Retrofitting an elevator call input device

Abstract

A lift system comprises a call input device and at least one touchscreen for inputting a call for a lift. The touchscreen has at least one functional identifier. When a functional identifier is touched, at least one input signal is generated. The call input device converts into a special input mode for a time-specific or location-specific generation of several input signals.

Claims

1. A method for retrofitting an elevator installation, the elevator installation comprising a call input device having a processor and at least one touchscreen for inputting at least one call for an elevator installation, the method comprising: loading a computer program into the processor of the call input device, when being executed by the processor, the computer program causing the processor: to generate a plurality of input signals in response to a touching of two or more functional designators displayed on the touchscreen; to determine whether at least one of the plurality of input signals satisfy at least one predetermined criteria for a specific input mode by correlating the plurality of input signals with one another based on the positions on the touchscreen of the two or more of the plurality of the functional designators touched and the time at which each of the two or more of the plurality of functional designators is touched; and upon determining that at least one of the plurality of input signals satisfy the at least one predetermined criteria, to change the call input device to the specific input mode.

2. The method of claim 1, the computer program further causing the processor: in the specific input mode, to generate at least one additional input signal in response to a touching of at least one functional designator on the touchscreen; and to associate at least one call signal with the at least one additional input signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the touching of the two or more of the plurality of functional designators constitutes a geometric pattern.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the call input device comprises at least one microphone, the computer program further causing the processor to associate, using the call input device, at least one input signal with at least one speech signal generated by the microphone.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one additional speech signal is generated by the microphone, the computer program further causing the processor to associate, using the call input device, at least one other input signal with the at least one additional speech signal.

6. The method of claim 1, the computer program further causing the processor to provide at least one visual or audio confirmation of the at least one input signal.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the geometric pattern is selected from the group consisting of a digit, a letter, a straight line, a curved line and a multiple line.

8. A computer implemented method for retrofitting an elevator installation with a call input device having a computer processor including computer program instructions configured to be executed by the processor, and at least one user input for inputting at least one call for an elevator installation, the computer implemented method comprising: generating, by the computer processor executing the computer program instructions, a plurality of input signals in response to activating, using a specific input mode, two or more functional designators; determining, by the computer processor executing the computer program instructions, whether the plurality of input signals satisfy at least one predetermined criteria for the specific input mode based on the two or more of the plurality of the functional designators and activation criteria associated with each of the two or more of the plurality of functional designators; and upon determining that at least one of the plurality of input signals satisfy the at least one predetermined criteria, changing, by the computer processor executing the computer program instructions, the call input device to the specific input mode enabling the call input device to receive a command input corresponding to the specific input mode.

9. A computer implemented method according to claim 8, wherein prior to changing the call input device to the specific input mode, the call input device was not enabled to process the command input.

10. A computer implemented method according to claim 9, further comprising performing an action by the elevator installation responsive to the specific input mode.

11. A computer implemented method according to claim 10, wherein prior to changing the call input device to the specific input mode, the elevator installation does not perform the action.

12. A computer implemented method according to claim 8, further comprising performing an action by the elevator installation responsive to the specific input mode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Exemplary embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the figures, in which, in some cases schematically:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an elevator installation having a call input device as shown in FIGS. 3 to 8;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an elevator installation having a call input device as shown in FIGS. 3 to 8;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a view of a part of a first exemplary embodiment of a call input device having a functional designator;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a view of a part of a second exemplary embodiment of a call input device having a functional designator;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a view of a part of a third exemplary embodiment of a call input device having a functional designator;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a view of a part of the first exemplary embodiment of a call input device as shown in FIG. 3 with an acknowledgement signal;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a view of a part of the second exemplary embodiment of a call input device as shown in FIG. 4 with an acknowledgement signal; and

