DYNAMIC AND / OR ADAPTIVE WAYWISE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system and a method for dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding. 2. Background

[0002] Safety indicators allow people to leave a building quickly and safely in an emergency situation, such as a fire. Such safety indicators should also be visible in the event of a failure of the building's general electrical lighting.

[0003] An example of safety indicators are safety sign lights, which indicate an escape or rescue route for people to leave a building. Such safety sign lights are often illuminated pictograms depicting a stylized running figure and an arrow pointing toward the escape route, but can also include other symbols (e.g., the word "EXIT"). The pictograms are static and are, for example, glued, inserted, or printed onto signs.

[0004] One problem with these systems is that the static pictograms can lead people directly into a dangerous situation, such as a smoky room.

[0005] Dynamic safety displays are known to solve this problem. Some safety sign luminaires are designed as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or LED displays. The latter, for example, take the form of an LED matrix or by coupling LED light into a light guide plate. These displays display an arrow pointing toward the escape route, with the arrow direction being adjustable by controlling the display. The control is based, for example, on smoke detector data.

[0006] However, the familiar dynamic safety displays are problematic. Firstly, the arrows displayed on these displays often do not meet the regulations and standards for shape, color, or luminance for safety signs (EN1838, ISO7010, ISO3864). Secondly, a failure of the internal power supply in these displays results in the display no longer producing any information, whereas a simple, printed pictogram is still legible, for example, in daylight.

[0007] WO 2010 / 142 843 A1 shows a display system and a display device.

[0008] DE 10 2015 218 161 A1 shows an emergency signal light with electronic memory.

[0009] US 8 970 354 B2 shows an electronic guidance device.

[0010] US 2009 / 0270065 A1 shows an escape route system.

[0011] DE 10 2013 201873 A1 shows dynamic emergency assistance.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved wayfinding system and an improved method for dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding that eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system that enables the display of images even in the event of a power failure of the system.

[0013] These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner. 3. Detailed description of the invention

[0014] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system according to claim 1.

[0015] In particular, the at least one dynamic display can display an image even if a power supply to the system, in particular the display device, has failed. Furthermore, the use of pre-stored images allows for a reliable and rapid display of standardized and easily recognizable images.

[0016] The dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system can indicate a specific path, e.g., an escape route, or a specific direction to people using the display device, depending on the parameter detected by the sensor. This allows people to be guided along specific paths through an environment.

[0017] The dynamic wayfinding system is, in particular, an adaptive wayfinding system that can change a display even during emergency operation.

[0018] For example, the wayfinding system is an emergency lighting system for an environment, in particular a building. The wayfinding system may include emergency lighting, safety lighting, escape route lighting, and / or escape route signs.

[0019] The at least one display device can form an escape or rescue route sign and can be arranged on a wall or ceiling of a building. The display device can comprise a housing in which the dynamic display is embedded.

[0020] The physical quantity relevant for the guidance may include at least one of the following quantities: a light intensity, a temperature, a current value, a gas concentration, a noise, in particular a noise level, or a position of persons in the room.

[0021] In particular, the physical quantity relevant to route guidance is a safety-relevant physical quantity, especially an escape route-relevant physical quantity. The physical quantity can indicate a hazardous situation, such as a fire or the presence of hazardous gases, the position and / or condition of people, or other hazardous situations such as terrorism, crowds, or crowds of people.

[0022] A dynamic display is any type of display that can be controlled to show different static and / or dynamic images.

[0023] When the display device is used as an escape or rescue route sign, the dynamic display can show an escape route display, an escape route display or an escape route sign of the wayfinding system.

[0024] For example, at least one dynamic display shows a stylized figure on a green background and an arrow pointing toward an escape route. The direction of the arrow can be dynamically adjusted based on the control signal. Other safety signs are also possible, such as the "EXIT" lettering, as used in the USA, for example.

[0025] The dynamic display maintains a displayed image even when the power is off. This means that the dynamic display uses a display technology that allows images to be displayed continuously without the need for a maintenance voltage.

