GB2507384A - Door opening/closing control system of a carriage based on congestion data - Google Patents

Abstract

A door opening/closing control system 1 includes a first door drive unit (13R Fig 3A) configured to open/close a first door 14R; a second door drive unit (13L Fig 3A) configured to independently open/close a second door 14L; a door opening/closing control system that opens both doors if a prescribed congestion degree is high or open one door if the prescribed congestion degree is not high. The congestion degree is based on factors such as; position of train along track e.g. midtown areas, time of day e.g. rush hour, number of people waiting to get on or off of the train carriage, whether people are sat on seats opposite the doors or in priority seating, position of doors on the train relative to the entrance/exit of the station. Lights may be provided above each door to indicate their opening/closing. Due to each door being opened independently, this system reduces the amount of heat lost through unwanted open doors.

Description

DOOR OPENING/CLOSING CONTROL SYSTEM OF CAB.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of the filing date of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-197392 filed on September 7, 2012, the disclosure of *hich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a door opening/closing control system of a car that opens/closes a pair of doors installed in the car depending on circumstances in the vicinity of the pair of doors.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] In recent years, energy saving in controlling cars as represented by trains, buses, or the like has become a significant issue to stop global warming caused by the emission of carbon dioxide and cut energy costs. The realization of energy saving in controlling cars requires, for example, an improvement in the air-conditioning efficiency of the cars and the elimination of the driving operations of the parts of the cars.

[0003] Patent Literature I is configured to provide "a control unit that discriminates an output signal of a sensor 3 having detected infrared rays from a detection object and an output signal of the sensor 3 having detected infrared rays from an infrared ray irradiation unit 22 capable of irradiating a plurality of types of infrared rays different in characteristics ñtm the infrared rays from the detection object and that outputs a signal corresponding to the discrimination result." According to Patent Literature 1, "it is possible to provide an infrared ray sensor unit with a communication function and perform the detection of persons or the like at the same time." [0004] The object of Patent Literature 2 is "to provide a door opening/closing control unit capable of controlling the opening/closing of a door according to the movement circumstances of users or the like in the vicinity of the door." In order to achieve the object. Patent Literature 2 is configured as follows. The images of the opening pan of a door 11 and the front side of the door ii are shot by an imaging unit 15, A passing object recognition unit 16 apphes image processing to shot images to recognize the presence or absence, positions, and movement speeds of users-and a congestion degree in the vicinity of the door 11 A passing object movement prediction unit 17 detects the presence or absence olusers approaching the door 11 based on the recognItion results of the passing object recognition unit 16. A door control part 13 cLoses, when receiving a door closing-instmction 14h from an opening/closing operation part 14, the door 11 via a drive unit 12 with a confirmation that no user exits in the vicinity of the door ii. The door control part 13 temporarily stops the dosing of the door 11 if any user approaches the door II. The door control part 13 causes a door closing speed to be made slower than usual according to the congcslic'n degree in the vicinity of the door ii"

PRIOR ART REFERENCE

Patent Literature [0005] Patent Literature I: JP 7-220188 A Patent Literature 1: JP I 0-2?8788 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] it has been common that many of cars-such as trains and buses running in midtown areas have a pair of doors (i.e., both doors) composed of first and second 2-5 doors facing each other to allow a lot of passengers to get on and off the cars in a short pcriouotnme. When both the doors oithe cars perfbrrn opening/closing operations, the first and second doors operate with each other. Accordingly, both the doors are opened regardless of passengers-getting on and off the cars, and air cooled or heated inside the cars is dffiised to an outside to ca-use a reduction in air-conditioning efficiency. This resuhs in an increase in energy consumption.

[00071 Patent Literatures I and 2-. describe the technology of instafling the sensors to detect objects in the vicinity of the doors of the cars. Tn the figures of Patent Literatures i and 2, both the doors of the cars arc shown. I-llowcvcr, Pa-tent Literatures 1 and 2 give no consideration to the opening/closing of both the doors in light of the advantages of both the doors, [0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door opening/closing control system of a car capable of effectively taking advantage of both doors in the car having the pair of doors (both doors).

[0009] To this end, an embodiment of the present invention provides a door openinglclosing control system of a car, including a first door drive unit configured to independently open/close a first door serving as one of a pair of doors installed in the car; a second door drive unit configured to independently open/close a second door serving as the other of the pair of doors; and an opening/closing conirol unit configured to open both the pair of doors if a congestion degree is high or open one of the pair of doors if the congestion degree is not high.

The descriptions of other units constituting the door opening/closing control system of the car will be given in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to effectively take advantage of both doors in a car having the pair of doors (both doors).

Therefore, it is possible to reduce energy consumption caused by, fbr example, a reduction in air-conditioning efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a door opening/closing control system according to a first embodiment; FIG 2 is a cross-sectional view of a car including the door opening/closing control system according to the first embodiment; FIGS. 3A and 3B arc views showing the configurations and operations of the door opening/closing control system according to the first embodiment; FIGS. 4A to 4D are views showing an example (case 1) of door opening/closing operations according to the first embodiment; FIGS. 5A to SD are views showing an example (case 2) of the door opening'closing operations according to the first embodiment; FIG 6 is a flowchart showing the proccssing of a congestion degree determination part according to the first embodiment; FIG 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of a door opening/closing control part according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 i.s a schematic configuration diagram showmg a door openingielosmg control system according to a second embodiment; FiG 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the congestion degree determination part according to the second. embodiment; FIG 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the door opening/closing control part according to the secon.d emhodimnent FIG. II is a schematic configuration diagram showing a door opening/closing control system according to a third embodirnenh FIG 12 is a. plan view showing th.e car having th.e door opening/dosing control system according to the third embodiment; HG 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the door opening/closing control part accon±ng to the third embodiment; FiG 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a door opemng/ciosng control system. according to a fourth emhodimnt; FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the congestion degree determination part according to the fourth embodiment; and HG 16 is a flowchart showing the processing olthe door opening/closing control part aceordin.g to the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION' OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description wil]. be given in detail of embodiments for carving out the present invention, [0013] (configuration of First Embodimcnti [0014] FIG. I is a schematic configuration diagram showing a door opening/closing control system. according to a. first embodiment.

[0015] A door opening/closing control system I is installed in a car 3 (HG 2) that will hc described later, and is connected to a train running control apparatu.s 2 that controls the running of the car 3. The door opening/closing control system I ine]udcs, for cxarnpic, a door opcmng/ciosing operation unit II installed in. a drivcr's cab; individual door control units 12-1, 122, etc., each installed in the vicinity of a pair of doors; first and second doors 14R and 14L serving as a pair of doors; a first door drive unit IJR that independently drives the first door 14R; a second door drive unit 13L that drives the second door 14L. independently of the first door 14R; a first door inside lamp 15R; a second door inside lamp 1 51..; a first door outside lamp I bR; a second door outside lamp 1 6L a first inside sensor.1 7R; a second inside sensor I 7L; a. first outside sensor I SR.; and a second outside sensor I 8L The door opening/dosing control system 1 controls the opening/closing of the first arid second doors 1 4R and 14L serving as a. pair of doors installed in the car 3 (FiG 2). The door opemng/ciosing operation unit ii is installed in the driver's cab ofa train having one or more ears 3.

For example, in the case of a four-door car 3, eight individual door control units 12 are totally provided on both right arid left sides. of the car. In the case of a three-door car 3. six individual door control unit 12 are totally provided on both right and left sides of the car.

