METHOD FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS IN THE FLOOR AREA OF A VEHICLE FOR THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC PUBLIC ACCESS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying passenger information in a vehicle and to a vehicle which is specially equipped for such a method.

[0002] Information for passengers on public transport has so far mostly been provided through acoustic information, in particular through pre-recorded announcements, for example the next station and transfer options.

[0003] Alternatively, passenger information is often presented on overhead displays, particularly with scroll bars or monitors.

[0004] With current solutions, passenger information is not always displayed where it is necessary and important.

[0005] EP 2 572 956 A1 discloses an in-vehicle information system that notifies passengers in a vehicle with guidance information, comprising a display input unit having a display unit that displays the guidance information, an input unit that covers the display unit and detects touch operations by the passengers, which are output as information information for input, and an information control unit that switches and outputs the guidance information to the display unit according to the driving conditions of the vehicle, and divides the guidance information into first information to be provided to the passengers according to input information and second information to be provided to the passengers according to the driving conditions of the vehicle, to output the first information to the display unit according to the input operation information. The display unit is arranged in the door areas of the vehicle.

[0006] In an article titled "Philips developing LED-embedded carpets to replace public signs" from December 3, 2013 (https: / / newatlas.com / philipsled-teppich / 29865 / ), Jonathan Fincher describes a carpet with built-in LEDs that can be controlled to display a variety of information.

[0007] EP 2 319 743 A1 discloses an information output service system applied to a passenger train, which displays an image to output information to passengers. The system comprises: an in-train information display device that groups a plurality of windows of the passenger train into a group and uses the grouped windows as a display surface, and outputs an information display device.

[0008] EP 2 281 730 A1 provides a train information service system and a passenger train information display device capable of achieving both a scenery view effect and an information effect, and displaying scenery-related information at the appropriate time. A display surface part, such as a window pane of the train or a peripheral surface of the window pane, is used as the display device.

[0009] One object of the invention is to provide passengers with information that is presented in a targeted, localized manner. This should also enable better control of passenger flow, particularly when boarding and disembarking passengers.

[0010] The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a rail vehicle according to claim 5. Preferred and advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] A method is provided for displaying information for passengers on the floor of a vehicle, comprising displaying the information with an image display device arranged in the floor of the vehicle.

[0012] A vehicle is a vehicle for passenger transport, in particular a public transport vehicle or a public means of transport. In other words, the vehicle is a vehicle for public passenger transport. A preferred vehicle is a bus or a rail vehicle, specific examples of which will be mentioned later. Preferably, the information is information for controlling passenger flow.

[0013] In this respect, the process can also be described as a process for controlling passenger flow or passenger movement. Passenger flow control occurs primarily when passengers board and disembark at a stop.

[0014] The image display device is preferably located in the floor of an entry area of ​​the vehicle. The floor of the entry area is particularly well-suited for displaying information, especially for controlling passenger flow, as this location is used for boarding and alighting and serves as a focal point for passengers. Experience shows that passengers prefer to stay in the entry area even during the journey, unless they have taken a seat.

[0015] The information can be displayed in the form of symbols, images, pictograms, graphics, text, or any combination of two or more of these. The information can be presented statically or in motion.

[0016] With the method, in the general or specific embodiments explained below, one or more of the following advantages can be achieved:Achieving a structured passenger flow, the use of less frequented boarding points is easily visualised, shorter waiting times when boarding and alighting through visual displays, resulting in shorter downtimes on the platform in the station, guidance system for passengers on the platform immediately upon disembarking from the vehicle, transfer information (e.g.Direction) where it is needed - at the exit, warning and illumination of the boarding gap by the display device, attention is drawn to where the passenger is setting foot, possible advertising space which offers additional income for the operator, design options through colour and changing floor design, the display system used is suitable for a variety of vehicle systems, easy adaptation of displayed content is possible, in comparison to previous information systems, with the present invention information is made available where it is particularly visible for passengers boarding or alighting, namely in the boarding area, which is an alighting area for alighting passengers. The present invention in particular creates a possibility for quick passenger boarding, which leads to shorter downtimes of the vehicle at stops.