(9) FIG. 8 shows a view of a part of the third exemplary embodiment of a call input device as shown in FIG. 5 with an acknowledgement signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) FIGS. 1 and 2 show two exemplary embodiments of an elevator installation in a building. The building has a relatively large number of floors S1 to S3, which are served by at least one elevator car 6, 6′. A passenger can enter and leave the elevator car 6, 6′ on each floor S1 to S3 via at least one elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′. In at least one elevator shaft S4, S4′, the elevator car 6, 6′ is connected to at least one counterweight 7, 7′ via at least one supporting means 8, 8′. In order to move the elevator car 6, 6′ and the counterweight 7, 7′, the supporting means 8, 8′ is set in motion by a friction drive by at least one elevator drive 10, 10′. Normally, at least one door drive 9, 9′ is arranged on the elevator car 6, 6′, and operates the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′. In the case of the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′, a distinction is drawn between a floor door 11, 11′, which is arranged on each floor S1 to S3, and a car door 12, 12′ of the elevator car 6, 6′. While stopped at a floor, the car door 12, 12′ can be operatively connected to the floor door 11, 11′ by a mechanical coupling, such that the car door 12, 12′ and the floor door 11, 11′ are opened and closed at the same time. As shown in FIG. 1, two elevator cars 6, 6′ are arranged in two elevator shafts S4, S4′. As shown in FIG. 2, an elevator car 6 is arranged in an elevator shaft S4. With knowledge of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can produce an elevator installation which serves more than three floors S1 to S3 and/or more than one elevator car 6, 6′ per elevator shaft S4, S4′, and/or a hydraulic drive and/or an elevator drive on the elevator car and/or on the counterweight and, of course, also an elevator installation without a counterweight.

(11) At least one elevator controller 5, 5′ has at least one processor and at least one computer-legible data memory. At least one computer program means is loaded from the computer-legible data memory into the processor, and is run. The computer program means operates the elevator drive 10, 10′ and the door drive 9, 9′. At least one adapter for at least one Bus system 2′ and/or at least one adapter for at least one signal line 14, 14′, as well as at least one electrical power supply are arranged in at least one housing of the elevator controller 5, 5′.

(12) At least one call input device 1, 1′ is arranged close to a floor door 11, 11′ or in an elevator car 6. The call input device 1, 1′ is mounted on a building wall in the floor door area and is positioned in an isolated form in the floor door area of the floors S1 to S3. At least one adapter for a Bus system 2, 2′, at least one input/output appliance in the form of a touchscreen 13, at least one tone transmitter 15, at least one microphone 18, and at least one electrical power supply are arranged in at least one housing of the call input device 1, 1′. The call input device 1, 1′ has at least one processor and at least one computer-legible data memory. At least one computer program means is loaded from the computer-legible data memory into the processor, and is run. A plurality of computer program means which operate individually or together can be loaded into the processor of the call input device 1, 1′. The computer program means operates the adapter and/or the touchscreen 13 and/or the tone transmitter 15 and/or the microphone 18.

(13) At least one destination call controller 4 has at least one processor, at least one computer-legible data memory, at least one adapter for a Bus system 2, and at least one electrical power supply. As shown in FIG. 1, the destination call controller 4 is an autonomous electronic unit in at least one housing of its own which, for example, is placed on the floor S3. The destination call controller 4 can also be an electronic withdrawable insert, for example in the form of a printed circuit board, which printed circuit board is arranged in the housing of a call input device 1, 1′ or of an elevator controller 5, 5′.

(14) The call input device 1, 1′ and the destination call controller 4 and the elevator controller 5, 5′ communicate bidirectionally via a Bus system 2, 2′, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), Local Operating Network (LON), Modbus, Ethernet, etc. Communication takes place in the Bus system 2, 2′ on the basis of a known protocol. As shown in FIG. 1, on each floor S1 to S3, two call input devices 1, 1′ are connected for communication purposes to the destination call controller 4 via the Bus system 2. As shown in FIG. 2, on each floor S1 to S3, a call input device 1 is connected for communication purposes to an elevator controller 5 via a Bus system 2′. Each communication subscriber can be identified uniquely via an address of an adapter in the Bus system 2, 2′. The destination call controller 4 and the elevator controller 5, 5′ communicate bidirectionally via a signal line 14, 14′. As shown in FIG. 1, the destination call controller 4 is connected for communication purposes to an elevator controller 5, 5′ via a respective signal line 14, 14′. The communication subscribers can be identified uniquely at the ends of the permanently activated signal lines 14, 14′. With knowledge of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can combine the exemplary embodiments of an elevator installation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with one another, for example such that a call input device 1, 1′ is connected for communication purposes to a plurality of elevator controllers 5, 5′ via a bus system 2′, and/or such that a destination call controller 4 is connected for communication purposes to only one elevator controller 5, 5′ via a signal line 14, 14′.

