JP7435882B1 - Destination floor registration device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a destination floor registration device that can alleviate traffic congestion caused by a user registering a destination floor.
A destination floor registration device registers a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator. The destination floor registration device includes an input unit that acquires an image generated by capturing a passageway to the elevator in time series by an imaging device, and a control unit that detects movement of a user based on the image. The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each associated with a plurality of floors where the elevator stops. The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines the floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor.
[Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a destination floor registration device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a call registration device for a wheelchair elevator, which includes a passage detection means for an elevator user in a passageway to a landing, and uses the passage detection means to convert a passing position into a destination floor and register it.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-036018

An object of the present invention is to provide a destination floor registration device that can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users registering destination floors.

One aspect of the present invention is a destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image,
The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each corresponding to a plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor.

According to the present invention, congestion caused by users registering their destination floors can be alleviated.

1 is a schematic plan view showing equipment arrangement on a specific floor of a building to which the elevator system according to Embodiment 1 is applied; FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the passage area and its surroundings in FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an elevator system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an elevator control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a destination floor registration device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display device DB stored in a storage unit of a group management control device. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the destination floor registration device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image of a passage captured by a camera. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the determination of the assigned car number and the display ON operation by the group management control device. 3 is a table illustrating a data format of a display instruction. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a display OFF operation of the group management control device. 3 is a table illustrating a data format of a display instruction. 3 is a table illustrating a data format of a display instruction. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image displayed on a display device. It is a flow chart explaining operation of an elevator control device. It is a flow chart explaining operation of an elevator control device. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a passage on a specific floor of a building to which an elevator system according to a second embodiment is applied. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the destination floor registration device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a passage on a specific floor of a building to which an elevator system according to a third embodiment is applied. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the destination floor registration device according to the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the projector based on the 1st modification, and the example of a display projected by a projector.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
1. Configuration example 1-1. Overview of Elevator System FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the equipment arrangement on a specific floor of a building to which an elevator system according to the first embodiment is applied. The specific floor is, for example, a lobby floor connected to the outside of the building, and users of the building move to other floors via the specific floor.

The elevator system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of elevators 50 and a group management system that integrally controls the operation of the plurality of elevators 50. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the elevator system includes six elevators 50 (A to F).

A destination floor registration device 30, a camera 34, and a display device 35 are arranged on each floor.

The camera 34 generates images by capturing images of the passage area R including at least a portion of the passage to the elevator in time series.

The elevator system according to the present embodiment employs a destination floor registration method in which the destination floor is registered in advance by the destination floor registration device 30 before the user gets into the car of the elevator 50. The destination floor registration device 30 determines the user's destination floor based on the image acquired from the camera 34.

The group management system assigns a call (hall call) related to the destination floor or departure floor registered in advance using the destination floor registration device 30 in this way to any one of the plurality of elevators 50. The group management system is configured to notify the user of information indicating the assigned car number and allow the user to board the assigned car number.

Note that the destination floor registration device 30 for the specific floor may include an operation section. For example, if the user fails to register the destination floor or misses the elevator 50 specified by the group management system, the user can use the operation unit to set the destination floor and use the elevator 50. becomes.

The display device 35 displays the destination floor of each elevator 50. The display device 35 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The display device 35 includes an arithmetic circuit that interprets or combines instructions or signals received from the group management control device 10, and a storage section that stores programs, data, and the like. Such an arithmetic circuit and a storage unit may have the same configuration as, for example, a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12 of a group management control device 10, which will be described later.

Each elevator 50 has a car, a hoist (motor), a counterweight, and the like.

Note that, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the Z axis indicates the vertical direction, with the upward direction being positive. The X-axis indicates the direction in which the passage including the passage area R extends (the direction of passage of the passage), and the direction toward the elevator landing is positive. The Y axis indicates the width direction of the passage.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the passage region R in FIG. 1 and its surroundings. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the passage area R represents the passage on the second floor. That is, in this example, the specific floor is the second floor.

A plurality of predetermined areas (lanes) L1 to L7 are arranged in the passage area R. In the example of FIG. 2, lanes L1 to L7 are lined up in a line with the Y direction as the column direction. Lanes L1 to L7 are associated with the first basement floor (B1 floor), the first floor, and the third to seventh floors, respectively. For each lane L1 to L7, the associated destination floor is displayed so that the user can recognize the destination floor. The characters or symbols representing the destination floor on the lane are displayed by display means such as paint, stickers, etc., for example.

For example, when a user moves in lane L1 in the direction toward the elevator (+X direction), destination floor registration device 30 issues a destination floor call with B1 floor as the destination floor based on the image acquired from camera 34. It is transmitted to the group management control device 10.

Thereby, the user can register the destination floor and call the elevator 50 without stopping. Therefore, the destination floor registration device 30 can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users stopping to register their destination floor.

1-2. Configuration of elevator system 1-2-1. Overview FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the elevator system 100. Elevator system 100 includes a plurality of elevators 50 and a group management system that integrally controls these elevators 50.

The elevator group management system includes a group management control device 10, a plurality of destination floor registration devices 30, and a plurality of elevator control devices 40. For example, the destination floor registration device 30 is installed on each floor. Elevator control device 40 is installed corresponding to elevator 50. In this embodiment, the elevator system 100 includes six elevator control devices 40 corresponding to elevators 50 of A to F, respectively.