[0017] An entry area of ​​a vehicle is located on the inside of the vehicle. An entry area is located behind a vehicle door. Depending on the perspective, the entry area can also be referred to as an exit area or an entry and exit area.

[0018] An arrangement of the image display device in the floor means, in particular, that part of the floor area is occupied by the image display device. When arranged in the floor of an entry area, in particular, a predominant part of this floor is occupied by the image display device. The statement that at least part of the floor area of ​​the entry area is occupied by the image display device includes the case where the entire floor area of ​​the entry area is occupied by the image display device, which is possible, for example, by appropriately designing the entry area, for example, in a rectangular entry area.

[0019] The image display device is configured to display variable information, in particular images and / or characters. The image display device is an electrically controlled image display device. The display device is also referred to as a display or as an electronic image display device or electronic display. The image display device or display can comprise the following components: an image display matrix and electronic supply and / or control components, such as a controller configured for signal processing, an inverter that controls background brightness, and a power supply that supplies voltage to all other components. Furthermore, the image display device can comprise a housing.

[0020] In general, the invention includes the provision of a plurality of image display devices arranged in the floor of various areas of the vehicle, with image display devices preferably being provided in entry areas.

[0021] The information for passengers is in particular selected from boarding information, alighting information, transfer information, route information, information about a disruption, information about the occupancy of the vehicle with passengers, warning information, emergency information, light information and / or advertising information.

[0022] The aforementioned information can be displayed simultaneously or in chronological order. For example, boarding or transfer information can only be displayed when the vehicle is stopped, i.e., at a stop and passengers are boarding and alighting. Information about a disruption or emergency information will, of course, only be displayed when a corresponding disruption or emergency occurs. Advertising information is preferably displayed when the image display is not currently being used to display other information.

[0023] The individual information types are discussed in more detail below.

[0024] The boarding, alighting, or transfer information can take various forms and shapes, as explained below using specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

[0025] In one embodiment, the boarding, alighting, or transfer information includes a direction indicator to guide boarding, alighting, or transferring passengers. A direction indicator can, for example, be in the form of one or more arrows or lines that show passengers the direction they need to go to board, alight, or transfer. In the case of boarding or transfer information, the direction indicator leads to the relevant vehicle, in particular to one or more doors of the vehicle. In the above-mentioned variant of a line, a broken line, for example a dashed or dotted line, is also considered a line. A line can serve as a direction indicator because, for example, when transferring, a passenger coming from one vehicle transfers to another, and the direction of movement along the line is thus clear.

[0026] In one embodiment, the boarding, alighting, or transfer information comprises a moving display of information for guiding boarding, alighting, or transferring passengers. In particular, moving symbols, images, pictograms, graphics, text, or any combination of two or more thereof can be displayed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the boarding, alighting or transfer information includes a line number of the vehicle in question and / or a destination.

[0028] In another embodiment, the boarding, alighting or transfer information includes information about the arrival time or departure time of the vehicle in question.

[0029] In one embodiment, the boarding, alighting, or transfer information includes information about the expected future location of the vehicle.

[0030] A so-called negative display is also possible, which provides information that boarding or transferring is not possible, for example, that the vehicle in question is out of service.

[0031] The method preferably involves displaying time-limited boarding, alighting, or transfer information. In one embodiment, a signal is displayed that indicates from when or until when the boarding, alighting, or transfer information is valid. For example, information about a period of time can be provided, indicating how long the information is still valid or from when the information is valid. In particular, information about the arrival, stop, or departure of the vehicle can be displayed, for example in the form of a time period until departure.

[0032] A duration signal can take various forms. In one variant, a period of time is displayed numerically using a common unit of measurement, preferably seconds or minutes. Such a time indication can also be displayed in or next to a displayed boarding, alighting, or transfer information, for example, in the form of a direction indicator. In another variant, a period of time can be displayed as a shrinking object, e.g., in the form of a stripe or bar whose length decreases segment by segment, or in the form of a circle that disappears segment by segment.

