EP3329476B1 - Sequence for floors to be evacuated in buildings with elevator systems - Google Patents

Description

The technology described here relates generally to the evacuation of a building, particularly a multi-story building, in which an elevator system is present. Embodiments of the technology relate in particular to a method for determining a sequence of floors of a building to be evacuated and a system for evacuating a building.

The invention is defined by the appended claims.

For example, one method of evacuating a building is from DE102013201873A1 known. According to this method, the location of a mobile device and thus the location of a person carrying the mobile device is determined within a building with the help of an indoor positioning system (WLAN nodes, hotspots, access points). The mobile device reads the building plan from labels attached in the building (QR code or barcode). Available escape routes are determined depending on the particular position. From the specific location and the available escape routes, an escape route for the person, e.g. B. the fastest way from the current location to the next passable emergency exit is determined. The calculated escape route is graphically displayed on the mobile device. For wheelchair users, the procedure stipulates that evacuation information will guide them to a safe place in the building to wait for a rescue team.

Describes a different approach to evacuating buildings WO 2014/191610 . An elevator system is used there to evacuate people from the building. The disclosed method determines the number of persons to be evacuated for each floor and whether a preferred person to be evacuated (for example with a physical disability) is among those persons. From this, the method calculates the estimated waiting time for the evacuation for each floor and displays it on each floor.

Although DE102013201873A1 and WO 2014/191610 Describing solutions to evacuate people from buildings, these solutions do not take into account changing conditions during an evacuation situation. There is a need for one Improved technology for evacuating a building, with which people can be safely and efficiently evacuated from the building, even if conditions change during an evacuation, for example due to panic or a rapidly spreading fire.

The EP1433735A1 describes an elevator control system for emergencies that is based on building occupancy measurements.

One aspect of such improved technology therefore relates to an evacuation method for a multi-story building and elevator system. Fixed point markings are arranged at fixed locations in the building, the fixed point markings storing data that can be received by a mobile device carried by a person. The method determines current positions of mobile devices in the building, a current position of a mobile device being determined when the mobile device uses data received from a first fixed point marker to access a database in which the data is linked to a location of the first fixed point marker. Based on the current positions of the mobile devices, a current traffic situation is determined for each floor. A sequence of the floors to be evacuated is determined based on the current traffic situation on the floors.

Another aspect relates to a system for evacuating a building equipped with an elevator system. The system has a plurality of fixed point markings at fixed locations, the fixed point markings storing data that can be received by a mobile device carried by a person. The system also includes an elevator control, by means of which a drive unit can be controlled in order to move an elevator car between floors of the building, and a safety system with a computer system. The safety system is communicatively coupled with the elevator control. The computer system executes a software program that determines the current position of mobile devices in the building, a current position of a mobile device being determined when the mobile device accesses a database using data received from a first control point marker, in which the data with a location the first fixed point marking are linked. It also determines the current traffic situation for each floor based on the current positions of the mobile devices. The software program determines a sequence of the floors to be evacuated based on the current traffic situation on the floors.

In the exemplary embodiments described here, the evacuation of the building is based on the current traffic situation in the building, in particular on the floors. By determining the traffic situation, escape routes can be better planned or optimized, since the traffic situation is an indicator of whether certain escape routes are already congested due to the number of people, whether they will soon be congested or whether they will still be able to commence traffic to the normal extent. If an escape route is congested, people jam in hallways, stairwells or in front of elevators, for example, which reduces the efficiency of evacuation, elevators fail due to blocked doors and the risk of panic occurring increases. The exemplary embodiments described here take the traffic situation into account, for example in order not to lead any other people along escape routes that are overloaded or at the limit of capacity. This increases the likelihood that an overloaded escape route will normalize more quickly or that it will not get into a state of overload in the first place.

As explained above, knowledge of the traffic situation is also included in the determination of the sequence of the floors to be evacuated. The sequence determines when which floor is evacuated. A floor with low traffic volume can, for example, be evacuated in front of a floor with high traffic volume if the evacuation is to take place on a floor on which the planned escape route can only accommodate a small number of people without reaching its capacity limit. If, on the other hand, the planned escape route has enough capacity to accommodate a large number of people, the floor with the high traffic volume is evacuated in front of the floor with the low traffic volume. If several elevators are available, it is z. B. possible to move it first to the floor with the highest traffic volume in order to evacuate as many people as possible in a short time. Based on the volume of traffic, it can also be determined which transport capacity the elevator system has to provide (once or repeatedly) in order to evacuate a floor. In one embodiment, each elevator car is equipped with a fixed point marking. This enables the number of people in the elevator car to be determined. The elevator system can use this information to e.g. B. to determine whether and for how many people there is still space in the elevator car. For the The appropriate rules can be defined in the software program.

In one embodiment, a floor can be divided into several zones, for example into a north side and a south side. In such a case, a sequence within the floor can also be determined. Depending on the volume of traffic, for example, the north side can be evacuated before the south side.

