Elevator system and elevator control method

Abstract

To suppress the degradation of operation efficiency of an unnecessary elevator while ensuring convenience for a wheelchair user.SOLUTION: An elevator system (1) capable of being used by a wheelchair user comprises: an operation mode changeover part (112) which switches an operation mode of an in-car wheelchair operation panel (30) capable of registering the operation of a car (20) to any of an ineffective mode, a wheelchair call mode, and a normal call mode based on landing detection information including information related to the presence or absence of the wheelchair user at a landing (60) and car detection information including information related to the presence or absence of the wheelchair user in the car (20); and an operation control part (113) which controls the operation of the car (20) based on registration information registered by the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel (30).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator system having an operation panel that can be operated by a wheelchair user. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, elevators that can call wheelchairs have an operation panel (hereinafter, referred to as a wheelchair operation panel) installed in the elevator car that is suitable for wheelchair users. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator operation panel that switches the display surface of the operation panel between a first arrangement suitable for use by normal users or a second arrangement suitable for use by special users, based on whether the user getting on the elevator is a normal user who is an adult of normal height, or a special user who is shorter than an adult of normal height or who uses a wheelchair. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-001791 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For wheelchair users, it is desirable for the wheelchair operation panel in the car to be located in a position that can be seen from the landing when the car door is open so that they can easily get in. However, since an operation panel located in such a position is easily visible to users other than wheelchair users, users other than wheelchair users may operate the wheelchair operation panel.

[0005] When the wheelchair control panel is operated, the elevator is operated in a way that is suitable for wheelchair users. Therefore, if a user other than a wheelchair user operates the wheelchair control panel, there is a problem that the elevator operation efficiency may be unnecessarily reduced, for example, the door open time may be extended even when there is no wheelchair user.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention aims to suppress unnecessary decline in elevator operation efficiency while ensuring convenience for wheelchair users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an elevator system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires landing detection information including information on the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at a landing and car detection information including information on the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car, an operation mode switching unit that switches an operation mode of an operation panel in the car that can be used by wheelchair users and for which operation of the car can be registered, based on the landing detection information and the car detection information, to one of an invalid mode that invalidates operation of the operation panel, a wheelchair call mode that registers operation of the operation panel as a wheelchair-accessible operation, and a normal call mode that registers operation of the operation panel as a normal operation, and an operation control unit that controls operation of the car based on registration information registered by operation of the operation panel in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching unit.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the operation panel, whose operation mode is switched based on the presence or absence of wheelchair users at the boarding area and in the car, performs wheelchair-accessible operation, normal operation, or disables the operation of the operation panel, so that, for example, even if the operation panel is operated when there are no wheelchair users, normal operation can be performed without performing wheelchair-accessible operation. Also, the disable mode can prevent erroneous operation of the operation panel.

[0009] Furthermore, the control panel in the elevator car can be used by wheelchair users, ensuring the convenience of wheelchair users. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary declines in elevator operation efficiency while ensuring the convenience of wheelchair users.

[0010] In an elevator system according to another aspect of the present invention, the operation mode switching unit may set the operation mode to the disabled mode when the doors are opened at a landing where a wheelchair user is not detected, and if no wheelchair user is detected in the car between then closing the doors, maintain the operation mode in the disabled mode; set the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode when the doors are opened at a landing where a wheelchair user is detected, and if no wheelchair user is detected in the car between then closing the doors, set the operation mode to the normal call mode; and set the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode if a wheelchair user is detected in the car between then opening the doors at the landing and then closing the doors.

[0011] According to the above configuration, regardless of whether or not there is a wheelchair user at the platform, if a wheelchair user is detected in the elevator from when the door opens to when it closes, the operation mode of the control panel becomes the wheelchair call mode. This allows a wheelchair user in the elevator to operate the control panel in order to operate the elevator to accommodate wheelchair users.

[0012] In addition, when the doors are opened at a landing where a wheelchair user is detected, the operation mode of the control panel is changed to wheelchair call mode. This allows a wheelchair user entering the elevator from the landing to visually confirm that the control panel is in wheelchair call mode and to get on by approaching the control panel. On the other hand, if a wheelchair user is not detected in the elevator car until the door is closed, the operation mode of the control panel is changed to normal call mode. This allows the elevator car to operate normally rather than in a wheelchair-accessible mode even if a user who is not a wheelchair user visually confirms the wheelchair call mode displayed when the doors are opened and operates the control panel, thereby preventing unnecessary deterioration in elevator operation efficiency.

[0013] In addition, when the doors are opened at a landing where no wheelchair user is detected, and when no wheelchair user is detected in the elevator car until the doors are closed, the operation mode of the control panel becomes the invalid mode. This invalidates the operation of the control panel, so that even if a non-wheelchair user accidentally touches the control panel by leaning on it, for example, it does not affect the operation of the elevator car. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary deterioration in elevator operation efficiency.

