Patent Publication Number: US-6341668-B1

Title: Interactive elevator communication system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the present invention is communications systems. More particularly, the field relates to a computer directed communication system configured for use in the cab of an elevator system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Elevators are a ubiquitous aspect of modern life. Generally, elevators propel an elevator cab vertically to assist moving passengers and cargo between the floors of a multifloor building. In larger buildings, banks of elevators can be used to move people more efficiently. The typical elevator cab is constructed as a small box, with sliding doors that allow passengers to enter and exit. With the doors closed, the passenger or passengers are enclosed within the cab until the cab reaches a next destination floor. Although the typical elevator ride lasts only a short time period, many people find the ride uncomfortable. For some, a feeling of claustrophobia can turn the ride into a heart-racing panic. Such a response is not only uncomfortable for the person having the panic attack, but also can frighten or disturb any other passengers. 
     Even without claustrophobia, an elevator ride can be awkward. For example, the elevator ride may force total strangers to be in close bodily contact, a physical relationship that violates the normal personal spacing of some cultures. Although crammed closely together, the social norms in an elevator suggest that social discourse be avoided and everyone look forward. Thus a typical elevator ride may entail awkwardly watching the floor indicator lights, and anxiously waiting for the doors to open on a destination floor. 
     To make the elevator ride more comfortable, building managers may provide music into the elevator cab, or provide informational panels on the cab&#39;s walls. Such minor distractions, however, do not provide a sufficient focal point for the elevator passengers. The informational panels simply provide a static display such as printed advertising for a local restaurant or bar. As to the music feed, the popular perception is that music in an elevator is unsatisfactory. For example, “elevator music” is a phrase generally applied to dull, unappealing music. 
     When entering a building for the first time, it is often necessary to get directions from a directory board or a security guard. Building directory boards are often not current, and security personnel may be busy attending to other matters. Thus, finding your destination, or even what floor your destination is on, can be frustrating and time-consuming. Further, when exiting on a destination floor, it is often difficult to know which way to go. Not only can this waste time, but difficulty in finding the final destination is simply annoying and can be stressful. 
     Thus, there exists a need for enhancing the quality of an elevator ride. In such a manner, not only is there a need to make elevator riders more comfortable, but there is a need to present them with timely information. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to enhance the quality of an elevator ride. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a focal point of information for an elevator rider. Therefore, to overcome the deficiencies in the known systems and to meet the identified objectives, an elevator communication system is disclosed. Briefly, the elevator communication system generally provides a computer device installed in an elevator cab. The computer device is configured with peripheral devices to display visual and audio information to cab riders. The computer device receives information content from several sources, including a networked server system. The server system communicates information to the computer device for presentation to passengers in the elevator. The computer device may also be connected to an elevator controller so that the computer device can present information based on current and future destination floors of the elevator cab. The elevator communication system queues and orders the received informational content based on received selection data, thereby selecting which information is presented to elevator riders. 
     Advantageously, the elevator communication system eases the stress of riding an elevator by providing an active, prominent presentation of information. Not only is the presentation appealing and captivating, but the content is current and relevant so as to hold the attention of elevator riders. Too, the elevator communication system provides useful information to the riders, thus saving the riders&#39; time and creating a more efficient environment. Also, the elevator communication system can entertain the riders, or attract them to events or services. Thereby, the building manager can create revenue by selling advertising space or attracting additional patronage to a building service or event. 
    
    
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an elevator communication system made in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an elevator communication system made in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer device made in accordance with the present invention for use in an elevator cab; 
     FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of presenting information in an elevator cab in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is an example display for use with a computer device made in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 6 illustrates example indicia for display in an elevator cab using an elevator communication system made in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, an elevator communication system is provided. Referring to FIG. 1, the elevator communication system  10  is illustrated installed on an elevator cab  12 . The elevator cab  12  is generally an enclosed box having sliding doors  21  to provide access to the interior  18  of the cab  12 . The cab  12  is propelled in a vertical shaft (not shown) by support cables  16 . A wire bundle  14  is flexibly connected to the elevator cab  12  to provide electrical power and a communication link from the cab&#39;s elevator controls  19  to a remote elevator control device  20 . Although the described example is shown using an elevator cab, any such enclosed transportation is contemplated, such as trolley or train cabs, for example. 
