Accessible elevator assistance systems and methods in buildings

Abstract

This application discloses a barrier-free elevator assistance system and method in a building, including an identification module, a companion module, and a control module, wherein: the identification module is mounted on the elevator to detect the user's elevator riding status; the companion module is carried and used by the user and is configured to send a status signal, and the status signal can be detected and identified by the identification module within a sensing distance; the control module is connected to the identification module and is used to obtain the distance between the user and the elevator based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module, and control the operation status of the elevator based on the distance information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of elevators, and in particular relates to a barrier-free elevator assistance system and method in buildings. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional accessible elevators are basically made by adding handrails, Braille buttons, and mirrors to the elevator car, and adding tactile paving and Braille buttons to the waiting hall. However, in places with high pedestrian traffic, people with disabilities cannot ride the elevator at the same time as able-bodied people and have to wait until there are fewer people, which often results in long waiting times and is not very user-friendly for people with disabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a barrier-free elevator assistance system and method in a building, which can facilitate users to take the elevator.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a barrier-free elevator assistance system for buildings, including an identification module, a following module, and a control module, wherein:

[0005] The identification module is installed in the elevator to detect the user's elevator riding status.

[0006] The accompanying module is carried and used by the user and is configured to send status signals, which can be detected and identified by the recognition module within the sensing distance.

[0007] The control module is connected to the identification module and is used to obtain the distance between the user and the elevator based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module, and to control the operation status of the elevator based on the distance information.

[0008] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, the companion module includes at least one of a smart bracelet and a mobile phone, and has a signal transmitting unit capable of transmitting the status signal; the signal transmitting unit includes at least one of a Bluetooth signal transmitter, an RFID signal transmitter, and a Zigbee signal transmitter.

[0009] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, the identification module includes a signal receiving unit used in conjunction with the accompanying module, including at least one of a Bluetooth signal receiver, an RFID signal receiver, and a Zigbee signal receiver.

[0010] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, the control module includes at least one of a programmable logic device, a microcontroller, and a single-chip microcomputer, and the step of controlling the elevator's operating state based on the distance information includes:

[0011] When the distance represented by the distance information is less than a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in the disability assistance mode;

[0012] When the distance represented by the distance information is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in normal mode, where the first preset threshold is less than or equal to the sensing distance.

[0013] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, an information acquisition module is further included, disposed inside the elevator car and connected to the control module, for acquiring passenger information inside the elevator car; the control module is configured to:

[0014] Based on the passenger information inside the elevator car and the distance information, the elevator in the disability assistance mode is controlled to enter the normal mode, or to enter a first state or a second state, wherein:

[0015] When the distance is less than the second preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the first preset condition and / or there is already a user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to enter the normal mode, and the voice broadcast module in the elevator is controlled to broadcast a voice message to remind the user outside the elevator to wait for the next elevator.

[0016] When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the second preset condition and there is no user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to be in the first state, the elevator stays at the current floor and is in the open state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, and the voice broadcast module is controlled to broadcast a voice to remind the user outside the elevator to take this elevator.

[0017] When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the third preset condition, the elevator is controlled to be in the second state. When the elevator stops at the current floor, the elevator is controlled to be in the closed state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold or greater than or equal to the first preset threshold.

[0018] The first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold;

[0019] The first preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight in the elevator car is greater than a preset value;

[0020] The second preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is less than or equal to the preset value;

[0021] The third preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is zero.

[0022] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, at least one of the following is also included:

[0023] A voice prompt module, connected to at least one of the control module or the recognition module, is configured to provide a voice prompt based on a control signal from the control module, and / or, when the recognition module detects the status signal, to remind other users in the elevator to move so that the user can use the elevator;

[0024] A height-adjustable tactile paving is installed on the ground surface and connected to the identification module via the control module. It is configured to rise above the ground surface or lower below the ground surface according to the control signal from the control module.

[0025] Secondly, a method for assisting with using accessible elevators in buildings is also provided, including the following steps:

[0026] Obtain the distance between the user and the elevator;

[0027] The elevator's operating status is controlled based on the distance.

