A system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage

Abstract

A system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building comprises one or more position sensors located within a lift system in a building, the sensors adapted to sense a position of the lift cage relative to a lift hoistway and a visual indicator positioned within the or each storey and adapted to indicate the position of the lift cage relative to the storey. The system comprises a processor adapted to process signals received from the one or more position sensors to determine the position of the lift cage and a controller adapted to receive information from the processor and control the visual indicator such that the visual indicator continuously indicates a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AND INDICATING A POSITION OF A LIFT CAGE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage. In particular, the system can be used to visually indicate a position of a lift cage relative to one or more storeys of a building.

[0004] Background

[0005] Lifts are typically used in commercial and residential buildings to transport people and items to different levels of the building.

[0006] A lift system typically comprises a lift cage which is hoisted within a lift hoistway using an electric motor and a counterweight system including pulleys. A lift cage is a rectangular box configured for holding a certain weight. The counterweight system balances the weight of the cars and reduces the load on the electric motor for moving the cage through the lift hoistway. The lift can use an electric motor or hydraulic mechanism or a combination of the two to hoist cars up and down within the hoistway. Load bearing metal cables and pulleys connect each of the lift cages to the motors.

[0007] The lift system has a number of safety systems to safeguard users in situations such as when a cable breaks.

[0008] Also, in larger buildings, with multiple elevators, the lift system can include systems which run sophisticated algorithms which determine and effect efficient moving of people through the building.

[0009] The lift system can be operated by a user who can call a lift by pressing a button. The buttons are typically located on the wall adjacent the lift door. There are usually two buttons one with an upward arrow and another with a downward arrow to indicate the direction that the user wishes to travel in.

[0010]

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[0012] The lift system also has a system for visually indicating whether the lift has arrived at a landing. An example of existing visual indicators are arrows which indicate the direction the lift is progressing in. Another example shows a panel with a series of numbers on the panel indicating lift levels. If the lift is on level two, then a user on level 1 will be able to see the number '2' lit up on the panel.

[0013] There is also typically an audible indication that the lift has arrived at a particular landing so that users get ready to walk into the lift.

[0014] It is useful and important to know where the lift is located at any time within the building.

[0015] Presently available visual indicators for lifts have a number of limitations. Such visual indicators are limited in that they do not provide accurate or precise indications of the location of the lift.

[0016] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building, comprising:

[0018] one or more position sensors located within a lift system in a building, the sensors adapted to sense a position of the lift cage relative to a lift hoistway;

[0019] a processor adapted to process signals received from the one or more position sensors to determine the position of the lift cage;

[0020] a visual indicator positioned within the or each storey and adapted to indicate the position of the lift cage relative to the storey;

[0021]

[0022] - 3 -

[0023] a controller adapted to receive information from the processor and control the visual indicator such that the visual indicator continuously indicates a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building, comprising:

[0025] one or more position sensors located within a lift system in a building, the sensors adapted to sense a position of the lift cage relative to a lift hoistway;

[0026] a processor adapted to process signals received from the one or more position sensors to determine the position of the lift cage;

[0027] a visual indicator positioned within the or each storey and adapted to indicate the position of the lift cage relative to the storey;

[0028] a controller adapted to receive information from the processor and control the visual indicator such that the visual indicator continuously indicates a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey, and

[0029] wherein the visual indicator is adapted to display a visual representation of the position of the lift cage, the size of the representation generally corresponding to the size of the lift cage.

[0030] The visual indicator may be adapted to display an indication of a shape or dimension or periphery of the lift cage.

[0031] The visual indicator may be adapted to display an indication of a vertical dimension of the lift cage.

[0032] The system may comprise a plurality of visual indicators, each located at a lift opening adjacent each elevator landing in the building.

[0033] The visual indicator may comprise a plurality of lights.

[0034] The visual indicator may be an LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs.

[0035]

[0036] -4 -

[0037] The visual indicator may be located adjacent or on the periphery of a lift door.

[0038] The one or more position sensors may comprise any one or more of the following: mechanical switch, magnetic sensor, optical sensor, position encoder, linear actuator with position feedback, mechanical slider or ramp, piezoelectric transducer, ultrasonic sensor, laser-based sensor, potentiometer sensor or tape reader.