     The elevator communication system  10  has a computer device  34  installed on the elevator cab  12 . The computer device  34  is preferably constructed to be resistant to vibration and shock, so as to withstand the rigors of the elevator environment. Although the computer device is shown mounted to the top surface of the cab, it will be appreciated that the computer device can be installed in alternative positions, such as inside the cab or on the cab walls. 
     The computer device  34  is also preferably constructed from conveniently available off the shelf component parts, although it will be appreciated that more compact constructions can be made by custom fabricating application specific components. The computer device will generally have a main processing unit, such as an INTEL Pentium class microprocessor (INTEL is a registered trademark of Intel Corp. of Santa Clara, Calif.), and associated support components such as memory and a backplane. The computer device will also use an operating environment, such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS or UNIX (MICROSOFT WINDOWS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash., and UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&amp;T of New York, N.Y.). The operating system not only operates the computer device, but also directs and controls the presentation of information in the cab. It will be appreciated that other processors, components, and operating systems can be substituted. 
     An uninterruptable power supply (UPS)  36  provides power to the computer device and its peripherals during a power failure. Since a power failure can be a frightening situation in an elevator, it is important the elevator communication system continue operation during any power outage. 
     The computer device is connected to input and output peripheral devices in the cab&#39;s interior  18 . For example, the computer device is connected to display  25 , speaker  27 , camera  32 , keypad  29 , and microphone  24 . It will be appreciate that other peripherals may be substituted depending on the specific information to be presented or collected in the elevator cab. 
     The display device  25  is preferably a flat LCD (liquid crystal display) panel, such as a TFT (thin film transistor) color display. Constructed as a flat panel device, the display device  25  is conveniently installed on or attached to a cab wall, such as cab wall  23 . The display device  25  is configured to present full frame video at 30 frames per second. Such a speed enables a high quality, engaging visual display of information to elevator passengers. The display  25  can also display still images, text and animated information. It will be appreciated that the specific configuration of the display device can be modified for specific application needs. 
     The speaker  27  is mounted on the cab wall  23  near the display  25 . The speaker may present the audio track for a video or graphic being presented, or can provide independent audio, such as an announcement or music. A microphone  24  is mounted adjacent the display  25  for accepting audio input from an elevator passenger. Accordingly, the microphone  24  and the speaker  27  cooperate to enable full-duplex voice communication. Such voice communication may be desirable in an emergency situation, or to instruct the computer device with voice-activated commands, for example. 
     Also, a keypad  29  or keyboard is provided in the cab  12  for a passenger to input data into the computer device  34 . For example, the user may request a map of a particular floor of a building, or want to see the menu from a building restaurant. 
     A camera  32  may also be mounted in the cab  12 . The camera  32  may be used to facilitate live, full-duplex video conferencing with security personnel, for example. Also, the video camera can provide a video feed for monitoring or taping by security personnel to increase security inside the elevator cab. With such a security monitoring presence, vandalism and unruly behavior may be reduced. Further, the data coming from the video camera may be analyzed by the computer device  34  for adjusting the information being displayed to passengers. For example, if the video data suggests an adult entered the elevator with children from a hotel guest floor, the computer device can select to run a video clip to advertise a premier restaurant available at the hotel, and immediately follow with an advertisement for the hotel&#39;s babysitting service, for example. Accordingly, the adult may not only use the hotel&#39;s babysitting service, but may also dine at one of the hotel&#39;s restaurant, thus increasing the hotel&#39;s revenues. 
