more evacuation requests to use the elevator;displaying evacuation information; anddisplaying the evacuation information on a second screen, wherein the second screen is a fixed screen mounted in an elevator lobby.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein evacuation information includes one or more of a count of evacuation requests claim 1 , an elevator arrival time estimate claim 1 , an elevator indicator claim 1 , a number of detected people waiting claim 1 , an evacuation map claim 1 , evacuation instructions claim 1 , and evacuation warnings.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein displaying the evacuation request using the elevator is the available option comprises:displaying on one or more displays selected from a fixed touch screen, a fixed keypad screen, and a mobile device.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein displaying evacuation information comprises:displaying the evacuation information on one or more displays selected from a fixed touch screen, a fixed keypad screen, and a mobile device.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:wherein the second screen is mounted at a height that is equal to or higher than a top of an elevator door entrance.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:notifying using an audio signal that that the evacuation request using the elevator is the available option.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:notifying using an audio signal the evacuation information that is being displayed.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:displaying that at ...

Elevator system fixtures and server for controlling the fixtures

An exemplary system for communicating with an elevator passenger includes a plurality of elevator passenger interface devices configured to allow an elevator passenger to indicate at least an elevator service request. The interface devices are configured to communicate at least elevator service information to an elevator passenger. A server communicates with the plurality of interface devices. The server is configured to determine when there is input at any of the interface devices. The server is configured to determine a meaning of such input. The server is also configured to determine output to provide at the corresponding interface device and to communicate the determined output to the corresponding interface device. The determined output is responsive to the determined meaning of the input.

Customized elevator passenger interface

An exemplary elevator passenger interface device includes a passenger communication component that facilitates communications between a passenger and an elevator system. Such communications include passenger input to request elevator service and information provided to the passenger. A controller controls the passenger communication component to control its functionality including providing selected information to the passenger. The controller includes a customization module configured to change the functionality of the passenger communication component responsive to authorized user input that is distinct from the passenger input. The authorized user input includes a selection of at least one of a feature used to present information to a passenger or a feature used to allow a passenger to request elevator service.

VARIABLE ELEVATOR ASSIGNMENT

A system includes an input/output unit for receiving a user request to call an elevator and a processor for processing the user request to assign an elevator to the user . The processor performs one of a first assignment process and a second assignment process. The first assignment process includes determining whether a delay condition exists for delaying assignment of the elevator to the user , delaying assignment of the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition exists , and assigning the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition does not exist . The second assignment process includes assigning the elevator to the user and notifying the user of the assignment, determining whether an assignment change condition exists , changing the assignment to another elevator based on determining that the assignment change condition exists , and notifying the user of the assignment change 1. A system for assigning an elevator to a user , comprising:{'b': '110', 'an input/output () unit for receiving a user request to call an elevator; and'}a processor for processing the user request to assign an elevator to the user, the processor configured to perform one of a first assignment process and a second assignment process, the first assignment process including determining whether a delay condition exists for delaying assignment of the elevator to the user, the delay condition based on one or more of an elevator position, a user position, an elevator arrival time, and a user arrival time at elevator doors, the first assignment process further including delaying assignment of the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition exists, and assigning the elevator to the user based on determining that the delay condition does not exist, and the second assignment process including assigning the elevator to the user and notifying the user of the assignment, determining whether an assignment change condition exists, ...

Elevator system with dynamic traffic profile solutions

An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining that a temporary heavy traffic condition exists that includes a plurality of passengers requiring elevator service from an originating floor in the building that is distinct from a lobby floor. At least one elevator car out of a plurality of elevator cars within the building is temporarily dedicated to carry the passengers from the originating floor. A peak travel scheduling strategy is temporarily used for controlling the dedicated elevator car or cars for a selected period of time.

DESTINATION DISPATCH DYNAMIC TUNING

A system and a method of assigning an elevator car of an elevator system based on an adjustment parameter are provided. The method includes assigning, using the elevator controller, the elevator car based on the adjustment parameter in response to receiving an elevator call, wherein the adjustment parameter includes at least a person to call ratio, receiving one or more system parameters, and updating the adjustment parameter based on the system parameters. 1. A method of assigning an elevator car of an elevator system based on an adjustment parameter , the method comprising:assigning, using the elevator controller, the elevator car based on the adjustment parameter in response to receiving an elevator call,wherein the adjustment parameter includes at least a person to call ratio;receiving one or more system parameters; andupdating the adjustment parameter based on the system parameters.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving the elevator call from a user using at least one of a kiosk and mobile device.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:updating an elevator car capacity parameter based on at least the assigning, using the elevator controller, of the elevator car and the adjustment parameter.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:collecting system parameters in the form of sensor data using one or more sensors in an elevator lobby connected to the elevator system;analyzing the sensor data to determine at least an estimated number of people waiting for a called elevator car; andcalculating the person to call ratio using the estimated number of people, a number of elevator calls, and analyzed sensor data.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:collecting system parameters in the form of sensor data using one or more sensors in the elevator car connected to the elevator system;analyzing the sensor data to determine at least an estimated number of people that have boarded the elevator car; andcalculating the person to call ratio ...