[0014] In an elevator system according to another aspect of the present invention, the operation panel is provided with a display unit that displays at least a plurality of destination floor information capable of registering destination floors for the car and mode information indicating that the operation mode is the wheelchair call mode, and a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit, and the display control unit may, in the wheelchair call mode, display the destination floor information and the mode information on the display unit, in the normal call mode, display the destination floor information without displaying the mode information on the display unit, and in the disabled mode, turn off the display of the display unit.

[0015] According to the above configuration, when the operation panel is in the wheelchair call mode, the mode information is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel, so that the user can easily know that the operation panel is in the wheelchair call mode. Also, when the operation panel is in the invalid mode, the display on the display unit is turned off, so that the user can easily know that the operation panel is unavailable.

[0016] Furthermore, because the display unit is not turned off in the wheelchair call mode and normal call mode, even if the design of the operation panel is such that it blends in with the wall inside the elevator when the display unit is turned off, when a wheelchair user is present at the elevator, the operation panel can be easily seen from the elevator with the elevator door open.

[0017] In an elevator system according to another aspect of the present invention, when a destination floor is registered by the operation panel in the wheelchair call mode or the normal call mode, the display control unit may display the registered destination floor on the display unit from the time the destination floor is registered until the elevator car arrives at the destination floor.

[0018] A user who operates the operation panel is likely to pay attention to the display on the operation panel until the user gets off the vehicle. According to the above configuration, the registered destination floor is continuously displayed on the display unit from the time the destination floor is registered until the elevator car arrives at the destination floor, so that the user who operates the operation panel can check the destination floor from the display on the operation panel until the user gets off the vehicle.

[0019] In an elevator system according to another aspect of the present invention, the display control unit may display on the display unit in different display forms the destination floor registered by the operation panel in the wheelchair call mode and the destination floor registered by the operation panel in the normal call mode.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the destination floor registered by the operation panel in the wheelchair call mode and the destination floor registered by the operation panel in the normal call mode are displayed in different display forms, so that the user can easily understand in which mode the destination floor was registered.

[0021] In another aspect of the elevator system of the present invention, an elevator control unit is provided that controls notifications to a user in the elevator car, and the notification control unit may notify the user of the switch in operation mode if the user is in the elevator car when the operation mode is switched from the disabled mode to the wheelchair call mode or the normal call mode.

[0022] According to the above configuration, it is possible to inform a user in the elevator that the operation of the operation panel has been enabled, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the operation panel whose operation has been enabled.

[0023] An elevator control method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition step of acquiring platform detection information including information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at a platform and car detection information including information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car; an operation mode switching step of switching an operation mode of an operating panel in the car, which is available for wheelchair users and for which operation of the car can be registered, based on the platform detection information and the car detection information, to one of an invalid mode in which the operation of the operating panel is invalid, a wheelchair call mode in which the operation of the operating panel is registered as a wheelchair-accessible operation, and a normal call mode in which the operation of the operating panel is registered as a normal operation; and an operation control step of controlling the operation of the car based on registration information registered by the operation of the operating panel in the operation mode switched to in the operation mode switching step.

[0024] The elevator control device and operation panel of the elevator system according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program for the elevator control device and the operation panel, which realizes the elevator control device and the operation panel by a computer by operating a computer as each part (software element) of the elevator control device and the operation panel, and the computer-readable recording medium on which it is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress unnecessary decline in elevator operation efficiency while ensuring convenience for wheelchair users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of an elevator system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the above-mentioned elevator system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an in-car wheelchair operation panel of the elevator system. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a switching condition of the operation mode of the in-car wheelchair operation panel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the operation of the elevator system. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing another part of the example of the operation of the elevator system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the following description is an example of an elevator system 1 according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0028] [Elevator System Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of an elevator system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The elevator system 1 switches the operation mode of an in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (operation panel) installed in a car 20 and available to wheelchair users to any one of (1) an invalid mode in which the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is invalid, (2) a wheelchair call mode in which the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is registered as a wheelchair-compatible operation, and (3) a normal call mode in which the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is registered as a normal operation, based on the landing detection information including information on the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at the landing 60 and the car detection information including information on the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car 20. Then, the elevator system 1 operates the car 20 based on the registration information registered by the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in each operation mode.

[0029] Therefore, for example, even if the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is operated when there is no wheelchair user, the car 20 can be operated normally without wheelchair-accessible operation, and the invalid mode can prevent erroneous operation of the operation panel. In this way, the elevator system 1 ensures convenience for wheelchair users while suppressing unnecessary declines in elevator operation efficiency.

