Module for retrofitting and expanding existing pictogram-based elevator emergency call systems with a visual and multilingual graphic display
A retrofit module for elevator emergency call systems provides visual and multilingual communication, addressing the lack of standardized retrofit solutions and ensuring compliance with two-sense emergency call standards with minimal installation impact.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202026001005
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2036-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing elevator emergency call systems lack a standardized way to retrofit purely pictogram-based devices with visual and multilingual capabilities, failing to meet the two-sense emergency call system standards and requiring extensive installation modifications.
A retrofit module with a visual, graphic, and multilingual display that fits into existing cutout dimensions, providing visual and textual information without replacing the existing device, and adhering to EN81-70 standards for two-sense communication.
Enables safe interaction for individuals with hearing or speech impairments by ensuring consistent visual communication and multilingual reassurance during emergencies, while minimizing installation effort.
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a visual elevator emergency call display which, independent of the elevator manufacturer, can be installed in an all-in-one solution with an integrated combined two-sense emergency call device, in compliance with standards, and with precise dimensions into an existing cutout for pictogram-based modules. The technical connection corresponds to the technology already installed in the elevator. Finally, elevators can be easily and quickly retrofitted in accordance with standards without increased installation effort.
[0002] Common elevator emergency call systems often rely on purely acoustic or simple pictogram-based status indicators. While systems with additional visual communication exist as entirely new solutions, there is no standardized way to retrofit existing, purely pictogram-based devices.
[0003] Existing solutions offer graphic or multilingual elements, but lack a modular, mechanically compatible and electrically adaptable unit specifically designed for retrofitting existing cutout dimensions.
[0004] The market already offers systems that rely on external communication via an app. This requires that the individuals concerned have a mobile device and that a corresponding mobile network is available.
[0005] Since the beginning of 2021, elevators in publicly accessible buildings have been required to have a two-sense emergency call system. In practice, however, it has become apparent that most of the emergency call solutions currently in use are limited to acoustic communication with the outside world.
[0006] There is a need for a device that complies with the standards of the two-sense emergency call system but transmits additional information, such as multilingual text messages, to reassure the trapped person, and fits precisely into existing installations, thus reducing installation effort.
[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a retrofit module that can be installed on existing pictogram-based elevator emergency call devices and provides a visual, graphic and multilingual display to show the emergency call status, without having to replace the existing emergency call device or extensively modify the installation.
[0008] The core idea of the invention is the special development for retrofitting and, thanks to the precisely fitting design, can be integrated directly into existing cutout dimensions without requiring structural changes to cabin panels or front panels.
[0009] The module meets the requirements of EN81-70 for visual communication according to the two-sense principle and thus enables safe interaction for persons with hearing, speech or speech comprehension impairments according to the invention.
[0010] The display according to the invention, which is installed in the module, can display the different information with viewing angle stability for a consistent and high-quality image from different viewing angles.
[0011] The device is equipped with vandal-resistant features and has a protection rating of at least IP54. The display has a high impact resistance of at least IK06.
[0012] The invention features a function for people with hearing and speech impairments, enabling trapped individuals to be reassured about the further course of the emergency call visually via an LED display and additionally in multilingual text form. This combination of visual and textual information thus helps to calm the affected individuals.
Claims
[1] Two-sense elevator emergency call module for visual two-sense emergency call characterized by , that the module is designed in form factor and mounting such that it can be inserted into existing cutout dimensions of typical elevator emergency call panels and mounted behind existing panels without interfering with the cabin structure, regardless of the respective elevator manufacturer, existing pictogram-based modules can be replaced and combined with an integrated two-sense emergency call device in a standard-compliant all-in-one solution. [2] Two-sense elevator emergency call module according to claim 1, characterized by, that the module interprets incoming signals via the integrated electronics and displays them in graphical status and symbol generation in the case of incoming emergency call signals in dynamic symbols and text messages such as "Emergency call in progress", "Connection being established", "Please wait", "Voice connection active", "Help on the way", and that the graphical representation follows standardized accessibility requirements. [3] Two-sense elevator emergency call module according to claim 2, characterized by The display shows the emergency call status both symbolically and textually in at least one language. The language of the text display can be automatically detected or manually selected. Multiple languages can be stored in the module's memory. The improved user guidance in emergencies, through clear text messages and symbols, helps to reassure those affected. [4] Two-sense elevator emergency call module according to claim 1, characterized bythat the installed display has at least one display which, with viewing angle stability, can present a consistent and high-quality image from different viewing angles and display the different information, meets the requirements of EN81-70 and at least protection class IP54 and has robust shock resistance. [5] Two-sense elevator emergency call module according to claim 1, characterized by that the existing emergency call system remains fully functional in its original function independently of the elevator emergency call module, working actively and passively with the existing signal lines without requiring any changes to the emergency call device itself.