[0026] In particular, the dynamic display is designed as a bistable display, which requires a power supply only to change the display. The bistable display is, for example, an electrolytic capacitor display or another bistable display, e.g., a bistable LCD display, a flip-dot display, a display based on electrophoretically controlled total internal reflection, or a display based on interferometric modulators (IMOD).

[0027] The dynamic display can also be designed as a reflective or transflective display. A transflective display uses ambient light as an additional light source through partial reflection.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the dynamic display comprises an e-paper display. This provides the advantage of creating a dynamic display that continues to display a set image even in the event of a power failure.

[0029] E-paper displays offer the additional advantage of closely resembling traditional signage. Existing standards for the appearance of safety displays can be more easily met with this type of display.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the dynamic display is designed to display static or dynamic images, in particular pictograms, and / or text. This provides the advantage that route information can be conveyed particularly efficiently.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the dynamic display is a multi-color display. This provides the advantage that the displayed images are more easily recognizable. For example, pictograms can be displayed with correct colors, which allows compliance with standards for safety displays in particular.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the at least one display device comprises a light source, in particular an LED light source, which is arranged to illuminate the dynamic display. This provides the advantage that the dynamic display is more easily recognizable. Particularly when the dynamic display is configured as a reflective e-paper display, the illumination of the display can improve the illumination and thus the readability.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the dynamic display comprises a first and a second display area, wherein the dynamic display is configured to display a static image in the first display area and a dynamic image in the second display area in response to the control signal. This provides the advantage that route information can be conveyed particularly efficiently.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the dynamic display comprises a first and a second display area, wherein the first display area displays the safety sign, and the second area can display additional information that, for example, makes it easier for people to understand the situation and, in particular, to escape safely. Furthermore, the dynamic display can include dynamic animations, such as flashing arrows or moving lights, that increase the sign's recognizability.

[0035] The dynamic display can be designed to continue to display at least a static image of the dynamic display in the event of a power failure.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the wayfinding system comprises a central energy supply system, in particular a central battery system or another central energy source, such as a diesel supply or a second network, etc., for supplying energy to the at least one display device, and / or the at least one display device comprises a local energy supply system, in particular a local battery or another local energy source, such as a supercapacitor or a fuel cell, etc., for supplying energy. This achieves the advantage of enabling a reliable energy supply to the system, independent of the energy supply of the building.

[0037] The central energy supply system can also be configured to supply energy to the control unit and / or the at least one sensor. The control unit can at least partially comprise the central energy supply system.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a smoke detector, a gas sensor, an acoustic sensor, a camera, and / or a presence sensor. This provides the advantage that the physical quantity can be detected efficiently.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the wayfinding system comprises a plurality of sensors, in particular a plurality of sensors of different types, for detecting additional physical variables relevant to the wayfinding process. The control unit is configured to additionally determine the control signal based on the additional physical variables detected. This provides the advantage of creating a particularly safe system.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the at least one display device comprises a memory on which images, in particular pictograms, are stored in whole or in part for display on the dynamic display. This provides the advantage that the images can be efficiently retrieved and displayed.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the wayfinding system further comprises at least one acoustic indicator device, in particular a siren and / or a loudspeaker, for emitting acoustic signals. This provides the advantage of further increasing the safety of the system.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the control unit is connected to the at least one display device via a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), a Powerline Communication (PLC) connection, or a wireless connection. This provides the advantage that the control signal can be efficiently transmitted to the display device.

[0043] The at least one display device and / or the control unit can each comprise a PLC interface, a DALI interface, and / or a wireless communication interface. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the control signal using a lookup table, a function, in particular a predefined function, an AI algorithm, and / or a neural network, in particular a trained neural network. This provides the advantage that the control signal can be determined efficiently.

[0044] The control unit may include a logic unit for determining the control command. The logic unit may be implemented as software on a processor of the control unit.

