JP2011246230A - Man conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a man conveyor which is constituted so that the traveling speed of a step can be controlled to a value suitable for each passenger, and on the step of which even a passenger who is slow in walking can easily ride.SOLUTION: The man conveyor includes: a step for conveying a passenger to an exit from an entrance; a passenger detecting means 23 for detecting a passenger passing a passenger detecting point separated by a predetermined distance from the end of the step exposed in the entrance; cameras 24, 25 photographing the passenger walking toward the step; an image processing section 32 for picking up an image shown by the cameras 24 and 25; a low-speed passenger determining section 31 for determining on the basis of image data whether the passenger passing through the passenger detection point is a low-speed passenger or not; a speed signal generating means 37 for generating a step speed command value for traveling speed control for the step corresponding to the determination result of the low-speed passenger determination means 31; and an escalator control board 13 for controlling the traveling speed of the step on the basis of the step speed command value.

Description

  The present invention relates to a man conveyor that controls the travel of a step according to the walking speed of a passenger.

  A conventional man conveyor control device is provided at a predetermined distance from the boarding entrance to detect a passenger, and when the detector is operated in a state where the step is stopped, the step starts to run, Control means for accelerating the speed of the step to the rated speed after controlling the running speed of the step so that the predetermined speed is less than the rated speed after a lapse of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  And the predetermined time until the running speed of the step is accelerated to the predetermined speed is set based on the normal walking speed of the healthy person. For this reason, for a healthy person, the speed of the step when getting into the step and the rated speed after completion of acceleration are appropriate values.

JP 2007-50976 A

  However, according to the running control of the steps by the conventional man conveyor control device, the running speed of the steps changes in the same manner regardless of who the user is. As described above, the control of the running speed of the step is often determined in view of the normal walking speed of a healthy person. In this case, for example, a passenger who walks slowly, such as an elderly person, a deaf person, and a disabled person, may feel that the running speed of the step is fast and cannot easily get on the tread.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and is configured so that the running speed of the step can be controlled to a value suitable for each passenger, so that even a passenger who walks slowly can easily perform the step. It aims at obtaining the man conveyor which can get on.

  The man conveyor according to the present invention includes a step for transporting passengers from the entrance to the exit, passenger detection means for detecting a passenger passing a passenger detection point that is a predetermined distance away from the step located closest to the entrance, and a step A camera that reflects a passenger walking toward the camera, an image processing unit that captures an image captured by the camera and acquires image data, and each time the passenger detection means detects the passenger, the image data is used to move toward the step. A slow passenger determination means for determining whether or not a walking passenger is a slow passenger walking at a speed slower than the normal walking speed of a healthy person, and a step speed command value corresponding to the determination result of the slow passenger determination means is generated. And a speed signal generating means for outputting and a man conveyor control panel for controlling the running speed of the step based on the step speed command value.

  According to the man conveyor according to the present invention, the step speed command value is generated according to the walking speed of the passenger, so that the step traveling speed can be controlled to a value suitable for the passenger. For example, when a slow-speed passenger uses a man conveyor, it is easier for even a slow-speed passenger to get on the step by setting the traveling speed of the step to a lower speed than when a passenger who can walk normally uses a man-conveyor. It becomes possible.

It is a schematic diagram of the escalator which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the entrance of the escalator which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the main structure of the step speed control apparatus of the escalator which concerns on one embodiment of this invention from the back side of the post | mailbox. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an escalator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure explaining the method by which the body axis inclination passenger determination means of the escalator which concerns on this Embodiment 1 determines whether a passenger is a body axis inclination passenger. It is a figure explaining the step speed command value which the speed signal generation means of the escalator which concerns on embodiment of this invention produces | generates. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the escalator which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an escalator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of an entrance of the escalator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an escalator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the escalator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view of the main configuration of the step speed control device of FIG.

  1 and 2, an escalator 1 is connected by a main frame 2 installed between upper and lower floors, an electric motor 5 provided in an upper machine room 3 in the main frame 2, an electric motor 5 and a drive chain 6. The drive sprocket 7, the upper sprocket 8 coaxially attached to the drive sprocket 7, the lower sprocket 9 provided in the lower machine chamber 4 in the main frame 2, and the upper sprocket 8 and the lower sprocket 9 are wound endlessly. The suspended step chain 10 is connected to the step chain 10 in an endless manner, and is connected between the entrance 15 provided on the lower floor and the exit 16 provided on the upper floor in conjunction with the drive of the electric motor 5. And a step 11 that circulates through the vehicle. In FIG. 1, only some steps 11 are illustrated.

