Elevator system

Abstract

To provide an elevator system capable of suppressing a decrease in the operating efficiency of a car.SOLUTION: A destination floor registration device 2 of an elevator system 1 includes an input unit 22 that accepts an input operation of destination floor registration by an elevator user, an imaging unit 23 that captures an image of the face of the elevator user who is about to register a destination floor, a communication unit 25 that communicates with the control device 4, and a control unit 26 that controls the communication unit 25, and is configured to link the face of a specific elevator user with destination floor information and store it in advance, and to determine whether the face of the elevator user included in the image captured by the imaging unit 23 is the face of the specific elevator user and perform facial authentication. The control device 4 controls the operation of a car 50 using the destination floor registration information accepted by the input unit 22, or the destination floor information linked to the face of the specific elevator user whose facial authentication has been successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to elevator systems. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of the prior art, there is an elevator control device described in Patent Document 1. This elevator control device includes a camera installed at an elevator hall, elevator user authentication means for authenticating an elevator user from image data obtained by image processing of an image taken by the camera, a specific user database in which image information of specific elevator users (residents of a building or people who frequently enter and leave the building) is stored, specific user determination means, and an elevator control unit. The specific user determination means collates image information of an elevator user authenticated by the elevator user authentication means with image information of the specific elevator user stored in the specific user database, and determines whether or not the user is the specific elevator user. A signal of the determination result by the specific user determination means is output to the elevator control unit. The elevator control unit is provided with an automatic destination floor registration means. The automatic destination floor registration means automatically registers the floor of the used floor information as a destination floor of the elevator car when the specific user determination means determines that the elevator user is the specific elevator user and a signal of the determination result and a signal of the used floor information of the specific elevator user stored in the specific user database are input to the elevator control unit. Also, the user authentication means authenticates the elevator user based on a face image.

[0003] Therefore, the specific elevator user can automatically go to the desired floor without performing an operation to specify a destination floor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-220902 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, some elevator users may wish to go to a floor different from the floor in the available floor information. However, in the elevator control device described in Patent Document 1, the floor in the available floor information is automatically registered as the destination floor. Therefore, the elevator car always moves to the floor in the available floor information. Therefore, the elevator control device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem of reducing operation efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator system that can suppress a decrease in the operating efficiency of the elevator car. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to An elevator system comprising: a destination floor registration device that is provided in a landing or a car and that accepts destination floor registration by an elevator user; and a control device that controls an elevator including the car used by the elevator user, The destination floor registration device includes an input unit that accepts an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, an imaging unit that images a face of the elevator user who is about to register the destination floor, a communication unit that communicates with the control device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, The face of a specific elevator user is linked to destination floor information and stored in advance, The face authentication unit is configured to determine whether a face of the elevator user included in an image captured by the imaging unit is a face of the specific elevator user, The control device is an elevator system that controls the operation of the elevator car using destination floor registration information received by the input unit, or the destination floor information linked to the face of the specific elevator user whose facial authentication has been successful.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the control device controls the operation of the elevator using the destination floor registration information received by the input unit, or the destination floor information linked to the face of the specific elevator user whose facial authentication has been successful, thereby preventing the elevator from necessarily moving to the destination floor using the destination floor information stored in advance.

[0009] In addition, in the present invention, The destination floor registration device includes a notification unit that notifies the elevator user, and a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from an image captured by the imaging unit, The control unit may control the notification unit to notify that a face of the elevator user has been detected.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the notification unit notifies the elevator user that the face of the elevator user has been detected, so that the elevator user can know that his or her own face has been detected.

[0011] In addition, in the present invention, If it is determined that the face is not that of the specific elevator user stored in advance, The control unit may control the notification unit to notify the user that face authentication has failed.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the elevator user can be notified that face authentication has failed.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, The destination floor registration device includes a notification unit that notifies information to the elevator user, The control unit may control the notification unit to notify that the operation of the elevator will be controlled using the destination floor registration information received by the input unit or the destination floor information obtained by facial recognition.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the elevator user can know whether the operation of the elevator car is being controlled using the destination floor registration information received by the input unit or the destination floor information obtained by facial recognition.

[0015] In addition, in the present invention, An external device configured separately from the destination floor registration device and including at least the control device, The destination floor registration device includes a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit and generates face data, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the face data or the destination floor registration information to the external device, When the input unit receives an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user before the communication unit transmits the face data to the external device, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit information of the destination floor registration to the control device, The control device may control the operation of the elevator using information on the destination floor registration.

[0016] According to the above configuration, if the input unit receives an input operation for registering the destination floor by the elevator user before the communication unit sends the facial data to the external device, the communication unit transmits the destination floor registration information to the control device, and the control device controls the operation of the elevator using the destination floor registration information, so that destination floor registration by input operation can be adopted rather than destination floor registration by facial recognition.

[0017] In addition, in the present invention, An external device configured separately from the destination floor registration device and including at least the control device, The destination floor registration device includes a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit and generates face data, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the face data or the destination floor registration information to the external device, After the communication unit transmits the face data to the external device, before the control device controls the operation of the elevator car using the destination floor information associated with the face of the specific elevator user, if the input unit receives an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit information of the destination floor registration to the external device, The control device may control the operation of the elevator using information on the destination floor registration.

[0018] According to the above configuration, after the communication unit transmits the facial data to the external device, if the input unit receives an input operation for registering the destination floor by the elevator user before the control device controls the operation of the car using the destination floor information linked to the face of the specific elevator user, the control device controls the operation of the car using the destination floor registration information, so that destination floor registration by input operation can be adopted rather than destination floor registration by facial recognition.

[0019] In addition, in the present invention, An external device configured separately from the destination floor registration device and including at least the control device, The destination floor registration device includes a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit and generates face data, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the face data to the external device; After the communication unit transmits the face data to the external device, when the face detection unit detects the face of the elevator user corresponding to the transmitted face data and the input unit receives an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, The control device may cancel the control of the operation of the elevator using the destination floor information obtained by facial recognition, and control the operation of the elevator using the destination floor registration information.

