Guiding system of passenger conveyor and passenger conveyor

Abstract

The invention provides a guiding system of a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor comprises a camera used for shooting a user, an image analysis part used for detecting the user who is about to take the passenger conveyor and analyzing the condition of the user of the passenger conveyor based on image information of the camera, and a passenger conveyor control part used for controlling notification of guidance for guiding the user to the passenger conveyor. A user of the passenger conveyor is guided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guidance system for guiding the riding method of a passenger conveyor and a passenger conveyor equipped with the guidance system. Background Art

[0002] In a passenger conveyor that can accommodate two people side by side, from the perspective of improving safety and conveying rate, a countermeasure is required to get rid of the customary riding method of leaving one side empty (standing on one side, walking on one side), and a guiding device for a passenger conveyor that guides users on how to ride has been proposed (see patent document 1).

[0003] The guide device of the passenger conveyor comprises a step that is connected in a ring shape and moves from one boarding floor to another boarding floor, and a display device above the boarding floor. In addition, a colored guide body that shows the use position such as walking and standing to the passengers is provided on the concave and convex part of the surface of the step, and a display lamp having the same color and the same mark as the colored guide body of the step is provided above the boarding floor.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-208172 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, the guidance device of the above passenger conveyor is a structure conceived as one-side standing and one-side walking, and does not solve the customary riding method of leaving one side vacant. In addition, since only a colored guide body and a display light are used, it is impossible to provide guidance reflecting the actual riding method and congestion of users.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a passenger conveyor guidance system and a passenger conveyor capable of providing guidance reflecting the riding style of users and the congestion situation.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] The passenger conveyor guidance system of the present invention includes a camera for photographing users, and an image analysis unit for detecting users who want to board the passenger conveyor and analyzing the status of the users of the passenger conveyor based on the image information of the camera. Furthermore, the passenger conveyor guidance system includes a passenger conveyor control unit for controlling the notification of guidance for guiding the users to the passenger conveyor based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit, thereby guiding the users of the passenger conveyor.

[0012] In addition, the passenger conveyor of the present invention has a plurality of steps that can be cyclically moved and a guidance system for users who want to board the steps. The guidance system includes a camera for photographing the users, and an image analysis unit for detecting the users who want to board the passenger conveyor and analyzing the status of the users of the passenger conveyor based on the image information of the camera. Furthermore, the guidance system includes a passenger conveyor control unit for controlling the notification of guidance for guiding the users to the passenger conveyor based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a passenger conveyor guidance system and a passenger conveyor capable of providing guidance reflecting the riding style of users and the congestion situation.

[0015] Problems, structures, and effects other than those described above will be explained through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the passenger conveyor and guidance system.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the system configuration of a passenger conveyor and guidance system.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit of the passenger conveyor and guidance system.

[0019] Figure 4 It is an action flow chart of the guidance system of the passenger conveyor.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a top view of the passenger conveyor for explaining the one-person riding control mode.

[0021] Figure 6 1 is a top view of a passenger conveyor illustrating a two-person riding control mode.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the passenger conveyor and the status of users.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the system configuration of a passenger conveyor and guidance system.

[0024] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the passenger conveyor and guidance system.

[0025] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the steps with the step centerline set.

[0026] Fig.11 It is an action flow chart of the guidance system of the passenger conveyor.

[0027] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the passenger conveyor and guidance system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0029] In addition, the description is given in the following order.

[0030] 1. First Embodiment of Passenger Conveyor and Guidance System

[0031] 2. Second Embodiment of Passenger Conveyor and Guidance System

[0032] 3. Third Embodiment of Passenger Conveyor and Guidance System

[0033] 4. Fourth Embodiment of Passenger Conveyor and Guidance System

[0034] <1. First embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system>

[0035] Hereinafter, a passenger conveyor guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numeral is added to the same structure, and repeated description is omitted. In addition, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily need to exist independently, and it is allowed that one component is composed of multiple components, multiple components are composed of one component, a certain component is a part of other components, a part of a certain component overlaps with a part of other components, etc.

[0036] [Outline structure of passenger conveyor and guidance system]

[0037] use Figure 1 to Figure 5 , a guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment and an embodiment of a passenger conveyor having the guidance system are described.

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 of the passenger conveyor according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 , user 2 who is about to board passenger conveyor 1, user 3 who has boarded passenger conveyor 1, user 4 at the end of the line included in user 3, and user 5 who has gotten off passenger conveyor 1 are shown. In addition, it is assumed that user 3 is standing on passenger conveyor 1.

