Elevator and travel control method

Abstract

We provide elevators that allow users to select energy-saving options via a landing call device. [Solution] The elevator includes a call receiving unit 13b that receives a landing call from a landing call device 21 that selects an allowable waiting time before boarding the elevator car 5, and an elevator travel control unit 11 that controls the movement of the elevator car 5 according to the landing call received by the call receiving unit 13b and the state of the elevator 7 on which the elevator car 5 is traveling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator and a travel control method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, carbon dioxide emission reduction aimed at achieving carbon neutrality has been required as an environmental measure for addressing issues such as climate change. For elevators installed in buildings, it is desirable to reduce not only transportation time efficiency but also energy consumption. In conventional elevators, energy saving has been promoted through measures such as adopting inverter control, gearless systems using permanent magnet motors, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting, and frequently turning off the lights when the car is on standby. However, there is a limit to improving the efficiency of installed equipment, and it has become difficult to achieve further energy saving.

[0003] In addition, in conventional elevator control, group management control for multiple installed elevators has been performed from the perspective of temporal efficiency, that is, how to reduce travel time including waiting time. Furthermore, reserved calls have been used when users want to secure a boarding reservation for the car.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that stores elevator operation information including elevator usage status, receives information including a desired time specified by a user, sets an individual tolerance of the user for the usage status, determines whether the usage status at the desired time satisfies the tolerance, and outputs a determination result to a user terminal.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 2 describes a technology that provides a device for inputting a predetermined condition and a guidance method corresponding to the condition, stores the input content, provides guidance according to the input guidance method when a condition matching the input condition occurs, and provides guidance notification according to a predetermined guidance method when the condition does not match.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-147077 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-282929 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 takes into account the degree of congestion (occupancy rate) and the permissible average waiting time when users share an elevator. Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 responds to requests to be assigned an available elevator even if the waiting time is long, such as when carrying large luggage. In group control, when certain conditions occur, the system changes the notification to the user according to the usage conditions, such as changing the guidance method from the scheduled guidance method. Conventionally, group control of elevators that takes into account elevator reservations and responding to requests has been performed using the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0008] Regarding energy conservation, reducing the number of times the elevator car travels is effective in saving energy. For example, if a user who arrives at the landing first waits a little while, the user who registered their landing call earlier and the user who arrives next can ride in the same elevator car, thus reducing the number of times the elevator car travels. However, even if a person who is about to board is willing to tolerate a slightly longer waiting time to cooperate with energy conservation, the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 did not offer any options for allowing waiting time. As a result, the elevator car ended up traveling multiple times, and the elevator was not able to save energy.

[0009] This invention was made in view of these circumstances, and aims to control the movement of an elevator by providing options for saving energy in the elevator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The elevator according to the present invention includes a call receiving unit that receives a landing call from a landing call device that selects an allowable waiting time before boarding the elevator car, and a travel control unit that controls the movement of the elevator car according to the landing call received by the call receiving unit and the state of the elevator in which the elevator car is traveling. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the elevator can be made more energy-efficient by allowing users to arbitrarily select an option. The elevator described above is one aspect of the present invention, and the travel control method, which reflects one aspect of the present invention, is configured in the same manner as the elevator described above. Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an elevator system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a table showing the number of elevator landing calls for each floor during different time periods, which are controlled by the elevator control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the selection setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the driving control process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a table showing the renewable energy ratio, CO2 conversion factor, and metered electricity unit price for each time period in a certain region and time period according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an elevator system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]It is a diagram showing a display example of a hall call registration screen according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing until the hall call registration screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention is displayed on a mobile terminal in each display mode. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an installation example of a hall display device and a display example of a message according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0014] First Embodiment Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration example of an elevator system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that an elevator 7 is installed in a 5-story building 9 (an example of a building). The elevator system 10 includes a remote monitoring center 8 installed outside the building 9, the elevator 7, and a building energy management device 91.

[0015] In addition to the elevator 7, the building 9 is provided with facilities such as a heat source device 92, a water supply device 93, a lighting device 94, and an air conditioning device 95. The building 9 is also provided with the building energy management device 91 that manages energy consumption of in-building devices including at least the elevator 7 (such as the heat source device 92, water supply device 93, lighting device 94, and air conditioning device 95 described later). The building energy management device 91 controls energy management for all of various devices installed in the building 9.

[0016] An elevator 7 comprises an elevator control device 1, a car 5 connected to one end of a rope 4 wound around a hoisting machine 3, and a counterweight 6 connected to the other end of the rope 4. The hoisting machine 3 is controlled by the elevator control device 1, and the rope 4 is wound in a predetermined direction, whereby the car 5 and the counterweight 6 move up and down.

[0017] On each floor of a building 9 (from the 1st floor to the 5th floor in the figure), hall call devices 21 to 25 are respectively installed. A user on each floor can generate a hall call by operating the hall call devices 21 to 25, and call the car 5 to the floor where the hall call is generated.

[0018] Among the hall call devices 21 to 25, the hall call devices 22, 23 and 24 installed on the 2nd to 4th floors are respectively provided with upward buttons 221, 231, 241 and downward buttons 222, 232, 242. The hall call device 25 on the 5th floor (the top floor) is only provided with a downward button 250.

[0019] In a conventional elevator, the hall call device 21 on the 1st floor (the bottom floor) is only provided with one upward button. However, in the present embodiment, in addition to the upward button 211, the hall call device 21 installed on the 1st floor is provided with a wait-acceptable button 212 (an example of a wait-acceptance selecting unit) used as an option.

[0020] The upward button 211 is a button selected by a user to register a hall call on the 1st floor. The wait-acceptable button 212 is activated depending on a time period by setting an allowable waiting time option according to the present embodiment. The activated wait-acceptable button 212 is selected by the user when the user accepts the waiting time until the user gets on the car 5.