In one embodiment, evacuation information can be sent to a mobile device, the current position of which is determined. The evacuation information is individual for the mobile device and includes instructions for a person to whom this mobile device is assigned. The evacuation information can inform, for example, that there is an emergency, that an evacuation of the building has started, that there is no danger on the floor on which the person is located that the person should not go to the elevator but only in x minutes and / or that the person should immediately go to the notified elevator. The evacuation information can also inform the person that a nearby stairwell is accessible and, if they are able to climb stairs, can possibly allow the person to get to their destination faster than with an elevator.

Once the sequence has been determined, in one exemplary embodiment the elevator system is controlled according to the determined sequence. The elevator system controls and moves the elevator car (s) according to the determined sequence.

In one exemplary embodiment, available escape routes to a destination are determined for each mobile device whose current position is determined. The determination of the available escape routes is based on the current position of a mobile device. In one embodiment, current positions are identified for which available escape routes include use of the elevator system. The order of the floors to be evacuated is determined based on the current traffic situation on the floors and the identified current positions.

In one embodiment, the technology uses a current building situation to determine a safe escape route. For this purpose, in one exemplary embodiment, a system of sensors is available in the building with which situation parameters can be determined. During an emergency the situation can change continuously, e.g. B. a fire has spread and previously available escape routes are no longer available. In one embodiment, the specific situation parameter (s) provide information about the building situation (for example whether the entrances to the elevators are free and whether the elevators themselves can be used) and can be included in the determination of the sequence of the floors to be evacuated.

In one embodiment, escape route information is transmitted to every mobile device whose current position is determined. In one embodiment, the escape route information can include elevator information, for example details about which elevator is to be used. In this or another embodiment, the escape route information can include a waiting time until the arrival of an elevator car on the floor on which the mobile device receiving the escape route information is located. The escape route information helps make people feel safer and reduces the risk of panic.

The technology also allows a person-specific escape route to be determined, ie any physical limitations of the person to be evacuated can be taken into account when determining the escape route. For this purpose, in one exemplary embodiment, a stored user profile of the person in which any existing physical restriction is stored can be accessed. In another exemplary embodiment, the movement of a person can be analyzed in order to identify whether there is a physical limitation. For example, if there is limited ability to walk so that the person has to use a wheelchair, the escape route must not include any stairs; instead, in such a case, the use of the elevator system is included in the escape route. The planning can be such that an elevator car is moved to the floor on which the escape route runs, so that it can e.g. B. is already ready to board when the person arrives there. If, on the other hand, there is limited vision, the escape route information is transmitted to the mobile device with a control command, so that the escape route information is audibly communicated to the person.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer beispielhaften Situation auf einem Gebäudestockwerk, das von zwei Aufzugsystemen bedient wird;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines beispielhaften Kommunikationssystems für eine Evakuierung eines Gebäudes;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines mobilen Geräts, das Fluchtweginformation anzeigen kann;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils des Gebäudes mit einem Ausführungsbeispiels eines Aufzugsystems; und

Fig. 5

eine beispielhafte Darstellung eines Evakuierungsverfahren für ein Gebäude mit mehreren Stockwerken und einem Aufzugsystem.

Various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, the same elements have the same reference symbols. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an exemplary situation on a building floor that is served by two elevator systems;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of an exemplary communication system for an evacuation of a building;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a mobile device that can display escape route information;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of part of the building with an embodiment of an elevator system; and

Fig. 5

an exemplary illustration of an evacuation method for a building with several floors and an elevator system.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary situation on a floor of a building 2, which is to be evacuated safely and efficiently, in whole or in part, in the event of an emergency (e.g. fire, natural disaster, terror situation). The term evacuation refers to the evacuation of an area, the area being a building, part of a building, a building with adjoining terrain or another structure (e.g. a ship) that is suitable for people to stay can. People who are in an area to be evacuated must leave the area or at least go to a designated safe destination. The technology described here is not limited to the evacuation of buildings (e.g. residential buildings, office and commercial buildings, hotels, sports arenas, airport buildings, factories). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the technology can also be used, for example, to evacuate other structures (e.g. ships).

The building 2 can be entered and exited through a main entrance 14 and two side entrances 16. Depending on the configuration, the side entrances 16 can also be provided as emergency exits and thus for exclusive use during an emergency. Outside the building 2, near these entrances 14, 16, there are assembly points 12 at which people have to appear in an emergency after leaving the building 2 in order to be registered there as "evacuated" will. For the people, the assembly points 12 represent destinations at the end of escape routes. The assembly points 12 can be permanently installed in the vicinity of the building 2. The collection points 12 can be in the area if necessary, for. B. during an evacuation situation, can also be set up temporarily, for example attached to a stand or a vehicle.