A camera 34 is installed on each floor. The camera 34 transmits the captured image to the corresponding destination floor registration device 30. The predetermined viewing angle area of the camera 34 is set to an angle of view that allows images of users passing through the passage area R to be captured. The predetermined resolution may be any resolution as long as the user can be detected appropriately, and may be, for example, HD, FHD, 4K, or the like. The frame rate may be any rate, and may be, for example, 15 fps or 30 fps.

At least one display device 35 is installed near the elevator landing on each floor. The display device 35 may be installed near the passage area R.

The group management control device 10 controls the allocation of new calls to each car while communicating with the destination floor registration device 30 and the elevator control device 40. Each device is connected via a network capable of transmitting information. The network is configured by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), and various types of information are exchanged between devices according to various protocols such as TCP/IP. The group management control device 10 is an example of a management control device.

Note that the devices constituting the elevator system may be connected via a network of other signal formats or a dedicated signal network. For example, the group management control device 10 may perform serial communication with each elevator control device 40.

1-2-2. Group Management Control Device The group management control device 10 integrally controls the operation of a plurality of elevators 50.

The group management control device 10 includes a control section 11, a storage section 12, and an input/output interface 13.

The storage unit 12 is configured using, for example, RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., and stores programs and various data. The program includes programs for realizing various functions of the group management control device 10 of this embodiment. The storage unit 12 stores at least a display device database (hereinafter referred to as “display device DB”) as data. The configuration of the display device DB will be described later.

The control unit 11 is configured using, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or the like. The control unit 11 may include a GPU suitable for image processing. The control unit 11 implements various functions of the group management control device 10 by performing arithmetic processing using various data based on the program read from the storage unit 12.

The input/output interface 13 is an interface through which the group management control device 10 transmits and receives various signals to and from the destination floor registration device 30 and the elevator control device 40.

The input/output interface 13 is an example of an output unit that converts a signal output from the control unit 11 into a signal in a predetermined format and outputs the signal to external devices such as the destination floor registration device 30 and the elevator control device 40. Further, the input/output interface 13 is an example of an input unit that converts a signal received from an external device into a signal in a predetermined format and inputs the signal to the control unit 11. The input/output interface 13 is configured using, for example, a LAN adapter, a serial port, or the like.

1-2-3. Elevator Control Device The elevator control device 40 controls the operation of the hoisting machine (motor), etc. of the corresponding elevator 50 according to the control signal from the group management control device 10, thereby raising and lowering the car of the elevator 50, Controls stopping, etc. Further, the elevator control device 40 detects the car status of the corresponding elevator 50, such as the position of the car, the running direction, the opening/closing of the door, and the load, and outputs information indicating the detected car status to the group management control device 10. do.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the elevator control device 40. The elevator control device 40 includes a control section 41, a storage section 42, and an input/output interface 43. The control unit 41, the storage unit 42, and the input/output interface 43 may have the same configuration as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the input/output interface 13 of the group management control device 10, respectively.

The storage unit 42 stores programs for realizing various functions of the elevator control device 40 and various data.

The control unit 41 implements various functions in the elevator control device 40 by performing arithmetic processing using various data based on the program read from the storage unit 42 .

1-2-4. Destination Floor Registration Device FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the destination floor registration device 30. The destination floor registration device 30 is a device that registers (designates) a destination floor. The destination floor registration device 30 includes a control section 31, a storage section 32, and an input/output interface 33.

The storage unit 32 stores programs and various data for realizing various functions of the destination floor registration device 30 of this embodiment.

The control unit 31 implements various functions of the destination floor registration device 30, which will be described later, by performing arithmetic processing using various data based on the program read from the storage unit 32.

The input/output interface 33 is an interface through which the destination floor registration device 30 transmits and receives various signals to and from external devices such as the camera 34 and the group management control device 10.

The control unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the input/output interface 33 may have the same configuration as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the input/output interface 13 of the group management control device 10, respectively.

1-3. Data Configuration FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the display device DB stored in the storage unit 12 of the group management control device 10. The display device DB includes information associating departure floors with display device IDs. In the example of FIG. 6, departure floor information "B1F" indicating the first basement floor is linked to "D01" which is the display device ID of the display device 35 installed on the first basement floor. Regarding the data regarding the remaining floors, the departure floors and display device IDs are similarly linked.

The control unit 11 of the group management control device 10 receives a destination floor call from the destination floor registration device 30 of each floor, and assigns this destination floor call to the optimum car. The destination floor call is a signal that includes information on the departure floor and destination floor. The control unit 11 acquires a display device ID from the display device DB using the departure floor as a key, and issues a display instruction (“ON”, car number, destination floor) to the display device 35 corresponding to the acquired display device ID. Send.

2. Operation of elevator system 2-1. Operation of Destination Floor Registration Device The operation of the elevator system 100 will be described below. First, the operation of the destination floor registration device 30 will be explained.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the destination floor registration device 30 according to the present embodiment. The control unit 31 of the destination floor registration device 30 of each floor repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 7, respectively.

The control unit 31 acquires an image of the passage taken by the camera 34 (S1).

The control unit 31 analyzes the acquired image (S2). The control unit 31 performs subsequent steps S3 to S4 based on the result of the image analysis S2. Alternatively, after executing step S1 of acquiring an image, the control unit 31 may execute image analysis processing in each of steps S3 to S5.

In the image analysis S2, any technique for detecting people from images can be used. Such techniques include known person detection techniques.

