Depending on an elevator system, it may provide different solutions for a user to place an elevator call, for example, a car call or a destination call. When a car call is made, a user generates the car call in an elevator car, for example, using buttons of a car operating panel. When a destination call is made, the user generates the destination call outside the elevator car, for example, by giving the destination floor with a call device, for example, a destination operating panel. In response to the destination call, a specific elevator car is allocated for the destination call, and an indication of the allocated elevator car may be provided to the user. When the elevator car allocation is made and the elevator car arrives at a landing floor, the user enters the elevator car that was allocated to the user. However, it may be difficult to anticipate how the people will settle themselves within the elevator.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system. The method comprises obtaining, by an apparatus, a destination call associated with a user; obtaining, by the apparatus, an indication of an allocated elevator car for the destination call; obtaining, by the apparatus, a place identifier allocated for the destination call, the place identifier identifying a location for the user in the elevator car; and causing provision, by the apparatus, of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user.

In an implementation form of the first aspect, causing provision, by the apparatus, of the place identifier and an indication of the allocated elevator car to the user comprises providing the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car with a display of the apparatus.

In an implementation form of the first aspect, causing provision, by the apparatus, of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user comprises causing provision of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car with a display separate from the apparatus.

In an implementation form of the first aspect, the place identifier comprises at least one of a color, a pattern, a number, an alphabet, and a shape.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system. The method comprises obtaining, by a controller, a destination call associated with a user; obtaining, by the controller, an allocation of an elevator car for the destination call; allocating, by the controller, a place identifier for the destination call, the place identifier identifying a location for the user in the elevator car; causing, by the controller, transmission of the place identifier and an indication of the allocated elevator car for the destination call; and causing, by the controller, the elevator car to provide the place identifier for the user within the elevator car.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises associating, by the controller, the place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car when obtaining the allocation. In an implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises delaying the association, by the controller, of the place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises obtaining, by the controller, information about allocation of the elevator car for at least one other destination call; and associating, by the controller, the place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car by taking into account other place identifiers allocated for the at least one other destination call.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises distancing, by the controller, the user from at least one other user in the elevator car when associating the place identifier with the specific location in the elevator car.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises causing display, by the controller, of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user with a display associated with the elevator system.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, the place identifier comprises at least one of a color, a pattern, a number, an alphabet, and a shape.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program cod. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: obtaining a destination call associated with a user; obtaining an indication of an allocated elevator car for the destination call; obtaining a place identifier allocated for the destination call, the place identifier identifying a location for the user in the elevator car; and causing provision of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user.

In an implementation form of the third aspect, causing provision, by the apparatus, of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user comprises providing the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car with a display of the apparatus.

In an implementation form of the third aspect, causing provision, by the apparatus, of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user comprises causing provision of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car with a display separate from the apparatus.

In an implementation form of the third aspect, the place identifier comprises at least one of a color, a pattern, a number, an alphabet, and a shape.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: obtaining a destination call associated with a user; obtaining an allocation of an elevator car for the destination call; allocating a place identifier for the destination call, the place identifier identifying a location for the user in the elevator car; causing transmission of the place identifier and an indication of the allocated elevator car for the destination call; and causing the elevator car to provide the place identifier for the user within the elevator car.

In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: associating the place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car when obtaining the allocation.

In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: delaying the association, by the elevator controller, of the place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car.

In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: obtaining information about allocation of the elevator car for at least one other destination call; and associating the place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car by taking into account other place identifiers allocated for the at least one other destination call.

In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: distancing the user from at least one other user in the elevator car when associating the place identifier with the specific location in the elevator car.

In an implementation form of the fourth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: causing display of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car to the user with a display associated with the elevator system.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an elevator system comprising at least one apparatus of the third aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an elevator system comprising an apparatus of the fourth aspect.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an elevator system comprising at least one apparatus of the third aspect and an apparats of the fourth aspect.

According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the at least one processor of the apparatus of the third aspect, cause to apparatus carry out the method of the first aspect.

According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the at least one processor of the apparatus of the fourth aspect, cause to apparatus carry out the method of the second aspect.

According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the at least one processor of the apparatus of the third aspect, cause to apparatus carry out the method of the first aspect.

According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the at least one processor of the apparatus of the fourth aspect, cause to apparatus carry out the method of the second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. IB illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example view on an apparatus for providing a destination call according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example view on an apparatus for providing a destination call according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example positioning of place identifiers in an elevator car according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4A illustrates an apparatus according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4B illustrates an apparatus according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates elevator system elements according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates elevator system elements according to another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1A illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system according to an example embodiment. The illustrated method may be applied, for example, in any elevator environment where destination calls are used.

At 100 a destination call associated with a user is obtained by an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, a mobile device used by the user or an apparatus associated with an elevator system, for example, a destination operating panel (DOP). The user may use a mobile application executed by the mobile device or the destination operating panel to select a desired floor and to approve the selection. In an example embodiment, the apparatus may transmit the destination call to an elevator controller or to some other controller or apparatus of the elevator system.