[0039] The position sensor may comprise a signal emitter located on a part of the building within the hoistway and a signal receiver located on the lift cage.

[0040] The position sensor may comprise a signal receiver located on a part of the building within the hoistway and a signal emitter located on the lift cage.

[0041] The plurality of LEDs may be individually controlled by the controller.

[0042] The system may further comprises a speed sensor operably connected to the lift cage to sense the speed of the lift cage.

[0043] The controller may be adapted to adjust the speed of turning on and / or turning off of the visual indicator based on the speed of the lift cage.

[0044] The controller may be adapted to cause the visual indicator to operate in a number of different modes such as flashing, continuously or partially on, or colour mode.

[0045] The system may further comprise a timer operably coupled to the controller for controlling an operation time and / or duration of the visual indicator.

[0046] The system may further comprise a device adapted for wirelessly sending commands to the controller.

[0047] The device may be a handheld device such as a remote-control device.

[0048] The device may be a handheld device such as a mobile phone including an app configured to send commands to the controller.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage, comprising the steps of:

[0050] providing a system for determining and indicating the position of the lift cage;

[0051]

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[0053] sensing a position of the lift cage relative to the or each storey;

[0054] receiving sensor signals from the one or more position sensors;

[0055] processing the sensor signals to determine the position of the lift cage relative to the or each storey, and

[0056] controlling the visual indicator to continuously indicate a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey, in use.

[0057] Brief description of the drawinas

[0058] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0059] Fig. 1 is a schematic of a system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 2A shows a visual indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift departs a storey travelling downwards;

[0061] Fig. 2B shows a visual indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift arrives at a storey after travelling downwards;

[0062] Fig. 3A shows a visual indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift departs a storey travelling upwards;

[0063] Fig. 3B shows a visual indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift arrives at a storey after travelling upwards;

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a visual indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift is stuck between levels;

[0065] Fig. 5A shows a lift arriving at level 2

[0066] Fig. 5B shows a lift leaving level 2;

[0067] Fig. 6A shows a lift arriving at level 1 from level 2;

[0068] Fig. 6B shows a llift leaving level 1 towards level 2;

[0069] Fig. 7A shows a lift in error mode;

[0070] Fig. 7B shows a lift ready to receive passengers;

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[0073] Fig. 8 shows an example of a system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0074] Fig. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0075] Detailed description

[0076] Fig. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage or cabin or car relative to a storey of a building. The system comprises one or more position sensors 10 located within a lift system in a building. The sensors are adapted to sense a position of the lift cage relative to a lift hoistway. The system comprises a processor 20 which is adapted to process signals received from the one or more position sensors 10 to determine the position of the lift cage. The system comprises a visual indicator 40 positioned within the or each storey and adapted to indicate the position of the lift cage relative to the storey. The system comprises a controller 30 that is adapted to receive information from the processor 20 and control the visual indicator 40 such that the visual indicator 40 continuously indicates a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey.

[0077] The one or more position sensors 10 can be located on each landing at each storey of the building and are adapted to sense a location of the car. For example, in an embodiment a signal emitter can be located on the landing of each storey and a signal receiver located on the lift cage. In another embodiment, the position sensor 10 comprises a signal receiver located on a part of the building within the hoistway and a signal emitter located on the lift cage.

[0078] The position sensors can be positioned on the floor level and / or the ceiling level of each lift cage or the top and bottom of a storey.

[0079] It is envisaged that any suitable position sensor 10 can be used to sense the position of the lift cage relative to one or more landings at one or more storeys. For example, the one or more position sensors 10 can comprise any one or more of the following: mechanical switch, magnetic sensor, optical sensor, position encoder, linear

[0080]

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[0082] actuator with position feedback, mechanical slider or ramp, piezoelectric transducer, ultrasonic sensor, laser-based sensor, potentiometer sensor or tape reader.

[0083] The position of the lift cage can be determined relative to a location of one or more reference points of the lift cage relative to a reference point on each landing.

[0084] The processor 20 can be any suitable processor 20 that is able to receive and process signals from the position sensors.

