Elevator system and elevator control method

Abstract

The present application relates to an elevator system and an elevator control method, and is capable of improving operability even when a non-contact sensor is added to an operation panel having a contact sensor. The operation panel (operation panel (40)) has: a contact sensor (42) that accepts a contact operation; a non-contact sensor (43) that accepts a non-contact operation; and an input processing section (21) that transmits, to an elevator control device (10), a designation of a destination floor detected by the contact sensor (42) and a designation of a destination floor detected by the non-contact sensor (43). In a process of detecting selection of a destination floor based on a non-contact operation, when selection of a destination floor based on a contact operation is accepted, the input processing section (21) transmits a destination floor selected by the contact operation to the elevator control device (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an elevator system and an elevator control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, in a car of an elevator, as an operation panel, a destination floor registration button that registers a destination floor is arranged, and an occupant who gets into the car performs an operation of pressing the destination floor registration button of a target floor. For example, when 10th floor is the target floor, the occupant performs an operation of pressing the destination floor registration button of 10th floor from among the destination floor registration buttons arranged on the operation panel. By pressing the destination floor registration button of 10th floor, the display color of the pressed destination floor registration button of 10th floor changes to a conspicuous color, and it is known that 10th floor is registered as the destination floor.

[0003] As a structure that heightens such a conventional destination floor registration button, a touch panel with a display function is proposed to be arranged as an operation panel (operation panel) in the car. In addition, as an infectious disease countermeasure in recent years, a non-touch panel of a non-contact type is proposed to be substituted for the touch panel. The non-touch panel of the non-contact type is operated by the occupant bringing a finger close to a button displayed on a display panel.

[0004] For example, in Patent Literature 1, a destination floor registration device is disclosed that has a plurality of buttons for an occupant to perform destination floor registration, a distance measuring unit that detects a distance between an object such as a finger of the occupant and each of the plurality of buttons, a control unit that performs destination floor registration based on the detected distance between the object and the buttons, and a detection state prompting unit that prompts the occupant of a detection state of the object with respect to each of the buttons based on the detected distance between the object and the buttons. That is, the technology described in Patent Literature 1 uses buttons and a non-contact sensor (non-contact sensor).

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-162307 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the technology described in Patent Literature 1, in a touch operation with respect to the buttons based on the finger, in a case where an entering angle of the finger toward the buttons is inclined with respect to the operation surface, and in a case where other fingers approach the surface of the panel when touching the buttons, in addition to the touched button, an operation with respect to other buttons is sometimes detected by the non-contact sensor. Therefore, there is a problem that an undesirable button selection occurs, which leads to a decrease in operability.

[0009] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to improve operability even when a non-contact sensor is added to an operation panel having a contact sensor.

[0010] Means for solving the problem

[0011] To solve the above problem, an elevator system of one embodiment of the present application has an operation panel that receives selection of a destination floor based on both a contact operation and a non-contact operation, wherein the operation panel has: a contact sensor that receives the contact operation; a non-contact sensor that receives the non-contact operation; and an input processing portion that transmits, to an elevator control device, designation of a destination floor detected by the contact sensor and designation of a destination floor detected by the non-contact sensor.

[0012] In detecting selection of a destination floor based on the non-contact operation, when selection of a destination floor based on the contact operation is received, the input processing portion transmits the destination floor selected by the contact operation to the elevator control device.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, operability can be improved even when a non-contact sensor is added to an operation panel having a contact sensor.

[0015] The above-described problems, structures, and effects other than the above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a structure example of an elevator system of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure example of a control terminal of the elevator system of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display panel in a car of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0019] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a display example (numeric key input mode) of the display panel of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0020] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a display example (floor button input mode) of the display panel of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0021] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a display of the display panel of the first embodiment example of the present application and a change example thereof.

[0022] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a first example of the structure of a display panel and a sensor used in the operation panel configuration of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0023] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a second example of the structure of a display panel and a sensor used in the operation panel configuration of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0024] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a third example of the structure of a display panel and a sensor used in the operation panel configuration of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0025] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a non-contact control example at the time of input operation in the operation panel of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0026] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration processing of a destination floor of the first embodiment example of the present application.

[0027] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a non-contact control example at the time of input operation in the operation panel of the second embodiment example of the present application.

[0028] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration processing of a destination floor of the second embodiment example of the present application.

[0029] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of an elevator system of the third embodiment example of the present application.

[0030] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an operation example at the time of a maintenance operation mode in the operation panel used in the third embodiment example of the present application.

[0031] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a processing example (first half) at the time of a maintenance operation of the elevator system of the third embodiment example of the present application.

[0032] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a processing example (second half) at the time of a maintenance operation of the elevator system of the third embodiment example of the present application.

[0033] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0034] 10... elevator control device, 11... initial setting display information holding section, 12... display information processing section, 13... display information transmitting section, 14... destination floor registration / cancel processing section, 15... operation control section, 20... control terminal, 30a... CPU, 30b... main storage section, 30c... nonvolatile recorder, 30d... network interface, 30e... input section, 30f... output section, 21... input processing section, 22... input information transmitting section, 23... registered floor registration operation processing section, 24... registered floor display processing section, 25... sound output determination section, 40... operation panel, 41, 41A... display panel, 41a... destination floor display area, 41b... registered floor display area, 42, 42A, 42B... contact sensor, 43... noncontact sensor, 44... sound device, 45... maintenance switch, 101... floor input button, 102... registration button, 103... input floor, 104... cancel button, 105... input guide, 106... screen switching button, 111... destination floor button, 107... registered floor column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, an example of a mode for carrying out the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and drawings, structural elements having substantially the same function or structure are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0036] <First Embodiment>

[0037] [Structure of Elevator System]

[0038] Figure 1 A structure example of an elevator system of the first embodiment example is shown.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1 , the elevator system of the present embodiment example has an elevator control device 10 and a control terminal 20. The control terminal 20 has a function as a so-called destination floor registration device, and is provided in a car 50 Figure 3 . In addition, the elevator control device 10 shown in Figure 1 is a structure example related to the setting of the destination floor and the registered floor, and other structures such as the travel control of the car 50 are omitted.

[0040] The elevator control device 10 controls the travel (elevating) of the car 50 based on the hoist motor, according to the operation of the car call button at each floor and the registration operation of the destination floor in the car 50.

[0041] The control terminal 20 is arranged in the car 50, and a display panel 41 Figure 3 with an input function is arranged in an operation panel 40 Figure 3The display in the operation panel 40 and the sound output in the sound device 44 are controlled. In the operation panel 40, in addition to the display panel 41, a contact sensor 42 that detects a contact input (touch) of an object such as a user's finger to the surface of the display panel 41 and a non-contact sensor 43 that detects a non-contact input of an object such as a user's finger that approaches the display panel 41 are arranged. That is, in the operation panel 40, an operation panel that accepts selection of the destination floor based on both the contact operation of the contact sensor 42 and the non-contact operation of the non-contact sensor 43 is formed. The control terminal 20 detects the contact input and the non-contact input to the display panel 41 by the contact sensor 42 and the non-contact sensor 43 and transmits an instruction to the elevator control device 10.

[0042] The display panel 41 has a destination floor registration area 41a and a registration floor display area 41b. In the following description, in the case of being called an input operation, an input operation including a non-contact and an operation of directly touching (including substantial touch) the surface of the display panel 41 with a finger is included.

[0043] Further, the destination floor indicates a target floor on which a user who rides the car 50 gets off, and the registration floor indicates a floor that is registered to the elevator control device 10 as the destination floor. That is, the user inputs the target floor through the operation panel 40 in the car 50, performs an operation of setting the destination floor, thereby registering the destination floor to the elevator control device 10, and the display panel 41 displays the registration floor, and the car 50 stops at the registration floor. However, there is a case where the car 50 stops at a floor other than the registration floor due to a car call at a landing, or the like.

[0044] (CONTROL SYSTEM OF CONTROL TERMINAL)

[0045] The structure of the control system of the control terminal 20 is described, and the control terminal 20 has an input processing section 21, an input information transmission section 22, a destination floor registration operation processing section 23, a registration floor display processing section 24, and a sound output determination section 25.