[0045] The AI ​​algorithm may include an artificial intelligence (AI) based learning algorithm.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the control unit is connectable to a cloud, wherein the control unit is configured to transmit the detected physical variable relevant to the route guidance to the cloud and to receive the control command and / or an instruction for determining the control command from the cloud. This provides the advantage that the control signal can be determined particularly efficiently.

[0047] The cloud may comprise a cloud server and / or a cloud database. The cloud may comprise a data storage and software, in particular an AI algorithm, for determining the control command based on the physical quantity relevant to the route guidance and / or on the quantities stored in the data storage.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the at least one display device can be placed into a commissioning mode and / or a maintenance mode, wherein the at least one display device is configured to display maintenance information in the maintenance mode and information for commissioning the at least one display device and / or the wayfinding system in the commissioning mode. This provides the advantage that the system and / or the display device can be efficiently commissioned and / or maintained.

[0049] The commissioning mode and / or maintenance mode can be activated with a hidden button on the display device or via NFC interface.

[0050] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 12.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the control signal is determined using a lookup table, a function, in particular a predefined function, an AI algorithm, and / or a neural network, in particular a trained neural network. This provides the advantage that the control signal can be determined particularly efficiently.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the method comprises detecting additional physical variables relevant to the path guidance, with the control signal additionally being determined based on the additional detected physical variables. This provides the advantage that the control signal can be determined particularly efficiently.

[0053] The method can be carried out with the wayfinding system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0054] In particular, the physical quantity relevant for the route guidance is detected by at least one sensor and the control signal is determined by a control unit on the basis of the detected physical quantity. 4. Short description of the characters

[0055] Below is a brief description of the figures. It shows: Figure 1a a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system, figure1b shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system, figure 2 a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a display device, Figures 3a-b schematic representations of further embodiments of display devices, Figures 4a-b schematic representations of further embodiments of display devices, figure 5 a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a display device, figure 6 a preferred embodiment of a lookup table, and figure 7 a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a method for dynamic and / or adaptive route guidance. 5. Detailed description

[0056] Figure 1a discloses a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10.

[0057] The wayfinding system 10 comprises at least one sensor 11a-c, which is designed to detect a physical quantity relevant for route guidance, at least one display device 13a-c, which comprises a dynamic display, wherein the dynamic display is designed to maintain a displayed image in the de-energized state, a control unit 15, which is designed to determine a control signal based on the physical quantity relevant for route guidance, wherein the control unit 15 is further designed to control the at least one display device 13a-c with the control signal for displaying a completely or partially pre-stored image on the dynamic display.

[0058] The dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 can indicate a specific path or direction to people using the display device, depending on the parameter detected by the sensor. Thus, people can be guided along specific paths through an environment.

[0059] For example, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 is an emergency lighting system for an environment, in particular a building. The wayfinding system 10 can include emergency lighting, safety lighting, escape route lighting, and / or escape route signs.

[0060] For example, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 comprises a plurality of display devices 13a-c, each of which displays a stylized figure on a green background and an arrow pointing toward an escape route on its dynamic display. The direction of the arrow can be dynamically adjusted based on the control signal. The wayfinding system 10 can thus form a dynamic escape route system for a building.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the control unit 15 comprises a logic unit 17, for example, a processor. The logic unit 17 can be configured to determine the control command. The logic unit 17 can be implemented as software.

[0062] The dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 may further comprise a central energy supply system in the form of a central battery system 14 or another central energy source (e.g., diesel supply, or a second network, etc.). The battery system may be configured to supply energy to the display devices 13a-c, the sensors 11a-c, and / or the control unit 15. The control unit 15 may at least partially comprise the central energy supply system, in particular the central battery system 14, in a further embodiment.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the wayfinding system 10 comprises a plurality of sensors 11a-c, each of which is configured to detect physical variables relevant to the route guidance, in particular different physical variables. The control unit 15 can be configured to determine the control signal for each display device 13a-c based on the detected physical variables relevant to the route guidance.