  Further, the escalator 1 includes a pair of balustrades 17 that are erected so as to sandwich the step 11 on both sides of the main frame 2, and a pair of wheels that run in synchronism with the step 11 on the peripheral edges of the pair of balustrades 17. A moving handrail 18, a step speed control device 20 that generates and outputs a step speed command value corresponding to the walking state of a passenger walking from the entrance 15 toward the step 11, and the step speed command value are input and the step speed command value is input. And an escalator control panel 13 as a man conveyor control panel for controlling the electric motor 5 so as to achieve the speed of the step 11 according to the speed command value.

  The escalator control panel 13 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs various calculations, a storage area that temporarily stores various data, and a RAM (not shown) that is used as a working space during the CPU calculation process. It is composed of a ROM (not shown) that stores various programs for causing the CPU to control the escalator.

Details of the step speed control device 20 will be described.
2 to 4, the step speed control device 20 is disposed on the floor of the entrance 15 that is a predetermined distance away from the step 11 that is exposed closest to the entrance 15, relative to both sides in the width direction of the entrance 15. A pair of posts 21 that are erected in such a manner, two pairs of fence bodies 29 that are provided on the floor of the entrance 15 and that constitute a guide passage 27 toward the step 11, and a pair of posts 21 are provided. Passenger detection means 23 comprising a projector 23a and a light receiver 23b, a first camera 24 provided on one post 21, a second camera 25 provided on the other post 21, and an arithmetic processing device provided on one post 21 30.

The post 21 is provided with a display unit 22 for displaying that the step 11 is in an automatic operation or an ascending operation.
The 1st camera 24 is provided in one post 21 so that the passenger who goes to the step 11 from the location away from the step 11 from the pair of posts 21 can be photographed.
The second camera 25 is provided on the other post 21 so as to be able to photograph a passenger who passes between the pair of posts 21 and moves toward the step 11.

  In addition, a pair of fence bodies 29 are provided in the width direction of the entrance 15 so as to extend from the pair of posts 21 to the vicinity of the end of the moving handrail 18, and the other pair of fence bodies 29 is provided with a pair of fence bodies 29. It is provided in the width direction of the entrance 15 so as to extend from the post to the side opposite to the step 11. As a result, a guide passage 27 extending toward the step 11 from a location away from the step 11 is formed between the two pairs of fence bodies 29 facing each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the projector 23 a and the light receiver 23 b of the passenger detection means 23 are provided so as to be opposed to the pair of posts 21 so that the light projected by the projector 23 a can be received by the light receiver 23 b. It has been. The light projector 23a and the light receiver 23b are, for example, at a height of about 30 cm above the floor of the entrance 15. The light receiver 23b outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light receiving state. For example, the light receiver 23b electrically outputs a Low (OFF) signal when receiving light from the projector 23a, and electrically receives High (ON) when the light from the projector 23a is not received. ) Is output.

  When the passenger passes between the light projector 23a and the light receiver 23b, the light of the light projector 23a toward the light receiver 23b is blocked, so that the output of the light receiver 23b is switched. That is, the passenger detection means 23 detects a passenger passing between the projector 23a and the light receiver 23b when the light receiver 23b stops receiving light, and turns off the output of the light receiver 23b when the passenger is detected. It is comprised so that.

  Here, between the projector 23a and the light receiver 23b is a passenger detection point for detecting a passenger heading to the step 11, but since the projector 23a and the light receiver 23b are provided on the post 21, they are closest to the entrance 15. It is located on the floor of the entrance 15 that is a predetermined distance away from the step 11 exposed at.

  The arithmetic processing unit 30 has a timer function (not shown), has a CPU (not shown) for performing various arithmetic operations, a storage area for temporarily storing various data, and is used as a working space during arithmetic processing of the CPU. A RAM (not shown) and a ROM (not shown) in which various programs to be calculated by the CPU are stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the arithmetic processing device 30 includes a slow passenger determination unit 31, a body axis tilt passenger determination unit 35, and a speed signal generation unit 37.
The slow speed passenger determination unit 31 includes an image processing unit 32, a walking speed calculation unit 33, and a slow speed determination unit 34.
The body axis inclination passenger determination means 35 includes an image processing unit 32 and a body axis inclination determination unit 36.

  The CPU, RAM, and ROM constituting the arithmetic processing device 30 are an image processing unit 32, a walking speed calculation unit 33, a slow speed determination unit 34, a body axis inclination determination unit 36, and a speed signal generation unit 37, respectively. Function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first camera 24 and the second camera 25 are connected to the image processing unit 32 so as to be communicable. The light receiver 23 b of the passenger detection means 23 is electrically connected to the walking speed calculation unit 33 and the body axis inclination determination unit 36.
The speed signal generating means 37 is connected to the escalator control panel 13 so as to be communicable. Further, the escalator control panel 13 is connected to the electric motor 5 and can control the driving of the electric motor 5.

