Directing passengers using color indications

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.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to elevator systems. More specifically, the invention relates to directing passengers to elevator cars using color indicators. Background technique [0002] Elevator systems sometimes have multiple cars that transport passengers between different floors in a building. In many public buildings there is a lobby level where many or all elevator cars can be accessed and traveled to higher floors. Recent developments include the provision of so-called destination entry systems, where passengers enter destination floors and are thus assigned to specific elevator cars. Various techniques for assigning passengers to specific cars are well known. [0003] For example, it is also known to provide hand-held signaling devices that allow an individual to enter a destination selection without requiring the individual to press a call button. US Patent No. 5,689,094, issued November 18, 1997, shows an example apparatus for e...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Drawbacks of these systems include requiring passengers to remember the specific letter or number that designates the car they have been assigned

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