METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING PERSONALIZED INFORMATION TO A BUILDING OCCUPANT

Description

Description

[0001] The technology described here generally relates to a building system that performs one or more services in or for a building. Embodiments of the technology particularly relate to a building system that performs a communication service between a resident of the building and a visitor of the building, and to a method for operating such a building system.

[0002] Access to buildings such as office buildings and residential buildings is often restricted, and entrance doors are locked so that visitors cannot enter the building without permission or authorization from a resident of the building. The visitor typically rings the doorbell of the resident they wish to visit to request access. For this purpose, equipment such as nameplates, along with associated bell buttons, are located near a building entrance. These devices allow the visitor to determine who a resident of the building is and alert the resident that a visitor is waiting at the entrance. The alerted resident will then typically make contact with the visitor using an intercom system installed within the building.Once the resident has verified the visitor's identity, they can provide access to the building by unlocking the entrance door. Typically, the resident can unlock the entrance door remotely via the intercom system. A disadvantage of the currently required features (e.g., nameplates, bell pushes, and intercom systems) is the cost associated with their installation and maintenance. Furthermore, they typically require specialized wiring within the building and impose certain restrictions on the building's design (since significant space is required at the entrance, especially in large buildings with many residents). Furthermore, the nameplates must be kept up to date as residents change.

[0003] WO 2016 / 087478 A1 discloses a system in which a visitor's mobile device receives entry identification information wirelessly from a radio device when they are in close proximity to a building entrance. The mobile device sends the entry identification information to a remote server, which, based on the entry identification information, determines a list of the building's residents and sends it to the mobile device. The visitor can select and contact the desired residents from the list.

[0004] The system known from WO 2016 / 087478 A1 avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. Depending on the building and application, the required radio equipment can result in relatively high costs. Therefore, there is a need for a building system that is more cost-effective to manufacture and operate.

[0005] Another state-of-the-art building access system is known from WO-A-2018 / 199771.

[0006] One aspect of such technology relates to a method for operating a building system for transmitting personalized information to a visitor of a building. A server device is provided for the building, which server device has a processor device and a storage device communicatively connected to the processor device, and stores data intended for determining predetermined display information for visitors (2). An optical code assigned to the building can be read by a visitor's mobile device while the visitor is outside the building or in a public zone within the building. According to the method, a first data signal is received by the processor device, wherein the first data signal comprises a building identifier resulting from the optical code when it is read by the visitor's mobile device and transmitted to the processor device.The building identifier indicates the building in which the visitor is located in order to contact a resident. The processor device determines whether a first identifier assigned to the visitor is received with or in conjunction with the first data signal, wherein if the first identifier is received the visitor is known, otherwise the visitor is unknown. Upon receipt of the first identifier, the processor device searches the memory device for an identifier stored for the building indicated by the building identifier, which is the same as the first identifier. If the search is successful, the processor device determines the display information predetermined for the visitor from the data and using the first identifier.A second data signal is sent from the server device to the visitor's mobile device, wherein the second data signal comprises the display information predetermined for the visitor and causes the mobile device to display the display information on a screen of the mobile device. If the search is unsuccessful, a third data signal is generated by the processor device and sent to the mobile device. The third data signal comprises display information independent of the visitor and causes the mobile device to display the display information independent of the visitor on the screen of the mobile device.

