HALL CALL DEVICE AND CALL REGISTRATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A hall button device and a call registration system capable of reducing the area required for setting hall buttons. A hall button device (13) is provided with a panel (20), a hall button (21), a detector (24), and a detector (25). The hall button (21) has a surface (21a) facing the hall (8) side. The detector (24) is capable of detecting the approach of a user's finger to a first region (24a) that is a part of the surface (21a), and the approach of the finger to a second region (24b) that is another part of the surface (21a). The detector (25) detects that the hall button (21) is pressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to floor stop button devices and elevator call registration systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for replacing an elevator indicator. However, Patent Document 1 only describes the method for replacing the indicator and does not describe the method for replacing the landing buttons. That is, the landing button device described in Patent Document 1 directly uses existing landing buttons. Existing landing button devices have two landing buttons: one for the up direction and one for the down direction.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-289946 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The landing button system has a panel for covering the internal equipment. The size of the panel depends on the model of the landing button system. Existing landing button systems have landing buttons for both upward and downward directions, therefore, there is a problem that the panel needs a relatively large area to accommodate the landing buttons.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. An object of this invention is to provide a landing button device that reduces the area required for installing landing buttons. Another object of this invention is to provide a call registration system equipped with such a landing button device.

[0007] The landing button device of the present invention comprises: a panel; a landing button disposed on the panel having a surface facing the landing side of the elevator; a first detector capable of detecting the approach of a finger to a first region which is part of the surface and the approach of a finger to a second region which is another part of the surface; and a second detector capable of detecting that the landing button is pressed.

[0008] The elevator call registration system of the present invention includes the aforementioned landing button device and a control panel that communicates with the landing button device. When the control panel receives an upward landing call registration request from the request unit, it registers the upward landing call; when it receives a downward landing call registration request from the request unit, it registers the downward landing call.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to the present invention, the area required for installing the floor station buttons can be reduced in the floor station button device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This is a diagram showing an example of an elevator device equipped with the landing button device of Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the floor where the car stops.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the function of an elevator system.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a floor station button device.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the floor station button device according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing another example of a floor station button device.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing another example of a floor station button device.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another example of a floor station button device.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing another example of a floor station button device.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware resources for a floor station button device.

[0021] Figure 11 This is another example of the hardware resources for a floor station button device.

[0022] Label Explanation

[0023] 1: Car; 2: Counterweight; 3: Hoistway; 4: Rope; 5: Traction machine; 6: Control panel; 7: Machine room; 8: Landing; 9: Entrance / Exit; 10: Frame; 11: Door; 12: Wall; 13: Landing button device; 20: Panel; 20a: Surface; 21: Landing button; 21a: Surface; 21a-1: Inclined surface; 21a-2: Inclined surface; 21b~21c: Arrow; 22~23: Light; 24~25: Detector; 24a: Zone 1; 24b: Zone 2; 26: Controller; 27: Display; 27a: Surface; 27a-1: Inclined surface; 27a-2: Inclined surface; 31: Lighting control unit; 32: Request unit; 33: Display control unit; 40: Processing circuit; 41: Processor; 42: Memory; 43: Dedicated hardware. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Repetitive descriptions have been simplified or omitted where appropriate. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts.

[0025] Implementation method 1.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of an elevator device equipped with the landing button device of Embodiment 1. Figure 1 The elevator assembly shown includes a car 1 and a counterweight 2. The car 1 moves up and down in a shaft 3. The car 1 and the counterweight 2 are suspended in the shaft 3 by ropes 4. The counterweight 2 moves up and down in the shaft 3 in the opposite direction to the movement of the car 1.

[0027] Rope 4 is wound around traction machine 5. Traction machine 5 drives car 1. Control panel 6 controls traction machine 5. That is, the movement of car 1 is controlled by control panel 6. In addition, control panel 6 controls the equipment on car 1. Figure 1 An example is shown where the traction machine 5 and control panel 6 are located in the machine room 7 above the shaft 3. The traction machine 5 and control panel 6 can also be located in the shaft 3.