As an alternative to the mentioned possibility of registering evacuated persons at the assembly points 12 as "evacuated", corresponding devices (for example the beacons described below) can be installed at the entrances 14, 16 of the building 2 and / or at special checkpoints or turnstiles within the building 2 be provided in order to recognize the presence of persons at these points and to register them as "evacuated". It is also possible to install such devices in elevator cars 49 (see Sect. Fig. 4 ) and / or to install their entrances, for example to recognize people when leaving an elevator car. This can be determined, for example, that a person z. B. has arrived on a "safe" floor.

The main entrance 14 leads to an entrance area 20, and the secondary entrances 16 lead to an entrance area 22. The entrance areas 20, 22 are each also referred to below as lobby 20, 22. From each lobby 20, 22 a person 8 has access to an elevator system 1, an escalator system 18 and a staircase 28 in order to reach another floor. From the lobbies 20, 22 the person 8 also has access to hallways and corridors 26 and individual rooms 24.

Fig. 1 Also shows, inside the building 2, emergency alarms 6 of a hazard alarm system which, for example, have devices for detecting temperature, smoke and / or gas and which may trigger an alarm. The following are the emergency detectors 6 fire detectors (6) of a fire alarm system. For a better overview, in Fig. 1 Fire alarms 6 only shown in stairwells 28 and lobbies 20, 22. It goes without saying, however, that a large number of these fire alarms 6 according to any existing fire protection regulations in the rooms 24, the corridors and corridors 26 and the elevator systems 1 (e.g. in an in Fig. 4 elevator shaft 38 shown) and by means of a network with a fire alarm center (not shown) and / or an in Fig. 2 Building management system 42 shown are connected. The arrangement of the fire alarms 6 and their networking can be in be documented in a building plan or building model. In one embodiment, communication in this network takes place in accordance with a network protocol for building automation, for example BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks). Fire alarm systems and their components, e.g. B. fire alarm 6, are well known, so that further explanations are not required at this point.

In addition to such fire alarm systems, the building 2 may have sensors which are provided for the detection or observation of various events and which can also be documented in the building plan or building model. For example, motion sensors can be distributed in building 2. In addition, video cameras 11 (s. Fig. 4 ) be arranged, for example, in the hallways and corridors 26, the entrances 14, 16 and in the lobbies 20, 22. Security staff or an image processing system can, for example, evaluate the images recorded by the video cameras 11 in order to assess the current situation in individual areas of the building 2, for example whether a hallway or aisle 26 is blocked or accessible, whether there is an accumulation / congestion of People and / or the extent of a fire reported there. The signals from the sensors and the evaluation of the recorded events can, in conjunction with signals from the fire alarms 6, provide current situation parameters which, for example, provide information about whether the entrances to the elevators are free and whether the elevators themselves can be used. Signals generated by the fire alarms 6 and the sensors and their evaluation can be included in the determination of an escape route, as described below.

Fig. 1 also shows a multiplicity of fixed point markings 4 which are arranged at different locations within the building 2. The fixed point markings 4 are arranged, for example, in areas where the person 8 can stay; this includes, for example, the rooms 24, the corridors and corridors 26, the stairwells 28 and the lobbies 20, 22. Also for a better overview are in Fig. 1 only some of the fixed point markings 4 are shown, and only a few of them are provided with reference numerals. As in Fig. 1 As shown, fixed point markings 4 are also present at the assembly points 12. The arrangement of the fixed point markings 4 can also be documented in the building plan or building model. The Alternatively, assembly points 12 can only be equipped with fixed point markings 4 temporarily if required. As mentioned above, the assembly points 12 can be set up temporarily and mobile at a destination, for example in the vicinity of the building 2, if necessary. This can be advantageous if the location of a collection point 12 and its number has to be set up flexibly and, for example, depending on the type and / or scope of the emergency and the number of people to be evacuated.

In one embodiment, a mobile device 10 that the person 8 is carrying is configured to receive data from a fixed point marker 4 (for example its identification number), by means of which a current location of the mobile device 10 can be determined. Receiving is contactless, for example by scanning an optical code (e.g. QR code, barcode, color code) or establishing a radio connection based on one of the known technologies for near field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi Direct, RFID or bluetooth.

In the following, the mobile device 10 is a Bluetooth-capable smartphone, and the fixed point markings 4 are accordingly also Bluetooth-capable. A fixed point marker 4 is therefore referred to below as a “beacon 4” or as a “Bluetooth beacon 4”. The communication between the smartphone (10) and the beacons 4 thus takes place in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, e.g. B. the Bluetooth Standard 4.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) or another Bluetooth standard.