[0085] As mentioned above, the visual indicator 40 is positioned within the or each storey and adapted to indicate the position of the lift cage relative to storey. The system can comprise a plurality of visual indicators 40, each located at a lift opening adjacent each elevator landing in the building. The visual indicator 40 can be adapted to display an indication of a shape of the lift cage. In other embodiments the visual indicator 40 can be adapted to display a dimension or indicate a periphery of the lift cage. Additionally or alternatively, the visual indicator 40 can be adapted to display an indication of a vertical dimension of the lift cage.

[0086] The visual indicator 40 comprises a plurality of lights. In an embodiment, the visual indicator 40 is an LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs. The LED's can be individually controlled or otherwise programmed to light up and / or turn off progressively.

[0087] In an example the visual indicator 40 is located adjacent or on the periphery of a lift door 2. For example, the visual indicator 40 can comprises two LED strips, one located on either side of a lift door 2 which progressively light up upwardly or progressively light up downwardly. The visual indicator 40 can be any type of light.

[0088] In another embodiment, the visual indicator may be located on the door(s). The door(s) may comprise one or two sliding doors or a hinged swing door.

[0089]

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[0091] The visual indicator can flash in a directional sequence indicating direction of the lift travelling e.g. (up arriving, up departing, down arriving, down departing).

[0092] The controller 30 can be any suitable controller 30 such as a microcontroller 30 operably connected to the CPU in a computer.

[0093] The controller 30 can be adapted to adjust the speed of turning on and / or turning off of the visual indicator 40 based on the speed of the lift cage.

[0094] The controller 30 can be operably connected to the lift controller such that it can receive an indication of the status of the lift and control the visual indicator accordingly. For example, if the lift is in fault, the lift controller can transmit a signal to the visual indicator controller 30 which in turn, will turn the lights red to indicate a fault. In another example, if the building has a number of lifts which are operable, the lift controller can feedback which visual indicator or which lift to light up e.g. after identifying the exact lift and position of that lift to the visual indicator controller 30.

[0095] The controller 30 can be adapted to cause the visual indicator 40 to operate in a number of different modes. These modes can include flashing, continuously on or partially on, or a colour mode. For example, the visual indicator 40 can be used to indicate a number of different things. It can be configured for visual appeal e.g. by changing the light to a particular colour. For example, a flashing visual indicator can indicate a system fault or error.

[0096] The system can further comprise a timer. The time can be operably coupled to the controller 30 for setting an operation time and / or duration of the visual indicator 40. For example, the visual indicator 40 can be turned on during main operating hours of the building.

[0097] The system can further comprise a device adapted for wirelessly sending commands to the controller 30. The device can be a handheld device such as a remotecontrol device. Alternatively, the device can be mobile phone including an app configured

[0098]

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[0100] to send commands to the controller 30. The device can include a touchscreen through which commands can be input. In this embodiment, the commands can be sent to the control unit wirelessly.

[0101] In an embodiment, the system further comprises a speed sensor operably connected to the lift cage to sense the speed of the lift cage. The speed sensor can be any suitable speed sensor configured to sense the speed of the lift cage such as a halleffect, electromagnetic sensor, RF sensor, inductive sensor or an accelerometer.

[0102] A method for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage comprises the steps of

[0103] - Providing the system for determining and indicating the position of the lift cage in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0104] - sensing a position of the lift cage relative to the or each storey;

[0105] - receiving sensor signals from the one or more position sensors 10;

[0106] - processing the sensor signals to determine the position of the lift cage relative to the or each storey, and

[0107] - controlling the visual indicator 40 to continuously indicate a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey, in use.

[0108] Figs. 2A to 3B show examples of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the lift is in use. In this embodiment, the visual indicator 40 is an LED strip comprising a plurality of LED lights which progressively turn off or turn on in concert with the movement of the elevator, as the elevator moves downwards or upwards. The LED strip is attached and arranged around the periphery of the elevator doors. The light strip has three main portions. A first vertical strip portion, a second opposed vertical strip portion and a third top horizontal strip 45 portion connecting the first and the second strip 43 portions. The LED strip mimics or indicates a shape of a front of the cage facing the user.

[0109]

[0110] - 10 -

[0111] Fig. 2A shows a visual indicator 40 when a lift cage departs a storey travelling downwards. In the leftmost image, the light strip is fully lit and has three portions as described above. As the lift cage departs to go downwards, the top strip portion turns off. When the lift cage moves downward each first and second strip 43 portion also gradually turns off starting from the top. The overall effect is that the user can see an outline of the lift cage moving downwards. When the lift cage has left the storey, the LED strip is completely turned off.

