Elevator management device, management method, management program, and elevator system

Abstract

The invention provides an elevator management device, management method, management program, and elevator system, which can confirm the state in an elevator car even if no camera is arranged in the elevator car. The elevator system (1) has a management device (14). The management device (14) has an acquisition unit (16) and a generation unit (17). The acquisition unit (16) acquires a plurality of planar images of the interior of the car (6) captured by a portable device (10) held by a user. The generation unit (17) combines the plurality of plane images of the interior of the car (6) acquired by the acquisition unit (16), and generates a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to elevator management devices, management methods, management procedures, and elevator systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator monitoring system. In this system, images captured at predetermined time intervals by cameras installed in the elevator car are stored. A reference image is extracted from the stored images based on the timing of the lights being turned off inside the elevator car. Anomalies inside the car, such as dirt, are detected based on the difference between the reference image and the currently captured image.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-68440

[0004] The monitoring system in Patent Document 1 uses images from a camera installed inside the elevator car for monitoring. Therefore, it cannot be applied to elevators that do not have cameras installed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to solve the following problem. This disclosure provides an elevator management device, management method, management procedure, and elevator system that can confirm the status inside the elevator car even when no camera is installed in the car.

[0006] The elevator management device disclosed herein includes: an acquisition unit that acquires multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and a generation unit that combines the multiple planar images of the car interior acquired by the acquisition unit to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior.

[0007] In the elevator management method disclosed herein, the computer performs the following processing: acquiring multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and combining the acquired multiple planar images of the car interior to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior.

[0008] The elevator management program disclosed herein enables a computer to perform the following processes: acquire multiple planar images of the car interior taken by portable devices held by multiple users; and combine the acquired multiple planar images of the car interior to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior.

[0009] The elevator system disclosed herein includes: an acquisition unit that acquires multiple planar images of the interior of the car taken by portable devices held by multiple users; a generation unit that combines the multiple planar images of the interior of the car acquired by the acquisition unit to generate a three-dimensional image acquisition unit of the interior of the car; and an operation management unit that manages the call allocation of the car.

[0010] According to the elevator management device, management method, management procedure or elevator system disclosed herein, the status inside the elevator car can be confirmed even when no camera is installed in the car. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system according to Implementation Method 1.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an example diagram showing a three-dimensional image of the interior of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an example diagram showing a three-dimensional image of the interior of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional image generated by the generation unit of the management device according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the determination unit of the management device in Embodiment 1 determining the part that requires a planar image.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of an image of the interior of a car displayed in the reading device of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a hardware structure diagram of the main parts of the elevator system in Implementation Method 1.

[0019] Label Explanation

[0020] 1: Elevator system; 2: Elevator; 3: Building; 4: Traction machine; 5: Main rope; 6: Car; 6a: Car door; 6b: Car control panel; 6c: Car display panel; 6d: Lighting; 6e: Handrail; 6f: Skirting board; 7: Counterweight; 8: Control panel; 9: Group management panel; 10: Portable device; 11: Communication network; 12: Remote monitoring device; 13: Tag; 14: Management device; 15: Storage unit; 16: Acquisition unit; 17: Generation unit; 18: Determination unit; 19: Issuance unit; 20: Notification unit; 21: Reading device; 100a: Processor; 100b: Memory; 200: Dedicated hardware. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate the methods used to implement this disclosure. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments; any modifications or omissions of structural elements of the embodiments are permitted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0022] Implementation Method 1

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to implementation method 1.

[0024] Elevator system 1 is a system containing one or more elevators 2. Each elevator 2 is installed in a building 3 with multiple floors. Furthermore, a single building 3 may have a single elevator 2 or multiple elevators 2. In the building 3 where elevators 2 are used, a shaft is provided as a space spanning multiple floors. In this example, each elevator 2 has a traction machine 4, a main rope 5, a car 6, a counterweight 7, and a control panel 8.

[0025] The traction machine 4 has a motor that generates driving force and a sheave that rotates by the driving force generated by the motor. The traction machine 4 is disposed, for example, at the top or bottom of the shaft. Alternatively, for example, if the machine room is located above the shaft, the traction machine 4 may also be disposed in the machine room.