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the passenger conveyor 1 has a landing floor 7 for a user 2 to board the passenger conveyor 1 from a lower landing floor 6 of a boarding floor, and a lower landing floor 8 for a user 3 to get off the passenger conveyor 1 to an upper landing floor 9 of a descending floor. In addition, the passenger conveyor 1 has a passenger conveyor frame 10 supported across the landing floor 7 and the descending landing floor 8, and a plurality of steps 11 having a pedal on the top surface and connected in a ring shape and moving in a circulation. Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 has an apron plate 12 erected on both sides of the moving direction of the step 11, a handrail 13 provided on the apron plate 12, and a handrail 14 guided and moved by the periphery of the handrail 13.

[0040] In addition, apron board lighting 15 and railing lighting 16 are installed on the apron board 12 and the railing 13 respectively.

[0041] Next, use Figure 1 The basic structure of the guidance system 100 of the passenger conveyor 1 will be described.

[0042] The guidance system 100 includes a camera 101 installed on the ceiling 17 for detecting the positions of the user 2 before boarding the passenger conveyor 1 and the user 3 who has boarded the passenger conveyor 1, and a control unit 110 of the guidance system 100. The control unit 110 includes an image analysis unit 102 for analyzing image data obtained by the camera 101 and a passenger conveyor control unit 103 for receiving a signal from the image analysis unit 102.

[0043] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 include a guidance notification unit 111 ( ) for notifying the user 2 of information (guidance guidance) output from the control unit 110 for guiding the user 2 before boarding the passenger conveyor 1. Figure 2 ). Figure 1 In the figure, a display guide unit 104 such as a monitor or a signboard and a voice guide unit 105 that plays a guidance announcement are shown as the guidance notification unit 111. In addition, the display guide unit 104 and the voice guide unit 105 only need to be structures included in at least one of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100, and can be structures included in the passenger conveyor 1 or structures included in the guidance system 100.

[0044] [System structure of passenger conveyor and guidance system]

[0045] Next, use Figure 2 The system configurations of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a system configuration diagram of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100. Figure 2 1 , only the structure for guiding the user 2 to the passenger conveyor 1 in this embodiment is shown.

[0046] Figure 2 The illustrated guidance system 100 includes a camera 101 and a control unit 110, and the control unit 110 includes an image analysis unit 102 and a passenger conveyor control unit 103. In addition, the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 include a display guidance unit 104 and a voice guidance unit 105 as a guidance notification unit 111 for notifying the user of the guidance output from the guidance system 100.

[0047] (Camera)

[0048] The camera 101 acquires the positions of the user 2 who is about to board the passenger conveyor 1 and the user 3 who is currently boarding and standing on the passenger conveyor 1. Image information captured by the camera 101 is transmitted to the image analysis unit 102.

[0049] The camera 101 has an imaging function and an information processing function, and includes an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera and an information processing device such as a processor. The installation position of the camera 101 is not particularly limited, and the position of the user 2 who is about to board the passenger conveyor 1 and the user 3 who is currently boarding and standing on the passenger conveyor 1 can be obtained at the configuration position. In addition, the guidance system 100 may also be a structure in which a plurality of cameras 101 are arranged in the passenger conveyor 1 in order to obtain the users 2 and 3.

[0050] (Control Department)

[0051] The control unit 110 includes an image analysis unit 102 and a passenger conveyor control unit 103. The image analysis unit 102 and the passenger conveyor control unit 103 may be configured as independent control devices, or may be functional structures included in the control unit 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 shown in the figure show a structure having an image analysis unit 102 and a passenger conveyor control unit 103 as respective independent control devices.

[0052] (Image Analysis Department)

[0053] The image analysis unit 102 of the control unit 110 detects and recognizes the positions and states of the users 2 , 3 , and 4 based on the image information obtained from the camera 101 , and transmits the analysis result to the passenger conveyor control unit 103 as identification information.

[0054] Examples of the positions and states of the users 2, 3, and 4 recognized by the image analysis unit 102 include riding, standing, and walking of the users 2 and 3. The image analysis unit 102 performs image analysis such as detection of the user 2 who is about to board the passenger conveyor, analysis of the boarding status of the user 3 who has already boarded, detection of the user 4 at the end of the queue, and detection of a row with one side of the passenger being vacant, based on the positions and states of the recognized users 2, 3, and 4, and generates recognition information as an analysis result.

