TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention concerns in general the technical field of elevators. Especially the invention concerns elevator call buttons.

BACKGROUND

Typically, elevator systems comprise elevator call devices comprising elevator buttons for making elevator calls. The elevator call devices may for example be elevator car call devices, e.g. car operating panels (COPs); landing call devices, e.g. landing call stations (LCSs); and/or destination call devices, e.g. a destination operation panels (DOPs). Typically, the elevator call buttons are provided with a mechanical push functionality, i.e. the elevator calls can be made via a physical contact, e.g. a push of a touch by a hand of a user. The elevator buttons may also be provided with a touchless functionality, i.e. the elevator call are made via a touchless user interaction, i.e. without a physical contact. There exist also elevator buttons with both the mechanical push functionality and the touchless functionality. However, there is need to develop further solutions especially for the touchless functionality of the elevator buttons.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide basic understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplifying embodiments of the invention.

An objective of the invention is to present an elevator call button, a method for controlling an elevator call button, an elevator call device, and a computer program. Another objective of the invention is that the elevator call button, the method for controlling an elevator call button, the elevator call device, and the computer program improve user experience of the elevator call button, especially a touchless functionality of the elevator call button. The objectives of the invention are reached by an elevator call button, a method, an elevator call device, and a computer program as defined by the respective independent claims.

According to a first aspect, an elevator call button is provided, wherein the elevator call button comprises: a touchless sensor part configured to provide proximity data, at least one illumination device for providing visual feedback, and a control unit configured to: obtain the proximity data from the touchless sensor part; detect an object within a predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data; and control the at least one illumination device to provide a first visual feedback; wherein if the control unit continues detecting the object within the predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data for a first predefined period of time, the control unit is further configured to: control the at least one illumination device to provide a second visual feedback, wherein the second visual feedback differs from the first visual feedback; and generate a first control signal to an elevator control system for registering an elevator call from the elevator call button.

The touchless sensor part may comprise: an infrared emission sensor device configured to continuously emit an infrared light signal, and at least one receiving sensor device configured to receive the infrared light signal reflected from the object to provide the proximity data.

The first visual feedback may comprise at least one of a blinking illumination, a dimmed illumination, at least one illumination pattern, and an illumination having a first color.

Alternatively or in addition, the second visual feedback may comprise at least one of a continuous illumination, an illumination with a predefined illumination level, and an illumination having a second color.

If the control unit does not continue detecting the object within the predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data for the first predefined period of time, the control unit may be configured to control the at least one illumination device to end providing the first visual feedback.

If the control unit continues detecting the object within the predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data after the generating the first control signal for a second predefined period of time, the control unit may further be configured to disable the operation of the touchless sensor part.

The elevator call button may further comprise an audible device, wherein the control unit may further be configured to: control the audible device to provide a first audible feedback with the first visual feedback, and/or control the audible device to provide a second audible feedback with the second visual feedback.

Alternatively or in addition, the elevator call button may further comprise a mechanical switch device configured to generate a second control signal to the elevator control system for registering the elevator call from the elevator call button in response to being activated before the predefined first period of time has been expired, wherein the control unit may be configured to control the at least one illumination device to provide the second visual feedback, if the second control signal is generated in response to the activation of the mechanical switch device before the predefined first period of time has been expired.

According to a second aspect, a method for controlling an elevator call button is provided, wherein the method comprises: obtaining proximity data from a touchless sensor device of the elevator call button; detecting an object within a predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data; and controlling at least one illumination device of the elevator call button to provide a first visual feedback; wherein if the detection of the object within the predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data is continued for a first predefined period of time, the method further comprises: controlling the at least one illumination device to provide a second visual feedback, wherein the second visual feedback differs from the first visual feedback; and generating a first control signal to an elevator control system for registering an elevator call from the elevator call button.

The touchless sensor part of the elevator call button may be configured to provide the proximity data by: continuously emitting, by an infrared emission sensor device, an infrared light signal; and receiving, by at least one receiving sensor device, the infrared light signal reflected from the object.