[0016] For example. the train runnIng control apparati.ts 2 acquires information on th.e running of a train having one or more cars 3 from an outside system and reflects the same on the driving of the train. The train running control apparatus 2 has the functioi of notifying the door opening/closing control system 1 of a position, a station, or the like at which the train having the cars 3 coupled thereto is presently stopped.

The door opening/closing operation unit ii includes, for example, a. storage part 111 such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). an input part 1T2 such as a switch, a display part 113 such, as a liquid crystal monitor and a monitor lamp, and a congestion degree determination part I 4 that determines a prescribed congestion degree. The storage part ill stores a congestion degree DB (database) liii having data items on prescribed congestion degrees recorded, thereon. Here, the congestion degree indicates how many r.assengers are to get on and off the car 3 at stations.

The door opening/closing operation unit ii is connected to the train running control apparatus 2 and connected to the individual door control units 12-1, 12-2, etc..

or the like via a communication path. The door opening/closing operation unit Ii acquires the position f a station at which the car 3 is presently stopped (FiG 2), the present time, or the like from the train running control apparatus 2, receives instructions to open/close the doors of the ear 3 from a conductor or a driver via the door opening/closing button of the input part 112., and instructs the individua' door control units 12-1, 12-2, etc., to open/close the respective doors. The door opening/c[osin.g operation unit ii and the individual door control units 12-1, 12-2, etc., constitute an opening/closing control unit that opens both doors if a congestion degree is high or opens one of the doors if the congestion degre.e is not high.

[0017] The congestion degree DB liii stores information on whether each station is positioned in a midtown area and information on whether each time lies in a commutmg hour zone. Here, the commuting hour zone includes, for example., morning rush hours between 7 a,m. and 9a.m. and evening rush hours between 6p.m.

and 8 p.m.

The input part 112 receives instructions to openlclose the doors of the car 3 from a conductor or a driver. In other words, the input part 112 receives an opening instruction to open a right or left one of a pair of doors installed in the car 3 in a traveling direction ana closing instruction to close the door opened.

The display part 113 displays operation statuses on a liquid crystal monitor, a monitor lamp, or the like. In other words, the display part 113 displays the opening-iclosing staluses or the like ofa pair of doors installed in the ear 3.

[he congestion degree determination part 14 detemunes the present congestion degree of the car 3 based on the congestion degree DB liii. When the input part 112 receives the opening instruction to open a pair of doors, the congestion degree detennination part 114 issues a first opening instruction to open both the pair of.

doors ha prescribed congestion degree is high or issues a second opening instruction to open one of the pair of doors only if the congestion degree is not high.

[0018] The individual door control units 124. i22, etc., include a door opening/closing control part 121 and a lamp control part 122, The individual door control. units 12.-I., 12--2, etc., are connected to the door openmg/ciosing operation unit 11 via a communication path. Hereinafter, the individua' door control units 12-1, i22, etc., will he merely described as individual door control units 12 when they are not particularly distinguished from one another.

The individual door control unit 12 is connected to the first door drive unit 13R, the second door drive unit 1 3L, the first door inside lamp I 5R, the second door inside lamp 15 L, the first doer outside l.drnp 1 OR, the second door outside lamp 16L, the first inside sensor 17R, the second inside sensor 17L, the first outside sensor 18Th and the second outside sensor I 8L. The individual door control unit 12 controls, based on the instructions received, From the door opening/closing operation unit II, the opening/closing oI'the first door 14R, the lighting of the first door inside lamp 15R and the second door inside [amp I SL, the opening/closing of the second door 14L, and the lighting of the first door outside lamp 16R and the second door outside lamp 16L.

[0019] In response to the instructions from the door opening/closing operation unit 11, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13K to open/close the first door 14k and controls the second door drive unit 13L to open/close the second door 14L. When receiving an instruction to open both doors (first opening instruction) from the door opening/closing operation unit 11, the door opening/closing control part 121 opens both the first and second doors 14R and 14L. When receiving an instruction to close doors fium the door opening/c losing operation unit 11, the door opening/closing control part 121 closes both the first and second doors 14K and 14L.

On the other hand, when receiving an instruction to open one of doors (second opening instruction) fitim the door opening/closing operation unit 11, the door opening/closing control part 121 opens the first door 14R if the first inside sensor 17K or the first outside sensor I SR detects persons and opens the second door I 4L if the second inside sensor I 7L or the second outside sensor 1 8L detects persons. In other words, when receiving the second opening instruction, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls whether to open the first door 14K or the second door 14L according to a congestion degree in the vicinity of a pair of doors.

[0020] The lamp control part 122 controls the lighting and extinguishment of the first door inside lamp 15R, the second door inside lamp 15L, the first door outside lamp 16R, and the second door outside lamp 16L. The lamp control part 122 lights the first door inside lamp 15K and the first door outside lamp 16R when the first door 14K is opened and extinguishes the first door inside lamp 1 5R and the first door outside lamp 16K when the first door 14K is closed. Moreover, the lamp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp 15 Land the second door outside lamp I 6L when the second door 14L is opened and extinguishes the second door inside lamp 1 SL and the second door outside lamp I 6L when the second door I 4L is closed.

[0021] The first door drive unit 13K is connected to the individual door control unit 12, controlled by the door opening/closing control part 121, and independently opens/closes the first door 14R.

The second door drive unit 13 L is connected to the individual door control unit 12, controlled by the door opening/closing control part 121, and opens/closes the second door 1 4L independently of the first door 1 4R.

[0022] The first door inside lamp I 5R, the second door inside lamp I 5L, the first door outside lamp 16R, and the second door outside lamp 16L are, fbr example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and serve as display units that indicate the opening/closing statuses of the doors. The first door inside lamp I SR, the second door inside lamp ISL, the first door outside lamp 16R, and the second door outside lamp I ÔL are each connected to the individual door control unit 12 and lit or extinguished according to instructions from the lamp control part 122.

[0023] The first inside sensor 17R, the second inside sensor 17L, the first outside sensor 1 SIt, and the second outside sensor 1 SL are, Sr example, near infrared reflection sensors and connected to the individual door control unit 12. The door opening/closing control part 121 of the individual door control unit 12 acquires the detection results of the first inside sensor lilt, the second inside sensor 17L, the first outside sensor I SR. and the second outside sensor 181. Hereinafter, the first and second inside sensors 1 7R and 171 will be merely described as inside sensors 17 as occasion demands. In addition, the first and second outside sensors 1SR and 1KL will be merely described as outside sensors 18 as occasion demands.

[0024] The first inside sensor 17R is an inside sensor that detects persons inside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the first door 14R. The second inside sensor I 7L is an inside sensor that detects persons inside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the second door 14L.

The first outside sensor 1 SR is an outside sensor that detects persons outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the first door 14k. The second outside sensor 18L is an outside sensor that detects persons outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the second door 141.

The door opening/closing control part 121 of the individual door control unit 12 detects persons inside the car 3 and in thc vicinity of the first door 14R with the first inside sensor 17k and detects persons outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the first door 14k with the first outsidc sensor 18k In addition, the door opening/closing control part 121 of the individual door control unit 12 detects persons inside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the second door 1 4L with the second inside sensor IlL and detects persons outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the second door 141 with the second outside sensor 181.

[0025] FIG 2 is a cross-sectional view of the car including thc door opening/closing control system according to the first embodiment.

The car 3 is presently stopped at a station and positioned parallel to a platfbnn

S

4 of the station. Two passengers stand on the platform 4. One passenger stands inside the car 3.