[0055] In the above detection and analysis processes, the image analysis unit 102 uses a known machine learning model for detecting the motion of a person from an image to recognize the position and state of the users 2, 3, and 4. For example, the image analysis unit 102 uses a known machine learning model used as a known skeleton recognition technology to obtain human skeleton data from the two-dimensional image information captured by the camera 101 to distinguish between the users 2, 3, and 4 and objects other than people. Furthermore, the image analysis unit 102 obtains the difference in the postures of the detected users 2, 3, and 4 at each time to obtain the state of the users 2, 3, and 4 (riding / standing / walking, etc.).

[0056] In addition, the image analysis unit 102 may have the above-mentioned machine learning model, or may not have the machine learning model and may communicate with a learning server (not shown) that performs the above-mentioned user detection and analysis based on image information. By communicating with the learning server, the image analysis unit 102 cooperates with the learning server when the machine learning model is available, and receives the analysis result of the learning server when the machine learning model is not available, thereby enabling the above-mentioned user detection and analysis.

[0057] (Passenger conveyor control unit)

[0058] The passenger conveyor control unit 103 of the control unit 110 outputs a guide corresponding to the use status to the guide notification unit 111 based on the identification information obtained from the image analysis unit 102. The guide output to the guide notification unit 111 stores the pre-generated fixed words in a storage medium such as the non-volatile storage 35 described later. Then, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 selects and reads the information of the user 2 who is about to board the entrance floor 7 of the passenger conveyor 1, the standing position of the user 4 at the end of the line who is boarding the passenger conveyor 1, etc. from the storage medium based on the obtained identification information.

[0059] In addition, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 switches the control mode according to the number of users 2 who want to board the passenger conveyor 1, for example, and guides the users 2. For example, when the user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1 is one person, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 guides the user 2 in the one-person boarding control mode. In addition, when the user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1 is more than one person (in the case of more than two people), the passenger conveyor control unit 103 guides the user 2 in the two-person boarding control mode.

[0060] In the case of the single-boarding control mode, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 guides the user 2 to board the step 11 on the side where the user 3 who has boarded the passenger conveyor 1 is not lined up. Specifically, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 guides the boarding position of the user 2 who is to board so that the standing position of the user 2 who is to board alternates with the standing position of the user 4 who boarded the passenger conveyor 1 before the user 2 who is to board. Therefore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the guidance guidance for guiding the user 2 to the right side of the passenger conveyor 1 or the guidance guidance for guiding the user 2 to the left side so that the boarding position of the user 2 alternates with the standing position of the user 4.

[0061] In the two-person boarding control mode, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 guides the user 2 to board to the boarding position side by side, regardless of the standing position of the user 4. Therefore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the guidance for guiding the user 2 to the two sides (side by side) of the passenger conveyor 1 from the storage medium.

[0062] When the user 2 to be boarded is one person and the users 4 who have previously boarded the passenger conveyor 1 are two people standing side by side, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 guides the standing position of the user 2 to the side with less guidance according to the previous guidance status of the user 4.

[0063] Furthermore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 may read the display (such as emergency stop) of the passenger conveyor 1 during an abnormality from the storage medium as guidance to the user 2 , and output it to the guidance notification unit 111 .

[0064] Furthermore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 outputs the guidance information read from the storage medium to the guidance notification unit 111. For example, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 outputs the guidance information to the display guidance unit 104 and the voice guidance unit 105. For example, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 outputs text information and image information for display on a display or the like to the display guidance unit 104. In addition, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 outputs voice output information of a speaker or the like to the voice guidance unit 105. The passenger conveyor control unit 103 may also switch the output destination between the display guidance unit 104 and the voice guidance unit 105 and output to either one.

[0065] [Hardware structure of escalator control device]

[0066] Next, the hardware configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 and the control unit 110 of the guidance system 100 will be described. Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the control unit 110 .

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 110 is hardware used as a so-called computer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 , a nonvolatile memory 35 , and a network interface 36 , which are connected to a bus 34 .

[0068] The CPU 31 reads and executes the program code of the software realizing each function of the present embodiment from the ROM 32. Variables and parameters generated during the operation process are temporarily written in the RAM 33. The CPU 31 executes the program code recorded in the ROM 32, thereby realizing the functions of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100.

[0069] The nonvolatile storage 35 is an example of a storage medium of the control unit 110, and uses, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a floppy disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory, etc. In addition to an OS (Operating System) and various parameters, the nonvolatile storage 35 also stores a program for making the control unit 110 function.

[0070] ROM 32 and nonvolatile storage 35 record programs and data necessary for the operation of CPU 31 and are used as an example of a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing a program executed by control unit 110. Therefore, the program is permanently stored in ROM 32 and nonvolatile storage 35.