[0046] The input processing section 21 performs input processing on information on the detection state of a finger or the like that contacts (touches) the display panel 41 based on the contact sensor 42, and information on the detection state of a finger or the like that does not contact the display panel 41 based on the non-contact sensor 43. Further, the input processing section 21 determines which display site the finger or the like contacts or approaches in the display panel 41, and whether a contact operation or a non-contact operation is performed, with respect to the detection state information that has been subjected to input processing. That is, the input processing section 21 detects the coordinates on the display panel 41 (for example, the destination floor registration area 41a) of the user's operation, based on the output signals of the contact sensor 42 and the non-contact sensor 43, respectively. Further, the input processing section 21 determines what kind of input operation (instruction or the like) has been performed, based on the detected coordinates on the display panel 41.

[0047] The input information transmission section 22 performs input information transmission processing of transmitting information on the contact operation or the non-contact operation determined by the input processing section 21 (the content of the user's input operation on the operation panel 40) to the elevator control device 10. The input processing section 21 can also have the function of the input information transmission section 22.

[0048] The destination floor registration operation processing section 23 determines whether the mode of the display screen of the destination floor registration area 41a of the display panel 41 is the floor selection mode or the numeric key input mode. Specific display examples of the floor selection mode and the numeric key input mode are described later ( Figures 4-6 ). The mode determination in the destination floor registration operation processing section 23 is performed in accordance with an instruction from the elevator control device 10. The destination floor registration operation processing section 23 performs display processing of the registration floor display area 41b of the display panel 41 based on information transmitted from the elevator control device 10 in accordance with the user's destination floor registration operation. Further, the destination floor registration operation processing section 23 performs processing of updating the display of the destination floor registration area 41a of the display panel 41 at a prescribed timing (for example, a certain period).

[0049] The registration floor display processing section 24 receives information on the registration floor set by the elevator control device 10, and performs registration floor display processing of causing the registration floor display area 41b of the display panel 41 to display the registration floor in the order of floors. Further, the destination floor registration operation processing section 23 performs processing of updating the display of the registration floor display area 41b of the display panel 41 at a prescribed timing (for example, a certain period).

[0050] Furthermore, the display processing of the destination floor registration operation processing unit 23 and the registration floor display processing unit 24 can also be performed based on information from the input processing unit 21. Since the destination floor registration operation processing unit 23 and the registration floor display processing unit 24 do not obtain display information and perform display processing via the network between the elevator control device 10 and the control terminal 20, their availability is increased.

[0051] The sound output determination unit 25 determines whether it is time to output a sound based on the input information from the input processing unit 21. When it is determined that it is time to output a sound, it outputs a sound from the sound device 44 located on the operation panel 40. The sounds output by the sound device 44 include operation sounds indicating input operation detection, and various guidance sounds used to inform passengers inside the car 50. The determination of the timing of the output sound in the sound output determination unit 25 is based on information from the elevator control device 10 and the status of the control terminal 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the operating tone and other notification sounds output by the sound device 44 can change at least one of frequency, volume, and timbre according to preset conditions. For example, the sound device 44 performs processing to change at least one of the frequency, volume, and timbre of the output operating tone according to a time period.

[0053] (The control system of the elevator control device)

[0054] The structure of the control system of the elevator control device 10 will be described. The elevator control device 10 includes: an initial setting display information holding unit 11, a display information processing unit 12, a display information sending unit 13, and a destination floor registration / cancellation processing unit 14.

[0055] The initial setting display information holding unit 11 holds the initial setting display information of the elevator displayed in the destination floor registration area 41a of the display panel 41. The initial setting display information includes, for example, the floor name of the destination floor (entrance floor, lobby floor, parking floor, etc.), the floor to be operated on fast track, and the floor to be operated locally. The initial setting display information varies depending on the building where the elevator is installed and the elevator number.

[0056] The display information processing unit 12 performs display information processing to display the destination layer on the display panel 41 according to the initial setting display information for the destination layer held by the initial setting display information holding unit 11. Here, the display information processing unit 12 is supplied with registration and cancellation information for the destination layer from the destination layer registration / cancellation processing unit 14. When there is registration or cancellation of a destination layer, the display information processing unit 12 generates display information reflecting the corresponding registration or cancellation information and outputs it to the display information sending unit 13.

[0057] The display information transmission section 13 transmits the display information obtained by the display information processing section 12 to the registration floor display processing section 24 and the destination floor registration operation processing section 23 of the control terminal 20.

[0058] The destination floor registration / cancel processing section 14 receives input information from the input information transmission section 22 of the control terminal 20, and determines the operation of registration or cancellation of the destination floor in the operation panel 40 of the car 50. Further, the destination floor registration / cancel processing section 14 outputs the determination result of registration or cancellation of the destination floor to the display information processing section 12.

[0059] [Hardware configuration of control terminal]

[0060] Figure 2 A hardware configuration example in the case where the control terminal 20 is constituted by a computer is shown.

[0061] The control terminal 20 is constituted using a computer device 30. The computer device 30 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30a, a main storage section 30b, a non-volatile recorder 30c, a network interface 30d, an input section 30e, and an output section 30f, which are connected to a bus, respectively.

[0062] The CPU 30a is an operation processing section that reads out and executes program codes of software that realize the functions performed by the control terminal 20 from the main storage section 30b or the non-volatile recorder 30c.

[0063] The CPU 30a reads out program codes from the main storage section 30b or the non-volatile recorder 30c, and performs operation processing in the work area of the main storage section 30b, whereby various processing function sections are constituted in the main storage section 30b. That is, the input processing section 21, the destination floor registration operation processing section 23, the registration floor display processing section 24, the sound output determination section 25, and the like shown in the drawing are constituted in the main storage section 30b. Figure 1

[0064] In the non-volatile recorder 30c, a large-capacity information storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or the like is used. In the non-volatile recorder 30c, software that realizes the functions possessed by the control terminal 20, data obtained by execution of the program, and data necessary for display screen setting are stored.

[0065] ​In the network interface 30d, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like is used, and data is transmitted and received with other devices such as the elevator control device 10 via the network interface 30d. For example, the function of the input information transmission section 22 is realized by the network interface 30d.

[0066] The input section 30e performs input processing of information related to the detection state of the contact sensor 42 and the non-contact sensor 43.

[0067] The output section 30f performs processing of supplying display data to the destination floor registration area 41a and the registered floor display area 41b of the display panel 41. In addition, the output section 30f outputs sound data to the sound device 44.

[0068] Further, as with the control terminal 20, the hardware structure of the elevator control device 10 can also be realized by the computer device 30. In this case, the CPU 30a of the computer device 30 possessed by the elevator control device 10 executes program codes of software that realize the functions performed by the elevator control device 10, whereby each processing section such as the display information processing section 12 and the destination floor registration / cancel processing section 14 is constituted in the main storage section 30b. Figure 1

[0069] Further, as with the control terminal 20, the hardware structure of the elevator control device 10 can also be realized by the computer device 30. In this case, the CPU 30a of the computer device 30 possessed by the elevator control device 10 executes program codes of software that realize the functions performed by the elevator control device 10, whereby each processing section such as the display information processing section 12 and the destination floor registration / cancel processing section 14 is constituted in the main storage section 30b. Figure 2

[0070] [Configuration of display panel in car]

[0071] Figure 3 An example in which the display panel 41 is provided in the car 50 possessed by the elevator system of the present embodiment example is shown.

[0072] Figure 3 is a view of the vicinity of the door 51 of the car 50 as viewed from the inside of the car 50. The door side side plates 52 and 53 are arranged on the left and right sides of the door 51. Here, the door side side plate 53 on the right side of the door 51 is provided with the operation panel 40.

[0073] ​​The control panel 40 includes a display panel 41, a contact sensor 42, a non-contact sensor 43, and a sound device 44. As described above, the contact sensor 42 detects fingers or other objects touching the surface of the display panel 41. The non-contact sensor 43 detects fingers or other objects approaching the surface of the display panel 41 within a specified distance.

[0074] Additionally, a card reader 32 is located below the display panel 41 of the control panel 40. This card reader 32 is used, for example, to authenticate a passenger's IC card and register a floor with security settings as the destination floor. Furthermore, a maintenance switch 45 is located below the card reader 32 of the control panel 40. Maintenance personnel operate the maintenance switch to switch the elevator system to maintenance operation mode. The maintenance operation mode will be explained in the second embodiment.