[0020] According to the above configuration, even if a destination floor is registered by face authentication against the will of the elevator user, the destination floor can be changed to be registered by input operation later. Effect of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the elevator car from always moving to the floor used by the elevator user that has been stored in advance, thereby preventing a decrease in the operating efficiency of the elevator car. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an elevator system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration and an operation screen of the destination floor registration device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen display of the destination floor registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an elevator system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The elevator system 1 is a system for allowing elevator users to register destination floors. As shown in Fig. 1, the elevator system 1 includes a destination floor registration device 2 that registers destination floors, an external device (that does not assign numbers) configured separately from the destination floor registration device 2, and an elevator 5 controlled by a control device 4 described later.

[0025] The destination floor registration device 2 is a device that accepts destination floor registration by elevator users. The destination floor registration device 2 of this embodiment is provided at the landing. Also, the destination floor registration device 2 of this embodiment is provided at the landing of each floor. Therefore, the destination floor registration device 2 of this embodiment is a device that allows elevator users before boarding to call a car 50 described later at the landing (i.e., make a landing call). Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the elevator system 1 is provided with multiple (specifically, three) destination floor registration devices 2, 2, 2. The destination floor registration device 2 includes a memory unit 20, a notification unit 21, an input unit 22, an imaging unit 23, a face detection unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a control unit 26.

[0026] The storage unit 20 stores programs and data for implementing various functions of the destination floor registration device 2. The storage unit 20 stores departure floor information indicating a departure floor where an elevator user boards a car 50 (described later) and an ID of the destination floor registration device 2.

[0027] The notification unit 21 is for notifying elevator users. The notification unit 21 in this embodiment is a display unit 21 (specifically, a touch panel display) that displays based on a display signal from the control unit 26. As shown in Figs. 3(a) to (e), the display unit 21 displays an operation screen 2A for allowing the elevator user to input the destination floor, a display screen 2a that displays to the elevator user, and a registration screen 2α that displays the destination floor registration result. Note that the screens 2A, 2a, and 2α may be displayed simultaneously on the display unit 21, or may be displayed by switching between them. Also, a plurality of screens may be displayed in an overlapping manner, such as displaying the display screen 2a so as to overlap the operation screen 2A.

[0028] The operation screen 2A of this embodiment allows an elevator user to input a destination floor by touching a button. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2 and Figs. 3(a) to (c), the operation screen 2A displays a plurality of buttons indicating numbers and symbols. Specifically, the operation screen 2A displays a numeric keypad including a plurality of number buttons 2B (specifically, 10 buttons each indicating the numbers 1 to 9 and 0) and symbol buttons 2C (specifically, a "☆" button and a "-" button) indicating preset evacuation floors and basement floors.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3(a), the display screen 2a displays input auxiliary information (e.g., a message saying "Please input the destination floor") that prompts the elevator user to input the destination floor. Also, as shown in Figs. 3(b) and (c), the display screen 2a displays a message indicating that the face of the elevator user has been detected (e.g., a message saying "Face has been detected") or that face authentication has failed (e.g., a message saying "Destination floor registration by face authentication has failed"). Also, in this embodiment, the display screen 2a displays a color (e.g., red) different from the input auxiliary information to indicate that the face of the elevator user has been detected, and a color (e.g., yellow) different from the input auxiliary information and the message indicating that the face of the elevator user has been detected to indicate that face authentication has failed.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3(d)(e), registration screen 2α displays car number information (e.g., "A") relating to the assigned car (specifically, car 50) to be assigned, destination floor information (e.g., "Floor 8") indicating the destination floor, and a notice that destination floor registration is accepted by input operation or facial recognition (e.g., "touch panel" or "facial recognition"). Note that in Fig. 3(d)(e), registration screen 2α displays a color (e.g., green) different from that used to indicate that the face of an elevator user has been detected or that facial recognition has failed, to indicate that destination floor registration is accepted by input operation or facial recognition.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), the display unit 21 of this embodiment is configured to perform a default display that displays an operation screen 2A and a display screen 2a that displays input support information when no input operation is being performed.

[0032] The input unit 22 is for accepting an input operation for registering a destination floor by an elevator user. The input unit 22 in this embodiment is a touch panel. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the input unit 22 and the display unit 21 are integrally configured as a touch panel type display. Therefore, in the destination floor registration device 2 of this embodiment, the input operation is a touch operation in which the elevator user touches the touch panel (specifically, the number buttons 2B and the symbol buttons 2C on the operation screen 2A) with a pointing means such as a finger or a touch pen.

[0033] Therefore, for example, when an elevator user touches the number button 2B "1" with a finger, the input unit 22 accepts an input operation to set the destination floor to "1st floor". Also, for example, when an elevator user touches the number buttons 2B "1" and "0" with a finger in sequence, the input unit 22 accepts an input operation to set the destination floor to "10th floor". The input unit 22 is configured to accept an input operation to register a destination floor in order from the largest digit by selecting another number button 2B within a predetermined time (for example, within one second) after one button (for example, number button 2B) is touched. The input unit 22 is configured to output an input signal having the information of the accepted destination floor registration (for example, "1st floor") to the control unit 26 when accepting an input operation.

[0034] The imaging unit 23 is for capturing an image of the face of an elevator user who is about to register a destination floor. The imaging unit 23 is configured to capture an image of a subject in a predetermined angle of view, generate image data of the captured image (captured image), and output the image data to the face detection unit 24 described later. The imaging unit 23 in this embodiment is a camera. Therefore, for example, the face of the elevator user can be captured by arranging the face of the elevator user in the angle of view. On the other hand, the face of the elevator user who is not located in the angle of view cannot be captured, so that the elevator user who does not approach the camera can register a destination floor only by inputting the input unit 22. Note that the angle of view of the imaging unit 23 in this embodiment is large enough to accommodate only the face of one elevator user. Therefore, when there are multiple elevator users, the imaging unit 23 needs to capture the face of each elevator user each time. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in the destination floor registration device 2 of this embodiment, the imaging unit 23 is arranged above the display unit 21.

[0035] The face detection unit 24 is for detecting the face of an elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 23. The face detection unit 24 is configured to perform face detection processing on image data of the captured image. The face detection unit 24 is also configured to output the result of the face detection processing to the control unit 26. Specifically, when a face is detected, the face detection unit 24 generates data on the face of the elevator user (specifically, face data) from the detected face image and outputs it to the control unit 26, and when a face cannot be detected, the face detection unit 24 generates a signal indicating that the face could not be detected and outputs it to the control unit 26. The face data is included in the captured image.