[0071] As the network interface 36, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like is used. The network interface 36 can transmit and receive various data between devices via a LAN (Local Area Network) or a dedicated line to which the terminal is connected.

[0072] [Guidance system actions and guidance methods]

[0073] Next, use Figure 4 A series of operations for guiding the user in the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 will be described. Figure 4 This is an operation flow chart of the guidance system 100 of the passenger conveyor 1 .

[0074] First, the user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1 approaches the entrance floor 7 (step S1).

[0075] Next, the camera 101 obtains the image information of the user 2, and the image analysis unit 102 detects the number of users 2 to board based on the image information (step S2). The image analysis unit 102 generates identification information obtained by detecting the number of users 2 using the machine learning model. Then, the image analysis unit 102 outputs the generated identification information to the passenger conveyor control unit 103.

[0076] Next, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 determines whether the detected number of people is one person based on the identification information acquired from the image analysis unit 102 (step S3).

[0077] When it is determined that the user 2 is alone (Yes in step S3), the passenger conveyor control unit 103 switches the guidance control mode to the single-person riding control mode (step S4).

[0078] Here, with Figure 4 The process shown Figure 1 Same place, use Figure 5 The top view of the passenger conveyor 1 shown will be used to explain a method of guiding a user in the single-passenger control mode.

[0079] First, in the one-person control mode, if Figure 5As shown, the camera 101 obtains the image information of the user 4 who is at the end of the line on the passenger conveyor 1, and the image analysis unit 102 detects the standing position of the user 4 (step S5). Then, the image analysis unit 102 determines whether the user 4 is on the left side of the passenger conveyor 1 (step S6).

[0080] When the user 4 is on the left side of the passenger conveyor 1 (Yes in step S6), the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the fixed phrase A "Please get on the right side" from the storage medium, and outputs (displays) it to the display guidance unit 104 of the guidance notification unit 111 (step S7). Furthermore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the fixed phrase A "Please get on the right side" from the storage medium, and outputs (announces) it to the voice guidance unit 105 of the guidance notification unit 111 (step S8).

[0081] That is, Figure 5 As shown in the figure, when the standing position of the user 4 at the end of the line is on the left side, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 outputs guidance to the guidance notification unit 111 in such a way that the boarding position of the user 2 to be boarded becomes the right side. Thus, the guidance system 100 guides the user to be boarded later to the side opposite to the standing position of the user 4 at the end of the line in the left-right direction (width direction) of the step 11, and guides the user 2 and the user 4 in a left-right alternating manner.

[0082] When the user 4 is not on the left side of the passenger conveyor 1 (No in step S6), the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the fixed phrase B "Please board on the left side" from the storage medium, and outputs (displays) it to the display guidance unit 104 of the guidance notification unit 111 (step S9). Furthermore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the fixed phrase B "Please board on the left side" from the storage medium, and outputs (announces) it to the voice guidance unit 105 of the guidance notification unit 111 (step S10).

[0083] That is, with Figure 5 Different from the situation shown in the figure, when the standing position of the user 4 at the end of the line is on the right side, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 outputs guidance to the guidance notification unit 111 in such a way that the boarding position of the user 2 to be boarded becomes the left side. Thus, the guidance system 100 guides the user to be boarded later to the side opposite to the standing position of the user 4 at the end of the line in the left-right direction (width direction) of the step 11, and guides the user 2 and the user 4 in a left-right alternating manner.

[0084] When the number of users 2 to board is less than one (No in step S3), the passenger conveyor control unit 103 switches the guidance control mode to the two-person boarding control mode (step S11).

[0085] Here, with Figure 4 The process shown Figure 1 Same place, use Figure 6 The top view of the passenger conveyor 1 shown will be used to explain a method of guiding users in the two-person riding control mode.

[0086] In the two-person boarding control mode, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the fixed phrase C "Please board on both sides" from the storage medium regardless of the standing position of the user 4 at the end of the line in the elevator, and outputs (displays) it to the display guidance unit 104 of the guidance notification unit 111 (step S12). Furthermore, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the fixed phrase C "Please board on both sides" from the storage medium, and outputs (announces) it to the voice guidance unit 105 of the guidance notification unit 111 (step S13).

[0087] Next, according to the guidance of steps S7 and S8, steps S9 and S10, or steps S12 and S13, the user 2 is guided to get on the steps 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 (step S14). At this time, the guidance system 100 preferably detects the user 2 getting on the passenger conveyor 1 in the control unit 110 (image analysis unit 102 and passenger conveyor control unit 103).

