The disclosure relates to adapting an elevator system for use by handicapped persons.
It is known that an elevator system having an elevator cabin transports users between floors of a building. To this end, the floors and/or the elevator cabin is/are provided with call input apparatuses which the users can use to make call inputs. On the basis of the call inputs, an elevator controller actuates an elevator drive for the elevator cabin and a door drive for the elevator cabin such that the users can enter the elevator cabin and are transported by the elevator cabin between floors of the building.
To provide for equality of users with handicaps, European standard 81-70 prescribes a handicapped persons pushbutton for the call input. Pushing the handicapped persons pushbutton puts the elevator system into a special mode of operation. In this special mode of operation, elevator doors on the floors and/or elevator cabins are open and/or closed more slowly and users with handicaps are provided with feedback from the call input by means of visual and/or audible signals.
The document US 2002/0191819 A1 describes a way of detecting elevator users using a wheelchair. This involves taking images of elevator users in the space in front of an elevator system and using the position of the face to infer a wheelchair user.
The document US 2004/0022439 A1 describes a method for distinguishing between people who are able to walk and people using a wheelchair. Images are used to ascertain a 3D model of a recorded person and to determine whether or not the person is a person with a wheelchair.
The document JP 2002211833 discloses a method for verifying a wheelchair user when the latter has pushed a special key on an elevator control unit. Pushing the special key indicates to the elevator system that the passenger is a wheelchair user. When the special key has been pushed, the person who has pushed the switch has an image taken by means of a camera, and it is verified whether the person is actually a wheelchair user.
The document JP 11268879 describes how disabled people are detected by means of two cameras as soon as they push a switch on an elevator control unit and how the elevator system executes the elevator journey in a special mode when a disabled person has been detected.
The document U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,836 describes how the elevator which executes a journey requested by a disabled person is selected from a group of elevators. In order to indicate that the person requesting the elevator journey is a disabled person, the requesting person pushes an additional key on the control unit of the elevator system.
The document U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,470 describes a method for tracking the face of a patient in real time using cameras so that a patient can be fed by a robot.
The document US 2006/0011419 A1 discloses how an elevator control unit has an arrangement of switching keys with an optical sensor which are able to be activated contactlessly.
The document U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,655 describes an elevator control switch which can be operated contactlessly. Infrared radiation is emitted by the switch. If a potential passenger keeps his hand in front of the elevator control switch, the infrared radiation is reflected and hence the switch is activated.
The specification EP1598298A1 shows an elevator system having a call input apparatus in the elevator cabin. The call input apparatus has a touch screen, which touch screen is not compliant with EN81-70, since it does not have a handicapped persons pushbutton. As a solution which is compliant with EN81-70, EP 1598298A1 discloses adding a handicapped persons pushbutton to the touch screen. A top side of the handicapped persons pushbutton is clearly recognizable to visually handicapped persons by virtue of Braille characters with a relief height of at least 0.8 mm. Pushing the handicapped persons pushbutton with a pushing force of between 2.5 N and 5.0 N operates an area of the screen below the handicapped persons pushbutton and generates a cabin call.
In at least some embodiments disclosed herein, the elevator system can be put into a handicapped persons mode of operation while largely avoiding touching operator control elements and in which call inputs are also possible while largely avoiding touching operator control elements.
In further embodiments, at least one sensor detects at least one change of position by a user as at least one signal and at least one reference signal; the signal is compared with the reference signal; if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then at least one signal state change is produced; and the elevator system is at least to some extent put into a handicapped persons mode of operation when the reference state change has been produced.
At least some embodiments are based on the insight that the user can produce a signal state change interactively and contactlessly solely by changing his position, which signal state change transfers the elevator system from a normal mode to a handicapped persons mode of operation. “Change of position” by the user is understood to mean any type of movement and/or rest by the user, which movement and/or rest can be detected as a signal and a reference signal by the sensor. The extent of the movement and/or rest can vary within the range of prescribed physical and/or time-based limits. Hence, a signal and a reference signal from a user are detected and the handicapped user can thereby express his desire to be moved by the elevator system in a handicapped persons mode of operation; he is therefore more easily able to take part in social life, to make social contacts, to train and do further studies and to undertake gainful employment.
Possibly, the reference signal is detected at a time before or after the signal. Possibly, a predefined comparison result is achieved if the detected signal matches the reference signal. Possibly, a predefined comparison result is achieved if the detected signal does not match the reference signal.
