Patent Description:
Alarms are often utilized in elevator systems to allow a passenger to communicate a malfunction or emergency condition within the elevator. A passenger can initiate an alarm signal from within the elevator by using a dedicated button on a control panel to signal a malfunction or that they are trapped within the elevator.

While passenger initiated alarms can signal that a passenger is trapped in an elevator or a malfunction, a passenger may inadvertently trigger an alarm signal or may trigger an alarm in a scenario the passenger is able to resolve. A system and method that can allow communication with a passenger in the elevator car to resolve alarm conditions is desired.

<CIT> discloses an integrated video-telephone system for elevators. The integrated video-telephone system comprises an image output means for a car, for receiving, from a CCTV image monitoring system, interior images of an elevator car engaged in an emergency communication and outputting same on a monitor of an elevator monitoring system in a monitoring room engaged in the emergency communication, when an emergency communication is opened in an emergency communication system; and an image output means, for the monitoring room, for switching an information display mode of the elevator car engaged in the emergency communication from a normal information display mode to a videotelephony mode, and outputting an image of a monitoring staff member, filmed by a camera in the monitoring room engaged in the emergency communication, on the monitor of the information display system provided in the elevator car engaged in the emergency communication, when an emergency communication is opened in an emergency communication system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method to communicate with a passenger in an elevator car within an elevator system having an elevator control system and an alarm response controller is disclosed, the method performed by the alarm response controller and comprising receiving an alarm signal from the elevator car, the alarm signal triggered by the passenger, receiving at least one operation parameter from the elevator car, and analyzing the at least one operation parameter corresponding to the alarm signal received from the elevator car, characterized by determining that the alarm signal indicates a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition in response to the at least one operation parameter and the alarm signal, if it is determined that the alarm signal indicates the false alarm condition, displaying a video via a video system of the elevator car to inform the passenger if any action is needed or otherwise how to resolve the alarm condition, if it is determined that the alarm signal indicates the true alarm condition, initiating a video session via the video system with a dispatch center.

As a further embodiment, the method may include initiating the video session via the video system with a dispatch center in response to the true alarm condition.

As a further embodiment, the method may include initiating a communication session with a technician device via the dispatch center.

As a further embodiment, the method may include providing the dispatch center with the at least one operation parameter from the car via a control system.

As a further embodiment, the method may include providing a control signal from the dispatch center to the car.

As a further embodiment, the method may include initiating the alarm signal in response to a trapped passenger condition.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for communication with a passenger within an elevator system is disclosed, the system comprising an elevator car of the transportation system to provide an alarm signal triggered by the passenger, wherein the elevator car includes a video system, a control system to provide at least one operation parameter corresponding to the elevator car, an alarm response controller to analyze the at least one operation parameter corresponding to the alarm signal, characterized in that the alarm response controller is configured to selectively determine that the alarm signal indicates a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition in response to the at least one operation parameter and the alarm signal, wherein, if the alarm response controller determines that the alarm signal indicates the false alarm condition, the video system is configured to display a video to inform the passenger if any action is needed or otherwise how to resolve the alarm condition, and wherein, if the alarm response controller determines that the alarm signal indicates the true alarm condition, the alarm response controller initiates a video session via the video system with a dispatch center.

As a further embodiment, the alarm response controller may be configured to initiate a communication session with a technician device and the dispatch center.

As a further embodiment, the dispatch center may be configured to receive at least one operation parameter from the control system.

As a further embodiment, the dispatch center may be configured to provide a control signal to the car.

As a further embodiment, the video system may include a video camera and a video screen.

As a further embodiment, the car may include a control panel to selectively provide the alarm signal.

Technical function of the embodiments described above includes determining an alarm condition in response to the at least one operation parameter and the alarm signal, and initiating a video session via a video system in response to the alarm signal.

Other aspects, features, and techniques of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the embodiments are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:.

Referring to the drawings, <FIG> shows an elevator system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system <NUM> includes an elevator car <NUM> with a video system <NUM>, and an elevator control system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system <NUM> can be utilized to facilitate communication with a passenger in the elevator car <NUM> in response to alarm conditions or signals. The elevator system <NUM> can be utilized to determine if an alarm condition is a true alarm condition, an inadvertent alarm condition, or an alarm condition that can be addressed by a passenger. In response to an alarm signal, the video system <NUM> can be utilized to communicate with the passenger. Advantageously, the elevator system <NUM> can allow communication with a passenger to allow the passenger to address the alarm condition or to allow video communication with the passenger to allow for dispatchers or technicians to address an alarm condition while calming the passengers. While an elevator system <NUM> is contemplated herein, the methods and apparatuses described herein can be used with any suitable transportation system, including, but not limited to elevators, subways, trains, trams, gondolas, monorails, busses, trolleys, etc..