Next, the operation of the step speed control device 20 will be described.
Images taken by the first camera 24 and the second camera 25 are input to the image processing unit 32.
The output of the light receiver 23 b is input to the walking speed calculation unit 33.
The image processing unit 32 captures images captured by the first camera 24 and the second camera 25 and acquires first image data and second image data.

  The walking speed calculation unit 33 is configured to be able to recognize switching of the output of the light receiver 23b. In addition, when the walking speed calculation unit 33 analyzes the first image data and determines that the passenger has entered a predetermined position (first speed calculation reference position) in the imaging region of the first camera 24, the walking speed calculation unit 33 is not illustrated. 1 Timer starts counting. Further, the walking speed calculation unit 33 reads the count time of the first timer when the output of the light receiver 23b is turned on, in other words, when the passenger passes the passenger detection point, and the passenger detection point and the first speed are read. The walking speed of the passenger is calculated from the distance between the calculation reference positions and the read time of the first timer.

  On the other hand, when the walking speed calculator 33 determines that the output of the light receiver 23b is turned on, the walking speed calculator 33 starts counting a second timer (not shown). Further, when the walking speed calculation unit 33 analyzes the second image data and determines that the passenger has approached a predetermined position (second speed calculation reference position) of the entrance 15 at a predetermined distance to the step, the second speed is calculated. The count time of the timer is read, and the walking speed of the passenger is calculated from the distance between the passenger detection point and the second speed calculation reference position and the read time of the second timer. Note that the distance between the passenger detection point and the first speed calculation reference position and the distance between the passenger detection point and the second speed calculation reference position are stored in advance in the ROM constituting the calculation processing device 30. .

  Further, if the slow speed determination unit 34 determines that at least one of the calculated two walking speeds is slower than the slow passenger determination reference speed, the passenger trying to get into the step 11 is a slow speed passenger who is slow to walk. Judgment is made and the output of the slow passenger determination signal is turned ON. If the slow speed determination unit 34 determines that the two walking speeds calculated are faster than the slow speed passenger determination reference speed, the slow speed determination unit 34 turns off the output of the slow speed passenger determination signal. Note that the slow passenger determination reference speed is appropriately set so as to be slightly slower than the normal walking speed of a healthy person. That is, the slow passenger means a passenger who walks at a speed slower than a predetermined value than the general walking speed of a healthy person.

  The body axis inclination determination unit 36 is configured to be able to recognize switching of the output of the light receiver 23b. Hereinafter, a method will be described in which the body axis tilt passenger determination unit 35 determines whether or not the passenger is a body axis tilt passenger who walks while the body axis is greatly tilted or staggered from the vertical direction.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method in which the body axis inclination passenger determination means of the escalator according to the first embodiment determines whether the passenger is a body axis inclination passenger.

When the body axis inclination determination unit 36 analyzes the first image data and determines that the passenger 19 has entered the first speed calculation reference position, the body axis inclination determination unit 36 stores the first image data without overwriting the RAM at a minute time interval. And analyze.
Furthermore, when the output of the light receiver 23b is turned ON, the walking speed calculation unit 33 calculates the deviation angle θr of the body axis of the passenger 19 from the stored first image data. The deviation angle θr is defined by an angle when the body axis of the passenger 19 is most inclined with respect to the vertical direction. For example, when the passenger 19 is jealous or has difficulty in walking and walks while wobbling greatly, the deviation angle θr varies greatly.

  Similarly, the walking speed calculation unit 33 stores the second image data in the RAM at minute time intervals until the passenger reaches the second speed calculation reference position after the output of the light receiver 23b is switched ON. When the second speed calculation reference position is reached, the deviation angle θr is calculated.

The body axis inclination determination unit 36 turns on the output of the passenger inclination walking signal when the deviation angle θr is larger than the preset inclination walking determination reference value θm, and the deviation angle θr is greater than the inclination walking determination reference value θm. When it is small, the output of the passenger tilt walking signal is turned off.
The inclination walking determination reference value θm is set at an angle slightly larger than the maximum inclination angle of the body axis with respect to the vertical direction when a normal person is walking normally.
Note that the first image data and the second image data stored in the RAM are erased from the RAM when the ON / OFF processing of the passenger inclination walking signal is completed.

