Mode specific multi-stage detection trigger for human sensing

A method of controlling an elevator system having an elevator car, a hoistway and a pit, the method comprising:

• selectively operating the elevator car of the elevator system a normal mode and an inspection mode,
• wherein while the normal mode, the method includes:
• monitoring with a sensor assembly configured to capture and process images, in a first sensing mode to detect whether an object that is potentially human is located in a first area of the elevator system that is exterior to the elevator car;
• monitoring, with the sensor assembly in a second sensing mode that is more sensitive than the first sensing mode, after the object is detected in the first area in the first sensing mode, to again detect the object is potentially human in the second sensing mode;
• and
• opening an elevator safety chain to stop the elevator car upon detecting that the object is potentially human in the second sensing mode, which includes controlling a drive and a machine brake to stop the elevator car;
• and
• wherein while the inspection mode, the method includes:
• bypassing the first sensing mode and monitoring in the second sensing mode to detect whether the object is located in the first area of the elevator system;
• and
• upon detecting that the object is located in the first area of the elevator system, opening the elevator safety chain to stop the elevator car.