[0028] Figure 1 This indicates that the car 1 is stopped at landing 8. The control panel 6 communicates with and controls the equipment located at landing 8. Figure 2 This diagram shows an example of a landing 8 where the car 1 stops. An entrance 9 communicating with the hoistway 3 is formed at landing 8. A three-sided frame 10 forming the entrance 9 is provided at landing 8. The entrance 9 is opened and closed via a door 11. A landing button device 13 is provided on the wall 12 of landing 8. The landing button device 13 can also be provided within the three-sided frame 10. When the landing button device 13 is provided on the wall 12, it is configured to be adjacent to the three-sided frame 10.

[0029] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the functions of the elevator system. The landing button device 13 communicates with the control panel 6. The landing button device 13 has the functions of sending a landing call registration request in the upward direction, sending a landing call registration request in the downward direction, notifying that the landing call registration in the upward direction is complete, and notifying that the landing call registration in the downward direction is complete.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the floor station button device 13. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the floor stop button device 13 includes a housing (not shown), a panel 20, floor stop buttons 21, lights 22 and 23, detectors 24 and 25, and a controller 26.

[0031] A housing is provided on the panel 20, wall 12, or triangular frame 10 of the shelf station 8. Devices such as the controller 26 are protected by the housing. The controller 26 and other devices are covered by the panel 20. The panel 20 has a surface 20a. Surface 20a faces the shelf station 8 in a manner opposite to it. The panel 20 may also have a surface that is not parallel to surface 20a. The panel 20 may also be a separate display device. Although not illustrated, examples include liquid crystal panels, electroluminescent panels, LED displays, and backlight-transmitting, semi-transmitting, or non-transmitting displays. Furthermore, the panel 20 may also be a separate operating device. Although not illustrated, examples include capacitive touch panels and pressure-sensitive touch panels. The aforementioned separate display device and separate operating device may also be combined. The aforementioned separate display device and separate operating device are not limited to the examples described above. Moreover, the housing may be replaced by the aforementioned separate display device and separate operating device. The housing may also have a surface that is not parallel to surface 20a.

[0032] The landing button 21 is operated by the user to register a landing call. The landing button device 13 has only one landing button 21. The landing button 21 is located on the panel 20. The landing button 21 has a surface 21a. The surface 21a faces the landing 8 opposite to the landing 8.

[0033] Detector 24 detects when a user's finger approaches the first region 24a. The first region 24a is part of the surface 21a. Figure 4 An example is shown where a first region 24a is located on a portion of the upper part of surface 21a. Furthermore, detector 24 detects when a user's finger approaches a second region 24b. The second region 24b is another portion of surface 21a. Figure 4 An example is shown where the second region 24b is located on a portion of the lower part of surface 21a. That is, in Figure 4 In the example shown, region 24a is positioned above region 24b. More specifically, region 24a is positioned directly above region 24b. Furthermore, the positions of region 24a and region 24b can be changed depending on the display positions of lights 22 and 23.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, detector 24 detects the approach of a finger to the first region 24a and the approach of a finger to the second region 24b in a non-contact manner, for example, using electrostatic capacitance. Detector 24 can detect the approach of a finger to each region without the displacement of the floor button 21. In this case, detector 24 preferably determines whether the finger is approaching the first region 24a or the second region 24b based on the change in electrostatic capacitance. For example, the stronger measured electrostatic capacitance is considered detected. If detector 24 detects either the approach of a finger to the first region 24a or the approach of a finger to the second region 24b, it does not detect the other. That is, detector 24 will not simultaneously detect both the approach of a finger to the first region 24a and the approach of a finger to the second region 24b.