At 102 an indication of an allocated elevator car for the destination call is obtained by the apparatus. The indication informs the user which elevator will provide transport service for the user. The indication may be obtained, for example, from an elevator controller or some other controller or apparatus associated with the elevator system.

At 104 a place identifier allocated for the elevator car is obtained by the apparatus. The place identifier identifies a location, for example, a standing location for the user in the elevator car. The place identifier may refer to any identifier that may be used to identify the location in the elevator. The place identifier may comprise, for example, at least one of a color, a pattern, a number, an alphabet, a shape or any other identifying feature.

At 106 provision of the place identifier and the indication of the allocated elevator car is caused by the apparatus to the user. This means that the apparatus may, for example, provide a visual indication of the allocated elevator car and the place identifier with a display associated with the apparatus.

FIG. IB illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing an elevator call allocation indication in an elevator system according to an example embodiment. The illustrated method may be applied, for example, in any elevator environment where destination calls are used.

At 108 a destination call associated with a user is obtained by a controller. The destination call may be obtained from an apparatus, for example, from a mobile device used by the user or from an apparatus associated with an elevator system, for example, a destination operating panel (DOP). Thus, the destination call may originate from an entity belonging to an elevator system or from an external entity connected to the elevator system. At 110 an allocation of an elevator car is obtained by the controller for the destination call. In an example embodiment, the controller may itself allocate the elevator car for the destination call. The allocation may use information, for example, about the current and/or estimated traffic situation, current locations of elevators and existing calls.

At 112 a place identifier is allocated elevator controller for the destination call by the controller. The place identifier identifies a location for the user in the elevator car allocated for the destination call. The place identifier may comprise, for example, at least one of a color, a pattern, a number, an alphabet, a shape or any identifying feature.

At 114 transmission of the place identifier and an indication of the allocated elevator car for the destination call is caused by the controller. In an example embodiment, the transmission may be directed to an apparatus from which the destination call was obtained at step 108. By transmitting the place identifier and the indication to the apparatus, the apparatus is able to indicate them to the user. In an example embodiment, the place identifier may be transmitted first, and the indication of the allocated elevator car may be transmitted after a delay.

At 116 the elevator car is caused, by the controller, to provide the place identifier for the user within the elevator car. In other words, when the elevator reaches the floor from which the user is about to enter the elevator car, the elevator car is configured to identify a position in the elevator car for the user with the place identifier. In an example embodiment, the floor of the elevator car may have been divided into a plurality of different locations or sections. The elevator car may comprise a lighting arrangement that enables changing a color of each standing location independently to correspond with the allocated place identifier, i.e. a color, to indicate a position, for example, a standing position for the user. In another example embodiment, the place identifier may be indicated by reflecting colors corresponding to place identifiers on the floor.

FISs. 2A and 2B illustrate example views 200, 210 provided by an apparatus for providing a destination call according to an example embodiment.

The views 200, 210 may be provided, for example, by a destination operating panel (DOP) or by an application executed on a mobile device used by a user. The view 200 may comprise means for setting a desired destination floor. This can be achieved, for example, by using arrows 202A, 202B to select the desired floor 204A. When the user has selected the desired floor, a destination call may be placed by selecting the "Register call" button 206. When the destination call has been placed, the apparatus transmits the destination call, for example, to an elevator controller which allocates an elevator car for the destination call. In another example embodiment, the apparatus may transmit the destination call to another controller or apparatus associated with the elevator system.

In response to the transmitted destination call, the apparatus obtains from the controller or elevator controller a place identifier allocated for the destination call. The place identifier identifies a location for the user in the elevator car allocated for the user. In an example embodiment, an area 214 of the view 210 may be used to identify the place identifier. In FIG. 2B, the place identifier comprise diagonal lines. In other example embodiments, the place identifier may comprise a color, some other pattern, a number, an alphabet, a shape or any other identifying feature. In case the uses wishes to cancel the call, this may be done by the "Cancel call" button 212.

In an example embodiment, the view 210 may additionally indicate the elevator car allocated for the destination call. The allocated elevator car may be indicated simultaneously with the place identifier. In another example embodiment, there may be a delay between the place identifier indication and the allocated elevator car indication.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example positioning of place identifiers in an elevator car according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates nine different place identifiers 302A-302I that can be used to indicate a location of user on a floor 300. One of the place identifiers 302A-302I is configured to correspond with a place identifier allocated for a destination call of a user, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

When the user enters the elevator via elevator doors 304, the place identifier obtained by the user matches with one place identifier on the floor 300 and guides the user to locate himself/herself on the top of the place identifier.

In an example embodiment, when the controller or elevator controller links an allocated place identifier to a specific location in an elevator car, the controller may be configured to distance the user from at least one other user in the elevator car. For example, if the place identifier 302A has been allocated for a first user, the place identifier 3021 may be allocated for a second user when the first and second users travel in the elevator car at the same time.

