Elevator systems, relay devices, building systems, relay methods and storage media

Abstract

Elevator system, relay device, building system, relay method, and storage medium. A group management device for a wider range of elevator models enables collaboration between elevators and robots while mitigating the burden of managing elevator usage plans, etc. The relay device (18) receives a usage request from the robot server (2) and selects the elevator car to be assigned from the usage request. The relay device (18) sends the elevator call registration request to the process control computer (17) connected to each control device (13) that controls the elevator car assignment. The process control computer (17), acting as the car operation panel (15) for the elevator car assignment, sends the registration request as an elevator car call to each control device (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to elevator systems, relay devices, building systems, relay methods, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator information transceiver. An elevator call registration request from a robot moving within a building equipped with elevators is transmitted via the information transceiver to the elevator group management device. The robot's call is then assigned to any car within the group management device.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 193553 Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, in order to utilize the information transceiver device described in Patent Document 1, the elevator group management device needs to be able to communicate with the transceiver device. On the other hand, depending on the model of the group management device, there are cases where it is not equipped with the function of communicating with the transceiver device. In this case, in order to enable the robot to cooperate with the elevator by utilizing the transceiver device, processes such as elevator modernization or software modification of the group management device are required. Such processes can sometimes take longer and incur costs. Therefore, the burden, including expenses, on elevator operation planning and other management can sometimes increase.

[0006] This invention was made to solve such a problem. This invention provides a group management device for a wider variety of elevator models, and an elevator system, relay device, building system, relay method, and relay program that enable cooperation between elevators and robots while reducing the management burden of elevator operation planning, etc.

[0007] The elevator system of the present invention includes: a relay device separate from a group management device, the group management device allocating floor calls for any car among multiple cars of an elevator installed in a facility; and a plurality of intermediary devices, each communicatively connected to the relay device and corresponding to any car among the multiple cars, and communicatively connected to each control device controlling the movement of the corresponding car. The relay device includes: a first receiving unit that receives a utilization request including call information from a robot moving in the facility; and a position setting unit that sets at least one car among the multiple cars as the car to be allocated to the call received by the first receiving unit. The system comprises: a selection unit that selects a car from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit to assign the robot's call; and a first sending unit that sends the robot's call registration request to the intermediary device corresponding to the car selected by the selection unit among the plurality of intermediary devices, each of the plurality of intermediary devices comprising: a second receiving unit that receives the robot's call registration request sent by the first sending unit; and a second sending unit that sends the robot's call registration request received by the second receiving unit as a car call for the corresponding car among the plurality of cars to each control device that controls the movement of the car.

[0008] The relay device and the group management device of the present invention are separate. The group management device allocates floor calls for any car among multiple cars of an elevator installed in a facility. The relay device includes: a receiving unit that receives a utilization request including elevator call information of a robot moving in the facility; a position setting unit that sets the position of at least one car among the multiple cars as a candidate car to be allocated for the robot's elevator call included in the utilization request received by the receiving unit; a selection unit that selects the allocation car to be allocated for the robot's elevator call from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit; and a sending unit that sends the robot's elevator call registration request to the intermediary device in a manner that allows the intermediary device connected to each control device to send the elevator call registration request as an elevator call for the allocation car to each control device, wherein each control device controls the movement of the allocation car selected by the selection unit.

[0009] The building system of the present invention comprises: a robot that moves within a facility; a relay device separate from a group management device, the group management device allocating floor calls for any car among a plurality of elevator cars installed in the facility; and a plurality of intermediary devices, each communicatively connected to the relay device and corresponding to any car among the plurality of elevator cars, and communicatively connected to each control device controlling the movement of the corresponding car. The relay device comprises: a first receiving unit that receives a utilization request, including elevator call information from the robot or a robot server controlling the robot; and a position setting unit that sets at least one car among the plurality of elevator cars as to be assigned a floor call. The system includes: a receiving unit receiving the position of a candidate car for the robot's elevator call included in the utilization request; a selection unit selecting an allocation car to be assigned the robot's elevator call from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit; and a first sending unit sending the robot's elevator call registration request to the intermediary device corresponding to the allocation car selected by the selection unit among the plurality of intermediary devices, each of the plurality of intermediary devices comprising: a second receiving unit receiving the robot's elevator call registration request sent by the first sending unit; and a second sending unit sending the robot's elevator call registration request received by the second receiving unit as a car call for the corresponding car among the plurality of cars to each control device controlling the movement of the car.

[0010] The relay method of the present invention is a method for relaying requests between an elevator and a robot moving in a facility, wherein a group management device allocates floor calls for any car among multiple cars installed in the facility. The relay method includes: a receiving step, receiving a utilization request including the robot's call information; a position setting step, setting a position for at least any one of the multiple cars as a candidate car to be allocated to the robot's call included in the utilization request received in the receiving step; a selection step, selecting the allocation car to be allocated the robot's call from the candidate cars whose positions were set in the position setting step; and a sending step, sending the robot's call registration request to an intermediary device in a manner that allows an intermediary device connected to each control device to send the call registration request as a car call for allocation to each control device, wherein each control device controls the movement of the allocation car selected in the selection step.

[0011] This invention provides a storage medium storing a relay program. A group management device allocates floor calls for any car among multiple cars of an elevator installed in a facility. The relay program causes a relay device separate from the group management device to perform the following steps: a receiving step, receiving a utilization request including elevator call information of a robot moving in the facility; a position setting step, setting the position of at least any one of the multiple cars as a candidate car to be allocated to the elevator call of the robot included in the utilization request received in the receiving step; a selection step, selecting the allocation car to be allocated to the robot's elevator call from the candidate cars whose positions were set in the position setting step; and a sending step, sending the robot's elevator call registration request to an intermediary device in a manner that allows an intermediary device connected to each control device to send the elevator call registration request as a car call for allocation to each control device, wherein each control device controls the movement of the allocation car selected in the selection step.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the elevator system, relay device, building system, relay method or storage medium of the present invention, a group management device for a wider variety of models can achieve cooperation between elevators and robots while reducing the burden of managing elevator operation plans, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the building system in Implementation Method 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the building system in Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a hardware structure diagram of the main components of the building system in Implementation Method 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the building system in Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the building system in Embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 3.