The car 3 includes the first inside sensor 17k, the first door inside [amp 15k installed right beneath the first inside sensor i7R, the first outside sensor 18R, the first door outside lamp I 6k installed right beneath the first outside sensor I SR. and the first door 14k installed under the first door inside lamp 15k and the first door outside lamp 16W in the diagonally lower right direction of the first inside sensor 17R, a detection range is indicated by-a dashed line. The display of the one passenger shown in silhouette inside the car 3 and the in the vicinity of the first door 14k indicates that the passenger exists in the detection range of the first inside sensor 17k.

[0026] n the diagonafly lower left direction of the Iirst outside sensor 18k, a detection range is indicated by a dashed line. The display of the two passengers shown in silhouette outside the-car 3 and in the vicinity of the first door 14R indicates that the passengers exist in the detection range of the first outside sensor ISR.

The first door inside lamp 1 SR and the first door outside lamp 1 OR are lit when the first door 14k is opened.

[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing the configurations and operations of the door opening/closing control system according to the first embodiment. FIGS. $ A and 313 show the inside of the car 3.

1100281] FIG 3A shows a state in which both the first and second doors I 4R and I 4L 2-5 are closed.

The car 3 includes the first and second doors 14R and 14L as apairof doors.

The car 3 includes the first door inside lamp 1SR installed on the upper side of the first door 14R, the fin't inside sensor 17R installed at the left of thc upner side of the first door inside lamp ISR., awl the first door drive unit I 3R that opens/closes the first door 14k. in addition, the car 3 includes the second door inside lamp 15L installed on the upper side of the second door 14L, the second inside sensor 17L installed at the right of the upper side of the second door inside amp ISL-, and the second door drive unit I 3L that opens/closes the second door 14L. Moreover, the car3 includes a ong seat 5, a cross scat 6, and window portions 7 tbrmed on the right and left sides of the pair of doors.

The first door drive unit 13R includes pulleys 131R and i$2R and a belt 133R p extending between the pulleys 131K and 132K. The bell 133K operates together with the first door 14R horizontally.

The second door drive unit 13L includes pulleys 131 L and 132L and a belt 133L extending between the pulleys 131L and 132L in the same manner as and in a state of being symmetrical to the first door drive unit 13R. The belt 133L operates together with the second door 14L horizontally.

[0029] The car 3 shown in FIG 3B shows a state in which both the doors of the car 3 shown in FIG 3A are opened. The car 3 shown in FIG 3B has the same configurations as those of the car 3 shown in FIG 3A.

The pulleys 131k and 132k of the first door drive unit 13k each mtate counterclockwise to drive the belt 133R and the first door 14R that operates together with the belt I 33R to the right side in FIG 3B. Thus, the first door 14R is opened.

The pulleys 131L and 132L of the second door drive unit 13L each mtate clockwise to drive the belt 133L and the second door 14L that operates together with the belt 133L to the left side in FIG 38. Thus, the second door 14L is opened.

[0030] (Operations According to First Embodiment) [0031] FIGS. 4Ato 4D are views showing an example (case 1) of door opening/closing operations according to the first embodiment.

[0032] FIG 4A shows a case in which passengers exist outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the first and second doors 14R and 14L in a state where the car 3 is stopped at a station and a conductor or a driver has not performed an operation to open doors.

The three passengers exist on the platform 4 of the station.

The car 3 includes the first and second doors 14K and 14L as a pair of doors.

The first and second doors 14K and 14L are both closed. The car 3 includes the first door outside lamp 16K installed on the upper side of the first door 14K and the first outside sensor I SR installed on the upper right side of the first door outside lamp I tilt in FIG 4A. In addition, the car 3 includes the second door outside lamp I 6L installed on the upper side of the second door I 4L and the second outside sensor I SL installed on the upper left side of the second door outside lamp 1 6L in FiG 4A. Moreover, the car 3 includes the window portions 7 on the right and left sides of the pair of doors.

The first door 14K is closed, and thus the first door outside lamp 16K is extinguished. The second door 14L is closed, and thus the second door outside lamp I0 16L is extinguished.

In the diagonally lower left direction of the first outside sensor 18R, the detection range of the first outside sensor 18k is indicated by a dashed line. Two of the passengers exist in the detection range of the first outside sensor 18k in the vicinity of the first door I 4R. In the diagonally lower right direction of the second outside sensor 181, the detection range of the second outside sensor 181 is indicated by a dashed Line. One of the passengers exists in the detection range of the second outside sensor 1 8L in the vicinity of the second door 14L. Thus, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG 1) detects persons with the first outside sensor 18R and detects persons with the second outside sensor 18L.

[0033] FIG 4B shows the door opening/closing operations in the case shown in FIG 4A. FIG 4B shows a state where the car 3 is stopped at the platform 4 and a conductor or a driver has performed the operation to open the doom. Note that the first and second outside sensors 18k and 18L and the passengers are not shown in FIG 4B.

The first and second doors 14k and 14L are both opened.

Since the first outside sensor I SR has detected the persons (passengers) in the vicinity of the first door 14k and outside the car) as shown in FIG 4A, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG 1) controls the first door drive unit 13k to open the first door 14R as shown in FIG 4B. When the first door 14k is opened, the tamp control part 122 (HG 1) lights the first door outside lamp 16k. Thus, passengers are allowed to clearly recognize that the first door 14k has been opened.

Similarly, since the second outside sensor 181 has detected the person (passenger) in the vicinity of the second door 141 and outside the car 3 as shown in FIG 4A, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG 1) controls the second door drive unit 13L to open the second door 14L as shown in FIG 4W When the second door 14L is opcncd, thc lamp control part 122 (FIG 1) lights thc second door outside lamp 16L. Thus, passengers are allowed to cLearly recognize that the second door 14L has been opened.

[0034] FIG 4C shows a case in which a passenger exists outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the second door 14L in a state where the car 3isstopped at a station and a conductor or a driver has not pcrfbrmcd an operation to open the doors. Thc one passenger exists on the platfonn4 of the station.

Thecar3isconflguredinthesamemannerasthecar3showninFlG4A.

The first door 14R is closed, and thus the first door outside lamp 16R is extinguished. The second door 1 4L is closed, and thus the second door outside lamp 161. is extinguished.

No passenger exists in the detection range of the first outside sensor iSR in the vicinity of the first door 14R. The one passenger exists in the detection range of the second outside sensor 18L in the vicinity of the second door 14L., Thus, the door opening/cLosing control part 121 (FIG. I) detects persons with the second outside sensor I L. [0035] FiG 4D shows the door openinu/ciosing operations in the case shown in FIG. 4C As shown in HG 4C, the first outside sensor I 8R has detected no person (passenger) in the vicinity of the first door 14R and outside die car 3. Thereftwe, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FiG I) causes the first door 14R to remain closed, and the first door outside lamp IbR remains extinguished.

Similarly, since the second outside sensor I SL has detected the person (passenger) in the vicinity ofthe second door 141. and outside the car 3 as shown in HG 4C, the door opening/dosing control part 121 (HG 1) controls the second door drive unit 13L (FIG) to open the second door 4L as shown in FiG. 4D. When the second door 14L is opened, the lamp control part 122 (FIG. 1) lights the second door outside lamp I 6L. Thus., passengers are allowed to clearly recognize that the second door 14L has been opened.

110036.] HGS, 5A to SD are views showing an exan1pe (case 2) of the door 2-5 opening/closing operations according to the first embodiment.

[0037] FIG. SA shows a case in which no passengers exists outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the first and second doors 14R and 14L in a state where the car 3 is stopped at a station and a conductor or a driver ha.s not perfr rmed an operation to open the doors. No passenger exists on the platfhrm 4 of the station.