The control unit 31 detects a user heading toward the elevator hall in the image (S3). If a user heading toward the elevator hall is not detected (No in S3), the process returns to step S1.

When the control unit 31 detects a user heading toward the elevator hall (Yes in S3), the control unit 31 determines whether the user has moved in a predetermined direction on the lane (S4).

Step S4 will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image V of the passage captured by the camera 34. The control unit 31 acquires the image V in step S1 of FIG. For convenience, coordinate axes corresponding to the coordinate axes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are also shown in the image V of FIG. 8.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 defines the lanes L1 to L7 in the image V so that the lanes L1 to L7 are lined up in a row with the direction intersecting the direction toward the elevator as the column direction. In the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 31 defines the lanes L1 to L7 in the image V so that the lanes L1 to L7 are lined up in a row with the Y direction as the column direction.

In this specification, the area in the image V corresponding to the lanes L1 to L7 may be referred to as a "destination floor designation area" or simply as an "area." Further, the destination floor designation area may be given the same reference numeral as the lane. For example, the area in the image V corresponding to the lane L1 may be described as the destination floor designation area L1. In the example of FIG. 8, the destination floor specification area L1 is an area for specifying the destination floor as the B1 floor.

In step S4, the control unit 31 analyzes the image V and determines whether the user has moved in a predetermined direction on any of the lanes L1 to L7. The predetermined direction is a direction along the passageway toward the elevator. The predetermined direction is, for example, the X direction in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2. Even if the user is not strictly moving in the X direction, if the user passes through a specific lane from one end in the -X direction from the center of the lane to the other end in the +X direction from the center of the lane, The control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in a predetermined direction.

Returning to FIG. 7, if the control unit 31 determines that the user is not moving in the predetermined direction on the lane (No in S4), the process returns to step S1. In this case, the process does not proceed to step S6, which will be described later, and the destination floor call is not transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a destination floor call from being sent to the group management control device 10 when a person moving away from the elevator hall on the lane is detected.

When the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in a predetermined direction on the lane (Yes in S4), the control unit 31 identifies the lane that the user passed through (S5), and calls the destination floor according to the identified lane. is transmitted to the group management control device 10 (S6). For example, in the example of FIG. 8, when the user moves in the +X direction in lane L1, the control unit 31 transmits a destination floor call with the destination floor as the B1 floor to the group management control device 10.

The user can register the destination floor and call the elevator 50 without stopping, simply by passing through one of the lanes L1 to L7. Therefore, the destination floor registration device 30 can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users stopping to register their destination floor.

2-2. Operation of group management control device 2-2-1. Determination of allocated car number and display ON operation FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the determination of allocated car number and display ON operation by the group management control device 10. The process in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 11 of the group management control device 10.

The control unit 11 of the group management control device 10 determines whether a destination floor call has been received from the destination floor registration device 30 (S11). The control unit 11 repeats step S11 until receiving the destination floor call.

When the control unit 11 receives the destination floor call (Yes in S11), it determines the assigned car number based on the information on the departure floor and destination floor included in the destination floor call (S12).

The allocation number is determined based on, for example, an allocation evaluation value that is an index related to transportation performance. The control unit 11 obtains an allocation evaluation value for each car, allocates a destination floor call to a car that has an allocation evaluation value indicating an optimal allocation among the calculated allocation evaluation values, and determines that car as the allocated car. A known method can be used as the allocation method based on the allocation evaluation value. For example, it is possible to use an allocation method that minimizes the sum of waiting times and service completion times for all machines and all calls.

The control unit 11 stores information on the departure floor and destination floor included in the destination floor call and information on the assigned car number determined in step S12 in the storage unit 12 (S13).

The control unit 11 transmits information on the departure floor and destination floor to the elevator control device 40 of the assigned car (S14).

The control unit 11 transmits a display instruction to turn on the destination floor display for the assigned car to the display device 35 (S15). The display instruction is, for example, a signal including display mode information regarding whether to turn the destination floor display ON or OFF, car number information indicating the target car, and destination floor information indicating the destination floor. FIG. 10 is a table illustrating the data format of such display instructions. The example in FIG. 10 shows a display instruction indicating that the display device 35 should turn on the destination floor display of the 6th floor for car A.

Steps S13 to S15 may be executed in a different order from that in FIG.

2-2-2. Display OFF Operation FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the display OFF operation of the group management control device 10. The process in FIG. 11 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 11 of the group management control device 10.

The control unit 11 determines whether the car has arrived at the floor (S21). In the example of this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines whether any of the cars A to F has arrived at the floor. The control unit 11 repeats step S21 until the car arrives at the floor.

When the car arrives at the floor (Yes in S21), the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined condition regarding the arriving car is satisfied (S22). The predetermined condition is, for example, that all of the following requirements (i) to (iii) are satisfied.
(i) There is a destination floor call assigned to the arrival aircraft (ii) The departure floor included in the destination floor call matches the arrival floor (iii) The destination floor of the destination floor call is the next one the arrival aircraft will move to. in the direction of

If the predetermined condition is not satisfied (No in S22), the control unit 11 ends the process of FIG. 11.

If the predetermined condition is satisfied (Yes in S22), the control unit 11 transmits a display instruction to the display device 35 to turn off the destination floor display for the arrival floor of the arrival car (S23). For example, the control unit 11 acquires a display device ID from the display device DB using the departure floor as a key, and instructs the display device 35 corresponding to the acquired display device ID to display instructions (“OFF”, car number, destination floor). ) to send. As a result, when a car arrives at a floor, the display for the arrival floor of the car on the display device 35 is turned off.