[0022] Label Explanation

[0023] 1: Robot; 2: Robot Server; 3: Management Room; 4: Hoistway; 5: Machine Room; 6: Landing Station; 7: Group Management Device; 8: Traction Machine; 9: Deflector Sheave; 10: Main Rope; 11: Car; 12: Counterweight; 13: Control Devices; 14: Transmission Cable; 15: Car Control Panel; 16: Car Transmission Cable; 17: Process Control Computer 18: Relay device; 19: Relay cable; 20: Cable; 21: Shaft transmission cable; 2a: Transmitting unit; 2b: Receiving unit; 18a: Receiving unit; 18b: Elevator information storage unit; 18c: Position setting unit; 18d: Selection unit; 18e: Transmitting unit; 19a: Receiving unit; 19b: Transmitting unit; 18f: Robot information storage unit; 18g: Car arrival time calculation unit; 18h: Robot movement time calculation unit; 18i: Robot riding setting unit; 100a: Processor; 100b: Memory; 200: Dedicated hardware. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are simplified or omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments; any structural elements of the embodiments can be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0025] Implementation method 1.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the building system in Implementation Method 1.

[0027] Building systems are applied to facilities. Facilities may be indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, or facilities combining indoor and outdoor facilities. Facilities may consist of one or more buildings. Facilities may also be part of a building. A building system applied to a facility includes a robot 1 that moves within the facility. In this example, robot 1 operates under the control of a robot server 2. Robot 1 communicates with robot server 2 wirelessly. A management room 3 is provided within the facility. Management room 3 is a location for facility management personnel to manage the facility. Robot server 2 is, for example, located in management room 3. The building system includes an elevator system as an internal system.

[0028] The elevator system includes elevators. The facility includes an elevator shaft 4. The shaft 4 is a space spanning multiple floors, with its length measured vertically. An elevator machine room 5 is located at the top of the shaft 4. Each floor in the facility has a landing 6. Landing 6 is a location connected to the shaft 4.

[0029] The elevator comprises multiple units and a group management device 7. Each unit includes a traction machine 8, a guide sheave 9, a main rope 10, a car 11, a counterweight 12, and various control devices 13. The group management device 7, the traction machines 8 and guide sheaves 9 of each unit, and the various control devices 13 are located in the machine room 5. The car 11 and the counterweight 12 are located in the hoistway 4. The traction machine 8 includes a motor that generates driving force and a sheave that rotates by the driving force generated by the motor. The main rope 10 is wound around the sheaves of the traction machine 8 and the guide sheave 9. The main rope 10 supports the load of the car 11 on one side of the sheaves of the traction machine 8. The main rope 10 supports the load of the counterweight 12 on the other side of the sheaves of the traction machine 8. The car 11 and the counterweight 12 travel in opposite directions in the vertical direction of the hoistway by the driving force generated by the motor of the traction machine 8, and by means of the sheaves of the traction machine 8 and the main rope 10. The car 11 transports users or robots, etc., inside the car 11 between multiple floors of the facility by traveling in the hoistway 4.

[0030] Each control device 13 in each unit corresponds to a car 11 in the same unit. Each control device 13 is electrically connected to the traction machine 8 in the same unit. Each control device 13 is connected to the corresponding car 11 via a car transmission cable 16. Each control device 13 controls the movement of the car 11 through the control of the traction machine 8. Each control device 13 in each unit is electrically connected to the group management device 7 via a transmission cable 14. The group management device 7 receives elevator call information from users via a landing operation panel (not shown) located at each elevator landing 6. The group management device 7 assigns the landing call to any car 11.

[0031] The car 11 is equipped with a car control panel 15. The car control panel 15 is a device that accepts car call operations performed by elevator users. The car call information received by the car control panel 15 of the car 11 is transmitted to each control device 13 corresponding to the car 11 via the car transmission cable 16.

[0032] The elevator system includes a relay device 18 and multiple process computers 17. Each process computer 17 corresponds to any unit. The process computer 17 is electrically connected to each control device 13 in the corresponding unit via a relay cable 19. The relay cable 19 connected to the process computer 17 is electrically connected to the car transmission cable 16 connecting each control device 13 and the car 11 in the unit corresponding to the process computer 17. Each process computer 17 is located in the machine room 5.

[0033] The relay device 18 is a separate device from the group management device 7. The relay device 18 is located in the management room 3. The relay device 18 is electrically connected to the robot server 2 via cable 20. The relay device 18 can also be connected to the robot server 2 wirelessly. The relay device 18 is electrically connected to each process control computer 17 via shaft transmission cable 21. For each unit, the relay device 18 is connected to each control device 13 via the process control computer 17. That is, each process control computer 17 is located between its corresponding control device 13 and the relay device 18. Each process control computer 17 is an example of an intermediary device.

[0034] The relay device 18 performs various functions by reading a program recorded on a recording medium and acting in accordance with the program. The recording medium for recording the program can be, for example, a recording medium built into the relay device 18 or a recording medium connected to the relay device 18. The program can be installed in the relay device 18 via a communication network such as the Internet, or it can be installed in the relay device 18 by reading it from an external removable recording medium containing the program.

[0035] In a building system, robot 1 uses elevators to access multiple floors of the facility. When robot 1 uses an elevator, it sends a usage request containing elevator call information. The usage request is sent, for example, from robot server 2, which controls robot 1. Alternatively, the usage request can also be sent from robot 1 itself. The elevator call information of robot 1 includes information about the floor robot 1 is going up or going down. The usage request is sent to relay device 18. Relay device 18 performs the process of assigning robot 1's elevator call to any car 11. The elevator call assignment of robot 1 is performed, for example, based on elevator information. Elevator information is sent to relay device 18, for example, from various process control computers 17, etc. In this example, group management device 7 does not perform the process of assigning robot 1's elevator call to any car 11. Relay device 18 sends a registration request containing the elevator call information to the process control computer 17 corresponding to the car 11 to which robot 1's elevator call has been assigned. Relay device 18 sends the information determining the car 11 to which robot 1's elevator call has been assigned to the robot server 2, which controls robot 1.

[0036] The process control computer 17, which receives the elevator call registration request from the relay device 18, acts as the car operation panel 15 of the corresponding car 11 and sends the elevator call information as a car call to each control device 13 controlling the car 11.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the building system in Embodiment 1.

[0038] The robot server 2 includes a transmitting unit 2a and a receiving unit 2b. The relay device 18 includes a receiving unit 18a, an elevator information storage unit 18b, a position setting unit 18c, a selection unit 18d, and a transmitting unit 18e. Each process control computer 17 includes a receiving unit 17a and a transmitting unit 17b.

[0039] The sending unit 2a of the robot server 2 has the function of sending a utilization request, including elevator call information of robot 1, to the receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18. The receiving unit 2b of the robot server 2 has the function of receiving information from the sending unit 18e of the relay device 18 that confirms that the elevator car 11 has been assigned an elevator call by robot 1.

[0040] The receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18 has the function of receiving utilization requests from the sending unit 2a of the robot server 2 and the function of receiving elevator information from the sending unit 17b of the process control computer 17.