This can mean that a change of position by the user is detected by explicit signals. For each unit of time, a signal or reference signal is detected. There are multiple options in this context. By way of example, a user is detected by the sensor with a positive signal; the detected positive signal is compared with a detected negative signal as a reference signal. If these two successively detected signals do not match, a signal state change is produced. Alternatively, it is possible for a user resting in front of the sensor for a certain period of time to be detected as a series of negative signals. In this case, the detected series of negative signals is compared with a previously detected series of negative signals as a reference signal, and a match between the series of signals produces a signal state change. This can mean that only such a change of position by the user is used as a predefined comparison result for the signal and the reference signal, which change of position conveys the actual desire by the user. Such a change of position by the user is understood widely and can be learned intuitively.
Possibly, the signal and the reference signal are transmitted from the sensor to at least one apparatus, which apparatus is a destination call controller and/or elevator controller and/or call input apparatus; the apparatus compares whether the signal matches the reference signal; if the signal does match the reference signal then the signal state change is produced or if the signal does not match the reference signal then the signal state change is produced.
This can mean that the signal comparison and the production of the signal state change can be performed at a plurality of locations of the elevator system or by different apparatuses in the elevator system, which prompts a high level of flexibility for the implementation of the method.
Possibly, the elevator system is at least to some extent put into the handicapped persons mode of operation by the apparatus for a predetermined period of time when the signal state change has been produced. Possibly, the elevator system is at least to some extent put into the handicapped persons mode of operation by the apparatus for a predetermined period of time until at least one call from the user has been handled completely when the signal state change has been produced. Possibly, the elevator system is at least to some extent put into the handicapped persons mode of operation by the apparatus for a predetermined period of time until at least one call from the user has been handled completely when the signal state change has been produced.
This can mean that once the elevator system has been put into the handicapped persons mode of operation, the handicapped user can generate a call which is handled by the elevator system in the handicapped persons mode of operation. The change by the elevator system to the handicapped persons mode of operation can take place in part, i.e. only a portion of the elevator system is put into the handicapped persons mode of operation. First, in some embodiments, only one call input apparatus and/or only one elevator cabin can be put into the handicapped persons mode of operation. It is also possible for different portions of the elevator system to be put into the handicapped persons mode of operation at different times. Thus, first a call input apparatus and then an elevator cabin can be put into the handicapped persons mode of operation. By way of example, the call input apparatus is put into the handicapped persons mode of operation until a call has been input, and the elevator cabin assigned to the call is put into the handicapped persons mode of operation until the call has been handled completely. It is also possible for different portions of the elevator system to be put into the handicapped persons mode of operation for particular periods of time only. By way of example, an elevator cabin is put into the handicapped persons mode of operation only specifically while a cabin door is closing, and in this context an elevator door is closed with a particularly long delay and/or is closed particularly slowly after the passenger has entered the elevator cabin; in the rest of the period in which the passenger is traveling, the elevator cabin is not in the handicapped persons mode of operation.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons. Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons; which facility specific to disabled persons is a wheelchair and/or a hospital bed on castors and/or a crutch and/or a hearing aid and/or a visual aid and/or a white stick and/or a guide dog and/or an accompanying user.
This can mean that the handicapped user can indicate that he can move and/or orient himself in a building and hence also in the elevator system only using a facility specific to disabled persons.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons; and that for a user with at least one facility specific to disabled persons, at least one elevator door is closed with a particularly long delay and/or is closed particularly slowly.
This can mean that the user who can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons has sufficient time to enter and/or leave the elevator cabin.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons; and that for a user with at least one facility specific to disabled persons, at least one elevator cabin is stopped on a floor with a particular degree of precision.
This can mean that the user who can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons can enter and/or leave the elevator cabin on a level path.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons; and that a user with at least one facility specific to disabled persons is allocated a particularly large amount of space in at least one elevator cabin.
This can mean that the user who can move and/or orient himself only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons has a large amount of space for his facility specific to disabled persons.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons; and that a user with at least one facility specific to disabled persons is transported by at least one elevator cabin from a call input floor to a destination floor.
This can mean that the user who can move using at least one facility specific to disabled persons is conveyed directly from the call input floor and therefore does not have to take any additional routes to a starting floor.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move only using at least one facility specific to personal protection. Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move only using at least one facility specific to personal protection; which facility specific to personal protection is a physical safe area and/or a time-based safe area and/or a bodyguard.
This can mean that even when a user in need of protection, i.e. a user with a potential safety threat, is conveyed by means of the elevator cabin in the building, it can be possible to ensure personal protection for the user against attacks from third parties.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move only using at least one facility specific to personal protection; and that a user with at least one facility specific to personal protection is allocated a particularly large amount of space in at least one elevator cabin.