[0112] Fig. 2B shows a visual indicator 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift arrives at a storey after travelling downwards. The top part of the LED strip lights up as shown in the left most image and then the first and second strip 43o portions progressively light up until the entire LED strip has lit up indicating that the lift cage has arrived at the storey.

[0113] Fig. 3A shows a visual indicator 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure when a lift departs a storey travelling upwards. After the lift has arrived at a storey and is ready to depart to go up, the LED strip, progressively turns off from the bottom to top. As can be seen in Fig. 3A, the leftmost image shows a completely lit up LED strip, the middle image shows approximately 50% of the first strip 41portion 41 and the second strip 43 portion and the horizontal strip 45 portion lit up. The rightmost image shows a top part of the LED strip lit up.

[0114] Fig. 3B shows the visual indicator 40 when a lift arrives at a storey after travelling upwards. The leftmost image shows the first and second strip 43 portions lighting up as the lift cage starts arriving at the storey. The middle image shows a greater proportion of the first and second strip 43 portions lit up as the lift cage moves into position. The right most image shows the LED strip fully lit up indicating the lift cage has arrived at the landing / storey and the lift door 2 will open.

[0115]

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[0117] Fig. 4 shows the visual indicator 40 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure when a safety mode has been activated due to a lift cage being stuck between levels. The LED strip is partially lit up and the parts which are lit up correspond to the outline of the lift cage while is it stuck between levels. It is envisaged that depending on the location of the lift, part of the visual indicator 40 on one level may be lit up corresponding to the part of the lift cage stuck on that storey and part of a second visual indicator 40 on an adjacent storey may be lit up corresponding with the part of the lift cage stuck on that storey. In an embodiment, the colour of the emitted light can be changed from white light to another colour such as red, to indicate danger or a fault. In another embodiment, the colour of the emitted light can be red when the lift is leaving and green when the lift is arriving.

[0118] In this way, the visual indicator 40 continuously indicates a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey. Advantageously, this system provides more information on the location of the lift cage than existing methods of visually indicating the location of a lift. Typically, a lift system has a panel located adjacent a door of a lift which shows a series of lights for each level of the building and merely indicates the landing the lift is on. By contrast, the present invention can operate as a visual simulation of the lift as it moves through the building. The present invention provides real time and immediately apparent information on the size and location of the lift cage.

[0119] Figure 5A shows a 3D representation of part of a lift hoistway showing three consecutive storeys and doors, from ground to second level and a lift at various positions in the hoistway. In this embodiment 200, the visual indicator 140 comprises light strips located on either side of the door 141, 143. As shown in Figure 5A (A), when the lift is arriving at level 2 and is between levels 1 and 2, the strips 141, 143 are partly lit up. The height of the strip 141, 143 that is lit up corresponds directly to the part of the height of the lift which is directly behind the strip. In Figure 5A(B), the lift has arrived at level 2 and both strips 141, 143 are fully lit up. In this way, the visual indicator is adapted to display a visual representation of the position of the lift cage, the size of the representation generally or substantially corresponding to the size of the lift cage.

[0120]

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[0122] Figure 5B shows the lift departing level 2. In Figure 5B(A), both strips 141, 143 are lit up as the lift is about to leave. In figure 5B(B), the lift has moved so that part of it is between storeys 1 and 2. Each strip 141, 143 is partially lit up corresponding to the part of the lift that is within the storey in the hoistway.

[0123] Figure 6A(A) shows the lift arriving at level 1 from level 2. The top part of the strips 141, 143 are lit up corresponding to the part of the lift in the storey.

[0124] Figure 6A(B) shows the lift arrived at Level 1. Both strips 141, 143 are fully lit up.

[0125] Figure 6B(A) shows the lift at level 1 departing upwards. Both strips 141, 143 are fully lit up.

[0126] Figure 6B(B) shows the lift leaving and having entered the space between levels 1 and 2. The top part of both strips 141, 143 corresponding to the part of the lift still in the storey is lit up.

[0127] Figure 7A illustrates the lift in fault e.g. stuck in between storeys 1 and 2. The top part of the strips 141, 143 at storey 1 can be lit up in red. The length of strip 141, 143 that is lit up corresponds to the part of the vertical dimension of the lift still in Storey 1.