[0041] The elevator information storage unit 18b has the function of storing elevator information. The elevator information includes information such as the average moving speed of the elevator car 11 or the average travel time of users of the car 11. This information can be preset assumed values ​​or measured values ​​set based on measurements. In addition, the elevator information includes information related to each unit, such as the operating status of the car 11 of that unit, the measured value of the load-bearing weight measured by the weighing device of the car 11, the information of the car calls registered in the car 11, or the position of the car in the hoistway 4.

[0042] The position setting unit 18c has the function of setting the positions of some or all of the multiple cars 11 as candidate cars for the call of the robot 1 to be assigned. The position setting unit 18c sets the position of each car 11 according to the elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b.

[0043] The selection unit 18d has the function of selecting the elevator car to be assigned to the robot 1 from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit 18c. The selection unit 18d selects the assigned car according to the position set by the position setting unit 18c. For example, the selection unit 18d selects the candidate car whose set position is first as the assigned car.

[0044] The transmitting unit 18e of the relay device 18 has the function of sending a call registration request for the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 17a of the process control computer 17. In addition, the transmitting unit 18e of the relay device 18 has the function of sending information on the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 2b of the robot server 2.

[0045] The receiving unit 17a of the process control computer 17 has the function of receiving elevator call registration requests, etc., from the transmitting unit 18e of the relay device 18. The receiving unit 17a of the process control computer 17 has the function of receiving elevator information from each control device 13 of the corresponding unit whenever the elevator information related to the corresponding unit changes.

[0046] The sending unit 17b of the process control computer 17 has the function of sending the elevator call registration request sent by the sending unit 18e of the relay device 18 as a car call for the corresponding unit's car 11 to each control device 13 controlling the car 11. The sending unit 17b of the process control computer 17 also has the function of sending elevator information to the receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18 whenever the elevator information related to the corresponding unit changes.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1.

[0048] In step S101A, the relay device 18 determines whether the receiving unit 18a has received a usage request, including elevator call information from the robot 1, from the sending unit 2a of the robot server 2. If the determination result is "no", the relay device 18's processing proceeds to step S101A again. If the determination result is "yes", the relay device 18's processing proceeds to step S102A.

[0049] In step S102A, the position setting unit 18c sets the position of each of the multiple cars 11 as a candidate car based on the information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S103A.

[0050] In step S103A, the selection unit 18d selects the candidate car whose position is set to first by the position setting unit 18c as the assigned car. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S104A.

[0051] In step S104A, the sending unit 18e sends a call registration request for the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 17a of the process control computer 17 corresponding to the assigned car. Furthermore, the sending unit 18e sends information confirming the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 2b of the robot server 2. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 ends.

[0052] Next, an example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 1 will be described using Table 1.

[0053] Table 1 shows an example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 1.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055]

[0056] In this example, the elevator has eight units, numbered A through H. A request for use by robot 1, sent to relay device 18 via robot server 2, is transmitted when robot 1 moves from its boarding floor to its destination floor. Position setting unit 18c obtains the elevator status for each unit based on elevator information. The elevator status associated with each unit includes the operating status of the car 11, the measurement value of the weighing device in the car 11, the number of registered car calls in the car 11, and the distance from the boarding floor of robot 11 to the car 11. Priorities related to position settings are set for each piece of information included in the elevator status. In this example, priorities are set from low to high in the order of operating status, measurement value of the weighing device, number of registered car calls, and distance from the boarding floor. In this example, the operating status of car 11 indicates whether car 11 is in operation or stopped. The measured value of the weighing device of the car 11 indicates whether the weighing device of the car 11 has detected weight.

[0057] The rank setting unit 18c first processes the operating status information based on the highest priority. The rank setting unit 18c prioritizes cars 11 that are in operation and excludes cars 11 that are not in operation from the candidate cars. For example, the rank setting unit 18c temporarily prioritizes operating cars A through G, and excludes car H that is not in operation from the candidate cars. If there are candidate cars with the same rank, the rank setting unit 18c continues setting the rank. Alternatively, the rank setting unit 18c can, for example, omit the subsequent rank setting processing for cars 11 that have been excluded from the candidate cars.

[0058] Next, the ranking setting unit 18c processes the measurement value information based on the weighing device with the second highest priority. The ranking setting unit 18c prioritizes cars 11 that did not detect weight, placing them further down the list, and prioritizes cars 11 that detected weight. For example, the ranking setting unit 18c temporarily prioritizes cars A through D that did not detect weight, placing them in first place, and temporarily prioritizes cars E through G that detected weight, placing them in fifth place. If there are candidate cars with tied rankings, the ranking setting unit 18c continues setting the rankings.

[0059] Next, the ranking unit 18c processes information based on the number of registered car calls with the second highest priority. The ranking unit 18c prioritizes cars 11 with fewer registered car calls. For cars A through D that are temporarily tied for first place, for example, cars A and B with two registered car calls are temporarily ranked first, and cars C and D with four registered car calls are temporarily ranked third. Furthermore, for cars E through G that are temporarily tied for fifth place, for example, cars E and F with two registered car calls are temporarily ranked fifth, and car G with two registered car calls is temporarily ranked seventh. If there are candidate cars with tied rankings, the ranking unit 18c continues ranking.

[0060] Next, the ranking unit 18c processes the distance from the elevator floor based on the second-highest priority. The ranking unit 18c prioritizes elevator cars 11 that are shorter than their distance from the elevator floor. For example, for cars A and B, which are temporarily tied for first place, the ranking unit 18c sets car A, which is one floor away from the elevator floor, as first, and car B, which is two floors away, as second. Similarly, for cars C and D, which are temporarily tied for third place, the ranking unit 18c sets car C, which is one floor away, as third, and car D, which is two floors away, as fourth. Finally, for cars E and F, which are temporarily tied for fifth place, the ranking unit 18c sets car E, which is one floor away, as fifth, and car F, which is two floors away, as sixth.

[0061] When there are candidate cars with the same ranking based on the elevator status ranking setting, the ranking setting unit 18c sets the car with the smaller unit number, such as car 11, to be ranked higher, so that there are no candidate cars with the same ranking.

[0062] The selection unit 18d selects the car number A, whose position is set to first, as the assigned car by the position setting unit 18c.