[0036] The communication unit 25 is for the destination floor registration device 2 to communicate with external devices (specifically, the face authentication device 3 and the control device 4) described later. The communication unit 25 is used when transmitting and receiving signals for executing various processes.

[0037] The control unit 26 is configured to execute a program stored in the storage unit 20 to realize a predetermined process or function in the destination floor registration device 2. The control unit 26 is configured to control the display unit 21 to display the operation screen 2A, the display screen 2a, and the registration screen 2α. Specifically, the control unit 26 outputs a display signal to the display unit 21. In this embodiment, when no input operation is performed by the elevator user, the control unit 26 is configured to control the display unit 21 to perform a default display.

[0038] 3(b), when face data is output from face detection unit 24, control unit 26 is configured to control display unit 21 to display a message indicating that the face of the elevator user has been detected. Thus, control unit 26 is configured to determine whether or not a face has been detected based on the result of the face detection process output from face detection unit 24.

[0039] The control unit 26 is configured to determine whether or not an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22. The control unit 26 of this embodiment makes the above determination based on whether or not an input signal has been output from the input unit 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is no input signal output from the input unit 22 within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) after the control unit 26 determines that a face could not be detected, the control unit 26 is configured to determine that there has been no input operation on the input unit 22 and control the display unit 21 to continue the default display.

[0040] The control unit 26 is configured to generate an external transmission signal, which is a signal to be transmitted from the destination floor registration device 2 to an external device described later. The control unit 26 also generates, as the external transmission signal, either a face authentication signal to be transmitted to the face authentication device 3 or an assignment request signal to be transmitted to the control device 4. The face authentication signal includes the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 and face data. The assignment request signal is a signal requesting that a destination floor be assigned to the elevator 5. The assignment request signal of this embodiment is for assigning a destination floor to one of a plurality of elevators. The assignment request signal of this embodiment includes information on destination floor registration in addition to the ID of the destination floor registration device 2. Therefore, the assignment request signal generated by the control unit 26 is based on an input operation.

[0041] Here, when an input signal is output from the input unit 22, the control unit 26 adopts generating an allocation request signal rather than a face authentication signal. Therefore, when only an input signal is output from the input unit 22 or when face data is output from the face detection unit 24 in addition to the output of an input signal from the input unit 22, the control unit 26 is configured to generate an allocation request signal including destination floor registration information. On the other hand, when only face data is output from the face detection unit 24, the control unit 26 is configured to generate a face authentication signal including face data.

[0042] The control unit 26 controls the imaging unit 23 to capture an image. Specifically, the control unit 26 outputs an imaging signal to the imaging unit 23. The control unit 26 in this embodiment controls the imaging unit 23 to continue capturing an image by continuing to output the imaging signal.

[0043] Furthermore, when face data is output to the control unit 26 as a result of the face detection process, the control unit 26 is configured to control the storage unit 20 to store the face data. Furthermore, the control unit 26 is configured to compare the face data stored in the storage unit 20 with the face data as a result of the face detection process to determine whether or not the face is the same as the face of the elevator user who has registered a destination floor by face authentication. This determination is made when a process to change the destination floor registration is performed in the elevator system 1.

[0044] The control unit 26 is also configured to control the communication unit 25 to transmit an external transmission signal to an external device. Specifically, the control unit 26 controls the communication unit 25 to transmit a face authentication signal to a face authentication device 3 described later, and controls the communication unit 25 to transmit an allocation request signal to a control device 4 described later.

[0045] The external device includes at least a control device 4. The external device of this embodiment includes a face authentication device 3 and the control device 4.

[0046] The face authentication device 3 is a device (specifically, a computer) for authenticating whether the face of an elevator user who is about to register a destination floor is the face of a specific elevator user (e.g., a person who frequently enters and leaves a building or a person who lives in the building) stored in advance. The face authentication device 3 includes a storage unit 30, a communication unit 31, and a determination unit 32.

[0047] The storage unit 30 prestores the faces of specific elevator users as face data. The storage unit 30 also prestores destination floor information indicating the destination floors of the specific elevator users (e.g., residential floors or frequently used floors). The face data of the specific elevator users and the destination floor information are linked and stored in the storage unit 30. The face data and destination floor information are prestored in the storage unit 30 by being registered in, for example, the manager's office of the building.

[0048] The communication unit 31 is for communicating with the destination floor registration device 2 and the control device 4 described later. This communication unit 31 is used when transmitting and receiving signals for executing various processes.

[0049] The determination unit 32 is configured to determine whether or not the face of an elevator user included in the captured image is the face of a specific elevator user pre-stored in the storage unit 30. The determination unit 32 of this embodiment compares face data included in the assignment request signal transmitted from the destination floor registration device 2 with face data of the specific elevator user stored in the storage unit 30 to determine whether or not the face is the face of a specific elevator user.

[0050] The control device 4 is for controlling the elevator 5. The control device 4 of this embodiment comprehensively controls the operation of the multiple elevators 5, 5, 5. The control device 4 includes a storage unit 40, a communication unit 41, and a control unit .

[0051] The storage unit 40 stores programs and data for implementing various functions of the control device 4. The storage unit 40 stores departure floor information indicating a departure floor, which is a floor where an elevator user boards a car 50 described below. The storage unit 40 also stores a table in which the departure floor information is linked to the ID of the destination floor registration device 2. Therefore, by using either the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 or the departure floor information, the other can be specified.

[0052] The communication unit 41 is for communicating with the destination floor registration device 2, the face authentication device 3, and the elevator 5. The communication unit 41 transmits and receives signals for executing various processes. The communication unit 41 outputs signals output from the control unit 42 to the destination floor registration device 2, the face authentication device 3, and the elevator 5. The communication unit 41 also outputs signals input from the destination floor registration device 2, the face authentication device 3, and the elevator 5 to the control unit 42. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 41 is connected to the communication unit 25 of the destination floor registration device 2, the communication unit 31 of the face authentication device 3, and the elevator 5 via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0053] The control unit 42 is configured to execute the programs stored in the storage unit 40 to realize various functions in the control device 4. The control unit 42 is configured to execute an allocation process for the elevator 5 based on the departure floor information and the allocation request signal (specifically, the destination floor registration information) or the destination floor information linked to the face data of a specific elevator user.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control unit 42 is configured to assign a destination floor to one of the elevators 5 (specifically, the elevator cars 50) of units A to C, and determine the assigned car. When the assignment process for the elevators 5 is executed, the control unit 42 is configured to generate an assignment result signal including assigned car information indicating the determined assigned car (specifically, the number of the elevator car 50). Furthermore, the control unit 42 is configured to control the communication unit 41 to transmit the assignment result signal to the destination floor registration device 2.