[0128] Figure 7B illustrates the lift at storey 1 and ready to receive passengers. Both strips 141, 143 can be lit up in green, for example.

[0129] In another embodiment (not shown), while moving of operating lifts can cause visual indicators on the doors directly corresponding to the movement of the lift to be progressively lit up as they travel between storeys, the visual indicator (not shown) at storeys immediately adjacent can be lit up too e.g. in a glowing or a low mode.

[0130] Alternatively the strips at storeys immediately adjacent the relevant storey can be turned off.

[0131]

[0132] - 13 -

[0133] There are a number of advantages of the present system over existing systems. Firstly, the visual indicator 40 can be visually pleasing to the user of the lift. The visual indicator 40 creates a luxurious impression adding visual appeal to the building and can be used to effect in a commercial building, luxury residential building, hotel or casino or other entertainment venue.

[0134] The system 100 for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building described above provides a visual indication for the exact location of the lift cage. If a lift gets stuck, there is no need to mentally visualise the location of a lift based on numbers, as you can see the exact location of the height of the stuck lift and between floors. This can allow personnel to quickly detect where the lift is stuck and warn users that the lift is stuck. Thus, use of the system 100 can help mobilise and guide assistance faster than conventional methods of detecting the exact position of the lift.

[0135] Another advantage is that this system 100 can be retrofit into existing lift system where there are pre-existing position sensors 10 and / or by programming existing lift control systems including VSD or PLC controllers 30, for example.

[0136] An example of how the above described and illustrated lighting effects can be implemented will now be described with reference to Figure 8. In this embodiment, the position sensors are magnetic position sensors. For example, a first sensor 10a is positioned at the top of the lift cage and a second sensor 10b is positioned at the bottom of the lift cage 2. There are magnets positioned between adjacent storeys in the lift hoistway. A first magnet 11a is positioned in the hoistway below ground level, a second magnet lib positioned above ground level and a third magnet 11c positioned under the first level.

[0137] The system 100 comprises a visual indicator controller 40 as described above, that is operably connected to the lift controller 5.

[0138]

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[0140] Lift signals such as inputs regarding lift direction and / or lift travelling, lift at floor level (stationary) or lift in fault may be decided by the lift controller 5 and sent to the visual indicator controller 30 to create the desired visual effects of the visual indicator 40.

[0141] The visual indicator controller 30 is adapted to select the sensor from which it will receive commands. For example, the visual indicator controller 30 may ignore either or both of the sensors depending on feedback from the lift controller 5 such as direction of movement of the lift cage 2. After the lift arrives or departs, the controller 5 may temporarily ignore further sensor inputs for a defined period (e.g. 3 seconds) to allow for the visual indicator 40 to progressively light up or turn off as programmed.

[0142] In one embodiment, following detection of an arrival or departure event, the visual indicator controller 30 enters a temporary ignore state during which further sensor inputs are disregarded for a predetermined time interval. This prevents unintended triggering of lighting sequences caused by transient sensor signals, levelling movements, or door zone oscillations.

[0143] In this example there is a first visual indicator (visual indicator 1) 40a around the door at ground level and a second visual indicator (visual indicator 2) 40b around the door at first level or level 1.

[0144] Event: Lift cage travelling from Level Basement to Level Ground

[0145] Visual indicator 1 40a would display an UP I Arriving effect as shown in FIG 3B when second sensor reads first magnet.

[0146] The first sensor 10a is ignored by the controller 30.

[0147] Event: Lift cage travelling from Level Ground to Level One

[0148]

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[0150] Visual indicator 1 40a would display an UP I Departing effect as shown in FIG 3A when second sensor 10b reads the second magnet lib.

[0151] The first sensor 10a is ignored by the visual indicator controller 30.

[0152] Visual indicator 2 would display an UP I Arriving effect as shown in FIG 3B when the second sensor 10b reads the third magnet 11c.

[0153] The first sensor 10a is ignored by the visual indicator controller 30.

[0154] Event: Lift cage moves from Level One to Level Ground

[0155] Visual indicator 2 would display a Down I Departing effect as shown in FIG 2A when first sensor 10a reads the third magnet 11c.