[0063] Next, the effects of the elevator system, building system, relay device 18, relay procedure for activating relay device 18, and relay method of relay device 18 in Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0064] The relay device 18 receives a utilization request from the robot server 2 and selects the elevator car to be allocated from the utilization request. The relay device 18 then sends the elevator call registration request to the process control computer 17, which is connected to each control device 13 that controls the allocation of the elevator car, via the shaft transmission cable 21. The process control computer 17 acts as the car operation panel 15 for the allocation of the elevator car, sending the registration request as an elevator call to each control device 13. Thus, since the group management device 7 does not need to communicate with the relay device 18, it can achieve cooperation between the elevator and the robot 1 even without communication capabilities. Furthermore, since elevator modernization and software modifications to the group management device 7 are not required, the burden on elevator management personnel in terms of costs and management operations can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, the position setting unit 18c sets the position as an allocation candidate based on the information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b. The selection unit 18d selects the candidate car set as the first by the position setting unit 18c as the allocation car. As a result, the relay device 18 is able to allocate a car 11 that allows the robot 1 to ride and reach the floor as early as possible. In addition, since the allocation car is selected by the relay device 18, the processing load of the group management device 7 can be further reduced.

[0066] Alternatively, robot 1 can communicate with relay device 18 without going through robot server 2.

[0067] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the robot server 2 and the relay device 18 can also be mounted on a device located outside the facility. Some or all of the functions of the robot server 2 and the relay device 18 can also be installed on multiple hardware devices. In this case, the hardware devices are connected to each other in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other via communication networks such as the Internet. Additionally, some or all of the functions of the robot server 2 and the relay device 18 can also be installed using processing and storage resources on cloud services.

[0068] Next, use Figure 4 An example illustrating the hardware structure of a building system is provided.

[0069] Figure 4This is a hardware structure diagram of the main components of the building system in Implementation Method 1.

[0070] The various functions of the building system can be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. Alternatively, the processing circuitry may include processor 100a, memory 100b, and at least one piece of dedicated hardware 200, or, as an alternative to processor 100a and memory 100b, the processing circuitry may include at least one piece of dedicated hardware 200.

[0071] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, the various functions of the building system are implemented through software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a implements the various functions of the building system by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0072] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0073] When the processing circuit has dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit can be implemented, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programming processor, a parallel programming processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0074] Each function of the building system can be implemented separately through processing circuitry. Alternatively, the functions of the building system can also be implemented centrally through processing circuitry. Some functions of the building system can be implemented using dedicated hardware 200, while others can be implemented using software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuitry implements the functions of the building system through dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0075] Implementation method 2.

[0076] In Embodiment 2, the differences from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 will be described in detail. Any feature of the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 may be used for features not described in Embodiment 2.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the building system in Embodiment 2.

[0078] The robot server 2 includes a transmitting unit 2a and a receiving unit 2b. The relay device 18 includes a receiving unit 18a, an elevator information storage unit 18b, a robot information storage unit 18f, a position setting unit 18c, a selection unit 18d, a transmitting unit 18e, a car arrival time calculation unit 18g, a robot movement time calculation unit 18h, and a robot elevator riding setting unit 18i. Each process control computer 17 includes a receiving unit 17a and a transmitting unit 17b.

[0079] The sending unit 2a of the robot server 2 has the function of sending robot information of robot 1 to the receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18.

[0080] The receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18 has the function of receiving robot information from the sending unit 2a of the robot server 2.

[0081] The robot information storage unit 18f has the function of storing robot information. When multiple robots are working in the facility, the robot information includes information related to each robot. The robot information related to robot 1 includes information such as whether robot 1 can ride in the elevator car 11 with a human user, the robot 1's moving speed in the facility, or the robot 1's current position in the facility. The moving speed in the facility can be a preset assumed value or a measured value set based on measurement. In addition, the robot information may also include information measured by robot 1. For example, if robot 1 is equipped with a sensor to measure congestion, the robot information may include the congestion level of the elevator floor 6 or the interior of the elevator car 11 as measured by robot 1. Robot 1 measures congestion level, for example, using a camera device, distance sensor, or obstacle sensor. In addition, the congestion level of the floor 6 or the interior of the elevator car 11 may also be measured by a camera device or weighing device installed in the elevator. In this case, the measured congestion level information is stored in the relay device 18.

[0082] The position setting unit 18c has the function of setting the position of some or all of the multiple cars 11 as candidate cars for calling the elevator to be assigned by the robot 1. The position setting unit 18c sets the position of each car 11 based on the information stored in the relay device 18. The position setting unit 18c uses, for example, elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b and robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f in setting the position.

[0083] The selection unit 18d has the function of selecting the assigned car for the call of robot 1 from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit 18c. The selection unit 18d uses the position set by the position setting unit 18c to select the assigned car. The selection unit 18d may also use, for example, elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b and robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f in the selection of the assigned car.

[0084] The car arrival time calculation unit 18g has the function of calculating the time until each car 11 reaches the floor where the robot 1 is boarding. The car arrival time calculation unit 18g uses elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b to calculate the arrival time of the car 11.

[0085] The robot movement time calculation unit 18h has the function of calculating the movement time until the robot 1 reaches the boarding position of each elevator car 11. The boarding position of the elevator car 11 is the position that the robot 1 moves to in order to board the elevator car 11. The boarding position of the elevator car 11 is, for example, the floor 6 of the floor where the robot 1 goes. In addition, the boarding position of the elevator car 11 can also be a waiting position for boarding the elevator car 11. The boarding positions of each elevator car 11 can be common positions or different positions. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h uses, for example, robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f in the calculation of the robot 1's movement time. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h also uses, for example, congestion information stored in the relay device 18 in the calculation of the robot 1's movement time.

[0086] The robot elevator setting unit 18i has the function of setting the robot to ride in the elevator car 11 that has reached the floor of the robot 1. The robot elevator setting unit 18i uses, for example, robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f when setting the robot to ride in the elevator car 11. The robot elevator setting unit 18i also uses, for example, crowding information stored in the relay device 18 when setting the robot to ride in the elevator car 11.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 2.

[0088] In step S101A, the relay device 18 determines whether the receiving unit 18a has received a usage request, including elevator call information from the robot 1, from the sending unit 2a of the robot server 2. If the determination result is "no", the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S101A again. If the determination result is "yes", the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S105B.

[0089] In step S105B, the ranking setting unit 18c determines whether the user can ride in the same car 11 as the robot based on the robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f. If the user cannot ride in the same car, the ranking setting unit 18c excludes the car 11 already occupied by the user from the candidate cars. For example, the ranking setting unit 18c determines the car 11 whose weight is detected by the weighing device based on the elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b as the car 11 already occupied by the user. In addition, the ranking setting unit 18c sets the ranking of multiple cars 11 as candidate cars based on the information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b. Then, the relay device 18 proceeds to step S106B.