The first visual feedback may comprise at least one of a blinking illumination, a dimmed illumination, at least one illumination pattern, and an illumination having a first color. Alternatively or in addition, the second visual feedback may comprise at least one of a continuous illumination, an illumination with a predefined illumination level, and an illumination having a second color.

If the detecting the object within the predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data is not continued for the first predefined period of time based on the proximity data, the method may comprise controlling the at least one illumination device to end providing the first visual feedback.

If detecting the object within the predefined distance from the elevator call button based on the proximity data is continued after the generating the first control signal for a second predefined period of time, the method may further comprise disabling the operation of the touchless sensor part.

The method may further comprise: controlling an audible device to provide a first audible feedback with the first visual feedback; and/or controlling the audible device to provide a second audible feedback with the second visual feedback.

Alternatively or in addition, the method may further comprise: generating, by a mechanical switch device, a second control signal to the elevator control system for registering elevator call from the elevator call button in response to the mechanical switch device being activated before the predefined first period of time has been expired; and controlling, by the control unit, the at least one illumination device to provide the second visual feedback, if the second control signal is generated in response to the activation of the mechanical switch device before the predefined first period of time has been expired.

According to a third aspect, an elevator call device is provided, wherein the elevator call device comprises at least one elevator call button described above.

According to a fourth aspect, a computer program is provided, wherein the computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described above.

Various exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention both as to constructions and to methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of unrecited features. The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1A illustrates schematically an example of an elevator call button.

Figures 1 B and 1 C illustrate schematically examples of an elevator call device.

Figures 2A-2C illustrate schematically examples situation.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically an example of an operation of an infraredbased touchless sensor part of an elevator call button.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically an example of a component base part of an elevator call button comprising further an audible device.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically an example of a method for controlling an elevator call button.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically another example of a method for controlling an elevator call button.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically an example of components of a control unit of an elevator call button.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLIFYING EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1A illustrates schematically an example of an elevator call button 100. Figure 1A illustrates an exploded view of the elevator call button 100. The elevator call button 100 may be an elevator call button 100 of an elevator car call device, e.g. a car operation panel (COP) or an elevator call button 100 of a landing call device, e.g. a landing call station (LCS). In other words, the elevator call button 100 may be implemented as an elevator call button 100 of the elevator car call device or an elevator call button 100 of the landing call device. Figure 1 B illustrates schematically an example of an elevator call device 130, 140. The example elevator call device 130, 140 of Figure 1 B is a landing call device 130, e.g. a LCS, comprising two elevator call buttons 100. Figure 1 C illustrates schematically another example of an elevator call device 130, 140. The example elevator call device 130, 140 of Figure 1 C is an elevator car call device 140, e.g. a COP, comprising four elevator call buttons 100. The elevator call devices 130, 140 of Figures 1 B and 1C are only non-limiting examples of the elevator call device 130, 140, and at least one elevator call button 100 may be implemented in any elevator call device 130, 140. The elevator call button 100 comprises a touchless sensor part 102, at least one illumination device 104, a control unit 106, and a frame part 108. The elevator call button 100 may further comprise a mechanical switch device 110, e.g. a mechanical micro switch. In the example of Figure 1A, the touchless sensor part 102 comprises three sensor devices, e.g. one emission sensor device and two receiving sensor devices. However, the touchless sensor part 102 may also comprise other number of sensor devices as will be described later in this application. The elevator call button 100 may further comprise a power supply part 120 configured to power electrical components of the elevator call button 100, e.g. the touchless sensor part 102, the at least one illumination device 104, the control unit 106, and any other electrical component of the elevator call button 100. The power supply part 120 may comprise one or more powering components e.g. a battery for powering the electrical components of the elevator call button 100. The at least one illumination device 104 is configured to provide visual feedback. The at least one illumination device 104 may comprise for example at least one light-emitting diode (LED) light. In the example of Figure 1A the elevator call button 100 comprises six illumination devices, e.g. LED lights, 104, but the number of the illumination devices 104 is not limited to that, and the elevator call button 100 may also comprise any other number of illumination devices 104.