[0030] [Elevator System] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an elevator system 1. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the elevator system 1 includes an elevator control device 10 and a car 20. The car 20 stops at a hall 60. Although there are a plurality of halls 60, each hall 60 has a similar configuration, and therefore, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show only one hall 60. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elevator system 1 is described as including only one car 20, but is not limited to the above. The elevator system 1 may include a plurality of cars 20, or may include a group of elevators.

[0031] (Platform) The landing 60 is equipped with a landing wheelchair operation panel 70, a landing main operation panel 80, and a camera 90. The landing wheelchair operation panel 70 is a control panel that is installed at the landing 60 and can be used by wheelchair users, and can register the operation of the elevator car 20. The landing wheelchair operation panel 70 has an input unit 71 that allows wheelchair users to input call registrations.

[0032] The call registration input by the input unit 71 is transmitted to the elevator control device 10, for example, by a communication device (not shown) installed at the landing 60. The landing wheelchair operation panel 70 is installed next to the elevator door 61 within reach of wheelchair users so that they can operate it.

[0033] The hall main operation panel 80 is an operation panel that is installed at the hall 60 for users other than wheelchair users, such as able-bodied people (hereinafter referred to as normal users), and can register the operation of the car 20. The hall main operation panel 80 has an input unit 81 that allows normal users to input call registrations. Call registration input by the input unit 81 is transmitted to the elevator control device 10 by, for example, a communication device installed at the hall 60. The hall main operation panel 80 is installed above the hall wheelchair operation panel 70. The camera 90 photographs the hall 60. Images photographed by the camera 90 are transmitted to the elevator control device 10 by, for example, a communication device installed at the hall 60.

[0034] (Car) The elevator car 20 is equipped with a control panel 21, an in-car wheelchair operation panel 30, an in-car main operation panel 40, and a camera 50.

[0035] The control panel 21 communicates with the elevator control device 10 and controls the operation of the car 20. The control panel 21 includes a control unit 22 and a memory 23. The memory 23 stores various programs executed by the control panel 21 and data used by the programs.

[0036] The control unit 22 comprehensively controls each unit of the car 20. The functions of the control unit 22 may be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory 23. Specifically, the control unit 22 controls the door opening and closing operations of the car 20 according to instructions from the elevator control device 10. The control unit 22 also transmits operation information of the car 20, including current location information of the car 20, door opening and closing information, and moving direction, to the elevator control device 10. The camera 50 captures images of the inside of the car 20. Images captured by the camera 50 are transmitted to the elevator control device 10 via the control panel 21, for example.

[0037] The in-car main operation panel 40 is an operation panel that is installed in the car 20 for normal users and can register the operation of the car 20. The in-car main operation panel 40 has an input unit 41 that allows normal users to input call registrations. Call registration input by the input unit 41 is transmitted to the elevator control device 10 via the control panel 21, for example. The in-car main operation panel 40 is installed alongside the door 25 within reach of normal users so that the normal users can operate it.

[0038] The in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is an operation panel that is installed in the car 20, can be used by wheelchair users, and can register the operation of the car 20. The in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is installed within reach of the wheelchair users at a position where it is easily visible to wheelchair users at the boarding area 60 when the car 20 door is open.

[0039] The in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 comprises an input unit 31, a display unit 32, a notification unit 33, and a control unit 34. The input unit 31 enables wheelchair users to input call registrations. The input unit 31 is a touch panel, and is placed on top of the display unit 32. Therefore, the input unit 31 can be operated on the display surface of the display unit 32. Note that the input unit 31 may be a button instead of a touch panel. The display unit 32 displays various information based on the control of the display control unit 341. The notification unit 33 notifies users in the car 20 of various information based on the control of the notification control unit 342.

[0040] The control unit 34 comprehensively controls the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30. The functions of the control unit 34 may be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a memory (not shown). The control unit 34 includes a display control unit 341 and a notification control unit 342. The display control unit 341 controls the display of the display unit 32. The notification control unit 342 controls the notification to the user in the car 20 by the notification unit 33. Details of the display of the display unit 32 and the notification by the notification unit 33 will be described later. Although not shown, the control unit 34 may include a communication unit, and information such as input of call registration by the input unit 31 may be transmitted to the elevator control device 10 via the control unit 34.

[0041] (Elevator Control Device) The elevator control device 10 controls the operation of the entire elevator including the car 20. The elevator control device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a memory 12. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the elevator control device 10. The functions of the elevator control device 10 may be realized by a CPU executing a program stored in the memory 12. Details of the control unit 11 will be described later. The memory 12 stores various programs executed by the elevator control device 10 and data used by the programs.

[0042] (Control Unit Configuration) The control unit 11 includes an information acquisition unit 111, an operation mode switching unit 112, and an operation control unit 113. The information acquisition unit 111 acquires platform detection information and car detection information. The platform detection information includes information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at the platform 60.