[0090] In step S106B, the car arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates the time until each car 11 arrives at the robot 1's floor based on the elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b. For example, the car arrival time calculation unit 18g may omit the arrival time calculation for cars 11 that have been excluded from the candidate cars. For instance, the car arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates the arrival time for each car 11 based on its average moving speed and the distance from the robot 1's floor to the car 11. If a car call with a destination floor between the current position of the car 11 and the robot 1's floor has been registered to the car, the car arrival time calculation unit 18g adds the average ride time of the user at the destination floor to the arrival time of the car 11. Then, the relay device 18's processing proceeds to step S107B.

[0091] In step S107B, the robot movement time calculation unit 18h calculates the time until robot 1 moves to the boarding position of each car 11 based on robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h may, for example, omit the calculation of the movement time of cars 11 excluded from the candidate cars to their boarding positions. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h calculates the movement time of robot 1 based on the boarding positions of each car 11, the current position of robot 1 in the facility, and its movement speed. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h may also correct the movement time of robot 1 based on congestion information. For example, the robot movement time calculation unit 18h evaluates the congestion information of floor 6 using multiple levels and adds the time corresponding to each congestion level to the movement time. As a more specific example, the robot movement time calculation unit 18h evaluates the congestion information of floor 6 using three levels: "low," "medium," and "high." When the congestion level is "low," the robot movement time calculation unit 18h does not perform the addition operation on the movement time of robot 1. When the congestion level is "medium," the robot movement time calculation unit 18h adds 30 seconds to the movement time of robot 1. When the congestion level is "high," the robot movement time calculation unit 18h adds 60 seconds to the movement time of robot 1. Furthermore, the addition time is not limited to the time illustrated here. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S108B.

[0092] In step S108B, the selection unit 18d performs the following selection process sequentially, starting from the candidate cars with the highest rank set by the rank setting unit 18c. If the arrival time calculated by the car arrival time calculation unit 18g for a candidate car is longer than the travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h, the selection unit 18d selects the candidate car as the assigned car. Conversely, if the arrival time calculated by the car arrival time calculation unit 18g for a candidate car is shorter than the travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h, the selection unit 18d does not select the candidate car as the assigned car, but instead processes the next highest-ranking candidate car in the same way. If the arrival time calculated by the car arrival time calculation unit 18g for all candidate cars is shorter than the travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h, the selection unit 18d, for example, selects the candidate car set as the first rank by the rank setting unit 18c as the assigned car. After selecting the assigned car, the relay device 18's processing proceeds to step S104A.

[0093] In step S104A, the sending unit 18e sends a call registration request for the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 61A of the process control computer 17 corresponding to the assigned car. Furthermore, the sending unit 18e sends information confirming the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 2b of the robot server 2. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S109B.

[0094] In step S109B, the robot elevator setting unit 18i outputs an elevator call request to the robot server 2 for robot 1, and determines whether it can ride the assigned elevator car that has reached the floor. For example, the robot elevator setting unit 18i evaluates the congestion information inside the elevator car 11 measured by robot 1 at multiple levels, and determines whether it can ride the elevator based on the level of congestion. As a more specific example, the robot elevator setting unit 18i uses two levels, "low" and "high," to evaluate the congestion information of floor 6. If the congestion level is "low," the robot elevator setting unit 18i determines that robot 1 can ride the elevator. If the congestion level is "high," the robot elevator setting unit 18i determines that robot 1 cannot ride the elevator. If it is determined that robot 1 cannot ride the elevator, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S110B. On the other hand, if it is determined that robot 1 can ride the elevator, the robot elevator setting unit 18i sets robot 1 as the robot that will ride the assigned elevator car that has reached the floor. Then, the processing of relay device 18 proceeds to step S111B.

[0095] In step S110B, the robot elevator setting unit 18i outputs elevator usage requests to the robot server 2 for other robots besides robot 1, and determines whether they can ride in the assigned elevator car that has reached the floor. The robot elevator setting unit 18i may also use robot information related to the other robot, such as the other robot's current location, in determining whether it can ride. In this example, the robot elevator setting unit 18i evaluates the crowding information inside the elevator car 11 measured by the other robot at multiple levels, and determines whether it can ride based on the level of crowding. If it is determined that the other robot cannot ride, the relay device 18's processing proceeds to step S101A. On the other hand, if it is determined that the other robot can ride, the robot elevator setting unit 18i sets that other robot as the robot that will ride in the assigned elevator car that has reached the floor. Then, the relay device 18's processing proceeds to step S111B.

[0096] In step S111B, the transmitting unit 18e of the relay device 18 sends a signal to the robot set by the robot elevator setting unit 18i, indicating that the robot should ride in the candidate elevator car that has reached the floor it is riding in. The transmitting unit 18e may send the signal to the robot server 2 that controls the robot, or it may send the signal directly to the robot. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 ends.

[0097] Next, an example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 2 will be described using Table 2.

[0098] Table 2 shows an example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 2.

[0099] [Table 2]

[0100]

[0101] In this example, the elevator has eight units, numbered A through H. A request to use robot 1, sent via robot server 2 to relay device 18, is sent when robot 1 is located at floor 6 of the boarding floor and needs to move from the boarding floor to the destination floor. Robot 1 is a robot capable of riding alongside a human user.

[0102] The position setting unit 18c, similar to the position setting unit 18c in Embodiment 1, sets the position of each car 11 as a candidate car. The car arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates the time until each candidate car arrives at the floor where the robot 1 is to board. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h calculates the time until the robot 1 moves to the boarding position of each candidate car.

[0103] The selection unit 18d selects the assigned car from the candidate cars whose positions have been set by the position setting unit 18c. In this example, the arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates an arrival time of 10 seconds for car A, which is set as the first car, which is shorter than the 30 seconds calculated by the robot movement time calculation unit 18h. Therefore, the selection unit 18d does not select car A as the assigned car, but instead selects car B, which is the second car. The arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates an arrival time of 20 seconds for car B, which is set as the second car, which is longer than the 10 seconds calculated by the robot movement time calculation unit 18h. Therefore, the selection unit 18d selects car B as the assigned car.

[0104] Next, another example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 2 will be described using Table 3.

[0105] Table 3 shows another example of the car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 2.

[0106] [Table 3]

[0107]

[0108] In this example, the elevator has eight units, numbered A through H. A request to use robot 1, sent via robot server 2 to relay device 18, is sent when robot 1 is located at floor 6 of the boarding floor and needs to move from the boarding floor to the destination floor. Robot 1 is a robot that cannot ride with a human user.

[0109] The position setting unit 18c excludes cars 11 whose weight is detected by the weighing device from the candidate cars as cars 11 that the user has already boarded. Similar to the position setting unit 18c in Embodiment 1, the position setting unit 18c sets the position of each car 11 as a candidate car based on factors such as the number of car calls and the distance from the boarding floor. The car arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates the time until each candidate car reaches the boarding floor of the robot 1. The robot movement time calculation unit 18h calculates the time until the robot 1 moves to the boarding position of each candidate car.