(15) As shown in FIG. 1, the call input device 1, 1′ in the Bus system 2 transmits a call, which is made by the passenger, as a destination call to the destination call controller 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the call input device 1 in the bus system 2′ transmits a call, which is made by the passenger, as a floor call or as a car call to the elevator controller 5. In the case of a floor call, an elevator car 6 is first of all moved to the floor of the call input device 1. Once the passenger has entered the elevator car 6, a car call to a destination floor is made on a call input device 1 in the elevator car 6, and the elevator car 6 is moved to this destination floor. In the case of a destination call, a designation of a desired destination floor will have already been made during the call input, as a result of which there is no longer any need for a car call. The destination call controller 4 therefore already knows the destination floor when the call is input, and can therefore optimize not only the approach to the call input floor but also that to the destination floor. The destination call controller 4 determines at least one best call allocation for a destination call. The best call allocation denotes a movement by at least one elevator car 6, 6′ from a starting floor to a destination floor with the shortest possible waiting time and/or the shortest possible time to the destination. The starting floor need not match the call input floor. In addition, the destination floor need not match the destination floor desired by the passenger on the basis of the destination call. When assigning the best call allocation to the elevator car 6, 6′, at least one start call signal and at least one destination call signal are produced, and are transmitted via the signal line 14, 14′ to the adapter for the elevator controller 5, 5′ for this elevator car 6, 6′.

(16) The touchscreen 13 is rectangular or has a circular symmetrical diameter. By way of example, the touchscreen 13 has a diameter of 5 cm and a thickness of 2 to 10 mm. The display is composed, for example, of glass or impact-resistant plastic, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene etc. By way of example, a front face of the touchscreen 13 is composed of glass or impact-resistant plastic such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene. The front face of the touchscreen 13 can be seen by a passenger and can be touched directly by the passenger, for example using a finger. A plurality of functional principles of touchscreens 13 are known: In the case of a resistive touchscreen 13, when the touchscreen 13 is touched, an electrical contact is made between two previously electrically isolated electrically conductive layers. The electrical resistance of this electrical contact can be detected by at least one sensor as an input signal, with two-dimensional position resolution via a position coordinate. In the case of a capacitive touchscreen 13, an electrical field applied to the display is changed when the touchscreen is touched. This electrical field change can also be detected by at least one sensor as an input signal with two-dimensional position resolution via a position coordinate. In the case of an optical touchscreen 13, a light beam is interrupted when the touchscreen 13 is touched. The position of the light-beam interruption can be detected by at least one sensor as an input signal with two-dimensional position resolution via a position coordinate.

(17) In the case of a surface wave touchscreen 13, horizontal and vertical ultrasound waves are reflected when the touchscreen 13 is touched. This ultrasound wave reflection can also be detected by at least one sensor as an input signal with two-dimensional position resolution via a position coordinate.

(18) The microphone 18 can receive at least one command, which is spoken by the passenger, and for this purpose produces at least one analog speech signal. The command is a digit and/or a letter and/or a word. The analog speech signals are broken down into frequency sequences and are digitized by at least one analog/digital converter. At least one frequency spectrum is produced from digitized speech signals by means of Fourier transformation. The reference spectrum is compared with at least one reference spectrum. At least one input signal is associated with each reference spectrum. The reference spectrum and the input signal are stored in the computer-legible data memory of the call input device 1, 1′. A reference spectrum which is most similar to the frequency spectrum is selected, and the input signal associated with that reference spectrum is read. The computer program means in the call input device 1, 1′ in this way carries out voice recognition of a command. By way of example, the passenger speaks at least one number or number sequence consisting of digits “0” to “9” for the floor input. For example, the passenger speaks at least one position designator such as “lobby”, “library”, etc., and/or at least one name designator such as “Schmidt family”, “Meier Company”, etc. By way of example, the passenger speaks at least one function designator such as “help”, “alarm”, “disabled”, “disability”, “VIP” (very important person), etc. At least one first analog speech signal is stored, identified as the first input signal. By way of example, a function designator such as “disabled”, “disability”, “VIP” is identified as the first input signal. At least one further analog speech signal is stored identified as a further input signal. By way of example, a number or number sequence such as “1”, “3” and/or a position designator such as “lobby”, “library” is identified as a further input signal.