[0075] The display panel 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, and is arranged in a longitudinal manner that converges to the width of the door side panel 53. As illustrated in the display example described later, the display panel 41 is capable of displaying characters, numbers, and various graphics.

[0076] The contact sensor 42 is, for example, a touch sensor that detects touch operations by objects such as a passenger's finger. Generally, the contact sensor 42 is integrally assembled with the display panel 41. As the contact sensor 42, a touch panel (touchscreen) of the resistive film type, electrostatic capacitive type, or infrared type can be used. The infrared type contact sensor has the same structure as the non-contact sensor 43.

[0077] That is, the non-contact sensor 43, for example, is an infrared sensor, which is disposed at the left end of the display panel 41 to detect when a finger or other object approaches the surface of the display panel 41.

[0078] exist Figure 3 In this example, the non-contact sensor 43 is configured to protrude slightly from the surface of the display panel 41, and is able to scan the surface of the display panel 41 using sensor waves (scan lines) such as infrared light.

[0079] The non-contact sensor 43, for example, detects objects such as fingers approaching the surface of the display panel 41 from a distance of several centimeters to several millimeters based on the reflection of infrared light. At this time, the non-contact sensor 43 also detects the coordinate position of the approaching finger or other object on the display panel 41. In addition, using an infrared sensor as the non-contact sensor 43 is one example; it is also possible to detect objects such as fingers approaching the surface of the display panel 41 by using a sensor with a unit other than infrared light.

[0080] The sound device 44 is disposed, for example, above the display panel 41, and outputs an operation sound, various guide sounds, and the like from a built-in speaker. As shown in Figure 3 The sound device 44 is disposed, for example, above the display panel 41, and outputs an operation sound, various guide sounds, and the like from a built-in speaker. As shown in

[0081] The non-contact sensor 43 can also detect the approach of a finger based on an electrostatic capacitance value. The non-contact sensor that detects the electrostatic capacitance value is, for example, integrally assembled to the display panel 41.

[0082] In the example of Figure 3 The display panel 41 and the non-contact sensor 43 are disposed as the operation panel 40, but, for example, a button that indicates opening and closing of the door, an emergency reporting button, and the like can be disposed in the vicinity of the display panel 41. Alternatively, a button that indicates opening and closing of the door, an emergency reporting button can be displayed on the display panel 41.

[0083] Further, the operation panel 40 and the display panel 41 are disposed on the right door side side plate 53 of the door 51, but the operation panel 40 and the display panel 41 can be disposed on the left door side side plate 52 of the door 51. In this case, the operation panel 40 and the display panel 41 can be disposed on either one of the left and right door side side plates 52 and 53, or the operation panel 40 and the display panel 41 can be disposed on both of the left and right door side side plates 52 and 53. Further, in the case where the operation panel 40 and the display panel 41 are disposed on both of the left and right door side side plates 52 and 53, the touch panel and the button that detect a touch operation of a passenger can be provided for either one of the operation panels 40.

[0084] [Display method of display panel]

[0085] Next, the display method of the display panel 41 will be described with reference to Figures 4-6 to the display panel 41 will be described.

[0086] As already described, the display panel 41 has a destination floor registration area 41a and a registration floor display area 41b. As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The destination floor registration area 41a is disposed in a region on the right side of the display panel 41, and the registration floor display area 41b is disposed in a region on the left side of the display panel 41. The registration floor display area 41b is a region whose width is narrow enough to display the number of registration floors in one column (or two columns) vertically, and the remaining region is all the destination floor registration area 41a.

[0087] Furthermore, the dimensions of both the destination layer registration area 41a and the registration layer display area 41b can be variable. See below for reference. Figures 4-6 A detailed explanation of the various display methods is provided.

[0088] In this embodiment, the input mode for the destination floor includes a numeric keypad input mode and a floor selection mode.

[0089] (Number key input mode)

[0090] Figure 4 The display shown is an example of the numeric keypad input mode. In numeric keypad input mode, the destination floor registration area 41a is displayed as a numeric keypad, allowing users to input the floor number numerically.

[0091] That is, in the destination floor registration area 41a, there are floor input buttons 101, registration buttons 102, floor entered 103, cancel buttons 104, input guides 105, and screen switching buttons 106, consisting of 10 number buttons (0, 1, 2, 3, ..., 9) and a "B" button indicating the underground floor.

[0092] exist Figure 4 In the example, it means that when the finger is close to "6" in the floor input button 101, "6" is displayed in the column of the floor 103 that has been entered.

[0093] In Input Guide 105, the prompting message is displayed in Japanese, such as “Please enter a destination floor,” and in English, it is displayed in the same way, such as “Please select a destination floor.”

[0094] The system displays the value entered via floor input button 101 and the letter "B" when floor 103 has been entered. When the button following "B" is pressed, the system displays the basement level as if it were "B1".

[0095] Furthermore, even when a two-digit value is entered, followed by the value "B", if a floor where the elevator does not stop (a floor that does not exist in the building) is entered, the corresponding operation is invalid. The entered floor is not displayed in the entered floor 103, or the entered floor is displayed in the entered floor 103 before the registration button 102 is selected, but after selection, a message such as "Does not stop on this floor" is displayed, indicating that call registration cannot be performed.

[0096] The registration button 102 is a button that will be displayed on the floor 103 that has been entered, confirming it as the registration floor.

[0097] The cancel button 104 is a button for canceling the operation of displaying the floor that has been input to the floor input button 103. This cancel button 104 can be displayed at all times, but can also be displayed only in the case where there is an input of a floor in the input floor 103 by the operation of the floor input button 101.

[0098] The screen switching button 106 is displayed as "Use of main floors / To main floors" in Japanese and English, and the display in the floor selection mode in which the floor selection buttons of the main floors are displayed is switched by the input operation of this button.

[0099] In the registered floor display area 41b, as shown in Figure 4 , the registered floor column 107 is displayed in one column vertically. In the case where there is no display in the registered floor display area 41b, it is indicated that there is no registered floor.

[0100] In the registered floor column 107, the registered floors of the floors with smaller values are displayed in ascending order from the bottom according to the arrangement of the floors in the actual building. The display of the registered floor column 107 is based on the arrangement of the floors in the actual building, and therefore, with respect to the underground floors, the values of the floors are larger as they go down.

[0101] Figure 4 The example of indicates the state where 10 registered floors are registered, and indicates that the registered floor column 107 of 10 floors is displayed using substantially the entire registered floor display area 41b.

[0102] Further, in the case where the number of registered floors is small, the registered floors are displayed filled from the bottom, for example, from the lower side of the registered floor display area 41b. For example, in the case where the registered floors are "6th floor" and "10th floor", "6" and "10" are displayed filled from the bottom in the registered floor display area 41b.

[0103] In addition, in the case where the number of registered floors decreases due to the stopping of the elevators at the floors, the remaining registered floors are also displayed filled from the bottom in the registered floor display area 41b.

[0104] However, the display filled from the lower side is an example, and the registered floors can be displayed concentrated substantially in the center, or displayed filled from the top, for example.

[0105] The display of this registered floor display area 41b is the same in the case of the floor selection mode and in the case of the numeral key input mode.

[0106] (Floor selection mode)

[0107] Figure 5The display shown is an example of the floor selection mode. In this floor selection mode, a candidate button representing the destination floor is directly displayed in the destination floor registration area 41a, and the registration floor is directly set by operating this button.

[0108] For example, in the destination floor registration area 41a, a destination floor button 111 indicating the main floor of the building, a screen switching button 112, and an input guide 105 are displayed.

[0109] exist Figure 5 In the example, the destination floor button 111 only displays buttons for the main floors with the highest stopping frequency, namely, floor 1 (entrance floor), floor 2 (lobby floor), basement 1 (fourth parking lot), basement 2 (third parking lot), basement 3 (second parking lot), and basement 4 (first parking lot). When a finger or other object approaches these destination floor buttons 111 and an input operation is performed, the floor displayed by the operated button is directly identified as the registration floor without any confirmation operation.