[0007] Another aspect of the technology relates to a building communication system for a building, on which an optical code is arranged such that it is readable by a visitor's mobile device while the visitor is outside the building or in a public zone within the building. The building communication system comprises a server device having a processor device and a memory device communicatively connected to the processor device. The memory device stores data provided for determining display information predetermined for visitors. The processor device is configured to receive a first data signal, wherein the first data signal comprises a building identifier resulting from the optical code when it is read by the visitor's mobile device and transmitted to the processor device.The building identifier indicates the building where the visitor is located in order to contact a resident. The processor device is configured to determine whether a first identifier assigned to the visitor is received with or in conjunction with the first data signal, wherein upon receipt of the first identifier the visitor is known, and otherwise the visitor is unknown. The processor device is further configured to search the storage device, upon receipt of the first identifier, for an identifier stored for the building indicated by the building identifier, which is equal to the first identifier. If the search is successful, the processor device determines the display information predetermined for the visitor from the data and using the first identifier.The processor device is further configured to send a second data signal from the server device to the visitor's mobile device, wherein the second data signal comprises the display information predetermined for the visitor and causes the mobile device to display the display information on a screen of the mobile device. If the search is unsuccessful, the processor device generates a third data signal and sends it to the mobile device. The third data signal comprises display information independent of the visitor and causes the mobile device to display the display information independent of the visitor on the screen of the mobile device.

[0008] The technology described here creates a building communication system that eliminates the need for nameplates and doorbell buttons at the building entrance, nor does it require the installation of an intercom system in the building. Visitors use their own mobile device to contact residents within the building; to do so, they are initially required to scan an optical code with the mobile device. However, an electronic locking device can be provided at the building entrance in conjunction with an access control system to grant the visitor access after authorization by a resident, for example, by automatically unlocking or releasing a door, gate, or mechanical or optical turnstile.

[0009] Secondly, the described technology creates a building communication system in which the information displayed to the visitor on their mobile device screen in response to the scanned optical code depends on who the visitor is and in what capacity they wish to contact the resident. A visitor who is known in the system, for example, because they are registered, logged in, or regularly visit the building, will see different information on their mobile device screen than an unknown visitor. An unknown visitor, for example, will only see a public message, e.g., that the displayed building function "Reception" should be selected for further information. A known visitor, on the other hand, can be shown more detailed, possibly non-public, information, such as names and addresses (e.g., floor and / or apartment number in the building), a welcoming note (e.g.,"Welcome to ABC" or "Welcome "Visitor's Name"), an availability or absence message (e.g., a message saying "I'll be right back," "I'll be back at 6:00 PM," or "Please do not disturb"), or a moving notice with details of the new address. The more well-known or trusted the visitor is, the more non-public information can be transmitted to them. This type of information is provided by a server, i.e., a central source; it can be defined centrally by the resident and changed as needed.

[0010] In one embodiment, an unknown visitor is identified when the processor device, when searching the memory device, does not detect a stored identifier that is identical to the first identifier. The processor device then generates a third data signal, which is sent to the mobile device. The third data signal comprises visitor-independent display information and causes the mobile device to display the visitor-independent display information on the mobile device's screen. The aforementioned public notice is displayed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the optical code comprises a QR code (Quick Response Code). The QR code encodes, for example, a web address. In one embodiment, the QR code is printed on a carrier material that is attached to the building at a location accessible to visitors (e.g., by means of adhesive). Carrier materials that can be attached in this way are inexpensive and can be arranged quickly and with relative flexibility in terms of location. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, as an alternative to a printed QR code, an electronic display unit can be used that displays a static or dynamic QR code on its screen (e.g., an LCD display); the displayed optical code can also be a color code. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the optical code can comprise a printed or electronically displayed barcode. The barcode encodes, for example, a numeric code that is assigned to a specific building in a database.The optical code, with a QR code, a barcode or another optical code, can also be attached in a space-saving manner.

[0012] In one embodiment, the optical code can be designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. The carrier material can, for example, be provided with a marking that can be perceived by touch. A visitor with impaired vision can therefore feel the location of the optical code and then scan it with the mobile device they are typically familiar with. The marking can, for example, include information in Braille. Additionally or alternatively, the location of the optical code can be indicated acoustically to such a user, e.g., by a buzzer or other punctual acoustic signal source. The buzzer or acoustic signal source can be arranged at the location of the carrier material or in its immediate vicinity. In an electronic display unit, the buzzer or acoustic signal source can be arranged in the display unit.For example, the acoustic signal source can generate a voice message about using the optical code when the visitor approaches.

