Background of invention

The invention relates to a method for signaling, guiding and alerting passengers in the platform area of a traffic station, according to the preamble of claim 1, in which method passengers are instructed, guided or alerted by means of sequentially arranged light sources, such as LED lights, which are fastened or embedded on a surface, particularly on the surface of a passenger platform.

The invention also relates to an arrangement according to claim 11.

In general, the invention relates to passenger signaling, guiding and alerting systems, where passengers are signaled, guided and alerted by means of light sources that are arranged particularly in succession, for example in a string configuration.

Often the problem with passenger stations, such as railway traffic stations, for example railway stations or subway stations, where there is always a lot of passengers, is that the passengers waiting for a traffic vehicle are in a wrong location with respect to the stopping place of said vehicle. In many cases, both the passengers getting out of the traffic vehicle and the passengers trying to get aboard the traffic vehicle attempt to pass through the vehicle doors simultaneously, thus causing unnecessary throng and disorder, or even dangerous situations when bumping into other passengers.

There are known arrangements where in the platform areas of a station, there are permanently marked the locations where a traffic vehicle is supposed to stop. The drawback here is that as the length or type of the traffic vehicle changes, the permanent markings do not match anymore. There are also known different display screens for informing the length of the traffic vehicle, such as a subway train. On the other hand, there are known arrangements where traffic stations employ staff for guiding the passengers to the right spots to wait for an arriving train. Yet another drawback of the prior art is that often the passengers may accidentally step too near to the edge of the passenger platform, in which case hazardous situations may occur as the traffic vehicle arrives at the station.

The object of the present invention is to achieve a novel arrangement for a system for signaling, guiding and alerting passengers, particularly in the passenger platform areas of railway traffic stations, by means of which system the drawbacks of known arrangements can be avoided.

Brief description of invention

The invention is based on an idea for utilizing a light source string arranged in the platform surface or light sources embedded therein, in order to signal, guide and alert passengers in the platform area.

The method according to the invention is mainly characterized in that in the method, passengers are alerted of the passage route of a traffic vehicle and/or of an arriving traffic vehicle by means of a first light source string arranged at the border area of the platform, including sequentially arranged light sources that are spaced apart, by applying a first mode of the light source, for example a first color, and that passengers are guided in the transport vehicle and/or out of the transport vehicle to the platform area by switching the mode of the light sources in at least part of the first light source string from a first mode to a second mode, such as a second color.

In addition, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is set forth in claims 2 - 10.

An arrangement according to the invention is mainly characterized in that the arrangement comprises at least one first light source string arranged in the platform border area, including sequentially arranged light sources that are spaced apart, at least part of which light sources are arranged to alert passengers of the passage route of a traffic vehicle and/or of an arriving traffic vehicle by means of a first mode of the light source, for instance a first color; and that at least part of the light sources in the first light source string are arranged to guide passengers into the transport vehicle and/or out of the transport vehicle to the platform area by switching the mode of at least part of the light sources in the first light source string from the first mode to a second mode, such as to a second color.

Moreover, an arrangement according to the invention is characterized by what is set forth in claims 12-20.

The arrangement according to the invention has several remarkable advantages. When the first light source string is arranged in the platform border area, it can on one hand be used as an alert light, to give an alert of the edge of the platform, and/or of an approaching train. The first light source string or at least part thereof has at least two modes, in the first of which the light sources emit alert light and in the second mode passage control light. Now at a certain point of the passenger platform border area, the light sources can emit passage control light, in order to guide the proceeding of passengers attempting to get on a train. Passage control can be realized for example in the way of traffic lights, in which case the passage of passengers to a traffic vehicle is guided by means of the color of the light source. Now it is possible to improve the prevailing situation, where passengers attempt to go through the traffic vehicle doors simultaneously in both directions. Unnecessary queuing and throng in the vicinity of the vehicle doors can be reduced. By arranging the light sources in a string that is mounted on the floor, there is achieved easy installation and a good attention value. Separate stands or display screens can thus be avoided. By providing at least one second light source string that is controlled according to the stopping place of a traffic vehicle and/or according to the traffic vehicle length and/or according to the location of the vehicle doors, passengers can be guided in advance to take positions at the right spots in the platform area, in order to wait for an arriving traffic vehicle and to wait until it is time to enter the vehicle. By adjusting the mode of the first and/or second light source string, it is possible to change for example the color of the light of the light source, such as the color of the LED light.

Brief description of drawings

In the description below, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to an example and to the appended drawings, where

Figure 1 is a simplified graph illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the invention, seen from the top, Figure 2 is a graph illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the invention, switched to a second mode,

Figure 3 is a graph illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the invention, switched to a second mode, and

Figure 4 is a graph illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the invention, switched to a third mode.

