Abstract: A lift system for and method of controlling a lift car. The car providing service to a number of separate stations to enable a person or an article waiting in a predetermined region outside the lift car to enter or leave the lift car. The method including the steps of providing the lift car a scanning device directed outwardly from the lift car. Each of the stations having an independent scanning extension. When the lift car arrives at one of the stations equipped with a scanning device, the scanning device and the scanning extension are juxtaposed to form an operable combination. Scanning the predetermined region with the operable combination to produce an output signal representing a state of the predetermined region, such as whether the region is occupied or not. Using the signal or a function of the signal to regulate subsequent operation of the lift car.

Abstract: A method of sensory control of a lift car located in an lift shaft which serves to define a number of separate stations between which the car can be driven and at each of which stations the car can be caused to stop to enable a person or an article to enter or leave the car characterised by the steps of: providing for the car a scanning device; providing at each of at least two or more of the stations an independent scanning extension means; providing that on, or following, the arrival of the car at one of the stations equipped with an scanning extension means the scanning device and the scanning extension means at the station are juxtaposed, or otherwise linked, to form an operable combination; scanning by means of the operable combination a predetermined region associated with the shaft at the station so as to provide as an output a signal representing a state of the predetermined region, such as whether it is occupied or not, and using the signal or a function thereof, in the event the signal or a function