[0110] The screen switching button 112 displays "Usage of General Floors / To all floors" in both Japanese and English. By inputting data through this button 112, the screen switches to a floor input mode displaying number keys and other buttons. Figure 4 ).

[0111] In Input Guide 105, the prompting message is displayed in Japanese, such as “Please enter a destination floor,” and in English, it is displayed in the same way, such as “Please select a destination floor.”

[0112] The display of the registration floor display area 41b in floor selection mode is the same as that in numeric keypad input mode.

[0113] In addition, displaying the destination floor button 111 for the main floor in the floor selection mode is one example; for example, the destination floor button 111 for all floors can also be displayed.

[0114] (Switching screen modes)

[0115] Next, regarding Figure 6 The display of the destination layer registration area 41a and examples of its variations are explained. Figure 6 The display changes shown illustrate an example of switching screen modes through manual operation based on the operator's input.

[0116] For example, in the default screen is Figure 6When the floor selection mode shown in the upper left corner is displayed as M11, the destination floor button 111 of the main floor is displayed in the default screen. This default screen is, for example, the initial screen when the car door 51 is opened with no registered floor set.

[0117] Here, in Figure 6 The top left corner shows the destination layer button 111 of the main layer. On the default screen shown in M11, a finger approaches the screen switching button 112 and selects it. At this time, the default screen changes to... Figure 6 The upper right corner of the display is shown as M12. In display M12, the display color of the screen switching button 112 changes when a finger or other object is near it, indicating to the user that the corresponding button operation has been performed.

[0118] When the display color of the button changes, for example, it is preferable to change to a brighter color so that the corresponding button appears to be lit. Furthermore, this shows the state where the screen switching button 112 has been operated, but the display of the button will also change when a finger or other object approaches a button other than the screen switching button 112.

[0119] exist Figure 6 When the operation screen switching button 112 is pressed in the upper right corner of the display M12, the destination layer registration area 41a is as shown. Figure 6 The display in the lower right corner, similar to M13, has been changed to a numeric keypad input mode that displays the floor input button 101 and the registration button 102.

[0120] By registering the destination layer in this numeric keypad input mode, such as Figure 6 As shown in the lower left of display M14, registration layer column 107 is displayed in registration layer display area 41b. Figure 6 In the example at the bottom left, it is shown that the finger approaches the floor input button 101 in sequence with the numbers "1" and "9". The status "19" is displayed in the column of entered floors 103. It also shows the status of 9 registered floors (registration floor column 107) registered in the registration floor display area 41b in display M14.

[0121] Furthermore, by operating the screen switching button 106 in this numeric keypad input mode, the destination layer registration area 41a changes to... Figure 6 The top left corner shows the floor selection mode for M11.

[0122] [Example of the first structure of the control panel]

[0123] Next, refer to Figures 7-9 The structure of the control panel is explained.

[0124] Figure 7A first configuration example of a display panel and a sensor provided in the operation panel 40.

[0125] In Figure 7 the same configuration as the operation panel 40 shown in Figure 3 . That is, the operation panel 40 has a display panel 41, a contact sensor 42 using a touch panel (an example of a touch sensor), and a non-contact sensor 43 (an infrared sensor) using infrared rays. Thus, by additionally providing the non-contact sensor 43 in the touch panel type operation panel 40, both the touch operation (contact operation) and the non-touch operation (non-contact operation) of the destination floor can be performed.

[0126] The non-contact sensor 43 is configured of a plurality of light sources (omitted from the drawing) that emit light such as infrared rays and a corresponding plurality of light receivers, and is arranged in the vertical direction on the side (for example, the left side) of the display panel 41. The plurality of light sources are arranged at a prescribed interval. Similarly, the plurality of light receivers are also arranged at a prescribed interval. For example, in the case of a reflective type infrared sensor, around the operation surface, the infrared LEDs as light sources and the light receivers that receive the infrared rays reflected by an object are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the operation surface with a thickness.

[0127] In Figure 7 the example, a plurality of infrared LEDs emit infrared rays L from the left side of the display panel 41 (contact sensor 42) toward the right side. The infrared rays L are emitted in parallel to the surface (operation surface) of the contact sensor 42 laminated on the display panel 41 and at a prescribed distance of several millimeters to several centimeters or so from the surface. The plurality of beams of infrared rays L emitted from the non-contact sensor 43 are distributed in a planar manner above the operation surface of the display panel 41 (contact sensor 42 such as a touch panel).

[0128] Furthermore, information on the detection state based on contact by a user's finger or the like (touch input) in the contact sensor 42 and information on the detection state based on non-contact by a user's finger or the like (sensor input) in the non-contact sensor 43 are respectively input to the control terminal 20. Furthermore, information on the contact operation and the non-contact operation determined by the control terminal 20 is transmitted to the elevator control device 10. The input processing section 21 of the control terminal 20 Figure 1 detects the coordinates of an object such as a finger on the display panel 41 by processing the output signals from the plurality of light receivers. The elevator control device 10 transmits display information to the control terminal 20 in accordance with the operation information of the user received from the control terminal 20. Furthermore, the control terminal 20 performs screen output to the display panel 41 in accordance with the display information received from the elevator control device 10.

[0129] [Second Configuration Example of Operation Panel]

[0130] Figure 8 A second configuration example of a display panel and sensors arranged in the operation panel 40 is shown.

[0131] In Figure 8 In the example shown, the operation panel 40 has a display panel 41A, a contact sensor 42A using a physical button, and a non-contact sensor 43 using infrared rays. The button can be said to be a kind of touch sensor (contact sensor) in terms of detecting the pressing (contact) of an object such as a user's finger. The display panel 41A is, for example, integrally configured with a plurality of buttons (contact sensors 42A), and can be said to have a display embedded in the buttons of the display panel 41A. In this way, by adding the non-contact sensor 43 to the physical button-type operation panel 40, it is possible to perform button operation (contact operation) of the destination floor and non-touch operation (non-contact operation).

[0132] The non-contact sensor 43 has a plurality of infrared LED's and a corresponding plurality of detectors, which are arranged in the vertical direction on the side (for example, the left side) of the display panel 41A, respectively. Furthermore, the infrared rays L emitted from the infrared LED's are parallel to the surface of the contact sensor 42A (button) arranged in the display panel 41A, and are located at a position several mm to several cm away from the surface.

[0133] Furthermore, information on the detection state of the contact (pressing) of an object such as a user's finger in the contact sensor 42A (button pressing) and information on the detection state of the non-contact of an object such as a user's finger in the non-contact sensor 43 (sensor input) are input to the control terminal 20, respectively. Furthermore, information on the contact operation and the non-contact operation determined by the control terminal 20 is transmitted to the elevator control device 10. The elevator control device 10 transmits display information to the control terminal 20 in accordance with the operation information of the user received from the control terminal 20. Furthermore, the control terminal 20 lights up the display of the contact sensor 42A (button) arranged in the display panel 41A in accordance with the display information received from the elevator control device 10.

[0134] [Third Configuration Example of Operation Panel]

[0135] Figure 9 A third configuration example of a display panel and sensors arranged in the operation panel 40 is shown.

[0136] In Figure 9 In the example shown, the operation panel 40 has a display panel 41, a contact sensor 42B, and a non-contact sensor 43 using infrared rays. The same non-contact sensor (infrared sensor) using infrared rays as the non-contact sensor 43 is used in the contact sensor 42B.

[0137] Here, the contact sensor 42B is arranged in the vicinity of the display panel 41 compared with the non-contact sensor 43. That is, the infrared Lb emitted from the infrared LED of the contact sensor 42B is parallel to the surface of the display panel 41 and is located at a position of several mm or so from the surface.

[0138] Therefore, the contact sensor 42B can detect the state that the user's finger or the like is in contact with the surface of the display panel 41 or the state just before or after the contact. Therefore, the contact sensor 42B composed of the infrared sensor can be used as a touch sensor that substantially detects the user's touch operation (contact operation).

[0139] Thus, by additionally providing the contact sensor 42B in the non-contact panel type operation panel 40 having the non-contact sensor 43, it is possible to perform the touch operation (contact operation) and the non-touch operation (non-contact operation) of the destination floor. Further, the operation panel 40 of the present example improves the reliability and the usability by using two infrared sensors (the contact sensor 42B and the non-contact sensor 43) and making the operation input a dual system.