[0088] Through the above processing, the guidance system 100 of the passenger conveyor 1 completes the boarding position guidance for the user 2 .

[0089] According to the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 of the above-mentioned structure, by guiding the boarding position of the user 2 according to the condition of the user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1 (the boarding side and the degree of congestion), it is possible to suppress the vacant single-side boarding. Generally speaking, the user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1 has a tendency to stand on one side of the left-right direction of the step 11 due to habit and feel hesitant to stand on the other side. Therefore, by guiding the user 2 with the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100, the user 2 can stand on both sides of the left-right direction of the step 11 without hesitation. As a result, it is also possible to reduce the detention of users on the boarding floor (lined up on the standing side) caused by the vacant single-side boarding, which helps to improve the transportation efficiency.

[0090] In addition, according to the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 of the above-mentioned structure, by guiding the user 2 to both sides in the left and right directions, an environment is created in which it is difficult for the user 2 to walk on the passenger conveyor 1. Therefore, in the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 of the above-mentioned structure, the number of users walking on the passenger conveyor is reduced, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents caused by walking on the passenger conveyor 1.

[0091] In addition, in the above example, as the display content of the display guide unit 104, a fixed phrase such as "Please board on the right (left, both) sides" is shown, but it is not limited to this fixed phrase. For example, a symbol such as "×○" or a related illustration that is effective for guiding the user's boarding position may be displayed. When using a symbol, it is preferable to use a symbol that is easy to understand even for first-time passengers. Instead of "×", "-" may be used, and instead of "○", "↑" may be used. There are cases where the meaning of these symbols is easier to understand by, for example, displaying "×" and "↑" or "-" and "○" side by side.

[0092] <2. Second embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system>

[0093] Next, a second embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system is described. In the passenger conveyor and guidance system of the second embodiment, as a guidance notification unit, in addition to the display guidance unit and the sound guidance unit of the first embodiment, a lighting unit is used to guide the user. In addition, in the following description, detailed description of the same structure as the first embodiment is omitted.

[0094] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the configurations of a passenger conveyor 1 and a guidance system 100 according to a second embodiment are shown.

[0095] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the situation of the passenger conveyor 1 and users 2 and 4 in the vicinity of the entrance floor 7 . Figure 7 , a situation is shown in which the right handrail lighting 16 is lit, flashed, or lit to guide the user 2 to the right side of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0096] Figure 8 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100. Figure 8 As shown, the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 include a lighting unit 106 as a guidance notification unit 111 in addition to the display guidance unit 104 and the voice guidance unit 105 .

[0097] Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the passenger conveyor 1 and guidance system 100 shown, the skirt panel lighting 15 ( Figure 1 ) and railing lighting 16, etc., and a lighting unit 106 composed of LED lighting installed on the passenger conveyor 1 guides the user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1.

[0098] For example, in order to attract the attention of user 2 who wants to board the passenger conveyor 1, the user 2 is guided by lighting, flashing, changing the lighting color, or extinguishing the railing lighting 16 or apron lighting 15 on the side to be guided.

[0099] As the guidance output to the guidance notification unit 111, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads not only the fixed words stored in the storage medium but also the lighting control mode of the lighting unit 106. Then, based on the lighting control mode, the lighting of the lighting units 106 such as the apron lighting 15 and the handrail lighting 16 arranged on the right and left sides of the passenger conveyor 1 is controlled. For example, when the control mode is the one-person boarding control mode, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 controls to light up or flash the lighting unit 106 on either the right or left side and turns off the other lighting unit 106 in accordance with the boarding position of the user 4. In addition, when the control mode is the two-person boarding control mode, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 controls to light up or flash the lighting units 106 on both the right and left sides regardless of the boarding position of the user 4.

[0100] In addition, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 can also read the lighting control mode corresponding to the operating speed of the passenger conveyor 1 or the degree of congestion of users 2 and 3, and change the lighting color or lighting (flashing) mode. By changing the lighting control mode according to the operating speed or congestion, the guidance of users can be promoted.

[0101] Thus, in addition to the display of the display guidance unit 104 and the announcement of the voice guidance unit 105 as the guidance notification in the first embodiment, the user 2 can also be guided by the visual effect of the lighting unit 106 .