12A and 12B are tables illustrating data formats of such display instructions. The example in FIG. 12A shows a display instruction indicating that the display device 35 should turn off the destination floor display of the 6th floor for car A. The example in FIG. 12B represents a display instruction indicating that the display device 35 should turn off the destination floor display of the 4th floor, 5th floor, and 6th floor for car No. C.

Returning to FIG. 11, the control unit 11 deletes data related to the predetermined conditions from the storage unit 12 of the group management control device 10 (S24). For example, the control unit 11 deletes from the storage unit 12 data that matches the destination floor call according to requirements (i) to (iii) above.

2-3. Operation of Display Device FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display device 35 installed on the second floor. When the display device 35 receives a display instruction transmitted from the control unit 11 of the group management control device 10 in steps S15, S23, etc., the display device 35 changes the display mode (destination floor display ON or OFF) according to the display instruction.

In the display example of FIG. 13, circles are displayed at the scheduled stop floors of each car whose departure floor is the second floor. When the display device 35 receives a display instruction for turning on the destination floor display (“ON”, car number, destination floor), it displays a circle mark on the destination floor of the car number included in the display instruction. On the other hand, when the display device 35 receives a display instruction to turn off the destination floor display (“OFF”, car number, destination floor), it deletes the circle displayed on the destination floor of the car number included in the display instruction. .

2-4. Operation of Elevator Control Device FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the elevator control device 40. The processes in FIGS. 14 and 15 are repeatedly executed by the control unit 41 of the elevator control device 40 of each car. The control unit 41 may execute the processes in FIGS. 14 and 15 in parallel or sequentially.

In FIG. 14, the control unit 41 determines whether a destination floor call has been received from the group management control device 10 (S31). The control unit 41 repeats step S31 until receiving the destination floor call.

When the control unit 41 receives the destination floor call (Yes in S31), the control unit 41 stores information regarding the destination floor call, for example, information on the departure floor and destination floor included in the destination floor call, in the storage unit 42 (S32).

In FIG. 15, the control unit 41 determines whether there is information regarding the destination floor call or car call in the storage unit 42 (S41).

If the storage unit 42 has information regarding the destination floor call or car call (Yes in S41), the control unit 41 determines the next stop floor (S42). For example, the control unit 41 determines the next stop floor based on information such as the departure floor and car call included in the destination floor call.

The control unit 41 moves the car to the next stop floor (S43). The car reaches this stop floor and stops.

The control unit 41 determines whether the arrival floor matches the departure floor included in the destination floor call (S44).

If the arrival floor matches the departure floor of the destination floor call (S44: Yes), the control unit 41 determines whether the user boarded the train at the arrival floor (S45). For example, the control unit 41 determines whether a user has boarded the car based on a signal indicating a load value output from a load cell that detects the load applied to the car of the elevator 50. In addition to or in place of this, the determination as to whether or not a user has boarded the car may be made based on the detection result of an optical sensor or the like.

If the control unit 41 determines that the user has boarded the vehicle at the arrival floor (Yes in S45), the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, if the control unit 41 determines that the departure floor of the destination floor call matches the arrival floor and that the destination floor of the destination floor call is in the next movement direction, the control unit 41 selects the destination floor of the destination floor call. It is registered in the storage unit 42 as a car call, and the destination floor call is deleted from the storage unit 42.

In step S44, if the arrival floor does not match the departure floor of the destination floor call (No in S44), the control unit 41 deletes the car call indicating the arrival floor from the storage unit 42 (S47).

If the user does not board the train at the arrival floor in step S45 (No in S45), the control unit 41 deletes the destination floor call having the departure floor corresponding to the arrival floor from the storage unit 42 (S48). That is, when the departure floor included in the destination floor call stored in the storage unit 42 matches the arrival floor, the control unit 41 deletes the destination floor call from the storage unit 42 . In addition, the control unit 41 may delete the car call indicating the arrival floor from the storage unit 42.

3. Effects, etc. As described above, the destination floor registration device 30 according to the present embodiment has an input unit that acquires the image V generated by capturing images of the passage to the elevator 50 in chronological order by the camera 34, which is an example of an imaging device. It includes an input/output interface 33, which is an example of the input/output interface 33, and a control unit 31 that detects the movement of the user based on the image V. The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas (lanes) L1 to L7 respectively associated with a plurality of floors where the elevator 50 stops. The control unit 31 detects which of the plurality of lanes L1 to L7 the user has passed through in the image V, and determines the floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor (S5).

With this configuration, users can register their destination floor without having to stop. Therefore, the destination floor registration device 30 can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users registering destination floors.

The control unit 31 detects the moving direction of the user in the image V (S4), and determines which of the plurality of lanes L1 to L7 the user passed when the user's moving direction is a predetermined direction toward the elevator. The destination floor may be determined according to the following (S5). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the destination floor from being determined when a person traveling on the lane in a direction away from the elevator hall is detected.

The control unit 31 does not need to determine the destination floor when the user's movement direction is not the predetermined direction (No in S4). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the destination floor from being determined when a person traveling on the lane in a direction away from the elevator hall is detected.

The plurality of lanes L1 to L7 may be arranged in a line with the direction intersecting a predetermined direction toward the elevator 50 being the column direction. In this case, when the user moves in a predetermined direction on any of the plurality of lanes L1 to L7 in the image V (Yes in S4), the control unit 31 selects the floor corresponding to the lane on which the user moved. The destination floor is determined (S5). With this configuration, it is possible to alleviate traffic congestion caused by users registering their destination floors.