Detailed description of invention

Figure 1 is a simplified graph illustrating a signaling, guiding and alerting arrangement according to the invention, arranged in the platform area of a traffic station. The platform area 1 is located beside the passage route of the traffic vehicle. In the embodiment of the drawing, the passage route is a railroad, where the traffic vehicle moves along rails 2. The drawings illustrate only a small section of the platform area. The length of the platform area 1 depends on the size of the traffic station, as well as on the requirements set by the traffic vehicles that are using it. It is a known fact that a traffic station can comprise several platform areas and traffic vehicle passage routes proceeding therebetween. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in the border of the platform area that is located on the side of the passage route of the traffic vehicle, there is arranged a first light source string 4, comprising sequentially arranged light sources 40. The light source string can be divided into several sections, at least in length. The light sources in the light source string can represent any type of suitable light sources, such as light emitting diodes, i.e. LED lights.

In Figure 1, the lights 40 are illustrated in simplified form. All light sources in the light source string are switched to the first mode. The first mode can be for instance one where the light sources emit alert light, such as amber light. The purpose of alert light is for example to alert passengers of the edge of the platform area, and possibly also of an arriving traffic vehicle.

In the platform area, there is also provided at least one second light source string 5, comprising sequentially arranged light sources 50. In the embodiment of the drawing, the second light source string is arranged at a distance from the first light source string. In the embodiment of the drawing, it is parallel with the first light source string. In the longitudinal direction of the platform, it extends typically, but not necessarily, only along part of the length of the first light source string 4. In the lengthwise direction, the second light source string 5 can be divided into several sections. The second light source string or at least part of it is arranged to indicate for example the stopping place of a traffic vehicle with respect to the platform area and/or to the traffic vehicle, as for the locations of passage routes for passengers, such as traffic vehicle doors, with respect to the platform area, when the traffic vehicle has stopped in the station. Now it is more convenient for the passengers to move from the platform area to a traffic vehicle, when they are already in advance positioned at the correct spots with respect to the traffic vehicle doors.

The platform area is advantageously provided with yet one third light source string 6, comprising sequentially arranged light sources 60. At least one third light source string can be used to guide the passengers from the traffic vehicle to the station exit doors, and/or when approaching the traffic vehicle, to the correct spot to beside the second light source string, in order to wait for an access to the traffic vehicle.

Figure 2 is a simplified illustration of a traffic vehicle as it has arrived at the platform area 1. The location of the traffic vehicle stopping place and/or entrance point with respect to the platform area is indicated by the light sources 50 of the second light source string. Now the passengers are already on the right spot, waiting to be able to enter the traffic vehicle. The light sources of the first light source string are in the first mode, thus signaling to the passengers waiting in the platform area that they are not yet allowed to step inside the traffic vehicle.

Figure 3 illustrates a situation where for part of the length of the first light source string 4, the light sources 40 are in the second mode, for example emitting light that has a different color than in the first mode, such as green light. This signals the passengers waiting in the platform area to step on board the traffic vehicle.

Figure 4 illustrates a situation where the traffic vehicle has started moving away from the station. Now, typically already before starting, the light sources of the first light source string arranged in the platform border area, are again in the first mode, emitting for example the first light, such as amber light. Typically the control of the light sources is adjusted according to the passage of the traffic vehicle, or even so that the light sources are controlled on the basis of commands received from the control system of the traffic vehicle.

Consequently, the invention relates to a method for signaling, guiding and alerting passengers in the platform area of a traffic station, in which method passengers are signaled, guided or alerted by means of sequentially arranged light sources, such as LED lights, fastened or embedded on a surface, particularly the surface of a passenger platform. In the method, passengers are alerted of the passage route of a traffic vehicle and/or of an arriving traffic vehicle by means of a first light source string 4 arranged in the border area of the platform 1 , said light source string comprising sequentially arranged light sources that are spaced apart 40, by means of a first mode of the light source, for instance a first color; and passengers are guided into the transport vehicle 3 and/or out of the transport vehicle to the platform area 1 by switching the mode of at least part of the light sources in the first light source string 4 from the first mode to the second mode, such as to a second color.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, passengers are signaled to take positions in the platform area with respect to an arriving traffic vehicle at least by means of one first mode of at least one second light source string 5, comprising sequentially arranged second light sources 50 that are spaced apart.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method, passengers are further guided to the platform area of a traffic station and/or away therefrom by means of at least one third light source string 6, comprising sequentially arranged light sources that are spaced apart and have at least one first mode.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least those light sources 40' among the light sources 40 of the first light source string that are located at least at the passage routes meant for passengers of a traffic vehicle 3 that has stopped at the platform area are switched to the second mode.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light sources 40 of the first light source string 4 are switched to the second mode 40' only when the passengers are allowed to move from the platform area 1 to the traffic vehicle 3. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the light sources 40' of the first light source string 4 are switched from the second mode to the first, when the passengers are not anymore allowed to enter the traffic vehicle 3.

