JP6971355B1 - Elevator system and elevator control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elevator system in which the demerits due to undulations are reduced while supporting an elevator user by utilizing the undulations formed when necessary. An elevator system as one aspect of the present invention includes a button unit and an elevator control device that controls an operation mode based on a signal from the button unit. The button unit includes a first detection unit, a second detection unit, an undulation forming unit, and a transmission unit. The first detection unit detects contact. The second detection unit detects the press. The undulation forming portion forms undulations on the surface on which the contact is made when the contact satisfies a predetermined condition. The transmission unit transmits a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating the detection of pressing. When the elevator control device receives both the first signal and the second signal, the elevator control device switches the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to elevator systems and elevator control methods.

Conventionally, information transmission using auditory or tactile sensations has been used for visually impaired people who use elevators. For example, voice guidance is played, and undulations for understanding the function of the button, for example, irregularities indicating braille, marks, etc. are provided on or near the surface of the button.

However, voice guidance tends to be redundant, and has the disadvantage that it takes time to obtain necessary information. In addition, depending on the surrounding environment, there is a drawback that the voice guidance becomes difficult to hear. On the other hand, the method of providing undulations has drawbacks in terms of hygiene that maintenance is difficult and dirt such as hand stains tends to accumulate.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-12248 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-314300 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-255106 Patent Gazette No. 5406210

One embodiment of the present invention provides an elevator system that utilizes undulations formed when necessary to support elevator users while reducing the disadvantages of undulations.

An elevator system as one aspect of the present invention includes a button unit and an elevator control device that controls an operation mode based on a signal from the button unit. The button unit includes a first detection unit, a second detection unit, an undulation forming unit, and a transmission unit. The first detection unit detects contact. The second detection unit detects the press. The undulation forming portion forms undulations on the surface on which the contact is made when the contact satisfies a predetermined condition. The transmission unit transmits a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating the detection of pressing. When the elevator control device receives both the first signal and the second signal, the elevator control device switches the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode.

The block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the elevator system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the arrangement layout of a button unit. The figure which shows another example of the arrangement layout of a button unit. The figure which shows the configuration example of the button of a button unit. The figure which shows an example of the formed undulations. The figure which shows an example of the controlled device which causes undulations. Flowchart of the whole processing of the button unit. Flow chart of the whole processing after signal transmission by the button unit. The block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the elevator system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Flowchart of operation mode switching process by image. Flowchart of operation mode switching process by authentication.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment. The elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a button unit 11, an elevator control device 12, and a controlled device 13. The elevator control device 12 includes a storage unit 121, a button signal receiving unit 122, an operation mode control unit 123, an instruction transmitting unit 124, and an instruction completion receiving unit 125.

The elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system that can be operated to support users. The button unit 11 provides information through the sense of touch for the visually impaired, the elderly, and other visually impaired people. Based on the signal from the button unit 11, the elevator control device 12 considers that the visually impaired person is planning to board the elevator or is boarding the elevator, and switches from normal operation to support operation. .. Then, the controlled device 13 is notified that the operation has been switched to the support operation.

The controlled device 13 is a device controlled by the elevator control device 12. When the controlled device 13 recognizes that the operation has been switched to the support operation, the controlled device 13 switches from the normal operation process to the support operation process. For example, the boarding door itself or the control device of the boarding door corresponds to the controlled device 13, and the opening / closing speed of the boarding door is changed. The controlled device 13 may be the same as a known device.

Other elevator components may be similar to known elevators. Therefore, the description of other components will be omitted.

Further, the means for transmitting signals between the components in the elevator system 1 is not particularly limited. The signal may be transmitted by electric current or by radio. That is, the signal may be an electric signal or a communication signal.

Hereinafter, the state in which the operation for support is performed is described as the support mode, and the state in which the normal operation is performed is described as the normal mode. In addition, the operation status is described as the operation mode. That is, the operation mode includes a normal mode and a support mode. The operation mode may include a mode different from the normal mode and the support mode. Alternatively, the support mode may be divided into a plurality of categories.