[0021] Users are informed in advance that the waiting time tolerance function for the landing call device 21 can be enabled or disabled. However, whether the waiting time tolerance button 212 is enabled or disabled, the waiting time tolerance button 212 is off before the user makes a selection, so the user does not know whether the waiting time tolerance button 212 is enabled or disabled. For this reason, a label or the like indicating the time period during which the waiting time tolerance button 212 is enabled may be affixed around the landing call device 21.

[0022] The elevator control device 1 comprises an elevator travel control unit 11, a remote monitoring interface 12, a landing call device control unit 13, a selection setting unit 14, and a building management interface 15.

[0023] The elevator travel control unit 11 controls the movement of the elevator car 5 according to the landing call received by the call reception unit 13b (described later) and the status of the elevator 7 on which the elevator car 5 is traveling. The elevator travel control unit 11 is connected to a remote monitoring center 8 located outside the building 9 via an internet line or telephone line through a remote monitoring interface 12 provided in the elevator control device 1. When the call reception unit 13b receives a landing call from the landing call device 21 using a validly set option (for example, the waiting allowance button 212), the elevator travel control unit 11 ensures that the user can board the elevator car 5 after a time equal to the time the call reception unit 13b received the landing call plus an allowance waiting time. This includes bringing the elevator car 5 to the landing or opening the doors of an elevator car 5 that has already arrived. As a result, users who are willing to wait will board the elevator car 5 together with other users, thus saving energy for the elevator 7.

[0024] The remote monitoring center 8 remotely monitors the status of elevator 7 and stores usage data 81 for each time period in a database. The usage data 81 for each time period is used to control elevator 7.

[0025] Furthermore, the elevator travel control unit 11 is connected to the building energy management device 91 via the building management interface 15. The building management interface 15 (an example of an interface unit) transmits information, including at least a power saving command, between the selection setting unit 14 and the building energy management device 91. Therefore, the elevator travel control unit 11 can take power saving measures for the elevator 7 in response to power saving commands and other information transmitted from the building energy management device 91.

[0026] The option setting unit 14 sets an option for the allowable waiting time based on the usage status of the elevator 7. For example, the option setting unit 14 can set the length of the waiting time or set it to have no waiting time based on the usage status of the elevator 7, i.e., the number of users for each time period. The option setting unit 14 can also set the option for the allowable waiting time to be enabled or disabled. For this reason, the option setting unit 14 receives power saving commands from the building energy management device 91 via the building management interface 15. The option setting unit 14 also receives visitor probability data from the remote monitoring center 8 via the remote monitoring interface 12. The visitor probability data is data calculated at predetermined intervals (for example, every 15 minutes) indicating the probability of how many users will board the elevator car 5, using the number of users who boarded the elevator car 5 as the number of visitors. Based on the visitor probability data, the option setting unit 14 can calculate the number of users who will board the elevator car 5 for each time period (for example, every 15 minutes).

[0027] Then, when the option setting unit 14 receives a power saving command, it determines the time periods in which the options should be enabled or disabled based on the power saving command and the number of users for each time period, and sets the options to be enabled or disabled during those time periods. For example, the option setting unit 14 sets the options to be enabled during predetermined time periods and disabled during other time periods. The information of the options set by the option setting unit 14 is output to the display control unit 13a and the call reception unit 13b. The option setting unit 14, via the display control unit 13a, can control the display of the landing call device 21 on the first floor by the landing call device control unit 13 according to the usage status of the elevator 7.

[0028] The landing call device control unit 13 controls the operation of the landing call devices 21-25. This landing call device control unit 13 includes a display control unit 13a and a call reception unit 13b.

[0029] The display control unit 13a controls the illumination and extinguishing of each button provided on the landing call devices 21-25. Furthermore, when the selection setting unit 14 enables a selection, the display control unit 13a controls the selection provided on the landing call device 21 (in this embodiment, the waiting allowance button 212) to be selectable by the user during the time period in which the selection is enabled. In this embodiment, the control that enables the user to select a selection is the control that enables the waiting allowance button 212. When the waiting allowance button 212, which has been enabled by the display control unit 13a, is pressed by the user, the display control unit 13a illuminates the waiting allowance button 212. Therefore, the user can recognize that they have registered a landing call with an allowed waiting time.

[0030] On the other hand, depending on the time of day, the selection setting unit 14 may disable the selection. When the selection is disabled, the display control unit 13a prevents the elevator 7 from registering a landing call that allows waiting time, even if the waiting button 212 is pressed. If the waiting button 212 is disabled, when the waiting button 212 is pressed, the display control unit 13a lights up the upward button 211 to indicate that there are no selections, and controls the system so that a normal landing call is registered.

[0031] The display control unit 13a receives car information from the elevator travel control unit 11, and when the elevator car 5 arrives at the floor where the call has been registered, it turns off the button on the landing call device 21 installed on that floor.

[0032] Furthermore, if the option setting unit 14 switches between enabling and disabling an option depending on the time of day, the display control unit 13a may, for example, display a message on electronic paper (not shown) indicating whether the waiting button 212 is enabled or disabled. The electronic paper is a device that consumes power only when updating the message and is installed around the landing call device 21. The power consumption of the electronic paper is minimal, and displaying the message for a long time does not hinder energy saving.

[0033] The call reception unit 13b receives a landing call output from the landing call device 21 when the waiting allowance button 212, which has been activated by the display control unit 13a, is selected. Therefore, when a user registers a landing call, the call reception unit 13b receives a landing call from the landing call device 21, which selects the allowable waiting time until boarding the elevator car 5. Accordingly, the call reception unit 13b receives the setting information of the options from the option setting unit 14 in advance. The setting information of the options includes information indicating whether the option has been set to enabled or disabled by the option setting unit 14. If the option is set to enabled, the call reception unit 13b receives the landing call of the waiting allowance button 212. On the other hand, if the option is set to disabled, even if the waiting allowance button 212 is pressed, the call reception unit 13b receives it as a normal landing call as when the upward button 211 is pressed.