Elevator car assignment strategy that limits a number of stops per passenger

An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining that a new passenger requests elevator service from a departure floor to a destination floor. Any candidate elevator cars are ranked. A number of stops for each assigned passenger for a ranked candidate elevator car is determined if the new passenger were assigned to that car. A determination is made whether any ranked candidate elevator car is a qualified car that can accept the new passenger and limit a number of stops for each passenger assigned to that car to a desired maximum number of stops. The new passenger is assigned to a qualified car that has a most favorable ranking of any qualified cars.

Controlling traffic without integrating with a security vendor

Embodiments are directed to providing access without determining an identity of a requester. A fixture may receive a rule pertaining to access to a floor of a building. The fixture may receive a request to access the floor of the building. The fixture may grant access to the floor based on a determination that the rule indicates that access to the floor should be granted.

Elevator car route selector

According to an aspect, a method includes receiving a passenger request to reserve an elevator car of an elevator system to travel to a targeted destination. At least two different travel options to the targeted destination are determined based on a plurality of elevator car travel plans comprising at least two elevator cars having different travel ranges. The at least two different travel options are output to an interactive display. At least one of the at least two elevator cars is reserved responsive to a user selection of one of the at least two different travel options.

SUPER GROUP ARCHITECTURE WITH ADVANCED BUILDING WIDE DISPATCHING LOGIC - DISTRIBUTED GROUP ARCHITECTURE

A method of operating a dispatcher of an elevator group of a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups including: receiving an elevator call, the elevator call including a desired destination; transmitting elevator status data from the elevator group to one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; receiving elevator status data from each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; determining a verdict depicting whether an elevator car of the elevator group is best to serve the elevator call in response to the elevator status data of each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; and calling an elevator car in response to the verdict. 1. A method of operating a dispatcher of an elevator group of a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups , the method comprising:receiving an elevator call, the elevator call including a desired destination;transmitting elevator status data from the elevator group to one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system;receiving elevator status data from each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system;determining a verdict depicting whether an elevator car of the elevator group is best to serve the elevator call in response to the elevator status data of each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; andcalling an elevator car in response to the verdict.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein calling an elevator car in response to the verdict further comprises:transmitting the verdict to a redirector of the building elevator system, wherein the redirector is configured to call an elevator car in response to the verdict.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the elevator call is routed from the redirector that received the elevator call.4. The method of claim 1 , ...

CUSTOMIZED ELEVATOR PASSENGER INTERFACE

An exemplary elevator passenger interface device includes a passenger communication component that facilitates communications between a passenger and an elevator system. Such communications include passenger input to request elevator service and information provided to the passenger. A controller controls the passenger communication component to control its functionality including providing selected information to the passenger. The controller includes a customization module configured to change the functionality of the passenger communication component responsive to authorized user input that is distinct from the passenger input. The authorized user input includes a selection of at least one of a feature used to present information to a passenger or a feature used to allow a passenger to request elevator service. 1. An elevator passenger interface device , comprising:a communication component that facilitates communications between a passenger and an associated elevator system, the communications comprising at least one of passenger input to request elevator service and information provided to the passenger; anda controller that controls a functionality of the passenger communication component, the controller including a customization module configured to change the functionality of the passenger communication component responsive to authorized user input that is distinct from the passenger input, the authorized user input including a selection of at least one of a feature used to present information to a passenger or a feature used to allow a passenger to request elevator service.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the authorized user input comprises a schedule for altering the functionality of the selected feature.3. The device of claim 1 , whereinthe communication component comprises a display and the controller controls the display to provide selected information to the passenger, andthe authorized user input comprises a selection of at least one of a background ...