[0035] Figure 4 An example is shown where upward arrows 21b and downward arrows 21c are marked on the surface 21a of the landing button 21. As an example, arrow 21b is positioned within the first region 24a. Arrow 21c is positioned within the second region 24b. A light 22 is provided on the rear side of the landing button 21 such that arrow 21b illuminates when the light 22 is illuminated. Alternatively, the upper half of the landing button 21 may be illuminated when the light 22 is illuminated. A light 23 is provided on the rear side of the landing button 21 such that arrow 21c illuminates when the light 23 is illuminated. Alternatively, the lower half of the landing button 21 may be illuminated when the light 23 is illuminated.

[0036] Furthermore, as long as the user can recognize the illumination and extinguishing of arrow 21b, the landing button device 13 can also include a unit other than lamp 22. For example, arrow 21b can also be displayed as an image on the surface 21a of the landing button 21. Similarly, as long as the user can recognize the illumination and extinguishing of arrow 21c, the landing button device 13 can also include a unit other than lamp 23. For example, arrow 21c can also be displayed as an image on the surface 21a of the landing button 21.

[0037] Detector 25 detects that the floor station button 21 is pressed. Preferably, detector 25 detects that the floor station button 21 is pressed by displacement of the floor station button 21. Detector 25 may also have a contact that closes by displacement of the floor station button 21 when it is pressed into the panel 20. As another example, detector 25 may also detect that the floor station button 21 is pressed without displacement of the floor station button 21, that is, detect finger contact.

[0038] The controller 26 includes an illumination control unit 31 and a request unit 32. The illumination control unit 31 controls the lights 22 and 23. The request unit 32 sends a landing call registration request to the control panel 6. Specifically, when the detector 24 detects a finger approaching the first area 24a and the detector 25 detects the landing button 21 being pressed, the request unit 32 sends an upward landing call registration request to the control panel 6. When the detector 24 detects a finger approaching the second area 24b and the detector 25 detects the landing button 21 being pressed, the request unit 32 sends a downward landing call registration request to the control panel 6.

[0039] Furthermore, when the control panel 6 receives an upward-direction elevator call registration request from the request unit 32, it registers the upward-direction elevator call for the floor where the floor button device 13 that sent the elevator call registration request is located. When the control panel 6 receives a downward-direction elevator call registration request from the request unit 32, it registers the downward-direction elevator call for that floor. Thus, the car 1 responds to the registered elevator call. In the example shown in this embodiment, the floor button device 13 and the control panel 6 constitute a system for registering elevator calls.

[0040] Next, also refer to Figure 5 The operation of the floor station button device 13 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the floor station button device 13 according to Embodiment 1. In the following description, an example will be specifically explained where the detector 24 performs electrostatic capacitance detection and does not simultaneously detect both the approach of a finger to the first region 24a and the approach of a finger to the second region 24b.

[0041] In the floor button device 13, firstly, the detector 24 measures the electrostatic capacitance when the finger is not approaching the first area 24a and the second area 24b (S101). Furthermore, the detector 24 continues to measure the electrostatic capacitance. Based on the electrostatic capacitance measurement result, the detector 24 determines whether the user's finger has approached the first area 24a (S102). When the detector 24 detects that the finger is approaching the first area 24a, it determines "yes" in S102. If the detector 24 does not detect that the finger is approaching the first area 24a, it determines "no" in S102.

[0042] If the determination in S102 is "No", the detector 24 determines whether the user's finger has approached the second region 24b based on the measurement result of the electrostatic capacitance (S103). If the detector 24 detects that the finger is approaching the second region 24b, it determines "Yes" in S103. If the detector 24 does not detect that the finger is approaching the second region 24b, it determines "No" in S103.

[0043] When the determination is "yes" in S102, the control unit 31 is illuminated, causing the lamp 22 to flash (S104). As a result, the portion of the floor button 21 marked with arrow 21b flashes. The user sees arrow 21b flashing.