[0043] The hall detection information may be, for example, an image captured by the camera 90. When the hall detection information is an image captured by the camera 90, the elevator control device 10 may detect a wheelchair user at the hall 60 by determining the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at the hall 60 using image analysis or the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the platform detection information may be the presence or absence of an input operation on the platform wheelchair operation panel 70. When an input operation is performed on the platform wheelchair operation panel 70, it can be determined that a wheelchair user is present at the platform 60. Therefore, a wheelchair user at the platform 60 may be detected by determining the presence or absence of an input operation on the platform wheelchair operation panel 70.

[0045] In addition, when the platform detection information is an image captured by the camera 90, it is necessary to install the camera 90 at all the platforms 60 where the elevator car 20 stops. Therefore, by using the presence or absence of an input operation on the platform wheelchair operation panel 70 as the platform detection information, it is possible to reduce costs.

[0046] The car detection information includes information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car 20. The car detection information may be, for example, an image captured by the camera 50. When the car detection information is an image captured by the camera 50, the elevator control device 10 may determine the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car 20 using image analysis or the like, thereby detecting a wheelchair user in the car 20. Note that image analysis or the like of the camera 50 and the camera 90 may be performed in the car 20 or the hall 60, instead of in the elevator control device 10.

[0047] The operation mode switching unit 112 switches the operation mode of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as the operation mode) between a disabled mode, a wheelchair call mode, and a normal call mode based on the platform detection information and the car detection information.

[0048] In the wheelchair call mode, the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is registered as a wheelchair-compatible operation. That is, in the wheelchair call mode, the operation registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is executed as a wheelchair-compatible operation of the car 20. In the normal call mode, the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is registered as a normal operation. That is, in the normal call mode, the operation registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is executed as a normal operation of the car 20. In addition, in the invalid mode, the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is invalidated. For example, in the invalid mode, the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 itself cannot be performed. A specific example of switching the operation mode will be described in detail later.

[0049] The operation control unit 113 controls the operation of the car 20 based on the registration information registered by the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching unit 112. The registration information includes the operation mode and operation content of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 at the time of operation.

[0050] The operation control unit 113 operates the car 20 as wheelchair-accessible for operations registered on the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 when the operation mode is in wheelchair call mode. For example, when a destination floor is registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 when the operation mode is in wheelchair call mode, the operation control unit 113 operates the car 20 with a longer door open time than in normal operation when the car 20 arrives at the destination floor. Also, the operation control unit 113 operates the car 20 as normal operation for operations registered on the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 when the operation mode is in normal call mode.

[0051] (Display operation mode) Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 32 of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30, and 3001 in Fig. 3 is a display example of the display unit 32 when the operation mode is the wheelchair call mode. As shown in 3001 in Fig. 3, when the operation mode is the wheelchair call mode, the display unit 32 is controlled by the display control unit 341 to display at least the destination floor information 321 and the mode information 322 on the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30.

[0052] The destination floor information 321 includes a plurality of destination floors for which the destination floor of the car 20 can be registered. In 3001 of FIG. 3, the destination floors 1 to 4 and 10 are displayed as the destination floor information 321. The mode information 322 includes information indicating that the operation mode is the wheelchair call mode. In 3001 of FIG. 3, an illustration of a wheelchair is displayed as the mode information 322. In this way, when the operation mode is the wheelchair call mode, the mode information 322 is displayed on the display unit 32 of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30, so that the user can easily understand that the operation mode of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is the wheelchair call mode.

[0053] The display unit 32 may also display door opening / closing information 323 for opening and closing the doors 25·61 (see FIG. 2), current location information indicating the current location and moving direction of the car 20, emergency button information, notices, and the like. As described above, the input unit 31 is a touch panel, and the display unit 32 and the input unit 31 overlap, so that a user can perform an input operation on the displayed information by touching the display unit 32. For example, when a user touches the destination floor information 321 of a desired destination floor, the destination floor is registered. Furthermore, a user can open and close the doors 25·61 by touching the door opening / closing information 323.

[0054] 3002 in Fig. 3 shows a display example of the display unit 32 when the operation mode is the normal call mode. As shown in 3002 in Fig. 3, when the operation mode is the normal call mode, the display unit 32 is controlled by the display control unit 341 to display the destination floor information 321 without displaying the mode information 322.

[0055] In this way, the display of the display unit 32 is not turned off in the wheelchair call mode and the normal call mode. Therefore, even if the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is designed so that it blends in with the wall inside the car 20 when the display of the display unit 32 is turned off, when a wheelchair user is present at the landing 60, the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 can be easily seen from the landing 60 with the door of the car 20 open.

