How It Works - The WUR-COM Multimedia Communicator

In previous articles in this series, we discussed ASME code updates requiring multimedia communication capabilities in elevator cabs, and explored the history behind Wurtec’s own multimedia solution, the WUR-COM.

In this entry, we’re taking a deep dive into the WUR-COM, exploring each component and how they all integrate into one powerful communication system.

A Code-Compliant Solution

The WUR-COM Multimedia Communicator meets all the latest ASME code requirements for elevator communications by providing two-way audio, a text display on the passenger-facing unit, standardized text messaging from emergency responders, and video monitoring of the cab. A single-board computer running specialized software processes communications and conveys them to designated devices through an Internet or LAN connection.

The WUR-COM system incorporates four key elements: a car station, a video camera, a remote computer interface, and a lobby station.

1. Car Station

The WUR-COM car station occupies the place of a traditional elevator phone in the cab. An entrapped passenger presses the “HELP” button on the unit to initiate an emergency call.

Like a conventional phone, the unit features a microphone and speaker for audio communications. But to assist hearing-impaired passengers, it is also equipped with a display screen to show text messages from emergency responders. The passenger can answer incoming text messages by pressing the clearly labeled “YES” and “NO” buttons on the unit.

Wurtec offers two versions of the car station: a grill mount and stainless steel flush mount.

2. Cab Camera

The ASME code requires video monitoring of the cab in case the passenger is incapacitated and cannot communicate via the car station. Wurtec offers three options for the WUR-COM package: COP-mounted, corner-mounted, or dome camera.

3. Remote Computer Interface

When the passenger presses “HELP”, an encrypted WebRTC stream opens and places a call to a designated responder. The responder opens a computer interface that provides all the necessary tools to monitor and communicate with the passenger: a live video feed, audio communications, and texting. The texting dialog offers several standardized messages for rapid communication, as well as the ability to type custom messages.

The WUR-COM is HTTPS compliant, ensuring the safety of both your connections and the WUR-COM site.

4. Lobby Station

The touch-screen lobby station features a two-way audio and text interface, allowing emergency responders to continue communicating with passengers when they arrive onsite. Any web-connected device can also act as a lobby station. Wurtec offers two options: a red box style station with a handset and stainless-steel flush mount unit.

Easy Configuration?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Configuring the WUR-COM Multimedia Communicator is a simple three-step process: just select the car station, the camera, and the lobby station that best suits your elevator setup. If you prefer to use an analog phone line together with digital text and video, choose the WUR-COM standard package. If you’re interested in a fully digital option, the WUR-COM+ is for you.

To see a video breakdown of how the WUR-COM works, check out this demo we put together last year in advance of the ASME code updates going live in New York.