(19) That surface of the touchscreen 13 which can be seen by the passenger has at least one functional designator 16, 16′. The functional designators 16, 16′ are pictograms or alphanumeric character sequences. The functional designators 16, 16′ are produced by at least one light-emitting element such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting display (LED) or organic light emitting display (OLED), etc. Each light-emitting element can be operated by the computer program means, and the number, size, color and shape of the functional designators 16, 16′ are freely programmable. The functional designator 16, 16′ can also be a “blank area” on the touchscreen 13, i.e. a uniform area on the touchscreen 13 which is currently not identified in a particular way. As shown in FIG. 3, a first functional designator 16 is arranged on a lower edge area of the touchscreen 13, and twelve further functional designators 16′ are arranged above this, in a central area of the touchscreen 13. As shown in FIG. 4, two first functional designators 16 are arranged on left and right upper corner areas of the touchscreen 13, and two further functional designators 16′ are arranged in a central area of the touchscreen 13. As shown in FIG. 5, a first functional designator 16 is arranged on an upper edge area of the touchscreen and twelve further functional designators 16′ are arranged below this in a central area of the touchscreen 13.

(20) The first functional designator 16 may be identified specifically. By way of example, the first functional designator 16 is identified by a wheelchair user pictogram. By way of example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, at least one identifier 3 with at least one Braille script character with a height of at least 0.8 mm is fitted on the touchscreen 13 in the input area of the first functional designator 16. By way of example, the first functional designator 16 is identified by a VIP text script. The further functional designators 16′ are, for example, digits “0” to “9” for floor input as well as a “bell symbol” for an alarm, and/or at least one position designator such as “lobby”, “library”, etc., and/or at least one name designator such as “Schmidt family”, “Meier Company”, etc.

(21) An input signal is produced by touching a functional designator 16, 16′. The call input device 1, 1′ changes to at least one specific input mode for producing a plurality of input signals on a time and/or position basis. A number of types of production of the plurality of input signals on a time and/or position basis are possible: A plurality of position-based input signals are produced when a functional designator 16, 16′ is touched for a long time. By way of example, a passenger touches a functional designator 16, 16′ on the touchscreen 13 for a plurality of seconds, preferably three seconds, and preferably five seconds. A plurality of position-based input signals are produced when a functional designator 16, 16′ is touched with a specific pressure force. By way of example, a passenger touches a functional designator 16, 16′ on the touchscreen 13 with a pressure force of 2.5 N to 5.0 N. A plurality of time-based input signals are produced when a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′ are touched at the same time. By way of example, as shown in FIG. 4, a passenger touches the two first functional designators 16 on the touchscreen 13 at the same time. By way of example, the passenger places the surface of a hand on the touchscreen 13, and thus touches a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′ at the same time. By way of example, the passenger touches the entire touchscreen 13, and thus touches a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′ at the same time. A plurality of position-based input signals are produced when a functional designator 16, 16′ is touched at specific times. By way of example, a passenger touches a functional designator 16, 16′ on the touchscreen 13 a plurality of times within a number of seconds, preferably three times within three seconds, and preferably five times within five seconds. The specific-timed touching can also be carried out by using a specific rhythm or a specific rhythmic form. By way of example, the passenger can use an identification melody, a Morse character sequence, etc.

(22) A plurality of position-based input signals are produced when a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′ are touched at specific times. By way of example, a passenger touches a series of functional designators 16, 16′ on the touchscreen 13 in accordance with at least one geometric pattern. The geometric pattern is a digit or a letter or a straight line or a curved line or a multiple line. The number is, for example, a “6” or a “22” or a “0”, etc. The call input device 1, 1′ identifies this number “6” or “22” or “0” and associates a call signal for a sixth or a twenty-second or a zero destination floor with the respectively identified number “6”, “22” or “0”. By way of example, the letter is an “A” or a “C”, or “garage” or “office”, etc. The call input device 1, 1′ identifies these letters “A”, “C”, “garage” or “office” and associates a call signal to the appropriate destination floor with the identified letters “A”, “C”, “garage” or “office”. By way of example, the straight line is a straight line pointing “upward” or “downward” on the touchscreen 13, or a diagonal on the touchscreen 13, and/or a semicircle and/or a circle on the touchscreen 13. The call input device 1, 1′ identifies this straight line, and associates a function with it. By way of example, the call input device 1, 1′ associates a call signal in the “upward direction” with a straight line pointing “upward”, and associates a call signal in the “downward direction” with a straight line pointing “downward”. By way of example, the passenger scrolls through a menu having a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′. The passenger uses a straight line pointing upward to scroll in the upward direction through the menu, and the passenger uses a straight line pointing downward to scroll in the upward direction through the menu. The multiple line is produced, for example, by the passenger using one or more fingers to touch the screen 13 at specific times. By way of example, the passenger touches the touchscreen with his index finger and ring finger at the same time, and then moves the finger tips of these two fingers relative to one another, while maintaining the contact on the touchscreen 13. In this way, the passenger can spread his fingers apart, such that the finger tips move away from one another on the touchscreen, and/or he can move his fingers together, such that the finger tips approach one another. The multiple line is, for example, a multiple line which extends from a center to two or three extremities, and/or a multiple line meeting at a center from a plurality of extremities. The call input device 1, 1′ identifies this multiple line, and associates a function with it. By way of example, the passenger scrolls through a menu having a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′. The passenger opens a menu by a multiple line extending from a center to a plurality of extremities; the passenger closes a menu by a multiple line which meets at a center from a plurality of extremities.