[0034] Then, when the call reception unit 13b receives a registered landing call from any of the landing call devices 21 to 25, it transmits the landing call to the elevator travel control unit 11. If the call reception unit 13b receives a landing call from landing call device 21, it includes a landing call from either the up button 211 or the waiting button 212. If the call reception unit 13b receives a landing call from landing call devices 22 to 25, it includes landing calls from the up buttons 221, 231, 241 and the down buttons 222, 232, 242 on each respective floor.

[0035] <Example of computer hardware configuration> Next, the hardware configuration of the computer 30 that constitutes the elevator control device 1 will be described.

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 30. The computer 30 is an example of hardware used as a computer capable of operating as the elevator control device 1 according to this embodiment. In the elevator control device 1 according to this embodiment, each functional block is configured by the computer 30 executing a program, and each functional block works in cooperation to realize a method for controlling the movement of the elevator car 5.

[0037] The computer 30 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, each connected to a bus 34. Furthermore, the computer 30 includes non-volatile storage 35 and a network interface 36.

[0038] The CPU 31 reads the program code of the software that implements each function according to this embodiment from the ROM 32, loads it into the RAM 33, and executes it. Variables and parameters that occur during the calculation process of the CPU 31 are temporarily written to the RAM 33, and these variables and parameters are read out by the CPU 31 as appropriate.

[0039] Examples of non-volatile storage 35 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), flexible disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, or non-volatile memory. This non-volatile storage 35 stores the OS (Operating System), various parameters, and programs necessary for the computer 30 to function. The ROM 32 and non-volatile storage 35 store programs and data necessary for the CPU 31 to operate. In other words, the ROM 32 and non-volatile storage 35 are used as examples of computer-readable, non-transient storage media that store programs executed by the computer 30.

[0040] For example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) can be used for the network interface 36. The network interface 36 can send and receive various types of data between devices via a LAN (Local Area Network), dedicated line, etc., connected to the terminals of the NIC.

[0041] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain how the option setting unit 14 enables or disables the option for the allowable waiting time. Figure 3 is a table showing the number of elevator calls to the elevator 7 controlled by the elevator control device 1, broken down by time period, for each floor.

[0042] This table shows the number of elevator calls Nhx_tty every 15 minutes from 00:00 to 24:00. x is the floor number, and Nh indicates the floor. For example, Nh1 is the 1st floor, and Nh5 is the 5th floor. tt is the time (00:00 to 23:00), and y is a number from 1 to 4, dividing an hour into 15-minute intervals (0-15 minutes is "1", 15-30 minutes is "2", 30-45 minutes is "3", and 45-60 minutes is "4").

[0043] The number of calls per minute for each landing and time slot is obtained by dividing the number of calls Nhx_tty over a 15-minute period by 15. The option setting unit 14 sets the option for the allowable waiting time to be active when the following equation (1) is satisfied. In equation (1), Nmin is the lower limit of the number of calls n, and Nmax is the upper limit of the number of calls n. Condition for validity of the acceptable waiting time option: Nmin ≤ n < Nmax …(1)

[0044] The option setting unit 14 enables or disables options based on the usage status of the elevator 7, which changes depending on the date or time of day. For example, the option setting unit 14 calculates the number of calls n per minute based on usage data for each time period. A small number of calls n per minute indicates a small number of users per unit of time. If the number of calls n per minute is small, for example, even if the first user to arrive at the landing chooses to tolerate a 30-second wait, it is unlikely that the next user will arrive within 30 seconds.

[0045] On the other hand, a large number of calls n indicates a large number of users per unit of time. Increasing the waiting time when there are many users is undesirable because it will not only cause a large number of users to accumulate at the boarding area but also reduce the transport capacity of the elevator car 5. For this reason, the option setting unit 14 sets lower and upper limits for the number of calls n and sets the option for the allowable waiting time to be active when the number of calls n is within the range of the lower and upper limits.

[0046] As an example of how the option setting unit 14 sets an option for the allowable waiting time, let the waiting time for the allowable waiting time option be Tw (in minutes). If there is a high probability that the next user will arrive within the waiting time Tw after a user has arrived first, then an energy-saving effect can be expected by having the first user at the landing wait. For this reason, the option setting unit 14 sets the lower limit shown in equation (1) so that Nmin ≈ Tw. For example, if the option is 20 seconds, then Tw = 1 / 3, so Nmin = 0.3. Since the 20-second option is a fixed value, a printed label or the like is attached around the landing call device 21.

[0047] On the other hand, the selection setting unit 14 sets the upper limit Nmax shown in equation (1) using the average one-lap time Tr (in minutes), so that Nmax ≈ 1 / (Tr + Tw). For example, if Tr is 1 minute, then Tr + Tw = 4 / 3 is calculated, so Nmax = 3 / 4 = 0.75. In this example, the number of calls to the boarding area was calculated by dividing one hour into 15-minute intervals, but by dividing it even more finely, the probability of effectively utilizing opportunities where users are willing to wait increases.

[0048] The time for one full rotation is defined as the time from when elevator car 5 returns to the departure floor, when it picks up passengers at the departure floor and provides service to the upper floors, until it returns to the departure floor again. However, the time for one full rotation is not uniform because the floor to which elevator car 5 arrives depends on the passengers. For this reason, the time for one full rotation averaged over a certain period of time is called the average time for one full rotation. The average time for one full rotation also varies depending on the time of day. For example, during rush hour, elevator car 5 stops on every floor of building 9, so the average time for one full rotation is longer, but during nighttime hours, elevator car 5 stops on only some floors of building 9, so the average time for one full rotation is shorter.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 1, a waiting allowance button 212, which is activated as an option for acceptable waiting time, is provided only on the lowest floor (1st floor). However, waiting allowance buttons may also be provided on other floors. Furthermore, if waiting allowance buttons are installed on intermediate floors, the options may be set based on the passenger probability data, which is obtained by separating the number of landing calls in each direction (up and down) as shown in Figure 3.