[0044] Furthermore, when the determination in S102 is "yes", it is determined whether the landing button 21 has been pressed (S105). As an example, if the detector 25 detects that the landing button 21 has been pressed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination in S102 is "yes", it is determined to be "yes" in S105. If the detector 25 does not detect that the landing button 21 has been pressed before the predetermined time has elapsed since the determination in S102 is "yes", it is determined to be "no" in S105. When the determination in S105 is "no", the control unit 31 is illuminated to turn off the lamp 22 (S106).

[0045] When the determination is "yes" in S105, the request unit 32 sends the floor call registration request in the upward direction to the control panel 6 (S107).

[0046] When a landing call is registered in the control panel 6 based on the landing call registration request sent in S107, the illumination control unit 31 illuminates the light 22 (S108). As a result, the portion of the landing button 21 marked with arrow 21b illuminates. The user sees arrow 21b illuminated.

[0047] On the other hand, when the determination is "yes" in S103, the control unit 31 is illuminated, causing the lamp 23 to flash (S109). As a result, the portion of the floor button 21 marked with arrow 21c flashes. The user sees arrow 21c flashing.

[0048] Furthermore, when the determination in S103 is "yes", it is determined whether the landing button 21 has been pressed (S110). As an example, if the detector 25 detects that the landing button 21 has been pressed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination in S103 is "yes", it is determined to be "yes" in S110. If the detector 25 does not detect that the landing button 21 has been pressed before the predetermined time has elapsed since the determination in S103 is "yes", it is determined to be "no" in S110. When the determination in S110 is "no", the control unit 31 is illuminated to turn off the lamp 23 (S111).

[0049] When the determination is "yes" in S110, the request unit 32 sends the down-direction floor call registration request to the control panel 6 (S112).

[0050] When a landing call is registered in the control panel 6 based on the landing call registration request sent in S112, the illumination control unit 31 illuminates the lamp 23 (S113). As a result, the portion of the landing button 21 marked with arrow 21c illuminates. The user sees arrow 21c illuminated.

[0051] When a floor call registration request is sent in S107 or S112, it is determined whether both lights 22 and 23 are lit (S114). If both processes in S108 and S113 have been performed, the result in S114 is "Yes". When the result in S114 is "Yes", the process ends. If neither process in S108 nor process in S113 has been performed, the result in S114 is "No". When the result in S114 is "No", the process returns to S101.

[0052] In the example shown in this embodiment, detector 24 can detect the approach of a finger to the first region 24a and the approach of a finger to the second region 24b. Detector 25 can detect the pressing of the floor stop button 21. Therefore, the floor stop button device 13 does not need to have two floor stop buttons. In the example shown in this embodiment, the area required for setting up the floor stop button 21 can be reduced.

[0053] In elevator systems, during malfunction repairs or renovations, it is sometimes necessary to replace the landing button devices. In such cases, if the devices installed on each panel can be replaced without replacing the existing casing, the labor and time required for the repairs can be significantly reduced. In the example shown in this embodiment, the landing button 21 can be made compact, thus allowing it to be installed on panels 20 of various sizes, accommodating repairs for various elevator models.

[0054] Furthermore, in the example shown in this embodiment, the landing button 21 can be made compact, thus allowing devices other than the landing button 21 to be installed on the panel 20. For example, devices that were not installed on the landing button device before the renovation work can also be installed on the new panel. This allows for the replacement of both the device and the landing button at the same time. The device includes indicators (landing displays) and indicator lights, etc.

[0055] The following describes other functions that this elevator system can employ. If possible, the elevator system can also combine multiple functions as shown below.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing another example of the floor station button device 13. Figure 6 In the example shown, the floor stop button device 13 also has an indicator function. To achieve this function, the floor stop button device 13 also has a display 27. Figure 3As shown, the controller 26 also includes a display control unit 33. The display control unit 33 controls the display 27.

[0057] Display 27 is located on panel 20. Figure 6 A preferred example is shown where the shape of the display 27 is the same as the shape of the floor station button 21. That is, the front outline of the display 27 as viewed from the floor station 8 side is the same as the front outline of the floor station button 21 as viewed from the floor station 8 side.