The car 3 is configured in the same manner as the car 3 shown in FIG 4A.

The first door I 4R is dosed, and thus the first door outside lamnt I 6R is extinguished. The second door 14L is closed, and thus the second door outside amp I 6L is extinguished.

No passenger exists in both the detection rang-c of the first outside sensor 18R in the vicinity of the first door 14R and the-de.teetion range of the second outside sensor 18L in the vicinity of the second door 14L.

[0038] FIG SB shows the door opening/closing operation in the case shown in FIG 5k FIG SB shows a state where the car 3 is stopped at the platform 4 and a conductor or a driver has performed the operation to open the doom.

Since the first outside sensor I 8R has detected no person (passenger) in the vicinity of the first door 14R and outside the car 3, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG 1) causes the first door 14R to remain closed. The lamp control part 122 (FIG 1) extinguishes the first door outside lamp 16k.

Similarly, since the second outside sensor 18L has detected no person (passenger) in the vicinity of the second door I 4L and outside the car 3, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG I) causes the second door I 4L to remain closed.

The lamp control part 122 (FIG I) extinguishes the second door outside lamp 16L.

[0039] FlGsCshowsacaseinwhichpassengersexistinsidethecar3andinthe vicinity of the first and second doors 14k and 14L in a state where the car 3 is stopped at a station and a conductor or a driver has not performed an operation to open the doors. Among the four passengers inside the car 3, three of them exist in the vicinity of the first and second doors 14k and 14L while the remaining one of them sits on the long seat 5.

Thecar3isconfiguredinthesamemannerasthecar3showninFlG3A.

The first door 14k is closed, and thus the first door inside lamp 1 SR is extinguished. The second door 14L is closed, and thus the second door inside lamp lSLis extinguished.

One of the three passengers exists in the detection range of the first inside sensor I 7R in the vicinity of the first door 14R. Thus, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG 1) detects persons with the first inside sensor 17k.

While, two of the three passengers exist in thc detection range of thc second inside sensor 17L in the vicinity of the second door 14L. Thus, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG I) detects persons with the second inside sensor I 7L.

[0040] RU 5D shows the door opening/closing operations in the case shown in FIG 5C.

Since the first inside sensor 17k has detected the person (passenger) in the vicinity of the first door 14k and outside the car 3 as shown in FIG 5C, the door opening/closing control part 121 (FIG. 1) opens the first door 14R. When the first door 14R is opened, the lamp control part 122 (FIG. I)iightsthe first door inside lamp 15R. Thus, passengers are allowed to clearly recognize that the first door 14R has been opened.

Similarly, the second inside sensor 171. has detected the persons (passengers) in the vicinity of the second door 14L and outside the ear 3. Therefore, the door opening/closmg control part 121 (FIG. I) controls the second door drive unit 131. to open the second door 14L as shown in FIG 3D. When the second door 14L is opened, the lamp control part 122 (FIG. 1) lights the second door inside lamp I SL. Thus, passengers are allowed to clearly recognize that the second door 1 4L has been opened.

[0041] FIG 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the congestion degree determination part according to the first embodiment.

[he flowchart shows the processing untd the congestion degree determination part 114 (FIG 1) issues, after acquiring operation information from the input part 112 (FIG I), an instruction to openciosc a pair of doors based on the operation information.

The congestion degree determination part 114 (FiG 1) starts the processing, for example, when the input part 112 receives an operation instruction.

in step S 10, the congestion degree determination pan 114 determines whether the door operation switch of the input part 112 isin an "open state. The congestion degree determination part 114 performs the processing of step Si I if the condition is met (Yes) or performs the processing of step Si? if the condition is not met (No).

in step SI 1, the congestion degree determination part 114 acquires information on a station at which the car is presently stopped fi-om the train running 2-5 control apparatus 2. Here, the information on the station at which the car is presently stopped includes, for example. the tracks and stopping positions of the station, the opening-/closing sides of doors based on thc track-s and traveling directions, or the like.

In step S12, thc congestion degree detcniiination part 114 determines whcthcr the station is positioned in a midtown area based on the congestion degree 1)13 ill I. The congestion degree determination part 114 performs the processing of step S16 if the condition is met (Yes) or performs the processing of step S!3 if the condition is not met (No).

[0042] in step Si 3, the congestion degree determination part 114 acquires the present time from the train running control apparatus 2.

In step 514, the congestion degree detcnrination part 114 determines whether t 4 the time lies in a commuting hour zone. Here, the conimuting hour zone represents a hour zone in which roads and public trarispor.s are congested by many comnurters.

The congestion degree determination part 14 perthnns the processing of step S 16 if the condition is met (Yds) or performs the processing of step S15 if the condition is not met (No).

In step 515, the congestion degree determination part 114 instructs all the individual door control units 12 on the side of the piatfbrm 4 to open/close the doors (second opening instruction) with the sensors via a communication path and ends the processing of FIG. 6.

in step 516, the congestion degree determination part 114 instructs all the individual door control units 12 on the side of the platform 4to open both the doors (first opening instruction) via the communication path and ends the processing: of FIG. 6.

in step S 17, the congestion degree determination part 1.14 instructs all the individual door control units 12 on the side of the platthrm 4 to close, both the doon via. the communication path and ends the processing of FIG. 6.

[0043] FIG 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the door opening/closing control part accordin.g to the first embodiment.

The flowchart shows the processing in which the door opening/closing control part] 21 (FEC. I) receives instruction information from the congestion degree detennination part 114 an.d executes the same. The processing starts with the activation of the individual door control unit 12.

In step S30, the door opening/closing control part 121 receives instruction information from the congestion degree determination part 114 via the communication path.

in step 531, the door opening/closing control part 121 checks the received instruction information. The door opening/closing control part 121 performs the processing of step 532 if the lnstruction n.tonnation indicates opemng/closing th.e doors with the sensors" (second opening instruction), perfbrms the processing, of step 542 if the instruction infonnation indicates "opening both the doors" (first opening instruction), or perfon'ns the processing of step 545 if the instruction information indicates closing the doors" [0044] in step 532, the door opening/closing control part 121 acquires information from the first inside sensor 17W Instep S33, the door opening/closing control part 121 acquires information from the first outside sensor ISR.

In step S34, the door opening/closing control part 12 determines whether any of the first sensors (the first inside sensor 17R or the first outside sensor I 8R) has detected persons. The door opening/dosing control part 121 performs the processing of step S35 if the deteniination condition is met (Yes) or performs the processing ol step S37 if the deterirunation condition is not met (No.).

in step S35, the lamp control part 122 lights the first door inside lamp i5R and the first door outside lamp ISR, in step S36, the door opening/closing controL part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13R to open the first door 14R.

[0045] hi step S37, the door opening/closing control part 121 acquires information from the second inside sensor] 7L.

In step S38, the door opening/closing controL part 121 acquires information from the second outside sensor ISL.

in step S39. the door opening/closing control part 1:21 determines whether any oldie second sensors (the second inside sensor I 7L or the second outside sensor ISL) has detected persons. I he door openingtclosing control part 1 1 performs the processing of step S40 if the determination condition is met (Yrs) or returns to the processing ofsten S30 if the determination condition is not met (No).

in step S40, the amp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp 1SF.

and the second door outside lamp 151/.

hi step S41, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the second 2*5 door drive unit 13L to open the second door 14L and returns to the processing of step S3 0.

in step S42, the lamp control part 122 lights the first door inside lamp 1 SR and the first door outside lamp 16R.

in step S43, the lamp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp 151.

and the second door outside lamp I SL.

hi step S44, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls tile first door drive unit 13k and the second door drive unit I 3L to open both the first and second doors 14R and 14L serving as a pair of' doors and returns to the processing of step S30.

in step S45, the lamp control part 122 extinguishes the first door inside Lamp 15R and the first door outside lamp 16k.