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the second aspect, obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator includes:

[0029] A companion module is provided, which is carried by the user and is capable of sending status signals;

[0030] An identification module is provided, which can detect and identify the status signals emitted by the accompanying module;

[0031] A control module is provided, connected to the identification module, for obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module, and controlling the operation status of the elevator based on the distance information.

[0032] In one possible embodiment of the second aspect, controlling the elevator's operating state based on the distance includes:

[0033] When the distance represented by the distance information is less than a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in the disability assistance mode;

[0034] When the distance represented by the distance information is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in normal mode, where the first preset threshold is less than or equal to the sensing distance.

[0035] In one possible embodiment of the second aspect, the following steps are also included:

[0036] Collect passenger information inside the elevator car;

[0037] Based on the passenger information inside the elevator car and the distance information, the elevator in the disabled assistance mode is controlled to enter normal mode, or enter a first state or a second state; wherein:

[0038] When the distance is less than the second preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the first preset condition and / or there is already a user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to enter the normal mode, and the voice broadcast module in the elevator is controlled to broadcast a voice message to remind the user outside the elevator to wait for the next elevator.

[0039] When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the second preset condition and there is no user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to be in the first state, the elevator stays at the current floor and is in the open state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, and the voice broadcast module is controlled to broadcast a voice to remind the user outside the elevator to take this elevator.

[0040] When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the third preset condition, the elevator is controlled to be in the second state. When the elevator stops at the current floor, the elevator is controlled to be in the closed state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold or greater than or equal to the first preset threshold.

[0041] The first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold;

[0042] The first preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight in the elevator car is greater than a preset value;

[0043] The second preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is less than or equal to the preset value;

[0044] The third preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is zero.

[0045] This application is equipped with a companion module and an identification module. The status signal emitted by the companion module can be received by the identification module. The control module can determine the distance between the user carrying the companion module and the elevator based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module, thereby controlling the elevator to enter or leave the disabled access mode. This helps to facilitate the travel of disabled and other users with disabilities and help them to better carry out their daily lives. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an accessible elevator assistance system according to one embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator-sensor area location in one specific embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the elevator door and the information collection module in one specific embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the elevator door and the information collection module in one specific embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a barrier-free elevator assistance method according to a specific embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an accessible elevator assistance system and method according to one embodiment of this application. Specific Implementation

[0052] The illustrative embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, an accessible elevator assistance system and method in a building.

[0053] It is understood that, as used herein, the term “module” may refer to or include, or be part of, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, processing (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and / or memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality.

[0054] It is understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the accessible elevator assistance system and method in the building can be implemented by a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller module, and / or any combination thereof.

[0055] The embodiments of this application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] The illustrative embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, an accessible elevator assistance system and method in a building.

[0057] It is understood that, as used herein, the term “module” may refer to or include, or be part of, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, processing (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and / or memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality.

[0058] It is understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the accessible elevator assistance system and method in the building can be implemented by a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller module, and / or any combination thereof.

[0059] The embodiments of this application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator riding system in one embodiment of this application.

[0061] The accessible elevator assistance system in this building includes an identification module 2, a companion module 1, and a control module 3. The identification module 3 is mounted on the elevator 4 to detect the user's elevator riding status. The companion module 1 is carried and used by the user and is configured to send status signals, which can be detected and identified by the identification module within a sensing distance. The control module 3 is connected to the identification module 2 and is used to obtain distance information between the user and the elevator 3 based on the intensity of the status signal detected by the identification module 2, and to control the operation of the elevator 4 based on the distance information.

[0062] In some embodiments, the companion module includes at least one of a smart bracelet and a mobile phone, and has a signal transmitting unit capable of sending the status signal; the signal transmitting unit includes at least one of a Bluetooth signal transmitter, an RFID signal transmitter, and a Zigbee signal transmitter.

