JP7485471B1 - Escalators and advertising methods for escalators - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an escalator and an advertising display method for an escalator that can provide an effective advertising display effect when the escalator is used. [Solution] The escalator comprises endlessly connected steps, a pair of left and right handrails that run in conjunction with the steps, a transparent panel that supports the handrails, an inner deck that supports the transparent panel and is located on the step side, an outer deck that supports the transparent panel together with the inner deck, and a monitor device installed on the outer deck. The monitor device has a vertical shape, is installed so that the upper end of the monitor device is lower than the lower end of the handrail, and multiple monitor devices are installed at a distance from each other. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an escalator and a method for displaying advertisements on an escalator.

There is a demand from advertisers and advertising distribution companies to achieve advertising effects for escalator users by displaying advertisements while the escalator is moving. In order to realize this demand, there are conventional properties in which advertising display devices are installed on the balustrades, steps, exterior panels, handrails, building walls, etc. of escalators.

In addition, a recent patent application involves using cameras to analyze a user's attributes and actions, and selecting advertisements to display based on the analysis results when the user uses successive escalators, such as from the first floor to the second floor, or from the second floor to the third floor.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-23183 Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-173177 JP 2005-247466 A JP 2011-93677 A JP 2017-206320 A

However, conventional methods of displaying advertisements using escalators only display advertisements within the user's field of vision. As a result, it is unclear whether the advertisement content remains in the user's memory or whether the effectiveness of the advertisement is imprinted on the user, and the current situation is that a reliable advertising display effect cannot be achieved.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an escalator and an escalator advertising display method that can provide effective advertising display effects when using the escalator.

The form for achieving the above object comprises endlessly connected steps, a pair of handrails on the left and right that run in conjunction with the steps, a transparent panel that supports the handrails, an inner deck that supports the transparent panel and is located on the step side, an outer deck that supports the transparent panel together with the inner deck, and a monitor device installed on the outer deck. The monitor device has a vertical shape and is installed so that the upper end of the monitor device is lower than the lower end of the handrail, and multiple monitor devices are installed at a distance from each other.

Another embodiment is a method for displaying advertisements on an escalator, which distributes advertising content to the escalator and displays the advertisement on the monitor device.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an escalator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the arrangement of monitor devices in an escalator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an external appearance of a monitor device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in an embodiment of an escalator and an advertisement display method for an escalator according to the present invention. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an embodiment of an escalator and an escalator advertisement display method according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of another embodiment of an escalator and an escalator advertisement display method according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of still another embodiment of an escalator and an escalator advertisement display method according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in still another embodiment of the escalator and the escalator advertisement display method according to the present invention.

<Embodiment>
Configuration of the embodiment
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an escalator according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the escalator 100 transports users by running endlessly connected steps 2 between the upper and lower floors. Handrails 3 that run in conjunction with the steps 2 are set on both sides of the steps 2. In addition, a load detector 4 that detects the load of the user is installed on each step 2, and is used to detect whether or not a user is walking.

The steps 2 are set between a pair of left and right inner decks 5. An outer deck 6 is disposed adjacent to each inner deck 5, and a glass panel 7 is erected between the inner deck 5 and the outer deck 6. The handrail 3 is disposed so that it can run on the glass panel 7.

Multiple monitor devices 8 (81, 82, 83, ..., 8n) are installed at appropriate intervals on the outer deck 6. In addition, cameras 9 are installed near the ceiling of the upper floor to monitor the escalator 100 and ensure the safety of users. In addition, by analyzing the camera images, it is possible to detect whether or not a user is walking on the steps 2.

Details about monitor device 8 are provided below.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, multiple monitor devices 8 are installed at equal intervals on the outer deck 6 of the inclined section of the escalator 100. The external shape of the monitor devices 8 is a vertically long rectangle. The power source for the monitor devices 8 is connected to the escalator power source installed inside the truss through a hole drilled in the outer deck 6. The monitor devices 8 are attached by a pedestal 10 so that they fit within the width of the outer deck 6. The height is also sized to fit between the outer deck 6 and the handrail 3. The screen display direction of the monitor devices 8 can be freely changed by remote control.

