Passenger detection system, elevator and passenger detection method

Abstract

The invention provides a passenger detection system, an elevator and a passenger detection method, which can improve the accuracy of person detection in a car. The passenger detection system includes a camera provided in a car and an image analysis unit that detects passengers in the car from an image captured by the camera. The camera captures an image capture area (area 32 at the time of door closing) including a car door in a car. The image analysis unit detects passengers in the imaging region when the car door is closed, and detects passengers in a region (31) when the car door is opened, excluding a door region, which is at least a part of a region including the car door, from the imaging region when the car door is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a passenger detection system, an elevator and a passenger detection method. Background Art

[0002] Generally, technology is known for detecting people and measuring car congestion based on images and videos captured by cameras. Elevators using this technology operate without responding to landing calls when the car is determined to be full. Furthermore, when the car is determined to be empty and no passengers are boarding or alighting, the elevator operates to advance the timing of closing the car door.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator control system using a passenger detection camera. In the elevator control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a passenger detection camera and a security camera are installed in the elevator car. The passenger detection camera captures images around the door. The security camera has a wider range than the passenger detection camera.

[0004] The elevator control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 generates a composite image by combining images from a passenger detection camera and a security camera. The composite image is used to calculate the passenger's occupied area. The remaining area, obtained by subtracting the occupied area from the floor area of the car, is then used to determine whether the car is fully occupied.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-85253 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, the elevator control system described in Patent Document 1 does not account for changes in the door image captured by the security camera when the door is open and closed. The security camera and passenger detection camera are mounted facing the door and only capture a portion of the elevator floor when the door is closed. Therefore, the elevator control system described in Patent Document 1 could potentially misinterpret a person on the elevator floor captured when the door is open as a passenger inside the elevator car.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a passenger detection system, an elevator, and a passenger detection method that can improve the accuracy of detecting people in an elevator car in view of the above-mentioned problems.

[0011] Technical solutions to problems

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives of the present invention, a passenger detection system, reflecting one aspect of the present invention, includes a camera installed in an elevator car and an image analysis unit that detects passengers in the elevator car from images captured by the camera. The camera captures an image of a camera area within the elevator car that includes the elevator door. The image analysis unit detects passengers within the camera area when the elevator door is closed, and detects passengers within an open door area that excludes a door area from the camera area when the elevator door is open, where the door area is at least a portion of an area that includes the elevator door.

[0013] In addition, an elevator reflecting one aspect of the present invention includes a car capable of performing lifting and lowering movements in a shaft and the above-mentioned passenger detection system, wherein the above-mentioned passenger detection system includes a camera installed in the car and an image analysis unit that detects passengers in the car from images taken by the camera.

[0014] In a passenger detection method reflecting one aspect of the present invention, a camera installed in an elevator car captures a camera area within the elevator car, including the elevator door. An image analysis unit then detects passengers within the camera area when the elevator door is closed, and detects passengers within the door-open area, excluding the door area from the camera area when the elevator door is open. The door area is at least a portion of the area including the elevator door.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the passenger detection system, elevator, and passenger detection method of the above-described structures, the accuracy of detecting people in the elevator car can be improved.

[0017] In addition, problems, structures, and effects other than those described above will be explained through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an elevator according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the passenger detection system according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image analysis unit according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 A and B in FIG. 1 are diagrams for explaining the door-opening region and the door-closing region according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the person detection process according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the car operation process according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 A and B in FIG. 1 are diagrams for explaining the imaging area, the door-opening area, and the door area according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the person detection processing of the image analysis unit in the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing the car operation processing of the control unit in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 1. First Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, for the passenger detection system, elevator and passenger detection method of the first embodiment, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 7 In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common parts in each figure.

[0030] [Structure of the elevator]

[0031] First, regarding the structure of the elevator of the first embodiment, refer to Figure 1 Provide explanation.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an elevator according to the first embodiment.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the elevator 1 is installed in a hoistway 110 formed in a building structure. The elevator 1 includes a car 120 capable of performing lifting and lowering movements in the hoistway 110 and carrying people and goods, a rope 130, a counterweight 140, a traction machine 100, and a control device 190. A machine room 160 is provided at the top of the hoistway 110.

