JP2003012248A - Operation panel for elevator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation panel for an elevator which can be easily operated by a visually handicapped person who cannot read Braille. SOLUTION: On this operation panel for an elevator, operation buttons to which commands for destination floors and door opening/closing actions or the like are registered are disposed. On the surfaces of desired operation buttons except for those to which commands for destination floors are registered, where letters expressing functions of the operation buttons are displayed, symbols comprising marks other than characters, numbers, and Braille or the like are provided as protrusions close to the letters. On prescribed operation buttons among the operation buttons to which the commands for the destination floors are registered, symbols expressing that the operation buttons are for the prescribed floors as destination floors are provided as protrusions on the button surfaces of the operation buttons.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an elevator control panel, and more particularly to an elevator control panel that can be easily operated by a visually impaired person who cannot read Braille.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional operation panel is provided with operation buttons for registering commands such as elevator destination floor and door opening / closing. Each operation button has a character indicating the function of the operation button. However, for example, on the button surface of the "floor" operation button indicating the destination floor, "1", "2", "3", which indicates the floor number,
.., etc., "Open" Chinese characters are displayed on the "Open" operation button to open the elevator door, and "Closed" Chinese characters are displayed on the "Close" operation button to close the door. It was just

[0003]

As described above, the operation button in which only the characters are two-dimensionally displayed cannot be read by a visually impaired person and cannot be selected. As a means for solving this, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-62181 proposes that the operation button be provided with Braille indicating its function. However, it takes a considerable amount of time to learn Braille before it can be read, and it is generally difficult for visually impaired people whose visual acuity has deteriorated due to aging to understand Braille.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an elevator control panel that can be easily operated by visually impaired persons who cannot read Braille.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an operation panel provided with operation buttons for registering commands such as a destination floor of an elevator and opening / closing of a door, a command for the destination floor among the operation buttons is provided. Any operation button except the one registered with is displayed on the surface of the button where the character representing the function of the operation button is displayed, in the vicinity of the character, indicating the meaning of the character, such as kanji, numbers, braille, etc. It is characterized in that a symbol consisting of a figure excluding the characters is provided as a convex object.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect, one convex object forming one symbol or two convex objects forming one symbol face each other with a character in the center. It is characterized by being arranged in one position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, a specific operation button among the operation buttons in which the command for the destination floor is registered is the operation button corresponding to the specific floor. It is characterized in that the symbol indicating the existence is provided as a convex object on the button surface of the operation button.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 is
In an operation panel provided with operation buttons for registering commands such as the elevator floor and door opening / closing, among the operation buttons, any operation buttons except the operation buttons for registering the command for the destination floor are In the vicinity of a character on the surface of the button on which the function of the operation button is displayed, a symbol representing the meaning of the character is provided as a convex object. This will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a plan view of the operation panel, and FIG. 2 is "open".
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation button, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the “open” operation button, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the “close” operation button.

The symbol used in this specification means a figure excluding characters such as Chinese characters, numbers and Braille. Also, the convex object is one that is made into a three-dimensional shape of this symbol and is projected on the surface of the button, so long as it can be recognized by touching it, its concrete form is not limited, but it is symbolized. It is preferable that the object has a simple shape because the object can be directly recognized and the object is projected in a relatively narrow space.

On the operation panel 11 shown in FIG. 1, the "floor" operation button "1" for the 10th floor in which the number of floors of the destination floor is displayed.
"2" ... "10" or "Open" operation button 12 for opening and closing the elevator door (hereinafter also referred to as door) and "Close"
The operation button 13 and the "open extension" operation button 14 for extending the opening of the door are provided.

Of the above operation buttons, the operation button 12
Numerals 14 to 14 are buttons for registering commands for opening, closing, opening extension, etc. of the door, and required characters representing respective functions are displayed on the button surface of the operation button. For example, when the operation buttons 12 to 14 are touched, the backlight is turned on, the characters are clearly displayed, and it can be confirmed that the operation button clearly shown by the lighting is the selected button. The operation button is not limited to such a so-called touch button and may be another button.

2 and 3, the "open" operation button 12 will be described as an example. This "open" operation button 12
Is an operation that is performed when opening an elevator door (not shown), that is, it is touched by a hand, and an opaque display surface member 121 formed so that only the strokes forming the character "open" can be transmitted. ,
The operation button 1 is overlaid on the transparent substrate 122.
When 2 is touched, a backlight (not shown) as a light source is turned on, and the character "open" is clearly displayed on the button surface, that is, on the upper surface side of the display surface member 121 in this example. Note that these configurations are the same for other operation buttons.