     The computer device receives much of its informational content from a server system  38 . The server system  38  is coupled to the computer device  34  by a communication link, such as data line  52 . Data line  52  is a physical connection, such as a 10/100 mbit Ethernet connection, with the data line being incorporated in the wire bundle  14 . If it is not possible to use a such a physical connection, the computer server can couple to a LAN antennae  56  through communication line  54 . The LAN antennae  56  generates a wireless signal which can be received by cab antennae  35 . The cab antennae  35  is connected to a transceiver device (not shown) for converting the wireless signal for use by the computer device  34 . In a similar manner, wireless information can be sent from the elevator antennae  35  to the LAN antennae  56 . It will be appreciated that various compression techniques can be used to reduce the data traffic on the communications links. 
     The system server  38  may be localized in the same building or the same campus area as the elevator. For example, the server system  38  may be incorporated with other building support equipment, such as security communication and control systems. Alternatively, the system server may located distant from the elevators. Indeed, the elevator communication system enables a distant server system to control the informational content displayed in many remote elevator cabs. Accordingly, a remotely operated content provider may provide and direct the informational content for several companies, buildings, or stores. 
     The server system  38  can be used to create and assemble informational content to be presented to cab passengers. Accordingly, the server system  38  has common peripheral devices such as a keyboard  41 , microphone  43 , speaker  45 , and a display  40 . The server system also has drives  47  for accessing information from CD ROMS or other magnetic media. The computer system also has a wide area connection  49 , such as an Internet connection, for accessing information from other systems, or for receiving current information, such as stock quotes, for example. It will be appreciated that the computer server may be alternatively configured to create or receive other information depending on application specific needs. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, an elevator communication system  75  is shown. The elevator communication system  75  is similar to the elevator communication system  10  described above, except elevator communication system  75  illustrates a multiple cab elevator system. Accordingly, a first cab computer  79 , a second cab computer  81 , and a third cab computer  83  all couple to a server  77 . The server  77  generates and compiles information to be presented in each of the elevator cabs. For example, the server  77  receives input from a local input station  104 . The local input station  104  can be, for example, a networked computer device for passing daily conference information to the server  77 . Further, an operator at the local input station  104  can access the Internet  106  via connection  122  to download information for presentation. The Internet  106  may also be directly connected to the server  77  for sending streaming data or real-time information for presentation in the cabs. 
     In another example, the operator may access the Internet to download video clips from a news organization and pass the video clip to the server  77 . The server  77  will then communicate the video clip to all or selected cabs for presentation. More specifically, the server  77  can send the video clip to computer  79  by Ethernet communication line  1 , to computer  81  via RS232 line  118 , or to computer  83  using wireless link  120 . In each cab, the video clip is stored locally to optimize display performance and minimize communication line bottlenecks. For example, the video clip can be stored in disk  91 . Further, video performance can be enhanced by buffering video data in a DRAM buffer memory  89 . When activated by the cab&#39;s computer, the video clip can be presented to the passengers using a display and speaker, such as display  85  and speaker  87 . Although only computer  79  is illustrated with specific peripherals, it will be appreciated that computer  81  and  83  have similar devices attached. For example, if the communication link from the server  77  to the cab computer  79  has sufficient bandwidth, video and graphical information can be presented without first storing the information on drive  91 . Indeed, as the bandwidth is increased, a less powerful cab computer device may be used. 
     The server  77  is configured to not only send information retrieved and sent by a local input station  104 , but the server  77  is also configured to receive and send live data directly from a wide area connection such as internet  106 . For example, the server  77  may receive live news or stock information directly off the Internet, and send that information for display in any or all of the elevator cabs. Further, such display may be time sensitive. For example, financial news may be displayed in the early evening when business travelers are using the elevators, but more general news would be displayed in the morning. 