[0034] The hoisting machine 100 is disposed in a machine room 160, and raises and lowers the car 120 by winding a rope 130. A deflector pulley 150 is disposed near the hoisting machine 100. The rope 130 is laid over the deflector pulley 150.

[0035] The car 120 is mounted on one axial end of the cable 130. The counterweight 140 is mounted on the other axial end of the cable 130. Thus, the car 120 is connected to the counterweight 140 via the cable 130. When the hoisting machine 100 is driven, the car 120 and the counterweight 140 are raised and lowered.

[0036] The car 120 has a car chamber 121 and a car door 122 (see Figure 2The car chamber 121 is formed in a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An entrance and exit for people and goods to enter and exit the car chamber 121 is formed on one side of the car chamber 121. The car door 122 opens and closes the entrance and exit of the car chamber 121.

[0037] The control device 190 corresponds to the control unit of the present invention. The control device 190 is installed in the machine room 160, for example. The control device 190 controls the operation of the elevator 1. The control device 190 controls, for example, the driving of the traction machine 100, the car door 122 of the car 120 (see Figure 2 ) opening and closing, etc. In addition, the elevator 1 has a passenger detection system that detects passengers in the car 120.

[0038] Landing call buttons (not shown) are installed at the landings of each floor of a building structure. Passengers who wish to board the elevator 1 press the landing call buttons at the landings. The landing call buttons transmit call information, including the number of the floor for which the landing call button was pressed, to the control device 190. The control device 190 registers the landing call according to the call information. The control device 190 controls the driving of the hoisting machine 100 to move the car 2 to the registered landing floor.

[0039] [Structure of passenger detection system]

[0040] Next, regarding the passenger detection system of elevator 1, refer to Figure 2 Provide explanation.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the passenger detection system according to the first embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the passenger detection system of the elevator 1 is composed of an in-car monitoring camera 125 and an image analyzing device 200. The in-car monitoring camera 125 corresponds to the camera of the present invention, and the image analyzing device 200 corresponds to the image analyzing unit of the present invention.

[0043] The car surveillance camera 125 is installed in the car 120. The car surveillance camera 125 is located on the side wall opposite to the side wall where the car door 122 is installed. The objective lens of the car surveillance camera 125 is facing the car door 122. The car surveillance camera 125 transmits the captured image to the image analysis device 200. In addition, the image of the present invention includes a video image that is a plurality of images continuously captured at a constant speed.

[0044] An in-car destination floor registration button 126 is provided in the car chamber 121 (car 120). The in-car destination floor registration button 126 is pressed by a passenger to input a destination floor. When pressed, the in-car destination floor registration button 126 transmits the indicated destination floor to the control device 190. The control device 190 registers the destination floor in accordance with the indicated destination floor. The control device 190 controls the driving of the hoisting machine 100 to move the car 2 to the destination floor.

[0045] The image analyzing device 200 is located outside the upper portion of the car chamber 121. The image analyzing device 200 detects passengers in the car 120 based on images captured by the in-car surveillance camera 125. The image analyzing device 200 transmits the detection results to the control device 190. The control device 190 controls the raising and lowering of the car 120 and the opening and closing of the car door 122 based on the detection results of the image analyzing device 200.

[0046] [Functional structure of control device]

[0047] Next, regarding the functional structure of the control device 190, refer to Figure 3 Provide explanation.

[0048] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device 190.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the control device 190 includes a communication unit 191 , an elevator operation control unit 192 , a call registration unit 194 , a destination floor registration unit 195 , a lift control unit 196 , a door opening / closing control unit 197 , and a door opening / closing detection unit 198 .

[0050] The communication unit 191 receives various information transmitted from the image analysis device 200, the car 120, the hoisting machine 100, and the like. Examples of such information include detection results from the image analysis device 200, information on the opening and closing of car doors, destination floor information, call information, and the rotational speed of the hoisting machine 100. The communication unit 191 transmits the received information to the elevator operation control unit 192.