[0050] Furthermore, if offices or other facilities are located in Building 9, the number of users of Elevator 7 on weekdays will be greater than the number of users on holidays. For this reason, the option setting unit 14 may enable or disable the options depending on the time of day on weekdays, and disable the options regardless of the time of day on holidays. In this way, the option setting unit 14 can change the option setting process according to the usage status of Elevator 7.

[0051] Next, the processes performed by the elevator control device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the option setting process. The option setting process is executed, for example, every 15 minutes.

[0052] When the elevator control device 1 starts the option setting process (S1), the option setting unit 14 determines whether the current time is within the valid time period (S2). If the current time is within the valid time period (YES in S2), the option setting unit 14 sets the option to be enabled (S3). If the current time is not within the valid time period (NO in S2), the option setting unit 14 sets the option to be disabled (S4).

[0053] The display control unit 13a receives selection information from the selection setting unit 14, enables or disables the selection (waiting allowed button 212) of the landing call device 21 (S5), and terminates this process.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the driving control process. The driving control process is a process that is executed at any arbitrary time.

[0055] When the elevator control device 1 starts the selection setting process (S11), the call reception unit 13b receives the landing call registered in the landing call device 21 (S12).

[0056] Next, the call reception unit 13b determines whether a choice has been set to be valid based on the choice information received from the choice setting unit 14 (S13). If the call reception unit 13b determines that a choice has been set to be valid (YES in S13), it determines whether the landing call received in step S12 is a landing call of an enabled choice (S14). A landing call of an enabled choice is a landing call registered with an enabled waiting button 212.

[0057] If the call reception unit 13b determines that the received landing call is a landing call of an enabled option (YES in S14), it notifies the elevator travel control unit 11 that it is a landing call for which a waiting time is permitted (S15).

[0058] If the call reception unit 13b determines that no option is set to be active (NO in S13), or if it determines that it is not a landing call for an active option (NO in S14), it notifies the elevator travel control unit 11 as a normal landing call (S16). A landing call that is not for an active option means a landing call registered with the up button 211.

[0059] The elevator travel control unit 11 controls the travel of the elevator car 5 according to the landing call notified by the call reception unit 13b and the status of the elevator 7 (S17), and then terminates this process. If the landing call allows for a waiting time, the time it takes for the elevator car 5 to arrive at the landing will be later than the time when the call reception unit 13b receives the landing call plus the allowable waiting time. For a normal landing call, the travel of the elevator car 5 is controlled to arrive at the landing as quickly as possible, depending on the elevator's status.

[0060] In the elevator control device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the elevator car 5 is controlled to travel in response to a landing call made by a user, using a landing call device 21 that allows the user to select an acceptable waiting time until they board the elevator car 5. The landing call device 21 is provided with a waiting allowance button 212 that is activated as an option for the acceptable waiting time depending on the usage status of the elevator 7. As an example of usage status, the waiting allowance button 212 has options set according to the date or time of day, including the day of the week. Therefore, when it is expected that energy saving effects will be obtained, the user will be able to select the waiting allowance button 212 that has been activated as an option for the acceptable waiting time.

[0061] Thus, the elevator control device 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve energy conservation in the elevator 7 with the cooperation of users who are willing to cooperate in energy conservation and decarbonization of the elevator 7. In addition, the elevator control device 1 can raise awareness among users about energy conservation in the elevator 7.

[0062] In this embodiment, the call reception unit 13b is shown to determine whether an option is set to be enabled and to notify the elevator travel control unit 11 of the landing call. However, the determination by the call reception unit 13b may be omitted. In other words, the option setting unit 14 does not need to disable the options. In this case, the call reception unit 13b can omit the process of determining whether an option is set to be enabled, which further reduces the energy consumption of the elevator control device 1.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] Next, an elevator control device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. In the elevator control device 1 according to the second embodiment, control is performed according to the renewable energy ratio Rre_xxx and the CO2 conversion factor Cc_xxx [kg-CO2 / kWh]. The CO2 conversion factor represents, for example, the CO2 emission factor, which is the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of electrical energy, and is a different value depending on the power generation method. Furthermore, control is also possible using other indicators that quantify the impact of CO2, an example of a greenhouse gas, on global warming.

[0064] Figure 6 is a table showing the renewable energy ratio Rre_xxx, CO2 conversion factor Cc_xxx [kg-CO2 / kWh], and metered electricity unit price Pp_xxx [\ / kWh] for each time period in a certain region. The metered electricity unit price Pp_xxx is a value that changes according to the renewable energy ratio Rre_xxx and CO2 conversion factor Cc_xxx for each time period.

[0065] Renewable energy sources include, for example, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Solar power generation can only generate electricity using sunlight during the day, so on sunny days, the amount of electricity generated peaks from 10 am to noon. Electricity charges are calculated based on a basic charge and a usage charge determined by the amount of electricity used. The basic charge is a fixed value determined by the current (amperes) that the business operator contracts with the power company for. The usage charge is calculated by multiplying the amount of electricity used [kWh] by the usage rate of electricity Pp_xxx [\ / kWh]. Electricity charges change as the usage charge changes. When the elevator control device 1 uses electricity to control the elevator 7, the electricity charge is calculated according to the actual amount of electricity used.

[0066] The amount of CO2 emitted when a power plant generates electrical energy varies depending on the power plant's power generation method. CO2 emissions are calculated by multiplying the amount of electricity consumed by the CO2 conversion factor Cc_xxx. If only renewable energy is used, CO2 emissions are almost zero. However, in reality, renewable energy alone is often insufficient to meet the required electricity needs, so the CO2 conversion factor Cc_xxx becomes greater than or equal to zero.

[0067] In the future, if charges for CO2 emissions, such as carbon credits, become more widespread, it is likely that electricity rates will change depending on the time of day and CO2 emissions. In such a case, electricity rates will rise during times of high CO2 emissions, so further energy conservation will be required in the control of elevator 7.