[0056] 3003 in Fig. 3 shows a display example of the display unit 32 when the operation mode is the disabled mode. As shown in 3003 in Fig. 3, when the operation mode is the disabled mode, the display unit 32 is controlled by the display control unit 341 to turn off the display of the display unit 32. This allows the user to easily understand that the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 cannot be used. In addition, the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is designed to blend in with the wall inside the car 20 and the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 when the display of the display unit 32 is turned off, thereby improving the design of the interior of the car 20.

[0057] On the display unit 32, the display control unit 341 controls so that the registered destination floor information 321 is displayed in a display form different from that of the unregistered destination floor information 321. For example, the display control unit 341 displays the registered destination floor information 321 and the unregistered destination floor information 321 in different colors on the display unit 32. Furthermore, when the elevator car 20 arrives at a registered destination floor, the display control unit 341 displays the registered destination floor information 321 in the same display form as the unregistered destination floor information 321.

[0058] Specifically, for example, when the display control unit 341 displays unregistered destination floor information 321 in white, when the user touches the 4th floor on the display unit 32 as a destination floor, the display control unit 341 displays the destination floor information 321 indicating the 4th floor in blue, and when the elevator 20 arrives at the 4th floor, the display control unit 341 returns the destination floor information 321 to white. This allows the user to easily understand the registered destination floors.

[0059] In addition, the display unit 32 is controlled by the display control unit 341 to display, in different display formats, the destination floor registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the wheelchair call mode and the destination floor registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the normal call mode.

[0060] For example, the display control unit 341 displays, on the display unit 32, in different colors, the destination floor information 321 of the destination floor registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the wheelchair call mode and the destination floor registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the normal call mode. The display control unit 341 may display different designs of the destination floor information 321, for example, by adding different illustrations, for the destination floor information 321 of the destination floor registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the wheelchair call mode and the destination floor registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the normal call mode. This allows the user to easily understand in which mode the destination floor was registered.

[0061] (Example of switching operation modes) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a switching condition of the operation mode. As shown in Fig. 4, when a wheelchair user is present in the car 20, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode. When a wheelchair user is not present in the car 20 and a wheelchair user is present at the platform 60 where the car is scheduled to stop, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the normal call mode. Moreover, when there is no wheelchair user in both the car 20 and the platform 60, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode. Below, a more detailed example of switching of the operation mode by the operation mode switching unit 112 will be described.

[0062] The operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode when opening the door at a landing 60 where no wheelchair user is detected. For example, when the car 20 opens the door at a landing 60 where the call is registered not at the landing wheelchair operation panel 70 but at the landing main operation panel 80, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode.

[0063] If a wheelchair user is not detected in the car 20 after the door is opened in the invalid mode and before the door is closed, the operation mode switching unit 112 maintains the operation mode in the invalid mode. For example, if a wheelchair user is not detected in an image of the inside of the car 20 captured by the camera 50 after the door is opened in the invalid mode and before the door is closed, the operation mode switching unit 112 maintains the operation mode in the invalid mode.

[0064] In this way, when the doors are opened at a landing 60 where no wheelchair user is detected, and when no wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 until the doors are closed thereafter, the operation mode of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 becomes the invalid mode. Therefore, even if a user who is not a wheelchair user accidentally touches the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 by leaning against the wall of the car 20, for example, it does not affect the operation of the car 20. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary deterioration in the operation efficiency of the elevator.

[0065] The operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode when the door opens at the landing 60 where a wheelchair user has been detected. For example, when the car 20 opens the door at the landing 60 where a call has been registered on the landing wheelchair operation panel 70, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode. This allows a wheelchair user getting on from the landing 60 to visually confirm the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 which is in the wheelchair call mode, and to get on so as to approach the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30. Also, when the car 20 opens the door at the landing 60 where a call has been registered on the landing wheelchair operation panel 70, the door open time is extended.

[0066] If a wheelchair user is not detected in the car 20 after the door is opened in the wheelchair call mode and before the door is closed, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the normal call mode. For example, if a wheelchair user is not detected in the image of the inside of the car 20 captured by the camera 50 after the door is opened in the wheelchair call mode and before the door is closed, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the normal mode.

[0067] Even if the doors are opened in the wheelchair call mode, if no wheelchair users are detected inside the car 20, only normal users will be detected even if there are users in the car 20. Therefore, by setting the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 to the normal call mode in the above case, even if a user who is not a wheelchair user visually recognizes the wheelchair call mode displayed when the doors are opened and operates the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30, the car 20 can be operated normally, not in a wheelchair-accessible mode. As a result, unnecessary deterioration in elevator operation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0068] When a wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 between the door opening at the landing 60 and the door closing thereafter, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode. Specifically, regardless of the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at the landing 60, when a wheelchair user is detected in the image of the inside of the car 20 captured by the camera 50 between the door opening and the door closing thereafter, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode.