[0051] The elevator operation control unit 192 controls the operation of the elevator 1. It performs various calculations to control the vertical speed of the car 120 and the overall operation of the elevator 1, including the opening and closing of the car doors. The elevator operation control unit 192 transmits the calculation results to the call registration unit 194, the destination floor registration unit 195, the elevator control unit 196, and the door opening and closing control unit 197.

[0052] The call registering unit 194 registers landing calls based on call information transmitted from landing call buttons. Landing call registration is not limited to being performed by pressing landing call buttons; it can also be performed based on information transmitted from an external device such as a passenger's portable terminal. The call registering unit 194 transmits the landing floors registered in the landing call registration to the elevator operation control unit 192.

[0053] The destination floor registration unit 195 registers the destination floor based on information transmitted from the in-car destination floor registration button 126. Destination floor registration is not limited to being performed by pressing the in-car destination floor 126; it may also be performed based on information transmitted from an external device such as a portable terminal held by a passenger. The destination floor registration unit 195 transmits the registered destination floor to the elevator operation control unit 192.

[0054] The elevator operation control unit 192 generates a drive command for the hoisting machine 100 based on the registered destination floor and landing floor. The elevator operation control unit 192 then transmits the drive command for the hoisting machine 100 to the lift control unit 196. The lift control unit 196 controls the drive of the hoisting machine 100 based on the drive command for the hoisting machine 100 transmitted from the elevator operation control unit 192. As a result, the car 2 moves to the landing floor and the destination floor.

[0055] The door opening / closing detection unit 198 detects whether the door of the car 2 is fully opened or fully closed based on the detection results of the opening / closing sensor (or opening / closing switch) provided in the car 2. The door opening / closing detection unit 198 transmits the detection results to the elevator operation control unit 192. The elevator operation control unit 192 generates a drive instruction for the car door 122 based on the detection results of the door opening / closing detection unit 198.

[0056] The door opening and closing control unit 197 controls the opening and closing of the car door 122 according to the drive command for the car door 122 sent from the elevator operation control unit 192. The landing doors on each floor of the building structure open and close in conjunction with the car door 122. The door opening and closing control unit 197 opens the car door 122 of the car 120 that has arrived at the landing floor, the destination floor, or both. When a predetermined time has passed since the car door 122 was opened, the door opening and closing control unit 197 closes the car door 122.

[0057] [Functional Structure of Image Analysis Device]

[0058] Next, regarding the functional structure of the image analysis device 200, refer to Figure 4 Provide explanation.

[0059] Figure 4 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image analysis device 200 .

[0060] like Figure 4As shown, the image analysis device 200 includes an image acquisition unit 201, a door signal acquisition unit 202, a detection result response unit 203, and a person detection unit 204. Furthermore, the image analysis device 200 includes a person detection model storage unit 205, a door-open detection area coordinate storage unit 206, and a door-close detection area coordinate storage unit 207.

[0061] The image acquisition unit 201 acquires images (video) captured by the in-car surveillance camera 125. The image acquisition unit 201 transmits the acquired images to the person detection unit 204. The door signal acquisition unit 202 acquires door signals transmitted from the control device 190. Door signals indicate whether the car doors 122 are open or closed. The door signal acquisition unit 202 transmits the acquired door signals to the person detection unit 204. The detection result response unit 203 transmits the detection results of the person detection unit 204 to the control device 190.

[0062] The person detection model and parameter values (configuration) used in the person detection model are stored in the person detection model storage unit 205. The person detection model is a machine learning model that detects people reflected in a specific area based on images and videos.

[0063] The door-open detection area coordinate storage unit 206 stores the coordinates of the area where a person is detected when the car door 122 is open. Hereinafter, the area where a person is detected when the car door 122 is open is referred to as the door-open area. The door-closed detection area coordinate storage unit 207 stores the coordinates of the area where a person is detected when the car door 122 is closed. Hereinafter, the area where a person is detected when the car door 122 is closed is referred to as the door-closed area.

[0064] Based on the door signal, the person detection unit 204 determines whether the door is open or closed. Depending on whether the door is open or closed, the person detection unit 204 determines whether to use a door-opening area or a door-closed area. Using a person detection model and parameter values, the person detection unit 204 detects people within the door-opening area or the door-closed area in images captured by the in-car surveillance camera 125. The person detection unit 204 then transmits the detection results to the detection result response unit 203.