The monitor device 8 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen of the monitor device 8 is composed of a scroll area 11 that scrolls the display content, and a fixed display area 12 that displays the display content in a fixed manner.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an advertising display system that displays advertising content on the monitor devices 8 (81, 82, 83, ..., 8n) of the escalator 100.

As shown in the figure, this advertising display system is configured with an escalator control device 20 as the control center. The escalator control device 20 is equipped with a travel control unit 21, a display control unit 22, a walking detection unit 23, an advertising content storage unit 24, a content update unit 25, and a control information input unit 26. The escalator control device 20 is also connected to an escalator monitoring center 30 and an advertising distribution center 40 via a network.

The travel control unit 21 of the escalator control device 20 controls the travel of the escalator 100. In addition, when control information is input, the travel control unit 21 controls the operation of the escalator 100.

The display control unit 22 controls the display of the monitor devices 8 (81, 82, 83, ..., 8n) to scroll or display the advertising content in a fixed manner.

To explain the display control of the display control unit 22 in detail, one set of advertising content is configured to last for several minutes, and once display begins, it continues to be displayed until the end. The display content is the same on multiple monitor devices 8, but the start timing of display for each monitor device 8 differs slightly, and in up-operation, the display is controlled so that the lower floor side starts displaying last and the upper floor side starts displaying first.

The display contents of adjacent monitor devices 8 are controlled so that parts of the display contents are the same. When one set of advertising contents has been displayed, the advertising contents are displayed again from the beginning.

The display speed of the monitor device 8 is set to a speed synchronized with the step movement speed. When control information from the building side or a signal from the escalator safety device is received, the advertisement display is stopped and the display content is changed to control information, safety measures, etc. When the escalator 100 is not operating or is in low-speed standby operation, the display is turned off.

In addition, the display control unit 22 has a display table in which the advertisement content is determined in advance according to the time, day of the week, and date, and changes it as appropriate. In addition, the advertisement distribution center may have a display table, and when the table is changed or the advertisement is updated, this display table may also be transmitted to a storage unit (not shown) of the monitor device 8.

The walking detection unit 23 receives load detection signals from the multiple load detectors 4 and camera images from the camera 9 to detect whether or not a pedestrian is walking.

The advertising content storage unit 24 is composed of a USB memory, a memory card, etc., and stores the advertising content displayed on the monitor device 8 in an updateable manner.

The content update unit 25 is connected to the advertisement distribution center 40, and when an advertisement is distributed from the advertisement distribution center 40, it updates the advertisement content in the advertisement content storage unit 24 by replacing it with the distributed advertisement content.

The control information input unit 26 is connected to the escalator monitoring center 30, and when control information is output due to an earthquake, fire, etc., it inputs the control information and outputs it to the travel control unit 21 and the display control unit 22.

The escalator monitoring center 30 remotely monitors the escalator 100 and provides centralized control of multiple escalators.

The advertising distribution center 40 includes an advertising cloud server, and supplies advertising content to the escalator control device 20 to display advertisements on the monitor device 8.

Processing Procedure of the Embodiment
Next, a processing procedure of an escalator and an advertisement display method for an escalator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, when an instruction to move the escalator 100 is given, the movement control unit 21 controls the escalator 100 to start moving. When an instruction to display an advertisement is given (step S2 YES), the display control unit 22 judges whether the instruction to display an advertisement is a scrolling display instruction (step S3). If it is a fixed display instruction (step S3 NO), the advertisement content is displayed fixedly on the display screen of the monitor device 8 (step S4).

If the advertisement display instruction is a scroll display instruction (step S3 YES), the monitor device 8 (81, 82, 83, ..., 8n) is instructed to scroll display linked to the moving speed of the step 2. The monitor device 8 scrolls the advertisement content at the same display speed as the running speed of the step 2 (step S5). In this case, the timing of scrolling is changed between adjacent monitor devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, while the step 2 is moving toward the upper floor, the monitor device 8 scrolls the text "Bargain sale on at XX store until December 25th". The monitor device 81 displays "Bargain sale on at XX store". At the same timing, the adjacent monitor device 82 is slightly ahead of the monitor device 81 and scrolls "Opening at XX store". Furthermore, the monitor device 83 is slightly ahead of the monitor device 82 and scrolls "Store until December 25th". When the series of displays is finished, the scroll display is resumed from the beginning.