[0063] In some embodiments, the identification module includes a signal receiving unit used in conjunction with the accompanying module, including at least one of a Bluetooth signal receiver, an RFID signal receiver, and a Zigbee signal receiver.

[0064] In some embodiments, the identification module includes a signal receiving unit that works in conjunction with the accompanying module, including at least one of a Bluetooth signal receiver, an RFID signal receiver, and a Zigbee signal receiver. The identification module is installed on each floor to facilitate access to the accessible elevator system for users with disabilities on each floor.

[0065] In some embodiments, the identification module and the control module are wirelessly connected. In some embodiments, the number of identification modules is multiple, the same as the number of floors in the building, or the same as the number of floors traversed by the elevator, and the number of control modules is one, which is connected to the identification modules on all floors via built-in building wiring. In some other embodiments, the identification module and the control module are wiredly connected. In still other embodiments, the number of control modules is multiple.

[0066] In some embodiments, the control module includes at least one of a programmable logic device, a microcontroller, and a single-chip microcomputer, and controlling the elevator's operating state based on the distance information includes: controlling the elevator to operate in a disability assistance mode when the distance represented by the distance information is less than a first preset threshold; and controlling the elevator to operate in a normal mode when the distance represented by the distance information is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, wherein the first preset threshold is less than or equal to the sensing distance.

[0067] In some embodiments, an information acquisition module is further included, which is installed in the elevator and connected to the control module, for collecting passenger information inside the elevator car; the control module is configured to: based on the passenger information inside the elevator car and the distance information, control the elevator in the disability assistance mode to enter the normal mode, or to be in a first state or a second state.

[0068] The information acquisition module can be at least one of a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor. When the information acquisition module is a pressure sensor, it is installed inside the elevator car to collect pressure information from the car floor, thereby analyzing the passenger situation. When it is an infrared sensor, an infrared transceiver module is installed at the elevator entrance to emit infrared signals. When a user enters, it blocks the reception of the infrared signal from the infrared transceiver module, thus determining whether the user has entered the elevator car. (See reference here.) Figure 3 , 4 ,in Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the elevator door and the information collection module in a specific embodiment of this application. The information collection module 301 is mounted on the top of the elevator entrance and is used to detect the current passenger load status of the elevator car. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the elevator door and the information acquisition module in one specific embodiment of this application. The information acquisition module 403 is integrated with the identification module in an integrated box on the top of the elevator. The identification module is connected to a control module that can control the elevator. Figure 4 The system also includes a dedicated waiting area 402 for disabled users and a sensing area 401 for accompanying modules. When a user is in the dedicated waiting area 402 for disabled users, the distance between the accompanying module carried by the user and the identification module is less than a second preset threshold. When a user is in the sensing area 401 for accompanying modules, the distance between the accompanying module carried by the user and the identification module is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold. The control signal emitted by the accompanying module can be received by the identification module, and the strength of the control signal is less than a preset range.

[0069] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a retractable tactile paving 404 is also included for use by visually impaired users. This retractable tactile paving is connected to a control module, and when the control module receives corresponding control information, it rises above the ground surface or lowers below it. The retractable tactile paving can be raised by the control module when the identification module receives a control signal from the accompanying module, and the strength of the relevant control signal is greater than a preset value.

[0070] When the distance between the accompanying module and the recognition module is less than the second preset threshold, if the personnel carrying information meets the first preset condition and / or there is already a user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to enter the normal mode, and the voice broadcast module in the elevator is controlled to broadcast a voice message to remind the user outside the elevator to wait for the next elevator. The first preset condition means that the weight of the personnel carried in the elevator car, as represented by the personnel carrying information, is greater than a preset value.

[0071] When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the second preset condition, that is, when the passenger information indicates that the passenger weight in the elevator car is less than or equal to the preset value, and if there is no user carrying the accompanying module in the current elevator car, then the elevator is controlled to be in the first state, the elevator stays at the current floor and is in the open state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, and the voice broadcast module is controlled to broadcast a voice to remind the user outside the elevator to take this elevator.