[0065] [Door opening area and door closing area]

[0066] Next, for the door opening area and door closing area, refer to Figure 5 Provide explanation.

[0067] Figure 5 A is a diagram illustrating the area when the door is open. Figure 5 FIG. B is a diagram illustrating the area when the door is closed.

[0068] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1A , the door-opening area 31 is an area obtained by excluding an area including at least a portion of the car door 122 (hereinafter referred to as the "door area") from the imaging area of the in-car surveillance camera 125. Furthermore, the door area of the present invention may be set to include the entire area of the car door 122. Furthermore, the imaging area of the in-car surveillance camera 125 refers to the entire area that can be imaged by the in-car surveillance camera 125.

[0069] When the car door 122 is open, the door area captures the landing, so there is a possibility that people at the landing may be detected. Therefore, when the car door 122 is open, people are detected in the door-open area 31, which is obtained by excluding the door area from the camera area of the in-car surveillance camera 125. People who are not passengers in the car 120 are not detected. This improves the accuracy of detecting people in the car 120.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown in B, the door-closed area 32 is the same as the imaging area of the in-car surveillance camera 125. In the door area when the car door 122 is closed, the car door 122 is imaged, so people at the landing are not detected. Therefore, when the car door 122 is closed, people are detected in the door-closed area 32, which is the entire area that can be imaged by the in-car surveillance camera 125.

[0071] [People Detection Processing]

[0072] Next, regarding the person detection process performed by the image analysis device 200, refer to Figure 6 Provide explanation.

[0073] Figure 6 : is a flowchart showing the person detection processing performed by the image analysis device 200 .

[0074] First, the image analyzing device 200 checks the open / closed state of the car door 122 based on the door signal transmitted from the control device 190 (S1). Next, the image analyzing device 200 determines whether the car door 122 is open (S2).

[0075] In step S2, if it is determined that the car door 122 is open (if S2 is determined to be yes), the image analyzing device 200 detects people in the door-opening area 31 (S3).

[0076] Next, the image analyzing device 200 determines whether a person exists in the door-opening area 31 ( S4 ). If it is determined in step S4 that a person exists in the door-opening area 31 ( S4 : Yes), the image analyzing device 200 ends the person detection process.

[0077] If it is determined in step S4 that there is no person in the door-opening area 31 (if S4 is negative), the image analysis device 200 notifies the control device 190 that the car 120 is empty (S5). After step S5, the image analysis device 200 ends the person detection process.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the car door 122 is not open (but closed) (if S2 is determined to be negative), the image analyzing device 200 performs a person detection operation when the door is closed (S6). In step S6, the image analyzing device 200 detects a person in the door-closed area 32.

[0079] Next, the image analyzing device 200 determines whether the number of people in the door-closed area 32 is greater than or equal to a threshold value ( S7 ). If, in step S7 , it is determined that the number of people in the door-closed area 32 is not greater than or equal to the threshold value ( S7 : No), the image analyzing device 200 ends the person detection process.

[0080] If, in step S7, it is determined that the number of people in the door-closed area 32 is greater than the threshold (if S7 returns Yes), the image analysis device 200 notifies the control device 190 that the car 120 is full (S8). After step S8, the image analysis device 200 terminates the human detection process.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the car door 122 is opened, it is determined whether the car 120 is empty. This allows determination of whether the car 120 is empty when passengers board or alight. Consequently, it is possible to quickly detect that the car 120 has become empty. Furthermore, the control device 190 can change the closing timing of the car door 122 depending on whether the car 120 is empty.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the car door 122 is closed, it is determined whether the car 120 is full. This allows determination of whether the car 120 is full even when no passengers are boarding or alighting, thereby improving the accuracy of the full-car determination. Furthermore, the control device 190 can change the landing floor of the car 120 depending on whether the car 120 is full.

[0083] [Car action processing]

[0084] Next, regarding the car operation processing performed by the control device 190, refer to Figure 7 Provide explanation.