[0068] Therefore, the option setting unit 14 sets the options to be enabled or disabled according to the value of CO2 (an example of a greenhouse gas) relative to the power consumption of the elevator 7 (an example of a unit of power) which is determined for each time period (for example, the CO2 conversion factor). For example, by determining the threshold of the electricity rate unit price Pp_xxx, the option for the allowable waiting time is set to be enabled during time periods when the CO2 conversion factor is large. Time periods when the CO2 conversion factor is large include, for example, nighttime and time periods when renewable energy is low.

[0069] These renewable energy ratios and electricity rates are transmitted from the remote monitoring center 8 of elevator 7 to the selection setting unit 14. Alternatively, the building energy management device 91 may obtain the renewable energy ratio and electricity rate information and transmit this information to the elevator control device 1. In this case, the selection setting unit 14 sets the options based on the information transmitted from the building management interface 15, and the display control unit 13a activates the waiting button 212 during the time period in which the options are set.

[0070] In the elevator control device 1 according to the second embodiment described above, the selection setting unit 14 sets the options for time periods determined based on the renewable energy ratio and the electricity rate. Once the options are set, the display control unit 13a activates the standby button 212, similar to the first embodiment. During times when the renewable energy ratio is low (for example, early morning, nighttime, etc.), the activated standby button 212 is selected by the user, allowing the elevator control device 1 to control the elevator 7 in an energy-saving manner. During times when the renewable energy ratio is high (for example, during the daytime), the selection setting unit 14 may disable the options, or it may remain enabled.

[0071] [Third Embodiment] Next, an elevator control device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. In the elevator control device 1 according to the third embodiment, the overall system including the elevator 7 has the same configuration as in Figure 1. However, users can register a landing call from the landing floor by operating an application program installed on their mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0072] Figure 7 shows an example of the overall configuration of the elevator system 10A according to the third embodiment. The elevator system 10A includes a remote monitoring center 8, an elevator 7, and a building energy management device 91 according to the first embodiment, as well as a portable terminal 50. In the elevator system 10A, it is possible to register a landing call for the floor where a user is located using an application program installed on the portable terminal 50. For this reason, the landing call device 21 installed on the first floor of the building 9 is provided with only an upward button 211.

[0073] The display unit of the mobile terminal 50 shows the landing call registration screen 51, which will be described later in Figure 8. In addition to the landing call registration button 54, the landing call registration screen 51 also displays a waiting allowance registration button 55 (an example of a waiting allowance selection section) which is used as an option.

[0074] When the option setting unit 14 enables an option for the allowable waiting time, the display control unit 13a transmits information about the option for the allowable waiting time via the Internet N to the mobile terminal 50 held by the user in building 9, and activates the allowable waiting registration button 55. Alternatively, the allowable waiting registration button 55 may be activated by short-range wireless communication between the mobile terminal 50 held by the user and the wireless communication unit installed in the elevator system 10. For example, when the mobile terminal 50 held by the user enters the communication range of the wireless communication unit, the mobile terminal 50 communicates with the wireless communication unit to activate the allowable waiting registration button 55, and information about the floor on which the wireless communication unit is installed can be obtained from the wireless communication unit.

[0075] The mobile terminal 50 transmits floor information obtained from the wireless communication unit and landing call information registered from the landing call registration screen 51 to the call management server 6 via the internet N. The call management server 6 receives the landing call information from the mobile terminal 50 and manages which floor the landing call was registered on. The call management server 6 then transmits the landing call information received from the mobile terminal 50 and the floor information to the call reception unit 13b via the internet N.

[0076] Therefore, when a user selects a call from the landing call registration screen 51, the landing call information and floor information are transmitted to the call reception unit 13b. The call reception unit 13b receives the landing call information output from the mobile terminal 50 when the activated waiting permission registration button 55 is selected, along with the floor information to which the landing call was registered. The landing call information received by the call reception unit 13b is transmitted to the elevator travel control unit 11, and the elevator car 5 is dispatched to the floor where the user holding the mobile terminal 50 that sent the landing call is located. Users can also register landing calls by pressing the up or down buttons installed on each floor of the building 9.

[0077] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the landing call registration screen 51. The landing call registration screen 51 is displayed on the display unit of the user's mobile terminal 50. The landing call registration screen 51 has the same functions as the landing call device 21 on the first floor shown in Figure 1, and users can register landing calls through the landing call registration screen 51.

[0078] The example screen (a) in Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the landing call registration screen 51 when no selection is made. The landing call registration screen 51 displays a building name display section 52 that shows the name of building 9, a landing floor display section 53 that shows the landing floor, and a landing call registration button 54 that is represented by a roughly rectangular button shape.

[0079] When a user with a mobile device 50 enters the entrance on the landing floor (for example, the 1st floor), the user can see the landing call registration screen 51, which allows them to register for a landing call on the landing floor. Alternatively, the timing at which the landing call registration screen 51 shown in Figure 8 is displayed may be, for example, when the user approaches the elevator car 5 and is notified by the notification application that they can register for a landing call.

[0080] The boarding area call registration screen 51 has four display formats, as shown in Figure 8 (a) to (d). (a) If no selection is made, the boarding call registration button 54 will be displayed prominently on the left side of the boarding call registration screen 51. In this case, the user will press the boarding call registration button 54 to register the boarding call.

[0081] (b) If options are available, the landing call registration button 54 may be displayed along with the options. For example, the waiting allowance registration button 55 may be displayed as an option on the left side of the landing call registration screen 51 along with the landing call registration button 54. Displaying the waiting allowance registration button 55 as an option on the landing call registration screen 51 increases the opportunities for users to select the waiting allowance registration button 55, which has the effect of making users more likely to change their behavior. The size of the landing call registration button 54 and the waiting allowance registration button 55 are approximately the same. A message display unit 56 is displayed on the right side of the landing call registration screen 51. The message display unit 56 indicates that the expected energy saving effect when the waiting allowance registration button 55 is pressed is XX Wh. The display control unit 13a can display information on the landing call registration screen 51 of the mobile terminal 50 regarding the effects expected when an enabled option is selected.