[0033] In one variant, the intensity of the display of the boarding, alighting, or transfer information is changed or varied, for example by varying the intensity of a display (flashing information). A change in intensity in the form of flashing can be used to signal the impending expiration of the information. Instead of or in addition to this, it is possible to increase passengers' attention by changing the intensity. A slow change in intensity, or a slow flashing or rising and falling, for example, can draw attention to the information, while a rapid change in the form of rapid flashing can signal the impending expiration of the information. The frequency of the variation can be gradually increased the closer the time approaches at which the information is no longer valid.

[0034] In another variant, the color of the display is varied, for example from green to red, with red indicating the cancellation or imminent cancellation of the validity.

[0035] For information about the vehicle's passenger occupancy: Occupancy is also referred to below as "occupancy." One advantage of this embodiment is that boarding or transferring passengers can be shown which boarding and alighting points should be preferred or avoided. Occupancy preferably relates to a module or carriage of a rail vehicle, or a part thereof, that has the boarding / alighting point. The occupancy information can thus relate to a sub-area of ​​a rail vehicle. Occupancy information can additionally or instead relate to a selected passenger lounge area. Of interest to specific passengers, for example, is the occupancy of special-use / multifunctional areas, such as those for wheelchair users, strollers, or cyclists. This meansDifferent occupancy states can be displayed for an entire rail vehicle assembly, for example, a complete tram, if the occupancy varies from car to car or from module to module. Occupancy can be recorded using one or more detection devices, such as cameras or sensors that may be installed in seats. Information about the occupancy can be transmitted from the detection device to a control device described below, which, depending on the occupancy, controls the display of the rail vehicle's occupancy on the image display device.

[0036] In a special variant, the information about the vehicle's occupancy is changed depending on the vehicle's occupancy. For this purpose, occupancy information can be repeatedly recorded by detection devices, or in other words, this information can be updated. The updated information can be transmitted to the control device, which in turn controls the display of the vehicle's occupancy on the image display device depending on the current occupancy. In this variant, a change in occupancy can be displayed to passersby and passengers during a stop.

[0037] Occupancy can be displayed, for example, in the form of information indicating whether boarding is recommended or permitted, or whether boarding is discouraged or even prohibited, e.g., in the case of overcrowding. In one variant, information can be displayed in the form of an occupancy level, which, for example, indicates the relative capacity utilization of the vehicle, particularly of a carriage or module.

[0038] Occupancy information can be displayed as a symbol, image, pictogram, text, and / or color information, or any combination thereof. If the vehicle's occupancy is to be changed depending on the vehicle's occupancy, the symbol, image, pictogram, text, and / or color information, or a combination thereof, can be changed.

[0039] With regard to the representation of occupancy or especially the recommendation of boarding and alighting points, traffic light colours - red, yellow, green - as well as other warning colours, such as orange, are advantageous in order to indicate the occupancy level of the train in the passenger area behind the doors and the adjacent areas.

[0040] Information about a disruption can be selected from information about a door disruption, information about another vehicle disruption, information about a timetable delay, information about a disruption in the stop or station area, or information about a disruption in a connecting vehicle, i.e. a vehicle to which you can change.

[0041] A warning information is selected, for example, from a warning information about a platform gap, i.e. a gap between the vehicle and the platform, or a warning information that indicates the closing or opening of a door in the boarding area.

[0042] Emergency information is in particular selected from information about an emergency stop, for example in the event of a fire or accident, information about an accident, information about a fire, information about the arrival of rescue services or information about how to behave in an emergency or about the failure of systems on the vehicle.