On the button surface of the above-mentioned "open" operation button 12, in the vicinity of the "open" character, in this example, in the upper left corner on the button surface, an illustration showing the "open" character is shown. The symbol 123 is provided as a protrusion so as to protrude from the button surface. The position at which the symbol 123 is formed is not limited to this, and may be any position, but it is desirable to provide it near the character in order to show a close relationship with the corresponding character.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the "close" operation button 13, which is provided with the illustrated symbol 123 representing the meaning of the character "close". Similarly, "open extension"
The operation button 14 may be provided with an appropriate symbol.

The operation button provided with such a symbol 123 as a convex object does not necessarily have to be provided on all operation buttons except the operation button for registering the instruction of the destination floor, that is, the "floor" operation button, and it is optional. The operation button may be provided in, for example, an operation button having a basic function indispensable for elevator operation. In this example, as described above, operation buttons in which commands such as “open”, “close”, and “open extension” are registered, and Chinese characters with a relatively large number of strokes and complicated shapes are displayed on the button surface. It is advisable to provide the operation buttons that are installed. In this case, the "floor" operation button whose destination floor number is displayed on the button surface has the symbol 12 as described above.
3 is not provided, but the command for the destination floor is registered "floor"
Since the operation buttons are generally arranged in order, it is necessary to feel for the desired "floor" operation button.

The figure adopted as the above-mentioned symbol 123 is ideally a figure that can be recognized by everyone, but it is generally difficult to devise a figure that can surely be recognized as such, and therefore it is recognized as much as possible. There is no choice but to devise and adopt a figure that can be made. Therefore, when the elevator is installed, the user can see the symbol 12 provided on the operation button.
It is necessary to explain the meaning of 3, that is, the function of the operation button, and the user who has not received the explanation, especially the outpatient, asks the nearest person or is provided on the operation button by trial and error. There is nothing but the recognition of the meaning of the symbol 123.

In any case, once the relationship between the symbol and the operation button is recognized, the visually impaired person who cannot discriminate Braille can perform a desired operation by using the symbol provided as a convex object as a clue. Buttons can be selected quickly and easily. Since the "floor" operation buttons arranged according to the order of the floors are generally arranged so as to form a group, it is possible to sense on the destination floor display panel that they are "floor" operation buttons. It is relatively easy to obtain, and the desired destination floor can be recognized by searching for the “floor” operation buttons in order by groping. The “floor” operation button will be described in the third embodiment.

According to the first embodiment, an operation button such as the opening and closing or extension of an elevator door whose characters other than the number indicating the number of floors are displayed on the button surface, has the meaning of the character and the function of the operation button. By forming a symbol representing the above as a convex on the button surface, it is possible to easily recognize the function of the operation button only by touching the convex with a visually impaired person who cannot distinguish Braille, The desired operation button can be selected quickly and easily without hesitation.

Embodiment 2. The second embodiment relates to a convex object as a symbol formed in the first embodiment, and includes two convex objects forming one symbol.
Or two convex objects that make up one symbol,
It is arranged at two positions facing each other with the character displayed on the button surface as the center. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the “open” operation button, FIG.
Is a sectional view of the “open” operation button, and FIG. 7 is a plan view of the “close” operation button.

In the "open" operation button 12 shown in FIG.
Two convex objects forming one symbol are separated and arranged at opposite positions, and are formed as one symbol indicating the "open" function of the operation button 12 or "open". The three convex objects 123A and 123B are divided into left and right with the character "open" as the center, and the bases of the triangles are arranged so that the center of the triangle faces the center of the character "closed". ing.

Also in the "close" operation button 13 of FIG.
Similarly, the two convex objects that form one symbol are separated and arranged at opposite positions.
The three "closed" functions, or two convex object triangles 123C and 123D configured as one symbol representing the meaning of "closed" are divided into left and right with the character "closed" as the center. The vertices of each triangle are arranged so that they point toward the central "closed" character.

In the second embodiment, an example in which two convex objects forming one symbol are separated and arranged at two positions, but the convex object 2 as one symbol is shown.
One may be arranged in two positions. Further, the positions where the two convex objects are arranged are not limited to the left and right directions of the characters displayed on the button surface, but may be the two positions which are vertically or diagonally separated from each other.

In this way, by arranging at least two convex objects (123A and 123B or 123C and 123D) at two positions on the button surface with the corresponding characters in the center, the following effects can be obtained. Cause That is, in the first embodiment, since only one convex object is arranged for one operation button, the operation buttons provided with the convex object are adjacent to each other or are arranged in a dense state. If so, there is a possibility that the operator may be confused in ascertaining which operation button the convex object belongs to, or may cause an operation to confirm. In such a case, if two convex objects for one operation button are arranged at positions facing each other with the character on the button surface as the center, as in the second embodiment, the two convex objects are arranged. Since the desired operation button is selected only by pressing (touching) between, it is possible to select the desired operation button much more easily and quickly than in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3. The third embodiment relates to a “floor” operation button in which a command for a destination floor is registered, and is located on the button surface of a specific “floor” operation button corresponding to the reference floor among a group of “floor” operation buttons. First Embodiment
In the same manner as in the above case, a symbol indicating that the operation button is a certain "reference floor" is provided as a convex object. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a plan view of the "floor" operation button showing the first floor, FIG. 9 is a sectional view thereof, FIG. 10 is a plan view of the "floor" operation button showing the 10th floor, and FIG. 11 is a "floor" operation showing the 20th floor. It is a top view of a button.