[0140] Further, the information of the detection state of the substantial contact of the user's finger or the like in the contact sensor 42B (touch input) and the information of the detection state of the non-contact of the user's finger or the like in the non-contact sensor 43 (sensor input) are respectively input to the control terminal 20. The information on the contact operation and the non-contact operation determined by the control terminal 20 is transmitted to the elevator control device 10. The elevator control device 10 transmits display information to the control terminal 20 in accordance with the information on the user's operation received from the control terminal 20. Further, the control terminal 20 performs the screen output to the display panel 41 in accordance with the display information received from the elevator control device 10.

[0141] Further, the example in which the infrared sensor is used in the non-contact sensor 43 and the contact sensor 42B is described, but is not limited to the example. For example, the non-contact sensor 43 and the contact sensor 42B can be configured to use an electric wave (electromagnetic wave) of a millimeter wave band or the like, an ultrasonic wave.

[0142] [Non-contact control example at the time of input operation]

[0143] Next, the non-contact control example at the time of input operation in the operation panel 40 of the first embodiment example will be described with reference to Figure 10

[0144] Figure 10 The non-contact control example at the time of input operation in the operation panel 40 of the first embodiment example is shown. Here, it is assumed that the operation panel 40 has the display panel 41A provided with the contact sensor 42A such as a button and the non-contact sensor 43. However, even in the case of using the display panel 41 provided with the contact sensor 42B such as a touch panel, the non-contact control example at the time of input operation in the operation panel 40 of the first embodiment example is the same.​Figure 7 a contact sensor 42B (for example, an infrared sensor or the like) as the contact sensor, Figure 9 the contact sensor 42B (for example, an infrared sensor or the like) as the contact sensor, the idea of the non-contact control is also the same.

[0145] (Point 1)

[0146] First, a point of the non-contact control at the time of the past input operation will be described. At the time of the operation to the contact sensor 42A (hereinafter, referred to as "button") based on the finger F (here, index finger), in a case where the entering angle of the finger F toward the button is inclined with respect to the operation surface, or in a case where the other finger approaches the surface of the display panel 41A at the time when the finger F presses the button, the operation to the other button is detected by the non-contact sensor 43 in addition to the button on which the contact operation is performed. Thereby, both of the destination layer registration based on the contact operation (contact sensor 42A) and the destination layer registration based on the non-contact operation (non-contact sensor 43) are performed. In this way, there is a problem that the unintended button selection (destination layer registration) is generated, and the operability is deteriorated.

[0147] Here, a specific example of a method in which the number of the last selected button is registered at the point of time when the finger departs from the infrared ray L (detection area) of the non-contact sensor 43 will be described. For example, as shown in the left side (1) of the upper row, the user wants to press the button "4" with the finger F, and the finger F approaches toward the button "4". At this time, the non-contact sensor 43 detects the approach of the finger F. In the drawing, the black circle indicates the object detection based on the non-contact sensor 43, and the white circle indicates the object detection based on the button. Figure 10

[0148] Next, as shown in the right side (2) of the upper row, when the user presses the button "4" with the finger F, the "4" is lit and registered as the destination layer. At this time, the non-contact sensor 43 reacts to the other finger, and the "9" different from the target layer is also lit and registered. As a result, the "4" and "9", or "49" are registered as the destination layer. Figure 10

[0149] In this way, in the case of the method in which the number of the last selected button is registered at the point of time when the finger departs from the infrared ray L of the non-contact sensor 43, at the time of the button press (contact operation), the non-contact sensor 43 sometimes detects the other finger, and the destination layer registration caused by the unintended non-contact operation is performed. Therefore, a method in which, at the time of the destination layer registration based on the button operation (contact sensor 42A), the destination layer registration based on the non-contact operation (non-contact sensor 43) is made invalid, and the operability is not deteriorated is proposed.

[0150] (Presented Method) ​​

[0151] The proposed method is to register the last detected button number by the non-contact sensor 43 at the moment the finger leaves the infrared L (detection area) of the non-contact sensor 43. In this proposed method, if destination layer registration based on the button (contact sensor 42A) occurs during the non-contact sensor 43's detection of an object, registration based on the non-contact sensor 43 at the moment the finger leaves is not performed.

[0152] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown on the left side of the lower section (1), the user wants to press button "4" with finger F and moves finger F toward button "4". At this time, non-contact sensor 43 detects the approach of finger F.

[0153] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in the center (2) of the lower section, when the user presses button "4" with finger F, "4" is illuminated and registered as the destination layer. At this time, the non-contact sensor 43 reacts to other fingers, illuminating button "9" which is different from the target layer, but does not register it.

[0154] And, as Figure 10 As shown on the right side (3) of the lower section, when the user removes finger F from button "4", other fingers also leave the infrared L of non-contact sensor 43, but no registration is performed based on non-contact sensor 43. Therefore, button "9" is turned off. As a result, "4" is registered as the destination layer.

[0155] According to the above-mentioned proposal, the method of registering the last selected button number at the moment when the finger leaves the infrared L of the non-contact sensor 43 can prevent destination layer registration caused by the non-contact sensor 43 detecting other fingers and performing unwanted non-contact operations when the button is pressed (contact operation).

[0156] In addition, Figure 10 In the example described, a non-contact control example for input operation of an operation panel with a button (contact sensor 42A) was given, but the proposed method can also be applied to an operation panel with a contact sensor 42 (touch panel). That is, by replacing the button with a button prepared in the touch panel (numeric keypad input mode, floor selection mode), the proposed method can be utilized. Similarly, the proposed method can also be applied to an operation panel with a contact sensor 42B (e.g., an infrared sensor) that detects actual contact operation.

[0157] [Destination Layer Registration Processing]

[0158] Next, refer to Figure 11 The reflection Figure 10The registration processing of the destination floor in the non-contact control example at the time of the input operation in the proposal mode will be described.

[0159] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the registration processing of the destination floor in the present embodiment example. Furthermore, the description will be given taking the case where the display panel 41 (41A) having the contact sensor 42 (touch panel) is used as an example, but the same applies to the display panel 41A provided with the contact sensor 42A (button) or the display panel 41 having the contact sensor 42B. Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9

[0160] The input processing section 21 determines whether the non-contact sensor 43 detects the approach of the object (finger) to the destination floor registration area 41a of the display panel 41 (step S1101). In step S1101, when the approach of the object to the destination floor registration area 41a is not detected (NO in step S1101), the input processing section 21 ends the processing of the present flowchart.

[0161] Then, in step S1101, when the approach of the object to the destination floor registration area 41a is detected (YES in step S1101), the input processing section 21 determines whether the area where the approach of the object is detected is the operation button within the destination floor registration area 41a (step S1102). In step S1102, when the area where the approach of the object is detected is not the operation button (NO in step S1102), the input processing section 21 stands by until the approach of the object to the operation button is detected.

[0162] Then, in step S1102, when the area where the approach of the object is detected is the operation button (YES in step S1102), the input processing section 21 causes the sound device 44 of the operation panel 40 to sound the operation sound via the sound output determination section 25 (step S1103). Next, the input processing section 21 determines whether the object has approached for a prescribed time or more (step S1104). The sounding of the operation sound in step S1103 is the output of the short-time sound for informing the user that the operation is accepted.

[0163] In addition, the output of the operation sound in this step S1103 is performed at the stage where the operation is not determined. That is, the output of the operation sound is performed before the input information transmission section 22 transmits the information based on the approach-detection operation to the elevator control device 10.

[0164] ​​​In step S1104, when the object has not approached for a prescribed time or more (NO in step S1104), the input processing section 21 repeatedly performs the determination of step S1104. The prescribed time here is set to, for example, 0.3 seconds or the like, which is assumed to be the minimum time of operation when a finger or the like is operated. Thus, it is possible to exclude the case where a finger or the like approaches the display panel 41 by mistake.

[0165] In step S1104, when it is detected that the object has approached for a prescribed time or more (YES in step S1104), the control terminal 20 changes the display brightness or display color of the operation buttons so as to make the operation buttons in the non-contact selection in a lighted state (step S1105).