[0026] The main rope 5 is the rope that supports the load of the car 6 and the counterweight 7 in the hoistway. The main rope 5 is wound around the sheave of the traction machine 4. The main rope 5 supports the load of the car 6 on one side of the sheave of the traction machine 4. The main rope 5 supports the load of the counterweight 7 on the other side of the sheave of the traction machine 4.

[0027] The elevator car 6 is a device that transports multiple users between multiple floors by traveling vertically in the hoistway. The elevator car 6 has a car door 6a, a car control panel 6b, and a car display panel 6c. The car door 6a is the door separating the interior and exterior of the elevator car 6. The car control panel 6b is a device inside the elevator car 6 that handles calls to designated floors. The car display panel 6c is a device inside the elevator car 6 that displays information to users. The counterweight 7 is a device that balances the load applied to both sides of the sheave of the traction machine 4 between itself and the elevator car 6. The elevator car 6 and the counterweight 7 travel in opposite directions in the hoistway using the driving force generated by the motor of the traction machine 4.

[0028] The control panel 8 is a device for controlling the operation of the elevator 2. The actions of the elevator 2 include, for example, the movement of the car 6 within the hoistway. The control panel 8 may be located, for example, at the top or bottom of the hoistway. Alternatively, if the machine room is located above the hoistway, the control panel 8 may be located in the machine room.

[0029] In cases where multiple elevators 2 are installed in a single building 3, a group management panel 9 may also be installed in that building 3. The group management panel 9 is a device for managing the call assignments and other functions of the multiple elevator cars 6. The group management panel 9 is an example of an operations management unit. In this example, the group management panel 9 is a device within the elevator system 1.

[0030] Each user of elevator 2 carries a portable device 10. The portable device 10 is, for example, a portable general information processing device such as a smartphone. The portable device 10 is connected to a communication network 11 via wireless communication to communicate with external devices. The communication network 11 includes, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet or telephone line network, or a local area network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Users can also register elevator calls using their portable devices 10. In this case, the call information is input to the control panel 8 or group management panel 9, for example, via the communication network 11.

[0031] Portable device 10 is equipped with the function of capturing planar images. A planar image is, for example, an ordinary image projected onto a two-dimensional plane, captured by a camera or similar device. Portable device 10 is equipped with the function of obtaining the shooting location and shooting time when capturing a planar image. The shooting location information of the planar image indicates the location of the portable device 10 when it captured the planar image. For example, portable device 10 obtains the shooting location information through a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), an indoor positioning system using wireless beacons or other devices, or an autonomous navigation system using sensors mounted on portable device 10. The shooting location information can be detailed information such as longitude and latitude or coordinate values ​​on a map, or information identifying a building 3 containing the shooting location. For example, portable device 10 obtains information identifying building 3 through wireless signals emitted by a wireless beacon (not shown) installed on building 3. The shooting time information of the planar image indicates the time when portable device 10 captured the planar image. The shooting location and shooting time information can be included in the data of the captured planar image.

[0032] Elevator system 1 has one or more remote monitoring devices 12. Each remote monitoring device 12 corresponds to any elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 12 is a device for remotely monitoring the status of the corresponding elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 12 is, for example, installed in a building 3 where the corresponding elevator 2 is installed. The remote monitoring device 12 may be part of the corresponding elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 12 is connected to the control panel 8 or other equipment of the elevator 2 to obtain the status information of the corresponding elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 12 is connected to a communication network 11 to communicate information collected from the elevator 2. For example, the remote monitoring device 12 has the function of sending a report to the outside via the communication network 11 when an abnormality such as a malfunction occurs in the elevator 2. In addition, for example, the remote monitoring device 12 has the function of outputting commands input from the outside via the communication network 11 to the control panel 8.

[0033] Elevator system 1 has one or more tags 13. Each tag 13 corresponds to any elevator 2. The tag 13 is a credential such as a band or board, containing access information about the corresponding elevator 2. The access information is used to access elevator system 1 via communication network 11. The access information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The access information includes the identifier of the elevator 2. When multiple elevators 2 are installed in a single building 3, each elevator 2 is assigned a unique identifier. When the access information is a URL, the identifier of the elevator 2 is included in the access information, for example, as a query parameter. In this example, the access information is printed on the tag 13 as an encoded image. Here, the encoded image can be, for example, a barcode or a QR code.