Here, the reference floor is, for example, "1st floor".
"10th floor", "20th floor", or "1st floor""5thfloor"
When touching a row or group of many "floor" operation buttons such as "10th floor" with your hand to count and search for a desired floor, identification that is the standard for the floor that starts counting Of the floor.

"Floor" operation button 14 shown in FIGS.
Is a button on the first floor that is the reference floor in the third embodiment, and the basic configuration of the operation button 14 is the same as that of the “open” operation button 12 described in the first embodiment. Reference numeral 123E in the figure is one in which one small cylinder is provided as a convex object of a symbol representing the first floor as the reference floor.

The "floor" operation button 15 of FIG. 10 is the button of the 10th floor which is the reference floor in the third embodiment.
The "floor" operation button 16 of No. 1 is the 20th floor button which is the reference floor in the third embodiment. The convex object of the symbol 123F has two small cylinders representing the tenth floor as the reference floor, and the convex object of the symbol 123G has three small columns representing the twenty floor as the reference floor. A small column is provided.

In the third embodiment, the first floor, the 10th floor, the 20th floor, and the 10th floor are set as the reference floors, but may be arbitrarily set, for example, every 5th floor. In addition, the convex object as a symbol of the reference floor is provided as a small cylinder or a combination of a plurality of small cylinders, but of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is a square pole, a triangular pole, or a quadrangular pyramid or a triangle. It may be a cone, and its specific form is not limited. The symbols and convex objects in the third embodiment are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, among the many "floor" operation buttons in which the command of the destination floor is registered, the operation button corresponding to the arbitrarily specified reference floor is used as a symbol indicating its meaning. By providing a convex object on the button surface, a visually impaired person who cannot discriminate Braille, once recognizing the relationship between the symbol and the operation button, can operate the "floor" corresponding to the desired destination floor. You can find the buttons quickly and surely, rather than searching for each button one by one. Further, by applying the third embodiment together with the first and second embodiments to the destination floor display panel, it is possible to further shorten the destination operation time of the elevator and improve the operation efficiency. Can be made.

[0030]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by providing a convex object as a symbol on the button surface of the operation button, a visually impaired person who cannot distinguish Braille can easily recognize the function of the operation button. Thus, the desired operation button can be selected quickly and reliably. Further, this makes it possible to shorten the destination operation time and improve the operating efficiency of the elevator.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by placing the convex object as a symbol at two positions, a visually impaired person who cannot discriminate Braille can select a desired operation button with confidence and swiftly. can do.

According to the third aspect of the invention, among the many "floor" operation buttons arranged, a particular operation button is provided with a convex object as a symbol indicating that it is a particular reference floor. With the provision, a visually impaired person who cannot distinguish Braille can easily and quickly find a desired “floor” operation button. Further, this makes it possible to shorten the destination operation time and improve the operating efficiency of the elevator.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an “open” operation button according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an “open” operation button according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a “close” operation button according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an “open” operation button according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an “open” operation button according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a “close” operation button according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a “floor” operation button showing the first floor.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a “floor” operation button showing the first floor.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a “floor” operation button showing the 10th floor.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a “floor” operation button showing the 20th floor.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Operation panel, 12 "Open" operation button, 13 "Close"
Operation buttons, 14, 15, 16 "Floor" operation buttons, 1
21 display surface member, 122 substrate, 123, 123A to
123G symbol.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An operation panel provided with operation buttons for registering commands such as a destination floor of an elevator and opening / closing of a door, wherein any of the operation buttons except an operation button for registering a command for the destination floor. On the surface of the button where the character indicating the function of the operation button is displayed on the operation button, in the vicinity of the character, a symbol that represents the meaning of the character and consists of figures excluding characters such as Chinese characters, numbers and Braille is displayed. An elevator operation panel characterized by being provided as a convex object. 2. One convex object forming one symbol or two convex objects forming one symbol,
The elevator operation panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel is arranged at two positions facing each other with the character in the center. 3. A specific operation button among the operation buttons in which a command for the destination floor is registered has a symbol indicating that the operation button is an operation button corresponding to the specific floor. The operation panel of the elevator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the button is provided as a convex object on the surface of the button.