Abstract: Elevator hall call devices have a programmable touch screen which can be programmed to display (a) ten-key destination call buttons, (b) up hall call and down hall call buttons, or (c) N-key destination buttons, as well as buttons which identify utilization of major floors of the building, including functions such as cafeteria, sky lobby, parking, public transport, and lobby, as well as tenants. A controller programs the touch screen in dependence on (d) traffic volume, (e) time of day, (f) floor of the building where the touch screen is disposed or (g) identity of a particular passenger (VIP) in the vicinity of a touch screen.

Abstract: Elevator call devices (41, 41a, 66, 75) have a programmable touch screen (42, 66, 74) which can be programmed to display (a) ten-key destination call buttons (46), (b) up hall call and down hall call buttons (58), or (c) N-key destination buttons (65), as well as buttons (50-53, 60, 63) which identify utilization of major floors of the building, including functions such as cafeteria, sky lobby, parking, public transport, and lobby, as well as tenants. A controller (78) programs the touch screen in dependence on (d) traffic volume, (e) time of day, (f) floor of the building where the touch screen is disposed or (g) identity of a particular passenger (VIP) in the vicinity of a touch screen.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a controller (22) that communicates with a portable device (30) that is adapted to be carried about by a passenger (32). The system provides a color indication (28A-28E) associated with an elevator car (26A-26E) that will travel to a passenger's intended destination floor. In one example, the portable device (30) provides a color indication that corresponds to the color indication (28A-28E) associated with the car. Providing the color indication (34) on the portable device (30) assists a passenger (32) in locating the correct car and provides piece of mind to the passenger that they are entering the correct car and will be carried to their intended destination floor.

Abstract: A conveyor passenger interface system is described. The system includes a passenger reception area (10) having a mechanism (14) for receiving a voice request from a passenger. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the voice request receiving mechanism (14) is a sound dome. The system further includes a device (18) responsive to the voice request for identifying a conveyor for transporting the passenger to a desired location and for identifying the conveyor to the passenger. The system of the present invention has utility in elevator systems as well as other transportation systems.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) utilizes destination entry dispatching techniques. A controller (28) receives an automated destination request that includes a prestored, primary destination. This allows for seamlessly integrating building access and destination entry for the elevator system. A passenger interface (40) allows a passenger to override a prestored destination. The elevator controller (28) allows for override or secondary destination requests to be made at various intervals between receipt of the initial request and arrival of an initially assigned car at an appropriate level to let the passenger board the elevator car.