The button unit 11 will be described. The button unit 11 is a unit including a button pressed by an elevator user and a transmission unit that transmits a signal from the button to the elevator control device 12. The use and arrangement of the buttons are not particularly limited.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement layout of the button unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, generally, two buttons 21 for calling the elevator car are arranged near the elevator boarding door 3 in the elevator hall. The operation board 2 including the button 21 may be the button unit 11.

The number of buttons included in the button unit 11 may be one or a plurality. Further, a plurality of button units 11 may exist in the elevator system 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, as a button for calling an elevator car, a button pressed when going up and a button pressed when going down are generally arranged. .. One button unit 11 including both of these buttons may be arranged. Alternatively, a button unit 11 including a button pressed when going up and a button unit 11 including a button pressed when going down may be arranged.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement layout of the button unit 11. As shown in FIG. 3, in general, in the elevator car, there are a button for designating a destination floor, a button for instructing opening and closing of a door, and the like. A plurality of operation boards 2 including these buttons may be used as the button unit 11.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a button of the button unit 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the button of the button unit 11 includes a button switch (second detection unit) 111, a touch sensor (first detection unit) 112, a button housing 113, and an undulation forming unit 114. .. It is assumed that the user presses (strokes) the outer surface of the undulation forming portion 114 in order to execute the function assigned to the button. Hereinafter, the surface thereof will be referred to as a contact surface.

The button switch 111 detects that the button unit 11 is pressed. When the press is detected, a signal indicating that the press is detected is transmitted to the elevator control device 12 via the transmission unit of the button unit 11. As a result, processing assigned to the button unit 11 such as designation of the destination floor and opening / closing of the door is performed. The signal is referred to as a pressing signal (second signal).

The touch sensor 112 detects contact with the button unit 11. Then, when the detected contact satisfies the predetermined condition, a signal indicating that the contact satisfies the predetermined condition is generated. The signal is transmitted to the undulation forming portion 114. Further, it is transmitted to the elevator control device 12 via the transmission unit of the button unit 11. Hereinafter, the signal will be referred to as a contact signal (first signal).

In this description, it is assumed that the signal is transmitted to the undulation forming unit 114 when the contact continues for a predetermined time or more in the contact recognition range set for each button. However, the predetermined conditions may be appropriately set or may be plural. For example, the condition may be that the number of contacts made within a predetermined period from the first contact is a predetermined number or more. Further, in order to avoid erroneous detection, a condition that the area related to contact is equal to or larger than a predetermined value may be added.

In addition to the contact with the button unit 11, the amount or strength of pressing is assumed to be a predetermined value or more for the detection of pressing. Therefore, even if the contact satisfies a predetermined condition, the pressing may not be detected. Further, even if the pushing amount or strength is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the contact period of the button unit 11 may be within the predetermined period. That is, although the contact does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the press may be detected.

The button housing 113 brings the touch sensor 112 and the undulation forming portion 114 into contact with each other. Since the contact is performed on the undulation forming portion 114, the touch sensor 112 must detect the contact via the undulating portion 114. Therefore, the button housing 113 maintains the contact state between the undulation forming portion 114 and the touch sensor 112.

As long as the touch sensor 112 can detect the contact via the undulation forming portion 114, the contact state may be maintained by any method. For example, the touch sensor 112 and the undulation forming portion 114 may be individually fixed to the button housing 113 by fitting or adhesion, and the contact state between the two may be maintained by the fixing. Alternatively, if the touch sensor 112 and the undulation forming portion 114 are adhered so that the two can move only to the extent that the adhesion cannot be removed by the button housing 113, both are not necessarily fixed to the button housing 113. good.

The undulation forming portion 114 forms undulations on the contact surface when the contact signal is received, that is, when the detected contact satisfies a predetermined condition.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of formed undulations. The button unit 11A shows the state before the undulation formation, and the button unit 11B shows the state after the undulation formation. As shown in FIG. 5, the surface of the button unit 11A is initially flat, but it is shown that after receiving the contact signal, undulations in the shape of a downward arrow occur. The undulations allow information to be conveyed via the user's tactile sensation.

The degree of undulation does not have to be strict, and it is sufficient that the undulation is formed so that the user can recognize the shape of the undulation when the user touches the contact surface after forming the undulation. Further, the shape of the undulation is not particularly limited as long as the user can recognize the function of the button having the undulation. It may be a mark like an arrow or it may be Braille. In addition, the portion corresponding to the mark or the like may be raised, or the portion other than the portion may be submerged. That is, the portion may be protruding or depressed as compared with other portions.