[0013] According to the technology described here, the processor device can establish a communication link between the visitor's mobile device and a communication device of the resident to be contacted. Information about the resident to be contacted is included in the display information predetermined for the visitor; it can include the resident's name and / or their function.

[0014] A resident (or owner) is a person who works or lives in the building and can respond to a contact request (e.g., a phone call) from a visitor while the visitor is at the building. The response may consist of the resident accepting the contact request and speaking with the visitor via telecommunication and / or granting them access to the building. On the other hand, a visitor is a person who wishes to contact a resident, for example, to gain access to the building.

[0015] InIn one embodiment, the establishment of the connection between the mobile device and the communication device is thus controlled by the web server, and in particular, the provision of contact information of the visitor and / or resident, such as a telephone number or user name, to the visitor and / or resident is explicitly excluded. In this way, the exchange of personal information can be prevented, which would not be the case, for example, when using a standard voice call, where the initiator of the call requires, for example, the recipient's mobile phone number.

[0016] InIn one embodiment, the building communication system can be designed such that the visitor must actually be present at the building if contact with a resident 6 is desired. For this purpose, in one embodiment, a device for location verification can be arranged on or near the building. This device can, for example, comprise a beacon transmitter (also referred to as a beacon) with a fixed range (in particular a relatively short range of less than approximately 5 m), e.g., a low-energy Bluetooth (BLE) device. Alternatively, the device can comprise a radio device for short-range communication (NFC). Furthermore, the device can also be part of a wireless local area network (WLAN). If no such device is provided at the building, position or location information derived from the mobile device (e.g., using GPS) can be used.A mobile device capable of determining its location can be configured to always use the determined location, or to prompt the user each time whether the location can be used. These examples illustrate that there are several options for location verification, which can be flexibly selected depending on the building and its conditions.

[0017] The location data thus determined indicate a location at which the mobile device is located, in particular essentially at the time of reception of the first data signal. Using the received location data, the processor device can determine whether the location specified by the location data is located at the building. If this is the case, the visitor is also located at the building. If this is not the case, however, the processor device can prevent the establishment of the communication connection. Depending on the design of the building communication system, in one embodiment the processor device can send a message to the mobile device to inform the visitor of the reason for the lack of a communication connection.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further comprises sending information relating to the visitor to the web server. Such information may include a personal user profile of the visitor. This information may be used, for example, to (validly) identify the visitor and then provide the visitor with customized or personalized information, e.g., a welcome message or possibly an access code.

[0019] In another embodiment, establishing the connection between the visitor's mobile device and the resident's communication device comprises establishing a Voice over IP (VOIP) connection between these devices, particularly an audio connection or a video connection. This allows the resident to communicate with the visitor in at least the same way as using a conventional integrated intercom system, without the need to install such a costly system.

[0020] In one embodiment, establishing the connection between these devices may include sending a message from the mobile device to the resident's communication device via the web server. The message received from the mobile device by the web server is then forwarded to the communication device. Accordingly, a response message can be sent from the communication device to the web server, which then forwards the response message to the mobile device. In this way, an instant messaging or chat function is provided, allowing the visitor and the resident to exchange text messages. The advantage of using such a push mechanism is that neither the initiator nor the recipient is required to know, for example, a username or other login credentials of the other party.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the method, the establishment of the connection between the mobile device and the communication device is achieved at least partially via a mobile / cellular network, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS, 3G standard) or a Long-Term Evolution (LTE, 4G standard) network.

[0022] Another advantage of the technology described here is that a resident's privacy is better protected. Instead of placing their name on a nameplate on the building or entering their name in an electronic list sent to every visitor who checks in at the building entrance, the technology described here avoids this. This means, for example, that residents' names are not revealed arbitrarily, but are personalized for each visitor.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the communication device is a device of a third party other than the resident, e.g., a representative, such as an agent, a receptionist, a caretaker, a call center, or a security or emergency service, which may be located at a location other than the resident's office or residence. This allows the resident to delegate the provision of information to a representative if the resident is not present in the building or is busy and cannot immediately address a visitor's request.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second data signal is sent by the web server to the visitor's mobile device by sending data and / or a script such as HTML, JavaScript, CSS or Adobe Flash to a client, in particular a thin client such as a web browser, which is executed by the mobile device as a web application;

[0025] Various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, like elements have like reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an application example of a building communication system in connection with an exemplary situation in a building; and Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating the building communication system.