BUILDING OCCUPANT EVACUATION

An elevator system includes at least one elevator car movable between a plurality of landings. The elevator system is operable in an occupant evacuation operation mode. In the occupant evacuation operation mode, at least one safe room is associated with at least one of the plurality of landings. 1. An elevator system within a building comprising:at least one elevator car movable between a plurality of landings, wherein the elevator system is operable in an occupant evacuation operation mode, and in the occupant evacuation operation mode, at least one safe room is associated with at least one of the plurality of landings, the at least one safe room having a secondary purpose within the building when the elevator system is in a normal operating mode.2. The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of safe rooms are associated with the plurality of landings.3. The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of safe rooms are associated with one of the plurality of landings.4. The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one safe room includes a user interface for placing a hall call to the elevator system.5. The elevator system according to claim 4 , wherein the user interface is capable of communicating a total number of occupants within the at least one safe room to the elevator system.6. The elevator system according to claim 4 , wherein the user interface is operable only when the elevator system is in the occupant evacuation operation mode.7. The elevator system according to claim 4 , wherein the user interface is dedicated interface solely for use with the elevator system.8. The elevator system according to claim 4 , wherein the user interface is a multipurpose item.9. The elevator system according to claim 8 , wherein the user interface is one of a computer and a smart device.10. The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one safe room includes at least one indicator for providing a status ...

Elevator passenger interface including images for requesting additional space allocation

An exemplary elevator destination entry system includes a passenger interface device that presents a visual representation of at least one item that will accompany a passenger on an elevator car. The passenger interface allows the passenger to select the visual representation. A controller is configured to receive indications of passenger requests for elevator service and an indication from the passenger interface device regarding a selected visual representation. The controller determines an amount of space within an elevator car required to accommodate the item based on predetermined space information corresponding to the selected visual representation. The controller assigns a car to a passenger request based on a determination that the assigned car will have adequate space to accommodate the passenger and the item.

ELEVATOR SYSTEM FIXTURES AND SERVER FOR CONTROLLING THE FIXTURES

An exemplary system for communicating with an elevator passenger includes a plurality of elevator passenger interface devices configured to allow an elevator passenger to indicate at least an elevator service request. The interface devices are configured to communicate at least elevator service information to an elevator passenger. A server communicates with the plurality of interface devices. The server is configured to determine when there is input at any of the interface devices. The server is configured to determine a meaning of such input. The server is also configured to determine output to provide at the corresponding interface device and to communicate the determined output to the corresponding interface device. The determined output is responsive to the determined meaning of the input. 1. A system for communicating with an elevator passenger , comprising:a plurality of elevator passenger interface devices configured to allow an elevator passenger to provide input to indicate at least an elevator service request and to communicate at least elevator service information to the elevator passenger; anda server that communicates with the plurality of interface devices,the server being configured to determine when there is input at any of the interface devices,the server being configured to determine a meaning of the input,the server being configured to determine output to provide at the corresponding interface device and to communicate the determined output to the corresponding interface device, the determined output being responsive to the determined meaning of the input.2. The system of claim 1 , whereinthe server is configured to maintain a virtual instance of each of the interface devices;the virtual instance of each interface device is configured to provide an indication of any input at the corresponding interface device; andthe server determines the input at the corresponding interface device from the indication provided by the corresponding virtual ...

ELEVATOR CAR ASSIGNMENT STRATEGY THAT LIMITS A NUMBER OF STOPS PER PASSENGER

An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining that a new passenger requests elevator service a departure floor to a destination floor. Any candidate elevator cars are ranked. A number of stops for each assigned passenger for a ranked candidate elevator car is determined if the new passenger were assigned to that car. A determination is made whether any ranked candidate elevator car is a qualified car that can accept the new passenger and limit a number of stops for each passenger assigned to that car to a desired maximum number of stops. The new passenger is assigned to a qualified car that has a most favorable ranking of any qualified cars. 1. A method of controlling an elevator system , comprising the steps of:determining that a new passenger requests elevator service from a departure floor to a destination floor;ranking any candidate elevator cars based on at least one criterion;determining a number of stops for each assigned passenger for a ranked candidate elevator car if the new passenger is assigned to the ranked candidate elevator car;determining whether any ranked candidate elevator car is a qualified car that can accept the new passenger and limit a number of stops for each passenger assigned to the qualified car to a desired maximum number of stops; andassigning the new passenger to a qualified car that has a most favorable ranking of any qualified cars.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein none of the ranked candidate elevator cars is a qualified car for a current elevator system condition and the method comprisesassigning the new passenger to one of the candidate elevator cars based on at least one different criterion.3. The method of claim 2 , comprising at least temporarily increasing the desired maximum number of stops to a higher maximum for at least one of the passengers;determining whether any ranked candidate elevator car is a qualified car that can accept the new passenger and limit a number of stops for the at least ...

Elevator dynamic displays for messaging and communication

A building elevator system is provided having: an elevator system having an elevator car; a control system configured to control the building elevator system and determine evacuation information; and a dynamic display configured to display the evacuation information when an evacuation call is received by the control system. The evacuation information includes at least one of an estimated time of arrival of the elevated car, an evacuee recommendation, a directional map, and directional instructions.