[0034] Elevator system 1 includes a management device 14. The management device 14 is a device for information processing and other functions related to the management of one or more elevators 2. The management device 14 is connected to a communication network 11 to communicate with external devices. The management device 14 is, for example, a computer system composed of one or more server devices. Here, a computer system composed of one or more devices is sometimes simply referred to as a computer. The multiple server devices constituting the management device 14 can be configured in different locations. In this case, the multiple server devices communicate with each other, for example, via the communication network 11. Some or all of the functions of the management device 14 can also be installed, for example, using processing or storage resources on a cloud service. The management device 14 includes a storage unit 15, a retrieval unit 16, a generation unit 17, a determination unit 18, a distribution unit 19, and a notification unit 20.

[0035] The storage unit 15 is a part that carries the function of storing information. For example, the storage unit 15 stores the identifiers of each elevator 2, the location of the car 6 on the map where the elevator 2 is installed, and information about the building 3 where the car 6 of the elevator 2 is installed.

[0036] The acquisition unit 16 is a component equipped with the function of acquiring a planar image of the interior of the car 6 captured by a user via a portable device 10. The acquisition unit 16 acquires planar images of the interior of the car 6 from multiple portable devices 10 held by users. The acquisition unit 16 acquires multiple planar images for a single car 6. The acquisition unit 16 may also acquire information such as the shooting position and shooting time of the planar image along with the image itself.

[0037] The generation unit 17 is a component that generates a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6. The generation unit 17 combines multiple planar images of the interior of the car 6 acquired by the acquisition unit 16 to generate a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6. The three-dimensional image is an image that includes information about the three-dimensional internal surfaces of the car 6, such as the top, floor, front, back, and left and right sides. The three-dimensional image is sometimes also referred to as a 360-degree panoramic image. The three-dimensional image is represented in, for example, an equirectangular form, a cube map form, or other forms. The three-dimensional image is, for example, an image projected onto a curved surface or polyhedron in three-dimensional space.

[0038] The determining unit 18 is equipped with the function of determining the parts of the three-dimensional image inside the car 6 that need to be combined into a planar image. For example, if there are parts in the three-dimensional image generated by the generating unit 17 that are missing corresponding planar images, the determining unit 18 determines those parts as the parts that need planar images. For example, if the corresponding planar image in the three-dimensional image generated by the generating unit 17 was captured at a time earlier than a preset reference, the determining unit 18 determines those parts as the parts that need planar images. The parts that need planar images can be determined, for example, as the range of the top plate, floor, front, back, and left and right sides of the car 6, or by the range of the solid angle when viewed from the center inside the car 6.

[0039] The issuing unit 19 is a component that provides a reward to users who use the planar image captured by the generation unit 17 in the generation of a 3D image via the portable device 10. The reward may not be monetary. For example, the reward could be points that can be used in shops within the building 3 where the elevator 2 is located, points that can be redeemed for novelty items or other prizes, or points that can be used when receiving other services. The reward could also be points that prioritize elevator 2 call registration. For example, when a user registers for elevator 2 via the portable device 10, they consume points earned as a reward. In this case, the user's call is assigned to the car 6 with priority over calls from other users who have not consumed points. For example, the group management panel 9 can prioritize the allocation of priority calls earlier than other call allocations, or it can allocate priority calls in a manner where users with priority calls do not ride in the same car 6 as users with other calls. The group management panel 9 or control panel 8 can also prioritize calls from users who have consumed points through other methods. Information about the rewards issued by the issuing department 19 can be stored in the user's portable device 10, or it can be stored in the storage department 15 in correspondence with the user's identifier, etc.

[0040] The prompting unit 20 is a component that generates a 3D image of the interior of the elevator car 6, which is generated by the prompting generation unit 17. The prompting unit 20 prompts the viewing device 21 with the 3D image in response to a viewing request. The viewing device 21 is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) used by building 3 or elevator 2 managers, monitors, or maintenance personnel. The viewing device 21 sends a viewing request to the prompting unit 20 via the communication network 11. The prompting unit 20 prompts the 3D image of the interior of the elevator car 6 via the communication network 11. The prompting unit 20 can send the data of the 3D image of the interior of the elevator car 6 itself to the viewing device 21, or it can send data for displaying the 3D image to the viewing device 21. For example, the prompting unit 20 can function as a web server that returns responses based on requests from the viewing device 21.