The frame part 108 of the elevator call button 100 may comprise at least a button ring 114 and a button pressel assembly 116. The button ring 114 may for example be used to guide the moving button pressel assembly 116 and/or to provide visual and tactile contrast between the elevator call button 100 and the surrounding area. The button ring 114 may also be used in some cases as an illuminated area of the elevator call button 100. The button pressel assembly 116 may for example comprise glass, such as tempering glass; plastic; and/or any other material enabling the visual feedback provided by the at least one illumination device 104 and signal(s) of the touchless sensor part 102 to penetrate the button pressel assembly 116. The frame part 108 may further comprise a button disc part 117 and/or a button spring part 118. The button spring part 118 may be located inside the button ring 114 and be used in mechanical push functionality of the button 110, e.g. a push force may led to the mechanical switch device 110 e.g. via a spring. The button spring part 118 may be otherwise transparent, but comprise areas 118a at a location corresponding to the touchless sensor part 102 that allow the signal(s) of the touchless sensor part 102 pass through while preventing, i.e. blocking, light, e.g. visible light, reaching to the touchless sensor part 102. The button disc part 117 may also be otherwise transparent, but comprise areas 117a at the location corresponding to the touchless sensor part 102 that allow the signal(s) of the touchless sensor part 102 pass through while preventing, i.e. blocking, light, e.g. visible light, reaching to the touchless sensor part 102. The button spring part 118 and/or the button disc part 117 may be separate parts as illustrated in Figure 1A. Alternatively, the button spring part 118 and/or the button disc part 117 may be integrated parts of the button pressel assembly 116. Alternatively or in addition, the frame part 108 may further comprise a buffer, e.g. a rubber buffer, 119. The buffer 119 may for example be used to provide relief between the mechanical switch device 110 and the button pressel assembly 116. The frame part 108 of the elevator call button 100 may further comprise one or more other frame elements, for example for aligning and/or attaching the button pressel assembly 116 to the button ring 114.

The touchless sensor part 102 enables providing a touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100. The touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 means that the elevator calls may be made via a touchless user interaction, i.e. without a physical contact. The mechanical switch device 110 enables providing a mechanical push functionality of the elevator call button 100. The mechanical push functionality of the elevator call button 100 means that the elevator calls may be made via a physical contact, e.g. a push of a touch by a hand of a user. When the elevator call button 100 comprises both the touchless sensor part 104 and the mechanical switch device 110, the elevator call button 100 is provided with both the touchless functionality and the mechanical push functionality. This enables providing a dual functional elevator call button (100) comprising both the touchless functionality and the mechanical push functionality. According to an example, the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 may be implemented in an existing mechanical elevator call button to provide a combined functionality of the elevator call button 100 comprising both touchless functionality and mechanical push functionality. The touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 may be implemented in the existing mechanical elevator call button for example by integrating touchless sensing technology in the existing mechanical elevator call button. The touchless sensing technology may comprise e.g. the touchless sensor part 102, the control unit 106, and the power supply part 120. The at least one illumination device 104 and the mechanical switch device 110 of the elevator call button 100 may be existing components of the existing mechanical elevator call button. Alternatively or in addition, the frame part 108 of the elevator call button 100 may comprise one or more existing parts of the frame part of the existing mechanical elevator call button, e.g. the button ring 114 and the button pressel assembly 116.

At least part of the components of the elevator call button 100, e.g. the touchless sensor part 102, the control unit 106, the at least one illumination device 104, and the power supply part 120 may be implemented on a component base part 112. The component base part 112 may for example be a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA). If the elevator call button 100 comprises also the mechanical switch device 110, the mechanical switch device 110 may also be implemented on the same component base part 112 as illustrated in the example of Figure 1 A. The locations of the components of the elevator call button 100 on the component base part 112 are only non-limiting examples.