[0110] The selection unit 18d selects the assigned car from the candidate cars whose positions have been set by the position setting unit 18c. In this example, the car arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates an arrival time of 10 seconds for car A, which is set as the first car, which is shorter than the 30-second travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h. Therefore, the selection unit 18d does not select car A as the assigned car, but instead performs the selection process for car B, which is the second car in the position. The car arrival time calculation unit 18g calculates an arrival time of 20 seconds for car B, which is set as the second car, which is longer than the 10-second travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h. Therefore, the selection unit 18d selects car B as the assigned car.

[0111] Next, the effects of the elevator system, building system, relay device 18, relay procedure for activating relay device 18, and relay method of relay device 18 in Embodiment 2 will be explained. According to the elevator system of Embodiment 2, the same effects as those achieved by the elevator system of Embodiment 1 can be obtained. In addition, new effects as described below can also be obtained.

[0112] The seating arrangement unit 18c determines whether robot 1 can ride with a person based on robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f. If robot 1 can ride with a person, the seating arrangement unit 18c operates in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. If robot 1 cannot ride with a person, the seating arrangement unit 18c excludes cars 11 whose weight is detected by the weighing device from the candidate cars based on elevator information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b. In this way, by appropriately allocating cars 11 based on whether each robot can ride with a person, the operating efficiency of the elevator system can be improved.

[0113] Furthermore, if the arrival time calculated by the car arrival time calculation unit 18g for a candidate car with a set earlier position is longer than the travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h, the selection unit 18d selects that candidate car as the allocation car. On the other hand, if the arrival time calculated by the car arrival time calculation unit 18g for a candidate car with a set earlier position is shorter than the travel time calculated by the robot travel time calculation unit 18h, the selection unit 18d does not select that candidate car as the allocation car. In this case, the selection unit 18d similarly determines whether to select a candidate car with the second-highest position as the allocation car. As a result, a car 11 that the robot 1 can move to the boarding position of car 11 before the car 11 arrives at the boarding floor can be allocated to the call of robot 1. Therefore, the probability of robot 1 being able to board the elevator is increased, and the generation of useless calls is suppressed. As a result, the operating efficiency of the elevator system is improved.

[0114] Furthermore, the robot ride setting unit 18i determines whether robot 1, whose call is assigned to a car, can ride in the assigned car based on the robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f. If robot 1 cannot ride in the assigned car, the robot ride setting unit 18i determines whether another robot besides robot 1 can ride in the assigned car in place of robot 1 based on the robot information stored in the robot information storage unit 18f. Thus, by having another robot ride in the assigned car as a substitute, elevator calls are not wasted, and the operating efficiency of the elevator system is improved.

[0115] Implementation method 3.

[0116] In Embodiment 3, the differences from the examples disclosed in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 are described in detail. Regarding features not described in Embodiment 3, any feature from the examples disclosed in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 may be used.

[0117] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the building system in Embodiment 3.

[0118] The robot server 2 includes a transmitting unit 2a and a receiving unit 2b. The relay device 18 includes a receiving unit 18a, an elevator information storage unit 18b, a position setting unit 18c, a selection unit 18d, and a transmitting unit 18e. Each process control computer 17 includes a receiving unit 17a and a transmitting unit 17b.

[0119] The sending unit 2a of the robot server 2 has the function of sending information from the robot 1 about the desired elevator car to the receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18. The desired elevator car for the robot 1 is selected by the robot 1 or the robot server 2, for example, based on factors such as the crowding level of the floor 6 measured by the robot 1 and the ease of moving to the elevator position. Multiple desired elevator cars can also be selected from multiple elevator cars 11.

[0120] The receiving unit 18a of the relay device 18 has the function of receiving information from the sending unit 2a of the robot server 2 regarding the desire to ride in the elevator car.

[0121] The selection unit 18d has the function of selecting the assigned car for the call of robot 1 from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit 18c. For example, the selection unit 18d selects the assigned car from the car that robot 1 wants to take using the position set by the position setting unit 18c. For example, the selection unit 18d selects the candidate car with the highest position set by the position setting unit 18c from the car that robot 1 wants to take as the assigned car.

[0122] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 3.

[0123] In step S101C, the relay device 18 determines whether the receiving unit 18a has received a usage request, including the elevator call information of the robot 1, and information indicating that the robot 1 wishes to ride the elevator car from the sending unit 2a of the robot server 2. If the determination result is "no", the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S101C again. If the determination result is "yes", the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S102A.

[0124] In step S102A, the position setting unit 18c sets the position of each of the multiple cars 11 as a candidate car based on the information stored in the elevator information storage unit 18b. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S112C.

[0125] In step S112C, the selection unit 18d selects the candidate car with the highest rank set by the rank setting unit 18c from the cars to be assigned as the car. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 proceeds to step S104A.

[0126] In step S104A, the sending unit 18e sends a call registration request for the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 61A of the process control computer 17 corresponding to the assigned car. Furthermore, the sending unit 18e sends information confirming the assigned car selected by the selection unit 18d to the receiving unit 2b of the robot server 2. Then, the processing of the relay device 18 ends.

[0127] Next, an example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 3 will be described using Table 4.

[0128] Table 4 shows an example of car selection performed by the relay device 18 in Embodiment 1.

[0129] [Table 4]

[0130]

[0131] In this example, the elevator has eight units, numbered A through H. A request for robot 1, sent via robot server 2 to relay device 18, is sent when robot 1 is located at floor 6 of the boarding floor and needs to move from the boarding floor to the destination floor. Robot 1 selects units C and D as the desired boarding cars.

[0132] The rank setting unit 18c is similar to the rank setting unit 18c in Embodiment 1, in that it sets the rank of each car 11 as a candidate car.

[0133] The selection unit 18d selects the assigned car from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the rank setting unit 18c. In this example, the selection unit 18d selects car C, which is the car that robot 1 wants to ride in, and car D, and car C, which has the highest rank set by the rank setting unit 18c, as the assigned car.

[0134] Next, the effects of the elevator system, building system, relay device 18, relay procedure for activating relay device 18, and relay method of relay device 18 in Embodiment 3 will be explained. According to the elevator system of Embodiment 3, the same effects as those achieved by the elevator system of Embodiment 1 can be obtained. In addition, new effects as described below can also be obtained.

[0135] Since the relay device 18 assigns the elevator call to the desired car of the robot 1, it can suppress the possibility that the robot 1 will be unable to move to the assigned car due to overcrowding at the floor 6, thus preventing it from taking the elevator.