[0102] The guidance of the user 2 by the operation control of the lighting unit 106 is performed, for example, in the above Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, the same guidance process as step S7 and step S8, step S9 and step S10, or step S12 and step S13 can be performed. For example, after the process of step S6 or step S11, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the lighting control mode of the lighting unit 106 from the storage medium. Then, after the process of step S8, step S10 and step S13, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 controls the lighting operation of the lighting unit 106 according to the read lighting control mode. Specifically, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 controls the lighting units 106 such as the apron board lighting 15 and the railing lighting 16 to light up, flash, change the lighting color, and turn off according to the read lighting control mode.

[0103] <3. Third embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system>

[0104] Next, a third embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system is described. In the passenger conveyor and guidance system of the third embodiment, as a guidance notification unit, in addition to the display guidance unit, the sound guidance unit, and the lighting unit of the second embodiment, a center line provided on the steps is used to guide the user. In addition, in the following description, detailed descriptions of the same structures as those of the first and second embodiments are omitted.

[0105] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing the passenger conveyor and guidance system of this method.

[0106] Fig. 9 In the passenger conveyor 1 and guidance system 100 shown, a step center line 200 that can be illuminated is provided at the center of the step 11 .

[0107] exist Fig.10 2 shows a schematic diagram of a step 11 with a step centerline 200. Fig.10 As shown, the step 11 is mainly composed of a tread plate 18, a dividing strip 19, a riser 20, and a rear wheel 21. Then, at a position passing through the center of the step 11 in the width direction, a step center line 200 that can be illuminated according to the control of the passenger conveyor control unit 103 is provided.

[0108] The step center line 200 includes, for example, a light source formed on the same surface as the tread 18 of the step 11 and formed by making the lighting unit 106 ( Figure 8 ) is a cover made of a material that fully transmits light, and an illumination unit 106 composed of LED lighting or the like disposed in the cover. In addition, the color of the step center line 200 is preferably formed so that the user 2 recognizes it as a color different from the pedal 18 when the illumination unit 106 is not lit.

[0109] In addition, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 can read the lighting control mode corresponding to the operating speed of the passenger conveyor 1 or the degree of congestion of the users 2 and 3, and change the lighting color and lighting mode of the step center line 200. By changing the lighting control mode of the step center line 200 according to the operating speed and the degree of congestion, the guidance of the users can be promoted.

[0110] Next, a series of operations of the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 in this embodiment for guiding the user will be described. Fig.11 , a flow chart of the operation of the guidance system 100 of the passenger conveyor 1 is shown. Fig.11 In the flowchart shown, the above Figure 4 Therefore, for the same process as above Figure 4 The description of the same processes in the flowchart shown will be omitted.

[0111] First, with the above Figure 4 Similarly to the flowchart shown, the processing from step S1 to step S13 is performed.

[0112] Next, after the processing of step S8, step S10 and step S13, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 causes the step 11a ( Fig. 9 ) lights up the step center line 200 (step S14). For example, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 reads the lighting pattern from the storage medium. Then, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 controls the lighting unit 106 provided in the step center line 200 to light up, flash, change the lighting color, and turn off according to the read lighting pattern.

[0113] Then, according to the guidance of the guidance system 100, the user 2 is guided to get on the step 11a of the passenger conveyor 1 (step S15). At this time, the guidance system 100 detects the user 2 getting on the passenger conveyor 1 in the control unit 110 (image analysis unit 102 and passenger conveyor control unit 103).

[0114] Next, after the camera 101 and the image analysis unit 102 confirm that the user 2 has boarded the elevator, or after a certain time has passed since the lighting control in step S14 was started, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 switches the lighting control of the step center line 200 (step S16). Here, the lighting control is performed in a mode different from the lighting control of the lighting unit 106 performed by the passenger conveyor control unit 103 in the above-mentioned step S14. For example, the lighting unit 106 is flashed in step S14, and the lighting unit 106 is lit (continuously) or extinguished in step S16. In this way, by changing the lighting mode after the user 2 boards the elevator, the lighting of the step 11a before the user 2 boards the elevator can be made conspicuous.

[0115] After the above processing, the guidance system 100 of the passenger conveyor 1 completes the boarding position guidance for the user 2 .

[0116] In the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 of the present embodiment, the lighting unit 106 installed in the step center line 200 is used to guide the users who are going to board the passenger conveyor 1. In this structure, in order to attract the attention of the users 2 who are going to board the passenger conveyor 1, the step center line 200 is controlled to light up, flash, change the lighting color, and extinguish, so as to indicate the personal space of the users and reduce the resistance to riding in two rows. Therefore, when there are more than two users 2, it is easy to guide the users 2 to both sides of the passenger conveyor 1 (side by side on the left and right), and it is also possible to reduce the retention of users on the elevator floor caused by leaving one side empty (lined up on the standing side), thereby helping to improve the transportation efficiency.