[0085] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing the car operation processing performed by the control device 190.

[0086] First, the control device 190 confirms the open / close state of the car door 122 based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 198 (S11). Next, the control device 190 determines whether the car door 122 is open (S12).

[0087] In step S12, when it is determined that the car door 122 is open (if S12 determines yes), the control device 190 determines whether the car 120 is empty based on the detection result of the image analysis device 200 (S13).

[0088] If, in step S13, it is determined that the car 120 is unoccupied (if S13 determines yes), the control device 190 closes the car door 122 (S14). Normally, the control device 190 closes the car door 122 after a timer expires. The timer is set to a predetermined time. However, if the car 120 is unoccupied, the car door 122 is closed at an earlier timing than usual, without waiting for the timer to expire. After processing step S14, the control device 190 terminates the car operation processing.

[0089] If, in step S13, it is determined that the car 120 is not empty (if S13 determines "no"), the control device 190 closes the car door 122 after the timer expires (S15). A predetermined time is set for the timer. Thus, after the predetermined time has elapsed since the car door 122 was opened, the control device 190 closes the car door 122. After processing step S15, the control device 190 terminates the car operation processing.

[0090] On the other hand, in step S12, when it is determined that the car door 122 is not open (is closed) (if S12 is determined to be no), the control device 190 determines whether the car 120 is full based on the detection results of the image analysis device 200 (S16).

[0091] If it is determined in step S16 that the car 120 is full (if S16 determines yes), the control device 190 determines to make the car 120 pass through the landing floor where the call is registered between the car 120 and the next destination floor (S17). After the processing of step S17, the control device 190 ends the car operation processing.

[0092] If, in step S16, it is determined that the car 120 is not fully occupied (if S16 determines "No"), the control device 190 causes the car 120 to stop at the landing floor corresponding to the call registration (S18). In other words, the control device 190 determines to cause the car 120 to stop at the landing floor between the next destination floor and the one for which the call registration was made. After processing step S18, the control device 190 terminates the car operation processing.

[0093] In this embodiment, if no one is inside the car 120 when the door is open, the car door 122 is closed earlier than usual. This reduces unnecessary waiting time and allows the car 120 to quickly move to the floor corresponding to the next destination floor registration and call registration. Furthermore, if a passenger leaves the car 120, the car door 122 is not mistakenly closed earlier than usual.

[0094] 2. Second Implementation

[0095] Next, regarding the passenger detection system, elevator, and passenger detection method of the second embodiment, refer to Figures 8 to 10 In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common parts in each figure.

[0096] The passenger detection system of the second embodiment differs from the passenger detection system of the first embodiment in the area for detecting people, the person detection process, and the car motion processing when the car door 122 is open. Therefore, this section will describe the detection area, person detection process, and car motion processing when the door is open in the second embodiment, and will omit descriptions of the structures that overlap with the first embodiment.

[0097] [Door opening area, door area, and door closing area]

[0098] First, for the door opening area, door area, and door closing area of the second embodiment, refer to Figure 8 Provide explanation.

[0099] Figure 8 A is a diagram illustrating the door opening area and the door area. Figure 8 FIG. B is a diagram illustrating the area when the door is closed.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown in A, the door-opening area 31 is an area obtained by excluding the door area 33 from the imaging area of the in-car monitoring camera 125. That is, the imaging area of the in-car monitoring camera 125 is composed of the door-opening area 31 and the door area 33.

[0101] When the car door 122 is open, the image analyzing device 200 performs person detection in both the door-opening area 31 and the door area 33. Thus, the image analyzing device 200 detects people (passengers) inside the car 120 and people at the landing. People at the landing are likely to board the car 120 later. Therefore, by performing person detection in the door area 33 separately from the door-opening area 31, it is possible to detect passengers who are likely to board the car 120 later.

[0102] Figure 8The door-closed region 32 shown in B is the same as the first embodiment and is the same as the imaging region of the in-car surveillance camera 125. When the car door 122 is closed, the image analyzing device 200 detects a person in the door-closed region 32.

[0103] [People Detection Processing]

[0104] Next, regarding the person detection process performed by the image analysis device 200 of the second embodiment, refer to Figure 9 Provide explanation.