[0072] When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger load information meets the third preset condition, that is, when the passenger load weight in the elevator car represented by the passenger load information is zero, the elevator is controlled to be in the second state. When the elevator stops at the current floor, the elevator is controlled to be in the closed state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, or greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, and the first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold.

[0073] The relationship between the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold can also be referenced. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator-sensing area location in a specific embodiment of this application. 201 refers to the area circled with the recognition module at the entrance of the accessible elevator as the center, where the distance equals a first preset threshold; 203 refers to the area circled with the recognition module at the entrance of the accessible elevator as the center, where the distance equals a second preset threshold. Figure 2 The document also includes a tactile paving 202, which in this embodiment is a liftable tactile paving.

[0074] In some embodiments, a voice prompt module is also included, connected to at least one of the control module or the recognition module, and configured to provide a voice prompt based on a control signal from the control module, and / or when the recognition module detects the status signal, to remind other users in the elevator to move so that the user can use the elevator.

[0075] Please see Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an elevator riding method in one embodiment of this application.

[0076] In this embodiment, a method for assisting users with using an accessible elevator in a building is provided, comprising the following steps: S101 obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator; S102 controlling the operation of the elevator based on the distance.

[0077] In some embodiments, obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator includes: providing a companion module carried by the user and capable of sending status signals; providing an identification module that can detect and identify the status signals emitted by the companion module; and providing a control module connected to the identification module for obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator based on the strength of the status signals received by the identification module, and controlling the operation status of the elevator based on the distance information.

[0078] In some embodiments, controlling the elevator's operating state based on the distance includes: controlling the elevator to operate in a disability assistance mode when the distance represented by the distance information is less than a first preset threshold; and controlling the elevator to operate in a normal mode when the distance represented by the distance information is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, wherein the first preset threshold is less than or equal to the sensing distance.

[0079] In some embodiments, the method further includes the following steps: collecting passenger information inside the elevator car; based on the passenger information inside the elevator car and the distance information, controlling the elevator in the disability assistance mode to enter a normal mode, or to a first state or a second state; wherein: when the distance is less than a second preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the first preset condition and / or there is already a user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, then the elevator is controlled to enter a normal mode, and the voice broadcast module inside the elevator is controlled to broadcast a voice message to prompt the user outside the elevator to wait for the next elevator; when the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the second preset condition, and there is currently no user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, then the elevator is controlled to be in the first state, the elevator stays at the current floor, and is in a state of... The elevator is in an open state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, and the voice broadcast module is controlled to broadcast a voice message reminding users outside the elevator to take this elevator. When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger load information meets the third preset condition, the elevator is controlled to be in a second state. When the elevator stops at the current floor, the elevator is controlled to be in a closed state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, or greater than or equal to the first preset threshold. The first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold. The first preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger weight in the elevator car is greater than a preset value. The second preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger weight in the elevator car is less than or equal to the preset value. The third preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger weight in the elevator car is zero.

[0080] This application utilizes the signal strength of the status signals transmitted and received between the accompanying module and the identification module to determine the distance between the user carrying the accompanying module and the elevator, thereby controlling the elevator to enter or exit the assistive mode. This helps optimize the travel of users with disabilities and assists them in better daily life. The accessible elevator assistance system in this application can be installed in hospital lobbies, office buildings, residential communities, etc., to assist users in hospitals, companies, and residences in using elevators more effectively.

[0081] Some further examples are provided below.

[0082] Example 1:

[0083] The accessible elevator assistance system in a building incorporates several active intelligent control measures in addition to conventional passive measures. An identification module is installed at the top center of each elevator door, along with a control module and a voice broadcast module. In this first embodiment, a smart bracelet is used as the accompanying module. The identification module at the top center of the elevator door receives the status signal emitted by the smart bracelet, wirelessly sensing the bracelet. Accessible users (separate types for the blind and wheelchair users) can then board with priority. The specific method is as follows:

[0084] 1. When users with disabilities travel, they can apply for a temporary smart bracelet at the entrance by presenting proof such as a disability certificate, or apply for a long-term smart bracelet (user information entry system, available for the blind and wheelchair users) from a unified functional department. This accessibility bracelet can send status signals for recognition by the identification module. After sensing the status signal, the identification module transmits it to the control module that controls the operation of the accessible elevator. The control module can then control the elevator based on the strength of the control signal received by the identification module.