[0026] Fig. 1is a schematic representation of an application example of a building communication system in connection with an exemplary situation in a building 1. The building 1 can be a commercial building with offices and / or other business premises or a residential building with several apartments. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the technology described here is not limited to a single building 1. People who are in the building 1 because they work or live there are referred to in this description as residents 6. The residents 6 can be characterized by their names (Name(s)) and / or their functions (Fct(s)) (e.g. building management, building cleaning, etc.). In front of the building 1 is Fig. 1a person 2 who wishes to contact a resident 6 and / or access building 1. The person 2 who is in front of building 1 is referred to in this description as visitor 2; this person may be a first-time or regular visitor 2, or a visitor 2 who is visiting building 1 for the second time. Visitor 2 may also work or live in building 1 and still wish to contact a resident 6, e.g., a work colleague or family member.

[0027] As in Fig. 1As indicated, communication devices (4, 20) are available to visitor 2 and residents 6. Visitor 2 carries a mobile radio device 4, which may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet PC. These devices are typically equipped with hardware, software, and firmware to provide, for example, a communication function, a digital image and video function, and a graphical user interface (also referred to as a graphical user interface, GUI). The communication function enables communication via a local radio network (WLAN / WiFi) and / or a global mobile radio network according to a mobile radio standard (e.g., GSM, LTE, G4, G5). The digital image and video function can also be used to scan an optical / visual code 10. Depending on the design of the mobile radio device 4, it may, for example, have application-specific software (so-called apps).

[0028] In Fig. 1An optical code 10 is shown as an example in the form of a QR code. Further examples of an optical code 10 and details about QR codes are given elsewhere in this description. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical code 10 is arranged on the building 1 so that it can be perceived by the visitor 2, who in the situation shown is outside the building 1. The optical code 10 can, for example, be arranged outside the building 1, for example on an exterior wall of the building in connection with a house number (#123) near a building entrance 18 or on a building door. A sign can also be arranged there, informing the visitor 2 that the optical code 10 is to be scanned in order to contact a resident 6. In Fig. 1It is indicated that the visitor 2 holds the mobile phone 4 against the optical code 10 so that it can scan and read the optical code 10. This means that the mobile device 4 executes a software application that determines the information encoded in the optical code 10. In a QR code, the encoded information typically includes a web address (URL).

[0029] Fig. 1also shows a storage device 14 in which a database system (DB) is implemented, and a processor 8 (µP) communicatively connected thereto, which is provided for control and processing functions. In one embodiment, the storage device 14 and the processor 8 are located remotely from the building 1 and combined to form a web server 12. The web server 12 represents an IT infrastructure made available via the Internet (also referred to as "cloud computing"). The communicative connection between the web server 12, the mobile device 4, and the communication devices 20 of the residents 6 is established via a communication network, for example, a mobile network.

[0030] Depending on storage requirements, the storage device 14 comprises, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a CD / DVD drive, a semiconductor drive / solid-state disk (SSD), or combinations thereof, or other storage devices for digital data. The database system consists of two parts: management software, called a database management system, and a set of data to be managed. The management software internally organizes the structured storage of the data and controls all read and write access to the database. In one embodiment, the database system is a relational database system. For querying and managing the data, a database system offers a database language, for example, the SQL language in a relational database system.

[0031] The database system stores one or more data records for Building 1 and each additional building that may still exist. The stored data can, for example, be organized according to information about the residents 6 of Building 1, e.g., stored in one data record. This information can include: personal data of Resident 2, e.g., name, function (resident, employee of a company), telephone number(s), email address(es), social media information, access authorizations (e.g., no restrictions or specific rooms and floors), and any time-based access restrictions (e.g., no restrictions or access from Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). The stored data can also be organized according to functions present in Building 1, e.g., in another data record. The functions present in Building 1 can include, for example, caretaker, building cleaning service, mail room, reception / reception, building administration / building management.