[0058] also, Figure 6 An example is shown where a landing button device 13 is provided on the wall 12 between the entrance / exit 9 for car 1 of aircraft A and the entrance / exit 9 for car 1 of aircraft B. For example, information related to car 1 of aircraft A is displayed on the left half of the display 27. The display control unit 33 displays the current position and current direction of movement of car 1 of aircraft A on the left half of the display 27. Similarly, information related to car 1 of aircraft B is displayed on the right half of the display 27. The display control unit 33 displays the current position and current direction of movement of car 1 of aircraft B on the right half of the display 27.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing another example of the floor station button device 13. Figure 7 In the example shown, the floor button device 13 also functions as a hall indicator light. To achieve this function, the floor button device 13 and... Figure 6 The example shown also includes a display 27. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the controller 26 also includes a display control unit 33. The display control unit 33 controls the display 27.

[0060] Figure 7 and Figure 6 Similarly, the example shown illustrates an instance where a landing button device 13 is provided on the wall 12 between the entrance / exit 9 for car 1 of aircraft A and the entrance / exit 9 for car 1 of aircraft B. Information related to car 1 of aircraft A is displayed on the left half of the display 27. The display control unit 33 displays on the left half of the display 27 the information regarding the approaching landing 8 and the arrival at landing 8 of car 1 of aircraft A. Figure 7 The left half of the display 27 is illuminated by a shadow. Similarly, the right half of the display 27 displays information related to car 1 of Unit B. The display control unit 33 displays the status of car 1 of Unit B approaching and having already arrived at floor 8 on the right half of the display 27.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another example of the floor station button device 13. Figure 8 Show Figure 4 The CC section. Figure 8An example is shown of a mountain-shaped portion protruding from the surface 20a of the panel 20 in the floor button 21, with a lower upper and lower end.

[0062] exist Figure 8 In the preferred embodiment shown, the surface 21a of the floor station button 21 includes an upper flat inclined surface 21a-1 and a lower flat inclined surface 21a-2. The inclined surface 21a-1 is inclined such that the amount of its protrusion from the panel 20 decreases as it faces upwards. That is, the inclined surface 21a-1 is an upwardly inclined surface. The inclined surface 21a-2 is positioned below the inclined surface 21a-1. More specifically, the inclined surface 21a-2 is positioned directly below the inclined surface 21a-1. The inclined surface 21a-2 is inclined such that the amount of its protrusion from the panel 20 decreases as it faces downwards. That is, the inclined surface 21a-2 is a downwardly inclined surface.

[0063] In addition, Figure 8 In the example shown, region 24a is part of inclined surface 21a-1. Region 24b is part of inclined surface 21a-2. Figure 8 In the example shown, it is possible to prevent a finger intending to press the floor button 21 from simultaneously approaching both the first area 24a and the second area 24b. Additionally, as... Figure 8 As shown, the portion of surface 21a containing the first region 24a and the portion containing the second region 24b may not be on the same plane. As another example, the portion of surface 21a containing the first region 24a and the portion containing the second region 24b may also be discontinuous. For example, a gap may be formed between the portion containing the first region 24a and the portion containing the second region 24b.

[0064] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing another example of the floor station button device 13. Figure 9 Show Figure 6 The DD section. Additionally... Figure 9 The cross-section shown is a cross-section of a display 27 with indicator function, but it could also be a cross-section of a display 27 with hall indicator function. Figure 9 An example is shown where the portion of the display 27 protruding from the surface 20a of the panel 20 is a mountain-shaped portion with lower left and right ends.

[0065] The display 27 has a surface 27a facing the side of the station 8. Figure 9 In the preferred embodiment shown, viewed from the floor 8 side, the surface 27a of the display 27 includes a flat inclined surface 27a-1 on the left and a flat inclined surface 27a-2 on the right. The inclined surface 27a-1 is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the panel 20 decreases as it moves to the left. The inclined surface 27a-2 is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the panel 20 decreases as it moves to the right.