(23) Alternatively and/or additionally, the call input device 1, 1′ changes to at least one specific input mode when associated with at least one first input signal. By way of example, the passenger speaks a command “disability” into the microphone 18. The microphone 18 produces an analog speech signal for the command, which analog speech signal is associated with a first input signal “disability” by the call input device 1, 1′.

(24) With knowledge of the present disclosure, these forms of production of a plurality of input signals on a time and/or position basis can be combined with one another. By way of example, a passenger can place the surface of a hand on the touchscreen 13, thus touching a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′ at the same time for a plurality of seconds. The production of input signals on a time and/or position basis can also be combined with the association with a first input signal. By way of example, a passenger sweeps over a diagonal series of functional designators 16, 16′ on the touchscreen 13, and speaks the command “disability”.

(25) A first input signal is produced when a first functional designator 16 is touched in the specific input mode. Alternatively or additionally, a first input signal is produced on allocation of a first input signal. The call input device 1, 1′ transmits the first input signal to the destination call controller 4 and/or the elevator controller 5, 5′. The destination call controller 4 or the elevator controller 5, 5′ changes the elevator installation to at least one specific operating mode for a received first input signal. By way of example, the elevator installation is changed to a specific operating mode by touching the first functional designator 16 or by allocating a first input signal “disability” for a predetermined time period of five seconds to twenty seconds.

(26) A further input signal is produced by touching a further functional designator 16′. By way of example, a passenger wishes to select a destination floor which corresponds to the floor S3. As soon as the passenger uses a finger to touch the further functional designator 16′ in the form of a “3”, a further input signal is produced. Alternatively and/or in addition to this, a further input signal is produced on association with a further input signal. By way of example, the passenger speaks the command “3” into the microphone 18. The microphone 18 produces an analog speech signal for the command “3”, with which analog speech signal the call input device 1, 1′ associates a further input signal “3”, and for which further input signal “3”, a further input signal is produced. The call input device 1, 1′ associates at least one call signal with the further input signal. The call input device 1, 1′ transmits the call signal to the destination call controller 4 and/or the elevator controller 5, 5′. The destination call controller 4 or the elevator controller 5, 5′ makes at least one call for the transmitted call signal. By way of example, the destination call controller 4 and/or the elevator controller 5, 5′ makes a call to the destination floor desired by the passenger.

(27) Touching the first functional designator 16 and touching the further functional designator 16′ on one and the same call input device 1, 1′ changes the elevator installation to a specific operating mode until the call made by touching the further functional designator 16′ has been carried out completely. A floor call is completed when the passenger has entered an elevator car 6, 6′ at the starting floor; a car call or destination call is completed when the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ has been completely opened at the destination floor. Therefore, when a first functional designator 16 is touched, followed by a further functional designator 16′ being touched on one and the same call input device 1, 1′ during the specific operating mode, the call made in this way is handled using the specific operating mode.

(28) In the specific operating mode, a passenger is transported by the elevator installation in the building without being disadvantaged by a given disadvantage. The disadvantage may be a disability of the passenger or a potential safety or security hazard to the passenger. In the simplest case, the first input signal indicates in binary form whether the passenger is or is not disabled and/or whether the passenger is or is not subject to a safety or security hazard.

(29) The first input signal can indicate in detail the nature of the disability, such as a physical disability, blindness, deafness, etc. The disability may be a physical disability or a mental disability. For example, it may be possible for the passenger to move or be oriented in the building only using at least one disabled-specific aid. By way of example, a disabled-specific aid is a wheelchair, a hospital bed on rollers, a crutch, a hearing aid, a vision aid, a blind person's stick, a guide dog for the blind, etc. It is also possible for a severely disabled passenger to be able to move only with the aid of at least one accompanying passenger. For example, an accompanying passenger pushing the wheelchair of the severely disabled passenger makes a call input for the severely disabled passenger.