GROUP COORDINATION OF ELEVATORS WITHIN A BUILDING FOR OCCUPANT EVACUATION

A method of operating a building elevator system including: controlling a first elevator system and a second elevator system, floor coverage of the first elevator system overlapping floor coverage of the second elevator system at a least one transfer floor; receiving an evacuation call from an evacuation floor; detecting when a first elevator car of the first elevator system is dispatched to the transfer floor; and dispatching a second elevator car of the second elevator system to the transfer floor. 1. A method of operating a building elevator system , the method comprising:controlling a first elevator system and a second elevator system, floor coverage of the first elevator system overlapping floor coverage of the second elevator system at a position correspondence to at least one transfer floor;receiving an evacuation call from an evacuation alarm on an evacuation floor;generating an elevator call in response to the evacuation call from the evacuation alarm;dispatching a first elevator car of the first elevator system to the evacuation floor;detecting when the first elevator car of the first elevator system is dispatched from the evacuation floor to a transfer floor; anddispatching a second elevator car of the second elevator system to the transfer floor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:dispatching the second elevator car to a discharge floor after occupants have loaded into the second elevator car on the transfer floor.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:dispatching the second elevator car to a second transfer floor after occupants have loaded into the second elevator car on the transfer floor.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining a projected arrival time of the first elevator car at the transfer floor;wherein the second elevator car is dispatched to arrive at the transfer floor within a selected time period of the projected arrival time.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:providing, using a notification ...

OCCUPANT EVACUATION OPERATION DISPLAY

A building elevator system including: a building having multiple floors; an elevator system within the building, the elevator system having at least one elevator car; a display located on each floor proximate the elevator system, wherein the display is configured to illuminate evacuation information including an estimated time of arrival of the elevator car and an elevator status; and a control system configured to control the building elevator system and determine the evacuation information to illuminate for each display in response to at least one of a location of the elevator car in the building, a floor location of the display, a speed of the elevator car, a remaining capacity of the elevator car, a number of passengers on each floor, and an evacuation priority of the floor. 1. A building elevator system comprising:a building having multiple floors;an elevator system within the building, the elevator system having an elevator car;a display located on each floor proximate the elevator system, wherein the display is configured to illuminate evacuation information during an evacuation, the evacuation information including an estimated time of arrival of the elevator car and an elevator status that indicates whether the elevator car can be used for evacuation; anda control system configured to control the building elevator system and determine the evacuation information to illuminate for each display in response to at least one of a location of the elevator car in the building, a floor location of the display, a speed of the elevator car, a remaining capacity of the elevator car, a number of passengers on each floor, and an evacuation priority of the floor.2. The building elevator system of claim 1 , wherein:the display displays the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car by illuminating digital numbers.3. The building elevator system of claim 1 , wherein:the display displays the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car by illuminating a status indicator ...

RE-DISPATCHING UNOCCUPIED ELEVATOR CAR FOR OCCUPANT EVACUATION OPERATION

A method of operating an elevator system including: receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor; moving an elevator car to the first evacuation floor; opening doors of the elevator car when the elevator car arrives at the first evacuation floor; monitoring, using a sensor system, a remaining capacity of the elevator car; and closing the doors of the elevator car when at least one of a first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity is equal to a selected remaining capacity. 1. A method of operating an elevator system , the method comprising:receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor;moving an elevator car to the first evacuation floor;opening doors of the elevator car when the elevator car arrives at the first evacuation floor;monitoring, using a sensor system, a remaining capacity of the elevator car; andclosing the doors of the elevator car when at least one of a first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity is equal to a selected remaining capacity.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:moving the elevator car to a discharge floor when the remaining capacity is equal to the selected remaining capacity, wherein the selected remaining capacity is equal to about zero.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving an evacuation call from a second evacuation floor; andmoving the elevator car to the second evacuation floor when the first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity is greater than zero.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving an elevator call from padding floor; andmoving the elevator car to a padding floor when the first selected period of time has passed, the remaining capacity is greater than zero, and there is not a second evacuation floor, or the first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity is greater than zero;wherein the padding floor is within a selected number of floors away from the first evacuation ...

Optimized occupant evacuation operation by utilizing remaining capacity for multi-compartment elevators

A method of operating an elevator system includes: receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor; moving a first compartment of a multi-compartment elevator car to the first evacuation floor; opening a first door of the first compartment when the first compartment arrives at the first evacuation floor; monitoring, using a first sensor system, a remaining capacity within the first compartment; and closing the first door when at least one of a first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity within the first compartment is equal to a first selected remaining capacity.