Further, in an example embodiment, the controller may obtain information about allocation of the elevator car for at least one other destination call and associate a place identifier with a specific location in the elevator car by taking into account other place identifiers allocated for the at least one other destination call. For example, if a user A is heading to a floor 10 from a floor 1, a user B is heading to a floor 5 from a floor 3 and a user C is heading to a floor 8 from a floor 2, the place identifier 302A may be allocated for the user A, the place identifier 302C may be allocated for user C and the place identifier 302H may be allocated for the user B. By allocating the place identifiers for the users A, B and C by taking into account the travel of the users, it may be possible to minimize place changes within the elevator car during the travel.

In an example embodiment, the controller may be configured to change a location of a user in the elevator car when the user has already entered the elevator car. For example, the user may first occupy a location indicated by the place identifier 302A. Due to subsequent call allocations for the elevator car, the elevator controller may be configured to ask the user to change his/her position in the elevator car, for example, to a location indicated by the place identifier 302C. This may be implemented, for example, by moving the place identifier 302A on the floor 300 to the location of the place identifier 302C to indicate the user that the user should move to a new location. By doing this, the elevator controller may be able to allocate place identifiers during the travel of the elevator car more efficiently. FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 400 according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 400 may be, for example, a mobile apparatus used by a user or a destination operating panel (DOP) of an elevator system. The apparatus 400 may be configured to implement the method discussed earlier in relation to FIG. 1A.

The apparatus 400 comprises one or more processors 402, and one or more memories 404 that comprise computer program code. The apparatus 400 may also include an input/output module (not shown in FIG. 4A), and/or a communication interface 408. Although the apparatus 400 is depicted to include only one processor 402, the apparatus 400 may include more than one processor. In an example embodiment, the memory 404 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and/or various applications. Furthermore, the processor 402 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an example embodiment, the processor 402 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 402 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor 402 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In an example embodiment, the processor 402 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure the processor 402 to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

The memory 404 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and/or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 404 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

In an embodiment, the at least one memory 404 may store program instructions 406 that, when executed by the at least one processor 402, cause the apparatus 400 to perform the functionality of the various embodiments discussed herein. Further, in an embodiment, at least one of the processor 412 and the memory 414 may constitute means for implementing the discussed functionality .

FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 410 according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 410 may be a controller or an elevator controller associated with an elevator system. The apparatus 410 may be configured to implement the method discussed earlier in relation to FIG. IB.

The apparatus 410 comprises one or more processors 412, and one or more memories 414 that comprise computer program code. The apparatus 410 may also include an input/output module (not shown in FIG. 4B), and/or a communication interface 418. Although the apparatus 410 is depicted to include only one processor 412, the apparatus 410 may include more than one processor. In an example embodiment, the memory 414 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and/or various applications.

Furthermore, the processor 412 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an example embodiment, the processor 412 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 412 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor 412 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In an example embodiment, the processor 412 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure the processor 412 to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

The memory 414 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and/or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 414 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.). In an embodiment, the at least one memory 414 may store program instructions 416 that, when executed by the at least one processor 412, cause the apparatus 410 to perform the functionality of the various embodiments discussed herein. Further, in an embodiment, at least one of the processor 412 and the memory 414 may constitute means for implementing the discussed functionality .

FIG. 5A illustrates elevator system elements according to an example embodiment. An elevator controller 500 is connected to an elevator car 504 and to a destination operating panel 502. The elevator controller 500 is configured to control the positioning of place identifiers on a floor of the elevator car 504. When a destination call is obtained with the destination operating panel 502, the destination operating panel 502 is configured to indicate one of the place identifiers for a user to identify the user's location in the elevator car 504.

FIG. 5B illustrates elevator system elements according to another example embodiment. An elevator controller 500 is connected to an elevator car 504 and to a mobile device 506 of a user. The elevator controller 500 is configured to control the positioning of place identifiers on a floor of the elevator car 504. When a destination call is allocated with an application executed by the mobile device 506, the destination operating panel 502 is configured to indicate one of the place identifiers for a user to identify the user's location in the elevator car 504.

One or more of the above illustrated examples and example embodiments illustrated, for example, in relation to FIGS. 1 - 5B may provide one or more of the following advantages and/or effects. The illustrated solution may enable optimization of place of users in an elevator car. It may be possible to position the users so that the distance between users in the elevator car during a travel is maximized. Further, in some embodiments the users may be positioned in the elevator car so that movements in the elevator car are minimized when the users enter and exit the elevator car.

Example embodiments may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The example embodiments can store information relating to various methods described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like. One or more databases can store the information used to implement the example embodiments. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. The methods described with respect to the example embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/or generated by the methods of the devices and subsystems of the example embodiments in one or more databases.

The components of the example embodiments may include computer readable medium or memories for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/or other data described herein. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer- readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiments may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus- function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole, in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects/embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.