This can mean that the user who can move only using at least one facility specific to personal protection has a large amount of space for his facility specific to personal protection.
Possibly, the signal state change produced indicates that a user can move only using at least one facility specific to personal protection; and that a user with at least one facility specific to personal protection is transported by at least one elevator cabin from a call input floor directly to a destination floor.
This can mean that the user who can move using at least one facility specific to personal protection is conveyed to the desired destination floor directly and therefore quickly.
Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected when the user positions himself in at least one detection range of the sensor. Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected when the user leaves at least one detection range of the sensor. Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected when the user positions himself close to at least one call input apparatus.
This can mean that the user needs to position himself in the detection range of the sensor. He can position himself inside or outside of the detection range of the sensor and effect a change of position. This bounding of the location at which a change of position by the user is detected as a signal can result in further, even greater clarity for the transmission of the desire by the user to be moved by the elevator system in the handicapped persons mode of operation. Within the context of the present disclosure, close to a call input apparatus then means that the user is positioned less than approximately ten meters, perhaps less than one meter, perhaps a few centimeters, away from the call input apparatus.
Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected by the sensor automatically.
This can mean that the signal can be detected automatically when the user can be detected by the sensor. The user can initiate sensor detection contactlessly, solely by changing position.
Possibly, the detection range of the sensor is less than approximately ten meters, perhaps less than one meter.
This can mean that a sensor with a very reduced detection range can be used to detect the desire by the user to put the elevator system into a handicapped persons mode of operation.
Possibly, the sensor is a motion sensor and/or a load sensor and/or a radio sensor. Possibly, the motion sensor is a camera and/or a photosensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor and/or a microphone and/or a noise level sensor. Possibly, the load sensor is a weighing unit. Possibly, the radio sensor is a transmission/reception unit for at least one radio field.
This can mean that it is possible to use a multiplicity of known and proven sensors in order to detect the desire by the user to be moved by the elevator system in the handicapped persons mode of operation.
Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected by at least one motion sensor as a signal; the detected signal is compared with a reference signal detected at a previous time; and if the detected signal does not match the reference signal, the signal state change is produced. Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected by at least one load sensor as a signal; the detected signal is compared with a reference signal detected at a previous time; and if the detected signal does not match the reference signal then the signal state change is produced. Possibly, the change of position by the user is detected by at least one radio sensor as a signal; the detected signal is compared with a reference signal detected at a previous time; and if the detected signal matches the reference signal then the signal state change is produced.
This can mean that the different working of different sensors means that different signal state changes are also produced in order to put the elevator system into the handicapped persons mode of operation.
Possibly, at least one data communication between the radio sensor and at least one mobile communication unit carried by the user is activated within a particular detection range of at least one radio field; and a change of position by the mobile communication unit carried by the user is detected by the radio sensor as at least one signal. Possibly, at least one data communication between the radio sensor and at least one mobile communication unit carried by the user is activated within a particular detection range of at least one radio field; the mobile communication unit sends at least one code to the radio sensor; and the code is detected by the radio sensor as at least one signal. Possibly, the mobile communication unit used is a mobile telephone and/or an RFID card. Possibly, the radio field used is a short-range radio field; the detection range of the short-range radio field is less than approximately ten meters, or less than one meter.
This can mean that merely a change of position by a mobile communication unit in everyday use can be detected as a desire by the user to put the elevator system into a handicapped persons mode of operation. Surprisingly, this is because it is merely possible to use the change of position by the mobile communication unit in order to detect with a high level of certainty the desire by the user to put the elevator system into a handicapped persons mode of operation.
Possibly, at least one data communication between the radio sensor and at least one mobile communication unit carried by the user is activated within a particular detection range of at least one radio field; the mobile communication unit sends at least one code to the radio sensor; the code is detected by the radio sensor as at least one signal; the signal is transmitted from the radio sensor to the destination call controller and/or elevator controller; and the destination call controller and/or elevator controller ascertains at least one call allocation for the transmitted signal.
This can mean that the signal detected by the radio sensor is also accompanied by the transmission of a code for call allocation to the destination call controller and/or elevator controller.
