In one aspect, a method for initiating elevator service by entering an elevator call on a call input device having a plurality of graphical objects displayed on a graphical user interface is provided. The method includes the steps of selecting a first landing graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects, and selecting a second landing graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects. The method also includes selecting a third landing graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects. The method also includes creating an anticipated trip graphical object, the anticipated trip graphical object indicating a trip from the third landing to the first landing. The method also includes selecting the anticipated trip graphical object to initiate a hall call and floor call from the third landing to the first landing.

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.

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.

An elevator-calling device and elevator system. The elevator-calling device includes a processor to receive an input instruction and send a signal to a main controller of an elevator system; a display device connected to the processor; a rotatable button, wherein the rotatable button is connected to the processor, and the rotatable button is pressable and rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the rotatable button has an initial zero scale; and an assistant sound generating unit connected to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to have an assistant elevator-calling mode, in which a preset target floor is increased when the rotatable button rotates in the first direction, the preset target floor is decreased when the rotatable button rotates in the second direction, and the preset target floor is confirmed when the rotatable button is pressed at a non-zero scale.

A call panel of an elevator system includes at least one touch-sensitive display. On the surface of the touch-sensitive display are embossed marks, e.g. Braille characters, and embossed lines connecting them, as well as function buttons associated with the embossed marks.

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.

A method for dispatching an elevator applied in a block chain system verifies a call for an elevator by a passenger. The method includes: controlling each node of the block chain system to verify the elevator call; broadcasting information to the block chain system as to verification granted when verification of the elevator call by a node is passed; saving consumption information of the elevator call when the quantity of verifications granted received by the node is greater than a first predetermined value; and controlling and dispatching an elevator to be at the service of the passenger as a dedicated elevator when the elevator call is successful. A device for dispatching elevators when called and a system are also provided.

A device for inputting an elevator calling command and an elevator control system including the device. A device for inputting an elevator calling includes one or more button units, each of the button units including a switching element and a variable resistance circuit coupled with the switching element. The variable resistance circuit includes a button switch and a display element coupled in parallel, and a resistance value of the variable resistance circuit varies with a state of the button switch. The device further includes a control unit configured to determine a state of a corresponding button switch based on the resistance value of the variable resistance circuit within each of the button units, and to apply a pulse width modulation signal having different duty cycles onto a control terminal of a corresponding switching element based on the state as determined.

A call-giving device for giving an elevator call for an elevator includes a touch-sensitive display having at least one touch detection area. The call-giving device is configured to: detect a first gesture performed in the at least one touch detection area; register a call to a floor according to a floor marking in response to detecting a touch meeting call-giving criterion on the touch-sensitive display at a point corresponding to the floor marking; and present, on the touch-sensitive display, registration data associated with the registered call, the registration data indicative of registered floor calls that have not yet been served by the elevator.