[0055] The elevator 5 is configured to be controlled according to a signal from the control device 4. The elevator 5 is also configured to transmit operation information to the control device 4. It is assumed that the transmission of operation information to the control device 4 is always performed. The elevator 5 of this embodiment includes a car 50 used by elevator users, and a hoist 51 that is driven to raise and lower the car 50 to the landing of each floor. In this embodiment, three elevators 5, 5, 5 are provided, namely, car A to car C.

[0056] Next, a case where destination floor registration is performed using the destination floor registration device 2 in the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3(a) to (e) and the flowchart in Fig. 4.

[0057] First, in the destination floor registration device 2, the control unit 26 controls the display unit 21 to perform a default display. Thus, the display unit 21 performs the default display, thereby displaying the operation screen 2A and the display screen 2a (step S1, see FIG. 3(a)). Note that the message "Please input the destination floor" is displayed on the display screen 2a as input auxiliary information.

[0058] Furthermore, in parallel with controlling the display unit 21 to perform default display, the control unit 26 controls the imaging unit 23 to capture an image. To this end, the imaging unit 23 outputs image data generated by capturing an image to the face detection unit 24, which then performs face detection processing on the image data and outputs the result of the face detection processing to the control unit 26. Then, the control unit 26 determines whether or not a face has been detected based on the result of the face detection processing (step S2).

[0059] When face data is output to the control unit 26 as a result of the face detection process, the control unit 26 determines that a face has been detected (step S2: Yes), and outputs a display signal to the display unit 21 to display that the face of the elevator user has been detected. Then, the display unit 21 (specifically, the display screen 2a) displays that the face of the elevator user has been detected (specifically, a message saying "Face Detected" in a red frame) instead of the input auxiliary information (step S3, see FIG. 3(b)). Furthermore, the display unit 21 continues to display the operation screen 2A. Note that when face data is output to the control unit 26 as a result of the face detection process, the control unit 26 stores the face data in the memory unit 20.

[0060] Next, the control unit 26 judges whether an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 based on whether an input signal has been output from the input unit 22 within a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) after the face data has been input (step S4). Therefore, the next process (steps S5, S10) is not performed until the above-mentioned predetermined time has elapsed or until an input operation is performed on the input unit 22. Therefore, the transmission of face data to the face authentication device 3 is suspended until a predetermined time has elapsed after the face data has been output to the control unit 26. Then, when the control unit 26 judges that an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 within the predetermined time (step S4: Yes), the destination floor registration device 2 performs destination floor registration by the input operation (step S5). Therefore, in this case, the face data is not transmitted to the face authentication device 3.

[0061] Destination floor registration by input operation is performed as follows. First, the control unit 26 generates an allocation request signal including the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 and information on the destination floor registration, and the communication unit 25 transmits the allocation request signal to the communication unit 41 of the control device 4. That is, the destination floor registration device 2 transmits an allocation request signal based on the input operation to the control device 4. Therefore, if the input unit 22 receives an input operation for destination floor registration by an elevator user before the communication unit 25 transmits face data to the face authentication device 3 (specifically, if an input signal is output to the control unit 26), the control unit 26 controls the communication unit 25 to transmit information on the destination floor registration to the control device 4, thereby adopting destination floor registration by input operation rather than destination floor registration by face authentication.

[0062] Here, in this embodiment, "before the communication unit 25 transmits the face data to the external device" refers to before the communication unit 25 transmits the face authentication signal to the face authentication device 3. Note that it is sufficient that the input unit 22 accepts an input operation for destination floor registration by the elevator user before the communication unit 25 transmits the face data to the face authentication device 3, and it is sufficient that the input unit 22 accepts an input operation for destination floor registration by the elevator user at, for example, a stage before imaging by the imaging unit 23, a stage at which image data of the image captured by the imaging unit 23 is generated, or a stage at which face detection processing is performed on the image data other than the stage at which transmission of face data is suspended until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0063] In the control device 4, when the communication unit 41 receives the allocation request signal, the control unit 42 acquires the departure floor information stored in association with the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 from the storage unit 40 using the ID of the destination floor registration device 2. The control unit 42 also controls the operation of the car 50 by executing an allocation process for the elevator 5 using the departure floor information stored in the storage unit 40, the destination floor registration information included in the allocation request signal, and the operation information transmitted from the elevator 5. In this embodiment, the control unit 42 allocates the destination floor registered by the input operation to one of the elevators 5 (specifically, the car 50) of the A-C elevators, and determines the assigned car. Thereby, the destination floor registration is performed by the input operation. A control unit (not shown and not numbered) provided in the elevator 5 controls the hoist 51 of the assigned elevator 5 to perform operation processing to move the car 50 to the landing of the departure floor where the elevator user is located, and then to move the car 50 from the departure floor to the landing of the destination floor. Thus, the elevator user can call the car 50 and can go to the destination floor by getting on the called car 50.

[0064] After the destination floor registration is performed, the processes of S6 and S7 shown in Fig. 4 are executed. Specifically, after executing the allocation process for the elevator 5, the control unit 42 generates an allocation result signal including assigned elevator information indicating the determined assigned elevator, and the communication unit 41 transmits the allocation result signal to the communication unit 25 of the destination floor registration device 2. Here, the communication unit 41 transmits the allocation result signal to the communication unit 25 of the destination floor registration device 2 indicated by the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 included in the allocation request signal.