Method for occupant evacuation operation utilizing multi-compartment elevators

A method of operating an elevator system includes: receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor; determining an evacuation zone surrounding the first evacuation floor; determining a number of passengers on each floor within the evacuation zone; determining a set of adjacent floors within the evacuation zone that have a highest combined passenger number, the set of adjacent floors including a first adjacent floor and a second adjacent floor; and moving a multi-compartment elevator car to the set of adjacent floors with the highest combined passenger number, the multi-compartment elevator having a first compartment and a second compartment; wherein the first compartment arrives at the first adjacent floor and the second compartment arrives at the second adjacent floor when the multi-compartment elevator car arrives at the set of adjacent floors with the highest combined passenger number.

OCCUPANT EVACUATION OPERATION BY ALLOCATING A VARIABLE NUMBER OF CARS TO FLOORS WITHIN AN EVACUATION ZONE

A method of operating an elevator building system is provided. The method includes: receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor; determining an evacuation zone surrounding the first evacuation floor; determining a number of passengers on each floor within the evacuation zone; determining a number of elevator cars to send to each floor within the evacuation zone in response to the number of passengers on each floor, a capacity of each elevator car, and a location of the floor in reference to the first evacuation floor; and moving an elevator car to a first determined floor within the evacuation zone. 1. A method of operating an elevator building system , the method comprising:receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor;determining an evacuation zone surrounding the first evacuation floor;determining a number of passengers on each floor within the evacuation zone;determining a number of elevator cars to send to each floor within the evacuation zone in response to the number of passengers on each floor, a capacity of each elevator car, and a location of the floor in reference to the first evacuation floor; andmoving an elevator car to a first determined floor within the evacuation zone.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:opening a door of the elevator car when the elevator car arrives at the first determined floor within the evacuation zone;monitoring, using a sensor system, a remaining capacity of the elevator car; andclosing the door when at least one of the first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity of the elevator car is equal to a selected remaining capacity.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:moving the elevator car to a discharge floor when the remaining capacity of the elevator car is equal to the selected remaining capacity;opening the door of the elevator car when the elevator car arrives at the discharge floor;monitoring, using the sensor system, a remaining capacity of the elevator ...

ENHANCED ELEVATOR STATUS INFORMATION PROVISIONS FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

A building elevator system including: a building having multiple floors; an elevator system within the building, the elevator system having an elevator car; a control system configured to control the elevator system, the control system determines an estimated time of arrival of the elevator car at a floor; and a fire alarm system within the building and in operative communication with the control system; wherein the control system transmits the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car to the fire alarm system. 1. A building elevator system comprising:a building having multiple floors;an elevator system within the building, the elevator system having an elevator car; a control system configured to control the elevator system, the control system determines an estimated time of arrival of the elevator car at a floor in response to at least one of an elevator car location within the building, an elevator car load weight status, an elevator car door state, an elevator car direction of travel, an elevator car speed, and an elevator destination floor; anda fire alarm system within the building and in operative communication with the control system;wherein the control system transmits the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car to the fire alarm system.2. The building elevator system of claim 1 , wherein:the fire alarm system further comprises an interface device, wherein the control system transmits the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car to the interface device.3. The building elevator system of claim 2 , wherein:the interface device is at least one of an operational interface of the fire alarm system and a user device.4. The building elevator system of claim 2 , wherein:the control system transmits to the fire alarm system and the interface device an elevator car status including at least one of an elevator car location within the building, an elevator car load weight status, an elevator car door state, an elevatorcar direction of travel, and an ...

ELEVATOR SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC TRAFFIC PROFILE SOLUTIONS

An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining that a temporary heavy traffic condition exists that includes a plurality of passengers requiring elevator service from an originating floor in the building that is distinct from a lobby floor. At least one elevator car out of a plurality of elevator cars within the building is temporarily dedicated to carry the passengers from the originating floor. A peak travel scheduling strategy is temporarily used for controlling the dedicated elevator car or cars for a selected period of time. 120-. (canceled)21. A method of controlling an elevator system that includes a plurality of elevator cars within a building , comprising the steps of:determining that a temporary heavy traffic condition exists that includes a plurality of passengers requiring elevator service from an originating floor in the building that is distinct from a lobby floor;temporarily dedicating a plurality of elevator cars to carry the passengers from the originating floor; andtemporarily using a peak travel scheduling strategy for controlling the plurality of elevator cars for a selected period of time includingusing a first scheduling strategy for controlling a first one of the elevator cars; andusing a second, different scheduling strategy for controlling a second one of the elevator cars.22. The method of claim 21 , comprisingdetermining that the temporary heavy traffic condition exists responsive to an indication from an authorized individual.23. The method of claim 22 , wherein the authorized individual is a building manager.24. The method of claim 21 , comprisingdetermining that the temporary heavy traffic condition exists responsive to a number of requests for elevator service registered at the originating floor exceeding a predetermined threshold.25. The method of claim 21 , comprisingdetermining that the temporary heavy traffic condition exists responsive to a load in at least one elevator car departing from the ...