A known technique may be used to generate the undulations. For example, there is known a technique of forming a protrusion on the surface of an actuator by driving an actuator using a polymer material with an organic transistor formed on a flexible substrate. For example, it includes a substrate layer, an intermediate layer provided on the substrate layer and partially hollow, a surface layer provided on the intermediate layer and formed of a stretchable material, and a heater. , A device is known in which a heater is activated based on a signal from a touch sensor, and a fluid filled in a cavity of an intermediate layer expands due to heat from the heater to cause undulations in the surface layer. Further, there is also known a device having a similar configuration and causing undulations in the surface layer by sending a fluid into the cavity based on a signal from a touch sensor. Using these techniques, the undulation forming portion 114 can be realized.

In these conventional techniques, the surface layer is flat when not in operation, and a part of the surface layer rises and forms undulations during operation. Therefore, in these techniques, the surface layer becomes flat when not energized. Therefore, since the surface layer becomes flat during a failure that is not energized, there is an adverse effect that it is difficult to visually determine whether or not the failure occurs. Therefore, it is preferable that it is flat when energized and undulations are formed when energized. For example, the undulating portion has a depression, and when energized, the fluid is expanded in the depression or the fluid flows into the depression so that the surface layer is lifted until it becomes flat. You may do it. With such an undulating portion, it is possible to visually recognize the failure of the button unit 11 when the elevator is de-energized for inspection of the elevator.

Further, the undulation forming portion 114 restores the undulations formed when the predetermined conditions are satisfied. The conditions may be set as appropriate. For example, when the pressing is not detected even after a predetermined time has passed since the undulations were formed, the undulation forming portion 114 may restore the undulations. Further, when a signal indicating the completion of processing in the support mode is received from the controlled device 13, or a mode signal indicating the return to the normal mode is received from the elevator control device 12, the undulation forming unit 114 receives undulations. May be restored.

The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and if it is possible to detect contact, detect pressing, form undulations, and notify the elevator control device 12 of contact and pressing, the button unit 11 The structure of may be changed as appropriate.

For example, the button unit may have a plurality of buttons. That is, there are a plurality of buttons including the button switch 111, the touch sensor 112, the button housing 113, and the undulation forming portion 114, and a common transmission for transmitting the contact signal and the push signal from each button to the elevator control device. There may be a part. Further, when the contact detected by a certain button satisfies a predetermined condition, the undulating portions of the plurality of buttons of the button unit may form undulations on the contact surface. For example, when a contact signal is generated in the button indicating the third floor, undulations may be formed not only in the button indicating the third floor but also in the button indicating the fourth floor.

Next, the components of the elevator control device 12 will be described. It should be noted that each component in the elevator control device 12 may be further subdivided or aggregated from the example of FIG. Also, the elevator controller 12 may include components not shown in FIG.

For example, the components other than the storage unit 121 of the elevator control device 12 may be combined into one processing unit as shown by the dotted line in FIG. Further, for example, the button signal receiving unit 122 may be divided for each corresponding button unit 11. Further, although it is assumed here that each component is included in one elevator control device 12, each component may be included in a separate device. For example, the storage unit 121 may be located on an external server connected to the elevator control device 12 via a network.

The storage unit 121 stores data and the like used for processing each component of the elevator control device 12. For example, it is conceivable that setting data related to the elevator setting, such as the opening time of the boarding door in the normal mode and the support mode, which is used when the elevator control device controls the elevator, is stored. The information stored by the storage unit 121 is not particularly limited. The processing result of each component may be stored in the storage unit 121 at any time, and each component may obtain the processing result by referring to the storage unit 121. Further, the storage unit 121 can communicate with any component other than the storage unit 121.

The button signal receiving unit 122 receives the signal from the button unit 11. As described above, a contact signal is received informing that the contact meets a predetermined condition. In addition, a pressing signal for notifying the detection of pressing is received. Further, as described above, there are cases where both the contact signal and the pressing signal are received, and cases where only the pressing signal is received.