[0166] Next, the input processing section 21 determines whether or not a button touch (contact operation) based on the contact sensor 42 is detected (step S1106). In step S1106, when a button touch is detected (YES in step S1106), the input processing section 21 causes the sound device 44 of the operation panel 40 to sound an operation sound (step S1107). Next, the control terminal 20 changes the display brightness or display color of the operation buttons so as to make the operation button touched by the button touch in a lighted state (step S1108).

[0167] Then, the input information sending section 22 sends information of the operation button touched to the elevator control device 10 (step S1109).

[0168] On the other hand, when a button touch is not detected in step S1106 (NO in step S1106), the input processing section 21 determines whether or not the object (finger) is detached from the infrared L (detection area) of the non-contact sensor 43 (step S1110). When the detachment of the object is not detected in step S1110 (NO in step S1110), the processing of the present flowchart is ended.

[0169] After that, when the detachment of the object is detected in step S1110 (YES in step S1110), the input information sending section 22 sends information of the operation button in the non-contact selection to the elevator control device 10 (step S1111).

[0170] After the processing of steps S1109 and S1111, the processing of the present flowchart is ended, but the input processing section 21 executes the processing of the present flowchart at a certain cycle.

[0171] As described above, the elevator system (control terminal) of the first embodiment registers the number of the last operation button detected by the non-contact sensor at the moment the finger leaves the sensor wave (e.g., infrared light) of the non-contact sensor. In this method, if a registration based on a contact operation occurs during the non-contact sensor's detection of an object, registration based on the non-contact sensor at the moment the finger leaves is not performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when a non-contact sensor is added to the operation panel (operation panel 40) which has a contact sensor, registration caused by unwanted non-contact operations can be prevented, thus improving operability.

[0172] <Second Implementation>

[0173] The second embodiment improves the destination layer registration process of the first embodiment. Figure 10 , Figure 11 (The following is for reference only.) Figures 12-13 The registration process at the destination layer in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0174] [Example of contactless control during input operation]

[0175] First, refer to Figure 12 A non-contact control example for input operations in the operation panel 40 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0176] Figure 12 This describes a non-contact control example for input operations on the operation panel 40 in the second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the operation panel 40 has a display panel 41 integrated with a contact sensor 42 (touch panel) and a non-contact sensor 43. However, even when using… Figure 8 Contact sensor 42A (e.g., button), Figure 9 The same idea applies to non-contact control when the contact sensor 42B (e.g., an infrared sensor, etc.) is used as a contact sensor.

[0177] (Problem Point 2)

[0178] As a premise, consider a configuration where the spacing between the operation buttons constituting the contact sensor 42 (hereinafter referred to as the "touch panel") is as narrow as that of a number keypad. For example, as Figure 12 As shown in the upper left end (1), the user wants to press the operation button "2" with his finger F, so that his finger F is tilted relative to the operation surface and approaches the operation button "2". At this time, the non-contact sensor 43 detects the approach of the finger F, and the operation button "3" adjacent to the operation button "2" lights up.

[0179] Next, as Figure 12As shown in the upper left (1), when the user presses the operation button "2" with the finger F, the operation button "2" is lit and registered. At this time, the finger F is tilted, and thus the reaction to the operation button "3" also continues through the non-contact sensor 43.

[0180] Next, as shown in Figure 12 As shown in the upper right (3), when the user removes the finger F from the operation button "2", the operation button "2" is turned off. The user further removes the finger F, but removes the finger F in the same direction at substantially the same angle as when approaching, and thus the finger F or another finger contacts the infrared ray L (the detection area) to continue the reaction (lighting) of the operation button "3".

[0181] Next, as shown in Figure 12 As shown in the right end (4), when the finger F and another finger are completely removed from the infrared ray L of the non-contact sensor 43, the operation button "3" last detected by the non-contact sensor 43 at the time point of the removal is registered. As a result, a case where "23" is registered as the destination floor is caused.

[0182] Thus, in a case where the interval of the operation buttons is narrow, when the approach angle of the finger F is tilted, even in a manner where the last selected operation button is registered at the time point of the removal of the finger F from the infrared ray L of the non-contact sensor 43, there is a case where the registration of the destination floor by an unintended non-contact operation is performed.

[0183] (Proposed manner)

[0184] Thus, a method is proposed in which, in a case where the registration based on the button touch (contact operation) is caused during the detection of the object by the non-contact sensor 43, the detection by the non-contact sensor 43 is not performed during a period from the registration based on the button touch to the removal of the finger from the infrared ray L (the detection area).

[0185] For example, as shown in Figure 12 As shown in the lower left (1), when the user wants to press the operation button "2" with the finger F, the finger F approaches the operation button "2" obliquely with respect to the operation surface. At this time, the non-contact sensor 43 detects the approach of the finger F, and the adjacent operation button "3" is lit.

[0186] Next, as shown in Figure 12 As shown in the lower left (2), when the user presses the operation button "2" with the finger F, the operation button "2" is lit and registered. At this time, by the registration of the operation button "2", the detection by the non-contact sensor 43 is made invalid, and thus the adjacent operation button "3" is not detected (turned off).

[0187] Next, as shown in Figure 12As shown in the lower right corner (3), when the user removes their finger F from the operation button "2", the operation button "2" is turned off. When the finger F is further removed from the operation button "2", even if the finger F or other fingers touch the infrared light L, the button input will not be detected because the detection of the non-contact sensor 43 is set to invalid.

[0188] Furthermore, the detection of the non-contact sensor 43 is valid when finger F and other fingers have completely left the infrared L (detection area) of the non-contact sensor 43. As a result, "2" is registered as the destination layer. The timing for invalidating the detection of the non-contact sensor 43 can be set based on the registration button 102 (…). Figure 4 After the registration of the touch is completed, or after a specified period of time has elapsed since the registration was completed.

[0189] When operating the touch panel, the user does not lift their finger off the operating surface significantly, but instead slides their finger to touch the next operation button. Therefore, as in this proposal, no object detection based on the non-contact sensor 43 is performed from the time the button touch registration is completed until the finger leaves the infrared L (detection area). As a result, there is no button response (lighting and input) based on the non-contact sensor 43, improving visibility during continuous button selection and thus enhancing operability.

[0190] [Destination Layer Registration Processing]

[0191] Next, refer to Figure 13 The reflection Figure 12 The document describes the registration process at the destination layer for a non-contact control example during input operations in the proposal method.

[0192] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the registration process at the destination layer in this embodiment. Furthermore, a display panel 41 (with a contact sensor 42 (touch panel)) is used. Figure 7 This example illustrates the situation, but it can also be applied to situations where settings are configured. Figure 8 The display panel 41A of the contact sensor 42A (button), or having Figure 9 The case of the display panel 41 for the contact sensor 42B. The mounting position of the contact sensor 42B can also be on the upper or lower side of the display panel 41. As described above, this embodiment is particularly suitable for situations where the spacing between the operation buttons constituting the contact sensor is narrow.

[0193] Figure 13 The processing flow shown is, except for a portion thereof, similar to Figure 11 Same. That is, Figure 13 The processing of steps S1301 to S1306 and S1309 to S1313 Figure 11Steps S1101 to S1106 and S1107 to S1111 are the same, therefore, repeated explanations are omitted.

[0194] exist Figure 13 In step S1306, if a button touch (contact operation) based on the contact sensor 42 is detected (step S1306 is true), the input processing unit 21 invalidates the detection of the operation button based on the non-contact sensor 43 (S1307). Next, the input processing unit 21 turns off the operation button in the non-contact selection via the non-contact sensor 43 (S1308).

[0195] Next, the input processing unit 21 sounds an operation tone for button touch from the sound device 44 of the operation panel 40 (step S1309). Then, the input processing unit 21 performs the processing in steps S1310 and S1311.

[0196] In the elevator system (control terminal) of the second embodiment described above, when a registration based on a contact sensor (contact operation) is generated during the process of a non-contact sensor detecting an object, no non-contact sensor-based detection is performed from the time of the contact operation registration until the finger is removed. Therefore, even when a non-contact sensor is added to an operating panel with a contact sensor, this embodiment can further improve operability compared to the first embodiment.