In step S46, the lamp control part 122 extinguishes the second door inside lamp 15L and the second door outside lamp 16L.

in step S47, the door opening/dosing controL part 121 controls the first door drive unit 3R and the second door drive unit 1311. to close both the first and second doors 14R and 14*L. serving as a pair of doors and returns to the processing of step $30.

[0046] (Effects ci First EmhodimentI' The first embodiment described above produces the following effects (A) to (IF).

[0047] (A) The congestion decree determination part 114 issues the first opening instruction to open both a pair of doors if a congestion degree based on the congestion degree DB Ill is high or issues the second opening instruction to open one of the pair of doors if the congestion degree is not high. Thus, during busy hours with a large mimber of passe gers, the congestion degree determination part 114 opens both a pair of doors to allow the passengers to get on arid oil the car 3 immediately. Otherwise, the congestion degree determination part 114 controls the opening of the doors to prevent a reduction in air-conditioning efficiency. As a result, the congestion degree deten-nination part 114 is allowed to reduce energy consumption.

[004$] (B) The congestion degree determination part 114 acquires information (running position) on a station at which the car 3 is stopped from the train running control apparatus 2 and refers to the congestion degree 1)13 1111, The congestion degree determination part 114 determines that the car 3 is to he congested with a large number of passengers if the stadon is positioned in a midtown area and then opens 2*5 both a pair of doors olthe car 3. Thus, if the car 3 is to he congested with a large number of passengers, the congestion degree determination part 114 opens both a pair of doors of the car 3 to allow the passengers to get on and off the car 3 immediately.

[0049] (C) Moreover, the congestion degree detenmnahon part 114 acquires information on the present time from the train running control apoaratus 2 and refers to the congestion degree DB 1111 to determine whether the present time lies in a commuting hour zone, if the present time lies in die commuting hour zone, the congestion degree determination part 114 determines that the car 3 is to be congested with a large number of passengers arid issues art instruction to open both a pair of doors of the car 3. Otherwise. the congestion degree determination part 114 issues an instruction to open/close the doors with the sensors. Thus, if it is defined in the 1'? congestion degree DB liii that the present time lies in the commuting hour zone in which the car 3 is. to he congested with a large number of passengers. the congestion degree determination part I 4 opens both a pair of doors to aUow the passengers to get on and off the car 3 immediately. Otherwise, the congestion degree determination part 114 controls the opening of the doors to prevent a reduction in air--conditioning efficiency. As a result, the congestion degree determination part 114 is allowed to reduce energy consumption.

[C050] (D) The lamp control part 122 indicates the opening/closing of the first door 14R with the lighting/extinguishment of the first door inside lamp] SR and the first door outside lamp 1 ÔR and indicates the opening/closing of the second door 141.. with the lighting/extinguishment of the second door inside lamp 15L and the second door outside lamp 16! Thus,passcngcrs inside and outside the car 3 are aflowed to clearly recognize in advance which of the first and second doors 14R and 14L is to be opened/closed.

[0051] (E) When instructed by the congestion degree determination part 114 to open/close the doors with the sensors, the door opening/closing control part 121 opens the first door 14R if the first inside sensor 17k or the first outside sensor 18R ha.s detected persons or open the second: door 14L if the second inside sensor 17L or the second outside sensor 181 has detected persons. Thus, since the door opening/closing control part 121 is allowed to open the doors only when persons exist in the vicinity of the respective doors, the opening of the doors may he controlled to a greater extent. Accordingly, it is possible to improve air--conditioning efficiency and give passengers comfort. In addition, the door opening/closing control part 121 is allowed to reduce energy consumption with the driving of the doors.

[0052] (Configuration of Second Embodiment) [0053] FiG. 8 isa schematic confguratlon diagram showing a door opening/closing control system according to a second embodiment. The same constituents as those of the door opening/closing-control system 1 (P1(1 1) according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols.

A door opening/closing control system IA according to the second embodiment includes a door opening/closing operation unit 1 IA different from the door opening/closing operation unit 11 (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment and 1$ a station entrance and exit notification part 115.

The door opemng!ciosmg operation unit ii A according to the second embodiment includes a storage part I ii A different from the storage part I I (FIG 1) according to the first embodiment. The storage part lilA according to the second embodiment includes a station structure DR 1112 besides the congestion degree DR 1111.

The station structure DB 1112 stores information on the structure of each station and information on the stopping position of the car 3. In addition, the station structure DB 1112 stores information on a distance and a direction from each pair of doors to the entrance and exit of a station when the car 3 is stopped at the station.

The station entrance and exit notification part 115 provides the notification of information on the entrance and exit of each station, information on a distance to stains and an elevator, or the ike as oceasR)n demands. When acquiring information on a station at which the ear 3 is presently stopped from the train running control unit 2, the station entrance and exit notification part 115 notifies the individual door control units 12-1. 12-,ete., of distances and directions from the corresponding first and second doors 14R and 14L serving as. pairs of doors to the entrance and exit of the station at which the car 3 is presently stopped based on the station structure DR 1112.

[0054] Besides the same operations as those of the door opening/closing control system 1 (FIG. 1) according toie. first ernbodirrient, the door onenirig/closing control system lA according to the second enThodiment opens both a pair of doors with a determination, that the congestion degree of the pair of doors positioned in the vicinity of an entrance and exit is high based on intbrmation on the entrance and exit of a station. For the other pairs of doors, the door opening/closing control system 1 A opens doors on a side closer to the entrance and exit of the station.

[0055] (Operations of Second Embodiment) [0056] FiG. 9 is a flowchart showing the nroeessing of the congestion degree determination part according to the second embodiment. The same constituents as those of the flowchart (NC 6) showing the processing of the congestion degree determination part 114 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols.

The processing of steps SlO to 514 after the congestion degree determination part 114 starts the processing is the same as that of steps Sb to 514 in FIG. 6. The congestion degree determination part 114 performs the processing of step SI S if the determination condition is riot met (iNb) in the processing of step S 14.

in step 518, the station entrance and exit notification part 115 notifies all the individual door control units 12 on the side of the platform 4 of information on a direction to the enti-anee and exit of a station. The individuffi door control units 12 store the information on the direction to the entrance and exit oFthe station in a storage part (not shown).

The processing of step S15 to $17 is the same as that of steps $15 to $17 in FIG 6.

[0057] FiG 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the door opening/closing control part according to the second embodiment.

The flowchart shows the processing in which the door opening/closing contro' part 12! (FIG) receives instruction information from the congestion degree determination part 114 and executes the same. The processing) starts with the activation of the individual door control unit 12.

in step 560. the door opening/closing cot troi part 121 receives instruction intbrrnation from the congestion degree determination part 114 via the communication path.

Instep 561, the door opening/closing control part 121 checks the received instruction Inrormatlon. The door opening/closing control part 12! perfonus the processing of step S62 if the instruction information indicates "opening/closing the doors with the sensors" (second opening instructIon), performs the processing of step 572 if the instruction information indicates opening both the doors" (first opening 2*5 instruction), or perft?rms the processing of step 575 ii the instruction inIbrmation indicates closing the doors." [0058] In step 562, the door opening/closing control part 121 acquires information from the first inside sensor 17R.

in step 563, the door opening/closing control part 121 acquires information from the first outside sensor I 8R.