[0032] The organization and management of the data can, for example, be carried out by the building management. However, residents 6 can determine which data is stored in a resident profile created for them. Resident 6 can, for example, use one or more rules to specify how they would like to be contacted (e.g. by phone or text message), when (e.g. only during the day or during business hours, not after 8 p.m.), by whom (e.g. only by known people and parcel delivery services) or by whom not (e.g. unknown people; these can be referred to a caretaker) and / or in their absence (e.g. with or without a message or forwarding). This allows the resident to specify, among other things, which visitors 2 can contact them, when and how.

[0033] Depending on the design of the system, an optional device 16 (LOC) can be arranged on or near the building 1, which serves for location verification. Such a device 16 can, for example, be a short-range beacon transmitter, e.g., a low-energy Bluetooth (BLE) device with a limited transmission range of, for example, 10 to 30 meters. Alternatively, the device 16 can comprise a radio device for short-range communication (NFC). Furthermore, the device 16 can also be part of a wireless local area network (WLAN). The device 16 transmits, for example, an identifier of the device 16, which is assigned to the building 1 in the web server 12, or an identifier of the building 1. The mobile device 4 is configured to transmit the identifier read by the device 16 to the web server 12.

[0034] If no facility 16 is provided at building 1, position or location information derived from the mobile device 4 can be used. A mobile device that can determine its location can be configured so that the determined location can always be used, or so that the user is asked each time whether the location can be used.

[0035] If location verification is implemented, it occurs essentially simultaneously with the scanning of the optical code 10. This means that, according to one embodiment, the processor device 8 checks whether location information of the mobile device 4 is available in conjunction with a received data signal resulting from the read optical code 10. If the location of the mobile device 4 matches the location of the building 1, the processor device 8 detects that the visitor 2 is located at the building 1.

[0036] With the help of the device 16, it can be ensured, if necessary, that the visitor 2 must actually be present at building 1 if contact with a resident 6 is desired. Otherwise, the visitor 2 could, for example, take a photo of the optical code 10, move away from building 1, and at a later time, away from building 1, scan the optical code from the photo to contact a resident 6.

[0037] Based on the Fig. 1 The exemplary situation shown is followed by a description of further details on the system structure and on the implementation of various embodiments of the method according to the technology described here. Fig. 2Reference is made to the flow diagram of an embodiment of the method shown by way of example; the method begins in a step S1 and ends in a step S10. The visitor 2, who wishes to access a building 1, will first search for an entrance 18 to enter the building 1. Typically, the visitor 2 will not be able to enter the building 1 because, for example, a physical barrier (e.g., a door) prevents unauthorized access to the building 1.

[0038] For example, to register and request permission to enter building 1, visitor 2 must contact the resident 6 they wish to visit or someone else (e.g., a third party), such as a receptionist, a caretaker, or a reception desk authorized to provide visitor 2 with information and possibly access to building 1. When visitor 2 is at or in the immediate vicinity of entrance 18, visitor 2 perceives the optical code 10 with the indication that it is to be scanned. Following this indication, visitor 2 scans the optical code 10 with their mobile device 4 to contact the desired resident 6 (or a third party).

[0039] The information that the scanner software application determines from the optical code 10 is then transmitted by the mobile device 4 to the web server 12, e.g., via a mobile network (3G / 4G, UMTS / LTE) to which the mobile device 4 is connected. In a step S2 of the method, the processor device 8 receives a first data signal comprising a building identifier resulting from the optical code 10 when it is read by the mobile device 4 of the visitor 2 and transmitted to the processor device 8.

[0040] In a step S3 of the method, the processor device 8 determines the building identifier; it indicates the building 1 where the optical code 10 is located and in which the visitor 2 wishes to contact a resident 6. This building-related information includes details that specify the building 1. In one embodiment, the details include an (Internet) web address (also referred to as a web link or URL (Uniform Resource Locator)), wherein the web address enables access to a software application that the web server 12 executes.