[0041] Figure 2 This is an example of a three-dimensional image showing the interior of the car 6 of the elevator 2 according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] The three-dimensional image is, for example, an image in the form of a cube map. The three-dimensional image includes, for example, information about the car door 6a at the front of the car 6, the car control panel 6b, and the car display panel 6c; information about the lighting 6d on the ceiling of the car 6; information about the handrails 6e on the sides of the car 6; information about the baseboards 6f on the sides and back of the car 6; and information about the tiles on the floor of the car 6. Furthermore, it is preferable that each projection surface in the cube map form coincides with each inner surface of the car 6, such as the front of the car 6; however, the projection surfaces and the inner surfaces of the car 6 do not necessarily need to coincide.

[0043] Figure 3 This is another example of a three-dimensional image showing the interior of the elevator car 6 of the elevator 2 according to Embodiment 1.

[0044] Three-dimensional images are, for example, images in isometric rectangular form. Isometric rectangular form and cube mapping form can be converted to each other.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional image generated by the generation unit 17 of the management device 14 in Embodiment 1.

[0046] exist Figure 4 The image shows planar images A, B, and C, each captured by the portable device 10. Planar image A shows the handrail 6e and other features on the side of the car 6. Planar image B shows the baseboard 6f and the floor of the car 6. Planar image C shows the car door 6a at the front of the car 6. These planar images can be taken by different portable devices 10. They can also be taken at different times.

[0047] The generation unit 17 reads multiple captured images acquired by the acquisition unit 16. The generation unit 17 detects overlapping portions between planar images based on image similarity and other methods using image processing techniques. In this example, planar image A and a portion of planar image B overlap. Furthermore, a portion of planar image B and a portion of planar image C overlap. The generation unit 17 performs transformations such as parallel translation, rotation, scaling, and homography transformations on each planar image to make the overlapping portions coincide, and then combines the planar images. For the overlapping portions of the planar images, the generation unit 17, for example, uses a planar image newer than the captured image. The generation unit 17 generates a three-dimensional image, for example, by projecting the combined planar images onto a surface or polyhedron in three-dimensional space. The generation unit 17 can also generate a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 using other methods.

[0048] The generation unit 17 can also verify the matching of the planar image when generating the 3D image. For example, if the position of the elevator car 6 does not match the shooting position of the planar image, the generation unit 17 can discard the planar image and not use it in the generation of the 3D image. For example, if the distance between the position of the elevator car 6 and the shooting position is greater than a preset distance, the generation unit 17 determines that the position of the elevator car 6 does not match the shooting position. Furthermore, for example, if the building 3 determined to contain the shooting position is not the same as the building 3 in which the elevator car 6 is installed, the generation unit 17 determines that the position of the elevator car 6 does not match the shooting position.

[0049] For example, whenever the acquisition unit 16 acquires a planar image, the generation unit 17 generates or updates a three-dimensional image. Alternatively, the generation unit 17 may also generate a three-dimensional image when there is a viewing request from the viewing device 21 to the prompting unit 20.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the determination unit 18 of the management device 14 in Embodiment 1 determining the part that needs a planar image.

[0051] The determining unit 18 determines, for example, the missing portions of the corresponding planar images in the three-dimensional image generated by the generating unit 17. For example, if the acquiring unit 16 does not have a planar image capturing the illumination 6d of the car 6's roof, the determining unit 18 determines the portion corresponding to the roof illumination 6d as the portion requiring a planar image. For example, the determining unit 18 may also determine, in the three-dimensional image generated by the generating unit 17, portions where the capture time of the corresponding planar image is earlier than a preset reference. For example, even if the acquiring unit 16 has a planar image capturing the rear of the car 6, sometimes the capture time of that planar image is earlier than a reference. In this case, the determining unit 18 determines the portion corresponding to the rear of the car 6 as the portion requiring a planar image. The determining unit 18 may also have the function of mapping the portions determined as requiring a planar image onto, for example, a three-dimensional image. Figure 5 In the image, examples of the parts that require a planar image, as determined by the determination unit 18, are represented by gray shading.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of an image of the interior of the car 6 displayed on the reading device 21 of Embodiment 1.