(30) It is also possible for the first input signal to indicate whether the passenger with the disability requires passive personal protection or active personal protection. For example, it may be possible for the passenger to move in the building only using at least one personal-protection-specific aid. By way of example, a personal-protection-specific aid is a three-dimensional protection zone or a time protection zone, or a personal protector. For example, a three-dimensional protection zone or a time protection zone with as few other passengers in the elevator car 6, 6′ as possible is produced for the passenger with a disability. To this end, other passengers may be transported by the elevator car 6, 6′ at earlier or later times. It is also possible for a passenger who is subject to an acute safety or security hazard to be accompanied by at least one personal protector in the elevator car 6, 6′.

(31) In the specific operating mode, the call input device 1, 1′ and/or the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ and/or the elevator car 6, 6′ can be operated as follows: For a passenger having a disabled-specific aid, the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ is closed with a particularly long delay, and it is closed particularly slowly. While, in the normal operating mode, an elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ is closed after a delay of two to twenty seconds and the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ requires around two seconds for the closing process, the delay and the closing process for a passenger with a disabled-specific aid are 10% to 50% more. For a passenger with a disability-specific aid, the elevator car 6, 6′ is stopped with particular accuracy at the floor S1 to S3. While, in the normal operating mode, the height difference between a floor of the elevator car 6, 6′ and a threshold of the floor door 11, 11′ may be more than 10 mm, a maximum height difference between the floor of the elevator car 6, 6′ and the threshold of the floor door 11, 11′ of +/−10 mm is stipulated in accordance with EN81-70 for a passenger with a disabled-specific aid. A passenger with a disabled-specific aid or a personal-protection-specific aid is assigned a particularly large amount of space in an elevator car 6, 6′. While, in the normal operating mode, an elevator car 6, 6′ with a payload of 450 kg can accommodate up to six passengers, this elevator car 6, 6′ with a payload of 450 kg is assigned a single passenger with a disabled-specific aid or a personal-protection-specific aid. Analogously, an elevator car 6, 6′ with a payload of 630 kg, which can accommodate up to eight passengers in the normal operating mode, is assigned one passenger with a disabled-specific aid as well as an accompanying passenger, and/or a safety or security-endangered passenger as well as a personal protector. A passenger with a personal-protection-specific aid is transported by the elevator car 6, 6′ directly from the call input floor to the destination floor. While, in the normal operating mode, the elevator car 6, 6′ makes one or more intermediate stops or changeover stops, a passenger with a personal-protection-specific aid is transported from the call input floor to the desired destination floor without any intermediate stops or changeover stops.