Regardless of the selected standard, a beacon 4 always sends out the same data, for example its identification number (e.g. "ID = 5"). If the mobile device 10 (with activated Bluetooth function) is within radio range of the beacon 4, a communicative connection is automatically established and the mobile device 10 receives the transmitted data; it thereby recognizes that it is, for example, in the vicinity of the beacon 4 with the “ID = 5”. Accordingly, the connection is interrupted when the mobile device 10 is again outside the radio range. A person skilled in the art recognizes that a pairing known from Bluetooth technology is not provided in one exemplary embodiment, for example because of the large number of beacons 4 distributed in building 2 and (one-off) visitors who may be in building 2. Should it be provided, however, it is assumed here that a first communicative contact (ie the pairing) between the mobile device 10 and the beacons 4 has already taken place. During pairing, the communication partners exchange identification data so that they automatically recognize each other the next time.

Fig. 2 illustrates the interactions of the mobile device 10 with the beacon 4 and with systems coupled to a communication network 46 (1, 42, 44). In one embodiment, each beacon 4 stores an individual identifier (for example “ID = 5”) which is transmitted to the mobile device 10 during a communicative connection. The mobile device 10 (or an installed software application) uses the received identifier of a beacon 4 to access a database 47 via a radio link, in which the identifier is linked to data on a location at which this beacon 4 is located ( e.g. "ID = 5" in the lobby 20 at the entrance to the escalator system 18). The identifier of the beacon 4 and the data on its location form a data record in the database 47. The number of such data records corresponds to the number of beacons 4. The database 47 can be present in a storage system of a building management system 42 (building controller) or a storage system of a separate security system 44 (security system) or of the elevator system 1. This is in Fig. 2 indicated by dashed lines between the database 47 and the systems 1, 42, 44. The database 47 can be accessed via the communication network 46 (e.g. WLAN, Internet), during which an identification parameter (e.g. telephone number and / or device ID code (media access control (MAC) address) ) of the mobile device 10 accessing the database 47 is transmitted.

From the point of view of the building management system 42 or the security system 44, when the database 47 is accessed, it is known on the one hand which mobile device 10 is in the vicinity of the beacon 4 with “ID = 5”. On the other hand, the mobile device 10 receives data relating to the location of this beacon 4 and thus its own location. If the person 8 moves within the building 2, including using the elevator system 1 or the escalator system 18, the described process is repeated as soon as a communicative connection exists between the mobile device 10 and another beacon 4. From the point of view of the building management system 42 or the security system 44, the movement of the mobile device 10 can thereby be made follow. From the point of view of the person 8 using the mobile device 10, in the event of an evacuation, this enables orientation or at least an orientation aid is provided, for example because the mobile device 10 communicates location information that the person 8 can perceive.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that in connection with Fig. 2 represent a kind of sensor function. The security system 44 can, for example, deduce from the number of accesses to the database 47 how much passenger traffic there is currently in building 2, where there is a lot and little passenger traffic, in which directions the traffic is moving (both in the horizontal and in the vertical direction) and where the traffic may stall (e.g. several mobile devices 10 access the database 47 with the identifier of the same beacon 4 (possibly repeatedly), but do not move to any other beacon 4.) This information can also be used as a parameter for the The current traffic situation can be used to calculate an escape route and the order of the floors to be evacuated.

In one embodiment, a software application (app) is installed on the mobile device 10 that supports communication with the beacons 4 and the units (1, 42, 44) coupled to the communication network 46. Authorized persons (e.g. regular users of building 2) can preinstall the app on their mobile device 10. A visitor can be offered the app for download on his mobile device 10 when entering the building 2.

The app also controls a user interface (for example, comprising a touch-sensitive display) with which the person 8 can, for example, be informed of location and / or escape route information. The location and / or escape route information can be shown in legible form on the display, for example in the form of a text and / or one or more symbols. The information can also be presented alone or in conjunction with a representation of the building plan or model. In addition or as an alternative to this, the location and / or escape route information can also be communicated acoustically to the person 8, so that, for example, people with restricted vision can also receive the location information and react accordingly.

Fig. 3 illustrates a smartphone as an example of a mobile device 10. A memory device 48 (memory) and a processor 50 are arranged in it under a display 52 (touch screen), not visible from the outside (therefore indicated by dashed lines). With the aid of the user interface, the person 8 can individually adjust settings and desired functions on the mobile device 10. For example, the Bluetooth function can be activated and deactivated; the latter, for example, to protect privacy, because without the Bluetooth function, the movements and whereabouts of person 8 in building 2 cannot be tracked. In addition, the above-mentioned app can be activated and deactivated by person 8. In an emergency, for example in the event of a fire alarm, the person 8 can activate the Bluetooth function and the app. Depending on the configuration, the app can be activated automatically or always be active when the mobile device 10 is switched on.

The smartphone as an exemplary mobile device 10 transmits escape route information to the person 8. In one embodiment, the escape route information can be displayed on the display 52, e.g. B. as text, graphic symbols (z. B. arrows), maps and / or pictures of places). The escape route information informs or instructs the person 8, for example, where to go next and / or how great the distance to the next waypoint or exit is. If the escape route includes use of the elevator system 1, the person 8 can also be informed, for example, which elevator is to be used, when it arrives on a certain floor and / or how long the waiting time is until the arrival of an elevator car. Additionally or alternatively, the information can be presented to person 8 as an audio message. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the escape route information of person 8 can also be transmitted by means of so-called smartwatches or other wearables (e.g. glasses with display, possibly in connection with technology that enables the function of augmented reality).