[0105] Figure 9 1 is a flowchart showing a person detection process performed by the image analysis device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0106] First, the image analyzing device 200 checks the open / closed state of the car door 122 (S21) based on the door signal transmitted from the control device 190. Next, the image analyzing device 200 determines whether the car door 122 is open (S22).

[0107] If it is determined in step S22 that the car door 122 is open (if S22 determines yes), the image analysis device 200 performs door-opening person detection (S23). In step S23, the image analysis device 200 detects people in the door-opening area 31 and in the door area 33.

[0108] Next, the image analyzing device 200 determines whether a person is present within the door area 33 (S24). If, in step S24, it is determined that a person is present within the door area 33 (if S24 returns "yes"), the image analyzing device 200 notifies the control device 190 of the presence of a passenger scheduled to board the elevator car 120 (S25). After step S25, the image analyzing device 200 terminates the person detection process.

[0109] If, in step S24, it is determined that no person exists within door region 33 (if S24 returns No), image analysis device 200 determines whether a person exists within door-opening region 31 (S26). If, in step S26, it is determined that a person exists within door-opening region 31 (if S26 returns Yes), image analysis device 200 terminates the person detection process.

[0110] If it is determined in step S26 that there is no person in the door-opening area 31 (if S26 returns No), the image analysis device 200 notifies the control device 190 that the car 120 is empty (S27). After step S27, the image analysis device 200 ends the person detection process.

[0111] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the car door 122 is not open (but closed) (if S22 is determined to be negative), the image analyzing device 200 performs a person detection operation when the door is closed (S28). In step S28, the image analyzing device 200 detects a person in the door-closed area 32.

[0112] Next, the image analysis device 200 determines whether the number of people in the door-closed area 32 is greater than or equal to a threshold value ( S29 ). If, in step S29 , it is determined that the number of people in the door-closed area 32 is not greater than or equal to the threshold value ( S29 : No), the image analysis device 200 ends the person detection process.

[0113] If it is determined in step S29 that the number of people in the door closing area 32 is greater than the threshold (if S29 determines yes), the control device 190 is notified that the car 120 is full (S30). After step S30, the image analysis device 200 ends the human detection process.

[0114] [Car action processing]

[0115] Next, regarding the car operation processing performed by the control device 190 of the second embodiment, refer to Figure 10 Provide explanation.

[0116] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing the car operation processing performed by the control device 190 according to the second embodiment.

[0117] First, the control device 190 confirms the open / close state of the car door 122 based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 198 (S41). Next, the control device 190 determines whether the car door 122 is open (S42).

[0118] In step S42, when it is determined that the car door 122 is open (if S42 determines yes), the control device 190 determines whether there is a passenger scheduled to board the car 120 based on the detection result of the image analysis device 200 (S43).

[0119] If it is determined in step S43 that there is a passenger scheduled to board the car 120 (if it is determined to be YES in S42), the control device 190 extends the opening time of the car door 122 (S44). After the processing of step S44, the control device 190 ends the car operation processing.

[0120] Normally, the control device 190 closes the car door 122 after a timer set to a predetermined time expires. For example, in step S44, after the timer expires, the control device 190 activates an extension timer set to a specific time. Then, after the extension timer expires, the control device 190 closes the car door 122. The specific time may be a preset value or determined based on the number of people within the door area 33. Alternatively, other methods may be used to extend the door opening time.

[0121] In step S43, when it is determined that there are no passengers scheduled to board the car 120 (if S42 determines No), the control device 190 determines whether the car 120 is empty based on the detection result of the image analysis device 200 (S45).

[0122] If, in step S45, it is determined that the car 120 is unoccupied (if S45 returns Yes), the control device 190 closes the car door 122 (S46). Specifically, if the car 120 is unoccupied, the control device 190 closes the car door 122 at an earlier timing than usual, without waiting for the timer to expire. After processing step S46, the control device 190 terminates the car operation processing.