[0197] As explained above, the elevator system (control terminal) of the first and second embodiments is an elevator system having an operation panel that accepts the selection of the destination floor based on both contact operation and non-contact operation. The operation panel has a contact sensor that accepts contact operation, a non-contact sensor that accepts non-contact operation, and an input processing unit that sends the designation (e.g., registration) of the destination floor detected by the contact sensor and the designation (e.g., registration) of the destination floor detected by the non-contact sensor to the elevator control device.

[0198] Furthermore, when the input processing unit detects a destination floor selection based on non-contact operation, it sends the destination floor selected through contact operation to the elevator control device when it accepts a destination floor selection based on contact operation. For example, when the input processing unit detects a destination floor selection based on non-contact operation, it invalidates the destination floor selected through non-contact operation when it accepts a destination floor selection based on contact operation, and does not accept the selection of a destination floor based on non-contact operation until the object that has operated the operation panel moves more than a predetermined distance away from the non-contact sensor.

[0199] Here, a non-contact sensor is positioned to the side of the display panel on the control panel, emitting sensor waves and detecting reflected waves from objects.

[0200] <Third Implementation Method>

[0201] Generally, elevator systems, during operation and maintenance based on the control panel, utilize a method of long-pressing the top / bottom destination floor button (physical button) to perform up / down low-speed travel (hereinafter referred to as "UP / DOWN low-speed travel"). However, when the top / bottom floor button is not displayed on the numeric keypad screen (numeric keypad input mode) or the floor selection screen (floor selection mode), the UP / DOWN low-speed travel selection cannot be performed due to the lack of the top / bottom destination floor button. Furthermore, in contactless panel control panels using non-contact sensors, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform a long-press of the destination floor button in mid-air based on a finger. Therefore, as a third embodiment of the elevator system, a method is proposed that enables UP / DOWN low-speed travel selection in a contactless panel control panel and continues to determine the selection based on easy long-press selection.

[0202] Figure 14 This describes a structural example of an elevator system according to the third embodiment.

[0203] The structure of the elevator system in this embodiment is basically the same as... Figure 1 The elevator system shown has the same structure. The following discussion focuses on the elevator system with... Figure 1 Different point pairs Figure 14 Please provide an explanation.

[0204] exist Figure 14 In the elevator control device 10 of the elevator system shown, relative to Figure 1 The elevator control device 10 shown has an additional operation control unit 15. Figure 1 The elevator control device 10 also has an operation control unit 15, but the description is omitted.

[0205] The operation control unit 15 controls the operation based on the operation of the car call buttons at each floor's station and the operation panel 40 inside the car 50. Figure 3 The operation of the elevator is controlled by registering the destination floor. For example, the operation control unit 15 obtains the registration / cancellation decision results for the destination floor based on the operation panel 40 from the destination floor registration / cancellation processing unit 14, and controls the travel (lifting) of the hoist-based car 50 according to the decision results. Furthermore, the operation control unit 15 outputs operation information related to the operation of the car 50, such as the current operation mode and the position of the car 50 within the building (elevator path), to the display information processing unit 12. Additionally, when the operation control unit 15 detects that the maintenance switch 45 installed inside the car 50 is turned on, it switches the elevator's operation mode to "maintenance operation mode".

[0206] The display information processing section 12 reflects the operation information obtained from the operation control section 15 in the display information processing. For example, according to the latest operation information, the floor where the car 50 stops is deleted from the registration floor column 107 (b) of the registration floor display area 41b. Figure 4

[0207] Next, the proposal mode in the present embodiment example will be described. Figure 15

[0208] Figure 15 An operation example at the time of maintenance operation mode in the operation panel used in the present embodiment example will be described. Here, a touch panel type operation panel 40 having a display panel 41, a contact sensor 42, and a non-contact sensor 43 (refer to FIG. 6) is exemplified, but it can also be applied to the operation panel 40 having a contact sensor 42A (refer to FIG. 7) or a contact sensor 42B (refer to FIG. 8). Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9

[0209] (1) By turning on the maintenance switch 45, the display screen of the display panel 41 of the operation panel 40 is shifted from the "normal operation mode" to the "maintenance operation mode". The "maintenance operation mode" is a mode where the UP travel button 1501 is held down to become the up low-speed travel and the DOWN travel button 1502 is held down to become the down low-speed travel.

[0210] (2) In the "maintenance operation mode", the UP travel button 1501 and the DOWN travel button 1502 are displayed in the entire screen. Each travel button is displayed in a size larger than a prescribed size, for example, a size larger than the destination floor button 111 (refer to FIG. 5). Since the hand is held down for a long time in the maintenance operation mode, it is better that the travel button is displayed in a larger size. Figure 5

[0211] At this time, the object detection size of the non-contact sensor 43 is set to a prescribed detection size, that is, a "palm size", which is a size capable of detecting an object of the order of a palm well. Thus, the non-contact operation is not performed by a finger but by the entire palm, and the low-speed travel based on the long hold of the hand H can be easily performed. Further, by setting the detection size to the "palm size", it is possible to prevent the false detection of the maintenance operation due to the contact of the elbow of the maintenance person or the goods held by the maintenance person.

[0212] (3) In order to prevent the false operation, the low-speed travel is started by the long hold of the hand H for a prescribed time (1 second). In the maintenance operation mode, the low-speed travel is performed at a relatively slow speed, for example, 15 m / minute, for safety.

[0213] ​​​​​​(4) In order to make fine adjustment of the stop position in low-speed travel easy, in low-speed travel, "low-speed travel" is guided by sound and display, and when the maintenance person makes the hand H leave the operation surface by a prescribed distance or more, travel is immediately suspended.

[0214] Next, the processing example at the time of maintenance operation in the elevator system reflecting the proposed mode of the present embodiment example will be described with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 Next, the processing example at the time of maintenance operation in the elevator system reflecting the proposed mode of the present embodiment example will be described with reference to

[0215] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Next, the processing example at the time of maintenance operation in the elevator system reflecting the proposed mode of the present embodiment example will be described with reference to Figure 16 The binder A and the binder B of the present embodiment example are connected to the Figure 17 The binder A and the binder B of the present embodiment example are connected to the

[0216] First, the input processing section 21 of the control terminal 20 judges whether the current operation mode of the elevator system is the maintenance operation mode based on the information obtained from the elevator control device 10 (step S1601). In the case where it is not the maintenance operation mode (NO in step S1601), the input processing section 21 ends the processing of the present flowchart.

[0217] Then, in the case where it is the maintenance operation mode (YES in step S1601), the input processing section 21 switches the display screen of the display panel to the screen of the maintenance operation mode (step S1602). Then, the input processing section 21 causes the display panel to display the UP travel button 1501 and the DOWN travel button 1502 Figure 15 ). Next, the input processing section 21 expands the setting of the object detection size of the non-contact sensor 43 to "palm size" (step S1603). Here, the expansion method of the object detection size can also be set to the mode of issuing an instruction from the control terminal 20 to the non-contact sensor 43 according to the difference in sensor type.

[0218] Next, the input processing section 21 judges whether the touch to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is detected (step S1604). Then, in the case where the touch to either travel button is detected (YES in step S1604), the input processing section 21 invalidates the detection of the non-contact sensor 43 (step S1605).

[0219] In addition, in the case where the touch to either travel button is not detected (NO in step S1604), the input processing section 21 judges whether the approach of the object to the operation surface is detected by the non-contact sensor 43 (step S1606). In step S1606, in the case where the object is not detected by the non-contact sensor 43 (NO in step S1606), the input processing section 21 ends the processing of the present flowchart.

[0220] After the processing in step S1605, or in the case where the object is detected by the non-contact sensor 43 in step S1606 (step S1606 Yes), the input processing portion 21 determines whether or not the operation to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is detected (step S1607). The detection of the button operation here is set to either one of the contact sensor 42 or the non-contact sensor 43 according to the determination result of step S1604 or S1606. However, in the case where the detection by the contact sensor 42 is made, the detection by the non-contact sensor 43 is set to be invalid, assuming that the failure continuation in the on state of the non-contact sensor 43 occurs, and the like. In step S1607, in the case where the operation to either one of the UP travel button 1501 and the DOWN travel button 1502 is not detected (step S1607 No), the input processing portion 21 repeats the present determination processing.

[0221] Then, in step S1607, in the case where the operation to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is detected (step S1607 Yes), the input processing portion 21 starts the sound emission based on the sound device 44 (step S1608). Here, the sound emission is continued during the period in which the operation to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is detected. Figure 3 ) is continued.