[0117] Furthermore, by flashing the step center line 200 when the user is about to get on the vehicle, the user's attention is drawn to improve safety during the ride and help the user become aware of the riding position.

[0118] <4. Fourth embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system>

[0119] Next, the fourth embodiment of the passenger conveyor and guidance system is described. The passenger conveyor and guidance system of the fourth embodiment is a structure that serves as a guidance notification unit, and in addition to the display guidance unit, the sound guidance unit, the lighting unit, and the step center line of the third embodiment, also has a boarding floor guidance display of the queue display unit provided at the lower boarding and alighting floor of the boarding floor. In addition, in the following description, detailed descriptions of the same structures as the first, second, and third embodiments are omitted.

[0120] exist Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the passenger conveyor and guidance system of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0121] Fig.12 The passenger conveyor 1 and guidance system 100 shown are on the extension line of the step center line 200, and have a boarding floor center line 201 set on the entrance floor 7 and an elevator floor guidance display 202 within a queue display unit 203 set on the lower boarding floor 6 of the elevator floor.

[0122] The landing floor center line 201 includes, for example, a line formed on the same surface as the landing floor 7 and formed by making the lighting unit 106 ( Figure 8 ) and a lighting unit 106 composed of LED lighting or the like arranged in the cover. In addition, the color of the center line 201 of the boarding floor is preferably formed so that when the lighting unit 106 is not lit, the user 2 recognizes it as a different color from the entrance floor 7. In addition, the center line 201 of the boarding floor can be controlled by the passenger conveyor control unit 103 to a lighting mode linked to the lighting control of the step center line 200, or can be controlled to different lighting modes.

[0123] In addition, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 can read the lighting control mode corresponding to the operating speed of the passenger conveyor 1 or the degree of congestion of the users 2 and 3, and change the lighting color or lighting mode of the center line 201 of the boarding and landing floor. By changing the lighting control mode of the center line 201 of the boarding and landing floor according to the operating speed or the degree of congestion, the guidance of the users can be promoted.

[0124] The queue display unit 203 is an area that displays guidance of the boarding position of the lower boarding and landing floor 6 provided at the boarding floor, and is formed so that the user 2 can smoothly board the passenger conveyor 1 by moving along the display area. For example, the queue display unit 203 is formed in a predetermined area near the entrance floor 7 with a display that the user 2 can distinguish from the lower boarding and landing floor 6 when visually viewing, for example, a color different from the lower boarding and landing floor 6.

[0125] The boarding floor guidance display 202 is formed in the queue display unit 203 to allow the user 2 to identify the moving direction, such as the boarding position (right side, left side, or both sides, etc.) of the passenger conveyor 1. The boarding floor guidance display 202 is provided to remind the user 2 to queue on both sides before boarding the passenger conveyor.

[0126] The boarding floor guide display 202 includes a lighting unit 106 ( Figure 8 ) is formed of a material that fully transmits light, and a lighting unit 106 composed of LED lighting or the like arranged in the cover. In addition, the color of the elevator floor guide display 202 is preferably formed so that the user 2 can recognize it as a color different from the elevator floor guide display 202 when the lighting unit 106 is not lit.

[0127] In addition, when there are people in the queue display unit 203 and its surroundings, the lighting of the lighting unit 106 is controlled by the passenger conveyor control unit 103. For example, the elevator floor guide display 202 can be controlled to a lighting mode linked to the lighting control of the step center line 200 and the boarding and landing floor center line 201 by the control of the passenger conveyor control unit 103, or can be controlled to different lighting modes respectively.

[0128] In addition, the passenger conveyor control unit 103 can read the lighting control mode corresponding to the operating speed of the passenger conveyor 1 or the degree of congestion of the users 2 and 3, and change the lighting color or lighting mode of the floor guide display 202 of the elevator floor. The guidance of users can be promoted by changing the lighting control mode of the floor guide display 202 of the elevator floor according to the operating speed or the degree of congestion.

[0129] in addition, Fig.12 In the figure, an example of using arrows to form the elevator floor guidance display 202 is shown, but as long as the shape is such that the user 2 can recognize the moving direction, it is not limited to arrows and other shapes may be used.