!n step $64, the door opening/closing control part 121 acquires information from the second inside sensor 171..

in step S65, the door opening/dosing control part 121 acquires information from the second outside sensor ISL.

In step 566, the door opening/closing control part 121 determines which of the first inside sensor 17R. the first outside sensor 18R, the second insid.e sensor 17L, and the second outside sensor 18L has detected persons.. The door opening/closing control part 21 returns to the processing of step S6{) if the number of the sensors having detected persons is zero, perfornms the processing of step S67 if the number of the sensors having detected persons's one or two, or performs the processing of step S72 ifthe number oithe sensors having detected persons is three or [but The door opening/closing control system 1A according to the second embodiment roughly determines the number of persons based on the number of the sensors having detected the persons and determines whether the number of the sensors having detected the persons is greater than or equal to a threshold, i.e., three.

In step S67, the door opening/closing control part 121 determines whether the second door ML is positioned on the side of the entrance and exit of a station. The door opening/closing control part 121 erforms the processing of step S68 if the determination condition is met (Yes) or erfornis the processing of step S70 if the determination condition is riot met (?4o).

Instep S68, the lamp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp ISL and the second door outside lamp IÔL.

In step S69, the door opening/closing control nart 121 controls!Lhe second door drive unit 13L to open the second door 14L and returns to the processing of step S6O.

in step S70, the lamp comroi part 122 hghts the first door inside lanin ISR and the first door outside lamp I 6R, in step S71, the door opening/closing controHart 121 controls the first door drive unit I 3R to open the first door I 4R and returns to the processing of step S60.

[0059] In step S72, the lamp control part 122 lights the first door inside lam 15R and the first door outside lamp 16R.

Instep S73, the lamp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp 15L and the second door outside lamp 16L.

in step S74, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13R and the second door drive unit 13L to open both the first and second doors MR and 14L. serving as a pair of doors and returns to the processing of step S60.

In step S75, the amp control part 122 extinguishes the first door inside lamp 1 SR and the first door outside lamp I 6R.

in step S76, the lamp control part 122 extinguishes the second door inside lamp 15L and the second door outside lamp IÔL.

Instep 877, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13R and the second door drive unit 131.. to close both the first and second doors 14R and 14L serving as a pair of doors and returns to the processing of step 860.

1100601] (Effects of Second Embodiment) The second embodiment described above produces the following effects (F) arid (Ci).

[C06 I] (F) The door opening/closing control system IA roughly detects the number of passengers based on the number of the sensors having detected the passengers to delennin.e whether to open both or one of the doors. Thus, the door opening/closing control system IA opens only one of the doors when it is detected that a few passengers exist, As a result, the door opening/dosing control systeni IA is allowed to improve »=u.rcondinoning efficiency.

[0062] (0) The door openingiclosing control system IA opens one of the doors in the vicinity of the entrance and exit side of a station. Thus, the door opening/closing control system IA allows passengers who are to get oil the car ala station to walk a shorter distance to the entrance and exit of the station and be notified of a direction to a closer entrance and exit in the station.

[0063] (Configuration of Third Embodiment) 1100641] FIG 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a door opening/dosing control system according to a third embodiment. The same constituents as those of the door opening/closing control system 1 (P1(1. 1) according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols.

A door opening/closing control system lB according to the third embodiment includes individual door control units 12134, i2B2. etc.. different from the individual door control units 12-I, 12-2, ec., (FJ(i 1) according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the individual door control units l2B-i, l2B-2, etc., will be merely described as individual door control units 12B when they arc not particularly distinguished from one another Thc individual door control unit 1213 storcs door atirihutc information. 123 serving as attribute information on each door in a storage part (not shown).

The door attribute infonttation 123 stores information indicating which of the long seat 5 and the cross seat 6 is installed in the vicinity of the door.

The long seat 5 is a seat on which passengers sit side by side facing the longitudinal direction of the car 3.

The cross seat 6 is a seat on which passengers sit facing the traveling direction of the car 3 or is a seat on which passengers sit facing the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the car 3. The cross seat 6 is called a cross seat on the ground that passengers sit side by side in the direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the car 3. Since passengers generally prefer the cross seat 6 to the long seat 5, congestion is likely to be caused in the vicinity of the cross seat 6.

[0065] The door opening/closing control system 113 according to the third embodiment opens both the doors in the vicinity of the cross seat 6 to allow passengers to immediately-get on and off the car in the vicinity of the cross scat 6 around which congestion is likely to he caused due to passengers preferences.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the car having the door opening/closing control system according to the third embodiment.

The car 3 includes four long seats 5 each intended for three persons, two long seats 5 each intended for ten persons, and ten cross seats 6 each intended for two persons. The car 3 also includes first doors 14R-I to l4R-6 and second doors l4L-i to l4L-6. According o the third embodiment, it is defined that passengers rend to gather and congestion is likeiy to he caused in the vicinity of the pairs of doors.

The first and second doors 14R-I and 14L-*1 are installed on the upper right side of FIG 12. In the vicmltv ofthe first and second doors i4R I and 14L-1, the 2*5 cross seat 6 and the long seat 5 are installed. According to the third embodiment, it is defined that passengers tend to gather and congestion is likely to he caused in the vicinity of the pair of doors.

Thc first and sccond doors 14R2 and 14L-2 are installed on thc upncr left side of HG 12. In the vicinity of the first and second doors 14R-2 arid 14L-2, the cross seat 6 and the long seat 5 are installed. According to the third embodiment, it is defined that passengers tend to gather and congestion is likely to he caused in the vicinity of the pair of doors.

The first and second doors 14R-3 and 141-3 are installed on the central right side of FIG 12 In the vicinity ofthc first and second doors 14R-3 and 14L-3, thc cross seat 6 and the long scat 5 are installed. According to the third embodiment, it is defined that passengers tend to gather and congestion is likely to be caused in the vicinity of the pair of doors.

The first and second doors 14R-4 and 14L-4 are installed on the central left side of FiG 12. in the vicinity of the first and second doors 14ft-4 and 141L4. the cross seat 6 and the long seat 5 are instaUed. According to the third embodinieuit, it is o defined that passengers tend to gather and congestion is likely to he caused in the vicinity of the pair of doors.

The first and second doors 14R-5 and 14L5 are installed on the lower right side of FIG 12. In the vicinity ofthe first and second doors 14ft-5 and 141L5, only the long seats 5 are installed. According to the third embodiment, it is defined that passengers do not tend to gather and congestion is not likely to be caused in the vicinity ofthe pair of doors.

The first and second doors 14R-6 and 14L-*6 are installed on the lower left side of FIG 12. In the vicinity offhc first and second doors i4R6 and 14L-6, offly the long seats 5 are installed. According to the third ernbodirnenL it is defined that passengers do not tend to gather and congestion is not likely to be. caused in the vicinity of the pair of doors.

[0067] (Operations of Third Embodiment) [006$] FIG 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the door opening/closing control part according to the third embodiment. The same constituents as those of the processing (FiG 7) of the door opening/closing control part 21 according to thetrst enthodiment will be denoted by the same synthois.

The processing of steps S30 and S3 I after the door opening/dosing control part 121 starts ihe processing is the same as that of steps S30 and $31 in FIG. 6. The door opening/closing control part 121 performs thc processing of step $3 IC if instruction information indicates opening/closing the doors with the sensors' in step S3 1.

in step $3 IC, the door openng/ciosing control part 121 refers to the door attribute infbrmation I 23 to determine whether the cross seat 6 exists in the sncinlty of a pair ofdoors. The door opening/closing control part 121 performs the processing of step $32 if the condition is not met (No) or performs the processing of step $42 if the condition is met (Yes).