The operation mode control unit 123 manages the operation mode and switches the operation mode when the conditions are satisfied. In the present embodiment, when both the contact signal and the pressing signal are received, the operation mode is switched from the normal mode to the support mode. Further, when a signal indicating the completion of the processing in the support mode is received from the controlled device, that is, when the completion of the processing is notified, the operation mode is switched from the support mode to the normal mode.

The instruction transmission unit 124 transmits a signal indicating switching of the operation mode to the controlled device 13. The signal is referred to as a mode signal. The mode signal includes at least a signal for switching from the normal mode to the support mode (third signal) and a signal for returning to the normal mode (fifth signal). The mode signal may include the processing content of each controlled device 13 in the designated operation mode. Alternatively, each controlled device 13 stores the processing content for each operation mode, the mode signal includes an instruction for switching the operation mode, and each controlled device 13 performs processing in the switched operation mode. You may do it. Even if the operation mode control unit 123 does not switch the operation mode, if a push signal from the button unit is received, a signal instructing processing based on the push signal may be transmitted to the corresponding controlled device 13. good. The processing instruction based on the push signal may be directly transmitted from the button unit 11 to the controlled device 13 without going through the elevator control device 12.

The instruction completion receiving unit 125 receives a signal indicating the completion of the instruction from the controlled device 13. Hereinafter, the signal will be referred to as a completion signal (fourth signal). When the completion is related to the switching of the operation mode, the instruction completion receiving unit 125 notifies the operation mode control unit that the process related to the switching of the operation mode is completed. As a result, it can be determined that the operation mode control unit returns the operation mode to the normal mode.

For example, suppose that a user gets into a car of an elevator and presses a button for designating a destination floor (for example, the third floor) while satisfying a predetermined contact condition. In this case, since the contact signal and the push signal are transmitted from the button unit 11 including the button, the operation mode control unit switches the operation mode to the support mode. Then, when the vehicle arrives at the designated destination floor (for example, the 3rd floor), a completion signal notifying the arrival is transmitted from the controlled device 13 that controls the car, the button unit 11 including the button, and the like, and the instruction completion receiving unit. 125 receives. As a result, the operation mode can be smoothly switched back to the normal mode after the user who is supposed to need assistance gets off the vehicle.

When the completion signal from all the controlled devices 13 is received, the normal mode may be returned, or when the completion signal from the specific controlled device 13 is received, the normal mode may be returned. ..

The processing of the controlled device in the support mode may be appropriately determined. For example, the boarding door control device may open and close the boarding door of the elevator in the assist mode slower than in the normal mode. Alternatively, the boarding door control device may take longer time from opening to closing of the boarding door in the assist mode than in the normal mode.

Further, the voice reproduction device recognizing that the operation mode of the elevator has been switched to the support mode may reproduce the voice determined to be played in the support mode. Alternatively, the sound whose volume is louder than that in the normal mode may be reproduced. That is, the volume setting of the audio reproduction device may be set higher than that in the normal mode.

Further, for example, information may be conveyed by an image. An image reproduction device that recognizes that the operation mode of the elevator has been switched to the support mode may reproduce an image having a larger size such as characters than that in the normal mode. For example, in the elevator car, an image reproduction device such as a monitor indicating the destination direction, the current floor floor, the planned stop floor, and the like may be provided. The display fonts such as numbers, characters, and marks indicated by these image reproduction devices may be larger than those in the normal mode.

In addition, processing may be performed for people other than the visually impaired. For example, the playback device may play back a voice, an image, or the like that notifies that the mode has been switched to the support mode, that is, that the visually impaired person is using the mode.

Further, the controlled device 13 may be undulated in the support mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a controlled device that causes undulations. FIG. 6 shows a handrail 5 used by an elevator user. The handrail 5 receives a mode signal from the elevator control device and forms undulations in the same manner as the button unit 11.

Elevators have multiple boarding doors, and the boarding doors that open and close may differ depending on the floor. In such a case, the handrail 5 may indicate the direction of the boarding door to be opened / closed. It is possible to notify the boarding door that opens and closes by voice, but it is difficult for the visually impaired to intuitively understand, such as "the door on this side will open" and "the door on the other side will open". Easy to express. Therefore, it is preferable to guide using undulations indicating the direction of the boarding door that is opened and closed. In addition, by forming undulations on the handrail 5, which is intended to be grasped by hand, information can be naturally transmitted by tactile sensation.

