Abstract: An information and control system for personnel transport devices. In one embodiment, the information and control system is coupled to the elevator system of a building, and includes a touch panel input device, a flat panel display having a touch sensitive screen, and speech recognition and synthesis systems serving each elevator car. The speech recognition and synthesis systems and input device(s) are operatively coupled to a processor and storage devices having a plurality of different types of data stored thereon. Each elevator car is also a client connected to a LAN, WAN, intranet, or Internet, and capable of exchanging data with and retrieving data therefrom. Functions performed by the information and control system include a voice-actuated building directory, download of selected data to personal electronic devices (PEDs), monitoring of areas adjacent to the elevator car on destination floors, and control of lighting and security monitoring in selectable areas of destination floors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering advertising messages to occupants of an elevator cab includes a network mainframe server located remotely from the elevator cab. The apparatus further includes an individual processing unit (IPU) located at the elevator cab and in communication with the network mainframe server over a telephone line configured for transmitting a digital data signal. The IPU includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a monitor electrically connected to the CPU. In a particular embodiment, the IPU further includes an infrared camera for detecting the number of occupants in the elevator cab when an advertising message is displayed. The network mainframe server transmits the advertising messages to the CPU of the IPU over the telephone line. The advertising messages are stored on the CPU and displayed to the occupants of the elevator cab on the monitor of the IPU.

Abstract: In an operating panel for an elevator, designation floor registering buttons and floor information display portions are disposed in a touch panel adjacent to one another, and an indicator bar for indicating a position of car is disposed between the destination floor registering buttons and the floor information display portions. When the destination floor registering buttons are operated in the car, their display configurations are changed. Further, when hall button devices are operated, the display configurations, i.e., colors and/or display areas, of the corresponding floor information display portions are changed.

Abstract: A display/operation apparatus for an elevator system includes an intra-car operation panel or a hall-oriented operation panel or the like which includes an image display device and a touch screen display in which a touch switch array overlaps a displayed image of the image display device. In a normal operation state, functions of operation buttons displayed on the image display device or the like are validated. In the apparatus, a specific operation button array allows a predetermined input operation to be performed upon occurrence of a fault, at least in the touch screen display.

Abstract: The invention features a system for displaying video information to passengers of an elevator in accordance with a play list defining a sequence of messages. The video information messages can include combinations of digital advertising, “real-time” general information, as well as, building-related information. The system includes an elevator display unit having a display monitor for displaying video information to the passengers, and a local server which, receives scheduling information associated with the video information over a data communication path and, in accordance with the scheduling information, generates a play list used to display at the elevator display unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a building equipment managing method using a history database for recording the conditions of building equipment, a display device installed in public spaces of a building, and an input device installed in the public spaces of the building for inputting a request for the indication of necessary information, the method comprising the steps of: recording a change in a condition of the building equipment in the history database; and in response to receiving a request for indicating a content which is recorded in the history database from the input device, indicating on the display device the content which is recorded in the history database.

Abstract: In a destination registering apparatus for an elevator, a hall operating panel includes with a hall display device and a ten-key numerical input device. Information, i.e., the layout of a destination floor and a route to a destination point, stored in a storage device are selected by a selection circuit and displayed on a hall display device by inputting information, such as a room number or the like, to the ten-key numerical input device.

Abstract: A multi-segment display for the representation of alphanumeric characters, formed by uniting several character-display elements having multiple segments. The united display segment elements have common vertical segments. Greater freedom for representing the characters while requiring the smallest possible number of segments is obtained by such a construction. In addition, gaps between character representation can be minimized or eliminated, allowing characters to be represented in a centered arrangement with a regular spacing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering advertising messages to occupants of an elevator cab includes a network mainframe server located remotely from the elevator cab. The apparatus further includes an individual processing unit (IPU) located at the elevator cab and in communication with the network mainframe server over a telephone line configured for transmitting a digital data signal. The IPU includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a monitor electrically connected to the CPU. In a particular embodiment, the IPU further includes an infrared camera for detecting the number of occupants in the elevator cab when an advertising message is displayed. The network mainframe server transmits the advertising messages to the CPU of the IPU over the telephone line. The advertising messages are stored on the CPU and displayed to the occupants of the elevator cab on the monitor of the IPU.

Abstract: A method of providing video information to a display monitor within an elevator located in a building, which includes receiving first data defining a category of video information, receiving second data, associated with the category of video information and defining at least one source of the video information; and retrieving from the source, over a data communications path and on the basis of the first data and the second data, the video information to be displayed on the monitor within the elevator.

Abstract: A user communicates travel destinations to a transportation system utilizing a human-machine interface having a touch screen with a selection of designations that can be individually selected by touching the screen. For example, a selected designation “Library” is communicated from the human-machine interface to a transportation system control without the user knowing where the library is actually located. The control determines the real locational parameter of the travel destination from a table storage device containing the designations and the associated real locational parameters. The control assigns the desired travel destination, such as a floor, to vehicle, such as an elevator car, with the best travel conditions and informs the user of the assigned vehicle on the touch screen. The information displayed to the user can include a vehicle identification, a travel destination identification, instructions and an indication of the place of boarding.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein pertains generally to a method and apparatus for controlling the distribution and display of advertisements and other short messages via a network. It applies more particularly to a system for displaying advertisements to passengers in elevators and similar conveyances, wherein the ultimate source of the messages is remote to the elevator and the messages are conveyed thereto over a computer network. Additionally, it pertains to a system for distributing ads to remote locations for display and retrieving back information from the remote locations relative to the ads displayed. It also pertains to a self-monitoring ad distribution network, wherein equipment failures are automatically reported to a central site.