[0085] 2. This identification module is associated with the control module for the operation of the accessible elevator. When a disabled user wearing a smart bracelet arrives at the smart bracelet sensing area in front of the accessible elevator (sensing distance approximately 4 meters) and is outside the designated waiting area for disabled users, the strength of the status signal detected by the identification module is within a preset range. When the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, but less than the first preset threshold, the identification module recognizes the wireless signal emitted by the smart bracelet, and its broadcast system continuously broadcasts a reminder: Please allow the disabled user to enter the designated waiting area for disabled users in front of the accessible elevator door to facilitate the disabled user's entry into the elevator.

[0086] 3. When a disabled user enters the designated waiting area for disabled users located inside the smart bracelet's sensing area, and the distance between the identification module and the accompanying module worn by the disabled user is less than the second preset threshold, when the accessible elevator arrives and the disabled user successfully enters the elevator, the information collection module collects relevant information and transmits it to the identification module. The identification module then feeds the information back to the control module. Based on the currently collected information, the control module controls the elevator doors to close and the elevator to operate, transporting the relevant personnel to their destination floor, with simultaneous voice announcements.

[0087] 4. When the smart bracelet is outside the sensing area, and the intelligent recognition module of the accessible elevator cannot sense the status signal emitted by the smart bracelet, the distance between the recognition module and the accompanying module carried by the disabled user is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold. At this time, the accessible elevator operates as a normal passenger elevator and works in normal state.

[0088] Example 2:

[0089] Once a person with a disability enters the designated waiting area for people with disabilities, the accessible elevator arrives. After all passengers on this floor exit the elevator car, the information acquisition module connected to the control module can obtain the total weight of the passengers in the car, thus acquiring passenger information for the elevator. When the total weight of the passengers in the car exceeds half of the elevator's standard load capacity, and / or when there is already a person with a disability wearing a smart wristband who entered the car beforehand, the control module controls the internal and external broadcasts to simultaneously play: "Due to limited elevator car space, wheelchair users in the designated waiting area for people with disabilities on this floor, please wait for the next elevator," and controls the elevator doors to close and the elevator to start running.

[0090] Example 3:

[0091] When a user with a disability has entered the sensor area but not yet entered the designated waiting area, and the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold but less than the first preset threshold, the elevator door will close when the elevator arrives and the car is empty. The elevator door will only open and operate when a user with a disability wearing a smart bracelet enters the designated waiting area (i.e., the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is less than the second preset threshold) or exits the sensor area (i.e., the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold). Simultaneously, an external announcement will continuously broadcast: "Please allow users with disabilities to enter the designated waiting area in front of the elevator door to facilitate their access to the elevator."

[0092] Example 4:

[0093] When a user with a disability has entered the sensor area but not yet entered the designated waiting area, and the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold but less than the first preset threshold, the accessible elevator arrives and there are people in the car. The elevator door opens but does not close until the smart bracelet enters the designated waiting area (i.e., the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is less than the second preset threshold) or exits the sensor area (i.e., the current distance is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold). At this point, the elevator door closes and the elevator starts operating. Simultaneously, an internal and external broadcast will alternately announce: "Please allow users with disabilities to enter the designated waiting area in front of the accessible elevator door to facilitate their access to the accessible elevator."