The touchless sensor part 102 is configured to provide proximity data. The touchless sensor part 102 may provide the proximity data from a detection area locating substantially in front of the call elevator call button 100 such that the control unit 106 is capable to detect based on the proximity data an object 200 approaching the elevator call button 100 to make an elevator call by means of the elevator call button 100. If the elevator call device 130, 140 comprises more than on elevator call button 100, the detection areas of the more than one elevator call buttons 100 do not overlap with each other. This enables interference free operation of the touchless sensor parts 102 of the more than one elevator call buttons 100.

Next the operation of the elevator call button 100 to make elevator call by means of the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 is discussed.

The control unit 106 is configured to obtain the proximity data from the touchless sensor part 102. When the control unit 106 detects an object 200 within a predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data, the control unit 106 is configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide a first visual feedback 202. In other words, the control unit 106 is configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the first visual feedback 202 in response to the detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data. The object 200 may be for example a finger of a user intending to make an elevator call by means of the elevator call button 100 or any other shield. The providing of the first visual feedback 202 represents a detection of the object 200. The first visual feedback 202 enables informing the user that the finger 200 is detected within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 and that the elevator call is about to be given. This may prevent at least partly miscalls made by means of the elevator call button 100. The predefined distance D may for example be between 0.5 centimeters and 10 centimeters. Preferably, the predefined distance D may for example be, some centimeters, e.g. between 1 centimeter and 3 centimeters. Figure 2A illustrates schematically an example situation, wherein the object 200 is beyond the elevator call button 100 than the predefined distance D, i.e. the distance d2 between the object 200 and the elevator call button 100 is larger than the predefined distance D. In the example situation of Figure 2A, no visual feedback is generated by the at least one illumination device 104 of the elevator call button 100, because the control unit 106 has not detected the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data. Figure 2B, in turn, illustrates another example situation, wherein the object 200 is detected within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100. In the example situation of Figure 2B, the control unit 106 is configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the first visual feedback 202. The provided first visual feedback 202 is illustrated with dashed lines in the example of Figure 2B. The first visual feedback 202 may comprise at least one of a blinking illumination, a dimmed illumination, at least one illumination pattern, and an illumination having a first color. The blinking illumination may have a predefined blinking frequency. Alternatively, the blinking frequency of the blinking illumination may be adjustable. According to a non-limiting example, the blinking illumination may comprise blinking every 100 milliseconds. The dimmed illumination may have a predefined illumination level. Alternatively, the illumination level of the dimmed illumination may be adjusted. The illumination level of the dimmed illumination may for example be adjusted according to the distance d2 between the object 200 and the elevator call button 100, when the object 200 is within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100. For example, the illumination level of the dimmed illumination may be adjusted so that the illumination level is increased when the object 200 approaches the elevator call button 100, i.e. the distance d2 between the object 200 and the elevator call button 100 decreases. According to a non-limiting example, the illumination level of the dimmed illumination may be between 0 % and 90% of the full illumination level. The first color of the illumination of the first visual feedback 202 may be any color. The at least one illumination device 104 comprises multiple LED lights to be able to create the at least one illumination pattern.