[0066] Information related to car 1 of aircraft A is displayed on inclined surface 27a-1. Users waiting for car 1 of aircraft A are located to the left of the landing button device 13. Therefore, even without moving to the front of the landing button device 13, the user can confirm the information related to car 1 of aircraft A displayed on inclined surface 27a-1. Similarly, information related to car 1 of aircraft B is displayed on inclined surface 27a-2. Users waiting for car 1 of aircraft B are located to the right of the landing button device 13. Therefore, even without moving to the front of the landing button device 13, the user can confirm the information related to car 1 of aircraft B displayed on inclined surface 27a-2.

[0067] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware resources of the floor station button device 13. The controller 26 of the floor station button device 13 includes a processing circuit 40 comprising a processor 41 and a memory 42 as hardware resources. The processing circuit 40 may also include multiple processors 41. The processing circuit 40 may also include multiple memories 42.

[0068] In this embodiment, the parts indicated by reference numerals 31 to 33 represent the functions of the controller 26. The functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 31 to 33 can be implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware described as a program. This program is stored in the memory 42. The controller 26 implements the functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 31 to 33 by the processor 41 (computer) executing the program stored in the memory 42.

[0069] The processor 41 is also known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System-on-Chip), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), GPGPU (General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. Semiconductor memory, hard disks, floppy disks, optical disks, CDs (compact disks), minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Disk) can also be used as memory 42. Suitable semiconductor memories include RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0070] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates another example of the hardware resources of the floor station button device 13. Figure 11 In the example shown, the controller 26 of the floor button device 13 has a processing circuit 40 that includes a processor 41, a memory 42 and dedicated hardware 43. Figure 11 An example is shown where a portion of the functions of controller 26 are implemented using dedicated hardware 43. All the functions of controller 26 can also be implemented using dedicated hardware 43. Dedicated hardware 43 can be 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.

[0071] Hardware resources of control panel 6 and Figure 10 or Figure 11 The example shown is the same. Control panel 6 has processing circuitry including a processor and memory as hardware resources. Control panel 6 implements its functions by having the processor (computer) execute programs stored in memory. Control panel 6 may also have processing circuitry including a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of control panel 6 may also be implemented using dedicated hardware.

[0072] Hereinafter, examples of the modes that may be included in this invention will be described as appendices.

[0073] (Postscript 1)

[0074] A landing station button device, wherein the landing station button device comprises:

[0075] panel;

[0076] A landing button is provided on the panel, having a surface facing the landing side of the elevator;

[0077] A first detector is capable of detecting finger approach to a first region that is part of the surface, and finger approach to a second region that is another part of the surface; and

[0078] The second detector detects when the station button is pressed.

[0079] (Postscript 2)

[0080] According to the floor station button device described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0081] The first detector detects the approach of a finger to the first region and the approach of a finger to the second region in a non-contact manner.

[0082] The second detector detects that the floor button has been pressed by shifting the floor button.

[0083] (Note 3)

[0084] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the landing button device further comprises:

[0085] A display, which is disposed on the panel; and

[0086] The display control unit controls the display.

[0087] The front outline of the display as seen from the floor station is the same as the front outline of the floor station button as seen from the floor station.

[0088] (Postscript 4)

[0089] According to the floor station button device described in Appendix 3, wherein...

[0090] The display control unit shows on the display that the car is about to arrive at the floor.

[0091] (Note 5)

[0092] According to the floor station button device described in Appendix 3, wherein...

[0093] The display control unit displays the current position and direction of movement of the car that can stop at the floor on the display screen.

[0094] (Note 6)

[0095] The floor station button device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein...

[0096] The first region is positioned above the second region.

[0097] (Note 7)

[0098] According to the floor station button device described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0099] The surface has:

[0100] The first inclined surface is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the panel decreases as it faces upwards; and

[0101] The second inclined surface is positioned lower than the first inclined surface, and is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the panel decreases as it faces downward.