[0053] The elevator 2 operator or others send a viewing request to the notification unit 20 via the viewing device 21. The viewing request may include information such as an identifier for the car 6. In response to the viewing request, the notification unit 20 prompts the viewing device 21 to display a 3D image of the car 6 generated by the generation unit 17 based on the requested image. The viewing device 21 then displays an image of the interior of the car 6 based on the prompted 3D image. Since the image of the interior of the car 6 is generated as a 3D image, the operator or others can view the interior of the car 6 from any direction. At this time, the viewing request from the viewing device 21 may also include information such as the position and direction of the viewpoint. Therefore, the operator or others can easily detect dirt, damage, or other abnormalities inside the car 6.

[0054] Furthermore, the viewing request can also include a specified time. In this case, the generation unit 17 combines the 2D images captured before the specified time to generate a 3D image of the interior of the car 6. The generation unit 17 can generate the 3D image when a viewing request is received, or it can pre-generate multiple 3D images for each shooting time for a single car 6. The prompting unit 20 prompts the viewing device 21 with the 3D image based on the 2D images before the specified time. Thus, the elevator 2's manager or others can trace back to a past point in time to confirm the appearance of the interior of the car 6. The manager or others can filter at which point in time an abnormality occurred inside the car 6, etc.

[0055] Next, use Figure 7 An example illustrating the operation of elevator system 1.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of elevator system 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0057] In step S11, the portable device 10 held by the user of elevator 2 reads access information from an coded image attached to a tag 13 disposed inside the car 6. In this example, the access information is a URL containing the identifier of elevator 2 as a query parameter. Subsequently, in step S12, the portable device 10 accesses the management device 14 of elevator system 1 based on the read access information. In this example, the portable device 10 requests an interface for a plan view from the acquisition unit 16 of management device 14 via communication network 11 based on the read URL.

[0058] In step S21, the acquisition unit 16 of the management device 14 determines whether there is an interface request from the portable device 10. If there is no request, the processing of the management device 14 returns to step S21. On the other hand, if there is a request from the portable device 10, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S22.

[0059] In step S22, the determination unit 18 determines the parts of the elevator 2 that require a planar image in the 3D image for the elevator car 6 that the user is riding in. This is determined, for example, by querying the URL of the interface requested by the portable device 10. Alternatively, the determination unit 18 may pre-determine the parts of the elevator car 6 that require a planar image in the 3D image. In this case, for example, the determination unit 18 reads the pre-determined information about the parts requiring a planar image for the elevator car 6 determined based on the request from the portable device 10. After this, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S23.

[0060] In step S23, the acquisition unit 16 prompts the user's portable device 10 for an interface to provide a planar image via the communication network 11. At this time, the acquisition unit 16 may also function as a web server that returns a response based on a request from the portable device 10. For example, the interface for providing the planar image includes information determined by the determination unit 18 regarding the areas requiring the planar image. For example, this information may be mapped to... Figure 5 The information displayed on the three-dimensional image is presented to the user, and can also be used as character information to indicate the extent of the top, floor, front, back, and left and right sides of the car 6. Afterwards, the processing by the management device 14 proceeds to step S24.

[0061] The portable device 10 displays the interface prompted by the management device 14. This interface can also display images captured by the portable device 10 as planar images, such as images of the area pointed to by the camera of the portable device 10. Then, in step S13, the portable device 10 captures a planar image of the interior of the car 6 through the user's operation. For example, the user captures a planar image of a location determined by the determination unit 18 using the portable device 10. Then, in step S14, the portable device 10 uploads the captured planar image to the management device 14 via the communication network 11 through the user's operation on the prompted interface.

[0062] In step S24, the acquisition unit 16 of the management device 14 acquires the planar image uploaded via the communication network 11. The generation unit 17 determines whether the shooting position of the planar image acquired by the acquisition unit 16 matches the position of the car 6. If it is determined that they do not match, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if it is determined that they match, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S26.

[0063] In step S25, the generation unit 17 discards the acquired planar image and does not use it in the generation of the 3D image. Thereafter, the distribution unit 19 notifies the portable device 10 that the planar image was not used due to mismatch. Afterward, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S21.