(32) In at least some embodiments, every input signal is confirmed visually and/or audibly by at least one acknowledgement signal 17 on the touchscreen 13 and/or by the tone transmitter 15. The passenger therefore receives a visual or audible acknowledgement that a functional designator 16, 16′ on the touchscreen 13 has been touched. The acknowledgement signal 17 on the touchscreen 13 is a pictogram and/or alphanumeric character sequences, and is produced by at least one light-emitting element, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting display (LED) or organic light emitting display (OLED), etc. Each light-emitting element can be operated by the computer program means, and the number, size, color and shape of the acknowledgment signal 17 on the touchscreen 13 is freely programmable. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a plurality of acknowledgement signals 17 are arranged in a central area of the touchscreen 13. The acknowledgment signal 17 produced by the tone transmitter 15 is, for example, a tone sequence, melody, or a synthetic voice output. Each acknowledgement signal 17 uniquely acknowledges an input signal correlated with a functional designator 16, 16′. With knowledge of the present disclosure, the acknowledgement signal can, of course, also be output on a different elevator installation output device, which is physically separated from the call input device 1, 1′. A different output device such as this is, for example, a car status indication above the floor door 11, 11′, or a floor indication within the elevator car 6, 6′. A plurality of acknowledgement signals 17 can be output on the touchscreen 13 or tone transmitter 15: Confirmation of the change of the elevator installation to the specific operating mode. A wheelchair user pictogram is output on the touchscreen 13, and the tone transmitter 15 outputs a tone at, for example, 600 Hz to the passenger, as an acknowledgement signal 17. In the specific operating mode, it is also possible to output larger and/or brighter and/or more contrasting alphanumeric character strings on the touchscreen 13. While, for example in the normal operating mode, alphanumeric character sequences may also have a height of less than 15 mm, they are at least 15 mm high, and preferably at least 18 mm high, in the specific operating mode. Confirmation of the change of the elevator installation to the normal operating mode. A passenger pictogram is output on the touchscreen 13, and the tone transmitter 15 outputs a tone at, for example, 400 Hz to the passenger, as an acknowledgment signal 17. Confirmation of the call input by the passenger. An “OK” is output on the touchscreen 13, and the tone transmitter 15 outputs a tone at, for example, 500 Hz to the passenger, as an acknowledgement signal 17. Request for the communication language desired by the passenger. A plurality of national flags, such as that of the United Kingdom for English, that of the USA for US-American, that of Germany for German, that of France for French, that of China for Chinese, etc., are output on the touchscreen 13, as an acknowledgement signal 17. At the same time, the tone transmitter 15 produces an appropriate synthetic voice output in the respective language. Request for the nature of the disability of the passenger. A plurality of possible types of passenger disabilities are output on the touchscreen 13, as an acknowledgement signal 17. For example, this requests whether the passenger can move and/or can be oriented in the building only using at least one disabled-specific aid, and/or whether the passenger can move in the building only using at least one personal-protection-specific aid. At the same time, the tone transmitter 15 produces an appropriate synthetic voice output. Provision of at least one aid. At least one assistance text is output on the touchscreen 13, and/or the tone transmitter 15 outputs at least one synthetic assistance text, as an acknowledgement signal 17. Designation of the direction of travel desired by the passenger. An arrow pointing “upward” or “downward” is output on the touchscreen 13 to the passenger, as an acknowledgement signal 17. The arrow or the background of the arrow can blink. For an “upward” direction of travel, the tone transmitter 15 outputs a high tone of, for example, 550 Hz to the passenger, while for a “downward” direction of travel, the tone transmitter 15 outputs a low tone of, for example, 450 Hz to the passenger. Designation of the destination floor desired by the passenger. For a destination floor which is desired by the passenger and which destination floor corresponds to the floor S3, a “3” is output on the touchscreen 13, and the tone transmitter 15 outputs a tone sequence of, for example, three tones at 490 Hz, 500 Hz and 510 Hz, to the passenger as an acknowledgement signal 17. Designation of the elevator shaft S4, S4′, from which a call is being made. The elevator shaft S4, S4′ of the elevator car 6, 6′ which is handling the call from the passenger is output on the touchscreen 13 in the form of a letter “B” and the tone transmitter 15 outputs a tone at 400 Hz, as an acknowledgment signal 17. The letter “B” and/or the background can blink. Designation of the elevator car 6, 6′, which will handle the call. When there are a plurality of elevator cars 6, 6′ in one elevator shaft S4, S4′, for example an upper and a lower elevator car 6, 6′ of a double-decker elevator, then the elevator car 6, 6′ which is handling the call from the passenger is output on the touchscreen 13 in the form of a number “2” and by a melody, as an acknowledgment signal 17. The number “2” and/or the background can blink. This communicates to the passenger that he should enter the second elevator car 6, 6′. Output of the start and the duration of the opening/closing of the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′. The passenger is warned of the start and the duration of the opening/closing of the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ by blinking of the touchscreen 13 and by the tone transmitter 15 outputting a tone at 500 Hz in time with the blinking Output of the arrival time of the elevator car 6, 6′ at the starting floor and/or destination floor. An arrival time of the elevator car 6, 6′ is indicated in digital form on the touchscreen 13, for example as a numerical sequence “14 s”, “13 s”, etc., counting backwards. At the same time, the tone transmitter 15 produces an appropriate synthetic voice output.

(33) At least one input area on the touchscreen 13 is a multipurpose area, such that the passenger can use the time duration of touching the input area on the touchscreen 13 to select one of a plurality of functional designators 16, 16′. When the input area on the touchscreen 13 is touched for a long time, a plurality of input signals are produced. When the touch ends, the most recently produced input signal is selected. In at least some cases, the call input device 1, 1′ transmits only the selected further input signal to the destination call controller 4 and/or the elevator controller 5, 5′.

(34) Having illustrated and described the principles of the disclosed technologies, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technologies can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only examples of the technologies and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents. I therefore claim as my invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.