[0123] If, in step S45, it is determined that the car 120 is not empty (if S45 determines "No"), the control device 190 closes the car door 122 after the timer expires (S47). In other words, after a predetermined time has passed since the car door 122 was opened, the control device 190 closes the car door 122. After processing step S47, the control device 190 terminates the car operation processing.

[0124] On the other hand, in step S42, when it is determined that the car door 122 is not open (is closed) (if S42 is determined to be no), the control device 190 determines whether the car 120 is full based on the detection results of the image analysis device 200 (S48).

[0125] If it is determined in step S48 that the car 120 is full (if S48 determines yes), the control device 190 determines to make the car 120 pass through the landing floor where the call is registered between the car 120 and the next destination floor (S49). After the processing of step S49, the control device 190 ends the car operation processing.

[0126] If, in step S48, it is determined that the car 120 is not fully occupied (if S48 determines "No"), the control device 190 causes the car 120 to stop at the landing floor corresponding to the call registration (S50). In other words, the control device 190 determines to cause the car 120 to stop at the landing floor between the next destination floor and the one for which the call registration was made. After processing step S50, the control device 190 terminates the car operation processing.

[0127] In this embodiment, when the doors are open, there are no passengers scheduled to board the car 120, and the car 120 is empty, the car doors 122 are closed earlier than usual. This reduces unnecessary waiting time and allows the car 120 to move quickly to the floor corresponding to the next registered destination floor or call. Furthermore, if there are passengers boarding or disembarking from the car 120, the car doors 122 are not closed earlier than usual.

[0128] The above describes embodiments of a passenger detection system, an elevator, and a passenger detection method, including their functions and effects. However, the passenger detection system, elevator, and passenger detection method of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments are described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to all the described configurations.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the control device 190 and the image analysis device 200 are provided separately. However, the control unit and the image analysis unit of the present invention may be provided in a single control device.

[0130] Furthermore, the present invention can replace a portion of the structure of a certain embodiment with the structure of another embodiment, or can add the structure of another embodiment to the structure of a certain embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention can add, delete, or replace a portion of the structure of each embodiment with another structure.

[0131] Description of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1… elevator, 31… door-opening area, 32… door-closing area, 33… door area, 100… traction machine, 110… hoistway, 121… car compartment, 122… car door, 125… car surveillance camera, 126… car destination floor registration button, 130… rope, 140… counterweight, 150… deflector pulley, 160… machine room, 190… control device (control unit), 200… image analysis device (image analysis unit), 201… image acquisition unit, 202… door signal acquisition unit, 203… detection result response unit, 204… person detection unit, 205… person detection model storage unit, 206… door-opening detection area coordinate storage unit, 207… door-closing detection area coordinate storage unit.

Claims

1. A passenger detection system comprising a camera installed in an elevator car and an image analysis unit for detecting passengers in the elevator car from images captured by the camera, characterized in that: The camera captures a camera area within the car including the car door; The image analysis unit detects passengers within the camera area when the car door is closed, and detects passengers within the door-open area excluding the door area from the camera area when the car door is open, wherein the door area is at least a portion of the area including the car door.

2. The passenger detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The image analysis unit detects a person who is located in the door area when the door is opened as a person who is about to board the car.

3. The passenger detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The image analysis unit determines that the car is full when the number of passengers in the imaging area is equal to or greater than a threshold value when the door is closed.

4. The passenger detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The image analysis unit determines that the car is in an unoccupied state when no passenger is present in the door opening area when the door is opened.

5. An elevator comprising a car capable of ascending and descending in a hoistway and a passenger detection system, wherein the passenger detection system comprises a camera disposed in the car and an image analysis unit for detecting passengers in the car from images captured by the camera, wherein: The camera captures a camera area within the car including the car door; The image analysis unit detects passengers within the camera area when the car door is closed, and detects passengers within the door-open area excluding the door area from the camera area when the car door is open, wherein the door area is at least a portion of the area including the car door.

6. A passenger detection method, characterized in that: Using a camera installed in the car to shoot a camera area including the car door in the car, An image analysis unit is used to detect passengers within the camera area when the car door is closed, and to detect passengers within the door-open area excluding the door area from the camera area when the car door is open, wherein the door area is at least a portion of the area including the car door.

Images