[0065] In the destination floor registration device 2, when the communication unit 25 receives the allocation result signal, the control unit 26 controls the display unit 21 to display the destination floor registration result. Specifically, the control unit 26 outputs a display signal to the display unit 21, causing the display unit 21 to display the registration screen 2α. In this embodiment, the registration screen 2α displays the assigned elevator information (e.g., "A" indicating that it is elevator A) included in the allocation result signal, the destination floor information (e.g., "Floor 8"), and a message indicating that the destination floor registration is accepted by an input operation (specifically, the characters "touch panel") (step S6, see FIG. 3(d)). That is, the display unit 21 notifies that the operation of the elevator car 50 will be controlled using the destination floor registration information accepted by the input unit 22.

[0066] Thereafter, the control unit 26 controls the display unit 21 to perform a default display after a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 20 seconds) has elapsed. Therefore, the display unit 21 performs the default display instead of the display of the registration screen 2α (step S7, FIG. 3(a)).

[0067] On the other hand, when a signal indicating that a face could not be detected as a result of the face detection process is output to the control unit 26, the control unit 26 determines that a face could not be detected (step S2: No). Next, the control unit 26 determines whether or not an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 26 determines whether or not an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 depending on whether or not an input signal has been output from the input unit 22. Then, when the control unit 26 determines that an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 (step S8: Yes), the destination floor registration device 2 performs destination floor registration by the input operation (step S9). Therefore, when the input unit 22 accepts an input operation for destination floor registration by an elevator user before the communication unit 25 transmits face data to the face authentication device 3, the control unit 26 controls the communication unit 25 to transmit information on the destination floor registration to the control device 4. The destination floor registration by input operation and the subsequent processing are as described in the above steps S5 to S7. Therefore, the above description is also applicable and will not be described here.

[0068] Meanwhile, when the control unit 26 determines that there has been no input operation on the input unit 22 (step S8: No), the control unit 26 controls the display unit 21 to continue the default display. Therefore, unless the face of an elevator user is detected by the face detection unit 24 or an input operation is performed on the input unit 22, the display unit 21 continues the default display (steps S1, S2, S8).

[0069] Also, when the control unit 26 determines that there has been no input operation on the input unit 22 (step S4: No), the control unit 26 generates a face authentication signal including the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 and the face data, and the communication unit 25 transmits the face authentication signal to the communication unit 31 of the face authentication device 3. Then, in the face authentication device 3, the determination unit 32 determines whether or not the face of the elevator user included in the captured image is the face of a specific elevator user stored in the storage unit 30 (step S10). Specifically, the determination unit 32 compares the face data included in the face authentication signal with the face data of the specific elevator user stored in the storage unit 30 to determine whether or not the face is a registered face. Thus, the face authentication device 3 performs face authentication.

[0070] When the determination unit 32 determines that the face is a registered face (step S10: Yes), the facial authentication is deemed successful, and destination floor registration by facial authentication is performed (step S11). For destination floor registration by facial authentication, first, a control unit (not shown and not numbered) provided in the facial authentication device 3 generates an allocation request signal including destination floor information stored in association with the facial data of a specific elevator user whose facial authentication has been successful, and the communication unit 31 transmits the above-mentioned allocation request signal to the communication unit 41. This allocation request signal is a signal requesting that a destination floor be assigned to the elevator 5, similar to the allocation request signal generated by the control unit 26. On the other hand, the allocation request signal generated by the control unit provided in the facial authentication device 3 is different from the allocation request signal generated by the control unit 26 and is based on facial authentication. Note that the allocation request signal in this embodiment includes the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 in addition to the destination floor information.

[0071] In the control device 4, when the communication unit 41 receives an allocation request signal from the communication unit 31, the control unit 42 acquires the departure floor information stored in association with the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 from the storage unit 40. The control unit 42 also controls the operation of the car 50 by executing an allocation process for the elevator 5 using the departure floor information stored in the storage unit 40, the destination floor information included in the allocation request signal, and the operation information transmitted from the elevator 5. This allows destination floor registration by face authentication. After that, an allocation result signal is sent from the control device 4 to the destination floor registration device 2, and as shown in FIG. 3(e), the display unit 21 displays the registration screen 2α (step S6), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, displays the default screen (step S7).

[0072] Here, registration screen 2α displays the assigned elevator information (e.g., "A" indicating that it is elevator A) and destination floor information (e.g., "Floor 8") contained in the allocation result signal, similar to when destination floor registration is performed by input operation. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(e), when destination floor registration is performed by facial recognition, registration screen 2α displays a message indicating that destination floor registration is accepted by facial recognition (specifically, the words "Facial Recognition"). In other words, display unit 21 displays a message indicating that the operation of car 50 will be controlled using the destination floor information.

[0073] On the other hand, if the determination unit 32 determines that the face is not a stored face (step S10: No), the face authentication is deemed to have failed, and the face authentication device 3 generates an authentication result signal indicating that the face is not a registered face. This authentication result signal is generated by a control unit provided in the face authentication device 3. Also, the communication unit 31 transmits the authentication result signal to the communication unit 25 of the destination floor registration device 2. Then, in the destination floor registration device 2, the display unit 21 displays on the display screen 2a a message indicating that the face authentication has failed (specifically, a message saying "Destination floor registration by face authentication has failed") (step S12). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the display unit 21 simultaneously displays the display screen 2a indicating that the face authentication has failed and the operation screen 2A indicating the number buttons 2B and the symbol buttons 2C for the elevator user to input the destination floor. After that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the display unit 21 displays the default display (step S7).

[0074] Next, the process of changing the destination floor registration in the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6. This process is performed after the destination floor registration by face recognition (step S11) is performed. The process of changing the destination floor registration is an exceptional process when the same face is detected again after the destination floor registration by face recognition is performed. The process of changing the destination floor registration has processes in common with the process of destination floor registration using the destination floor registration device 2. Therefore, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the processes in common with the flowchart of FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4. Here, the detailed description of the parts in common with the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be the same as the above description, and will be simplified or omitted here.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 5, first, after destination floor registration by face authentication, in the destination floor registration device 2 where destination floor registration by face authentication has already been performed, the display unit 21 performs a default display (step S1). In addition, face detection processing is performed on image data generated by imaging by the imaging unit 23, and the control unit 26 judges whether or not a face has been detected based on the result of the face detection processing (step S2). Then, if a face has been detected (step S2: Yes), the display unit 21 displays that the face of the elevator user has been detected (step S3).