[0069] As a result, the operation mode is always set to the wheelchair call mode when a wheelchair user is present in the car 20. Therefore, a wheelchair user who is in the car 20 can operate the car 20 to accommodate wheelchair users by operating the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30.

[0070] Furthermore, when multiple destination floors are registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the wheelchair call mode or normal call mode, the operation mode switching unit 112 maintains the operation mode in the wheelchair call mode or normal call mode from when the destination floors are registered until the car 20 arrives at all of the destination floors. Specifically, the operation mode switching unit 112 determines whether or not any registered destination floors remain at the destination floor at which the car 20 has arrived, and if any registered destination floors remain, sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode or normal call mode.

[0071] For example, a case will be described in which a wheelchair user is present in the car 20, and the first and second destination floors are registered in the car 20 that is being operated with the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in a wheelchair call mode. It is assumed that there is no wheelchair user at the boarding area 60.

[0072] In the above case, when the elevator 20 arrives at the first destination floor but there is a wheelchair user in the elevator 20, the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not the registered destination floor remains at the arrived destination floor. In the judgment, when it is judged that the registered destination floor (second destination floor) remains, the operation mode switching unit 112 maintains the operation mode in the wheelchair call mode until the second destination floor.

[0073] Also, in the above case, when the wheelchair user gets off at the first destination floor and there is no longer any wheelchair user in the car 20, the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not there are any registered destination floors remaining at the arrived destination floor. In the judgment, if it is judged that there is a registered destination floor (second destination floor) remaining, the operation mode switching unit 112 does not set the operation mode to the invalid mode, but sets the operation mode to the normal call mode up to the second destination floor. Note that, in the judgment, if there are no registered destination floors remaining, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode.

[0074] Next, a case will be described in which there is no wheelchair user in the car 20 and the first and second destination floors are registered in the car 20 that is operating with the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the normal call mode. It is assumed that there is no wheelchair user at the boarding area 60.

[0075] In the above case, when the car 20 arrives at the first destination floor, the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not the registered destination floor remains at the arrived destination floor. In the judgment, if it is judged that the registered destination floor (second destination floor) remains, the operation mode switching unit 112 maintains the operation mode in the normal call mode until the car 20 arrives at the second destination floor. Note that, in the judgment, if there is no registered destination floor remaining, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode. In addition, if a wheelchair user gets on the car 20 at the first destination floor, the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode.

[0076] As a result, the registered destination floor is displayed on the display unit 32 from when the destination floor is registered until the car 20 arrives at the destination floor. In other words, when a destination floor is registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in the wheelchair call mode or the normal call mode, the display control unit 341 displays the registered destination floor on the display unit 32 from when the destination floor is registered until the car 20 arrives at the destination floor.

[0077] A user who has operated the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is likely to pay attention to the display of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 until he or she gets off the car. Since the registered destination floor is continuously displayed on the display unit 32 of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 from when the destination floor is registered until the elevator car 20 arrives at the destination floor, a user who has operated the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 can check the destination floor from the display on the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 until he or she gets off the car.

[0078] (Example of notification by switching operation modes) If a user is in the car 20 when the operation mode is switched from the disabled mode to the wheelchair call mode or the normal call mode, the notification control unit 342 notifies the user of the switch in the operation mode via the notification unit 33. This makes it possible to notify the user in the car 20 that the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 has been enabled, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 whose operation has been enabled. The method of notification is not particularly limited, and for example, the display on the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 may be flashed, or an announcement such as "The in-car operation panel will be enabled" may be made.

[0079] <An example of the process flow in an elevator system> Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing a part of an example of the operation of the elevator system 1, and is a flow diagram mainly showing the operation when a wheelchair user is detected at the landing 60. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing another part of the example of the operation of the elevator system 1, and is a flow diagram showing the operation when a wheelchair user is not detected at the landing 60.

[0080] First, with reference to Fig. 5, the operation when a wheelchair user is detected at the landing 60 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, in the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in which the operation mode is in the disabled mode (step S1), the information acquisition unit 111 acquires landing detection information (step S2, information acquisition step). The operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not a wheelchair user is detected at the landing 60 based on the landing detection information (step S3).

[0081] If a wheelchair user is detected at the landing 60 (YES in step S3), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode (step S4, operation mode switching step), and the operation control unit 113 extends the door-open time at the landing 60 and opens the doors. The process when a wheelchair user is not detected at the landing 60 will be described later (NO in step S3, P1).

[0082] Next, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires car detection information (step S5, information acquisition step), and the operation mode switching unit 112 determines whether or not a wheelchair user has been detected in the car 20 based on the car detection information (step S6).