[0082] (c) When requesting cooperation in saving electricity, a message requesting the user's cooperation in saving electricity, such as "Requesting cooperation in saving electricity," is displayed on the message display unit 56. At this time, as in (b) when there is a choice, the expected value of energy saving may also be displayed on the message display unit 56.

[0083] (d) In the case of a request to encourage boarding, a message encouraging the user to board is displayed on the boarding area call registration button 54. Also, similar to the request for cooperation in saving electricity, a message requesting the user's cooperation in saving electricity is displayed on the message display unit 56. In this way, the display control unit 13a notifies the boarding area call device 21 that the user is ready to board. This makes it easier for the user to identify which car 5 is ready to board.

[0084] The option setting unit 14, via the display control unit 13a, displays that there are options for the allowable waiting time on the landing call registration screen 51. This section describes the process by which the option setting unit 14 sets the options and the display control unit 13a displays the landing call registration screen 51 on the mobile terminal 50.

[0085] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing examples of the process by which the boarding area call registration screen 51 is displayed on the mobile terminal 50 in each display mode.

[0086] First, the display control unit 13a starts the display processing of the landing call registration screen 51 (S21). Next, the display control unit 13a determines, based on the car information received from the elevator travel control unit 11, whether or not the elevator car 5 is stationary on the landing floor where the user operating the mobile terminal 50 is located (S22). In this example, it is assumed that the user is on the 1st floor.

[0087] Next, if the display control unit 13a determines that the elevator car 5 is not stationary at the landing floor (NO in S22), the user cannot board immediately even if they register a landing call. For this reason, the display control unit 13a displays the landing call registration screen 51 with no selection options (Figure 8(a)) on the mobile terminal 50 (S23). The landing call registration button 54 (button) on the landing call registration screen 51 displays "Call".

[0088] In step S22, if the display control unit 13a determines that the elevator car 5 is stationary on the landing floor (YES in S22), it determines, based on the elevator car information, whether or not there is a landing call registered by another user on the first floor (S24). The elevator car information includes the current position of the elevator car 5, as well as information on landing calls received by the call reception unit 13b.

[0089] If the display control unit 13a determines that there are no landing calls registered by other users on the 1st floor (NO in S24), the display control unit 13a determines whether or not there are any landing calls registered on floors other than the 1st floor (S25).

[0090] In step S25, if the display control unit 13a determines that there is a landing call registered on another floor (YES in S25), the display control unit 13a displays the landing call registration screen 51 with no selection options shown in Figure 8 (a) on the mobile terminal 50 (S23).

[0091] In step S25, if the display control unit 13a determines that there are no landing calls registered on other floors (NO in S25), it determines whether or not there is a power saving command transmitted from the building energy management device 91 (S6). If the display control unit 13a determines that there is no power saving command (NO in S26), it determines whether or not the current time is included in the effective time period as explained with reference to Figure 3 (S27).

[0092] If the current time is not included in the valid time period (NO in S27), the display control unit 13a displays the landing call registration screen 51 with no selection options (Figure 8(a)) on the mobile terminal 50 (S23). In this case, the user cannot register anything other than a normal landing call.

[0093] On the other hand, if the current time falls within the valid time period (YES in S27), the display control unit 13a displays the landing call registration screen 51 with options as shown in Figure 8(b) on the mobile terminal 50 (S28). In this case, the user can choose either a normal landing call or a landing call using the waiting permission registration button 55.

[0094] The process in step S27 to determine whether the current time falls within the valid time period explained with reference to Figure 3 may be performed between steps S21 and S22.

[0095] In step S26, if the display control unit 13a determines that there is a power saving command (YES in S26), it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of the elevator 7 as much as possible. For this reason, the display control unit 13a displays the landing call registration screen 51 for power saving cooperation request shown in Figure 8 (c) on the mobile terminal 50 (S29). The message display unit 56 shows that a power saving cooperation request is in progress, and the waiting permission registration button 55 is displayed prominently, so that users are encouraged to cooperate in saving power as much as possible.

[0096] In step S24, if the display control unit 13a determines that there is a boarding call registered by another user (YES in S24), it displays the boarding call registration screen 51 for boarding assistance request shown in Figure 8 (d) on the mobile terminal 50 (S30). The boarding call registration button 54 on the boarding call registration screen 51 displays "Please hurry" and "Call". However, the display content of the boarding call registration button 54 is not limited to the display format shown in Figure 8, as long as the user understands the intention to encourage boarding and that it is a call button.

[0097] Note that while the allowable waiting time in Figure 8 is set at 20 seconds, this is not necessarily the case. However, waiting times of 10 seconds or less are unlikely to result in a significant increase in the probability of the next user arriving, making the system less effective. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, in the five-story building 9, users typically spend 30 seconds or less riding in the elevator car 5. Therefore, users are unlikely to select the waiting time registration button 55, which would allow them to wait longer than their actual riding time.

[0098] In the elevator control device 1 according to the third embodiment described above, the display format of the landing call registration screen 51 changes based on the status of the elevator car 5, whether a landing call has been registered, whether a landing call has been registered on another floor, whether a power saving command has been issued, and the effective time period. Therefore, while viewing the landing call registration screen 51, users can select a waiting allowance registration button 55, which is an option, in addition to the normally displayed landing call registration button 54.

[0099] Furthermore, if (b) an option is available, the expected energy saving value is displayed in the message display unit 56. This makes it easy for the user to understand how much energy can be saved by selecting the waiting permission registration button 55.

[0100] Furthermore, in the case of (c) a request for cooperation in saving electricity, the waiting permission registration button 55 is displayed larger than the landing call registration button 54. As a result, users can more easily select the waiting permission registration button 55 and cooperate in saving electricity in the operation of elevator 7.