  Further, the speed signal generating means 37 is configured to update and store the step speed command value in the RAM each time a step speed command value described below is output, and by referring to the step speed command value, The travel speed of the step 11 can be recognized. That is, the speed signal generation unit 37 also functions as a step speed determination unit that recognizes the travel speed of the step 11.

  The speed signal generation means 37 also turns on / off the slow passenger determination signal and ON / OFF of the passenger tilt walking signal selected when the passenger passes the second speed calculation reference position, and the current step 11 travels. Based on the speed, a step speed command value for causing the escalator control panel 13 to control the traveling speed of the step 11 is generated and output to the escalator control panel 13.

  Further, the speed signal generation means 37 can recognize the predicted traveling speed of the step 11 when the passenger detected by the passenger detection means 23 reaches the step 11 by referring to the step speed command value. Yes. in this way,

Hereinafter, the step speed command value generated by the speed signal generation unit 37 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the step speed command value generated by the speed signal generating means of the escalator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As an initial state, it is assumed that the travel of the step 11 is stopped.
Immediately after the ON / OFF processing of the slow passenger determination signal by the slow passenger determination unit 31 and the ON / OFF processing of the passenger tilt walking signal by the body axis tilt passenger determination unit 35 are performed, the speed signal generation unit 37 outputs a step speed command. Configured to generate values. In FIG. 6, the origin of the time axis is the time when the speed signal generating means 37 generates the step speed command value. ON / OFF processing of the slow passenger determination signal by the slow speed determination unit 34, ON / OFF processing of the passenger tilt walking signal by the body axis tilt passenger determination means 35, and generation of the step speed command value by the speed signal generation means 37 are instantaneously performed. Therefore, at time 0, it can be considered that the passenger is walking toward the step 11 at the second speed calculation reference position.

  When the speed signal generation unit 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal ON / OFF process and the passenger tilt walking signal ON / OFF process have been performed, the speed passenger determination signal ON / OFF and the passenger tilt walking signal ON / OFF are determined. Confirm OFF.

  When the slow speed passenger determination signal is not output, in other words, when it is determined that the passenger is a normal person who normally walks, the speed signal generation unit 37 generates a step speed command value as follows. That is, the step speed command value is obtained by accelerating the travel speed of the step 11 from time 0 at a predetermined acceleration αn, reaching the rated speed Vn at time t1, and maintaining the rated speed Vn until time t2, and then at the acceleration αn. It is generated as a signal for controlling to be reduced to zero at time t3.

Here, the time t1 is longer than the time required for a passenger with a general walking speed to reach the step 11 from the second speed calculation reference position. That is, when a passenger walking at a general walking speed reaches the step 11, the speed of the step 11 does not reach the rated speed Vn.
The time t1 is not limited to this, and may be set to a time when the speed of the step 11 reaches the rated speed Vn when a passenger walking at a general walking speed reaches the step 11.

  Further, the time t2 and the time t3 are set so that the step 11 on which the passenger is placed reaches the exit 16 between the time t2 and the time t3. Thus, the time t3 is set to be a predetermined time longer than the time required for the passenger at the second speed calculation reference position to get on the step 11 and transport to the exit 16.

  Even if the passenger inclination walking signal is ON, when the slow passenger determination signal is OFF, the speed signal generating means 37 generates and outputs a step speed command value similar to the above. The case where the passenger inclination walking signal is ON and the slow passenger determination signal is OFF corresponds to, for example, a case where a normal person who can normally walk is walking while tilting his / her body with a large load. If it is a healthy person, even if the traveling speed of the step 11 is accelerated to the rated speed Vn to a certain large value, the step signal 11 can travel on the step 11 without any problem. A step speed command value to be controlled is generated.

  Further, as a result of confirming the ON / OFF of the slow passenger determination signal and the ON / OFF of the passenger tilt walking signal, the speed signal generating means 37 is determined that the slow passenger determination signal is ON and the passenger tilt walking signal is OFF. If it is determined, the passenger is regarded as a slow passenger such as a deaf person, an elderly person, and a disabled person, and a step speed command value is generated as follows. That is, the speed travel command value is determined by accelerating the travel speed of the step 11 at an acceleration α1 smaller than αn after a predetermined time t4 has elapsed, reaching the first speed V1 at time t5, and reaching the first speed V1 until time t6. , The signal is generated as a signal for controlling to decelerate at an acceleration α1 and to become zero at time t7.

  Further, between time t6 and time t7, time t6 and time t7 are set so that the step 11 on which the passenger is placed reaches the exit 16. Thus, the time t7 is set to be longer than the time required for the passenger at the second speed calculation reference position to get on the step 11 and be transported to the exit 16.