According to an example, the touchless sensor part 102 may be an infrared - based sensor, e.g. surface-mount-device (SMD) infrared -based sensor. Alternatively, the touchless sensor part 102 may be a capacitive -based sensor or a Time-of-Flight (ToF) -based sensor. Next an example of an operation of an infrared-based touchless sensor part 102 of the elevator call button 100 is discussed referring to Figure 3. For sake of clarity the other components than the components of the touchless sensor part 102 arranged on the component base part 112 are not illustrated in Figure 3. The touchless sensor part 102 may comprise an infrared emission sensor device 302 and at least one receiving sensor device 304. In the example of Figure 3 the touchless sensor part 102 comprises the infrared emission sensor device 302 and one receiving sensor device 304, but the touchless sensor part 102 may also comprise more than one sensor device 304. The infrared emission sensor device 302 may be configured to continuously emit infrared light signal 306. The infrared emission sensor device 302 may emit the infrared light signal 306 substantially to front of the call elevator call button 100, i.e. towards the detection area of the touchless sensor part 102. The infrared light signal 306 may be emitted at a specific frequency. The touchless sensor part 102 may comprise an infrared transmitting circuit 308 configured to modulate the signal to the specific frequency pulse signal to emit the infrared light signal 306. The at least one receiving sensor device 304 may be configured to receive the infrared light signal 310 reflected from the object 200. The touchless sensor part 102 may comprise a signal processing circuit 312 configured to process the received reflected infrared light signal 310. The emitted infrared light signal 306 cannot be reflected, i.e. returned, to the at least one receiving sensor device 304 without the object 200 locating in front of the elevator call button 100. The proximity data provided by the touchless sensor part 102 may for example comprise data representing the received reflected infrared light signal 310. For example, the proximity data provided by the touchless sensor part 102 may indicate whether the infrared light signal 310 reflected from the object 200 is received or not. Alternatively or in addition, the proximity data provided by the touchless sensor part 102 may for example comprise at least part of the received reflected infrared light signal 310 being processed by the signal processing circuit 312. The control unit 106 may define based on the proximity data, whether the object 200 from which the infrared light signal 310 is reflected resides is within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 or not.

If the control unit 106 continues detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data for, i.e. during, a first predefined period of time, the control unit 106 is further configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide a second visual feedback 204 and to generate a first control signal to an elevator control system for registering an elevator call from the elevator call button 100. The elevator control system may register the elevator call according to any known registering manner and the registered elevator call may be served according to any known serving manner. The control unit 106 of the elevator call button 100 may be communicatively coupled to the elevator call system. The communication between the control unit 106 of the elevator call button 100 and the elevator control system may be based on one or more known communication technologies, either wired or wireless. The first predefined period of time may for example be, but is not limited to, between 0 to 5 seconds. According to a nonlimiting example, the predefined period of time may for example be 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 1 ,6 second, or 2 seconds. The providing of the second visual feedback 204 represents a registered elevator call. The second visual feed- back 204 enables informing the user that the elevator call is registered. The second visual feedback 204 differs from the first visual feedback 202. Figure 2C illustrates yet another example situation, wherein the object 200 is detected within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 for the first predefined period of time. In the example situation of Figure 2C, the control unit 106 is further configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the second visual feedback 204. The provided second visual feedback 204 is illustrated with solid lines in the example of Figure 2C. The second visual feedback 204 may comprise at least one of a continuous illumination, an illumination with a predefined illumination level, and an illumination having a second color. The predefined illumination level of the illumination of the second visual feedback 204 may for example be full level illumination. Alternatively or in addition, the predefined illumination level of the illumination of the second visual feedback 204 may be any illumination level being higher than the illumination level of the dimmed illumination of the first visual feedback. The second color of illumination of the second visual feedback 204 may be any color being different from the first color of the illumination of the first visual feedback 202.

According to an example, if the control unit 106 does not continue detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data for the first predefined period of time, the control unit 106 may be configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the first visual feedback 202. In other words, if the control unit 106 detects that the object 200 is moved away beyond the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data during the first predefined period of time, i.e. before expiration of the first predefined period of time, the control unit 106 may be configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the first visual feedback 202. For example, if the touchless sensor part 102 is implemented as the infrared - based sensor, the control unit 106 may detect that the infrared light signal reflected from the object 200 is not received any more, before the expiration of the first predefined period of time based on the proximity data and control the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the first visual feedback 202.