[0064] The sensors are, for example, smoke detectors, from which the control unit 15 or the battery system 14 receives information about which rooms of a building are smoky.

[0065] The wayfinding system 10 can comprise at least parts of a fire alarm control panel (FAC) or be connected to a FAC, whereby the sensors 11a-c can be connected directly to the FAC. The logic unit 17 of the control unit 15 can be connected between the FAC and the battery system 14 and trigger so-called emergency lighting scenarios. For example, an alarm from a smoke detector with the number 2 means that a display with the number 3 displays a red cross, or an alarm from a smoke detector with the number 5 means that the arrow direction on a display with the number 3 changes from right to left.

[0066] The control unit 15 can be communicatively connected to the at least one display device 13a-c. The battery system 14 receives, for example, the information from the fire alarm control panel or logic unit 17 and forwards it as a control command to the display devices 13a-c. The control command can be transmitted via a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), a Powerline Communication (PLC) connection, or a wireless connection.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the at least one display device 13a-c sends a feedback message to the control unit 15 after receiving the control command, so that a communication failure between the display device 13a-c and the control unit 15 can be excluded.

[0068] According to one embodiment, various sensors can be connected to the fire alarm control panel, for example, smoke detectors for detecting a fire and gas sensors that detect whether dangerous gases are present in a room. The sensors can also include cameras and / or presence sensors that, for example, detect the location of people in a building and their current state.

[0069] Furthermore, sensors 11a-c can include acoustic sensors, e.g., microphones that can detect sounds in a room. Intelligent software can detect a dangerous situation, e.g., a terrorist alert or a fire, based on the sounds.

[0070] Figure 1b discloses a schematic representation of another embodiment of a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10.

[0071] The dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 in Figure 1b includes fiveSensors 11a-e: a smoke detector, a CO2 sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, a camera, and a microphone. Sensors 11a-e are connected to three display devices 13a-c via control unit 15.

[0072] The control unit 15 forms in the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1b a central wayfinding system. The control unit 15 can comprise a logic unit, particularly in the form of software, which is designed to control the display devices 13a-c in a situation-specific manner. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the logic unit is designed to develop itself in a self-learning manner.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 15 is configured to initially control the display device 13a-c according to a defined behavior, for example, based on a lookup table. When the wayfinding system 10 is used as an emergency lighting system, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 is configured, for example, to guide people to predefined alternative or escape routes in the event of a fire.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 is a self-learning system. In particular, the wayfinding system 10 is designed to continuously record and store the behavior of people caused by the system, for example, the predefined alternative routes and the people's reactions to these alternative routes.

[0075] For example, in an emergency, presence sensors or cameras can be used to record the movement of these people (people tracking). Based on this information, the wayfinding system 10, in particular the control unit 15, can learn, for example, that too many people are being directed to the same escape route, which will subsequently overload this escape route and increase the risk of mass panic. In the next emergency, the wayfinding system 10 can then divide the flow of people into two escape routes. The presence sensors or cameras used for this purpose can be integrated into the display devices 13a-c or arranged separately.

[0076] The wayfinding system 10 can also be configured to guide flows of people through an environment with the goal of avoiding congestion. Examples include guiding people through museums, guiding people to desired goods in a store, or guiding vehicles in a parking garage or in a city to available parking spaces.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 15 is connected to a cloud 16, in particular a cloud server or a cloud database. The dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 can comprise the cloud 16 or can be connected to the cloud 16. Thus, the collected data can be stored and evaluated not only in the system, but also in the cloud 16.

[0078] The dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 can be designed to send the collected data to the cloud 16, in particular to send it anonymously, for example via the control unit 15, which is connected to the cloud 16.

[0079] The cloud 16 can be configured to store this data on a data storage device in the cloud 16. The cloud 16 can further comprise software, in particular artificial intelligence (AI) or an AI algorithm, for evaluating the data.

[0080] The software may be self-learning and / or self-optimizing software and may be trained to use new data for learning or optimization.