  In addition, as a result of checking the ON / OFF of the slow passenger determination signal and the ON / OFF of the passenger tilt walking signal, the speed signal generating means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal and the passenger tilt walking signal are ON. It is determined that the passenger is a slow-speed passenger and walks with a large sway or leans his / her body, such as a deaf person or a physically handicapped person, and a step speed command value is generated as follows. That is, the step speed command value is that the travel speed of the step 11 is accelerated at an acceleration α2 smaller than α1 after a predetermined time t4 has elapsed, reaches the second speed V2 at time t8, and reaches the second speed V2 until time t9. , And is generated as a signal for controlling to be reduced to 0 at time t10 by decelerating with acceleration α2.

  And between time t9 and time t10, time t9 and time t10 are set so that the step 11 carrying the passenger reaches the exit 16. Thus, the time t10 is set to be longer than the time required for the passenger at the second speed calculation reference position to get on the step 11 and transport to the exit 16.

Moreover, the speed signal generation means 37 sets time t4 as follows. A time required for the passenger at the second speed calculation reference position to reach the step 11 is predicted from the calculated walking speed of the passenger, and a time slightly earlier than the predicted time is set as t4. That is, the acceleration of the step 11 is started immediately before the passenger reaches the step 11.
However, the time t4 is not limited to this, and may be set later than the time required for the passenger to reach the step 11.

  Next, a case where a new passenger gets into the step 11 when the step 11 is stopped and the vehicle is accelerated to the rated speed Vn will be described. In addition, when the passenger is a body axis inclined passenger, when a time t11 has passed since the last step speed command value was output, a new passenger passes through the second speed calculation reference position, and the new step speed command value is It is assumed that it is generated by the speed signal generating means 37. The fact that the step 11 is traveling at the rated speed Vn means that a passenger on the step 11 is a normal person who can normally walk.

  When the speed signal generation means 37 newly determines that the slow passenger determination signal ON / OFF process and the passenger tilt walking signal ON / OFF process have been performed, the slow speed passenger determination signal ON / OFF and the passenger tilt walking signal Check ON / OFF.

When the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal is ON and the passenger inclination walking signal is OFF, the passenger determines that the passenger is a slow passenger and generates a step speed command value as follows: And update.
The updated step speed command value, as shown by the one-dot chain line of the thin line in FIG. 6, slowly reduces the traveling speed of the step 11 at a predetermined deceleration β1 from time t11 until reaching the first speed V1, Thereafter, as compared with t3, the signal is generated as a signal that is controlled so as to become 0 when a long time elapses for the extended time that satisfies the following conditions.

  The extension time is set so that a passenger newly on the step 11 meets the condition that the traveling speed of the step 11 becomes 0 after being transported to the exit 16. Hereinafter, this condition is set as the extended time setting condition. The value of β1 is, for example, within a range that does not give a feeling of agitation due to deceleration to a passenger who has previously been on the step 11, and the traveling speed of the step 11 when the passenger detected later gets on the step 11 is as high as possible. A value for decelerating the step 11 so as to approach the speed V1 or to become the first speed V1.

Moreover, as a result of confirming the ON / OFF of the slow passenger determination signal and the ON / OFF of the passenger inclination walking signal for the new passenger, the speed signal generation means 37 is determined that the slow passenger determination signal and the passenger inclination walking signal are ON. If it is determined, the step speed command value is generated and updated as follows.
The updated step speed command value is a deceleration β2 having a value smaller than the deceleration β1 from time t11 until the travel speed of the step 11 reaches the second speed V2, as indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. The signal is generated as a signal that is controlled so that it is gradually decelerated and then becomes zero when a time longer than the time t3 by the extended time that satisfies the extended time setting condition has elapsed.

  In addition, the value of β2 is, for example, within a range that does not give a feeling of frustration due to deceleration to a passenger who has previously been on the step 11, and the traveling speed of the step 11 when a passenger detected later gets on the step is as high as possible. A value for decelerating the step 11 so as to approach the second speed V2 or to become the second speed V2.

  Further, although not shown, when the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal for a new passenger is OFF, the speed of the step 11 is reduced to the rated speed Vn for a predetermined time from t11. Then, a step speed command value that is controlled to be 0 when an extended time that satisfies the extended time setting condition with respect to t3 has elapsed is generated.

  Next, a case will be described in which a new passenger passes through the second speed calculation reference position when the step 11 is traveling from the stopped state to the first speed V1. In addition, it is assumed that a passenger who newly enters the step 11 passes the second speed calculation reference position when time t11 has elapsed since the last step speed command value was output. Note that traveling at the first speed V1 means that the passenger on the step 11 is a slow-speed passenger, but is not a body-axis inclined passenger.