FIG. 6A shows the formation of undulations when the boarding door, which is assumed to be on the back side of the figure, opens and closes. FIG. 6B shows the undulation formation when the boarding door, which is assumed to be on the front side, opens and closes. Such undulations are formed on the handrail 5 by a plurality of first undulation forming portions 51 forming the undulations 6A of the inward arrow and a plurality of second undulation forming portions 52 forming the undulations 6B of the forward arrow. , And are alternately arranged, and the mode signal given to the controlled device 13 is changed according to the stop floor to form undulations in either the first undulation forming portion 51 or the second undulating forming portion 52. .. The place where the undulations are formed may be changed, for example, the first undulation forming portion 51 may be provided on the upper side of the handrail 5 and the second undulation forming portion 52 may be provided on the lower side of the handrail 5.

The button unit 11 may also execute the process in the support mode in the same manner as the controlled device 13. For example, when there are two button units 11 and a contact signal and a push signal are transmitted from one button unit 11, the instruction transmission unit 124 sends a mode signal to the other button unit 11 or both button units 11. May be sent. The button unit 11 that has received the mode signal indicating the switch to the support mode and has not detected the contact and the push may form undulations in the support mode in the same manner as the handrail 5. Further, the button unit 11 that has received the mode signal indicating the switching to the normal mode may restore the undulations.

Next, the flow of processing of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the entire processing of the button unit. This flow is started when the button unit 11 is touched.

The touch sensor 112 of the button unit 11 detects contact (S101). It is determined whether or not the contact satisfies the predetermined condition, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S102), the touch sensor 112 generates a contact signal and transmits it to the undulation forming unit 114 (S103). Predetermined conditions may be appropriately set as described above. The undulation forming portion 114 triggers the undulation by the contact signal (S104).

When the button switch 111 detects the pressing (YES in S105) after the formation of the undulations and before the lapse of a predetermined time, the contact signal and the pressing signal are transmitted to the elevator control device 12 via the transmission unit (S106). .. If the press is not detected before the lapse of a predetermined time (NO in S105), the undulation forming portion 114 restores the undulation (S107), and the flow ends.

If the contact does not meet the predetermined conditions (YES in S102), no undulations are formed. After that, when the button switch 111 detects the pressing (YES in S108), the pressing signal is transmitted to the elevator control device 12 (S109). For example, when the user presses the button unit 11 immediately after touching the button unit 11, only the pressing signal is transmitted to the elevator control device 12. If no press is detected (NO in S108), no signal is transmitted to the elevator control device 12, and the flow ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the entire process after the signal is transmitted by the button unit. The button signal receiving unit 122 receives a signal from the button switch 111 (S201). When the contact signal and the pressing signal are received (YES in S202), the operation mode control unit 123 switches the operation mode to the support mode (S203). The instruction transmission unit 124 transmits a mode signal indicating switching to the support mode (S204). Each controlled device 13 executes the support mode process (S205). A signal for executing an instruction based on the pressing signal may be transmitted by the instruction transmitting unit 124, and each controlled device 13 may execute the instruction. Further, it is not necessary to transmit the mode signal to the controlled device 13 that does not have the support mode processing.

After that, each controlled device 13 transmits a completion signal indicating the end of execution of the support mode process (S206), and the instruction completion receiving unit 125 receives the completion signal (S207). It is not necessary for all the controlled devices 13 to transmit the completion signal. The operation mode control unit 123 recognizes that the support mode is no longer required based on the completion signal, and switches the operation mode to the normal mode (S208). The instruction transmission unit 124 transmits a mode signal indicating switching to the normal mode (S209), and each controlled device 13 executes a process of returning to the normal mode (S210). In this way, the flow ends.

On the other hand, when the button signal receiving unit 122 receives only the contact signal from the button switch 111 (NO in S202), the instruction transmitting unit 124 transmits an instruction based on the push signal (S211), and each controlled device 13 transmits an instruction based on the push signal. Executes the instructed process (S212). That is, the switching from the normal mode to the support mode does not occur, and the process assigned to the pressed button is performed.