[0081] The cloud 16 can be connected to additional wayfinding systems 19, in particular additional wayfinding systems in other buildings, and can receive additional data from these additional wayfinding systems 19. The cloud 16 can be configured to also use this additional data to learn or optimize the software and / or to determine the control command. The additional wayfinding systems 19 can be additional emergency lighting systems in other buildings.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the software and / or data from the cloud 16 are cyclically stored and continuously updated in the wayfinding system 10, particularly in the control unit 15. This creates a fail-safe system and prevents delays.

[0083] In addition to the display devices 13a-c, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 may include additional actuators, particularly acoustic display devices. These actuators may be sirens or loudspeakers for warning announcements. The acoustic display devices, for example, generate additional acoustic signals for visually impaired people, which complement the visual displays (dual-sense principle).

[0084] In addition to permanently installed sensors, the sensors 11a-c can also include mobile devices, in particular mobile phones, tablets, or smartphones. The mobile devices can be connected to the wayfinding system, in particular to the control unit 15, via communication technology and can, for example, transmit position data to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 can detect the location of people in the building based on the position data from the mobile devices.

[0085] In a further embodiment, the display devices 13a-c can be activated via mobile devices, for example, via an app. After activation, the display devices 13a-c display a desired piece of information in their dynamic display.

[0086] In further embodiments, the wayfinding system 10 can be used for navigation, in particular for indoor navigation in buildings.

[0087] For example, the wayfinding system 10 forms an interactive video guide for a museum or a city. A visitor can activate the display devices 13a-c using an app, which then shows them information or videos about the surrounding area. The display devices 13a-c can be located, for example, on exhibits in the museum or on historical buildings.

[0088] In another application example, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 can be used for wayfinding in a store. The wayfinding system 10 can be configured to guide a person to a specific item in the store using the display devices 13a-c. Additional display devices 13a-c can be located on specific items of merchandise. These display devices, when activated via an app, display additional information about these items, e.g., about the production of the merchandise. The system can identify the customer via the smartphone and then display personalized information, such as customer offers.

[0089] In one application example, the dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 is implemented in an office building. Based on the sensor data, it detects whether a workstation or meeting room is occupied and guides a person to a free workstation or room using the display device 13a-c. This can be displayed via an app or via corresponding displays in the meeting rooms.

[0090] In one application example, the wayfinding system 10 is implemented in a hospital to guide people, such as doctors or visitors, to a patient. Waiting patients can also be shown a waiting time.

[0091] In one application example, the wayfinding system 10 is implemented in a retirement or nursing home. For example, if an emergency button is pressed in a room of the retirement or nursing home, information to reassure the patient, such as "Help is on the way," can be displayed on a display device 13a-c in the room, or a direct connection to a caregiver can be established via video chat.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the wayfinding system 10 is designed to display timetables, for example, at train stations, airports, or bus stops. People can access additional timetable information via an associated app.

[0093] Furthermore, the wayfinding system 10 can be used for traffic guidance. For example, the display devices 13a-c form traffic signs, which display additional information on the dynamic display, such as a timer indicating a waiting time in a traffic jam, or a warning message about an accident or a dangerous situation.

[0094] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a display device 13.

[0095] The display device 13 can form or depict an escape route display, an escape route display or an escape route sign of the wayfinding system.

[0096] The display device 13 may comprise a dynamic display 21 in a housing 23.

[0097] The dynamic display 21 can be a reflective or transflective display. The dynamic display 21 can also be a bistable display, which requires a power supply only to change the display.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the dynamic display 21 is an e-paper (electronic paper) display.

[0099] The dynamic display 21 can be a multi-color display, in particular a multi-color e-paper display. Thus, pictograms and warnings can be displayed in colors that comply with standards.

[0100] The multicolor display can be configured to display at least eight colors, in particular green, white, red, yellow, blue, orange, violet, and black. By limiting the display to the most important colors, the dynamic display 21 can be manufactured cost-effectively. At the same time, the resolution of the dynamic display 21 can be improved using a special color mixing method, so-called pixel mixing.