[0156] The second sensor 10b would be ignored as lift cage 2 is travelling down.

[0157] Visual Indicator 1 would display a Down I Arriving effect as shown in FIG 2B when first sensor 10a reads second magnet lib.

[0158] Sensor 1 10a would be ignored as lift is travelling down.

[0159] Event: FAULT during lift movement from Basement to Ground level i.e. lift goes into fault halfway up a door and stops moving.

[0160] The basement is located under the Ground level landing. In this embodiment, there is no LED strip as a visual indicator at the landing door of the basement.

[0161] Visual indicator 1 40a would display an UP I Arriving effect as shown in FIG 3B when the second sensor 10b reads the first magnet 11a.

[0162]

[0163] - 16 -

[0164] If the lift goes into fault before the visual indicator 40 has turned on, the LEDs of the visual indicator will stop turning on and change to a red colour. This will show location of a lift in fault and possible trapped passenger location.

[0165] Event: Visual indicator 1 and 2 permanently on

[0166] Visual indicators 1 and 2 40a.40b would be permanently on.

[0167] Event: Power saving mode

[0168] Visual indicator 1 40a and visual indicator 240b would alternate between being turned on and off.

[0169] This could create up to 50% power saving. This could also translate to any number of storeys where LED's turn on / off to reduce power consumption at any proportion e.g. 10% on 90% off or 40% on 60% off.

[0170] In an embodiment, the visual indicator 40 and visual indicator controller 30 may include brightness or ambience control.

[0171] Event: Visual indicators flashing when lift travelling

[0172] In an embodiment, the visual indicator 1 or 240a, 40b can have all LED's on continuous mode when the lift cage is at the particular storey.

[0173] For example, Visual indicators 1 and 2 40a, 40b would be permanently on when the lift is stationary. However, when the lift is moving, they may flash or pulse.

[0174] Event: Idle state behaviour, lift at floor level long duration or off

[0175] Visual indicator 1 and 240a, 40b may be configured to be dimmed after a defined period (e.g. 30 seconds) measured by the timer. When the lift is in an idle state, the

[0176]

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[0178] visual indicator 1 and 240a, 40b can remain illuminated, dimmed, or inactive.

[0179] Event: Any one or multiple sensors not reading

[0180] Visual indicator 1 and 2 40a, 40b can be dimmed after a defined period (e.g. 30 seconds).

[0181] This could also be used for locating a trapped passenger which in the event the led would turn red and show exactly where the cabin / cage / trapped passenger would be.

[0182] It is envisaged that there may be various other sensor arrangements which can achieve the above effects.

[0183] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the visual indicators are located inside the lift cage. In this embodiment, the visual indicators show the location and relative direction of the landing door during moving of the lift cage. The above disclosure relating to the visual indicators being present on the outside also apply to this embodiment in which visual indicators are present inside the lift e.g. the visual indicator would show similar LED trailing effects of turning LEDS on or off to show up departing, up arriving, down departing and down arriving based on a sensor arrangement which detects position of the lift cage relative to a storey. Visual indicators 241 and 243 are an LED strip located adjacent the door of the lift cage and inside the lift cage and visible to people inside the lift cage. Figure 9A illustrates part of the visual indicators 241 and 243 lit up as the lift cage arrives at level 2 from level 1. Fig. 9B illustrates all of the visual indicators 241 and 243 lit up as the lift cage has fully arrived at level 2.

[0184] Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the system can further comprise other indicators in addition to the visual indicators described above. For example, the indicator can be a visual indicator such as a button with a light which is of a colour indicating a status of the door. Upon pressing the button, the lift can

[0185]

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[0187] be called and / or the door can be opened. If the lift is called, the indicator light can turn on. When the lift arrives, the indicator light can turn green before the doors open and turn red when the doors are closing. In other embodiments, there may be other lights which indicate various different aspects such as the movement or status or position of the lift. In another example, the system can comprise other sensors operably connected to the LED strips which can sense the status of each LED e.g. sense and indicate whether each LED is operable.

[0188] The above described systems with visual indicators provides a more realistic impression of the size and shape of the lift cage as it approaches or leaves a storey compared to prior art visual indicators. The user is able to get a look and feel of a lift arriving that is not possible with prior art display screens which show numbers or arrows. This can improve user experience of using lifts especially while waiting for a lift.