To understand the vertical situation in building 2 shows Fig. 4 in a side view part of the in Fig. 1 The building 2 shown with an exemplary embodiment of the elevator system 1. The building 2 has several floors L1, L2, L3, on each of which a plurality of fire alarms 6 and beacons 4 are arranged. In addition, a beacon 4 is arranged in an elevator car 49, so that, for example, it can also be recognized that the person 8 is currently in the elevator car 49 and that the elevator car 49 travels to a "safe" floor. This enables the number of people in the elevator car 49 to be determined. The elevator system can use this information to e.g. B. to determine whether and for how many people in the elevator car 49 is still space. The direction of travel and the destination floor are available in the elevator system 1 as information. The fire alarms 6 are networked here by a network 43 of a fire alarm system with the building management system 42, in which a fire alarm center can also be integrated. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the video camera 11 is also coupled to the network 43, at least one video camera 11 being able to be arranged on each floor L1, L2, L3. The floors L1, L2, L3 are served by the elevator system 1, that is to say, the person 8 can be transported by the elevator system 1 from a boarding floor to a destination floor. The vertical situation of building 2 is also documented in the building plan or building model.

In Fig. 4 is not one of the in Fig. 1 shown escalator systems 18 drawn; it goes without saying, however, that an escalator system 18 is also used for the vertical transport of people. Each escalator system 18 has its own control device, which can be in communicative connection with the building management system 42 and / or the security system 44. In an emergency, it is thereby possible to set the escalator system 18 into a defined operating mode (including standstill). In one operating mode, an escalator system 18 can be controlled with regard to its direction of travel, so that, for example, more transport capacity is available in the direction of the starting point or the destination or in the direction currently required according to the traffic demand.

This in Fig. 4 The elevator system 1 shown is equipped, for example, with a destination call control, it being possible to enter destination calls via terminals 54 installed on floors L1, L2, L3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the function of the destination call control is implemented in a control device (Ctrl) 30; however, it can also be implemented entirely or partially in an elevator controller 32. The control device 30 and the elevator control 32 can be combined to form a control device (30, 32). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elevator control 32 is also communicatively connected to the building management system 42 and the security system 44. The elevator control 32 also controls one Drive unit 34 which moves the elevator car 49 in the shaft 38 by means of a suspension element 36.

In one embodiment, a destination call can be entered with the aid of an information carrier, for example in the form of a credit card or an employee ID. Depending on the configuration, a memory chip that can be contacted from the outside, an RFID transponder in connection with a memory chip or an externally optically readable code, e.g. B. a QR code or a barcode. Alternatively, the functionality of the information carrier can also be implemented on the mobile device 10. For example, QR codes, barcodes or color sample codes can be shown on the displays of such devices. A reader compatible with the technology used in the information carrier reads an identification number from the information carrier, for example.

In one embodiment, the identification number is used to access a profile (data record) created for the user of the information carrier, i. H. data is read from a data record. In such a profile, for example, a destination floor and / or other person-specific information (e.g. VIP status, type of possible physical limitation (limited vision, wheelchair users)) can be stored. The elevator control 32 can access this profile and thus, for example, adapt the mode of operation of the elevator system 1 to a user with a physical disability, for example keep the elevator doors open longer so that a wheelchair user or a disabled user can get on comfortably.

In one exemplary embodiment, the security system 44 can also access this profile and recognize whether the person 8 whose mobile device 10 accesses the database 47 has a physical limitation, for example. If there is such a restriction, this information can also be included in the determination of an escape route for this person 8. For example, the escape route for a wheelchair user must not have stairs; instead (provided the elevator system 1 is ready for operation) an elevator trip should be planned if the escape route requires a floor change.

The planning can be such that an elevator car 49 is moved to the floor on which the escape route runs, so that it is already ready to board when the person 8 arrives there. If, on the other hand, there is restricted vision, the escape route information is transmitted to the mobile device 10 together with a control command which causes the mobile device 10 to audibly communicate the escape route information to the person 8.

It is described above that registered users have the option of registering special needs (e.g. due to a physical limitation) in advance, i. H. z. B. to save in a user profile. Alternatively, information regarding such special needs can also only be provided locally to the user, e.g. B. on the mobile device 10 of the person 8, and are only transmitted when actually used, z. B. to the elevator control 32. In another embodiment, special needs can also be determined without prior registration or storage, for example via additional functions in the app or by analyzing the movement of a person, e.g. B. how he moves or behaves (for example the speed of movement of person 8 (for example measuring the time to cover a known distance between two beacons) or using stairs).