[0101] The dynamic display 21 can be used to display static or dynamic images. A static image is, for example, a pictogram or text that does not change over time. A dynamic image is, for example, a flashing display, such as a flashing arrow, or a video.

[0102] The dynamic display 21 of the Figure 2The display device 13 shown comprises a first display area 21a and a second display area 21b. The dynamic display 21 can be configured to display different images in the first display area 21a and the second display area 21b in response to the control signal, for example a pictogram in the first display area 21a and a text or a flashing arrow in the second display area 21b.

[0103] The display device 13 can further include a lighting element 25. The lighting element 25 is, for example, an LED front light and can be arranged so that the dynamic display 21 is illuminated as completely as possible. In particular, when the dynamic display 21 is configured as a reflective e-paper display, the front light can increase readability.

[0104] Alternatively, the illumination 25 can also be arranged behind the dynamic display 21. In particular, the dynamic display 21 is a transflective display that is uniformly illuminated by the illumination 25 in the background.

[0105] The display device 13 may further comprise a memory 27 on which images for display on the dynamic display 21 are stored in whole or in part.

[0106] The display device 13 may further comprise a local power supply system, for example, a local battery 28 or another local energy source (e.g., a supercapacitor, a fuel cell, etc.) for powering the dynamic display 21. Furthermore, the display may also be connected to a central battery system 14 of the wayfinding system 10.

[0107] The display device 13 can interpret the control command from the control unit 15, similar to a scene call, and display a corresponding image. The control command typically does not include the entire image, but rather only an address of the respective display device 13 and an image ID. This can, in particular, accelerate communication and prevent transmission errors.

[0108] The display device 13 can recognize that it is being controlled via the address. For this purpose, dedicated electronics in the display device 13 can read the address and assign an image based on the image ID. The images associated with the image IDs can be stored in the memory 27. The electronics then controls the dynamic display 21 accordingly, which then displays the image.

[0109] Furthermore, new images, e.g. new pictograms, can be loaded into the memory 27 of the display device 13 via an update function from the battery system 14 or from the cloud 16.

[0110] The display device 13 may further include a communication interface 29. The communication interface 29 is, for example, an NFC interface, a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), or a Powerline Communication (PLC) interface.

[0111] Images, in particular pictograms, can be transferred to the memory of the display device 13 via the communication interface 29. When transferred via NFC, the images can be loaded directly into the memory of the dynamic display 13 using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

[0112] Figures 3a-b show schematic representations of further embodiments of display device 13.

[0113] The display device 13 can be controlled depending on the situation. In addition to a safety sign, the dynamic display 21 can also display additional information, such as information about dangerous situations, escape route recommendations, alternative routes, persons in distress, etc. The additional information can be directed to the people in the building or to the emergency services. Different or supplementary information can be displayed on the first display area 21a and the second display area 21b of the dynamic display 21.

[0114] Figure 3a For example, a first display area 21a shows a crossed-out safety sign, and a second, underlying display area 21b displays additional information in the form of additional pictograms and a contamination warning. This allows people to be alerted to a hazard on the escape route and choose an alternative route.

[0115] Figure 3b shows a safety sign in the first display area 21a and three flashing arrows in the second display area 21b. The animation in the second display area 21b can increase the awareness of the escape route indicator.

[0116] Figure 3c shows a photo instead of a safety sign in the first display area 21a, and safety information in the second display area 21b. This allows people in the building to be informed of a current dangerous situation. In the event of a terrorist attack, this safety information would be, for example, "Doors have been locked" or "Police are on the way." If a person has pressed an emergency button, e.g., in a hospital or nursing home, this safety information would be, for example, "Paramedics are on the way."

[0117] Figure 3dThe first display area 21a shows a map of the building, and the second display area 21b shows information about people in the building. This information can be determined using sensors 11a-c, in particular presence detectors or cameras. This display can be used, for example, to inform rescue workers about the current situation in the building. For this purpose, sensors 11a-c record, for example, the number of people in the building, their location, and / or their state of health.