[0064] In step S26, the generation unit 17 generates a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 using the acquired planar image. The generation unit 17 may also combine the three-dimensional image generated by the acquisition unit 16 based on previously acquired planar images of the car 6. At this time, the determination unit 18 can also determine the parts of the three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 that still require a planar image. After this, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S27.

[0065] In step S27, the issuing unit 19 issues a reward to the user who provided the planar image. The issuing unit 19 notifies the user's portable device 10 that a reward has been issued. Afterward, the processing of the management device 14 proceeds to step S21.

[0066] As described above, the elevator system 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a management device 14. The management device 14 includes an acquisition unit 16 and a generation unit 17. The acquisition unit 16 acquires multiple planar images of the interior of the car 6 captured by a portable device 10 held by the user. The generation unit 17 combines the multiple planar images of the interior of the car 6 acquired by the acquisition unit 16 to generate a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6.

[0067] With this structure, a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 is generated based on a two-dimensional image captured by the portable device 10 held by the user. Therefore, a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 can be generated even when no camera is installed in the car 6. By displaying this generated three-dimensional image, the state inside the car 6 can be confirmed even when one is not inside the car 6. Furthermore, since the two-dimensional image used in the generation of the three-dimensional image is captured by the portable device 10, blind spots due to camera position are less likely to occur. Therefore, the interior of the car 6 can be confirmed more effectively.

[0068] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 16 prompts the portable device 10, which has read the coded image set in the elevator 2, to provide an interface for a plan view of the interior of the car 6. The acquisition unit 16 acquires the plan view of the interior of the car 6 from the portable device 10 through this interface.

[0069] With this structure, a planar image can be obtained from users who actually use elevator 2. False transmissions of irrelevant images from people who do not actually use elevator 2 are suppressed, thus further improving the reliability of the three-dimensional image of the car 6 to be generated.

[0070] Furthermore, the management device 14 includes a determining unit 18. The determining unit 18 determines the locations in the three-dimensional image inside the car 6 that require a planar image to be combined. The acquiring unit 16 provides an interface to the portable device 10 to provide the planar image of the car 6's interior. The acquiring unit 16 acquires the planar image of the car 6's interior from the portable device 10 through this interface. This interface contains information indicating the locations in the three-dimensional image inside the car 6 that require a planar image, as determined by the determining unit 18.

[0071] This structure allows users to select the desired areas for capturing the 2D image during the 3D image generation process. This also reduces the likelihood of blind spots or other defects in the 3D image.

[0072] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 16 acquires the position information of the portable device 10 when the planar image of the car 6 is captured, together with the planar image of the car 6's interior. If the position of the car 6 does not match the position of the portable device 10 when the planar image of the car 6's interior is captured, the generation unit 17 does not use the planar image in the generation of the three-dimensional image of the car 6's interior.

[0073] This structure allows for the acquisition of a planar image actually captured inside the car 6. The false transmission of irrelevant images captured outside the car 6 is suppressed, thus further improving the reliability of the generated 3D image of the car 6.

[0074] Furthermore, the management device 14 has a distribution unit 19. The distribution unit 19 distributes rewards to users among multiple users who have taken photos of the three-dimensional images of the interior of the car 6 taken by the generation unit 17 and the two-dimensional images of the interior of the car 6 used in the production.

[0075] With this structure, the reward to be issued serves as an incentive for users to capture planar images, thus expecting to obtain more planar images. Therefore, the accuracy of the generated 3D image can be further improved.

[0076] Furthermore, elevator system 1 has a group management panel 9 that manages the allocation of calls to car 6. The issuing department 19 issues points as a reward that prioritizes call registrations for elevators 2 with car 6. The group management panel 9 prioritizes call registrations by users who have used these points over other call registrations.

[0077] This structure allows for the provision of rewards to users of elevator 2 that enhance its convenience. Consequently, the issued rewards serve as a more effective incentive.

[0078] In addition, the management device 14 has a prompting unit 20. In response to a viewing request from the viewing device 21, the prompting unit 20 prompts the viewing device 21 with a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 generated by the generation unit 17.