Possibly, the sensor transmits the detected signal to at least one call input apparatus. Possibly, the sensor transmits the detected signal to at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, and at least one input/output unit of the call input apparatus is used to output at least one functional descriptor. Possibly, the sensor transmits the detected signal to at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, and at least one input/output unit of the call input apparatus is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors. Possibly, the sensor transmits the detected signal to at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, and at least one input/output unit of the call input apparatus is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors in at least one predetermined chronology. Possibly, the sensor transmits the detected signal to at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, and at least one input/output unit of the call input apparatus is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors in at least one predetermined order.
This can mean that one or more functional descriptors are output to the user on an input/output unit automatically, without the user having to do anything further, when a signal has been detected and transmitted to the call input apparatus.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced. Possibly, the functional descriptor indicates that the user can move and/or orient himself in the building only using a facility specific to disabled persons. Possibly, the facility specific to disabled persons is a wheelchair and/or a hospital bed on castors and/or a crutch and/or a hearing aid and/or a visual aid and/or a white stick and/or a guide dog and/or an accompanying passenger.
This can mean that a disabled user can indicate which facility specific to disabled persons he intends to use to move and/or orient himself in a building and hence also in the elevator system.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and the functional descriptor indicates that the user can move only using a facility specific to personal protection. Possibly, the facility specific to personal protection is a physical safe area and/or a time-based safe area and/or a bodyguard.
This can mean that a user with a potential safety threat can indicate which facility specific to personal protection he intends to use to be moved by the elevator system.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and the functional descriptor indicates that the user desires at least one user-specific communication language, the user being able to select between a plurality of communication languages.
This can mean that the user can indicate his preferred communication language.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and the functional descriptor indicates that the user desires to make at least one interactive assistance for using the elevator system, the user being able to select between a plurality of assistances.
This can mean that the user is provided with interactive assistance when using the elevator system.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and the functional descriptor indicates that the user desires to make at least one destination call, the user being able to select between a plurality of destination floors.
This can mean that the user can confirm between a plurality of destination floors and that a user who has difficulty walking selects that destination floor which he can leave as easily as possible, for example.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and the functional descriptor indicates that the user desires to make at least one floor call, the user being able to select between a plurality of starting floors.
This can mean that the user does not necessarily have to begin his journey from the call input floor, but rather can select a starting floor which is convenient to him. By way of example, a user with difficulty walking will select a starting floor which is as easy to reach as possible.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and the functional descriptor indicates that the user desires to make at least one cabin call; the user being able to select between a plurality of destination floors.
This can mean that the user in the elevator cabin can make a cabin call of his choice.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output at least one functional descriptor to the user when a signal state change has been produced; and that the functional descriptor indicates that the user desires at least one user-specific elevator cabin, the user being able to select between a plurality of elevator cabins.
This can mean that the user can confirm between a plurality of possible elevator cabins in order to get to his destination floor. By way of example, the user wishes a panorama cabin with a nice view or an express cabin for the fastest possible journey.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors when a signal state change has been produced. Possibly, in the unhandicapped operating state, the sensor detects at least one change of position by the user as a further signal; a comparison is performed to determine whether the further signal matches a recently detected signal, wherein the recently detected signal is the signal or reference signal; if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then at least one further signal state change is produced; and the call input apparatus marks at least one output functional descriptor for the further signal state change that has been produced. Possibly, in the unhandicapped operating state, the sensor detects at least one change of position by the user as a further signal and a further reference signal; a comparison is performed to determine whether the further signal matches the further reference signal; if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then at least one further signal state change is produced; and the call input apparatus marks at least one output functional descriptor when the further signal state change has been produced.
This can mean that the user can mark one of a plurality of output functional descriptors contactlessly by means of a simple change of position. Such marking can be hygienic, since the user does not need to touch the call input apparatus and it is therefore less likely for any diseases and/or pathogens to be transmitted.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors when a signal state change has been produced. Possibly, in the unhandicapped operating state, the sensor detects at least one change of position by the user as yet a further signal; a comparison is performed to determine whether the yet further signal matches a recently detected signal, wherein the recently detected signal is the signal or the reference signal or a further signal or a further reference signal; if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then at least one yet further signal state change is produced; and the call input apparatus confirms at least one output functional descriptor when the yet further signal state change has been produced. Possibly, in the unhandicapped operating state, the sensor detects at least one change of position by the user as yet a further signal and as yet a further reference signal; a comparison is performed to determine whether the yet further signal matches the yet further reference signal; if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then at least one yet further signal state change is produced; and the call input apparatus confirms at least one output functional descriptor when the yet further signal state change has been produced.
This can mean that the user can confirm an output functional descriptor contactlessly by means of a simple change of position. Such confirmation can be hygienic, since the user does not need to touch the call input apparatus and it is therefore less likely for diseases and/or pathogens to be transmitted.
Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus, which call input apparatus is close to the user whose change of position has been detected as a signal, is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors when a signal state change has been produced; and operation of at least one area of the input/output unit marks at least one output functional descriptor. Possibly, at least one input/output unit of at least one call input apparatus is used to output a plurality of functional descriptors when a signal state change has been produced; and operation of at least one area of the input/output unit confirms at least one output functional descriptor.
This can mean that a user is alternatively also able to activate an output functional descriptor on the input/output unit in order to mark and/or confirm the functional descriptor.
Possibly, the marked and/or confirmed functional descriptor is transmitted from the call input apparatus to the destination call controller and/or elevator controller; and the user is moved by the destination call controller and/or elevator controller for the transmitted functional descriptor using the elevator system in the handicapped persons mode of operation.
This can mean that the user can put an elevator system into a handicapped persons mode of operation totally contactlessly, solely by changing position, and is then moved by the elevator system in the handicapped persons mode of operation.
Further embodiments comprise an elevator system for carrying out a method for catering for the use of the elevator system by handicapped persons. To this end, at least one sensor detects at least one change of position by a user as at least one signal and at least one reference signal; the elevator system compares the signal with the reference signal; and if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then the elevator system produces at least one signal state change; and the elevator system at least to some extent changes to a handicapped persons mode of operation when the reference state change has been produced.
This can mean that an elevator system is rendered capable of changing from a normal mode to a handicapped persons mode of operation by a signal and a reference signal which have been detected by a sensor as a result of a change of position by a user.
Moreover, the aforementioned object is achieved by proposing a method for upgrading an elevator system having at least one destination call controller and/or elevator controller for carrying out the method for catering for the use of the elevator system by handicapped persons. To this end, at least one sensor is installed for the purpose of detecting at least one change of position by a user as at least one signal and at least one reference signal; at least one signal line and/or radio field for transmitting the signal and reference signal detected by the sensor is installed between the sensor and the elevator system; at least one computer program means is loaded into at least one processor in the elevator system; the computer program means compares the signal with the reference signal; if at least one predefined comparison result is achieved then the computer program means produces at least one signal state change; and the elevator system is at least to some extent put into a handicapped persons mode of operation by the computer program means when the signal state change has been produced.
This can mean that an existing elevator system can be upgraded merely by installing a sensor and a signal line and/or a radio field for the destination call control and/or elevator control in order to allow a user, when a computer program means has been loaded into at least one processor in the destination call controller and/or elevator controller, to generate a signal state change and to put the elevator system into a handicapped persons mode of operation merely by changing positions.
Possibly, a computer program product comprises at least one computer program means which is suitable for implementing the method for catering for the use of an elevator system by handicapped persons by executing at least one method step when the computer program means is loaded into at least one processor in at least one call input apparatus and/or in at least one destination call controller and/or in at least one elevator controller and/or into at least one sensor. Possibly, the computer-readable data memory comprises such a computer program product.
This can mean that an elevator system is rendered capable, by loading the computer program means, of putting the elevator system into a handicapped persons mode of operation when a signal detected by a sensor has been transmitted which, in comparison with a reference signal, results in the production of a signal state change.
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technologies will be explained in detail with reference to the figures, in which, in some cases schematically:
At least one elevator controller 5, 5′ in the elevator system 100 has at least one processor and at least one computer-readable data memory. From the computer-readable data memory, at least one computer program means is loaded into the processor and executed. The computer program means actuates the elevator drive 10, 10′ and the door drive 9, 9′. At least one housing for the elevator controller 5, 5′ contains at least one adapter for at least one radio field 21 and/or at least one adapter for at least one signal line 3, 3′ and also at least one electrical power supply.
At least one call input apparatus 1, 1′ in the elevator system 100 is arranged close to a floor door 11, 11′ and/or in an elevator cabin 6.
At least one sensor 17, 18, 19 in the elevator system 100 detects at least one area of the building. The sensor 17, 18, 19 is arranged in the proximity of a call input apparatus 1, 1′.