The control unit 31 may transmit a signal indicating the determined destination floor to the group management control device 10, which is an example of a management control device that controls elevator operation (S6). With this configuration, the user can register the destination floor and call the elevator 50 without stopping, so the destination floor registration device 30 can alleviate congestion caused by the user registering the destination floor. can.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the lanes L1 to L7 are arranged in a line as shown in FIG. 2, whereas in the second embodiment, the lanes are arranged in a plurality of rows. In this embodiment, the lanes do not need to be arranged in a single row, but can be arranged in multiple rows, thereby making it possible to reduce the passage width required for arranging the lanes. For example, according to the elevator system according to the present embodiment, lanes corresponding to all destination floors can be provided even if the passage is narrow.

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing a passage on a specific floor of a building to which the elevator system according to the present embodiment is applied.

Comparing with FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, lanes L1 to L7 are arranged in a line in the first embodiment, whereas lanes L1 to L8 are arranged in multiple rows with the Y direction as the column direction in this embodiment. They are lined up.

In the following description of the elevator system according to the present embodiment, descriptions of the same configuration, operation, etc. as the elevator system according to Embodiment 1 may be omitted. For example, the configuration and operation of the elevator system according to this embodiment may be substantially the same as the configuration and operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1, except for the points described below.

The lane group of multiple columns includes a first column C1 and a second column C2. The second row is located closer to the elevator than the first row.

In the first column C1, a lane L1 corresponding to the B1 floor, a lane L2 corresponding to the first floor, a lane L6 corresponding to the sixth floor, and a lane L7 corresponding to the seventh floor are arranged. The passage (non-specified area) Le in the first column C1 is an area that does not correspond to any floor, and even if the user passes through the passage Le, the destination floor is not registered.

In the second column C2, a lane L3 corresponding to the third floor, a lane L4 corresponding to the fourth floor, a lane L5 corresponding to the fifth floor, a lane L8 corresponding to the second floor, and a passage Le are arranged. ing.

In the example of FIG. 16, there are lanes L1 to L8 corresponding to all floors, but there may be no lane corresponding to the departure floor. For example, the lane L8 corresponding to the second floor may not exist in the passage on the second floor.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the destination floor registration device 30 according to this embodiment. Compared to the flowchart in FIG. 7, the flowchart in FIG. 17 includes step S204 instead of step S4.

In step S204, the control unit 31 determines whether the user has moved in a predetermined direction on the lane of the first column C1 or the second column C2. If the control unit 31 determines that the user is not moving in the predetermined direction on the lane of the first column C1 and is not moving in the predetermined direction on the lane of the second column C2 (No in S204), ), return to step S1. Note that the passage Le is not included in the lane.

When the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in a predetermined direction on the lane of the first column C1 or the second column C2 (Yes in S204), the control unit 31 specifies the lane that the user passed (S5). ), a destination floor call corresponding to the specified lane is transmitted to the group management control device 10 (S6).

Note that when the user moves in a predetermined direction both on the lane of the first column C1 and on the lane of the second column C2, the control unit 31 controls the destination according to the lane of the first column C1, for example. Both the floor call and the destination floor call corresponding to the lane of the second column C2 are transmitted to the group management control device 10. Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 31 may transmit to the group management control device 10 only the destination floor call corresponding to the lane of the first column C1 passed through earlier. Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 31 may transmit to the group management control device 10 only the destination floor call corresponding to the lane of the second column C2 that was passed later.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of lanes L1 to L8 are lined up in a plurality of rows with the column direction in a direction intersecting a predetermined direction toward the elevator 50, for example, the Y direction. The lane group of multiple columns includes a first column C1 and a second column C2 arranged closer to the elevator 50 than the first column C1.

The control unit 31 of the destination floor registration device 30 controls when the user moves in a predetermined direction on any of the plurality of lanes L1, L2, L6, and L7 included in the first column in the image. The floor corresponding to the lane of the first column C1 is determined as the destination floor. The control unit 31 allows the user to move the plurality of lanes L3, L4, L5, included in the second column C2 in the image without moving in a predetermined direction on the plurality of lanes included in the first column C1. When the user moves in a predetermined direction on any of L8, the floor corresponding to the lane of the second column C2 to which the user moves is determined as the destination floor.

In the elevator system according to the present embodiment, the lanes L1 to L8 can be arranged in a plurality of rows, so that the destination floor registration device 30 can correspond to many destination floors. For example, even if the aisle is narrow, lanes can be provided to accommodate all destination floors. In addition, the width of each lane can be made wider, which prevents users from getting stuck in traffic jams.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an example has been described in which lanes L1 to L7 are arranged so as to extend in the same direction (X direction). On the other hand, in Embodiment 3, the lane group includes lanes extending in the first direction and lanes extending in the second direction different from the first direction. This can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users stopping to register their destination floor. Furthermore, since the travel routes of users after destination floor registration are dispersed, it is possible to prevent aisles from becoming crowded.

FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view showing a passage on a specific floor of a building to which the elevator system according to the present embodiment is applied.

In the following description of the elevator system according to the present embodiment, descriptions of the same configuration, operation, etc. as those of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 may be omitted. For example, the configuration and operation of the elevator system according to this embodiment may be substantially the same as the configuration and operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, except for the points described below. .