[0130] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 of each embodiment described above can be applied not only to guidance of the boarding position of the user 2, but also to other guidance for the users 2, 3, 4, and 5. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 and the guidance system 100 can also promote the guidance of the user 2 by switching the guidance (display, announcement, lighting) according to the running direction, running speed, user congestion level, etc. of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0131] In addition, in the above embodiment, an escalator having a height difference between steps is used as an example to explain the inclined passenger conveyor, but the passenger conveyor of the present invention can also be applied to an electric road having multiple steps without a height difference between the steps, that is, an automatic sidewalk. In addition, when the present invention is applied to an electric road, it is detected that the passenger moves in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the multiple steps.

[0132] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not limited to all structures that must be described. In addition, for a part of the structure of the embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0133] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the configuration of the present invention.

[0134] Description of Reference Numerals

[0135] 1 passenger conveyor, 2, 3, 4, 5 users, 6 lower boarding and alighting floor, 7 boarding entrance floor, 8 descending entrance floor, 9 upper boarding and alighting floor, 10 passenger conveyor frame, 11, 11a, steps, 12 apron board, 13 railing, 14 handrail, 15 apron board lighting, 16 railing lighting, 17 ceiling, 18 pedal, 19 dividing strip, 20 vertical board, 21 rear wheel, 31 CPU, 32 ROM, 33 RAM, 34 bus, 35 non-volatile storage, 36 network interface, 100 guidance system, 101 camera, 102 image analysis unit, 103 passenger conveyor control unit, 104 display guidance unit, 105 sound guidance unit, 106 lighting unit, 110 control unit, 111 guidance notification unit, 200 step center line, 201 boarding and alighting floor center line, 202 boarding floor guidance display, 203 queue display unit.

Claims

1. A guidance system for a passenger conveyor for guiding users of the passenger conveyor, It is characterized in that include: a camera for photographing the user; an image analysis unit for detecting the user who is about to board the passenger conveyor and analyzing the status of the user of the passenger conveyor based on the image information of the camera; and A passenger conveyor control unit controls notification of a guide for guiding the user to the passenger conveyor based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit.

2. The guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1, Features: The passenger conveyor control unit notifies the guide guidance using a guidance notifying unit provided in the passenger conveyor for notifying the guide guidance.

3. The guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to claim 2, Features: The passenger conveyor control unit notifies the guidance using at least one of a display guidance unit and a voice guidance unit provided in the passenger conveyor and constituting the guidance.

4. The guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1, Features: The image analysis unit detects a row of vacant one-side passengers of the user, The passenger conveyor control unit notifies the guidance so that the user can get on the steps on the side where the user is not arranged in a line.

5. The guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to claim 2, Features: The passenger conveyor control unit controls driving of a lighting unit constituting the guide notification unit disposed in the passenger conveyor.

6. The guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to claim 5, Features: The passenger conveyor control unit controls driving of the lighting unit disposed at least at one of a step center line of a step portion provided at a step of the passenger conveyor and a boarding floor center line indicating a center line of a boarding floor.

7. The guidance system for a passenger conveyor according to claim 6, Features: A queuing display unit for the users who are to board the passenger conveyor is provided on a floor connected to the boarding and alighting floor. The passenger conveyor control unit controls driving of the lighting unit of the queue display unit.

8. A passenger conveyor having a plurality of steps capable of circulating movement and a guidance system for users who want to ride on the steps, Features: The guidance system comprises: a camera for photographing the user; an image analysis unit that detects the user who is about to board the passenger conveyor and analyzes the status of the user of the passenger conveyor based on the image information of the camera; and A passenger conveyor control unit controls notification of a guide for guiding the user to the passenger conveyor based on the analysis result of the image analysis unit.

9. The passenger conveyor according to claim 8, Features: A guide notification unit is provided for notifying the guide. The passenger conveyor control unit controls the guidance notification unit to notify the guidance.

10. The passenger conveyor according to claim 9, Features: The guide notification unit includes at least one of a display guidance unit and a voice guidance unit, The passenger conveyor control unit notifies the guidance guidance using at least any one of a display guidance unit and a voice guidance unit.

11. The passenger conveyor according to claim 9, Features: A lighting unit is provided on the passenger conveyor as the guide notification unit, The passenger conveyor control unit controls the driving of the lighting unit to notify the guidance in order to guide the user to the boarding position.

12. The passenger conveyor according to claim 11, It is characterized in that include: At least one of a step center line provided at a tread portion of the step and a boarding floor center line indicating a center line of the boarding floor; and the lighting unit arranged on at least one of the step center line and the boarding floor center line, The passenger conveyor control unit controls the driving of the lighting unit disposed at least at one of the step center line and the boarding floor center line to notify the guidance.

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