[0101] In addition, (d) in the case of a request to expedite boarding, the boarding call registration button 54 displays a message urging the user to board quickly. As a result, even if the elevator car 5 is already stationary at the boarding area, the user will know that the elevator car 5 will depart soon due to a boarding call registered on another floor, and will attempt to board the elevator car 5 immediately. As a result, if other users are already on board the elevator car 5, multiple users can travel to their destination floor together, and the elevator 7 is controlled in an energy-saving manner. Also, if the elevator car 5 is empty, the user who has been prompted to board will board, preventing the elevator car 5 from moving to another floor while empty.

[0102] Furthermore, the selection setting unit 14 determined in step S21 whether the elevator car 5 was stationary or not as part of the elevator's operating status. Here, it is assumed that the elevator car 5 is a model that enters a standby or sleep mode, such as by turning off the lights inside the car 5, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the car 5 stopped. If the car 5 enters sleep mode, it is possible to shorten the allowable waiting time for the selection in order to keep it in sleep mode for as long as possible. The selection setting unit 14 determines that if the allowable waiting time is set short, the user is more likely to select the allowable waiting registration button 55, which is one of the selection options. For example, if the allowable waiting time is 20 seconds, the user is less likely to select the allowable waiting registration button 55, but if the allowable waiting time is 10 seconds, the user is more likely to tolerate the waiting time and is therefore expected to select the allowable waiting registration button 55.

[0103] Since the elevator car 5 consumes very little power while in sleep mode, it is more energy-efficient for the elevator 7 to continue in sleep mode than to wake it up. Therefore, the display control unit 13a displays the waiting allowance registration button 55, which is an option with a short allowable waiting time, and encourages users to select the waiting allowance registration button 55 whenever possible. When a user selects the waiting allowance registration button 55, the elevator car 5 stays in sleep mode for a few seconds longer, resulting in a longer sleep time compared to when the normal landing call registration button 54 is selected, thus saving energy for the elevator 7.

[0104] Furthermore, while there are currently two options for acceptable waiting time—immediate (no acceptable waiting time) and 20 seconds—the number of boarding call registration buttons could also be increased as an option. For example, if there were three options—immediate, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds—the probability of a user arriving would increase slightly with the 10-second difference between 20 seconds and 30 seconds, but the difference would not be significant, and the effect would not change much. However, by displaying multiple boarding call registration buttons as three options on the boarding call registration screen 51, it becomes easier for users to select the boarding call registration button for the 20-second option, which is between immediate and 30 seconds. For this reason, the mobile terminal 50 may have multiple waiting allowance registration buttons 55 corresponding to multiple options on the boarding call registration screen 51, in addition to the boarding call registration button 54. In this case, the display control unit 13a activates the multiple waiting allowance registration buttons 55 when multiple options are set to be active. The call reception unit 13b then receives a landing call output from the landing call device 21 when one of the multiple enabled waiting permission registration buttons 55 is selected.

[0105] Furthermore, when registering elevator calls using a mobile terminal 50 that can identify users, the operator can identify users who have cooperated in energy conservation (referred to as "cooperators"). For this reason, measures to encourage cooperation may be implemented, such as awarding points to cooperators based on the number of times they have cooperated in energy conservation and the acceptable waiting time they have chosen to tolerate. As for how to use the points, for example, they could be redeemed for priority use of elevator 7. However, in the small building envisioned in this embodiment, there are not many elevators, so there is a concern that giving priority use to specific users may lead to a decrease in the transport efficiency of elevator 7. Therefore, if there is a commercial facility in the building 9, it may be considered to allow points to be redeemed at the commercial facility.

[0106] The expected energy savings may also be displayed on the message display unit 56 in (c) requests for cooperation in saving electricity and (d) requests to encourage boarding. This display allows users to know the expected energy savings and is expected to cooperate in saving electricity by boarding the elevator car 5 within the allowable waiting time.

[0107] Furthermore, multiple users on the same floor may register a landing call with only a slight time difference. If one user registers a regular landing call using the landing call registration button 54, and another user registers a landing call that allows for a waiting time using the waiting time allowance registration button 55, the regular landing call takes precedence.

[0108] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, an elevator 7 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10. In the elevator 7 according to the fourth embodiment, a message is displayed on a landing display device 60 installed at the landing. In addition, the landing call device 21 can switch between a normal landing call and a landing call that allows a waiting time, depending on the length of time the upward button 211 is pressed by the user.

[0109] Figure 10 shows an example of the installation of the landing display device 60 and an example of the message displayed. Figure 10 shows the landing of elevator 7 on the first floor of building 9 shown in Figure 1.

[0110] A landing call device 21, a landing display device 60, and a landing door 70 are installed at the landing on the first floor. The landing display device 60 is mounted above the landing call device 21. Messages displayed on the landing display device 60 are transmitted from the display control unit 13a.

[0111] The landing call device 21 is equipped only with an upward-facing button 211 (an example of a call registration unit) for selecting a landing call, and does not have the waiting button 212 shown in Figure 1. Since the landing call device 21 is installed on the lowest floor, whether or not an option has been selected is determined by the length of time the user presses the upward-facing button 211.

[0112] Therefore, the display control unit 13a activates the upward button 211 when the option is set to be effective. The call reception unit 13b accepts the landing call output from the activated upward button 211, assuming that the user has selected the option for an acceptable waiting time if the time required for the landing call registration operation to the upward button 211 is either less than the threshold time or greater than the threshold time. In the fourth embodiment, if the time required for the landing call registration operation is greater than or equal to the threshold time, it is assumed that the user has selected the option for an acceptable waiting time.

[0113] (a) If there are no options, nothing will be displayed on the landing display device 60. Therefore, whether or not the user presses and holds the upward button 211 does not affect the selection of an option.