It should be noted that these flowcharts are examples, and are not limited to the above flow examples as long as correct processing results can be obtained. For example, the order of processing may be changed. For example, in the above flow, each controlled device 13 receives a mode signal instructing to switch to the normal mode and then returns to the normal mode (S210), but each controlled device 13 executes the process of returning to the normal mode. When the completion signal indicating the end of the execution of the support mode process is transmitted (S206), the process of returning to the normal mode may be executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, undulations such as Braille are formed on the button when necessary. In addition, the operation mode of the elevator is switched to the support mode by the operation of the button during the undulation. Then, when the process assigned to the button is completed, the operation mode of the elevator is returned to the original state, and the formed undulations disappear.

As a result, information can be provided to the visually impaired through undulations, and the disadvantage of always having undulations can be eliminated. For example, it is possible to prevent the hygiene and design from being impaired by undulations. In addition, it is possible to switch to the support mode without any special processing for detecting the visually impaired. In addition, when arriving at the floor assigned to the button pressed by the visually impaired, the support mode can be switched to the normal mode, and the operation mode can be switched smoothly.

Further, by providing the undulation forming portion 114 in addition to the button unit 11, it is possible to provide tactile information from other than the button unit 11.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when the button unit 11 is pressed after the undulations are formed, it is considered that the visually impaired person exists. However, it is also conceivable to cause the button unit 11 and the controlled device 13 to form undulations after detecting the visually impaired. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an embodiment in which the mode is switched to the support mode will be described with the detection of the visually impaired as a trigger. The same process as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the elevator system according to the second embodiment. The elevator system 1 according to the second embodiment further includes at least one of the image sensor 14 and the communication terminal 15. The elevator control device 12 further includes an image receiving unit 126 and an image analysis unit 127 when the image sensor 14 is present. Further, the elevator control device 12 further includes a terminal signal receiving unit 128 and an authentication unit 129 when the communication terminal 15 is present.

The image sensor 14 is arranged so that the area around the elevator operation panel can be photographed, and photographs the user of the elevator. For example, in FIGS. 2 and 3, a camera 4 for surveillance is shown, and the camera 4 corresponds to an image sensor 14.

In this description, the term "image" is a concept that includes both still images and moving images, and may be replaced with still images or moving images if there is no particular problem. That is, the term "image" may mean a still image or a moving image. For example, the image sensor 14 may capture still images at regular intervals or may capture moving images.

The image receiving unit 126 of the elevator control device 12 receives an image from the image sensor 14, and the image analysis unit 127 analyzes the image to determine whether or not a predetermined object is reflected in the image. For example, there is known a device that can determine what an object is shown in an image by deep learning using a convolutional neural network or the like. Similarly, there is known a device that classifies a person shown in an image by deep learning into a specific category. By using those known methods, a desired analysis process can be realized.

For example, the image analysis unit 127 detects an event that can be presumed to be a visually impaired person such as a white cane or a guide dog. In addition, users may be classified into children, adolescents, elderly people, etc. based on the faces of users. The data used for image determination and the like may be stored in advance in the storage unit 121.

The communication terminal 15 is a communication device for notifying the presence of a visually impaired person. For example, the communication terminal 15 detects an electronic device possessed by a visually impaired person and transmits the detection to the elevator control device 12. For example, at the reception desk of a facility where an elevator system 1 is installed, an admission card with an RF (Radio Frequency) tag is given to a visually impaired person, and the admission card is used in the elevator hall or elevator car. It is assumed that the communication terminal 15 provided in the above will detect it. Alternatively, a visually impaired person may be asked to install a dedicated application on his / her own mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal may notify the elevator control device 12 directly. In this case, the communication terminal 15 possessed by the visually impaired will be incorporated into the elevator system 1.

The terminal signal receiving unit 128 of the elevator control device 12 receives the signal (sixth signal) from the communication terminal 15, and the authentication unit 129 analyzes the signal and performs authentication. The data used for authentication may be stored in advance in the storage unit 121. For example, the authentication unit 129 can register whether or not the communication terminal 15 or its user has been registered in the storage unit 121 based on the authentication information including the communication terminal 15 or its user included in the signal. You may decide the success of the authentication by checking whether it is currently valid.