  If the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal ON / OFF processing and the passenger tilt walking signal ON / OFF processing have been performed for the new passenger, the speed passenger determination signal ON / OFF, and the passenger Check the ON / OFF of the tilt walking signal.

  When it is determined that the slow passenger determination signal is ON and the passenger tilt walking signal is OFF, the speed signal generation unit 37 generates and updates the step speed command value as follows.

  Although not shown, the updated step speed command value is that the traveling speed of the step 11 is maintained at the first speed V1 for a predetermined time and then decelerated, and the time that is longer than the extension time setting condition for t7 has elapsed. Is generated as a signal for controlling to 0.

Moreover, as a result of confirming the ON / OFF of the slow passenger determination signal and the ON / OFF of the passenger inclination walking signal for the new passenger, the speed signal generation means 37 is determined that the slow passenger determination signal and the passenger inclination walking signal are ON. If it is determined, the step speed command value is generated and updated as follows.
As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the updated step speed command value is obtained by gradually reducing the traveling speed of the step 11 at a predetermined deceleration β2 from time t11 until reaching the second speed V2. It is generated as a signal that is controlled to be 0 when a time longer than the extension time elapses compared to t7.

If the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal is OFF as a result of confirming that the slow passenger determination signal is ON / OFF for a new passenger, the speed signal generation means 37 generates a step speed command value as follows. Update.
The updated step speed command value is determined when the travel speed of the step 11 is maintained at the first speed V1 for a predetermined time from t11 and then decelerated, and the time longer than the time set by the extension time setting condition for t7 elapses. Is generated as a signal for controlling to 0.
Note that the updated step speed command value may be that the speed of the step 11 is accelerated to the rated speed Vn as long as the passenger who first got on the step 11 is transported to the exit 16.

  Next, a case where a new passenger gets into the step 11 when the step 11 is accelerated to the second speed V2 from the stopped state and traveling is described. Further, when the time t11 has elapsed since the last step speed command value was output, a new passenger passes the second speed calculation reference position, and a new step speed command value is generated by the speed signal generation means 37. Shall. The fact that the step 11 is traveling at the second speed V2 means that the passenger on the step 11 is a body axis inclined passenger.

  When the speed signal generation means determines that the slow passenger determination signal ON / OFF processing and the passenger tilt walking signal ON / OFF processing have been performed, the slow passenger determination signal ON / OFF and the passenger tilt walking signal ON / OFF Confirm.

When it is determined that the slow passenger determination signal and the passenger tilt walking signal are ON, the speed signal generation unit 37 generates and updates the step speed command value as follows.
In other words, the updated step speed command value is obtained when the travel speed of the step 11 is decelerated after maintaining the second speed V2 for a predetermined time, and a time longer than the extension time setting condition for t10 has elapsed. Are generated as signals that are controlled to be zero.

  When the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination signal is OFF as a result of confirming ON / OFF of the slow passenger determination signal and ON / OFF of the passenger inclination walking signal for a new passenger, or the slow speed When it is determined that the passenger determination signal is ON and the passenger inclination walking signal is OFF, a step speed command value is generated and updated as follows.

The updated step speed command value is set to 0 when the traveling speed of the step 11 is not accelerated at least until t10 elapses and a time longer than the extension time setting condition for t10 elapses. It is generated as a signal to control.
The updated step speed command value is that the speed of the step 11 is set to the rated speed Vn or the speed of the step 11 depending on the passenger who has been on the back after the passenger on the step 11 has been transported to the exit 16. You may accelerate to 1st speed V1.

  Summarizing the generation of the step speed command value by the speed signal generation unit 37 described above, the speed signal generation unit 37 determines that the passenger is not a slow passenger when the step 11 is stopped. If it judges that, the step speed command value which accelerates the travel speed of the step 11 to the rated speed Vn, and conveys a passenger to the exit 16 is produced | generated. When the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination means 31 determines that the passenger is a slow passenger, and determines that the body axis inclination passenger determination means determines that the passenger is not a body axis inclination passenger, the speed signal generation means 37 determines the travel speed of the step 11. A step speed command value that accelerates to the first speed V1 and conveys the passenger to the exit 16 is generated. Further, when the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination means 31 determines that the passenger is a slow passenger, and the body axis inclination passenger determination means 35 determines that the passenger is a body axis inclination passenger, the step 11 The step speed command value for accelerating the traveling speed to the second speed V2 and transporting the passenger to the exit 16 is generated.