The elevator system <NUM> can include multiple elevator cars <NUM> to transport passengers as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator car <NUM> includes a control panel <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> allows a passenger to interact with and direct the elevator car <NUM>. During normal operation, the control panel <NUM> can receive operational commands and inputs from the passenger to transport a passenger to a desired floor, open the doors, close the doors, etc. A passenger can utilize the control panel <NUM> to trigger an alarm signal in response to any suitable emergency or alarm condition. In certain situations, a passenger can utilize the alarm signal to indicate a trapped passenger condition. A passenger may accurately signal a trapped passenger condition, while in other embodiments, a passenger may inaccurately signal a trapped passenger condition by inadvertently triggering an alarm signal. In some embodiments, a passenger may inaccurately signal a trapped passenger condition that may be resolved without any external assistance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator car <NUM> includes the video system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the video system <NUM> includes a video camera <NUM> and a video screen <NUM>. During normal operation, the video screen <NUM> can be utilized to display information and videos to passengers. The video screen <NUM> can further be utilized to display information or videos in response to an alarm condition. The video camera <NUM> can be utilized to allow for two way video communications between someone outside of the elevator car <NUM> such as, for example, building, emergency, or elevator personnel, and a passenger within the elevator car <NUM>. In certain situations, two way video communications can allow personnel to communicate, instruct and calm a passenger in response to a trapped passenger condition.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator car <NUM> can be controlled and monitored by the elevator control system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator control system <NUM> can receive signals from the elevator car <NUM> and the control panel <NUM> to control movement of the elevator car <NUM> through an elevator shaft. Further, the elevator control system <NUM> can monitor the status of the elevator car <NUM> and the elevator system <NUM> using feedback from sensors and other means to determine operating parameters. For example, the elevator control system <NUM> can determine operating status, parameters, faults, etc. of the elevator car <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm response controller <NUM> can receive alarm signals from the elevator car <NUM> and the elevator control system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm response controller <NUM> is integrated with the elevator control system <NUM>. In other embodiments, the alarm response controller <NUM> is independent from the elevator control system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm response controller <NUM> can analyze operating parameters of the elevator car <NUM> in response to an alarm signal to determine if the alarm signal or condition provided is a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition. In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm response controller <NUM> can identify operating parameters that are consistent with trapped passenger conditions to determine if the alarm signal or condition provided is a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition. In certain embodiments the alarm response controller <NUM> can monitor operating parameters, including, but not limited to door state, elevator car position, velocity, error codes, etc., to determine elevator system <NUM> statuses. The alarm response controller <NUM> can utilize algorithms to monitor the operating parameters to determine if elevator system <NUM> operations are normal or enter a shutdown state in response to error conditions. In certain embodiments, if an alarm signal is received while the elevator system <NUM> is considered normal; the alarm response controller <NUM> can determine the alarm signal is a false alarm. Similarly, if the alarm signal is received while the elevator system <NUM> is in an error condition, the alarm response controller <NUM> can determine that the alarm signal is a true alarm. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the dispatch center <NUM> can receive operating parameters of the elevator car <NUM> in response to an alarm signal to allow a technician or an automated method determine if the alarm signal or condition provided is a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition.

In certain embodiments, the alarm response controller <NUM> can determine if an alarm condition is a false alarm condition if the alarm signal is provided when the elevator car <NUM> is operating properly or the elevator car <NUM> doors are in an open condition by monitoring operating parameters described above. In these scenarios it may be determined that the alarm signal was inadvertently triggered by a passenger using the control panel <NUM>. In other embodiments, a passenger may intentionally trigger an alarm signal using the control panel. However, the alarm response controller <NUM> can monitor error conditions and the presence of a shutdown state of the elevator car <NUM> and the elevator control system <NUM> to determine if the elevator car <NUM> is operational. In this scenario, the alarm response controller <NUM> can determine if the alarm condition provided by the passenger can be resolved by the passenger or is otherwise a false alarm condition, as described below.

In response to a determined false alarm condition, the alarm response controller <NUM> can initiate a display of information or an informative video to be displayed on the video screen <NUM>. The information provided can inform the passenger if any action is needed or otherwise how to resolve the alarm condition. In certain embodiments, the information displayed on the video screen <NUM> can describe the cause of the false alarm and allow input to determine if the alarm signal is not a false alarm. In certain embodiments, a user can provide confirmation of an alarm signal via the control panel <NUM> or using the video system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a video conference between the elevator car <NUM> and the dispatch center <NUM> can be initiated while notifying the dispatch center <NUM> the video conference is corresponding to a determined false alarm condition.