[0136] In summary, the structures that can be adopted by the technology of the present invention include the structures shown below as appendices.

[0137] (Postscript 1)

[0138] An elevator system, wherein the elevator system comprises:

[0139] The relay device, separate from the group management device, assigns floor calls to any car among multiple elevator cars in the facility; and

[0140] Multiple intermediary devices are respectively connected to the relay device in a communicable manner, each corresponding to any one of the multiple cars, and each connected to the control device controlling the movement of the corresponding car in a communicable manner.

[0141] The relay device includes:

[0142] The first receiving unit receives a utilization request, including elevator call information from a robot moving within the facility.

[0143] The position setting unit sets the position of at least one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car to be assigned in the utilization request received by the first receiving unit for the robot's elevator call.

[0144] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit; and

[0145] The first sending unit sends the robot's elevator call registration request to the intermediary device among the plurality of intermediary devices that corresponds to the assigned car selected by the selection unit.

[0146] Each of the plurality of intermediary devices has:

[0147] The second receiving unit receives the elevator registration request from the robot sent by the first sending unit; and

[0148] The second sending unit sends the elevator call registration request received by the second receiving unit from the robot as an elevator call for the corresponding car among the multiple cars to each control device that controls the movement of the car.

[0149] (Postscript 2)

[0150] According to the elevator system described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0151] The ranking setting unit sets the ranking of at least one of the multiple cars as a candidate car based on at least one of the following: the operating status of the car, the measured value of the weighing device of the car, the car call information registered in the car, or the position of the car.

[0152] (Note 3)

[0153] According to the elevator system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein,

[0154] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot based on at least one of the following: the average moving speed of the multiple elevator cars or the average boarding and alighting time of the users of the multiple elevator cars.

[0155] (Postscript 4)

[0156] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, in the elevator system, wherein,

[0157] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot based on at least one of the following information: whether the robot can ride with a human user, its speed of movement, or its location in the facility.

[0158] (Note 5)

[0159] According to any one of Annexes 1 to 4, in the elevator system, wherein,

[0160] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot based on at least one of the following: the floor level congestion of the elevator where the robot is going, or the car congestion associated with each of the multiple elevator cars.

[0161] (Note 6)

[0162] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, the elevator system wherein,

[0163] The relay device includes:

[0164] The car arrival time calculation unit calculates the time until the robot reaches its floor for at least one of the plurality of cars; and

[0165] The robot movement time calculation unit calculates the time until the robot reaches a boarding position associated with at least one of the plurality of elevator cars.

[0166] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot based on the time calculated by the car arrival time calculation unit and the time calculated by the robot movement time calculation unit.

[0167] (Note 7)

[0168] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, the elevator system wherein,

[0169] The relay device includes a robot elevator setting unit, which determines whether the robot can ride in any of the multiple elevator cars when it arrives at the robot's floor. If it determines that the robot cannot ride in the elevator car, it determines whether other robots moving within the facility and needing to move from the robot's floor to another floor can ride in the elevator car.

[0170] When the robot elevator setting unit determines that the other robot is capable of riding in the elevator car, the first sending unit sends a signal to the other robot to enable the other robot to ride in the elevator car.

[0171] (Note 8)

[0172] According to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, the elevator system wherein,

[0173] The selection unit of the relay device selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot based on the robot's desired elevator car.

[0174] (Note 9)

[0175] A relay device, wherein the relay device and a group management device are separate, the group management device assigning floor calls to any car among multiple elevator cars installed in the facility.

[0176] The relay device includes:

[0177] A receiving unit that receives utilization requests, including elevator call information from robots moving within the facility;

[0178] The position setting unit sets the position of at least one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car for the robot's elevator call included in the utilization request received by the receiving unit.

[0179] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit; and

[0180] The sending unit sends the robot's elevator call registration request to the intermediary device in such a way that the intermediary device connected to each control device can send the elevator call registration request as a car call for car allocation to each control device, wherein each control device controls the travel of the car allocated by the selection unit.

[0181] (Postscript 10)

[0182] A building system, wherein the building system comprises:

[0183] Robots that move within the facility;

[0184] The relay device, separate from the group management device, assigns floor calls to any car among multiple elevator cars in the facility; and

[0185] Multiple intermediary devices are respectively connected to the relay device in a communicable manner, each corresponding to any one of the multiple cars, and each connected to the control device controlling the movement of the corresponding car in a communicable manner.

[0186] The relay device includes:

[0187] The first receiving unit receives a utilization request, including elevator call information of the robot, from the robot or the robot server that controls the robot.

[0188] The position setting unit sets the position of at least one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car to be assigned in the utilization request received by the first receiving unit for the robot's elevator call.

[0189] The selection unit selects the elevator car to be assigned to the robot from the candidate cars whose positions are set by the position setting unit; and

[0190] The first sending unit sends the robot's elevator call registration request to the intermediary device among the plurality of intermediary devices that corresponds to the assigned car selected by the selection unit.

[0191] Each of the plurality of intermediary devices has:

[0192] The second receiving unit receives the elevator registration request from the robot sent by the first sending unit; and

[0193] The second sending unit sends the elevator call registration request received by the second receiving unit from the robot as an elevator call for the corresponding car among the multiple cars to each control device that controls the movement of the car.

[0194] (Postscript 11)

[0195] A relay method, wherein,

[0196] This relay method is a method for relaying requests between a group management device and a robot moving within the facility. The group management device assigns floor calls to any car among multiple elevator cars located within the facility. The relay method includes:

[0197] The receiving step involves receiving a utilization request that includes the robot's elevator call information.

[0198] The position setting step involves setting at least one of the multiple cars as a candidate car to be assigned to in the utilization request received in the receiving step for the robot's elevator call.

[0199] In the selection step, the robot's call car is selected from the candidate cars whose positions were set in the position setting step; and

[0200] In the sending step, the robot's elevator call registration request is sent to the intermediary device in such a way that the intermediary device connected to each control device can send the elevator call registration request as a car call to each control device, wherein each control device controls the travel of the car selected in the selection step.

[0201] (Postscript 12)

[0202] A relay procedure, wherein a group management device assigns floor calls to any car among multiple elevator cars installed in a facility, the relay procedure causing a relay device separate from the group management device to perform the following steps:

[0203] The receiving step includes receiving a utilization request, including elevator call information from a robot moving within the facility;

[0204] The position setting step involves setting at least one of the multiple cars as a candidate car to be assigned to in the utilization request received in the receiving step for the robot's elevator call.