[0189] Furthermore, using LED strips provides an easier, simpler and cheaper solution than complicated screen displays.

[0190] The above described systems provide a solution for determining whether the car is safe to access the top of the lift prior to opening the doors. It also provides the real location, speed, and a better sense of scale than previous solutions. For example, if the lift is stuck between levels and it needs to be attended to a technician will typically attend to the controller first and then check the top of the lift cage. When the technician is entering the hoistway from the landing, the top of the lift car should always be close to the landing floor level in order to provide safe access between the two. One will need to open the doors to determine where the top of the lift is and this is typically dangerous. As the LED strips in the above described systems are arranged around the periphery of the doors and show an outline of the lift cage in real time, they can show the approximate ceiling / roof location relative to the storey. Prior art display panels which merely show numbers or another type of indication relative to the numbers do not take into account lift cage ceiling / roof height, lift cage travel distances from floor to floor or the physical location of lift to allow safe entry on first attempt. Therefore, the above systems provide a safety feature.

[0191]

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[0193] The system can simultaneously indicate portions of the lift across adjacent stories, for example,

[0194] o the floor may be shown on level 1 with a part of the LED strip arrangement illuminated

[0195] o the ceiling may be shown on level 2 with the other part of the LED strip arrangement illuminated

[0196] As mentioned above, this shows the lift positioning between floors, but not as a single value (number, letter, or compressed display)— it shows the actual shape of the lift car as a measurement across the two landings.

[0197] In another embodiment where there are a number of lifts operating simultaneously, the building could have a power saving mode where the visual indicator(s) of a only a set number of lifts is operating. The visual indicator controller can be programmed such that the location and number of lift cages can vary over time.

[0198] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0199] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

- 20 -CLAIMS:

1. A system for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage relative to at least one storey of a building, comprising:one or more position sensors located within a lift system in a building, the sensors adapted to sense a position of the lift cage relative to a lift hoistway; a processor adapted to process signals received from the one or more position sensors to determine the position of the lift cage;a visual indicator positioned within the or each storey and adapted to indicate the position of the lift cage relative to the storey;a controller adapted to receive information from the processor and control the visual indicator such that the visual indicator continuously indicates a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey andwherein the visual indicator is adapted to display a visual representation of the position of the lift cage, the size of the representation generally corresponding to the size of the lift cage.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is adapted to display an indication of a shape or dimension or periphery of the lift cage.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is adapted to display an indication of a vertical dimension of the lift cage.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of visual indicators, each located at a lift opening adjacent each elevator landing in the building.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is a plurality of lights.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is an LED strip comprising a plurality of LEDs.- 21 -7. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the visual indicator is located adjacent or on the periphery of a lift door.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more position sensors comprises any one or more of the following: mechanical switch, magnetic sensor, optical sensor, position encoder, linear actuator with position feedback, mechanical slider or ramp, piezoelectric transducer, ultrasonic sensor, laser-based sensor, potentiometer sensor or tape reader.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the position sensor comprises a signal emitter located on a part of the building within the hoistway and a signal receiver located on the lift cage.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the position sensor comprises a signal receiver located on a part of the building within the hoistway and a signal emitter located on the lift cage.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs can be individually controlled by the controller.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a speed sensor operably connected to the lift cage to sense the speed of the lift cage.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller is adapted to adjust the speed of turning on and / or turning off of the visual indicator based on the speed of the lift cage.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to cause the visual indicator to operate in a number of different modes such as flashing, continuously or partially on, or colour mode.- 22 -15. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a timer operably coupled to the controller for controlling an operation time and / or duration of the visual indicator.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a device adapted for wirelessly sending commands to the controller.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the device is a handheld device such as a remotecontrol device.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the device is a handheld device such as a mobile phone including an app configured to send commands to the controller.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is adapted to display an indication of a direction of movement of the lift cage.

20. A method for determining and indicating a position of a lift cage, comprising the steps of:providing a system for determining and indicating the position of the lift cage according to any one of claims 1 to 18,sensing a position of the lift cage relative to the or each storey;receiving sensor signals from the one or more position sensors;processing the sensor signals to determine the position of the lift cage relative to the or each storey, andcontrolling the visual indicator to continuously indicate a real-time position of the lift cage as it moves relative to the storey, in use.

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