GAMIFICATION OF ELEVATOR AND BUILDING USAGE

A method for rewarding user behavior, the method comprising: choosing behaviors to encourage; registering a user; tracking the user's behavior with respect to a building; and granting points to the user for engaging in encouraged behavior. 1. A method for rewarding user behavior , the method comprising:choosing behaviors to encourage;registering a user;tracking the user's behavior with respect to a building; andgranting points to the user for engaging in encouraged behavior.2. The method of further comprising:allowing redemption of granted points, wherein redemption of granted points comprises providing a personalized elevator trip to the user.3. The method of wherein:redemption of granted points comprises providing a reward with monetary value.4. The method of wherein:registering the user comprises associating access-granting devices with a user account.5. The method of wherein:tracking the user's building behavior comprises tracking the user's stairway usage using the access-granting devices.6. The method of wherein:granting points comprises granting points based on the user's stairway usage and a time of day of the stairway usage; andwherein each point is equivalent to estimated energy saved by the stairway usage.7. The method of wherein:tracking the user's building behavior comprises tracking the user's elevator dispatch usage using the access-granting devices.8. The method of wherein:tracking the user's building behavior comprises tracking the user's use of elevator dispatch usage through a mobile electronic device.9. The method of wherein:tracking the user's building behavior comprises tracking the user's eco-friendly building practices.10. The method of wherein:the access-granting device includes of one or more of the following: a key card, a key fob, a biometric entry, and a mobile electronic device application.11. The method of wherein:tracking the user's building behavior comprises determining if the user turns off lights upon leaving a room.12. The method ...

SECURITY ENHANCEMENT BASED ON USE OF ICONS WITH PASS CODES

Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, a selection of an icon that corresponds to a request for access to at least one of a resource and an activity associated with a conveyance device, receiving, by the computing device, a pass code, determining, by the computing device, that the pass code corresponds to the icon, and causing, by the computing device, the requested access to be provided based on determining that the pass code corresponds to the icon. 1. A method comprising:receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, a selection of an icon that corresponds to a request for access to at least one of a resource and an activity associated with a conveyance device;receiving, by the computing device, a pass code;determining, by the computing device, that the pass code corresponds to the icon; andcausing, by the computing device, the requested access to be provided based on determining that the pass code corresponds to the icon.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the conveyance device comprises at least one of: an elevator claim 1 , a dumbwaiter claim 1 , an escalator claim 1 , a moving sidewalk claim 1 , and a wheelchair lift.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the selection of the icon corresponds to a request to perform a maintenance activity.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of pass codes map to the icon claim 1 , and wherein the received pass code is included in the plurality of pass codes.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pass code maps to a plurality of icons claim 1 , and wherein the icon is included in the plurality of icons.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining that the pass code corresponds to the icon comprises comparing a combination of the pass code and icon to a mapping of pass codes and icons.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pass code comprises at least one of: a personal identification number claim 1 , a username claim 1 , a password claim 1 , a credential claim 1 , ...

Destination dispatch sectoring

A method of operating a building elevator system within a building having a plurality of floors including: controlling a building elevator system comprising a first elevator system having a first elevator car and a second elevator system having a second elevator car; determining one or more sectors for the plurality of floors in response to at least one of a time of day, manual input, a density of the down peak traffic, and whether there is simultaneous up peak or inter-floor traffic, the one or more sectors comprising a first sector having a first plurality of floors and a second sector having a second plurality of floors; assigning the first elevator car to the first sector; and assigning the second elevator car to the second sector.

Destination dispatch sectoring

A method of operating a building elevator system within a building having a plurality of floors including: controlling a building elevator system comprising a first elevator system having a first elevator car and a second elevator system having a second elevator car; determining one or more sectors for the plurality of floors in response to at least one of a time of day, manual input, a density of the down peak traffic, and whether there is simultaneous up peak or inter-floor traffic, the one or more sectors comprising a first sector having a first plurality of floors and a second sector having a second plurality of floors; assigning the first elevator car to the first sector; and assigning the second elevator car to the second sector.