According to another example, if the control unit 106 continues detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data after generating the first control signal to the ele- vator control system for, i.e. during, a second predefined period of time, the control unit 106 is further configured to disable the operation of the touchless sensor part 104, i.e. to disable the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100, while the mechanical switch device 110 and the mechanical push functionality of the elevator call button 100 is still in operation. The second predefined period of time may for example be, but is not limited to, between 10 seconds to 30 seconds. Preferably, the second predefined period of time may be for example between 20 seconds to 30 seconds. When the operation of the touchless sensor part 102 is disabled further elevator calls are not registered from the elevator call button 100 by means of the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100. When the operation of the touchless sensor part 102 is disabled, the touchless sensor part 102 may be entered a sleep mode, in which further elevator calls are not registered from the elevator call button 100 by means of the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100. This enables for example that users with a visual disability, e.g. blind users and/or users with a reduced eyesight, may have time to read a tactile button markings associated with the elevator call button 100 and will not make any miscalls by means of the elevator call button 100. The tactile markings may for example be arranged to the elevator call button 100 or next to the elevator call button 100.

According to an example, the control unit 106 may be configured to detect a completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100. The control unit 106 may detect the service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 for example in response to receiving an indication that the registered elevator call has been served. The indication may be received for example from the elevator control system. The detecting the completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 may comprise controlling the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the second visual feedback 204. If the operation of the touchless sensor part 102 has been disabled, the detecting the completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 may further comprise reactivating the operation of the touchless sensor part 102 of the elevator call button 102.

Next the operation of the elevator call button 100 to make elevator call by means of the combined functionality of the elevator call button 100 is discussed. The combined functionality comprises the above discussed touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 combined with the mechanical push functionality of the elevator call button 100. The mechanical switch device 110 of the elevator call button 100 may be configured to generate a second control signal to the elevator control system for registering the elevator call from the elevator call button 100 in response to being activated. For example, the mechanical switch device 110 may be activated in response to a physical user interaction with the user, e.g. in response to a push or touch of the elevator call button 100 by the user. The mechanical switch device 110 of the elevator call button 100 may be communicatively coupled to the elevator control system. The communication between the control unit 106 of the elevator call button 100 and the elevator control system may be based on one or more known communication technologies, either wired or wireless. As discussed above, the control unit 106 detects the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data and controls the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the first visual feedback 202. However, if the second control signal is generated by the mechanical switch device 110 in response to the activation of the mechanical switch device 110 before the predefined first period of time has been expired, the control unit 106 may be configured to control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the second visual feedback 204 similarly as discussed above in association with the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100. If the mechanical switch device 110 is activated and the second control signal is generated in response to the activation of the mechanical switch device 110 before the expiration of the predefined first period of time, the control unit 106 does not generate the first control signal although the control unit 106 continues detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 for the first predefined period of time. Similarly, the second control signal is not generated although the mechanical switch device 110 is activated, if the first control signal has been generated before the activation of the mechanical switch device 110. These enable that only one elevator call is registered from the elevator call button 100.

According to an example, the elevator call button 100 may further comprise an audible device 400. The audible device 400 may for example comprise a speaker device, a loudspeaker, or any other device capable of proving audible feedback. The audible device 400 may be arranged for example on the component base part 112. Figure 4 illustrates schematically an example of the component base part 112 of the elevator call button 100 comprising further the audible device 400. The control unit 106 may further be configured to control the audible device 400 to provide a first audible feedback together with the first visual feedback 202. In other words, when controlling the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the first visual feedback 202 in response to the detection of the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data as discussed above, the control unit 106 may further be configured to provide the first audible feedback in response to the detection of the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data. The first audible feedback may be provided substantially simultaneously with the first visual feedback 202. The providing of the first audible feedback represents a detection of the object 200. The first audible feedback enables informing further the user that the finger is detected within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 and that the elevator call is about to be given. The first audible feedback may for example comprise one or more audible signals.