[0043] Light information, also referred to as illumination information, is generated in particular by displaying a bright image on the image display device. For example, a bright area or a bright pattern can be shown. Light information can be used to illuminate the boarding area, in particular if the image display device is arranged in the boarding area. By illuminating the boarding area or the floor of the boarding area, the boarding area can be demarcated from an adjacent gap between the platform and the vehicle, in particular if the light information is a surface illumination of the boarding area, in particular a surface illumination across the entire image display device. If the image display device is arranged close to the boarding edge in the vehicle or up to the boarding edge, the boarding edge and thus a platform gap can be made visible.The light information can indicate the location of the entry area in the vehicle.

[0044] For example, the light information can be displayed or activated only when a vehicle is stopped. The indication of the location of the boarding or alighting area, depending on the perspective, is advantageous when passengers are boarding and alighting, and in emergencies.

[0045] In one variant of the method, the image display device is controlled in an emergency by a control device described below, so that warning information, emergency information, light information, or a combination thereof is displayed. In an emergency, information can be transmitted to the control device, for example, from a driver's cab or from an emergency control center. The control device controls the image display device so that the relevant information is displayed.

[0046] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising an image display device arranged in the floor of the rail vehicle, in particular in the floor of an entry area.

[0047] The vehicle is a vehicle for passenger transport, in particular a public transport vehicle or a public means of transport. In other words, the vehicle is a vehicle for public passenger transport. A preferred vehicle is a bus or a rail vehicle. An example rail vehicle is a tram, a suburban train, a local train, or a long-distance train.

[0048] The vehicle can be configured to carry out the method described above. The vehicle can have the specific features described above with reference to the method, either individually or in any combination.

[0049] The image display device is preferably flush with an adjacent floor or floor covering of the vehicle.

[0050] In one embodiment of the vehicle, the image display device is arranged below a non-slip transparent cover.

[0051] The cover is preferably made of plastic or glass. The cover is preferably shock-, scratch-, and slip-resistant, adapted to typical stresses and strains within the vehicle, such as the dropping of even sharp objects. The cover is preferably flush with the adjacent floor.

[0052] The cover is preferably easy to exchange and / or replace and is preferably designed such that the image display device is easy to exchange and / or replace.

[0053] The cover ensures that the image display device is clearly visible and protected against water ingress or other external influences, especially dirt.

[0054] In one embodiment, the image display device in the vehicle, which is in particular a rail vehicle, is connected to a vehicle information system. The connection can be established wirelessly or non-wirelessly, for example, via a transmission line. The above-explained information for passengers can be transmitted from the vehicle information system to the image display device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, has a control device configured to control the display of information for passengers on the image display device. In particular, information about a vehicle stop, information about transfer options, for example, information about other lines and departure times, information about a disruption, information about occupancy, and / or information about an emergency can be transmitted to the control device. The control device can then control the image display device so that the relevant information is displayed on the image display device.

[0056] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 shows a section of a rail vehicle according to the invention with an image display device in the boarding area, wherein boarding and alighting information is displayed, Fig. 2 shows the same view as in Fig. 1 , where information about a fault or alternatively information about the occupancy of the rail vehicle is displayed, Fig. 3 the view from Fig. 1 , where a transfer information is displayed, Fig. 4 the view from Fig. 1 , where a warning information is displayed, and Fig. 5 the view from Fig. 1 , where an advertisement is displayed.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a section of a rail vehicle, in this case a tram, in the entry area. The viewer's gaze falls through a door cutout into the vehicle's interior. The side wall 2 is only shown in part to provide a view into the interior. The entry area is formed behind the door cutout 3 in the interior of the vehicle 1. The image display device 4 is arranged in the floor of the entry area. The image display device 4 essentially occupies the entire floor area of ​​the entry area. The image display device 4 extends almost to the entry edge 5.

[0058] In this example, the image display device 4 is embodied as an LCD display. The LCD display shows boarding information 6 in the form of a directional arrow pointing toward the interior of the rail vehicle 1, as well as exit information 7 in the form of a directional arrow pointing from the interior toward the exterior, intended for disembarking passengers. In this example, boarding information 6 and exit information 7 feature an arrow-shaped direction indicator to guide boarding or transferring passengers.