SUPER GROUP DISPATCHING

A method of operating a building elevator system within a building having a plurality of floors is provided. The method including: controlling a building elevator system comprising a first elevator system having a first elevator car, a second elevator system having a second elevator car, and a third elevator system having a third elevator car, the first elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within a first sector, the second elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within a second sector, and the third elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within the first sector and the second sector; detecting at least one of a time of day, an intensity of traffic between the first sector and the second sector, and an intensity of traffic within each sector; and assigning the third elevator car to the first sector or second sector. 1. A method of operating a building elevator system within a building having a plurality of floors , the method comprising:controlling a building elevator system comprising a first elevator system having a first elevator car, a second elevator system having a second elevator car, and a third elevator system having a third elevator car, wherein the first elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within a first sector, the second elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within a second sector, and the third elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within the first sector and the second sector;detecting at least one of a time of day, an intensity of traffic between the first sector and the second sector, and an intensity of traffic within each of the first sector and the second sector; andassigning the third elevator car to the first sector or the second sector in response to at least one of the time of day, the intensity of traffic between the first sector and the second sector, and the intensity of traffic within each of the first sector and the ...

SUPER GROUP ARCHITECTURE WITH ADVANCED BUILDING WIDE DISPATCHING LOGIC

A method of operating a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups including: receiving an elevator call from a destination entry device in communication with the building elevator system; obtaining a favorability score from each of the multiple elevator groups of the building elevator system; determining an elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score; and routing the elevator call to the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score. 1. A method of operating a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups , the method comprising:receiving an elevator call from a destination entry device in communication with the building elevator system;obtaining a favorability score from each of the multiple elevator groups of the building elevator system;determining an elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score; androuting the elevator call to the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:obtaining a best elevator car of the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score to answer the elevator call.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein a dispatcher of the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score is configured to determine the best elevator car of the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score to answer the elevator call.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining a favorability score from multiple elevator groups of the building elevator system further comprises:transmitting to a dispatcher of each elevator group a favorability score query in response to the elevator call; andreceiving a favorability score from each elevator group in response the ...

Customizable elevator system fixtures

An exemplary system for controlling an appearance of an elevator passenger interface device includes a configuration module that allows a user to configure an appearance file that contains information regarding a desired appearance of the passenger interface device. A processor uses the information from the appearance file to provide an image file to the passenger interface device so that a display of the device corresponds to the image file.

Large item transport in a group elevator system

Elevators (104) in a group elevator system (100) are controlled to facilitate transport of a large item (LI). A destination entry input device receives an input from a passenger (102) indicating that the passenger (102) has a large item (LI) to be transported in the group elevator system (100). The passenger (102) with the large item (LI) is assigned to an elevator (104) having capacity to accommodate the passenger (102) and the large item (LI).

Large item transport in a group elevator system

Optimized occupant evacuation operation by utilizing remaining capacity for multi-copartment elevators

A method of operating an elevator system includes: receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor; moving a first compartment of a multi-compartment elevator car to the first evacuation floor; opening a first door of the first compartment when the first compartment arrives at the first evacuation floor; monitoring, using a first sensor system, a remaining capacity within the first compartment; and closing the first door when at least one of a first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity within the first compartment is equal to a first selected remaining capacity.

Method of handling passenger requests during elevator modernization

Re-dispatching unoccupied elevator car for occupant evacuation operation

A method of operating an elevator system including: receiving an evacuation call from a first evacuation floor; moving an elevator car to the first evacuation floor; opening doors of the elevator car when the elevator car arrives at the first evacuation floor; monitoring, using a sensor system, a remaining capacity of the elevator car; and closing the doors of the elevator car when at least one of a first selected period of time has passed and the remaining capacity is equal to a selected remaining capacity.

Elevator passenger interface including images for requesting additional space allocation

An exemplary elevator destination entry system includes a passenger interface device that presents a visual representation of at least one item that will accompany a passenger on an elevator car. The passenger interface allows the passenger to select the visual representation. A controller is configured to receive indications of passenger requests for elevator service and an indication from the passenger interface device regarding a selected visual representation. The controller determines an amount of space within an elevator car required to accommodate the item based on predetermined space information corresponding to the selected visual representation. The controller assigns a car to a passenger request based on a determination that the assigned car will have adequate space to accommodate the passenger and the item.

Elevator system fixtures and server for controlling the fixtures

An exemplary system for communicating with an elevator passenger includes a plurality of elevator passenger interface devices configured to allow an elevator passenger to indicate at least an elevator service request. The interface devices are configured to communicate at least elevator service information to an elevator passenger. A server communicates with the plurality of interface devices. The server is configured to determine when there is input at any of the interface devices. The server is configured to determine a meaning of such input. The server is also configured to determine output to provide at the corresponding interface device and to communicate the determined output to the corresponding interface device. The determined output is responsive to the determined meaning of the input.

Elevator system with dynamic traffic profile solutions

An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining that a temporary heavy traffic condition exists that includes a plurality of passengers requiring elevator service from an originating floor in the building that is distinct from a lobby floor. At least one elevator car out of a plurality of elevator cars within the building is temporarily dedicated to carry the passengers from the originating floor. A peak travel scheduling strategy is temporarily used for controlling the dedicated elevator car or cars for a selected period of time.