[0222] Next, the input processing portion 21 determines whether or not the selection operation to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is continued for the prescribed time or more (step S1609). In the case where the prescribed time has not passed (step S1609 No), the input processing portion 21 repeats the present determination processing.

[0223] In step S1609, in the case where the selection operation to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is continued for the prescribed time or more (step S1609 Yes), the input processing portion 21 transmits the information of the kind of the selected UP / DOWN travel button to the operation control portion 15 of the elevator control device 10 for the prescribed time or more. The operation control portion 15 starts the low-speed travel of the car 50 according to the kind of the selected UP / DOWN travel button (step S1610).

[0224] Next, the input processing portion 21 determines whether or not the operation to the UP travel button 1501 or the DOWN travel button 1502 is not detected (step S16011). In the case where the operation to the UP / DOWN travel button is continuously detected (step S16011 No), the input processing portion 21 repeats the present determination processing.

[0225] Then, in a case where the operation of the UP / DOWN travel button is not detected (YES in step S16011), the input processing part 21 transmits information indicating that the UP / DOWN travel button is not detected to the operation control part 15 of the elevator control device 10. The operation control part 15 obtains the information of the non-detection of the travel button from the input processing part 21 of the control terminal 20, and stops the low-speed travel of the car 50 (step S1612). In addition, the input processing part 21 stops the sound emission of the sound device 44 (step S1613). After the processing of step S1613, the processing of the present flowchart is ended.

[0226] As described above, in the elevator system (control terminal) of the third embodiment example, in the maintenance operation mode, the input processing part outputs an image indicating the direction of the low-speed travel to the operation panel, and expands the detection size of the object in the non-contact sensor to a prescribed detection size capable of well detecting a palm.

[0227] Further, when the object is detected on the image indicating the direction of the low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor for a prescribed time, the elevator control device starts the low-speed travel of the car, and when the object is not detected on the image indicating the direction of the low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor, the elevator control device stops the low-speed travel of the car.

[0228] In addition, in the elevator system (control terminal) of the present embodiment example, it is preferable that the input processing part invalidates the detection based on the non-contact sensor from when the operation of the travel button based on the contact sensor is detected until the maintenance operation mode is released. This is because the non-contact sensor has a high possibility of false detection compared to the contact sensor.

[0229] In the elevator system (control terminal) of the third embodiment example of the above-described structure, a structure is made in which a touch operation function (contact sensor) is added to the non-contact panel type operation panel having the non-contact sensor. In such a structure, after the detection of the touch operation (YES in S1604), the touch operation mode is set, and the non-contact sensor is invalidated (S1605) until the maintenance switch is operated again (ON / OFF). Thereby, the reliability of the maintenance operation in the non-contact panel type operation panel is improved.

[0230] In addition, in the present embodiment example, even when the off failure of the non-contact sensor occurs, the maintenance operation can be performed by the touch operation based on the contact sensor. In addition, in the present embodiment example, even when the on failure of the non-contact sensor occurs, the maintenance operation can be performed by the touch operation by invalidating the non-contact sensor. Here, the off failure is a failure in which the sensor remains off when it should be on. In addition, the on failure is a failure in which the sensor remains on when it should be off.

[0231] <Modified example>

[0232] Further, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other applications and modifications can of course be made without departing from the spirit of the present application as recited in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiments are detailed and specific embodiments of the structure of the elevator system for easy understanding of the present application, and are not limited to necessarily having all the described structural elements.

[0233] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the example in which the control terminal functioning as the destination floor control device is applied to the operation panel in the car is described, but for example, it can be applied to the operation panel (destination floor control device) provided at the landing.

[0234] Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the direction of the scanning line (sensor wave) of infrared rays or the like emitted from the non-contact sensor 43 and the contact sensor 42 is horizontal (horizontal direction) with respect to the display panel 41, but can be vertical (vertical direction). Alternatively, the non-contact sensor 43 can be disposed on either of the left and right sides of the display panel 41 and on either of the upper and lower sides, and the direction of the scanning line of infrared rays or the like can be set to both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0235] Further, as the non-contact sensor configured integrally with the light source and the light receiver, the distance measuring unit described in Patent Document 1 can be used. In this case, for example, the distance measuring unit is disposed on the upper and lower sides of the display panel on which the physical button is disposed. Further, the non-contact sensor can be disposed corresponding to the physical button. For example, the non-contact sensor can be disposed on the surface of the physical button, or the non-contact sensor can be disposed beside the physical button.

[0236] Further, the display examples of the display panel shown in the drawings are also shown as preferred examples, and are not limited to these examples.

[0237] Further, in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 14 In the block diagrams shown in Figs. 1 to 3, only the parts considered necessary for explanation are shown for the control lines and the information lines, and all the control lines and the information lines on the product are not necessarily shown. In fact, it can be considered that almost all the structures are connected to each other.

[0238] Further, Figure 11 , Figure 13 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The flow of the processes shown in the flowcharts shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is also an example, and if the results of the processes are the same, the order of a part of the processes can be changed, or a plurality of processes can be executed simultaneously.

[0239] In addition, in the case of the system described in the embodiments, regarding the program for realizing each processing function, in addition to being prepared in a nonvolatile recorder, a memory in the computer device, it can also be placed in an external memory, an IC card, an SD card, a recording medium such as an optical disc, and transmitted.

[0240] In addition, in the present specification, in the case of using the terms such as "parallel" and "orthogonal (perpendicular)", each term is not only a term indicating strict "parallel" and "orthogonal", but also includes "approximately parallel" and "approximately orthogonal" within a range in which the function thereof can be exerted.

Claims

1. An elevator system having an operation panel that accepts selection of a destination floor based on both a contact operation and a non-contact operation, characterized by the operation panel having a contact sensor that accepts the contact operation; a non-contact sensor that accepts the non-contact operation; an input processing section that transmits, to an elevator control device, a designation of a destination floor detected by the contact sensor and a designation of a destination floor detected by the non-contact sensor, in a process of detecting selection of a destination floor based on the non-contact operation, when selection of a destination floor based on the contact operation is accepted, the input processing section transmits the destination floor selected by the contact operation to the elevator control device, the input processing section outputs, to the operation panel, an image indicating a direction of low-speed travel, and enlarges a detection size of an object in the non-contact sensor to a prescribed detection size at which a palm can be detected well, when an object is detected on the image indicating the direction of low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor for a prescribed time, the elevator control device starts low-speed travel of a car, when the object is not detected on the image indicating the direction of low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor, the elevator control device stops the low-speed travel of the car.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized by in the process of detecting selection of a destination floor based on the non-contact operation, when selection of a destination floor based on the contact operation is accepted, the input processing section invalidates the destination floor selected by the non-contact operation, and does not accept selection of a destination floor based on the non-contact operation until an object that operates the operation panel moves away from the non-contact sensor by more than a predetermined distance.

3. The elevator system according to claim 2, characterized by the input processing section outputs an operation sound when the non-contact operation is accepted by the non-contact sensor.

4. An elevator control method in an elevator system having an operation panel that accepts selection of a destination floor based on both a contact operation and a non-contact operation, characterized by the elevator control method including a process in which a contact sensor of the operation panel accepts the contact operation; a process in which a non-contact sensor of the operation panel accepts the non-contact operation; a process in which an input processing section of the operation panel transmits, to an elevator control device, a designation of a destination floor detected by the contact sensor and a designation of a destination floor detected by the non-contact sensor, in a process of detecting selection of a destination floor based on the non-contact operation, when selection of a destination floor based on the contact operation is accepted, the input processing section transmits the destination floor selected by the contact operation to the elevator control device, the input processing section outputs, to the operation panel, an image indicating a direction of low-speed travel, and enlarges a detection size of an object in the non-contact sensor to a prescribed detection size at which a palm can be detected well, when an object is detected on the image indicating the direction of low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor for a prescribed time, the elevator control device starts low-speed travel of a car, when the object is not detected on the image indicating the direction of low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor, the elevator control device stops the low-speed travel of the car. The elevator control device stops the low-speed travel of the car when the object is not detected on the image in the direction indicating low-speed travel by the non-contact sensor.

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