In this embodiment, lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8 extend in direction D1, and lanes L4 to L7 extend in direction D2, which is different from direction D1. Directions D1 and D2 include a direction along the passageway toward the elevator (+X direction).

In the example of FIG. 18, the direction D1 is a direction of +45 degrees from the X-axis, and the direction D2 is a direction of -45 degrees from the X-axis, but the directions D1 and D2 are not limited thereto. For example, the lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8 are (a) a direction parallel to the width direction of the aisle, and a direction (+Y direction) from the widthwise center of the aisle toward one end of the aisle in the width direction; (b) The passage may extend in a first direction between the direction toward the elevator (+X direction). Note that the direction (b) is the direction in which the passage moves.

In addition, lanes L4 to L7 are (c) a direction parallel to the width direction of the aisle, and a direction (-Y direction) from the widthwise center of the aisle to the other end of the aisle in the width direction; It may extend in a second direction between the direction b).

Lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8 are arranged on the left side of lanes L4 to L7 when facing the direction toward the elevator (+X direction) along the passage. For example, when looking in the +X direction, lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8 are arranged to the left of the center of the passage, and lanes L4 to L7 are arranged to the right of the center of the passage. Note that when facing the +X direction, the direction D1 is to the left of the +X direction or the +Y direction, and the direction D2 is to the right of the +X direction or to the -Y direction.

Alternatively, the widthwise positions of lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8 are between the widthwise center of the aisle and one end of the aisle in the widthwise direction (the end located in the +Y direction from the widthwise center of the aisle). Good too. In this case, the widthwise positions of lanes L4 to L7 are the widthwise positions of lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8, and the other end of the aisle in the width direction (the end in the -Y direction from the widthwise center of the aisle). It may be between the The widthwise positions of the lanes L4 to L7 may be between the widthwise center of the passageway and the other widthwise end of the passageway (the end located in the -Y direction from the widthwise center of the passageway).

In this embodiment, for lanes L1, L2, L3, and L8, a call is registered if the user moves on the lane in direction D1, but a call is not registered even if the user moves in any other direction. For example, if a user moves in lane L1 in direction D1, destination floor registration device 30 transmits a destination floor call with B1 floor as the destination floor to group management control device 10 based on the image acquired from camera 34. do.

This can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users stopping to register their destination floor. Furthermore, since the travel routes of users after destination floor registration are dispersed, it is possible to prevent aisles from becoming crowded.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the destination floor registration device 30 according to this embodiment. Steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 19 are similar to those in FIG.

When the control unit 31 detects a user heading toward the elevator hall (Yes in S3), the control unit 31 determines whether the user has moved in the first direction on the first lane L1 (S301). In the example of FIG. 18, the first direction is direction D1.

If the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the first direction on the first lane L1 (Yes in S301), the control unit 31 sends a destination floor call corresponding to the first lane L1 to the group management control device 10. Send (S311). In the example of FIG. 18, the control unit 31 transmits a destination floor call with the destination floor being the B1 floor to the group management control device 10.

Similarly, when the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the second direction on the second lane L2 (Yes in S302), the control unit 31 controls the group management control of the destination floor call according to the second lane L2. The information is transmitted to the device 10 (S312). In the example of FIG. 18, the second direction is the direction D1, and the destination floor call corresponding to the second lane L2 is a destination floor call with the destination floor being the first floor.

The same applies to the third lane L3 to the eighth lane L8 thereafter. Although not shown in FIG. 19, when the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the third direction on the third lane L3, the control unit 31 controls the destination floor call according to the third lane L3. It is transmitted to the control device 10. In the example of FIG. 18, the third direction is the direction D1, and the destination floor call corresponding to the third lane L3 is a destination floor call with the third floor as the destination floor.

When the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the fourth direction on the fourth lane L4, the control unit 31 transmits a destination floor call corresponding to the fourth lane L4 to the group management control device 10. When the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the fifth direction on the fifth lane L5, the control unit 31 transmits a destination floor call corresponding to the fifth lane L5 to the group management control device 10. When the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the sixth direction on the sixth lane L6, the control unit 31 transmits a destination floor call corresponding to the sixth lane L6 to the group management control device 10.

If the control unit 31 determines that the user has moved in the eighth direction on the eighth lane L8 (Yes in S308), the control unit 31 sends a destination floor call corresponding to the eighth lane L8 to the group management control device 10. Send (S318). In the example of FIG. 18, the fourth to seventh directions are the direction D2, and the destination floor calls corresponding to the fourth to seventh lanes L4 to L7 are the destination floors with the destination floors being the 4th to 7th floors, respectively. It's a call. In the example of FIG. 18, the eighth direction is the direction D1, and the destination floor call corresponding to the eighth lane L8 is a destination floor call with the destination floor being the second floor.

With the above configuration, the destination floor registration device 30 according to the present embodiment can alleviate traffic congestion caused by users stopping to register their destination floor. Furthermore, since the travel routes of users after destination floor registration are dispersed, it is possible to prevent aisles from becoming crowded.

(Other embodiments)
The techniques in the embodiments described above are not limited to the above-described examples, but can be applied to other embodiments in which changes such as replacement, addition, and omission are made as appropriate. Modifications of such other embodiments will be shown below.