Super group architecture with advanced building wide dispatching logic

A method of operating a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups including: receiving an elevator call from a destination entry device in communication with the building elevator system; obtaining a favorability score from each of the multiple elevator groups of the building elevator system; determining an elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score; and routing the elevator call to the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score.

Security enhancement based on use of icons with pass codes

Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, a selection of an icon that corresponds to a request for access to at least one of a resource and an activity associated with a conveyance device, receiving, by the computing device, a pass code, determining, by the computing device, that the pass code corresponds to the icon, and causing, by the computing device, the requested access to be provided based on determining that the pass code corresponds to the icon.

Dynamic elevator car dispatching during an elevator system modernization

An exemplary method is useful for handling passenger requests during an elevator system modernization that includes modernizing elevator cars over time. The modernized elevator cars are capable of servicing destination requests placed outside of an elevator car. Such destination requests include an indication of a desired destination. The exemplary method includes assigning an elevator car to respond to a new pending destination request according to a selected criterion for selecting between a modernized elevator car and an elevator car that has not yet been modernized. The method includes automatically updating the selected criterion responsive to a change in a number of modernized elevator cars.

Group coordination of elevators within a building for occupant evacuation

A method of operating a building elevator system including: controlling a first elevator system and a second elevator system, floor coverage of the first elevator system overlapping floor coverage of the second elevator system at a least one transfer floor; receiving an evacuation call from an evacuation floor; detecting when a first elevator car of the first elevator system is dispatched to the transfer floor; and dispatching a second elevator car of the second elevator system to the transfer floor.

Dynamic elevator car dispatching during an elevator system modernization

Elevator traffic control including destination grouping

A elevator traffic control technique includes destination grouping that is selectively implementedc during selective traffic conditions by a system controller (36). If, for example, an up-peak traffic condition existes, passenger-to-car (30,20) assignments are grouped bused on passengers' desired destinations.

Method of handling passenger requests during elevator modernization

An exemplary elevator system includes a first controller configured to recognize a hall call signal that indicates a passenger's desire to board an elevator car at a particular landing. The first controller is associated with at least one elevator car for assigning a hall call request to that elevator car. A second controller is configured to recognize a destination request that indicates a passenger's desire to be carried to a particular level. The destination request originates outside of an elevator car. The second controller is associated with at least one elevator car for assigning a destination request to that elevator car. The second controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition will be satisfied if a received destination request is serviced by an elevator car associated with the second controller. The second controller handles the received destination request in that manner if the condition will be satisfied. A cross dispatcher is configured to communicate with the second controller and to handle the destination request. If the condition will not be satisfied, the cross dispatcher provides an indication of a hall call signal corresponding to the received destination request to the first controller.

Elevator dispatch control to avoid passenger confusion

Elevator car route selector

A method includes receiving a passenger request to reserve an elevator car of an elevator system to travel to a targeted destination. At least two different travel options (404A, 404B) to the targeted destination are determined based on a plurality of elevator car travel plans comprising at least two elevator cars having different travel ranges. The at least two different travel options (404A, 404B) are output to an interactive display (204). At least one of the at least two elevator cars is reserved responsive to a user selection of one of the at least two different travel options (404A, 404B).

Elevator car route selector

Elevator dispatch control to avoid passenger confusion

Elevator dispatch control to avoid passenger confusion

An exemplary method of controlling an elevator system includes determining a source floor of a new call from a passenger desiring elevator service. A direction of travel from the source floor for the new call is also determined. A path of a considered elevator car is simulated as if the new call were assigned to the considered elevator car by determining at least one of (i) a relationship between a position of the considered elevator car and the source floor or (ii) a relationship between a direction of movement of the considered elevator car and the direction of travel. The new call is assigned to one of a plurality of elevator cars if the assigning will satisfy each of (i) the one of the elevator cars will not move in a direction opposite the direction of travel during a time between the passenger boarding the one of the elevator cars and arriving at a destination of the passenger and (ii) the one of the elevator cars will not move in a direction opposite a travel direction of any currently assigned passenger during a time between the currently assigned passenger boarding the one of the elevator cars and arriving at a destination of the currently assigned passenger.

Super group architecture with advanced building wide dispatching logic—distributed group architecture

A method of operating a dispatcher of an elevator group of a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups including: receiving an elevator call, the elevator call including a desired destination; transmitting elevator status data from the elevator group to one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; receiving elevator status data from each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; determining a verdict depicting whether an elevator car of the elevator group is best to serve the elevator call in response to the elevator status data of each of the one or more other elevator groups of the building elevator system; and calling an elevator car in response to the verdict.