[0076] Next, the control unit 26 judges whether or not a face has been detected from the results of the face detection process within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the destination floor registration by face recognition (step SA). In this case, if face data is output to the control unit 26 within the above-mentioned predetermined time, the control unit 26 judges that a face has been detected. The reason for the phrase "within a predetermined time" is that, once the predetermined time has elapsed, operation processing is executed based on the destination floor registration by face recognition.

[0077] If the face can be detected (step SA: Yes), the control unit 26 judges whether or not the face is the same as the face of the elevator user who has registered the destination floor by face authentication (step SB). In this embodiment, the control unit 26 judges whether or not the face is the same as the face of the elevator user who has registered the destination floor by face authentication by comparing the face data stored in the storage unit 20 with the face data resulting from the face detection process. If the control unit 26 judges that the face is the same (step SB: Yes), the control unit 26 judges whether or not an input operation has been performed in the input unit 22 (step SC). In other words, if the control unit 26 judges that the face is the same, it means that the face of the elevator user corresponding to the face data transmitted by the face detection unit 24 to the control device 4 has been detected. Note that the judgment of whether or not the face is the same as the face of the elevator user who has registered the destination floor by face authentication is performed by the control unit 26 of the destination floor registration device 2 used when performing the previous destination floor registration by face authentication.

[0078] If an input operation for destination floor registration is performed on the input unit 22 (step SC: Yes), the control unit 26 generates a deregistration signal to cancel the destination floor registration by facial recognition, and an allocation request signal including the ID of the destination floor registration device 2 and information on the destination floor registration, and the communication unit 25 transmits the deregistration signal and the allocation request signal to the communication unit 41 of the control device 4.

[0079] Then, in the control device 4, the control unit 42 cancels the destination floor registration by face authentication based on the registration cancellation signal (step SD). Then, the control unit 42 performs destination floor registration by input operation based on the destination floor registration information included in the allocation request signal (step SE). Therefore, the destination floor registration is changed. Therefore, after the communication unit 25 transmits face data to the external device, if the face detection unit 24 generates face data identical to the face data and the input unit 22 accepts the input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, the control device 4 cancels the control of the operation of the elevator car 50 using the destination floor information, and controls the operation of the elevator car 50 using the destination floor registration information. After that, as shown in FIG. 3(d), the display unit 21 displays the registration screen 2α (step S6), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, displays the default screen (step S7).

[0080] On the other hand, if the control unit 26 determines that a face could not be detected, that the face is not the same, or that there has been no input operation to the input unit 22 (steps SA, SB, SC: No), it does not cancel the destination floor registration by face authentication or register a destination floor by input operation. In other words, it does not change the destination floor registration.

[0081] Specifically, when it is determined that the face could not be detected or that the face is not the same (steps SA and SB: No), as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 26 determines whether or not an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 within a predetermined time (step S4). Then, when the control unit 26 determines that an input operation has been performed (step S4: Yes), the destination floor registration device 2 performs a new destination floor registration by the input operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 21 displays the registration screen 2α (step S6, FIG. 3(d)) and performs a default display after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S7). Also, when the control unit 26 determines that there has been no input operation (step S4: No), the determination unit 32 determines whether the face is a stored face (step S10). Then, when the face is a stored face (step S10: Yes), a new destination floor registration is performed by face authentication (step S11), and then the display unit 21 displays the registration screen 2α (step S6, FIG. 3(e)) and performs a default display after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S7). On the other hand, if the face is not a stored face (step S10: No), the display unit 21 displays a message indicating that face authentication has failed (step S12, FIG. 3(c)). After that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the display unit 21 displays the default image (step 7).

[0082] Also, if it is determined that there has been no input operation to the input unit 22 (step SC: No), the display unit 21 displays a message suggesting that the destination floor has already been registered based on face recognition (step SF), as shown in Fig. 6, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the display unit 21 displays the default display (step 7). Therefore, the elevator user can recognize from the display on the display unit 21 that the destination floor has already been registered based on his or her own face.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control device 4 controls the operation of the elevator car 50 using either destination floor information obtained by facial recognition or destination floor registration information obtained by input operation. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in operational efficiency, which would otherwise occur if destination floor registration were always performed by facial recognition, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0084] In this embodiment, the display unit 21 displays the fact that the face of the elevator user has been detected. Therefore, the elevator user can know that his or her own face has been detected by looking at the display unit 21.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, when display unit 21 displays the fact that the face of the elevator user has been detected instead of the input auxiliary information, it continues to display operation screen 2A. Therefore, it is possible to inform the elevator user that input operation is possible even if face detection has been performed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a destination floor registration device 2 that is easy to use for elevator users who wish to register a destination floor by face recognition and elevator users who wish to register a destination floor by input operation.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the destination floor registration device 2 includes the display unit 21 and the face detection unit 24, and when face data is output to the control unit 26 as a result of the face detection process, the control unit 26 controls the display unit 21 to display that the face of the elevator user has been detected. Therefore, the process up to the display of the face of the elevator user having been detected can be completed only by the configuration provided in the destination floor registration device 2.

[0087] In this embodiment, in the case of destination floor registration by face authentication, the registration screen 2α displays that the destination floor registration is accepted by face authentication. Therefore, for example, elevator users who do not know that there is a function for destination floor registration by face authentication or elevator users who did not touch the button displayed on the operation screen 2A can be informed that the destination floor registration is accepted by face authentication.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 21 displays on the display screen 2a a message indicating that face authentication has failed (specifically, a message stating "Destination floor registration using face authentication has failed"). This makes it possible to inform the elevator user that a destination floor cannot be registered using face authentication. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the display unit 21 simultaneously displays the display screen 2a indicating that face authentication has failed and the operation screen 2A displaying the number buttons 2B and the symbol buttons 2C for allowing the elevator user to perform an input operation of the destination floor. This makes it possible to encourage elevator users who are not specific elevator users to register a destination floor using an input operation.