[0059] The image display device 4 is connected via the data line 9 to the vehicle information system 8, which is Fig. 1 is shown schematically. Units of the vehicle information system 8 are arranged, for example, in the area of ​​the driver's cab.

[0060] The image display device 4 is also connected to the control device 11, which is also shown schematically, via the data line 10. The control device 11 can control multiple image display devices 4, including image display devices in other entry areas. A rail vehicle can thus have a central control device 11 for controlling all existing image display devices.

[0061] The Fig. 2 bis 5 show the same view as Fig. 1 and the same reference numerals in these figures denote the same features as in Fig. 1 The information presented is of different types and is briefly explained below: Fig. 2 A fault information 12 is displayed on the image display device 4 in the form of a graphic. The graphic indicates that passage is not possible, for example due to a defect in a door that is inserted into the door cutout 3, but in Fig. 2 is not shown. Alternatively, the symbol can be information about occupancy 16 with passengers and indicate that the rail vehicle or at least a relevant part of the vehicle is fully occupied, i.e., there are no more seats or standing places available and therefore the entry of boarding passengers is not desired or prohibited.

[0062] In Fig. 3 Transfer information 13 is displayed. It shows a line number 13a of a line to which passengers can transfer ("Line 38"), a departure time 13b of the respective line ("in 4 minutes"), and a direction arrow 13c, which guides disembarking passengers to the right to reach the other line or the stop of the other line.

[0063] In Fig. 4 A warning message 14 is displayed. A text warning is displayed to both boarding and alighting passengers, advising them to be aware of the gap between the vehicle and the platform edge. This warning can also be displayed graphically.

[0064] In Fig. 5 advertising information 15 is displayed, both in text and graphic form.

[0065] Light information can be provided, for example, if a bright background with sufficient illuminance is displayed on surface 4.

Claims

1. A method for illuminating the boarding region of a rail vehicle for making visible a gap between the platform and rail vehicle and for displaying warning information for passengers on the floor of a rail vehicle (1), the method comprising displaying the warning information by an image display device (4), which is disposed in the floor of the rail vehicle (1), characterised in that the image display device (4) is disposed in the floor of a rectangular boarding region of the rail vehicle (1) and the image display device (4) occupies the total floor area of the boarding region, and the image display device (4) is disposed beneath a walk-on transparent cover made of plastic or glass, and the image display device (4) is a display that has an image presentation matrix, electronic supply and / or control components, an inverter for controlling the brightness, and a power supply part, and the method further comprises: illuminating the boarding region in a planar manner by the image display device (4), wherein the planar illumination is arranged up to a boarding edge of the rail vehicle, so that the boarding edge and the gap between platform and rail vehicle are made visible, displaying the warning information relating to the gap between platform and rail vehicle in the image display device (4), whilst the planar illumination of the image display device (4) makes visible the gap between platform and rail vehicle.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information furthermore includes information relating to control of the passenger flow.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information furthermore includes boarding information (6), alighting information (7), transfer information (13), route information, disruption information (12), occupancy information (16) about the occupancy of the rail vehicle with passengers, emergency information, and / or advertising information (15).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the boarding information (6) or the alighting information (13) includes a directional display (13c) for guiding boarding or alighting passengers.

5. A rail vehicle (1), comprising an image display device (4), which is disposed in the floor of the rail vehicle, characterised in that the image display device (4) is disposed in the floor of a rectangular boarding region of the rail vehicle (1), and the image display device (4) occupies the entire floor area of the boarding region, and the image display device (4) is disposed beneath a walk-on transparent cover made of plastic or glass, and the image display device (4) is a display that has an image presentation matrix, electronic supply and / or control components, an inverter for controlling the brightness, and a power supply part, and the image display device (4) enables a planar illumination of the boarding region, said planar illumination being arranged up to a boarding edge of the rail vehicle, so that the boarding edge and a platform gap may be made visible.

6. The rail vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the image display device (4) is connected to a vehicle information system (8).

7. The rail vehicle according to any one of claims 5-6, comprising a control device (11), set up to control the display of information for passengers on the image display device.