[0102] The first region is a part of the first inclined surface.

[0103] The second region is part of the second inclined surface.

[0104] (Postscript 8)

[0105] The floor station button device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein,

[0106] The first detector does not simultaneously detect the finger's approach to the first region and the finger's approach to the second region.

[0107] (Note 9)

[0108] The floor button device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein,

[0109] The landing button device also includes a request unit. When the first detector detects a finger approaching the first area and the second detector detects that the landing button has been pressed, the request unit sends an upward landing call registration request. When the first detector detects a finger approaching the second area and the second detector detects that the landing button has been pressed, the request unit sends a downward landing call registration request.

[0110] (Postscript 10)

[0111] An elevator call registration system, wherein the elevator call registration system comprises:

[0112] The floor station button device described in Appendix 9; and

[0113] The control panel communicates with the floor button device.

[0114] When the control panel receives an upward-direction elevator call registration request from the request unit, it registers the upward-direction elevator call; when it receives a downward-direction elevator call registration request from the request unit, it registers the downward-direction elevator call.

Claims

1. A landing call device, wherein, The floor button device includes: panel; A landing button is provided on the panel, having a surface facing the landing side of the elevator; The first detector is capable of detecting the approach of a finger to a first region that is part of the surface, and the approach of a finger to a second region that is another part of the surface; as well as The second detector detects when the floor station button is pressed. The first detector does not simultaneously detect the finger's approach to the first region and the finger's approach to the second region.

2. A landing call device, wherein, The floor button device includes: panel; A landing button is provided on the panel, having a surface facing the landing side of the elevator; The first detector is capable of detecting the approach of a finger to a first region that is part of the surface, and the approach of a finger to a second region that is another part of the surface; The second detector detects when the floor station button is pressed. as well as The request unit sends an upward-direction elevator call registration request when the first detector detects a finger approaching the first area and the second detector detects the floor button being pressed; and sends a downward-direction elevator call registration request when the first detector detects a finger approaching the second area and the second detector detects the floor button being pressed.

3. The floor station button device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first detector detects the approach of a finger to the first region and the approach of a finger to the second region in a non-contact manner. The second detector detects that the floor button has been pressed by shifting the floor button.

4. The floor station button device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The floor button device also includes: A display, which is disposed on the panel; and The display control unit controls the display. The front outline of the display as seen from the floor station is the same as the front outline of the floor station button as seen from the floor station.

5. The floor station button device according to claim 4, wherein, The display control unit displays the information about the car's upcoming arrival at the floor on the monitor.

6. The floor station button device according to claim 4, wherein, The display control unit displays the current position and direction of movement of the car that is able to stop at the floor on the display screen.

7. The floor stop button device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first region is positioned above the second region.

8. The floor station button device according to claim 7, wherein, The surface has: The first inclined surface is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the panel decreases as it faces upwards; and The second inclined surface is positioned lower than the first inclined surface, and is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the panel decreases as it faces downward. The first region is a part of the first inclined surface. The second region is part of the second inclined surface.

9. A call registration system wherein, The elevator call registration system has the following features: The floor station button device as claimed in claim 2; and The control panel communicates with the floor button device. When the control panel receives an upward-direction elevator call registration request from the request unit, it registers the upward-direction elevator call; when it receives a downward-direction elevator call registration request from the request unit, it registers the downward-direction elevator call.

10. A landing call device, wherein, The floor button device includes: panel; A landing button is provided on the panel, having a surface facing the landing side of the elevator; The first detector is capable of detecting the approach of a finger to a first region that is part of the surface, and the approach of a finger to a second region that is another part of the surface; The second detector detects when the floor station button is pressed. A display, which is disposed on the panel; as well as The display control unit controls the display. The front outline of the display as seen from the floor station is the same as the front outline of the floor station button as seen from the floor station. The display control unit displays the current position and direction of movement of the car that can stop at the landing, or information related to the car that can stop at the landing, on the display screen.

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