[0083] If a wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 (YES in step S6), the operation mode switching unit 112 maintains the operation mode as the wheelchair call mode (step S7, operation mode switching step). If a wheelchair user is not detected in the car 20 (NO in step S6), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the normal call mode (step S8, operation mode switching step).

[0084] Next, the display control unit 341 judges whether or not a destination floor has been registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (step S9). If a destination floor has been registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (YES in step S9), the display control unit 341 displays the destination floor information 321 of the registered destination floor differently from other destination floor information 321 (step S10). The display control unit 341 also transmits the registration information to the elevator control device 10, and the operation control unit 113 operates the elevator 20 to the destination floor based on the registration information from the display control unit 341 (step S11, operation control step). If a destination floor has not been registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (NO in step S9), the process of step S5 is performed.

[0085] The display control unit 341 determines whether the elevator car 20 has arrived at the destination floor (step S12). When the elevator car 20 has arrived at the destination floor (YES in step S12), the display control unit 341 displays the destination floor information 321 of the destination floor at which the elevator car 20 has arrived in the same manner as the other destination floor information 321 (step S13).

[0086] At this time, if the destination floor where the car 20 arrives is registered in the wheelchair call mode, the door is opened in the extended door open time. Also, if the destination floor where the car 20 arrives is registered in the normal call mode, the door is opened in the normal door open time. If the car 20 has not arrived at the destination floor (NO in step S12), the car waits until the car 20 arrives at the destination floor (step S12).

[0087] Further, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires car detection information (step S14, information acquisition step), and the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not a wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 based on the car detection information (step S15). If a wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 (YES in step S15), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode (step S16, operation mode switching step). Then, the operation control unit 113 judges whether or not the registered destination floor remains (step S17). If the registered destination floor remains (YES in step S17), the operation control unit 113 operates the car 20 to the registered destination floor with the operation mode in the wheelchair call mode (step S11). If the registered destination floor does not remain (NO in step S17), the process ends.

[0088] Furthermore, in step S15, if a wheelchair user is not detected in the elevator car 20 (NO in step S15), the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not there are any registered destination floors remaining (step S18). If there are no registered destination floors remaining (NO in step S18), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode (step S19, operation mode switching step), and ends the process.

[0089] If any registered destination floors remain (YES in step S18), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the normal call mode (step S20, operation mode switching step), and performs the process of step S11.

[0090] Next, with reference to Fig. 6, an operation when a wheelchair user is not detected at the landing 60 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, when a wheelchair user is not detected at the landing 60 (NO, P1 in step S3 in Fig. 5), the operation control unit 113 opens the doors at the landing 60 in the normal door-opening time. After that, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires car detection information (step S21, information acquisition step), and the operation mode switching unit 112 determines whether or not a wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 based on the car detection information (step S22).

[0091] If a wheelchair user is detected in the car 20 (YES in step S22), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode (step S23, operation mode switching step). If a wheelchair user is not detected in the car 20 (NO in step S22), the process ends.

[0092] Next, the display control unit 341 judges whether or not a destination floor has been registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (step S24). If a destination floor has been registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (YES in step S24), the display control unit 341 displays the destination floor information 321 of the registered destination floor differently from other destination floor information 321 (step S25). The display control unit 341 also transmits the registration information to the elevator control device 10, and the operation control unit 113 operates the elevator car 20 to the destination floor based on the registration information from the display control unit 341 (step S26, operation control step). If a destination floor has not been registered by the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (NO in step S24), the process returns to step S22.

[0093] After that, the display control unit 341 judges whether the car 20 has arrived at the destination floor (step S27). If the car 20 has arrived at the destination floor (YES in step S27), the display control unit 341 displays the destination floor information 321 of the arrived destination floor in the same manner as the other destination floor information 321 (step S28). If the car 20 has not arrived at the destination floor (NO in step S27), the display control unit 341 waits until the car 20 arrives at the destination floor (step S27).

[0094] The information acquisition unit 111 also acquires elevator detection information (step S29, information acquisition step), and the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not a wheelchair user is detected in the elevator 20 based on the elevator detection information (step S30). If a wheelchair user is detected in the elevator 20 (YES in step S30), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the wheelchair call mode (step S31, operation mode switching step). Then, the operation control unit 113 judges whether or not the registered destination floor remains (step S32). If the registered destination floor remains (YES in step S32), the operation control unit 113 operates the elevator 20 to the registered destination floor with the operation mode in the wheelchair call mode (step S26). If the registered destination floor does not remain (NO in step S32), the process ends.

[0095] In addition, in step S30, if a wheelchair user is not detected in the elevator car 20 (NO in step S30), the operation mode switching unit 112 judges whether or not there are any registered destination floors remaining (step S33). If there are no registered destination floors remaining (NO in step S33), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the invalid mode (step S34, operation mode switching step), and ends the process.