[0118] The display of this additional safety information, especially information about people in the building, can be activated via a hidden button on the light or special software, such as a dedicated app available to emergency personnel. This ensures that this sensitive information is only displayed in an emergency situation.

[0119] Figures 4a-bshow schematic representations of further embodiments of display devices.

[0120] The display device 13 can be set to a commissioning mode or a maintenance mode. The commissioning mode and / or maintenance mode can be activated using a concealed button on the display device. The concealed button can be arranged such that it is inaccessible or cannot be activated during normal operation. For example, the commissioning or maintenance mode can only be activated when the display device 13 is de-energized.

[0121] Alternatively, the commissioning and / or maintenance mode can be activated via an NFC interface of the display device 13. The NFC interface can be configured so that it is not accessible during normal operation.

[0122] Figure 4ashows the display device 13 in a commissioning mode. In this commissioning mode, the dynamic display 21 shows, for example, assembly instructions for the display device 13.

[0123] In Figure 4a The first display area 21a of the dynamic display 21 shows step-by-step assembly instructions as text and the second display area 21b shows corresponding illustrations.

[0124] In one embodiment, activating the commissioning mode activates battery operation of the display device 13. Such battery operation otherwise only occurs in the event of a power failure (emergency operation).

[0125] In commissioning mode, new images, in particular new pictograms, can be loaded into the memory 27 of the display device 13. The pictograms can be loaded via the communication interface 29 of the display device 13. The pictograms can be loaded into the memory 27 either via a DALI or powerline connection of the wayfinding system 10, or via an NFC interface directly on the display device 13.

[0126] Figure 4b The display device 13 is in a maintenance mode. In this maintenance mode, the dynamic display 21 shows, for example, current error messages, spare parts for troubleshooting, or repair instructions.

[0127] In Figure 4b the first display area 21a of the dynamic display 21 shows the maintenance information in text form and the second display area 21b shows corresponding images.

[0128] Figure 5shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a display device 13.

[0129] The dynamic display 21 is in Figure 5 designed as a segmented display and comprises a large number of individual segments 51. The segments are defined by superimposing all displayable pictograms.

[0130] When the display device 13 is configured as an escape route sign, the displayable pictograms are, for example, arrow directions in 45° increments and a stylized figure, which can be displayed on a left and right side of the display 21. Overlaying these images results in, for example, approximately 200 segments 51 that can be individually controlled.

[0131] The control of the individual segments 51 can be implemented via an etched backplane. The backplane can comprise dedicated electronics and can be configured to communicate with additional electronics of the display device 13. In this way, the backplane can be controlled to illuminate specific segments 51, for example, via an SPI interface, in order to display specific icons and / or arrows on the display 21.

[0132] Figure 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a lookup table.

[0133] The lookup table 61 can specify which images the respective display devices 13a-c of a dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 display depending on the triggered sensors 11a-c.

[0134] In the example lookup table 61 in Figure 6The arrow direction indicated by the four indicators of a first fire zone and the six indicators of a second fire zone is determined based on the presence of six smoke detectors. Depending on which smoke detector is used to detect a fire, a different arrow direction and thus a different escape route may be indicated.

[0135] As in Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 15 of the wayfinding system 10 may include a logic unit 17 that connects the sensors 11a-c to the display devices 13a-c. The logic unit 17 may be configured to determine the control commands for controlling the individual display devices 13a-c based on the lookup table.

[0136] The logic unit 17 can be integrated into a computer of the fire alarm control panel (BMZ). Alternatively, the logic unit 17 can be implemented in a separate controller between the fire alarm control panel and the central battery system 14, e.g., a LITECOM controller. Furthermore, the logic unit can also be integrated directly into the central battery system 14, e.g., in the form of a miniaturized computer. In particular, the logic unit 17 is implemented as software.