Thc processing of steps $32 to $47 is thc same as that of steps $32 to $47 in FiG. 7.

With this processing. the door opening/closing control system lB is allowed to open both or one of the doors depending on the structure and the status of the ear 3 in the vicinity of the doors.

[0069] (Effect of Third Embodiment) The third embodiment described above produces the following effect (H).

[0070] (H) The door opening'closing control system I B is allowed to open both the doors if the cross seat 6 exists in the vicinity of the doors. Thus, the door opening/closing control system lB allows passengers to immediately get on and off the car in the vicinity of the cross seat 6 around which congestion is likely to be caused.

[0071] (Configuration of Fourth Embodiment) [0072] FLU 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a door opening/closing control system according to a fourth embodiment. The same constituents as those of the door opening/closing control system IA (FIGS) according to the second embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols.

Unlike the door opening/closing control system IA (FIG 8) according to the second embodiment, a door opening/closing control system 1C according to the fourth embodiment does not include the first inside sensor 17R, the first outside sensor 1%R.

the second inside sensor 17L, and the second outside sensor Pt. The purpose of this configuration is not to exclude the sensors but to control the opening/closing of the doors without depending on the sensors.

The door opening/closing control system IC according to the fourth embodiment includes individual door control units I 2C-l, I 2C-2, etc., different from the individual door control units 12-1, 12-2, etc., (FlU 8) according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the individual door control units 12C-1, 12C-2, etc., will be merely dcscribcd as individual door control units 12C when they arc not particularly distinguished from one another.

[0073] In the door opening/closing control system IC according to the fourth embodiment, the door opening/closing control part 121 of the individual door control unit I 2C opens, based on only information on the entrance and exit of a station without referring to information from the sensors, both a pair of doors in the vicinity of thc entrance and exit of the station and only doors on a side closer to the entrance and exit of the station out of the other pairs of doors. However, without being limited to this configuration, the door openingc1osing control part 121 may open doors on either side.

[0074] (Operations of Fourth Embed iment) 1100751] FI(i IS is a flowchart showing the processing of the congestion degree detennination part according to the ftrurth embodiment. The same constituents as those of the processing (FIG 9) of the congestion degree determination part 114 according to the second embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols.

The processing of steps S 10 to S14, SI ô, and SI? after the congestion degree determination part 114 starts the processing is the same is that of steps S 10 to S 14.

Si6, and 517 in FIG 9.

In step 519, the station entrance and exit notification part 115 notifies all the individual door control units 12(2 on the side of the platform 4 of a direction and distances to the entrance and exit of a station. The individual door control units 12 store information on the direction and the distances to the entrance and exit of the station in a storage part (not shown).

in step 520, the congestion degree determination part 114 instructs all the individual door control units 12(2 on the side of the platform 4 to open/close the doors.

(second opening/closing instruction) based on the structure of the station and ends the processing of FIG. 15.

[0076] FIG 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the door opening/closing control part according to the fourth embodiment.

The flowchart shows the processing in which the door opening/closing confl-ol part 121 (FIG. 14) receives instruction information from the congestion degree determination part 114 (FIG 14) and executes the same. The processing starts with the activation of the individual door contrcil unit 12(2 (FIG. 14).

In step 580, the door opening/closing control part 121 receives lnstruction intbnriation from the congestion degree detenmnation part 114 via the communication path.

In step 881, the door opening/closing control part 121 checks the received instruction information. The door opening/closing control part 121 pcrthrms the processing of step SE? if the instruction information indicates opening/closing the doors based on a station stn.icturc' (second opening instruction), performs the processing of step 582 if the instruction information indicates "opening both the doors (first opening instruction), or performs the processing of step 591 if the instruction information indicates closing the doors' [0077] in step S82, the door opening/closing control part 12 detennines whether a pair of doors is positioned in the vicinity of the entrance and exit of a station, The door opening/closing control part 121 performs the processing of step S88 if the detennination condition is met (Yes) or periorms the processing of step S$3 lithe determination condition is not met (No).

in step S83, the door opening/closing control part 121 determines whether the second door 14L is positioned closer to the side of the entrance and-xit of the station than the first door MR. The door opening/closing control part 121 performs the processing of step 884 if the determination condition is met (Yes) or perfonns the processing of step 886 if the determination condition is not met (No).

In step 884, the lamp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp I 5L.

and the second door outside lamp IÔL.

In step 885, the door opening/closing controHart 121 controls! the second door drive unit 13L to open the second door 14L and returns to the processing of step S80.

In step S86, the lamp control part 122 lights the first door inside lamp 15k and the first door outside lamp 16W In step 887, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13k to open the first door 14k and returns to the processing of: step S60.

[0078] In step 88$, the lamp control part 122 lights the first door inside Lamp 15k and the first door outside lamp I 6R.

In step 889, the lamp control part 122 lights the second door inside lamp 15L and the second door outside lamp 16L.

in step 890, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13R and the second door drive unit 13L to open both the first and second doors i4R and 14L serving as a pair of doors and returns to the processing of step 880 in step 891, the lamp control part 122 extinguishes the first door inside lamp 15R and the first door outside lamp!6R.

In step 892, the lamp control part 12.2 extinguishes the second door inside lamp 151. and the second door outside lamp 16L.

in step 893, the door opening/closing control part 121 controls the first door drive unit 13R and the second door drive unit EL to close both the first and second doors 14R and 14L. serving as a pair of doors and returns to the processing of step 880. 2'?

[0079] (Effects of Fourth Embodiment) The tburth embodiment described above produces the thilowing effects (I) and (J).

[0080] (I) The door opening/closing control system C' oens both a pair of doors in the vicmiv of the entrance and exit ofa station expected to be filled with a large number of passengers to allow the passengers to get on and off the car immediateLy.

[0081] (J) The door opening/closing control system IC opens both or one of a pair of doors based on a prescribed congestion degree. a station structure, or the like without using the sensors. Thus, the door opening/closing control system IC is allowed to reduce the sensors and their installation costs and the number of steps for installing a processing unit using the sensors. -: It) C

(Modification) The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments but may he modified and carried out without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The modification includes the following examples (a) to (j).

[0083] (a) The door opening/closing control system I B according to the third embodiment opens both pairs of doors in the vicinity of the cross seats 6. Fllowever, without being limited to this configuration, the door opening/closing control system may open both pairs of doots in the vicinity of the long seats 5. Thus, the door 2*5 opening/closing control system is aliowed to prevent a reduction in air-conditioning efficiency in the vicinity of the cross seats 6 and offer a preferred air-conditioned environment to passengers who sit on the cross seats 6 for long-distance rides.

[0084] (h) The door openmg:ciosmg control system IA according to the second embodiment roughly detects the number of persons inside the car 3 and in the vcinitv of the doors with the first and second inside sensors 17R and I'lL and roughly detects the number of persons outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the doors with the first and second ontside sensors i$R and 18L. However, wthout being imited to this configuration, the door opening/closing control system may roughly detect the number of persons inside the car 3 and in time vicinity of the doors with a single person-detection sensor installed inside. thc car 3 and roughly detect the number of 2$ persons outside the car 3 and in the vicinity of the doors with a single person-detection sensor installed outside the car 3.

[0085] (c) The first and second inside sensors 17R. and 17L and the first and second outside sensors I 8R and 1 8L are not limited to infrared ray sensors but may be any sensors capable of detecting persons. For example, it may also be possible to detect persons with the combination of imaging sensors and image analysis units.