In this way, the display timing of each monitor device 8 is shifted slightly while the advertisement is repeatedly displayed, so that the user does not miss the advertisement. In addition, the advertiser can reliably convey the advertisement content to the user.

While the escalator 100 is moving, the walking detection unit 23 monitors whether or not the user is walking based on the load detection signal from the load detector 4 or the camera image from the camera 9 (step S6). If it is determined that the user is walking (step S6 YES), the scrolling display is stopped and the display is switched to a fixed display, or the advertisement display itself is stopped (step S7). The scrolling and display are stopped until the user's walking is no longer detected (step S8). When the user's walking is no longer detected, scrolling is resumed (step S9).

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to maximize the advertising effect on users when using the escalator, leading to the purchase of the advertised product. It also eliminates idleness when using the escalator, providing users with a comfortable and useful time. Furthermore, by having escalator users focus on the advertising content, it is possible to prevent them from walking while using the escalator, which helps prevent falls while using the escalator and contributes to safe use of the escalator. Also, because multiple monitor devices 8 are vertically long and spaced apart, users can easily view the advertising content and obtain information.

<Other embodiments>
Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of another embodiment of an escalator and an escalator advertisement display method according to the present invention. The system configuration is as shown in Fig. 4. The same processes as those in the flow chart of Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted, and only the characteristic parts will be explained.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing of steps S1 to S9 is the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 5. When an advertisement is distributed from the advertisement distribution center 40 while the advertisement content is being displayed and the timing to update the advertisement content arrives (step S11), the display of the currently displayed advertisement content is terminated and then the updated advertisement content is displayed (step S12).

By configuring it in this way, in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to obtain an even more reliable advertising display effect.

<Further Other Embodiments>
Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of another embodiment of an escalator and an escalator advertisement display method according to the present invention. The system configuration is as shown in Fig. 4. The same processes as those in the flow chart of Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted, and only the characteristic parts will be explained.

This embodiment shows the processing procedure when the escalator control device receives a control signal or an emergency stop signal from a safety device installed in the building in which the escalator 100 is installed or on the escalator itself. When control information is received, the display of the currently displayed advertising content is stopped and controlled operation is started, a message is displayed indicating that the escalator will be stopped, or the display content is changed to the display of control content or an error notification.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the processing in steps S1 to S9 is the same as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

When the control information input unit 26 inputs control information while the advertising content is being displayed (step S21), the display control unit 22 stops the advertisement display on the monitor device 8 and displays content in accordance with the control information (step S22). For example, when an earthquake occurs, a message such as "An earthquake of magnitude 4 has just occurred in the XX region. Escalators will be temporarily stopped." is displayed.

In this way, in this embodiment, when control information is input, the advertisement display on the monitor device 8 is stopped and content in accordance with the control information is displayed, making it possible to display advertisements effectively while prioritizing the safety of escalator users.

<Modification>
As modified examples of the embodiment, various configurations as shown below are possible.

<<Variation 1>>
The display contents and display speed of the monitor devices 8 installed on the outer decks 6 on the left and right sides of the steps 2 may or may not be the same. It is sufficient that the display speed and contents of at least one row on one side are the same.

Variation 2
The angle of the display surface of the monitor device 8 can also be adjusted. The angle of all the monitor devices 8 may be fixed. Also, the angle of each individual monitor device 8 may be adjusted. Also, the angle of the monitor device 8 may be adjusted not only along one axis, but also along two or three axes.

Variation 3
A camera can be attached to the monitor device 8 to monitor users and the operating status of the escalator.

The monitor device 8 may also be equipped with a contact sensor or vibration sensor, and upon sensor detection, an alert may be sent to the building management center to check the installation status.

<Further Other Embodiments>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of still another embodiment of an escalator and an advertisement display method for an escalator according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the advertising display function of the escalator control device 20 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided in an advertising cloud server on the advertising distribution center 40 side. For this reason, the advertising cloud server of the advertising distribution center 40 is equipped with a display control unit 42, a driving control unit 43, an advertising content storage unit 44, a content update unit 45, and a control information input unit 46. Note that the individual functions of the display control unit 42, driving control unit 43, advertising content storage unit 44, content update unit 45, and control information input unit 46 are similar to the display control unit 22, driving control unit 21, advertising content storage unit 24, content update unit 25, and control information input unit 46 in the escalator control device 20 shown in FIG. 4.