  If the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination means 31 has determined that the passenger is a slow passenger when the step 11 is stopped or is traveling at the rated speed Vn, the speed 11 Is changed to the first speed V1 or the second speed V2 smaller than the rated speed Vn, and a step speed command value for transporting passengers to the exit 16 is generated and output.

  When the step 11 is traveling at the first speed V1 and a new passenger gets on the step 11, the speed signal generation unit 37 determines that the slow passenger determination unit 31 determines that the passenger is a slow passenger. If the body axis inclination passenger determination means 35 determines that the passenger is a body axis inclination passenger, the traveling speed of the step 11 is set to a second speed V2 smaller than the first speed V1 and the passenger is conveyed to the exit 16. A step speed command value to be generated is generated.

Hereinafter, the operation of the escalator 1 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the escalator according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 7, Step 101 to Step 110 are described as S101 to S110 for convenience of explanation.

In FIG. 7, the operations of steps 101 to 104 are performed by the slow speed passenger determination means. That is, in step 101, the walking speed calculation unit 33 determines whether or not the passenger detection means 23 has detected a passenger.
If the walking speed calculation unit 33 determines in step 101 that no passenger has been detected, step 101 is repeated.
In step 101, when the walking speed calculation unit 33 determines that the signal from the light receiver 23b is ON, the slow speed determination unit 34 is based on the first image data and the second image data input from the image processing unit 32. The walking speed of the passenger is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the passenger is a slow passenger (step 102).
If the slow speed determination unit 34 determines in step 102 that the passenger is a slow speed passenger, the slow speed passenger determination signal is turned on (step 103), and the process proceeds to step 105. If the slow speed determination unit 34 determines in step 102 that the passenger is not a slow speed passenger, the slow speed passenger determination signal is turned off (step 104), and the process proceeds to step 105.

The operations in steps 105 to 107 are performed by the body axis inclination passenger determination means 35.
That is, in step 105, the body axis inclination determination unit 36 determines whether or not the passenger is a body axis inclination passenger based on the first image data and the second image data input from the image processing unit 32.
If the body axis inclination determination unit 36 determines in step 105 that the passenger is a body axis inclination passenger, it turns ON the output of the passenger inclination walking signal (step 106), and proceeds to step 108.
When the body axis inclination determination unit determines in step 105 that the passenger is not a body axis inclination passenger, the output of the passenger inclination walking signal is turned off (step 107), and the process proceeds to step 108.

In step 108, the speed signal generation means 37 acquires the current traveling speed of the step 11 with reference to the step speed command value.
In step 109, the speed signal generation unit 37 generates and outputs a step speed command value based on ON / OFF of the slow passenger signal, ON / OFF of the passenger tilt walking signal, and the traveling speed of the step 11.

  In step 110, the escalator control panel 13 controls the drive of the electric motor 5 according to the generated step speed command value, and causes the step 11 to travel at a travel speed corresponding to the step speed command value.

According to the escalator of the present invention, each time the passenger detection means 23 detects a passenger, the passenger passing through the passenger detection point determines whether or not the slow passenger is slow to walk, Speed signal generating means 37 for generating and outputting a step speed command value for controlling the speed of the step 11 according to the determination result of the slow passenger determining means 31, and controlling the traveling speed of the step 11 based on the speed signal command value. An escalator control panel 13.
Therefore, the traveling speed of the step 11 can be set according to the walking speed of the passenger. For example, when a slow-speed passenger uses the escalator 1, the traveling speed of the step 11 is set to be lower than that when a normally walkable passenger uses the escalator 1. Can ride.

  Moreover, the slow passenger determination means 31 is based on each of the 1st image data and 2nd image data which were acquired by processing the image which the 1st camera 24 and 2nd camera 25 which image | photograph before and after passing a passenger detection point. Thus, since it is determined whether or not the passenger is a slow passenger, the slow passenger can be reliably detected.

  The step speed command value is a value for stopping the step 11 when a predetermined time longer than the time required for carrying the detected passenger on the step 11 from the entrance 15 to the exit 16 is carried. Thus, the speed signal generating means 37 is configured to be able to recognize the traveling state of the step 11. When the speed signal generating means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination means 31 determines that the passenger is not a slow passenger when the step 11 is stopped, the speed signal generating means 37 accelerates the traveling speed of the step 11 to the rated speed Vn. A step speed command value for transporting the passenger to the exit 16 is generated. If the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination means 31 has determined that the passenger is a slow passenger when the step 11 is stopped or is traveling at the rated speed Vn, the speed 11 Is changed to the first speed V1 or the second speed V2, which is smaller than the rated speed Vn, and a step speed command value for transporting passengers to the exit 16 is generated and output.