[0096] If any registered destination floors remain (YES in step S33), the operation mode switching unit 112 sets the operation mode to the normal call mode (step S35, operation mode switching step), and performs the process of step S26.

[0097] By the above operation, the operation mode of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is switched to any one of the invalid mode, wheelchair call mode, and normal call mode based on the platform detection information and the car detection information by the operation mode switching unit 112. Also, the car 20 is operated by the operation control unit 113 based on the registration information registered by the operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 in each operation mode.

[0098] As a result, for example, even if the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 is operated when there is no wheelchair user, normal operation can be performed without wheelchair-accessible operation. Also, the invalid mode can prevent erroneous operation of the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30.

[0099] Furthermore, the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 can be used by wheelchair users, ensuring the convenience of wheelchair users. As a result, it is possible to suppress unnecessary declines in elevator operation efficiency while ensuring the convenience of wheelchair users.

[0100] [Software implementation example] The functions of the elevator control device 10 and the in-car wheelchair operation panel 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") of the elevator system 1 can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly the parts included in the control unit 11 and the control unit 34).

[0101] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program to realize each function described in each of the above embodiments.

[0102] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0103] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0104] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may be operated by the control device or may be operated by another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0105] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Elevator System 20 Car 30. Control panel for wheelchairs in car (control panel) 32 Display section Platform 60 111 Information Acquisition Department 112 Operation mode switching section 113 Traffic Control Unit 321 Destination Floor Information 322 Mode Information 341 Display control unit 342 Notification control section

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that acquires platform detection information including information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at the platform, and car detection information including information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car; An operation mode of an operation panel in the elevator that is available to wheelchair users and allows the operation of the elevator to be registered is determined based on the platform detection information and the elevator detection information. an invalid mode in which the operation of the operation panel is invalid; A wheelchair call mode that registers the operation of the operation panel as a wheelchair-accessible operation; and A normal call mode in which the operation of the control panel is registered as a normal operation; an operation mode switching unit for switching between one of the above; an operation control unit that controls the operation of the elevator car based on registration information registered by the operation of the operation panel in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching unit; The elevator system comprises:

2. The operation mode switching unit is setting the operation mode to the disabled mode when opening the door at the landing where a wheelchair user is not detected, and maintaining the operation mode in the disabled mode if a wheelchair user is not detected in the elevator car until the door is closed thereafter; When the door is opened at the landing where a wheelchair user is detected, the operation mode is set to the wheelchair call mode, and when a wheelchair user is not detected in the elevator car until the door is closed thereafter, the operation mode is set to the normal call mode; When a wheelchair user is detected in the elevator car during the period from when the door opens at the landing to when the door closes, the operation mode is changed to the wheelchair call mode.

10. The elevator system of claim 1.

3. A display unit that displays at least a plurality of destination floor information items that can be registered as destination floors of the elevator car and mode information indicating that the operation mode is the wheelchair call mode, A display control unit that controls the display of the display unit, The display control unit is In the wheelchair call mode, the destination floor information and the mode information are displayed on the display unit, In the normal call mode, the display unit displays the destination floor information without displaying the mode information, In the disabled mode, the display of the display unit is turned off.

10. The elevator system of claim 1.

4. When a destination floor is registered by the operation panel in the wheelchair call mode or the normal call mode, the display control unit displays the registered destination floor on the display unit from when the destination floor is registered until the elevator car arrives at the destination floor.

4. The elevator system of claim 3.

5. The display control unit displays, on the display unit, a destination floor registered by the operation panel in the wheelchair call mode and a destination floor registered by the operation panel in the normal call mode in different display forms.

4. The elevator system of claim 3.

6. A notification control unit that controls notifications to users in the elevator, When a user is in the elevator when the operation mode is switched from the disabled mode to the wheelchair call mode or the normal call mode, the notification control unit notifies the user of the switch of the operation mode.

10. The elevator system of claim 1.

7. an information acquisition step of acquiring platform detection information including information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user at the platform, and car detection information including information regarding the presence or absence of a wheelchair user in the car; An operation mode of an operation panel in the elevator that is available to wheelchair users and allows the operation of the elevator to be registered is determined based on the platform detection information and the elevator detection information. an invalid mode in which the operation of the operation panel is invalid; A wheelchair call mode that registers the operation of the operation panel as a wheelchair-accessible operation; and A normal call mode in which the operation of the control panel is registered as a normal operation; an operation mode switching step of switching to one of the operation modes; an operation control step of controlling the operation of the elevator car based on registration information registered by the operation of the operation panel in the operation mode switched in the operation mode switching step; A method for controlling an elevator, comprising:

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