(First modification)
In the first embodiment, on each lane L1 to L7, characters, symbols, figures, etc., specifically, characters indicating the destination floor, arrows, and a frame surrounding each lane are displayed using display means such as paint or stickers. An example of this was explained. However, the means for displaying the destination floor is not limited to these. For example, information such as characters and symbols representing the destination floor may be displayed on a display installed near each lane L1 to L7. For example, the characters "B1F" may be displayed on the display installed in front of lane L1, and the characters "1F" may be displayed on the display installed in front of lane L2. The same applies to lanes L3 to L7. A display is an example of a display device of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, or in addition to this, the elevator system may include a projector that projects and displays information such as letters, symbols, and figures representing the destination floor onto each of the lanes L1 to L7 on the passageway region R. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a projector 36 according to such a first modification and a display example P projected by the projector 36. For example, the projector 36 is installed around the passage area R of each floor. The projector 36 is an example of a display device of the present disclosure.

The size of each lane L1 to L7 may be changed depending on the time of day. For example, during times such as lunch breaks when the number of people going to the cafeteria floor is large, the control unit 31 increases the width of the lane corresponding to the cafeteria floor. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the width of lane L1 is made larger and the widths of other lanes L2 to L7 are made smaller than in other time periods. An example of a case where the predetermined condition is satisfied is that the time period corresponds to a lunch break (for example, from 12:00 to 13:00).

Alternatively, or in addition to this, the control unit 31 may appropriately switch between displaying and non-displaying each lane L1 to L7. For example, if the 5th floor is off-limits due to construction, service suspension, etc., the control unit 31 controls the lane L5 corresponding to the 5th floor to not be displayed via the input/output interface 33, which is an example of an output unit. The projector 36 is controlled accordingly. This can prevent users from accidentally heading toward or entering a restricted floor.

Further, a destination floor display device may be installed near each lane L1 to L7 to display information such as letters, symbols, figures, etc. that change depending on the viewing angle. For example, the destination floor display is configured so that information such as letters and symbols indicating the destination floor can be clearly understood by users near the destination floor display and by users far away. Ru. Such a destination floor indicator can be realized by using a lenticular, for example.

A fence may be provided on one or both sides of each lane L1 to L7 to define a boundary with other lanes. Further, the heights of the fences of the lanes L1 to L7 may be configured to be different from each other. For example, by increasing the height of the fence as the destination floor increases, it becomes easier for users to visually understand which lane they should pass.

As described above, in the destination floor registration device 30 according to the present modification, the input/output interface 33 indicates a plurality of lanes L1 to L7 and a plurality of floors to which the plurality of lanes L1 to L7 are associated. Output information to a display device. The control unit 31 controls the display device via the input/output interface 33 to display the information.

In one example, the display device may be a projector 36 that projects information onto the walkway. In this case, the control unit 31 changes the size of at least one of the plurality of lanes L1 to L7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and projects information indicating the changed lane onto the path. The projector 36 is controlled via the output interface 33.

(Second modification)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the group management control device 10 and the elevator control device 40 are provided separately. However, the group management control device 10 and the elevator control device 40 may be integrated. In this case, a control unit of an integrated device (an example of a control device) controls each elevator 50.

(Third modification)
In the first embodiment, an example in which the elevator system 100 includes a plurality of elevators 50 has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable when there is only one elevator 50. In the elevator system 100 with one elevator 50, the group management control device 10 that integrally controls the operation of a plurality of elevators is not necessary; for example, the elevator control device 40 controls the operation of the elevator 50.

(Fourth modification)
In the first embodiment, the control unit of each device is configured using a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and performs arithmetic processing using various data based on a program read from a storage unit. Realize various functions. In other words, each control section is realized by cooperation between hardware and software. However, each control unit may be configured using only hardware (electronic circuits), or may be configured using FPGA, ASIC, etc., for example.

(Fifth modification)
In the first embodiment, an example in which one camera 34 is installed on each floor has been described, but the number of cameras that photograph the passage area R may be two or more. For example, by using two cameras to photograph the passage area R from different directions, it is possible to accurately detect which lane the user has passed. Alternatively, or in addition, the same number of cameras as the number of lanes may be provided, and each camera may photograph the lane it is responsible for and detect users.

(Summary of aspects)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated.

<Aspect 1>
A destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image,
The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each corresponding to a plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor.
Destination floor registration device.

<Aspect 2>
The control unit includes:
detecting a moving direction of the user in the image;
determining the destination floor depending on which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user passes through when the detected movement direction is a predetermined direction toward the elevator;
The destination floor registration device according to aspect 1.

<Aspect 3>
The destination floor registration device according to aspect 2, wherein the control unit does not determine the destination floor when the detected movement direction is not the predetermined direction.

<Aspect 4>
The plurality of predetermined areas are arranged in a line with a direction intersecting a predetermined direction toward the elevator as a column direction,
When the user moves in the predetermined direction over any of the plurality of predetermined areas in the image, the control unit sets a floor corresponding to the predetermined area to which the user has moved as the destination floor. decide,
The destination floor registration device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3.

<Aspect 5>
The plurality of predetermined regions are arranged in a plurality of rows with a direction intersecting a predetermined direction toward the elevator as a column direction,
The plurality of rows include a first row and a second row located closer to the elevator than the first row,
The control unit includes:
When the user moves in the predetermined direction over any of the plurality of predetermined areas included in the first column in the image, the image corresponds to the predetermined area in the first column to which the user moved. determining the floor to be used as the destination floor;
In the image, the user does not move over the plurality of predetermined areas included in the first column in the predetermined direction, and moves to any one of the plurality of predetermined areas included in the second column. determining a floor corresponding to a predetermined area of the second column to which the user moved when moving above in the predetermined direction as the destination floor;
The destination floor registration device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3.