The operation mode control unit 123 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the support mode based on at least one of the analysis result of the image analysis unit 127 and the authentication result of the authentication unit 129. Each of the image analysis unit 127 and the authentication unit 129 may transmit a signal for switching from the normal mode to the support mode to the operation mode control unit 123 based on the processing result of each unit. When the operation mode control unit 123 receives the signal, it may switch as in the case where both the contact signal and the pressing signal are received in the first embodiment. Subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an operation mode switching process using an image. The image receiving unit 126 receives the image from the image sensor 14 (S301). The image analysis unit 127 confirms whether the estimated element is reflected in the image (S302).

If the estimated element is not shown (NO in S303), this flow ends. If it is displayed (YES in S303), the image analysis unit 127 sends a signal instructing switching to the operation mode control unit 123 (S304), and the operation mode control unit 123 switches the operation mode to the support mode (S305). ). Subsequent processing of S306 to S311 is the same as that of S204 to S210 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation mode switching process by authentication. The terminal signal receiving unit 128 receives the signal from the communication terminal 15 (S401). The authentication unit 129 confirms whether the information related to the communication terminal 15 or its user is stored in the storage unit 121 (S402).

If the authentication is not successful (NO in S403) because the information is not recorded in the storage unit 121, this flow ends. If the information is stored in the storage unit 121 (memory → storage is better ★) and the authentication is successful (YES in S403), the authentication unit 129 sends a signal instructing switching to the operation mode control unit 123. Then, the operation mode control unit 123 switches the operation mode to the support mode (S405). Subsequent processing of S406 to S411 is the same as that of S204 to S210 of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, after detecting the visually impaired person, the button unit 11 and the controlled device 13 are formed with undulations. Also in this embodiment, information can be provided to the visually impaired through undulations, and the demerit when undulations are always present can be eliminated. Further, in the present embodiment, since the visually impaired person is detected, undulations can be generated more quickly than in the first embodiment.

In addition, a part or all of the constituent elements of the elevator control device 12 of this embodiment are realized by a dedicated electronic circuit (that is, hardware) such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) on which a processor, a memory, etc. are mounted. May be done. Alternatively, the components may be realized using software (program). When software (program) is used, in the embodiment described above, for example, a general-purpose computer device is used as basic hardware, and a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) mounted on the computer device is used. It can be realized by executing the program.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1: Elevator system, 11: Button unit, 11A: Button unit without undulations, 11B: Button unit with undulations 111: Button switch, 112: Touch sensor, 113: Button housing, 114: Unevenness forming part , 12: Elevator control device, 121: Storage unit, 122: Button signal receiver, 123: Operation mode control unit, 124: Instruction transmission unit, 125: Instruction completion receiver, 126: Image receiver, 127: Image analysis unit , 128: Terminal signal receiver, 129: Authentication unit, 13: Controlled device, 14: Image sensor, 15: Communication terminal, 2: Operation board, 21: Button, 3: Boarding door, 4: Camera, 5: Handrail , 51: 1st undulation formation part of the handrail, 52: 2nd undulation formation part of the handrail, 6: undulations, 6A: undulations of the inward arrow, 6B: undulations of the frontward arrow

Claims (10)