[0094] Example 5

[0095] Please see Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of an accessible elevator assistance system and method according to one embodiment of this application. After the disabled user's identity information is entered, the disabled user can receive an accessible wristband. This accessible wristband can serve as a companion module of the accessible elevator assistance system. The status signal it sends can be received by the identification module, and the control module determines the current location area of ​​the disabled user based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module. In this fifth embodiment, an intelligent controller is used as the control module of the accessible elevator assistance system, and an identification module is built in. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) The system identifies the status signal emitted by the accessibility bracelet through the identification module, determines the distance information between the accessibility bracelet and the identification module based on the strength of the status signal, and controls the accessibility elevator to enter the disability assistance mode or work in the normal mode based on the distance information.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first preset threshold for the distance between the current identification module and the accompanying module is 4m, and the second preset threshold is 2m. Based on this, the range of the accessibility wristband sensing area and the waiting area for people with disabilities in the figure are set. Figure 6 (The area shown is a waiting area for people with disabilities). When a user wearing an accessibility wristband enters the wristband's sensing area and / or the waiting area for people with disabilities, the intelligent elevator controller performs different controls on the elevator based on the passenger load information and whether the user has entered the elevator. In this embodiment, the system also controls the broadcast outside the elevator car to continuously broadcast relevant voice information to facilitate accessible travel for people with disabilities.

[0097] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of the present invention do not constitute a specific limitation on the accessible elevator assistance system and method in buildings. In other embodiments of this application, more or fewer components may be included than illustrated, or certain components may be combined, or certain components may be separated, or different component arrangements may be made. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0098] The various embodiments of the mechanisms disclosed in this application can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these implementation methods. Embodiments of this application can be implemented as computer programs or program code executable on a programmable system, the programmable system including at least one processor, a storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0099] Program code can be applied to input instructions to execute the functions described in this application and generate output information. The output information can be applied to one or more output devices in a known manner.

[0100] The program code can be implemented using a high-level procedural language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with the processing system. Assembly language or machine language can also be used when needed. In fact, the mechanisms described in this application are not limited to any particular programming language. In either case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language.

[0101] In some cases, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried or stored thereon on one or more temporary or non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. For example, the instructions may be distributed via a network or through other computer-readable media. Therefore, machine-readable media may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form, including but not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic cards or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage for transmitting information (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) using the Internet in the form of electrical, optical, acoustic, or other propagation signals. Therefore, machine-readable media include any type of machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form.

[0102] In the accompanying drawings, some structural or methodological features may be shown in a specific arrangement and / or order. However, it should be understood that such a specific arrangement and / or order may not be necessary. Rather, in some embodiments, these features may be arranged in a manner and / or order different from that shown in the illustrative drawings. Furthermore, the inclusion of structural or methodological features in a particular figure does not imply that such features are required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, these features may be omitted or may be combined with other features.

[0103] It should be noted that all units / modules mentioned in the device embodiments of this application are logical units / modules. Physically, a logical unit / module can be a physical unit / module, a part of a physical unit / module, or a combination of multiple physical units / modules. The physical implementation of these logical units / modules themselves is not the most important factor; the combination of functions implemented by these logical units / modules is the key to solving the technical problems proposed in this application. Furthermore, to highlight the innovative aspects of this application, the above-described device embodiments of this application have not introduced units / modules that are not closely related to solving the technical problems proposed in this application. This does not mean that the above-described device embodiments do not contain other units / modules.

[0104] It should be noted that in the examples and description of this patent, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0105] Although this application has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A barrier-free elevator assistance system for buildings, characterized in that, It includes a recognition module, a following module, and a control module, among which: The identification module is installed in the elevator to detect the user's elevator riding status. The accompanying module is carried and used by the user and is configured to send status signals, which can be detected and identified by the recognition module within the sensing distance. The control module is connected to the identification module and is used to obtain the distance between the user and the elevator based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module, and to control the operation status of the elevator based on the distance information; It also includes an information collection module, installed in the elevator and connected to the control module, for collecting passenger information inside the elevator car; the control module is configured to: Based on the passenger information inside the elevator car and the distance information, the elevator is controlled to switch from the disabled assistance mode to the normal mode, or to either the first or second state, wherein: When the distance is less than the second preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the first preset condition and / or there is already a user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, then the elevator is controlled to switch to the normal mode, and the voice broadcast module in the elevator is controlled to broadcast a voice message to remind the user outside the elevator to wait for the next elevator. When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the second preset condition and there is no user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to be in the first state, the elevator stays at the current floor and is in the open state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, and the voice broadcast module is controlled to make a voice broadcast to remind the user outside the elevator to take this elevator. When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the third preset condition, the elevator is controlled to be in the second state. When the elevator stops at the current floor, the elevator is controlled to be in the closed state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold or greater than or equal to the first preset threshold. The first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold; the first preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight in the elevator car is greater than a preset value; The second preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is less than or equal to the preset value; The third preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is zero.