[0041] In addition to the building-related information, the mobile device 4 can also transmit information relating to the visitor 2, e.g., the identifier of the mobile device 4 (telephone number, MAC address) or a (user) name, to the web server 12. In a step S4 of the method, the processor device 8 determines whether a first identifier associated with the visitor 2 is received with or in conjunction with the first data signal. If the first identifier is received, the visitor 2 is known, and the method proceeds along the "yes" branch to a step S5; otherwise, the visitor 2 is unknown, and the method proceeds along the "no" branch to a step S8.

[0042] If visitor 2 is a recurring or regular visitor 2 or a resident 2, i.e., a known visitor 2, a software application can be installed on their mobile device 4, which generates an identification number permanently assigned to the mobile device 4. This means that each time the software application is executed, it generates the same identification number. If visitor 2 is known in the system, for example, the identifier of the mobile device 4 and / or the identification number can be stored in the storage device 14 of the web server 12. This user-specific information can be stored in a visitor profile of visitor 2 or in a resident profile. This means that a resident 6 can specify the user-specific information in their resident profile, e.g., the name and / or function of visitor 2, the identifier of the mobile device 4, and / or the identification number.

[0043] Based on the received information, the web server 12 can then determine at which building 1 the known or unknown visitor 2 is waiting. Depending on this, the web server 12 initiates the search of the storage device 14 or the database. The processor device 8 searches the storage device 14 for a mobile device identifier stored in the data records for the building 1 specified by the building identifier, which is equal to the first identifier. If this is the case, i.e., the search is successful, the processor device 8 determines from the data record in which the first identifier is stored a rule that defines the display information predetermined for the visitor 2 (step S5).

[0044] In a step S6 of the method, the web server 14 sends a second data signal to the mobile device 4 of the visitor 2. The second data signal includes the display information predetermined for the visitor 2. In a step S7 of the method, the mobile device 4 then causes the display information to be displayed on a screen of the mobile device 4. The method ends in step S10.

[0045] If it is determined in step S4 that no first identifier is received, the visitor 2 is unknown according to step S8. In this case, the processor device 8 generates a third data signal and sends it to the mobile device 4. The third data signal comprises standard information, i.e., display information independent of the visitor 2. In a step S9 of the method, prompted by the third data signal, the standard information is displayed on a screen of the mobile device 4. The method ends in step S10.

[0046] The displayed information indicates which resident(s) 6 or which function(s) Visitor 2 can contact. The one or more contact options thus also depend on Visitor 2, e.g., whether they and / or their function are known or unknown in the system. Visitor 2 can then initiate contact with a resident 6 or a function, e.g., by touching the name of the desired resident 6 displayed on the screen.

[0047] The information regarding the desired resident 6 is then used to establish a communication link between the visitor 2 and the desired resident 6. Example communication links are shown in Fig. 1indicated by connecting lines 28, 30. In one embodiment, the web server 12 establishes the communication connection between the visitor 2 and the desired resident 6, e.g., a Voice over IP (VOIP) connection that provides both audio and video transmission. This has the advantage that the contact information (e.g., mobile phone numbers) of the two parties (i.e., visitor 2 and resident 6) does not have to be explicitly provided to either party. The resident 6 can, for example, receive the visitor's call using their communication device 20. The communication device 20 can, for example, be a landline phone, a mobile phone, or a computer. The communication device 20 and the mobile device 4 can use the same app to communicate via this app. However, a corresponding app could also run on a computer or tablet of the resident 6.

[0048] Resident 6 can then speak with visitor 2 via the established audio connection and possibly also see visitor 2 via the optional video connection. Instead of using such an audio / video connection, the visitor can alternatively (or additionally) communicate with resident 6 (and vice versa) using an instant messaging or chat function provided by the app or via a web browser running on the communication devices (4, 20).

