The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for intelligently guiding a user to ride an elevator/escalator in a building complex such as a shopping mall. Based on a current location and floor level of a user in the building complex and a target floor and location, and a 3D model of the building complex, either an elevator path or escalator path may be automatically and intelligently selected from possible paths.

A computerized information apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor apparatus, and first wireless interface, radio frequency apparatus, and at least one computer program configured to run on the processor apparatus, the at least one program being configured to enable functions within a transport device including remote control of environment functions (e.g., HVAC, lighting, imagery capture) based on authentication of a user carrying a portable radio frequency device.

Elevators and other facilities in buildings and other constructed environments can be controlled remotely. In an advanced controlling method at least one person is guided through constructed environment along a predetermined route. When the route is known facilities, such as elevators, may be called or activated in advance so that the person guided along the route does not need to do it when arriving at the area of influence of the facility. When there are more than one person travelling the routes may be combined such that the central system controlling allocations of facilities may call or activate resources more than one person.

A computerized information apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor apparatus, and speech input apparatus, touch screen input and display apparatus, and at least one computer program configured to run on the processor apparatus, the at least one program being configured to provide a user with contextually relevant content without an affirmative request for such content, but rather based on context divined from one or more free form words spoken by the user, whether while searching for information or otherwise. In one variant, the context determination is performed by a remote networked server after having been provided digitized speech samples via wireless interface. In another variant, the context is determined based on soft function key inputs from the user while requesting information. A virtual database structure enabling rapid context determination is also disclosed.

A computerized information and display apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor apparatus, touch screen input and display device, and speech input apparatus, and at least one computer program configured to run on the processor apparatus, the at least one program being configured to enable an user to intuitively operate the apparatus to rapidly converge on a desired organization or entity which they wish to locate, via speech input of only a name or a part of a name. The information and display apparatus is particularly useful in time-pressured mobile transport vehicle environments, and when the user is unfamiliar with the operation of the apparatus.

A control system for an elevator system may comprise elevator cars and an elevator control for assigning elevator cars to destination calls. In a first mode of operation, the elevator control may be adapted to determine and assign an elevator car to transport a passenger based on at least one elevator car determination criterion. The elevator control may wait to provide information identifying the elevator car assigned to the passenger until the assigned elevator car approaches or arrives at a floor on which the passenger is located. Waiting to provide such information permits the elevator control to modify which elevator car ultimately transports the passenger based on intervening factors such as a door being held on an elevator car that was initially assigned to transport the passenger. In a second mode of operation, the passenger may be provided with the information that identifies the assigned elevator car immediately after the destination call is placed. In a third mode of operation, up/down calls may be placed.

An exemplary elevator passenger interface device includes a passenger communication component that facilitates communications between a passenger and an elevator system. Such communications include passenger input to request elevator service and information provided to the passenger. A controller controls the passenger communication component to control its functionality including providing selected information to the passenger. The controller includes a customization module configured to change the functionality of the passenger communication component responsive to authorized user input that is distinct from the passenger input. The authorized user input includes a selection of at least one of a feature used to present information to a passenger or a feature used to allow a passenger to request elevator service.

By using, as input, elevator specification information including at least sizes, quantity, and service floors of a plurality of elevators, a method for installing the plurality of elevators is calculated based on either the quantity of the plurality of elevators or the sizes of the plurality of elevators from arrangements including at least one or more of a planar arrangement where the plurality of elevators are aligned in a row on one side configuring an elevator boarding place, or an opposed arrangement where the elevators are divided and located on two opposite sides configuring the elevator boarding place; the shape of the elevator boarding place is determined by calculating the two sides configuring the elevator boarding place on the basis of the installation method and the sizes and quantity of the plurality of elevators; and furthermore, an elevator boarding place layout is generated by determining each floor where the elevator boarding place is to be installed according to the service floors.

A visitor can receive guidance (e.g., movement directions) through a portable electronic device. The visitor can read an information-containing tag with the electronic device to input location information into the device. With the electronic device, the visitor can then select one or more destinations. The device then provides directions to the visitor for the one or more destinations.

In an elevator system, upon registration of a hall destination call from a call registration device, a group control device determines an assigned car caused to respond to the hall destination call. An assigned car notification device indicates information on the determined assigned car correlating the information to a service floor of the assigned car. The group control device determines whether or not a hall destination call registered from the call registration device meets a prescribed review condition, and if affirmative, the group control device does not perform a final determination of an assigned car immediately after registration. Upon final determination of an assigned car for a hall destination call meeting the review condition by the group control device, the assigned car notification device indicates only information on the assigned car and a service floor corresponding to the hall destination call on the indicator for a prescribed period of time.