[0089] The system further includes an external device that is configured separately from the destination floor registration device 2 and includes at least a control device 4 (in this embodiment, the face authentication device 3 and the control device 4), and the control unit 26 controls the communication unit 25 to transmit data related to the face detected by the face detection unit 24 to the external device (in this embodiment, the face authentication device 3), and the external device (in this embodiment, the face authentication device 3) is configured to associate the face of a specific elevator user with information on the destination floor and store it in advance, and to determine whether the face of the elevator user included in the captured image is the face of the specific elevator user stored in advance and perform face authentication, and when the external device (in this embodiment, the face authentication device 3) determines that the face is not the face of the specific elevator user stored in advance, the control unit 26 controls the notification unit 21 to notify that the face authentication has failed. According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify that the face authentication has failed based on the result of the face authentication performed by the external device.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the input unit 22 receives an input operation for destination floor registration by the elevator user before the communication unit 25 transmits face data to the face authentication device 3, the control unit 26 controls the communication unit 25 to transmit information on the destination floor registration to the control device 4, thereby adopting destination floor registration by input operation rather than destination floor registration by face authentication. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to register a destination floor that reflects the elevator user's intention before a destination floor registration that does not conform to the elevator user's intention is made. Therefore, a decrease in the operating efficiency of the car 50 can be suppressed.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control unit 26 determines that the face is the same and an input operation for destination floor registration has been performed on the input unit 22, the control unit 42 cancels the destination floor registration by face authentication based on the registration cancellation signal, and performs destination floor registration by input operation based on the destination floor registration information included in the allocation request signal. Therefore, for example, the destination floor registration by face authentication can be canceled without performing a special operation just for canceling the destination floor registration by face authentication, thereby reducing the burden on the elevator user when performing input operations.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display screen 2a displays a color (e.g., red) different from the input auxiliary information to indicate that the face of an elevator user has been detected, and displays a color (e.g., yellow) different from the input auxiliary information and the detection of the elevator user's face to indicate that the facial authentication has failed. Furthermore, the registration screen 2α displays a color (e.g., green) different from the detection of the elevator user's face and the failure of facial authentication to indicate that the destination floor registration is accepted by the input operation or facial authentication. Thus, by displaying a different color for each indication, the display unit 21 can display information to the elevator user by color in addition to displaying a message.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the case where the destination floor registration device 2 is provided at the landing has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the destination floor registration device 2 may be provided in the car 50. In addition, the destination floor registration device 2 may be provided both at the landing and in the car 50.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the destination floor registration device 2 is provided at the landing of each floor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The destination floor registration device 2 may be provided only at the landing of some floors (for example, the entrance floor) among the floors of the building.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the notification unit 21 is a display unit 21 that displays information (specifically, a touch panel display). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the notification unit 21 may be, for example, an announcement device that issues an announcement by voice (e.g., a speaker). The notification unit 21 may be configured to perform both display by a display and announcement by voice by the announcement device.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the operation screen 2A includes a plurality of numeric buttons 2B, a "☆" button representing an evacuation floor, and a "-" button representing an underground floor. However, for example, the operation screen 2A may include only a plurality of numeric buttons 2B.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the case where the operation screen 2A displays a numeric keypad has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation screen 2A may be a type in which number buttons of destination floors that can be registered are displayed in a list, and an elevator user can select a destination floor by touching a number button. Also, for example, push-type number buttons may be provided on the destination floor registration device 2 in addition to the operation screen 2A, and an elevator user may select a destination floor by pressing a number button as an input operation.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the input unit 22 and the display unit 21 are integrally configured as a touch panel display. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input unit 22 and the display unit 21 may be configured as separate units.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the case where the input operation is a touch operation has been described. However, the input operation is not limited to this, and may be an operation of writing a destination floor by an elevator user on the operation screen 2A (for example, an operation for writing the number of the destination floor with a touch pen or a finger). In this case, the operation screen 2A displays an area in which the elevator user can write, instead of displaying a numeric keypad. Also, for example, a push button that can be pushed is provided on the operation screen 2A, and the input operation may be a push operation of pushing the push button.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the input unit 22 of the destination floor registration device 2 is a touch panel, but it may be a destination floor button that can input a destination floor by pressing it, or a destination floor button that can input a destination floor without contact using an infrared sensor or the like. In this case, the destination floor registration device 2 may be a combination of an input unit 22 such as a destination floor button and a display unit 21 such as a liquid crystal display. The input unit 22 may also be an aerial touch display that forms an image in the air (space). This aerial touch display may have, for example, a light source that emits light for generating an aerial image, an optical member that reflects and transmits the light from the light source to form an aerial image in a predetermined space, and a detection unit that detects a user's input operation on the aerial image.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the display unit 21 displays a message as each of the meanings. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 21 may display a symbol that represents each of the meanings.

[0103] In the above embodiment, when the determination unit 32 of the face authentication device 3 determines that the face is a registered face, the communication unit 31 transmits an allocation request signal including destination floor information to the control device 4, and the control unit 42 of the control device 4 executes the allocation process for the elevator 5 using the destination floor information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external device may include only the control device 4, and the control device 4 may have the function of the face authentication device 3. Specifically, the control device 4 includes a determination unit, and the storage unit 40 stores the face data of a specific elevator user in association with the destination floor information. Then, the destination floor registration device 2 sends the destination floor registration information or face data to the control device 4 based on the determination by the control unit 26 as to whether or not an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22. According to this configuration, the elevator system 1 includes only the destination floor registration device 2 and the control device 4, and therefore the system configuration and data transmission and reception can be simplified.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the content of the signal generated by the control unit 26 of the destination floor registration device 2 and the destination of the signal are changed to change whether the destination floor registration is performed by face authentication or by input operation. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 26 is the entity that determines whether the destination floor registration is performed by face authentication or by input operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entity that determines whether the destination floor registration is performed by face authentication or by input operation may be the control unit 42. In this case, for example, when face data is output to the control unit 26, the control unit 26 generates a face authentication signal and sends it to the face authentication device 3 without waiting for a predetermined time to elapse. Then, after the face authentication device 3 transmits an allocation request signal by face authentication to the control device 4, the control unit 42 suspends the execution of the allocation process for the elevator 5 until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, and during that time, the control unit 42 determines whether an input operation has been performed on the input unit 22 or not, and performs the destination floor registration by face authentication or the destination floor registration by input operation according to the result of the determination. Specifically, if there is an input operation on the input unit 22 within a predetermined time after transmitting an assignment request signal by face authentication to the control device 4, an input signal is transmitted from the destination floor registration device 2 to the control device 4, and the control unit 42 performs destination floor registration by the input operation. On the other hand, if there is no input operation on the input unit 22 within the predetermined time, or if an input signal does not reach the control device 4 within the predetermined time, the control unit 42 performs destination floor registration by face authentication.