[0049] In one embodiment, resident 6 may only communicate with visitor 2. In one embodiment, resident 6 may also grant visitor 2 access to building 1 by sending access granting information to an access control system configured, for example, to lock or unlock the door or gate at entrance 18 and allow visitor 2 to enter. The access granting information may be sent directly to the access control system or provided to visitor 2, requiring them to provide the access granting information to the access control system. The latter has the advantage that visitor 2 must be physically present at entrance 18 to provide the access granting information to the access control system.

[0050] There are several options for providing the access granting information from the resident 6 to the visitor 2, e.g., via the Wi-Fi installed within the building 1 or via the cellular network and the web server 12. The visitor 2 can then provide the access granting information directly to the access control device, e.g., by sending a code via BLE or NFC or by manually entering a code. Alternatively, the access granting information could be sent from the cellular device 4 via an intermediate device, e.g., a BLE device, which is, for example, wired to the access control device.

[0051] In the event that resident 6 cannot or does not want to be connected to visitor 2, they can temporarily or permanently delegate the receiving of visitor calls to a representative, such as a receptionist. This could be the case, for example, in an office such as a law firm or a dentist's office, where a receptionist at the reception desk answers all visitor calls and grants them access to building 1.

[0052] Information regarding whether a proxy should be contacted when a visitor 2 is present who wishes to see a specific resident 6 can be provided to the web server 12, which then establishes an appropriate connection. The access granting information is then provided by the proxy directly to the access control means, or, for example, to the mobile device 4 via the web server 12, from which it is provided either directly to the access control means or, alternatively, via the intermediary device.

[0053] The technology described here proposes replacing the conventional method for granting access to a building, which is based on the use of equipment in the form of nameplates and associated bell pushes at the entrance, together with a hard-wired intercom system for communicating with residents, with the method described here, which relies on the use of a mobile radio device 4 in conjunction with optical codes 10 that are familiar to visitors 2 and available at all times. By transmitting display information personalized to a visitor 2, a configurable and, in particular, personalized building communication system can be provided in an efficient and economical manner. A high degree of flexibility and reduced costs are achieved through the use of wireless technologies instead of rigid wired interconnections.Furthermore, the proposed method is well adapted to today's trend towards an increasingly mobile society, where office workers and apartment dwellers frequently change their place of work and residence, requiring a system that can be quickly updated to follow these changes with little effort and remain up-to-date.

[0054] The technology described here also uses well-known services, including their technical properties, for example with regard to transmission medium (e.g. radio, cable, internet), addressing (Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and transmission protocol (e.g. internet protocols such as internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP), file transfer protocol (FTP)) are known to those skilled in the art. Well-known social media or social networks are known, for example, under the following names: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and WeChat.

Claims

1. Method for operating a building communications system for transmitting personalized information to a visitor (2) of a building (1), wherein a server device (12) is provided for the building (1), which server device has a processor device (8) and a storage device (14) communicatively connected to the processor device (8), wherein the storage device (14) stores data which are provided for determining display information that is predetermined for visitors (2), wherein an optical code (10) assigned to the building (1) can be read by a mobile device (4) of a visitor (2) while the visitor (2) is outside the building (1) or in a public zone within the building (1), wherein the method comprises: receiving a first data signal by means of the processor device (8), wherein the first data signal comprises a building identifier which results from the optical code (10) when it is read by the mobile device (4) of the visitor (2) and conveyed to the processor device (8), wherein the building identifier indicates the building (1) at which the visitor (2) is located in order to contact a resident (6); determining, by means of the processor device (8), whether a first identifier associated with the visitor (2) is received with or in connection with the first data signal, wherein, if the first identifier is received, the visitor is a known visitor (2), and otherwise the visitor is an unknown visitor (2); if the first identifier is received, searching, by means of the processor device (8), the storage device (14) for an identifier stored for the building (1) identified by the building identifier that is identical to the first identifier; if the search is successful, determining, by means of the processor device (8), the display information predetermined for the visitor (2) from the data and by means of the first identifier; and sending a second data signal from the server device (14) to the mobile device (4), wherein the second data signal comprises the display information predetermined for the visitor (2) and causes the mobile device (4) to display the display information on a screen of the mobile device (4), wherein, if the search is not successful, a third data signal is generated by the processor device (8) and sent to the mobile device (4), wherein the third data signal comprises display information which is independent of the visitor (2) and causes the mobile device (4) to display the display information which is independent of the visitor (2) on the screen of the mobile device (4).