Abstract: A multi-segment display for the representation of alphanumeric characters, formed by uniting several character-display elements having multiple segments. The united display segment elements have common vertical segments. Greater freedom for representing the characters while requiring the smallest possible number of segments is obtained by such a construction. In addition, gaps between character representation can be minimized or eliminated, allowing characters to be represented in a centered arrangement with a regular spacing.

Abstract: A system is provided for displaying an audio/video signal in an elevator car. The system includes a signal storage assembly for storing the audio/video signal to be displayed, a display supported on the elevator car for displaying the audio/video signal, and a sensor fixed to the elevator car for sensing a condition indicative of the presence of a user in the elevator car. A controller is also provided which is connected to the signal storage assembly and to the first sensor for initiating display of the audio/video signal in response to the sensed condition of the first sensor.

Abstract: The invention features a system for displaying video information to passengers of an elevator in accordance with a play list defining a sequence of messages. The video information messages can include combinations of digital advertising, "real-time" general information, as well as, building-related information. The system includes an elevator display unit having a display monitor for displaying video information to the passengers, and a local server which, receives scheduling information associated with the video information over a data communication path and, in accordance with the scheduling information, generates a play list used to display at the elevator display unit.

Abstract: Call register and indicating equipment for elevators for the input of destination calls includes a call register and indicating device (1) having a key (2) for inputting a destination call for each selected one of a plurality of floors (F0, F1, F2, F3, F4). Arranged near the keys (2) are designation fields (3) that can be provided with written characters of an associated firm and/or symbols. After input of the desired floor call, the assigned elevator and its position are made known immediately on a display (4). By this call register and indicating equipment, all information necessary for finding the desired destination of travel and the correct elevator are made available to the passenger at the point of input.

Abstract: The invention relates to features a system which distributes "real-time" information along with digital advertising to elevator display units mounted in elevators. The system includes an elevator display unit having a display monitor for displaying general and commercial information to passengers within the elevator, and a local server which, receives scheduling information from a remote production server over a data communication path and, in accordance with the scheduling information, retrieves and formats the general and commercial information for display at the elevator display unit.

Abstract: A display apparatus within elevator cabs or elevator waiting areas that facilitates the simultaneous display of advertising and general news information is described. Broadcast from a remote control center, advertising and general news information updates are transmitted to, and stored in, a display memory and subsequently displayed on a screen according to a remotely modifiable program schedule. The display is updated such that it contains a copy of the latest broadcast schedule, as well as the advertisement and information programming, and automatically displays a days program according to the most current broadcast schedule. The display units are each individually addressable thus allowing groups of displays to be simultaneously updated from a remote centralized location with information such as news updates and the like.

Abstract: A modular elevator control housing with an easily accessibly interior is disclosed. The housing comprises a generally rectangular, elongated casing that is conveniently placed on a wall adjacent to an elevator. The housing protectively encloses elevator operational controls. The housing may replace an existing control housing, mounting over the existing elevator outlet and using existing holes. Alternatively, the housing may be originally installed during building construction. The housing comprises a chassis covered by a display. The chassis comprises a subframe that secures the housing to the wall and a top and bottom cover. The subframe comprises a base bounded by integral, projecting side flanges. Chassis sidewalls are secured to the subframe sides. The inner surfaces of the sidewalls define multiple, parallel channels. Two of the channels seat fasteners to secure the top and bottom covers to the sidewalls. One of the channels captivates fasteners that secure the sidewalls to the subframe.

Abstract: One or more messages, such as an ad, is selected and played to potential passengers at a shuttle landing, such as an elevator corridor, waiting for a car to respond to a call, the ad being selected to play completely within the time estimated for the car to respond to the call. In an elevator or other shuttle car, one or more ads are selected having a playing time less than the time it takes to reach the next scheduled landing stop. Ads are arranged in groups of ranges of playing times or are selected in series until the time is exhausted, or both. The car load and the identification of the ads (if they are completed) are recorded for billing purposes. Ads are prevented from playing while passengers enter and exit the cars (except for passengers traveling in the opposite direction from those whose call started the playing of an ad). Other criteria such as time of day, day of week, load in the car, and landing (floor) of the system can be used to limit ad selection.

Abstract: An elevator car has transparent side walls and is guided in an open elevator shaft to provide passengers with an unobstructed view of the surroundings outside the car. An information display apparatus is detachably coupled to an outer surface of a side wall of the elevator car to attract the attention of persons outside the car and provide information of a technical, an entertaining, an educational or a promotional. The information display apparatus uses an image forming screen electrically connected to the elevator car and a display panel removably retained in front of the screen to provide such information.

Abstract: An indicator panel for an elevator car has a door behind which an emergency calling device is located for users of the elevator. The door is opened and closed by a door handle attached to the outer surface of the door. The handle has a body with a raised printed character formed on a front surface for identifying the emergency calling device. An enlarged lower portion of the front surface is formed by an outwardly extending flange spaced from a rear surface of the body and serving as a door operating aid. A raised information aid is formed on the enlarged lower portion and includes at least one Braille character identifying the emergency calling device. A further door operating aid is a recess formed in the rear surface of the body for retaining a pencil or the like. The body and the printed character can be formed by molding different color materials with the printed character extending from a cavity formed in the rear surface through an aperture in the front surface.