It is provided with at least a button unit, an elevator control device that controls an operation mode related to elevator operation based on a signal from the button unit, and a controlled device that performs processing based on the operation mode .
The button unit is
A first detector that detects contact with the button unit,
A second detector that detects pressing on the button unit,
An undulation forming portion that forms an undulation on the contacted surface of the button unit when the contact satisfies a predetermined condition.
A transmission unit that transmits a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating that the pressing is detected.
Including at least
When the elevator control device receives both the first signal and the second signal, the elevator control device switches the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode.
The elevator control device transmits a third signal when the operation mode is switched to the second mode.
The controlled device includes an undulation forming portion that forms an undulation on a predetermined surface when the third signal is received.
When the controlled device receives the third signal, the controlled device executes the process specified to be performed in the second mode, and then transmits the fourth signal.
When the elevator control device receives the fourth signal, the elevator control device returns the operation mode to the first mode.
Elevator system. It is provided with at least a plurality of button units, an elevator control device that controls an operation mode related to elevator operation based on a signal from the button unit, and a controlled device that performs processing based on the operation mode.
The button unit is
A first detector that detects contact with the button unit,
A second detector that detects pressing on the button unit,
An undulation forming portion that forms an undulation on the contacted surface of the button unit when the contact satisfies a predetermined condition.
A transmission unit that transmits a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating that the pressing is detected.
Including at least
When the elevator control device receives both the first signal and the second signal, the elevator control device switches the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode.
The elevator control device transmits a third signal when the operation mode is switched to the second mode.
When the controlled device receives the third signal, the controlled device executes the process specified to be performed in the second mode, and then transmits the fourth signal.
When the elevator control device receives the fourth signal, the elevator control device returns the operation mode to the first mode.
When the undulation forming portion of the button unit that does not detect the contact and the pressing is received the third signal, the undulation is formed on a predetermined surface.
Elevator system. It is provided with at least a button unit and an elevator control device that controls an operation mode related to the operation of the elevator based on a signal from the button unit.
The button unit is
A first button that includes at least a first detection unit that detects contact, a second detection unit that detects pressing, and an undulation forming unit that forms undulations on the surface on which the contact is made when the contact meets a predetermined condition. And the second button,
A transmission unit that transmits a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating that the pressing is detected.
Including at least
When the contact detected by the first detection unit of the first button satisfies a predetermined condition, the undulation forming portion of each of the first button and the second button forms an undulation on a predetermined surface.
When the elevator control device receives both the first signal and the second signal, the elevator control device switches the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode.
Elevator system. The second signal is also a signal indicating the destination floor of the elevator car.
The elevator control device according to claim 1 or 2 returns the operation mode to the first mode when the fourth signal indicates that the elevator car has arrived at the destination floor based on the second signal. Elevator system described. When the undulation forming portion receives the fourth signal or the fifth signal indicating that the operation mode has been returned to the first mode, the undulation forming portion restores the formed undulations.
The elevator system according to claim 4. Further equipped with an image sensor for photographing the inside of the elevator car or the periphery of the elevator boarding door.
The elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the elevator control device switches the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode when a predetermined object is projected in the captured image. Elevator system. Further equipped with a communication terminal that transmits the sixth signal,
The elevator control device may authenticate the communication terminal when it receives the sixth signal or based on the authentication information indicating the communication terminal or the user of the communication terminal included in the sixth signal. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the operation mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode when the operation mode is completed. Steps to detect contact with the button unit and
A step of forming an undulation on the contacted surface of the button unit when the contact meets a predetermined condition.
The step of detecting the pressing on the button unit and
A step of transmitting a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating the detection of the press.
A step of switching the operation mode related to the operation of the elevator from the first mode to the second mode according to both the first signal and the second signal.
A step of transmitting a third signal when the operation mode is switched to the second mode, and
A step of forming undulations on a predetermined surface in response to the third signal,
In response to the third signal, a step of executing a process determined to be performed in the second mode, and
A step of transmitting a fourth signal after the processing determined to be performed in the second mode is executed, and
In response to the fourth signal, the step of returning the operation mode to the first mode and
Elevator control method. Steps to detect contact with the button unit and
A step of forming an undulation on the contacted surface of the button unit when the contact meets a predetermined condition.
The step of detecting the pressing on the button unit and
A step of transmitting a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating the detection of the press.
A step of switching the operation mode related to the operation of the elevator from the first mode to the second mode according to both the first signal and the second signal.
A step of transmitting a third signal when the operation mode is switched to the second mode, and
A step of forming an undulation on a predetermined surface of a button unit different from the button unit that has detected the contact and the press in response to the third signal.
In response to the third signal, a step of executing a process determined to be performed in the second mode, and
A step of transmitting a fourth signal after the processing determined to be performed in the second mode is executed, and
In response to the fourth signal, the step of returning the operation mode to the first mode and
Elevator control method. The step of detecting the contact of the button unit including the first button and the second button with the first button, and
A step of forming an undulation on a predetermined surface of each of the first button and the second button when the contact satisfies a predetermined condition.
The step of detecting the pressing of the first button or the second button, and
A step of transmitting a first signal indicating that the contact satisfies a predetermined condition and a second signal indicating the detection of the press.
A step of switching the operation mode related to the operation of the elevator from the first mode to the second mode according to both the first signal and the second signal.
Elevator control method.

Images