[0079] With this structure, a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6 can be viewed from a distance via the viewing device 21. As a result, management or maintenance work, such as checking for any abnormalities inside the car 6, becomes more efficient.

[0080] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 16 acquires the time information of when the planar image of the car 6 was captured, together with the planar image of the car 6's interior. The generation unit 17 combines the planar image captured before the specified time to generate a three-dimensional image of the car 6's interior. When a time is specified in the viewing request, the prompting unit 20 prompts the viewing device 21 to display the three-dimensional image of the car 6's interior generated by the generation unit 17 combining the planar image captured before that time.

[0081] This structure allows for the confirmation of time-series changes in the three-dimensional images within the car 6. Therefore, in the event of an anomaly in the car 6, the timing of the occurrence can be identified. Consequently, countermeasures, including responses to and prevention of the anomaly, can be implemented.

[0082] Elevator system 1 can also be applied to elevator 2, which has a camera installed in the car 6. In this case, the generation unit 17 can also combine the planar image captured by the camera installed in the car 6 and the planar image captured by the user's portable device 10 to generate a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car 6.

[0083] Next, use Figure 8 An example illustrating the hardware structure of elevator system 1.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a hardware structure diagram of the main parts of the elevator system 1 in Implementation Method 1.

[0085] The various functions of elevator system 1 can be implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit has at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may also have at least one dedicated hardware 200 together with or in place of the processor 100a and memory 100b.

[0086] In the case where the processing circuit has a processor 100a and a memory 100b, the various functions of the elevator system 1 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. This program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a implements the various functions of the elevator system 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b. The program can also be a program package containing multiple subroutines, modules, or libraries, etc. The program is sometimes also referred to as a program product.

[0087] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0088] When the processing circuit has dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is implemented, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0089] Each function of elevator system 1 can be implemented separately by processing circuitry. Alternatively, each function of elevator system 1 can also be implemented uniformly by processing circuitry. Regarding the functions of elevator system 1, some can be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, while others can be implemented by software or firmware. In this way, processing circuitry implements the functions of elevator system 1 through dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0090] In summary, the preferred structures of this disclosure include the structures shown below as appendices.

[0091] (Postscript 1)

[0092] An elevator management device, wherein the elevator management device comprises:

[0093] The acquisition unit acquires multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and

[0094] The generation unit combines multiple planar images of the car interior acquired by the acquisition unit to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior.

[0095] (Postscript 2)

[0096] According to the elevator management device described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0097] The acquisition unit prompts the portable device, which has read the coded image installed in the elevator having the car, to provide an interface for a plan view of the interior of the car, and acquires the plan view of the interior of the car from the portable device through the interface.

[0098] (Note 3)

[0099] According to the elevator management device described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0100] The elevator management device includes a determining unit that determines the location in the three-dimensional image inside the car that needs to be combined into a planar image.

[0101] The acquisition unit prompts the portable device for an interface to provide a plan view of the car's interior, and acquires the plan view of the car's interior from the portable device through the interface.

[0102] The interface contains information indicating the location of the planar image to be combined in the three-dimensional image inside the car, as determined by the determining unit.

[0103] (Postscript 4)

[0104] The elevator management device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein,

[0105] The acquisition unit, together with the planar image of the car's interior, acquires information about the location of the portable device when the planar image was captured, and

[0106] If the position of the car does not match the position of the portable device when the planar image of the car's interior is captured, the generation unit will not use the planar image to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

[0107] (Note 5)

[0108] The elevator management device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein,

[0109] The elevator management device has a distribution unit that issues rewards to one of the plurality of users who has captured a two-dimensional image of the interior of the car used in the generation of a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car by the generating unit.

[0110] (Note 6)

[0111] According to the elevator management device described in Appendix 5, wherein,

[0112] The reward issued by the issuing department is a point that prioritizes the call registration of elevators with the car.

[0113] (Note 7)

[0114] The elevator management device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein,

[0115] The elevator management device has a prompting unit that, in response to a viewing request from a viewing device, prompts the viewing device with a three-dimensional image of the car interior generated by the generation unit.

[0116] (Note 8)

[0117] According to the elevator management device described in Appendix 7, wherein,

[0118] The acquisition unit, together with the planar image of the car's interior, acquires information about the time when the planar image was captured.