[0137] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a method 70 for dynamic and / or adaptive route guidance.

[0138] The method 70 comprises detecting 71 a physical quantity relevant for route guidance, determining 73 a control signal based on the detected physical quantity, controlling 75 a display device 13 with the control signal, and displaying 77 a completely or partially pre-stored image on a dynamic display 21 of the display device 13, wherein the dynamic display 21 is configured to retain the image in the de-energized state.

[0139] The procedure 70 from Figure 7 can be used with the Figure 1 dynamic and / or adaptive wayfinding system 10 shown as an example.

Claims

1. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) comprising: at least one sensor (11a-e) that is designed to sense a physical variable relevant to a route guidance, at least one display device (13, 13a-c) that comprises a dynamic display (21), wherein the dynamic display (21) is designed to retain a displayed image in an unpowered state, wherein the display device further comprises a memory (27) on which images for display on the dynamic display (21) are completely stored, and a control unit (15), a cloud (16) with a data memory and an AI algorithm for ascertaining a control signal on the basis of the physical variable relevant to the route guidance, wherein the control unit (15) can be connected to the cloud (16), wherein the control unit (15) is furthermore designed to transmit to the cloud (16) the physical variable relevant to the route guidance and to receive the control signal from the cloud (16), wherein the control unit (15) is furthermore designed to actuate the at least one display device (13, 13a-c) with the control signal to display a completely prestored image on the dynamic display (21), wherein the display device is furthermore designed to interpret the control signal in order to display the corresponding image.

2. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the dynamic display (21) comprises an e-paper display.

3. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the dynamic display (21) is designed to display static or dynamic images, in particular pictograms, and / or text.

4. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (13, 13a-c) comprises a lighting system (25), in particular an LED lighting system, that is arranged to illuminate the dynamic display (21).

5. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dynamic display (21) comprises a first display region (21a) and a second display region (21b), wherein the dynamic display (21) is designed to display, in response to the control signal, a static image in the first display region (21a) and a dynamic image in the second display region (21b).

6. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signposting system (10) comprises a central power supply system, in particular a central battery system (14) or another central power source, for supplying power to the at least one display device (13, 13a-c), and / or wherein the at least one display device (13, 13a-c) comprises a local power supply system, in particular a local battery (28) or another local power source, for supplying power.

7. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (11a-e) is a smoke detector, a gas sensor, an acoustic sensor, a camera, and / or a presence sensor.

8. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signposting system (10) comprises a plurality of sensors (11a-e), in particular a plurality of sensors of different types, for sensing further physical variables relevant to the route guidance, wherein the control unit (15) is designed to additionally ascertain the control signal on the basis of the sensed further physical variables.

9. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which furthermore comprises at least one acoustic indicator, in particular a siren and / or a loudspeaker, for outputting acoustic signals.

10. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (15) is connected to the at least one display device (13, 13a-c) by means of a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), a power line communication (PLC) connection, or a wireless connection.

11. Dynamic and / or adaptive signposting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one display device (13, 13a-c) can be set to a startup mode and / or maintenance mode, wherein the at least one display device (13, 13a-c) is designed to display information relating to maintenance in the maintenance mode, and information relating to the startup of the at least one display device (13, 13a-c) and / or of the signposting system (10) in the startup mode.

12. Method (70) for dynamic and / or adaptive signposting, comprising: sensing (71) a physical variable relevant to a route guidance, connecting to a cloud (16), transmitting to the cloud (16) the physical variable relevant to the route, ascertaining a control signal on the basis of the physical variable relevant to the route guidance using an AI algorithm of the cloud (16), receiving the control signal from the cloud (16), actuating (75) a display device (13, 13a-c) with the control signal, and displaying (77) a completely prestored image on a dynamic display (21) of the display device (13, 13a-c), wherein the dynamic display (21) is designed to retain the image in an unpowered state, by providing completely stored images for display on the dynamic display (21) by means of a memory in the display device, and interpreting of the control signal by the display device to display the corresponding image.