The building management system 42 and the security system 44 are each microprocessor-controlled computer systems in which task-specific computer programs are executed. For illustration is in Fig. 2 the security system 44 is shown with an integrated computer system (μP) 44a. The building management system 42 generally takes on control tasks of the communication, building technology and hazard alarm systems and simplifies the operation and maintenance of these systems. In particular, it supports the operator or administrator of a building with dispositive security tasks, for example, in the event of an alarm, it automatically provides detailed information in text and / or graphic form for possible procedures at the alarm location. As further functions, the building management system 42 z. B. Alarm notices for intervention forces or bodies to be notified, provides overviews of the current dangerous situation and logs incoming messages and activities carried out.

In the exemplary embodiment described here, the functionality of evacuation is implemented in the safety system 44. For this purpose, the safety system 44 is in communicative connection with the building management system 42 and with the elevator system 1 in order to control and monitor the safe and efficient evacuation of the building 2 in an emergency. It goes without saying, however, that in another exemplary embodiment the functionality of evacuation can also be implemented in the building management system 42 or elevator system 1, and that the stated functionalities can be combined in one system. A separate representation of the security system 44 can then be omitted.

With the understanding of in connection with the Figs. 1-4 The basic structure and functionalities of the building 2 and its systems described (especially building management system 42, fire alarm system, elevator system 1), the following is a description of exemplary embodiments of an evacuation method for the building 2 with several floors L1, L2, L3 and an elevator system 1 based on Fig. 5 . The person skilled in the art recognizes that the shown schematic flowchart can comprise more or fewer steps depending on a specific exemplary embodiment. In connection with the description of Fig. 5 it is assumed that there are several mobile devices 10 in the building 2 and that each mobile device 10 is a smartphone with an activated app, which people 8 according to the in Fig. 1 carry the example shown situation on a floor of the building 2 with you. The method is carried out by way of example in the computer-aided security system 44. The procedure according to Fig. 5 begins in a step S1 and ends in a step S8.

If the building management system 42 determines by means of the fire alarm 6 that a fire has broken out in building 2, it initiates an emergency procedure in which, for example, people are warned by means of acoustic and optical alarms, fire doors are closed and the elevator systems 1 and escalator systems 18 are combined Emergency mode. In such an emergency mode, e.g. B. no (destination) calls are entered, or the elevator control 32 ignores them. The building management system 42 also sends an alarm message to the security system 44, which then initiates the evacuation of the building 2. The building management system 42 can also cause z. B. from the security system 44 from automated notifications to the people 8 located in the building 2, or their mobile devices 10, for example with the request to leave the building 2. If the mobile device 10 receives the notification, the software application (app) can thereby be activated in one embodiment. In a corresponding manner, other persons can also be informed in one embodiment, for example those who are not currently in building 2, but are possibly on their way to building 2.

In a step S2, current positions of the mobile devices 10 within the building 2 are determined. The position is determined, as described above, in that a mobile device 10 or the software application accesses the database 47 in which the identifier of the beacon 4 received from the mobile device 10 is linked to its location in a data record. In the in Fig. 1 For example, there is a communicative connection with the beacon 4 in the lobby 20 near the escalator system 18, so that the mobile device 10 receives the identifier of this beacon 4.

The person skilled in the art recognizes that step S2 can be carried out independently of step S1 and before step S1. The position of the mobile device 10 can e.g. B. be determined continuously and without triggered evacuation and transmitted to the security system 44.

In a step S3, a current traffic situation is determined for each floor L1, L2, L3. For this purpose, the security system 44 executes a software program that evaluates the accesses to the database 47 and, for example, deduces from the number of accesses to the database 47 how much passenger traffic is currently in building 2, how many people are on the individual floors L1, L2 , L3 stop where there is a lot and where there is little passenger traffic, in which directions the traffic is moving (both in the horizontal and in the vertical direction) and / or where the traffic may be stalled (e.g. several mobile devices 10 access with the identifier of the same beacon 4 towards the database 47 (possibly repeated), but do not move towards any other beacon 4).

In one embodiment, the method proceeds from step S3 directly to one Step S6 what in Fig. 5 is indicated by a dashed line L. In step S6, a sequence of the floors L1, L2, L3 to be evacuated is determined. If a floor is divided into several zones, for example into a north side and a south side, determining the order can also include determining an order within the floor. The determination is based on the current traffic situation on floors L1, L2, L3 determined in step S3. In order to determine the sequence for this building 2, rules are used, as mentioned above, which can be defined in the software program. These rules can e.g. For example, define that floors with a high volume of traffic are to be evacuated before floors with less traffic in order to evacuate as many people as possible in a short time, or that upper floors are to be evacuated before lower floors.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method proceeds from step S3 to a step S4, in which available escape routes are determined for each mobile device 10, the current position of which was determined in step S3. In one embodiment, the software program uses the building model created for the building 2 and the information from the above-mentioned evaluation of the situation parameters (for example the signals from the sensors and the fire alarm 6), the accesses to the database 47 and / or the evaluation of the user profile possible escape routes. The software program checks whether these escape routes are in principle available and not possibly blocked or overloaded, and whether they are suitable for the person 8 due to possible physical restrictions. Methods for calculating escape routes within buildings are known, for example from Pu, S. and Zlatanova, S., "Evacuation Route Calculation of Inner Buildings", in "Geo-Information For Disaster Management", First International Symposium on Disaster Management, pages 1143-1161, Springer Verlag, 2005 . This publication describes, among other things, the creation of 3-D building models and the consideration of factors that can change during an emergency, for example the state of damage (e.g. blocked routes), power failure and reduction in the capacity of escape routes.