<Aspect 6>
The plurality of predetermined regions include a first region extending in a first direction and a second region extending in a second direction,
The first direction is parallel to a traveling direction in which the passage extends and a width direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, and is from the center of the passage in the width direction to one end of the passage in the width direction. It is a direction between the direction toward and
The second direction is a direction between the traveling direction and a direction parallel to the width direction and heading from the center to the other end of the passageway in the width direction,
The control unit includes:
When the user moves in the first direction over the first area in the image, determining the floor corresponding to the first area as the destination floor;
When the user moves in the second direction over the second area in the image, determining the floor corresponding to the second area as the destination floor;
The destination floor registration device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3.

<Aspect 7>
The position of the first region in the width direction is between the width direction center of the passage and the one end,
The widthwise position of the second region is between the widthwise position of the first region and the other end of the passageway in the widthwise direction,
The destination floor registration device according to aspect 6.

<Aspect 8>
The destination floor registration device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the control unit transmits a signal indicating the determined destination floor to a management control device that controls operation of the elevator.

<Aspect 9>
further comprising an output unit that outputs information indicating the plurality of predetermined areas and the plurality of floors to which the plurality of predetermined areas are associated to a display device,
The control unit controls the display device to display the information via the output unit.
The destination floor registration device according to any one of aspects 1 to 8.

<Aspect 10>
The display device is a projector that projects the information onto the path,
The control unit may change the size of at least one of the plurality of predetermined regions when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and project information indicating the plurality of predetermined regions after the change onto the passage. controlling the projector via an output unit;
The destination floor registration device according to aspect 9.

10 Group management control device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Input/output interface 30 Destination floor registration device 31 Control section 32 Storage section 33 Input/output interface 34 Camera 35 Display device 40 Elevator control device 41 Control section 42 Storage section 43 Input/output interface 50 elevator 100 elevator system

Claims (8)

A destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image,
The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each corresponding to a plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor;
The control unit includes:
detecting a moving direction of the user in the image;
determining the destination floor depending on which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user passed through when the detected movement direction is a predetermined direction toward the elevator;
The destination floor registration device does not determine the destination floor when the detected movement direction is not the predetermined direction. A destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image,
The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each corresponding to a plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor;
The plurality of predetermined areas are arranged in a line with a direction intersecting a predetermined direction toward the elevator as a column direction,
When the user moves in the predetermined direction over any of the plurality of predetermined areas in the image, the control unit sets a floor corresponding to the predetermined area to which the user has moved as the destination floor. decide,
Destination floor registration device. A destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image,
The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each corresponding to a plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor;
The plurality of predetermined regions are arranged in a plurality of rows with a direction intersecting a predetermined direction toward the elevator as a column direction,
The plurality of rows include a first row and a second row located closer to the elevator than the first row,
The control unit includes:
When the user moves in the predetermined direction over any of the plurality of predetermined areas included in the first column in the image, the image corresponds to the predetermined area in the first column to which the user moved. determining the floor to be used as the destination floor;
In the image, the user does not move over the plurality of predetermined areas included in the first column in the predetermined direction, and moves to any one of the plurality of predetermined areas included in the second column. determining a floor corresponding to a predetermined area of the second column to which the user moved when moving above in the predetermined direction as the destination floor;
Destination floor registration device. A destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image,
The passage includes a plurality of predetermined areas each corresponding to a plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor;
The plurality of predetermined regions include a first region extending in a first direction and a second region extending in a second direction,
The first direction is parallel to a traveling direction in which the passage extends and a width direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, and is from the center of the passage in the width direction to one end of the passage in the width direction. It is a direction between the direction toward and
The second direction is a direction between the traveling direction and a direction parallel to the width direction and heading from the center to the other end of the passageway in the width direction,
The control unit includes:
When the user moves in the first direction over the first area in the image, determining the floor corresponding to the first area as the destination floor;
When the user moves in the second direction over the second area in the image, determining the floor corresponding to the second area as the destination floor;
Destination floor registration device. The position of the first region in the width direction is between the width direction center of the passage and the one end,
The widthwise position of the second region is between the widthwise position of the first region and the other end of the passageway in the widthwise direction,
The destination floor registration device according to claim 4 . The destination floor registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the control unit transmits a signal indicating the determined destination floor to a management control device that controls operation of the elevator. A destination floor registration device for registering a destination floor of a user before boarding an elevator, the device comprising:
an input unit for acquiring an image generated by an imaging device capturing images of the passageway to the elevator in time series;
a control unit that detects movement of the user based on the image;
an output unit that outputs information indicating a plurality of predetermined areas and a plurality of floors to which the plurality of predetermined areas are associated to a display device;
The passage includes the plurality of predetermined areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of floors where the elevator stops,
The control unit detects which of the plurality of predetermined areas the user has passed through in the image, and determines a floor corresponding to the detected predetermined area as the destination floor;
The control unit controls the display device to display the information via the output unit.
Destination floor registration device. The display device is a projector that projects the information onto the path,
The control unit may change the size of at least one of the plurality of predetermined regions when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and project information indicating the plurality of predetermined regions after the change onto the passage. controlling the projector via an output unit;
The destination floor registration device according to claim 7 .

Images