[0119] The generating unit combines the planar images captured before a specified time to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

[0120] When a time is specified in the viewing request, the prompting unit prompts the viewing device to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior by combining planar images taken before that time.

[0121] (Note 9)

[0122] An elevator management method, in which a computer performs the following processing:

[0123] Obtain multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and

[0124] The multiple planar images of the car's interior are combined to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

[0125] (Postscript 10)

[0126] An elevator management program, wherein the elevator management program causes a computer to perform the following processes:

[0127] Obtain multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and

[0128] The multiple planar images of the car's interior are combined to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

[0129] (Postscript 11)

[0130] An elevator system, wherein the elevator system has:

[0131] The acquisition unit acquires multiple planar images of the car interior taken by portable devices held by multiple users.

[0132] A generation unit combines multiple planar images of the car interior acquired by the acquisition unit to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior; and

[0133] The Operations Management Department manages the call allocation for the aforementioned car.

[0134] (Postscript 12)

[0135] According to the elevator system described in Appendix 11, wherein,

[0136] The elevator system has a reward department that issues points as compensation to users among the plurality of users who captured a two-dimensional image of the car's interior used in the generation of a three-dimensional image of the car's interior by the generating department.

[0137] The Operations Management Department prioritizes elevator call registrations made using the points over other elevator call registrations.

Claims

1. A management device for an elevator, wherein, The elevator's management system includes: The acquisition unit acquires multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and The generation unit combines multiple planar images of the car interior acquired by the acquisition unit to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior.

2. The elevator management device according to claim 1, wherein, The acquisition unit prompts the portable device, which has read the coded image installed in the elevator having the car, to provide an interface for a plan view of the interior of the car, and acquires the plan view of the interior of the car from the portable device through the interface.

3. The elevator management device according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator management device includes a determining unit that determines the location in the three-dimensional image inside the car that needs to be combined into a planar image. The acquisition unit prompts the portable device for an interface to provide a plan view of the car's interior, and acquires the plan view of the car's interior from the portable device through the interface. The interface contains information indicating the location of the planar image to be combined in the three-dimensional image inside the car, as determined by the determining unit.

4. The elevator management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The acquisition unit, together with the planar image of the car's interior, acquires information about the location of the portable device when the planar image was captured, and If the position of the car does not match the position of the portable device when the planar image of the car's interior is captured, the generation unit will not use the planar image to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

5. The elevator management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The elevator management device has a distribution unit that issues rewards to one of the plurality of users who has captured a two-dimensional image of the interior of the car used in the generation of a three-dimensional image of the interior of the car by the generating unit.

6. The elevator management device according to claim 5, wherein, The reward issued by the issuing department is a point that prioritizes the call registration of elevators with the car.

7. The elevator management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The elevator management device has a prompting unit that, in response to a viewing request from a viewing device, prompts the viewing device with a three-dimensional image of the car interior generated by the generation unit.

8. The elevator management device according to claim 7, wherein, The acquisition unit, together with the planar image of the car's interior, acquires information about the time when the planar image was captured. The generating unit combines the planar images captured before a specified time to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior. When a time is specified in the viewing request, the prompting unit prompts the viewing device to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior by combining planar images taken before that time.

9. An elevator management method, in which a computer performs the following processing: Obtain multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and The multiple planar images of the car's interior are combined to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

10. An elevator management procedure, wherein, The elevator's management program instructs the computer to perform the following processes: Obtain multiple planar images of the car interior captured by portable devices held by multiple users; and The multiple planar images of the car's interior are combined to generate a three-dimensional image of the car's interior.

11. An elevator system, wherein, This elevator system has the following features: The acquisition unit acquires multiple planar images of the car interior taken by portable devices held by multiple users. A generation unit combines multiple planar images of the car interior acquired by the acquisition unit to generate a three-dimensional image of the car interior; and The Operations Management Department manages the call allocation for the aforementioned car.

12. The elevator system according to claim 11, wherein, The elevator system has a reward department that issues points as compensation to users among the plurality of users who captured a two-dimensional image of the car's interior used in the generation of a three-dimensional image of the car's interior by the generating department. The Operations Management Department prioritizes elevator call registrations made using the points they have accumulated over other elevator call registrations.

Images