[0086] (d) The congestion degree DB 1111 stores information on whether each station is positioned in a midtown area and information on whether each time lies in a commuting hour zone. However, without being limited to this configuration, the congestion degree DB 1111 may store information indicating the congestion degree of each station and information indicating a congestion degree at each time of each station.

[0087] (e) The door opening/closing control system 1 according to the first embodiment causes pairs of doors to remain closed if any of the sensors does not detect persons. However, without being limited to this configuration, the door opening/closing control system may open one of the doors even if any of the sensors does not detect persons. Thus, the door opening/closing control system is allowed to prevent pairs of doors fltm accidentally remaining closed due to the malfunction of the sensors. In addition, since the door opening'closing control system necessarily opens one of doors even if passengers remotely exist at positions at which the sensors are not capable of detecting the passengers, the door opening/closing control system is free from a time lag caused when the sensors detect the passengers to open the doors and allows the passengers to get on and off the car immediately.

[0088] (f) Thc first embodiment is applied to a train having one or more cars 3 coupled thereto. However, without being limited to this configuration, the first embodiment may be applied to other transport vehicles as represented by buses, ships, airplanes, helicopters, ropeways, and cable cars.

[0089] (g) The ear 3 may include box seats instead of the cross seats 6. In this case, the door opening/closing control systcm may open both pairs of doors in the vicinity of the box seats. The box seats are configured such that a seat on which passengers sit facing the traveling direction of the car 3 and a seat on which passengers sit facing the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the car 3 are provided facing each other arid the passengers sit on the seats with their knees facing each othe [0090] (h) The car 3 may include retracthh]e seats, in this case, the door openinclosing control system may open/close pairs of doors in the vicinity of the retractable seats according to the detection results of sensors or the like or I'nay open both the pairs of doors in the vicinity of the retractable seats.

[C091] (i) The car 3 may include priority seats. In this case, the door opening/closing control system may open/close pairs of doors in the vicinity of the priority seats according to the detection results of the sensors or may open both the pail's of doors in the vicinity of the priority seats, The priority seats refer to seats on which persons having difficulty in standing up by themselves such as elderly persons.

persons suffering from diseases, and expectant mothers are allowed to sit with priority.

[0092] ii) The door opening/closing control system i according to the first embodiment opens one of the doors detected by the sensor as shown in FIGS. 4C and 41). However, without being limited to this configuration, the door opening/closing control system may open one of the doors regardless of which of the doors is detected by the sensors. Thus, the door opening/closing control system is allowed to improve aircondtomng efficiency arid reduce energy consumption with the driving of the doors.

Claims (15)

1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A door opening/closing control system of a car, comprising: a first door drive unit configured to independently open/close a first door serving as one of a pair of doors installed in the car; a second door drive unit configured to independently open/close a second door sewing as the other of the pair of doors; and an opening/c losing control unit configured to open both the pair of doors if a congestion degree is high or open one of the pair of doors if the congestion degree is nothigh.
2. 2. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to claim 1, wherein the opening/closing control unit comprises a congestion degree determination part configured to issue a first opening instruction to open both the pair of doors if the prescribed congestion degree is high or issue a second opening instruction to open one of the pair of doors if the congestion degree is not high when receiving an opening instruction to open the pair of doors, and a door opening/closing control part configured to open both the pair of doors if the detected congestion degree is high or when receiving the first opening instruction, open one of the pair of doors based on the detected congestion degree when receiving the second opening instruction, or open neither of the pair of doors.
3. 3. The door opening/closing contul system of the car according to claim I or 2, further comprising: a congestion degree database configured to store a corresponding relationship between a running position of the car and the congestion degree.
4. 4. The door opening/closing control system of the car according toy one of claims I to 3, Ilirther comprising: a congestion degree database configured to store a corresponding relationship between a running time of the car and the congestion degree.
5. 5. The door opening/closing control system of thc car according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a first door inside lamp installed inside the car and in the vicinity of the first door; a second door inside lamp installed inside the car and in the vicinity of the second door; and a lamp control part configured to light the first door inside lamp when the first door is opened and light the second door inside lamp when the second door is opened.
6. 6. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to any one of claims 1 to 5. further comprising: a first door outside lamp installed outside the car and in the vicinity of the first door; a second door outside lamp installed outside the car and in the vicinity of the seconddooç and a tamp control part configured to light the first door outside lamp when the first door is opened and light the second door outside Lamp when the second door is opened.
7. 7. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to claim 2, further compii sing: an inside sensor configured to detect a person inside the car and in the vicinity ofthepairofdoors;and an outside sensor configured to detect a person outside the car and in the vicinity of the pair of doors, wherein the door opening/closing control part is configured to detennine the congestion degree based on an inside detection result of the inside sensor and an outside detection result of the outside sensot
8. 8. The door opening/closing control system of the ear according to claim 2or 7, whercin the door opening/closing control part is configured to open both the pair of doors with a determination that the congestion degree is high if a seat on which a person sits facing a traveling direction of the car or a seat on which a person sits facing a dircction opposite to the traveling direction of the car exists in the vicinity of the pair of doors.
9. 9. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the door opening/closing control part is configured to open both the pair of doors with a determination that the congestion degree is high if a seat on which a person sits thcing a traveling direction of the car or a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the car does not exist in the vicinity of the pair of doors when receiving the second opening instruction.
10. 10. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the inside sensor comprises a first inside sensor configured to detect a person inside the car and in thevicinityoftheftrstdoorand a second inside sensor configured to detect a person inside the car and in the vicinity of the second door, the outside sensor comprises a first outside sensor configured to detect a person outside the car and in the vicinity of the first door and a second outside sensor configured to detect a person outside the car and in the vicinity of the second door, and the door opening/closing control part is configured to control the first door drive unit to open the first door if the first inside sensor or the first outside sensor detects a person or control the second door drive unit to open the second door if the second inside sensor or the second outside sensor detects a person when receiving the second opening instruction.
11. 11. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the inside sensor and the outside sensor each have a function of detecting the number of persons in a detection rangc, and the door opening/closing control part is configured to open both the first and second doors if the number of the persons detected by the inside sensor and the outside sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold, open one of the first and second door; if the number is lcss than the threshold and greater than or equal to one, or cause both the first and second doors to remain closed if' the number is zero when receiving the second opening instruction.
12. 12. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to any one of claims 7 toll, wherein the car is strain, the door openinc1osing control syslem of the car further comprises a station sftucture database eonfiuure.d to store information on a structure of each station and information on a stopping position of the train with respect to the stopping position of the train, and the door opening/closing control part is configured to open one of the first and second doors on a side closer to an entrance and exit of the station at which the train is presently stopped based on the station structure database when opening oniy one. of the pair of doors.
13. 13. The door opening/closing control system of the car according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the congestion degree determination part is configured to issue the first opening instruction to open both the p air of doors with a determination that the congestion degree is high if the car is presently positioned in a midtown area..
14. 14. The door opening/closing control system ofthe car according to any one of claims 7 to 12. wherein the congestion degree determination part is configured to issue the first opening instruction to open both the pair of doors with a detenTlination that the congestion degree is high if a presen.t time lies in. a commuting hour zone.
15. 15. The door opening'closing control system of the ear according to any one of claims 7 to 14. wherein the car is a train, the door opcning'closing control system further comprises a station structure database configured to store a position of each entrance a.nd exit of each station with respect to a stopplng position of the train, and the door opening/closing control part is configured to open both the pair of doors with a determ nation that the congestion degree is high if the pair of doors is positioned in the yicinily of the entrance and exit of the station at which the car is presently slopped.