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising establishment, by means of the processor device (8), of a communications connection between the mobile device (4) of the visitor (2) and a communications device (20) of the resident (6) to be contacted, wherein the display information predetermined for the visitor (2) comprises a name of the resident (2) and / or their function.

3. Method according to claim 2, further comprising receiving location data by means of the processor device (8), wherein the location data indicate a location at which the mobile device (4) is located.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the location data are location data determined and conveyed by the mobile device (4).

5. Method according to claim 3, wherein the location data are determined by a detection device (16) arranged on the building (1) and are conveyed to the processor device (8).

6. Method according to any of claims 3-5, further comprising determining, by means of the processor device (8), whether the location indicated by the location data is at the building (1) and, if this is not the case, preventing the establishment of the communications connection.

7. Method according to claim 6, further comprising sending a message, by means of the processor device (8), to the mobile device (4), wherein the message indicates a reason for preventing the establishment of the communications connection.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical code (10) comprises a QR code or a barcode.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first identifier comprises a telephone number assigned to the mobile device (4), a MAC (media access control) address of the mobile device (4), and / or an identification number generated by a software application (app) installed on the mobile device (4), wherein the identification number is used to identify the mobile device (4) and / or the visitor (2).

10. Building communications system for a building (1), on which an optical code (10), in particular a QR code or a barcode, is arranged such that it can be read by a mobile device (4) of a visitor (2) while the visitor (2) is outside the building (1) or in a public zone within the building (1), comprising a server device (12) which has a processor device (8) and a storage device (14) communicatively connected to the processor device (8), wherein the storage device (14) stores data which are intended for determining display information predetermined for visitors (2), wherein the processor device (14) is designed to receive a first data signal, wherein the first data signal comprises a building identifier which results from the optical code (10) when it is read by the mobile device (4) of the visitor (2) and conveyed to the processor device (8), and wherein the building identifier indicates the building (1) at which the visitor (2) is located in order to contact a resident (6); to determine whether a first identifier associated with the visitor (2) is received with or in connection with the first data signal, wherein, if the first identifier is received, the visitor is a known visitor (2), and otherwise the visitor is an unknown visitor (2); if the first identifier is received, to search the storage device (14) for an identifier stored for the building (1) identified by the building identifier that is identical to the first identifier; if the search is successful, to determine the display information predetermined for the visitor (2) from the data and by means of the first identifier; to send a second data signal from the server device (8) to the mobile device (4) of the visitor (2), wherein the second data signal comprises the display information predetermined for the visitor (2) and causes the mobile device (4) to display the display information on a screen of the mobile device (4); and, if the search is not successful, to generate a third data signal and to send it to the mobile device (4), wherein the third data signal comprises display information which is independent of the visitor (2) and causes the mobile device (4) to display the display information which is independent of the visitor (2) on the screen of the mobile device (4).

11. Building communications system (1) according to claim 10, in which the processor device (14) is further configured to establish a communications connection between the mobile device (4) of the visitor (2) and a communications device (20) of the resident (6) to be contacted, wherein the display information predetermined for the visitor (2) comprises a name of the resident (2) and / or their function.

12. Building communications system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, in which the processor device (14) is further configured to receive location data, wherein the location data indicate a location at which the mobile device (4) is located.

13. Building communications system (1) according to claim 12, in which the processor device (14) is further configured to determine whether the location indicated by the location data is at the building (1) and, if this is not the case, to prevent the establishment of the communications connection.

14. System according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the optical code (10) is provided with a marking which can be perceived by touch, wherein the marking in particular comprises a Braille marking.