2. The accessible elevator assistance system in a building according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accompanying module includes at least one of a smart bracelet and a mobile phone, and has a signal transmitting unit capable of sending the status signal; The signal transmitting unit includes at least one of Bluetooth signal transmitter, RFID signal transmitter, and Zigbee signal transmitter.

3. The accessible elevator assistance system in a building according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identification module includes a signal receiving unit used in conjunction with the accompanying module, including at least one of a Bluetooth signal receiver, an RFID signal receiver, and a Zigbee signal receiver.

4. The accessible elevator assistance system in a building according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes at least one of a programmable logic device, a microcontroller, and a single-chip microcomputer, and the step of controlling the elevator's operating state based on the distance information includes: When the distance represented by the distance information is less than a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in the disability assistance mode; when the distance represented by the distance information is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in the normal mode, wherein the first preset threshold is less than or equal to the sensing distance.

5. The accessible elevator assistance system in a building according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one of the following: A voice prompt module, connected to at least one of the control module or the recognition module, is configured to provide a voice prompt based on a control signal from the control module, and / or, when the recognition module detects the status signal, to remind other users in the elevator to move so that the user can use the elevator; A height-adjustable tactile paving is installed on the ground surface and connected to the identification module via the control module. It is configured to rise above the ground surface or lower below the ground surface according to the control signal from the control module.

6. A method for assisting with using a barrier-free elevator in a building, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the distance between the user and the elevator; The elevator's operating status is controlled based on the distance. The process of obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator includes: A companion module is provided, which is carried by the user and is capable of sending status signals; A recognition module is provided, which can detect and recognize the status signal emitted by the accompanying module, and the status signal can be detected and recognized by the recognition module within the sensing distance; A control module is provided, connected to the identification module, for obtaining the distance between the user and the elevator based on the strength of the status signal received by the identification module, and controlling the operation status of the elevator based on the distance information; It also includes the following steps: Collect passenger information inside the elevator car; based on the passenger information inside the elevator car and the distance information, control the elevator in the disabled assistance mode to enter the normal mode, or to enter a first state or a second state; wherein: When the distance is less than the second preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the first preset condition and / or there is already a user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to enter the normal mode, and the voice broadcast module in the elevator is controlled to broadcast a voice message to remind the user outside the elevator to wait for the next elevator. When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the second preset condition and there is no user carrying the accompanying module in the elevator car, the elevator is controlled to be in the first state, the elevator stays at the current floor and is in the open state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold, and the voice broadcast module is controlled to make a voice broadcast to remind the user outside the elevator to take this elevator. When the distance is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold and less than the first preset threshold, if the passenger information meets the third preset condition, the elevator is controlled to be in the second state. When the elevator stops at the current floor, the elevator is controlled to be in the closed state until the distance is less than the second preset threshold or greater than or equal to the first preset threshold. The first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold; The first preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight in the elevator car is greater than a preset value; The second preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is less than or equal to the preset value; The third preset condition includes: the passenger load information indicates that the passenger load weight inside the elevator car is zero.

7. The method for assisting with using a barrier-free elevator in a building according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control of the elevator's operating status based on the distance includes: When the distance represented by the distance information is less than a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in the disability assistance mode; When the distance represented by the distance information is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the elevator is controlled to operate in normal mode, where the first preset threshold is less than or equal to the sensing distance.

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