The escalator control device 20 also includes a walking detection unit 23, an escalator control unit 27, and a communication unit 28.

The walking detection unit 23 is similar to that shown in Figure 4, and receives load detection signals from multiple load detectors 4 and camera images from the camera 9 to detect whether or not a pedestrian is walking.

The escalator control unit 27 only controls the running of each escalator unit, such as outputting control commands to the drive motor of the escalator 100.

The communication unit 28 cooperates with the escalator monitoring center 30 to receive control commands for the escalator 100, and transmits walking detection signals and the like from the walking detection unit 23 to the escalator monitoring center 30.

The advertising distribution center 40 is connected to the escalator monitoring center 30 and the escalator control device 20 wirelessly or via a network line, etc., and works together to control the display of advertising content on the monitor device 8.

The display control process is similar to that shown in Figures 5 to 7, so a detailed description is omitted.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, the advertising distribution center 40 is configured to include an advertising distribution function in a centralized manner, so that advertisements can be distributed to each escalator 100 in a centralized manner without changing the functions of each escalator control device 20. In addition, advertising distribution can also be updated in a centralized manner, making maintenance easier.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have 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 forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

100...escalator, 2...steps, 3...handrail, 4...load detector, 5...inner deck, 6...outer deck, 7...glass panel, 8 (81, 82, 83, 8n)...monitor device, 9...camera, 10...pedestal, 11...scroll area, 12...fixed display area, 20...escalator control device, 21...travel control unit, 22...display control unit, 23...walking detection unit, 24...advertising content storage unit, 25...content update unit, 26...control information input unit, 27...unit control unit, 28...communication unit, 30...escalator monitoring center, 40...advertising distribution center, 42...display control unit, 43...travel control unit, 44...advertising content storage unit, 45...content update unit, 46...control information input unit

Claims (14)

The vehicle comprises an endlessly connected step, a pair of handrails on the left and right sides that run in conjunction with the step, a transparent panel that supports the handrails, an inner deck that supports the transparent panel and is positioned on the step side, an outer deck that supports the transparent panel together with the inner deck, and a monitor device installed on the outer deck,
The monitor device is configured as a vertically long rectangular flat panel , and is installed so that the upper end of the monitor device is lower than the lower end of the handrail, and a plurality of monitor devices are installed at a distance from each other. The escalator according to claim 1, in which the display contents displayed on the multiple monitor devices are displayed so as to be related to each other. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the content displayed on the monitor device is stored in a storage unit built into the monitor device or in a control device that controls the escalator. 2. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein a scrolling speed of the content displayed on the monitor device is substantially the same as a moving speed of the steps. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the display on the monitor device or the scrolling display is stopped when the step is stopped. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the scrolling display of the monitor device is stopped when a user's walking on the steps is detected. 2. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein when the content displayed on the monitor device is updated, the updated content is displayed after the scrolling display of the currently displayed content is completed. The escalator according to claim 7, characterized in that the content is updated by connecting an advertising center provided outside the escalator to the escalator or the monitor device wirelessly or via a wire. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the content displayed on the monitor devices is the same, but the display timing is different between the individual monitor devices. The escalator according to claim 1, in which the display contents scrolled on the monitor devices are displayed first on the monitor device located further ahead in the direction of step advancement. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the monitor device has a scroll area in which the displayed content is scrolled, and a fixed display area in which the displayed content is fixed. The escalator according to claim 1, in the event that the escalator receives control information from the building in which the escalator is installed or from an escalator monitoring center that monitors the escalator, the display of the content displayed on the monitor device is stopped or changed to the content corresponding to the control information and displayed. An escalator having an advertising cloud server including a display control unit that executes display control of the monitor device according to claim 1 and an advertising content storage unit that updates and stores advertising content displayed on the monitor device. An escalator advertisement display method for displaying advertisements by distributing advertisement content to the monitor device of the escalator according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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