[0205] In the selection step, the robot's call car is selected from the candidate cars whose positions were set in the position setting step; and

[0206] In the sending step, the robot's elevator call registration request is sent to the intermediary device in such a way that the intermediary device connected to each control device can send the elevator call registration request as a car call to each control device, wherein each control device controls the travel of the car selected in the selection step.

Claims

1. An elevator system, wherein, The elevator system is provided with: a relay device that is separate from a group management device that performs allocation of a landing call for any car of a plurality of cars of an elevator provided in a facility; and a plurality of intermediary devices that are each communicably connected to the relay device, and that each correspond to any car of the plurality of cars, and that each are communicably connected to each control device that controls travel of the corresponding car, the relay device is provided with: a first reception unit that receives a utilization request including call information of a robot that moves in the facility; a rank setting unit that sets a rank of at least any car of the plurality of cars as a candidate car of a call of the robot included in the utilization request received by the first reception unit; a selection unit that selects an allocation car to which the call of the robot is to be allocated from among the candidate cars for which the rank setting unit sets a rank; and a first transmission unit that transmits a call registration request of the robot to the intermediary device of the plurality of intermediary devices that corresponds to the allocation car selected by the selection unit, the plurality of intermediary devices are each provided with: a second reception unit that receives the call registration request of the robot transmitted by the first transmission unit; and a second transmission unit that transmits the call registration request of the robot received by the second reception unit to each control device that controls travel of the corresponding car of the plurality of cars as a car call of the car.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the rank setting unit sets a rank of at least any car of the plurality of cars as a candidate car based on at least any of information related to each of the plurality of cars, an operating state of the car, a measured value of a weighing device of the car, information of a car call registered in the car, or a position of the car.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the allocation car to which the call of the robot is to be allocated based on at least any of an average moving speed of the plurality of cars or an average boarding and alighting time of users of the plurality of cars.

4. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the allocation car to which the call of the robot is to be allocated based on at least any of information related to the robot, whether or not the robot can be boarded by a user who is a person, a moving speed, or a position in the facility.

5. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the allocation car to which the call of the robot is to be allocated based on at least any of a landing congestion degree of a boarding floor of the robot or a car congestion degree related to each of the plurality of cars.

6. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the relay device is provided with: a car arrival time calculation unit that calculates a time until arrival at a boarding floor of the robot for at least any car of the plurality of cars; and a robot movement time calculation section that calculates a time until the robot reaches a boarding position related to at least any one of the plurality of cars, the selection section selects a distribution car to which the call of the robot is to be assigned, based on the time calculated by the car arrival time calculation section and the time calculated by the robot movement time calculation section.

7. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the relay device is provided with a robot boarding setting section that determines whether or not the robot can board an arbitrary car among the plurality of cars when the car reaches the boarding floor of the robot, and determines whether or not another robot that moves in the facility and moves from the boarding floor of the robot to another floor can board the car when it is determined that the robot cannot board the car, the first sending section sends a signal that causes the other robot to board the car to the other robot when it is determined by the robot boarding setting section that the other robot can board the car.

8. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the selection section of the relay device selects a distribution car to which the call of the robot is to be assigned, based on the car that the robot wishes to board.

9. A relay device, wherein, the relay device is separate from a group management device that performs distribution of a landing call with respect to an arbitrary car among a plurality of cars of an elevator provided in a facility, the relay device is provided with: a receiving section that receives a utilization request including boarding information of a robot that moves in the facility; a rank setting section that sets a rank of at least any one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car to which the boarding of the robot included in the utilization request received by the receiving section is to be distributed; a selection section that selects a distribution car to which the boarding of the robot is to be distributed, from among the candidate cars for which a rank is set by the rank setting section; and a sending section that sends a boarding registration request of the robot to an intermediary device connected to each control device that controls travel of the distribution car selected by the selection section, in a manner in which the intermediary device can send the boarding registration request as a car call of the distribution car to the each control device.

10. A building system, wherein, the building system is provided with: a robot that moves in a facility; a relay device that is separate from a group management device that performs distribution of a landing call with respect to an arbitrary car among a plurality of cars of an elevator provided in a facility; and a plurality of intermediary devices that are each connected to the relay device in a communicable manner, correspond to an arbitrary car among the plurality of cars, and are each connected to each control device that controls travel of the corresponding car in a communicable manner, the relay device is provided with: a first receiving section that receives a utilization request including boarding information of the robot from the robot or a robot server that controls the robot; a second receiving section that receives a utilization request including boarding information of another robot that moves in the facility from the other robot or a robot server that controls the other robot; and a selection section that selects a distribution car to which the boarding of the robot is to be distributed, based on the car that the robot wishes to board and the car that the other robot wishes to board. a rank setting section that sets a rank of at least any one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car of the car for the robot included in the utilization request received by the first receiving section to be assigned; a selection section that selects an assignment car of the car for the robot from among the candidate cars for which the rank is set by the rank setting section; and a first sending section that sends a car registration request for the robot to the intermediary device corresponding to the assignment car selected by the selection section among the plurality of intermediary devices, each of the plurality of intermediary devices includes: a second receiving section that receives the car registration request for the robot sent by the first sending section; and a second sending section that sends the car registration request for the robot received by the second receiving section to each of the control devices that controls the travel of the corresponding car among the plurality of cars as a car call of the assignment car.

11. A relay method in which, the relay method is a method of relaying a request between an elevator in which a group management device performs assignment of a landing call for any car among a plurality of cars provided in a facility and a robot that moves in the facility, the relay method including: a receiving step of receiving a utilization request including car call information for the robot; a rank setting step of setting a rank of at least any one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car of the car for the robot included in the utilization request received in the receiving step to be assigned; a selection step of selecting an assignment car of the car for the robot from among the candidate cars for which the rank is set in the rank setting step; and a sending step of sending a car registration request for the robot to an intermediary device connected to each of the control devices that controls the travel of the assignment car selected in the selection step in such a manner that the intermediary device can send the car registration request to the control devices as a car call of the assignment car.

12. A storage medium storing a relay program, wherein, A group management device performs assignment of a landing call for any car among a plurality of cars provided in a facility, and a relay program causes a relay device separate from the group management device to perform the following steps: a receiving step of receiving a utilization request including car call information for a robot that moves in the facility; a rank setting step of setting a rank of at least any one of the plurality of cars as a candidate car of the car for the robot included in the utilization request received in the receiving step to be assigned; a selection step of selecting an assignment car of the car for the robot from among the candidate cars for which the rank is set in the rank setting step; and a sending step of sending a car registration request for the robot to an intermediary device connected to each of the control devices that controls the travel of the assignment car selected in the selection step in such a manner that the intermediary device can send the car registration request to the control devices as a car call of the assignment car. ​

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