     Cameras can also provide live video input into the system. For example, video camera  108  may be positioned at the security desk so that security personnel can direct his or her image into the cab. Such an image may assist in calming a passenger if an elevator is stuck, or may provide the necessary “presence” to stop illegal or disturbing behavior by a passenger. Other video cameras, such as cameras  110  and  112 , can be positioned so that each camera receives an image of a passageway outside the elevator at each floor. In such a manner, a passenger in a cab can see who is outside the elevator before exiting. If a camera is positioned in a parking garage area, for example, a passenger can verify that a safe exit path exists before leaving the relative safety of the elevator cab. Each of the cameras is preferably a CCD (charge couple device) generating digital video data, but it will be appreciated that other camera systems can be substituted. For example, an analog camera can be used, and the analog video signal converted to a digital signal for communication and storage purposes. 
     An elevator system also has floor controls  99  located at each floor, a cab control  100  in each cab, and security controls  101  for use by security or emergency personnel. These controls couple to a central elevator control station  102  that directs the travel of each elevator cab via control lines  103 . Accordingly, the elevator control station is aware of cab specific information for each cab, such as the position of each cab, the status of the doors, direction of travel, and what floor is the next destination. Typically, the control station  102  or each cab link  103  can be accessed to retrieve at least some of the cab specific information. If the control station can be accessed, then the control station can be directly coupled to the server  77 . In such a manner, the server  77  can use the cab specific information to tune the information being presented in each cab. Alternatively, the cab computer, such as computer  103  with cab link  92 , can intercept the cab specific data from a control line  103  or an elevator control unit on the cab. Cab link  92  can be, for example, an RS232 connection to cab control circuitry. Using this alternative, the cab computer receives the cab specific information and adjusts the presented information. It will be appreciated that other techniques can be used to capture cab specific information and adjust the presented information. 
     The computer device  34  is therefore constructed to make elevator-specific decisions on what information to display to elevator passengers. For example, cab specific information, such as current floor and next destination floor can be used to adjust information presented to cab passengers. When stopped at a particular floor, directional information can be presented for that floor. When the doors close and the elevator is moving to the next destination floor, a map of the destination floor can be shown, along with audio descriptions, to facilitate navigating the destination floor. It will be appreciated that cab specific information can be used in a multitude of ways to adjust the information presented to cab passengers. 
     Cab computer  79  also has a video camera input  94 , keypad  96 , and microphone  98 . Accordingly, a fall duplex audio and video communication can be established between passengers in the elevator cab and security personnel, for example. Such a link would be advantageous in an emergency or stressful situation. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a specific example of a cab computer  140  is shown. The cab computer  140  is similar to cab computer  89  discussed above. Cab computer  140  has a main processor  153 , DRAM  151  for buffering video data, and a fast I/O card communicating with a hard disk  158 . A multimedia card  144  drives the display panel  142  and the speaker  148 , which may be amplified by amplifier  146 . An Ethernet connector  162 , an RS232/422/485 port connector  164 , and a modem connection are included in the processor  153 , usually on the motherboard or as a card in a backplane. A high-speed digital video card  169  accepts video data from a video camera  171 . Although a particular example of the cab computer is illustrated, it will be appreciated that other configurations and communication devices can be substituted. 
     FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process to generate, queue, and present information to passengers in an elevator cab. The general construct of the data flow is that informational content is generated as shown in block  202 , the information is queued for presentation in block  204 , and the informational content is presented to cab passengers in block  206 . Each of these general blocks is described in more detail below. 
     Block  202  shows generally that informational content is generated. This content can be derived from several sources, such as those shown as inputs to block  202 . Local content  218 , such as daily conference information or daily specials can be generated. Other local content could be real-time inputs such as local time or temperature. In another example, the hotel registration system could provide a local input. Accordingly, immediately after a guest for a particular convention checks in and enters his or her assigned floor into an elevator control, the elevator communication system can present convention information to that guest as the guest rides to his or her floor. 