In response to a true alarm condition, the alarm response controller <NUM> can initiate a video conference between the elevator car <NUM> and a dispatch center <NUM> using the video system <NUM> within the elevator car <NUM>. Similarly, the dispatch center <NUM> can be equipped with a video camera and a video screen to allow two way video conferencing between the passenger and a dispatcher or technician. Advantageously, the dispatch center <NUM> and a passenger within the elevator car <NUM> can use video conferencing to improve the experience of the trapped passenger. In certain embodiments, the dispatch center <NUM> can utilize a remote dispatcher to comfort a passenger, provide the passenger with instructions, or provide commands to the elevator car <NUM> remotely. In certain embodiments, if the dispatch center <NUM> determines that they cannot resolve the alarm condition, the dispatch center <NUM> can contact a technician via a technician device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the technician device <NUM> can have a communication link with the video system <NUM> to allow audio and/or video communication with the passenger. The technician device <NUM> can be any suitable device, including, but not limited to a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, etc. Among other things, the dispatch center may be the elevator manufacturer, maintenance service provider, building manager, or any other third party that is not trapped in the elevator.

Referring to <FIG>, a method <NUM> to communicate with passengers within an elevator car is shown. In operation <NUM> the alarm signal is initiated in response to a trapped passenger condition.

In operation <NUM> an alarm signal is received from the elevator car. In response to emergency situations, a passenger can utilize the control panel to trigger an alarm signal in response to any suitable emergency or alarm condition.

In operation <NUM> at least one operation parameter is received from the elevator car. In certain embodiments the alarm response controller can monitor operating parameters, including, but not limited to door state, elevator car position, velocity, error codes, etc., to determine elevator system statuses. The alarm response controller can utilize algorithms to monitor the operating parameters to determine if elevator system operations are normal or enter a shutdown state in response to error conditions. In certain embodiments, the alarm response controller can monitor for the presence of a "shutdown state. " The shutdown state may be received via a CAN message.

In operation <NUM> the at least one operation parameter corresponding to the alarm signal from the elevator car is analyzed. In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm response controller can analyze elevator car parameters and elevator control system parameters to determine if a user provided alarm signal is a false alarm condition. In operation <NUM> a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition is provided in response to the at least one operation parameter and the alarm signal. In operation <NUM> a video session via a video system is initiated in response to the alarm signal.

If the alarm response controller determines that the alarm signal indicates a false alarm condition, in operation <NUM> a video is displayed via the video system in response to the false alarm condition. The information provided can inform the passenger if any action is needed or otherwise how to resolve the alarm condition. In certain embodiments, the information displayed on the video screen can describe the cause of the false alarm and allow input to determine if the alarm signal is not a false alarm.

If the alarm response controller determines that the alarm signal indicates a true alarm condition, in operation <NUM> the video session is initiated via the video system with a dispatch center in response to the true alarm condition. In operation <NUM> the dispatch center is provided with the at least one operation parameter from the elevator car, via the elevator control system. In certain embodiments, in operation <NUM> a control signal from the dispatch center is provided to the elevator car. Further, in certain embodiments, in operation <NUM> a communication session with a technician device is initiated via the dispatch center.

Claim 1:
A method to communicate with a passenger in an elevator car (<NUM>) within an elevator system (<NUM>) having an elevator control system (<NUM>) and an alarm response controller (<NUM>), the method performed by the alarm response controller (<NUM>) and comprising:
receiving (<NUM>) an alarm signal from the elevator car (<NUM>), the alarm signal triggered by the passenger utilizing a control panel;
receiving (<NUM>), from the elevator control system (<NUM>), at least one operation parameter of the elevator car (<NUM>); and
analyzing (<NUM>) the at least one operation parameter corresponding to the alarm signal received from the elevator car (<NUM>);
characterized by
determining (<NUM>) that the alarm signal indicates a true alarm condition or a false alarm condition in response to the at least one operation parameter and the alarm signal;
if it is determined that the alarm signal indicates the false alarm condition, displaying (<NUM>) a video via a video system of the elevator car (<NUM>) to inform the passenger if any action is needed or otherwise how to resolve the alarm condition; and
if it is determined that the alarm signal indicates the true alarm condition, initiating (<NUM>) a video session via the video system with a dispatch center.