[0114] (b) If there is an option, the boarding display device 60 will display the message "Energy saving selected" to indicate that energy saving is an option. The boarding display device 60 will also display the message "Press and hold button if in a hurry" to indicate that users who wish to board the elevator car 5 in a hurry should press and hold the upward button 211. If the upward button 211 is pressed for, for example, less than 2 seconds, the user is considered to have accepted the waiting time, and the elevator car 5 will be dispatched automatically after the accepted waiting time (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed. On the other hand, if the upward button 211 is pressed for, for example, 2 seconds or more, the user is considered not to have accepted the waiting time, and the elevator car 5 will be dispatched immediately.

[0115] Furthermore, if a user accepts a waiting time, and elevator car 5 is dispatched before the accepted waiting time has elapsed, the doors of elevator car 5 may be kept closed to prevent passengers from boarding. Conversely, if a user does not accept a waiting time, the doors of the dispatched elevator car 5 may be opened immediately to allow passengers to board immediately. This makes it possible to control elevators according to the accepted waiting time, regardless of the elevator control system, such as elevators where the dispatch floor is predetermined.

[0116] (c) In the case of a request for cooperation in saving electricity, the message "Request for cooperation in saving electricity" will be displayed on the boarding area display device 60 as a message indicating that users are being asked to cooperate in saving electricity. (c) Even in the case of a request for cooperation in saving electricity, for users who want to board the car 5 in a hurry, the message "Press and hold the button if you are in a hurry" will be displayed as a message indicating that the upward button 211 should be pressed and held.

[0117] (d) In the case of a request to encourage boarding, since a passenger is waiting in the bus car 5, it is desirable for passengers who arrive at the boarding area later to board as soon as possible. For this reason, the boarding area display device 60 displays the message "Request for cooperation in sharing a ride" to encourage passengers to board.

[0118] Furthermore, the display control unit 13a may reverse the setting for the length of time the user presses the upward button 211 when (b) there is a choice, compared to when (c) a request for cooperation in saving electricity. For example, the user may press the button for a short time when calling the elevator car 5 as before, and for a longer time when a waiting period is acceptable.

[0119] Furthermore, the display control unit 13a may display information on the landing display device 60 regarding the expected effects when an enabled option is selected. For example, the display control unit 13a may display expected values ​​for energy saving and CO2 reduction on the landing display device 60, similar to the landing call registration screen 51 (see Figure 8) according to the third embodiment.

[0120] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various forms are conceivable for the landing call device 21 and the landing display device 60. Furthermore, as long as there is an option for the allowable waiting time, and the effect or content of the request is displayed on the screen, the form of the landing call device 21 and the landing display device 60 can be anything.

[0121] Furthermore, while this example uses the case of one elevator 7, there can be multiple elevators 7. However, when there are multiple elevators 7, energy-saving control must be implemented even within the group control system that manages the multiple elevators 7. For this reason, the group control system must prioritize group management to avoid adverse effects on the entire group of elevators 7 it controls.

[0122] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other applications and modifications can be taken as long as they do not depart from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the embodiments described above are detailed and specific explanations of the configuration of the apparatus and system in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace some of the configurations of the embodiments described here with the configurations of other embodiments, and it is also possible to add the configurations of other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each embodiment with other configurations. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In reality, it is safe to assume that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1…Elevator control device, 7…Elevator, 8…Remote monitoring center, 10…Elevator system, 11…Elevator travel control unit, 13…Landing call device control unit, 13a…Display control unit, 13b…Call reception unit, 14…Selection setting unit, 21…Landing call device, 211…Up button, 212…Waiting allow button

Claims

1. A call receiving unit that receives a call from a call station device that selects the allowable waiting time until boarding the elevator car, The elevator includes a travel control unit that controls the movement of the elevator car according to the landing call received by the call reception unit and the state of the elevator car in which it is traveling. Elevator.

2. A selection setting unit sets the options for the allowable waiting time based on the usage status of the elevator, The system includes a landing call device control unit that, when the aforementioned options are set, performs control to enable the selection of the aforementioned options provided in the landing call device, The travel control unit ensures that when the call receiving unit receives a call to the boarding area from the boarding area calling device based on the selected options, the passenger can board the car at the boarding area after a time equal to the time the call receiving unit received the boarding area call plus the allowable waiting time. The elevator according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned option setting unit enables or disables the options based on the elevator usage status, which changes according to the time of day or date. The elevator according to claim 2.

4. The building in which the elevator is installed is equipped with an energy management device that manages the energy consumption of at least the building's equipment, including the elevator. The selection setting unit and the energy management device are provided with an interface unit through which information including at least a power saving command is transmitted, The aforementioned option setting unit sets the option to enable or disable based on the power saving command. The elevator according to claim 2.

5. The option setting unit sets the options to be enabled or disabled according to the value of greenhouse gases relative to the unit amount of electricity determined for each time period. The elevator according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned landing calling device includes a waiting allowance selection unit used as the option, The landing call device control unit activates the waiting allowance selection unit when the selection is set to be effective. The call receiving unit receives the landing call output from the landing calling device when the activated waiting allowance selection unit is selected. The elevator according to claim 3.

7. The aforementioned boarding area calling device is a portable terminal carried by the user. The display unit of the mobile terminal displays one or more waiting options used as the selection options. The landing call device control unit activates the waiting allowance selection unit when the selection is set to be effective. The call receiving unit receives the landing call output from the mobile terminal when the activated waiting allowance selection unit is selected. The elevator according to claim 3.

8. The landing call device control unit displays information regarding the expected effects when the activated option is selected. The elevator according to claim 6.

9. The aforementioned boarding area calling device control unit notifies the boarding area calling device that a passenger is ready to board. The elevator according to claim 6.

10. The process involves selecting the acceptable waiting time before boarding the elevator car, calling a passenger from a passenger call device, and having the reception desk accept the call. The process includes a step of controlling the movement of the elevator car according to the landing call received by the call reception unit and the state of the elevator in which the elevator car is traveling. A method for controlling vehicle movement.

Images