  Therefore, when the slow passenger rides on the step 11, the traveling speed of the step 11 is reduced to the first speed or the second speed suitable for the slow passenger, so that the transport of the passenger who has been on the front is not delayed. Slow passengers can easily ride on the steps 11.

Moreover, every time the passenger detection means 23 detects a passenger, the body axis inclination passenger who judges whether the passenger who passes a passenger detection point is a body axis inclination passenger based on 1st image data and 2nd image data. A determination unit 35 is provided.
Then, when the speed signal generation means 37 determines that the slow passenger determination means 31 determines that the passenger is a slow passenger and the body axis inclination passenger determination means 35 determines that the passenger is a body axis inclination passenger, A step speed command value for changing the speed of the step 11 to a second speed V2 smaller than the first speed V1 and transporting passengers to the exit 16 is generated and output.

  Thereby, even a body axis inclined passenger especially assumed that it is not easy to get on the step 11 traveling at the rated speed Vn can easily get on the step 11.

  In this embodiment, after a passenger gets on the step 11 and reaches the exit 16, the speed signal generating means 37 is set so that the travel of the step 11 is stopped when no new passenger is detected. The step speed command value has been described as being generated, but the step speed command value is not limited to a value that stops the step 11, and may be generated to a value at which the step 11 always travels. Even in this case, when a slow-speed passenger gets on the step 11, the step speed command value may be generated so that the traveling speed becomes smaller than the rated speed.

  Moreover, although the body-axis inclination passenger determination means demonstrated as a thing judging whether the passenger who passes a passenger detection point is a body-axis inclination passenger based on 1st image data and 2nd image data, 1st Based on at least one of the image data and the second image data, it may be determined whether the passenger is a body axis inclined passenger.

  Moreover, although the man conveyor was demonstrated as having the escalator 1, this invention is applicable also to the sidewalk which moves as a man conveyor.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Escalator (man conveyor), 11 steps, 13 Escalator control board (man conveyor control board), 15 boarding gate, 16 exit, 23 Passenger detection means, 24 1st camera, 25 2nd camera, 31 Slow passenger determination means, 32 image processing unit, 35 body axis inclination passenger determination means, 37 speed signal generation means.

Claims (4)

Steps to carry passengers from the entrance to the exit;
Passenger detection means for detecting a passenger passing a passenger detection point that is a predetermined distance away from the step located closest to the entrance;
A camera that reflects passengers walking toward the steps,
An image processing unit that captures an image captured by the camera and acquires image data;
Each time the passenger detection means detects a passenger, based on the image data, whether the passenger walking toward the step is a slow passenger walking at a speed slower than the normal walking speed of a normal person. A slow passenger judging means for judging;
A speed signal generating means for generating and outputting a step speed command value according to the determination result of the slow passenger determination means;
A man conveyor control panel for controlling the running speed of the steps based on the step speed command value;
A man conveyor characterized by comprising: The camera has a first camera that reflects a passenger heading to the step from a location away from the step from the passenger determination point, and a second camera that reflects a passenger heading to the step from the passenger detection point,
The image data is first image data and second image data acquired by the image processing unit capturing images captured by the first camera and the second camera,
The slow speed passenger determination means determines whether the passenger who has passed the passenger detection point is the slow speed passenger based on the first image data and the second image data each time the passenger detection means detects a passenger. The man conveyor according to claim 1 which judges whether. The step speed command value takes a value for stopping the step when a predetermined time longer than the time required to carry the detected passenger on the step to the exit is transported,
The speed signal generation means is configured to be able to recognize the traveling state of the step, and when the step is stopped, if the slow passenger determination means determines that the passenger is not the slow passenger, the step When the step is stopped or the vehicle is traveling at the rated speed, the step speed command value for accelerating the traveling speed to the rated speed and transporting the passenger to the exit is generated and output. If the slow passenger determination means determines that the passenger is the slow passenger, the step speed is such that the running speed of the step is changed to a first speed smaller than the rated speed and the passenger is transported to the exit. The man conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a command value is generated and output. Each time the passenger detection means detects a passenger, based on at least one of the first image data and the second image data, the body axis when the passenger who passes the passenger detection point walks in the vertical direction. A body axis inclination passenger determination means for determining whether or not the body axis inclination passenger walks with a predetermined angle or more,
When the speed signal generation means determines that the slow passenger determination means determines that the passenger is the slow passenger, and determines that the body axis inclination passenger determination means determines that the passenger is the body axis inclination passenger, 4. The man conveyor according to claim 3, wherein the step speed command value for causing a passenger to be transported to the exit is generated and outputted by setting the travel speed of the step to a second speed smaller than the first speed. 5.

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