At least one destination call controller 4 in the elevator system 100 has at least one processor, at least one computer-readable data memory, at least one adapter for a signal line 2 and at least one electrical power supply. According to
The call input apparatus 1, 1′, the sensor 17, 18, 19 and the destination call controller 4 and/or the elevator controller 5, 5′ communicate bidirectionally via a signal line 2 such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), Local Operating Network (LON), Modbus, Ethernet, etc. The signal line 2 is therefore a bus system. This signal line 2 is used to perform a communication on the basis of a known protocol. According to
The user can make a call by selecting a functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ which is output on the input/output unit 13 of the call input apparatus 1, 1′. The selection can be made by simply marking and/or by confirming a marked functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″. According to
The call may be a floor call or cabin call or destination call. In the case of a floor call,
Producing at least one signal state change puts the elevator system into an unhandicapped mode of operation. In the handicapped persons mode of operation, a user is transported by the elevator system 100 unhandicapped in the building. The handicap may be a disability of the user and/or a potential safety threat for the user. In the simplest case, the signal state change indicates in binary fashion whether or not the user is disabled and/or whether or not the user's safety is threatened.
The signal state change can be used to provide a detailed indication of the nature of the disability, such as walking disability, visual disability, hearing disability. The disability may be a physical disability and/or a mental disability. Thus, the user can move and/or orient himself in a building only using at least one facility specific to disabled persons. Examples of a facility specific to disabled persons are a wheelchair, a hospital bed on castors, a crutch, a hearing aid, a visual aid, a white stick, a guide dog, etc. It may also be that a severely disabled user can move only using at least one accompanying user. By way of example, an accompanying user pushes the wheelchair of the severely disabled user or makes a call input for the severely disabled user.
It is also possible to use the signal state change to indicate whether the handicapped user requires passive personal protection and/or active personal protection. For example, the user can move in a building only using at least one facility specific to personal protection. Examples of a facility specific to personal protection are a physical safe area and/or a time-based safe area and/or a bodyguard. By way of example, a physical safe area and/or a time-based safe area with as few other users as possible is/are produced for the handicapped user in the elevator cabin 6, 6′. To this end, other users can be transported by the elevator cabin 6, 6′ at earlier and/or later times. It may also be that a user with an acute safety threat is accompanied in the elevator cabin 6, 6′ by at least one bodyguard.
Accordingly, in the special mode of operation, the call input apparatus 1, 1′ and/or the elevator door 11, 11′, 12, 12′ and/or the elevator cabin 6, 6′ is/are actuated as follows:
In order to implement the handicapped persons mode of operation, the user can be provided with at least one functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ which is output via the input/output unit 13 and/or the tone generator 15. The surface of the input/output unit 13 which is visible to the user has at least one functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″. The functional descriptors 16, 16′, 16″ are pictograms and/or alphanumeric character strings. The functional descriptors 16, 16′, 16″ are produced by at least one luminous element such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting display (LED) and/or organic light emitting display (OLED), etc. Each luminous element can be activated by the computer program means, and the number, size, color and shape of the functional descriptors 16, 16′, 16″ are freely programmable. The functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ may also be a “blank area”, i.e. a uniform area of the touch screen 13′ which currently has no specific characterization.
The functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ indicates at least one option of the handicapped persons mode of operation which is executed by the elevator controller 4 and/or the destination call controller 5, 5′. The user is moved for the transmitted functional descriptor 16, 16′ 16,″ with the elevator system 100 in the handicapped persons mode of operation. In this context, a functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ indicates at least one of the following options:
In the handicapped persons mode of operation, functional descriptors 16, 16′, 16″ are output visually on the input/output unit 13 and are output audibly by the tone generator 15. By way of example, in the handicapped persons mode of operation, a selection between a plurality of destination floors is output visually on the input/output unit 13 as particularly large pictograms and/or alphanumeric character strings such as “1”, “2” or “library”, “Meier's office” and are voiced with audible clarity and distinctly by the tone generator 15.
The user can mark and/or confirm a descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ which has been output. The term “mark” is understood to mean selection of one of a plurality of functional descriptors 16, 16′, 16″. The term “confirm” is understood to mean confirmation of such a selection of a functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″. The user can perform this “marking” and “confirmation” in several ways:
The production of the further signal state change and/or of the yet further signal state change is illustrated by way of example with reference to
Given knowledge of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art has diverse options for varying the method steps shown, which variations cannot all be shown purely for economic reasons. Thus, confirmation of a functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ can be practical but is not absolutely necessary in order to carry out the method for catering for the use of the elevator system 100 by handicapped persons. In principle, marking of a functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ is sufficient. The call input apparatus 1, 1′ transmits the marked and/or confirmed functional descriptor 16, 16′, 16″ via the signal line 2 shown in
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.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
08171274.7 | Dec 2008 | EP | regional |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP09/66883 | 12/11/2009 | WO | 00 | 8/26/2011 |