According to a typical embodiment, the passengers are guided in the platform area to desired spots in order to wait for a traffic vehicle by means of at least one second light source string 5 and/or at least one third light source string 6.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, at least the light sources of the first light source string 4 are controlled on the basis of the data received from the traffic data of the vehicle 3 and/or data received from the control system of the traffic vehicle.

Yet according to a preferred embodiment, as the traffic vehicle 3 is approaching the station or at least the platform area and/or departing from the station or at least from the platform area, the light sources 40 of the first light source string 4 or at least part thereof start flashing in the first mode, thus giving an alert of an arriving traffic vehicle, and when the traffic vehicle 3 has stopped, the light sources 40 are switched to emit continuous light, preferably in the first mode.

According to a typical embodiment, the light sources 60 of at least one third light source string 6 are used in a hazardous situation as an emergency exit light, most advantageously to indicate the direction of an emergency escape route. In addition, the light sources of the third light source string can be "run", i.e. an illusion of movement can be created by switching the light sources on and off in the string. In a hazardous situation, this illusion of movement leads away from the platform area, in the direction of an emergency escape route. When guiding passengers to a traffic vehicle, the illusion of movement leads towards the platform area 1.

The invention also relates to an arrangement for signaling, guiding and alerting passengers in the platform area of a traffic station 1 , said arrangement comprising sequentially arranged light sources, such as LED lights, fastened or embedded on a surface, particularly the surface of a passenger platform. The arrangement comprises at least one first light source string 4, arranged in the border area of the platform 1 , including sequentially arranged light sources 40 that are spaced apart, at least part of which light sources are arranged to alert passengers of the passage route of a traffic vehicle and/or of an arriving traffic vehicle by means of a first mode of the light source 40, for instance a first color; and at least part of the light sources in the first light source string 4 are arranged to guide passengers into the transport vehicle 3 and/or out of the transport vehicle to the platform area 1 by switching the mode of at least part of the light sources in the first light source string 4 from the first mode to a second mode, such as to a second color.

According to a preferred embodiment, the arrangement further comprises at least one second light source string 5, including sequentially arranged second light sources 50 that are spaced apart, said light sources being arranged, by at least one first mode of the light source, to guide passengers to take positions in the platform area 1 with respect to an arriving traffic vehicle 3.

According to another preferred embodiment, the arrangement further comprises at least one third light source string 6, including sequentially arranged light sources 60 that are spaced apart, having at least one first mode, which light sources are arranged to guide passengers to the platform area of a traffic station 1 and/or away therefrom.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least part of the light sources 40 of the first light source string are arranged to be switched to the second mode, preferably at least part of those light sources 40' that are located at least at the passage routes meant for the passengers of a traffic vehicle 3 that has stopped at the platform area 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light sources 40 of the first light source string 4 are arranged to be switched to the second mode 40', when the passengers are allowed to move from the platform area 1 to the traffic vehicle 3.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the light sources 40 of the first light source string 4 are arranged to be switched from the second mode to the first mode, when the passengers are not anymore allowed to enter to the traffic vehicle 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one second light source string 5 and/or at least one third light source string 6 are arranged to guide the passengers in the platform area 1 to desired spots in order to wait for a traffic vehicle 3. According to a typical embodiment, at least part of the light sources 40, 40' of the first light source string 4 are arranged to be controlled on the basis of the traffic data of the traffic vehicle 3 and/or on the basis of data received from the control system of the traffic vehicle.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, as the traffic vehicle 3 is approaching the station or at least the platform area, and/or departing from the station or at least from the platform area, the light sources 40 of the first light source string 4 or at least part thereof are arranged to be flashing in the first mode, thus giving an alert of an arriving traffic vehicle 3, and when the traffic vehicle has stopped, the light sources 40 are arranged emit continuous light.

According to a typical embodiment, at least one third of the light sources 60 in a light source string 6 are arranged to be used as emergency exit light in a hazardous situation, preferably to indicate the direction of an emergency escape route.

The arrangement according to the invention is extremely advantageous and well suited to be used for instance in railway stations, underground traffic stations and in general busy traffic stations with a lot of passengers.

Typically light source strings can also be used for other purposes than for signaling and guiding passengers and/or pointing escape routes for example in hazardous situations.

The light source string according to the invention can be based for example on a conductor string described in the patent publication Fl 108106 B, provided with LED light sources.

The light sources can also have other modes than those described above.

For a man skilled in the art, it is obvious that the invention is not restricted to the above described embodiments only, but it can be modified within the scope of the appended claims. Characteristic features possibly presented as connected to other such features in the specification can, when necessary, also be used individually.