Alternatively or in addition, the control unit 106 may further be configured to control the audible device 400 to provide a second audible feedback with the second visual feedback 204. In other words, when controlling the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the second visual feedback 204 in response to the continuation of detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data for the first predefined period of time as discussed above, the control unit 106 may further be configured to provide the second audible feedback in response to the continuation of detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data for the first predefined period of time. The second audible feedback may be provided substantially simultaneously with the second visual feedback 204. The providing of the second audible feedback represents a registered elevator call. The second audible feedback enables informing further the user that the elevator call is registered. The second audible feedback differs from the first audible feedback. The second audible feedback may for example comprise one or more audible signals that are different from the one or more audible signals of the first audible feedback.

Next an example of a method for controlling the elevator call button 100 discussed above is described by referring to Figure 5. Figure 5 schematically il- lustrates the method as a flow chart. In the example method of Figure 5 the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 is discussed.

At a step 502, the control unit 106 obtains proximity data from the touchless sensor part 102. For example, the touchless sensor part 102 of the elevator call button 100 may provide the proximity data by continuously emitting, by the infrared emission sensor device 302, infrared light signal 306, and receiving, by the at least one receiving sensor device 304, the infrared light signal 310 reflected from the object 200 as discussed above. The touchless sensor part 102 may provide the proximity data to the control unit 106.

At a step 506, the control unit 504 controls the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the first visual feedback 202 in response to detecting at a step 504 the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data. The first visual feedback 202 may comprise at least one of a blinking illumination, a dimmed illumination, at least one illumination pattern, and an illumination having a first color as discussed above. If the control unit 106 does not detect at the step 504 the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data, the control unit 106 may continue obtaining the proximity data from the touchless sensor part at the step 502. According to an example, the control unit 106 may further control the audible device 400 to provide the first audible feedback with the first visual feedback 202 at the step 506 as discussed above, if the elevator call button 100 comprises further the audible device 400.

If the control unit 106 continues at a step 508 detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data for the first predefined period of time, the control unit 106 controls at a step 510 the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the second visual feedback 204 and at a step 512 the control unit 106 generates the first control signal to the elevator control system for registering an elevator call from the elevator call button 100. The second visual feedback 204 differs from the first visual feedback 202. The second visual feedback 204 may comprise at least one of a continuous illumination, an illumination with a predefined illumination level, and an illumination having a second color as discussed above. In Figure 5 the step 510 of controlling the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the second visual feedback 204 is illustrated before the step 512 of generating the first control signal to the elevator control system, but the step 512 may be performed before performing the step 510 or the steps 510 and 512 may be performed substantially simultaneously. According to an example, the control unit 106 may further control the audible device 400 to provide the second audible feedback with the second visual feedback 204 at the step 510 as discussed above, if the elevator call button 100 comprises further the audible device 400.

According to an example, if the control unit 106 does not continue detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data for the first predefined period of time at the step 508, the control unit 106 may control at a step 514 the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the first visual feedback 202. In other words, if the control unit 106 detects at the step 508 that the object 200 is moved away beyond the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data during the first predefined period of time, i.e. before expiration of the first predefined period of time, the control unit 106 may control at the step 514 the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the first visual feedback 202. After ending the controlling the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the first visual feedback 202 at the step 514, the control unit 106 may continue obtaining the proximity data from the touchless sensor part 102 at the step 502.

According to another example, if the control unit 106 continues at a step 516 detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 based on the proximity data after generating the first control signal to the elevator control system at the step 512 for a second predefined period of time, the control unit 106 may further disable at a step 518 the operation of the touchless sensor part 102, i.e. disable the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 as discussed above.

At a step 520, the control unit 106 may detect a completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100. The control unit 106 may detect the service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 for example in response to receiving an indication that the registered elevator call has been served. The indication may be received for example from the elevator control unit. The detecting the completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 at the step 502 may comprise controlling the at least one illumination device 104 to end providing the second visual feedback 204. If the operation of the touchless sensor part 102 has been disabled, the detecting the completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 at the step 520 may further comprise reactivating the operation of the touchless sensor part 102 of the elevator call button 100. After detecting the completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 at the step 520, the control unit 106 may continue obtaining the proximity data from the touchless sensor part 102 at the step 502.