     Content can also be created  220 , such as floor maps or local advertisements. Information received from the Internet can facilitate creating such content. Further, the Internet  222  can directly provide content in the form of streaming data or live information feeds. The elevator system  224  can also generate data, such as emergency information, floor information, or security information. For example, the system can report that there is a security problem in the lobby, and direct the elevators to unload all passengers in a parking garage. In such a manner, the passengers could be fully informed and comfortable with the situation before arriving in the garage. Cameras  226 , such as a camera for use by security personnel or a camera fixed at a destination floor, also provide content into the elevator communication system. 
     Once generated, the content must be queued for presentation. Some content can be defined as background content, which would remain queued and presented unless specifically directed by the elevator communication system. For example, a live Internet news feed can be the default content unless interrupted by more pressing content. In another example, text or still ads, as illustrated in FIG. 6 by indicia  279 , can be the default presentation. The queuing of content may be done responsive to received selection data. Time  208 , floor destination  210 , floor count  212 , passenger input  214 , and occupancy level  216  are examples of selection data for adjusting the queue of information content to be presented. It will be appreciated that other selection criteria may be used according to specific application needs. 
     Content may be adjusted by selection data in the form of time  208 . For example, morning riders may be interested in the day&#39;s developing news, whereas evening riders may want to get a view and report on traffic conditions for the roadways. In another example, weekend patrons will have a different interest than weekday riders. 
     Also, the destination floor  210  can affect what content is queued. When a particular floor is selected as the destination floor, a directional sign, such as directional indicia  277  may be shown before arriving at the destination floor. Alternatively, a map, such as map indicia  281  can be queued. Even a directory of services or offices on the destination floor can be queued, as shown in indicia  283 . Also, the queued content can be adjusted by what floors are not selected. For example, if an elevator cab&#39;s next destination passes by a particular floor in a multifloor retail outlet, the elevator can quickly queue up a reminder to passengers to stop on the yet unselected floor. In another scenario, different content can be queued depending on from which floor passengers entered the elevator. For example, if the elevator picks hotel guests up from the workout-room floor, then the elevator communication system may queue a video clip from the hotel&#39;s sports bar. 
     Also, an elevator rider may be able to generate selection data for the elevator communication system. A keypad, keyboard, mouse control, or even a voice-activated system can accept inputs from a rider. The user can request menus, directions, or security assistance, each of which will cause different information to be queued. Floor count,  212  can also affect queued information. If the elevator is scheduled to move only a few floors before stopping, only a short informational clip may be queued. However, if the elevator is scheduled for a longer run, then a longer segment can be displayed. 
     Selection data indicative of the occupancy  216  or number of people in the cab can also adjust the content. The number of people may be roughly calculated by floor stops and cab control inputs, by analysis of the video feed, or by sound level in the cab. For a larger group, a louder, and more visually stimulating presentation would more effectively hold the attention of the riders. Conversely, a single person or a small group may be more responsive to a more refined, softer message. 
     Once queued, the information is presented in block  206 . The visual information can be presented in a display, such as the display  240  shown in FIG.  5 . The display  240  has a display area  252  divided into particular display areas. For example, floor display  242  may show the next destination floor, including which floors will be stopped at to allow additional passengers into the cab. Live Internet area  244  may show live feed from a news organization, such as live stock quotes. The main local area  246  may show advertisements, floor maps, or directory information as described earlier. Live camera areas  248  and  250  may show live video from, for example, the area outside the next destination floors. Periodically, for example every 10 seconds, the elevator communication system checks if new information is queued. If so, the new content is accessed and presented in the elevator cab. 
     The disclosed elevator communications system is useful for creating a safer and more pleasant experience for elevator riders. Not only is the aesthetics of the ride improved, but the system is also able to entertain and provide important information to the riders. Further, the elevator communications system provides additional revenue possibilities through the sale of advertising and the attraction of additional patronage to building services and attractions. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the preferred embodiments which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well.