In a step S5, current positions are identified for which available escape routes include use of the elevator system 1. In building 2, not every escape route requires the use of elevator system 1, for example people 8 in the The ground floor (e.g. floor L1) can leave building 2 directly. Escape routes can also be planned for people on the first and possibly on the second floor, provided there are no physical restrictions, which lead via the stairwells 28 or the escalator systems 18 (whose travel directions can be controlled accordingly in an emergency as described above) and thus without use of the elevator system 1 get by. If, on the other hand, a person has a physical limitation, the use of the elevator system 1 is planned, even if this person is on the first floor. In one embodiment, a rule can be used to determine from which floor the use of the stairwells 28 is no longer optimal or reasonable.

If the method in this exemplary embodiment proceeds from step S5 to step S6, a sequence of the floors L1, L2, L3 to be evacuated is determined. The determination is based on the current traffic situation on floors L1, L2, L3 (step S3), the identified current positions (step S4) and current situation parameters. A rule can e.g. E.g. define that a floor with low traffic volume is evacuated in front of a floor with high traffic volume if the evacuation is to take place on a floor on which an escape route can only accommodate a small number of people without reaching its capacity limit. If, on the other hand, the planned escape route has enough capacity to accommodate a large number of people, the floor with the high traffic volume is evacuated in front of the floor with the low traffic volume.

In a step S7, the elevator system 1 is controlled according to the sequence determined. In one exemplary embodiment, the safety system 44 controls the elevator controller 32 by transmitting the sequence of the floors to be evacuated to the elevator controller 32, which was determined in step S6. The elevator control 32 then moves the elevator car (s) 49 in accordance with the sequence determined.

In one embodiment, the software program selects an escape route from the available escape routes for each mobile device 10 that leads to a destination in the fastest and most efficient manner. Information on the determined escape route is transmitted to the mobile device 10 in order to help the person 8 to get to the building 2 quickly and safe to leave. The information can be shown on the display 52 for the person 8 to read, e.g. B. as text and / or graphics. Additionally or alternatively, the information can be presented to person 8 as an audio message.

In one exemplary embodiment, the information on the determined escape route can include elevator information, for example information about which elevator is to be used. Additionally or alternatively, the information about the determined escape route can include details about the arrival of an elevator car 49, for example the remaining waiting time until arrival.

In one embodiment, it can be monitored whether the person 8 is actually the destination, i. H. the assembly point 12, reached after the escape route information was transmitted to her. Once the person 8 has reached the destination, there is a communicative connection between the mobile device 10 carried by him and the beacon 4 present at the assembly point 12, which connection is registered in the security system 44. The person 8 is therefore considered to be "evacuated".

In one exemplary embodiment, each communicative connection is also detected when it is established between the mobile device 10 with a beacon 4. If the person 8 moves away from the original position, there is a new communicative connection with another beacon 4 and the new position of the mobile device 10 in the building 2 is determined. The movement of the mobile device 10 is thus tracked by determining new positions of the mobile device 10, for example until the person 8 is registered as "evacuated" at the destination.

This allows the movement of the mobile device 10 to be tracked and deviations from the escape route to be recognized. In one embodiment, it is checked whether a newly determined position of the mobile device 10 deviates from the determined escape route. If there is no deviation, the person 8 reaches the destination, ie the assembly point 12. However, a deviation can also occur if the person 8 gets lost, for example because of poor visibility and / or panic, or if the person 8 takes a different route has to strike because the intended escape route is now blocked or overloaded.

If there is a discrepancy, a new escape route is determined based on the last determined position. The new escape route is determined as described above. The new escape route information is transmitted to the mobile device 10. If the person 8 follows the new escape route, they will reach the assembly point 12 and will be registered there.

The new escape route information can, for example, prompt the person 8 to turn around in order to return to the originally determined escape route. This can e.g. B. be the case when it is quickly recognized that there is a deviation and the person 8 has strayed from the escape route only slightly. The newly determined escape route therefore includes the return route (i.e. the route back to the original escape route) and the original escape route (or the remaining part of the original escape route). If, on the other hand, the person 8 has already strayed further from the escape route, based on the current location, an escape route can be determined which has no or only partial correspondence with the original escape route. From the perspective of person 8, this is always the current escape route information, regardless of whether and how the original escape route had to be updated.