Next another example of the method for the elevator call button 100 is described by referring to Figure 6. Figure 6 schematically illustrates the method as a flow chart. In the example method of Figure 6 the combined functionality of the elevator call button 100 is discussed. As discussed above the combined functionality comprises the above discussed touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100 combined with the mechanical push functionality of the elevator call button 100. The method comprising the combined functionality of the elevator call button 100 may comprise the steps 502 to 506 as discussed above referring to Figure 5 illustrating the example method comprising the touchless functionality of the elevator call button 100. As discussed above, the mechanical switch device 110 of the elevator call button 100 may generate a second control signal to the elevator control system for registering the elevator call from the elevator call button 100 in response to being activated. For example, the mechanical switch device 110 may be activated in response to a physical user interaction with the user, e.g. in response to a push or touch of the elevator call button 100 by the user. If the second control signal is generated in response to the activation of the mechanical switch device 110 before the predefined first period of time is expired at a step 602, the control unit 106 may control the at least one illumination device 104 to provide the second visual feedback 204 at a step 604 similarly as discussed above referring to the step 510. If the mechanical switch device 110 is activated and the second control signal is generated in response to the activation of the mechanical switch device 110 before the expiration of the predefined first period of time at the step 602, the control unit 106 does not generate the first control signal although the control unit 106 continues detecting the object 200 within the predefined distance D from the elevator call button 100 for the first predefined period of time at the step 508. Similarly, the second control signal is not generated although the mechanical switch device 110 is activated, if the first control signal has been generated before the activation of the mechanical switch device 110. These enable that only one elevator call is registered from the elevator call button 100. At a step 606, the control unit 106 may detect a completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 similarly as discussed above referring to the step 520. After detecting the completed service of the elevator call registered from the elevator call button 100 at the step 606, the control unit 106 may continue obtaining the proximity data from the touchless sensor part 102 at the step 502.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically an example of the components of the control unit 106. The control unit 106 may comprise a processing unit 710 comprising one or more processors, a memory unit 720 comprising one or more memories, and a communication unit 730 comprising one or more communication devices. The mentioned elements may be communicatively coupled to each other with e.g. an internal bus. The memory unit 720 may store and maintain portions of a computer program (code) 725, the proximity data, and any other data. The computer program 725 may comprise instructions which, when the computer program 725 is executed by the processing unit 710 may cause the processing unit 710, and thus the control unit 106 to carry out desired tasks, e.g. one or more of the method steps described and/or operations of the control unit 106 as described. The processing unit 710 may thus be arranged to access the memory unit 720 and retrieve and store any information therefrom and thereto. For sake of clarity, the processor herein refers to any unit suitable for processing information and control the operation of the control unit, among other tasks. The operations may also be implemented with a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, the memory unit 720 is not limited to a certain type of memory only, but any memory type suitable for storing the described pieces of information may be applied in the context of the present invention. The communication unit 730 provides one or more communication interfaces for communication with any other unit, e.g. the touchless sensor part 102, the at least one illumination device 104, the power supply part 120, the audible device 400, the mechanical switch device 110, the elevator control system, and/or one or more databases. The computer program 725 may be a computer program product that may be comprised in a tangible nonvolatile (non-transitory) computer-readable medium bearing the computer program code 725 embodied therein for use with a computer, i.e. the control unit 106. The above discussed elevator call button 100 enables a safe way to make an elevator call without a physical contact to the elevator call button 100. Furthermore, the above discussed elevator call button 100 enables integration of the touchless sensing technology in the existing mechanical elevator call but- ton for providing the combined functionality of the elevator call button 100 comprising the touchless functionality and the mechanical push functionality of the elevator call device 100. Thus, the elevator call button 100 described above improves the combined functionality of the elevator call button 100. Furthermore, the above discussed elevator call button 100 improves the user ex- perience of the elevator call button 100.

The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and/or the interpretation of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.