Should the escape route be updated, the person 8 can be informed of this, for example by means of a warning notice, in order to ensure that the person 8 also takes note of the warning notice. To this end, a corresponding message can be sent to the mobile device 10. The mobile device 10 then generates an audible signal or message, a readable message and / or a vibration of the mobile device 10.

Claims (17)

1. A method for evacuating a building (2) having a plurality of floors (LI, L2, L3) and an elevator system, wherein a plurality of fixed point markers (4) are arranged in the building (2) at defined sites, wherein the fixed point markers (4) store data that can be received by a mobile device (10) carried by a person (8), comprising:

   determining instantaneous positions of mobile devices (10) in the building (2), wherein an instantaneous position of a mobile device (10) is determined on the basis of the proximity to one of the fixed point markers when the mobile device (10) uses data received from a first fixed point marker (4) to access a database (47) in which the data is linked to a site of the first fixed point marker (4);

   determining a current traffic situation for each floor (LI, L2, L3) on the basis of the instantaneous positions of the mobile devices (10); and

   determining a sequence of the floors (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated on the basis of the current traffic situation on the floors (L1, L2, L3).
2. Method according to claim 1, also comprising determining-if a floor (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated has been subdivided into a plurality of zones-a sequence according to which the zones are to be evacuated.
3. Method according to either of claims 1 and 2, also comprising sending evacuation information to a mobile device (10) of which the instantaneous position has been determined, wherein the evacuation information is individual for the mobile device (10), and comprises instructions for a person (8) with whom this mobile device (10) has been associated.
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising controlling the elevator system (1) in accordance with the determined sequence.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising determining available escape routes for each mobile device (10) of which the instantaneous position has been determined to a destination (12) on the basis of the instantaneous position of the mobile device (10).
6. Method according to claim 5, further comprising identifying instantaneous positions for which available escape routes include use of the elevator system (1), wherein the identified available escape routes are used to determine the sequence of the floors (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising determining a situation parameter by means of a system of sensors (6, 11) present in the building (2), wherein the situation parameter is used to determine the sequence of the floors (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated.
8. Method according to any of claims 5-7, further comprising transmitting escape route information to each mobile device (10) of which the instantaneous position has been determined.
9. Method according to claim 8, in which the escape route information comprises an indication of an elevator to use and/or a waiting time to arrival of an elevator car (49) to the floor (L1, L2, L3) on which the mobile device (10) receiving the escape route information is located.
10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising determining whether a person (8) has a physical limitation, wherein, if the person (8) has a physical limitation, this is used as a parameter for determining the sequence of the floors (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated.
11. Method according to claim 10, in which whether a person (8) has a physical limitation is determined by means of access to a user profile in which a physical limitation has been registered or by means of analysis of the person (8)'s movement.
12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fixed point markers (4) are equipped with Bluetooth technology.
13. System for evacuating a building (2) equipped with an elevator system (1), comprising:

    a plurality of fixed point markers (4) at defined sites, wherein the fixed point markers (4) store data that can be received by a mobile device (10) carried by a person (8);

    an elevator control (32) through which a drive unit (34) can be controlled in order to move an elevator car (49) between floors (L1, L2, L3) of the building (2); and

    a safety system (44) with a computer system (44a), wherein the safety system (44) is communicatively coupled to the elevator control (32) and wherein the computer system (44a) executes a software program that:

    determines instantaneous positions of mobile devices (10) in the building (2), wherein an instantaneous position of a mobile device (10) is determined on the basis of the proximity to one of the fixed point markers when the mobile device (10) uses data received from a first fixed point marker (4) to access a database (47) in which the data is linked to a site of the first fixed point marker (4);

    determines a current traffic situation for each floor (L1, L2, L3) on the basis of the instantaneous positions of the mobile devices (10); and

    determines a sequence of the floors (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated on the basis of the current traffic situation on the floors (L1, L2, L3).
14. System according to claim 13, in which the software program also controls the elevator system (1) according to the determined sequence in order to move the elevator car (49) according to the sequence.
15. System according to claim 13 or 14, in which the software program also determines available escape routes for each mobile device (10) of which the instantaneous position has been determined to a destination (12) on the basis of the instantaneous position of the mobile device (10), and identifies instantaneous positions for which the available escape routes comprise using the elevator system (1), wherein the identified available escape routes are available for determining the sequence of the floors (L1, L2, L3) to be evacuated.
16. System according to any of claims 13-15, in which the software program also causes evacuation information to be sent to a mobile device (10) of which the instantaneous position has been determined, wherein the evacuation information is individual for the mobile device (10), and comprises instructions for a person (8) with whom this mobile device (10) has been associated.
17. System according to any of claims 13-16, in which a fixed point marker (4) is arranged in an elevator car (49) of the elevator system (1).

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