[0105] In other words, as described above, when the control unit 42 is the entity that determines whether to perform destination floor registration by input operation, after the communication unit 25 transmits facial data to the facial recognition device 3, and before the control device 4 controls the operation of the elevator 50 using the destination floor information, the input unit 22 accepts the input operation for destination floor registration, and the control unit 26 controls the communication unit to transmit the destination floor registration information to the control device, and the control device 4 is configured to control the operation of the elevator 50 using the destination floor registration information.

[0106] In the above embodiment, when the input unit 22 receives an input operation for destination floor registration before transmitting face data to the face authentication device 3, the control unit 26 generates an assignment request signal including information on the destination floor registration, and transmits the assignment request signal to the control device 4, thereby performing destination floor registration by the input operation. However, this is not limited to the above. For example, after transmitting face data to the face authentication device 3, when the input unit 22 receives an input operation for destination floor registration before the communication unit 31 transmits an assignment request signal based on face authentication to the communication unit 41, the communication unit 25 may send an assignment request signal including information on the destination floor registration to the communication unit 41, and the control unit 42 may adopt the assignment request signal transmitted from the destination floor registration device 2 rather than the assignment request signal transmitted from the face authentication device 3. Therefore, the control device 4 performs destination floor registration by the input operation.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the control device 4 is configured to assign the elevator 5 to any one of the multiple elevators 5, 5, 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the elevator system 1 includes only one elevator 5, the control device 4 may be configured to control the single elevator 5.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which face data of a specific elevator user and destination floor information are stored in the storage unit 30. However, this is not limiting, and for example, face data of a specific elevator user linked with destination floor information may be stored in the destination floor registration device 2 (specifically, the storage unit 20). In this case, the face data and destination floor information may be registered in each destination floor registration device 2, or may be registered in a manager's office of the building and then transmitted from the face authentication device 3 to each destination floor registration device 2, thereby storing the face data in the storage unit 20 of each destination floor registration device 2.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the destination floor registration device 2 is provided with the face detection unit 24, and is configured to detect the face of the elevator user from the captured image in the destination floor registration device 2. However, for example, the face authentication device 3 may be configured to include the face detection unit, and the face authentication device 3 may be configured to detect the face of the elevator user from the captured image. In this case, it is considered that the captured image is sent from the destination floor registration device 2 to the face authentication device 3. Furthermore, when the external device includes only the control device 4 and the control device 4 includes a determination unit, the control device 4 may include the face detection unit.

[0110] Furthermore, when face data and destination floor information of a specific elevator user are stored in the destination floor registration device 2 (specifically, the storage unit 20), the destination floor registration device 2 may include a determination unit instead of the face authentication device 3. Then, the destination floor information may be transmitted to the control device 4 via the communication unit 25, and in the control device 4, the control unit 42 may control the operation of the car 50 using the destination floor information.

[0111] In the above embodiment, when the determination unit 32 determines that the face is not a stored face, the communication unit 31 transmits an authentication result signal to the communication unit 25 of the destination floor registration device 2. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the communication unit 31 may transmit the authentication result signal to the communication unit 25 via the communication unit 41.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the message "Please enter the destination floor" is displayed in Japanese as the input assistance information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be displayed in another language to prompt the elevator user to input the destination floor. For example, a message "Please enter destination" may be displayed in English. In this case, the language may be switched by the elevator user operating a touch panel, for example.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the control unit 26 generates an assignment request signal by adopting the inclusion of destination floor registration information rather than facial data, and thereby adopts destination floor registration by input operation rather than destination floor registration by facial authentication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 26 may generate an assignment request signal by adopting the inclusion of facial data rather than destination floor registration information, and thus adopt destination floor registration by facial authentication rather than destination floor registration by input operation. That is, the control unit 26 may be configured to change whether to include facial data or destination floor registration information. This allows, for example, variation in the processing by the elevator system 1.

[0114] For example, when face detection unit 24 detects the face of an elevator user after destination floor registration by face recognition, control unit 26 may control display unit 21 to display destination floor information and assigned car information. This allows display unit 21, which performs default display, to display registration screen 2α, allowing elevator users to check the destination floor information and assigned car information.

[0115] In the above embodiment, when the face of the elevator user is detected and the input unit 22 accepts an input operation after the destination floor registration by face authentication, the control of the operation of the elevator car 50 using the destination floor information by face authentication is released, and the operation of the elevator car 50 is controlled using the destination floor registration information. However, this is not limited to this, and the face of the elevator user may be detected and the input operation may be accepted after the communication unit 25 transmits face data to the face authentication device 3, and includes, for example, after the communication unit 25 transmits face data to the face authentication device 3 and before the control unit 42 of the control device 4 executes the allocation process for the elevator 5 using the destination floor information stored in association with the face data of a specific elevator user whose face authentication has been successful. Therefore, in this case, the control of the operation of the elevator car 50 using the destination floor information by face authentication is performed once, but is immediately released, and the operation of the elevator car 50 is controlled using the destination floor registration information.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the destination floor is, for example, a residence floor or a frequently used floor. Here, the "destination floor" may be, for example, a destination floor (in other words, an ascending floor) when going up to the residence floor or a frequently used floor based on the entrance floor, and a destination floor (in other words, a descending floor) when going down to the entrance floor based on the residence floor or a frequently used floor. Here, for example, when using the elevator 5 to go down from a frequently used floor to the entrance floor, the entrance floor may be registered as the destination floor by face recognition or input operation as in the above embodiment, or the entrance floor may be automatically registered as the destination floor when the elevator user gets on the car 50.

[0117] Also, in the above embodiment, the display unit 21 displayed on the display screen 2a a message indicating that facial authentication has failed (specifically, a message stating "Destination floor registration using facial authentication has failed"). However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the display unit 21 may display a message urging the user to register a destination floor by input operation (for example, a message stating "Please operate the touch panel to enter the destination floor") in addition to a message indicating that facial authentication has failed. This makes it possible, for example, to urge an elevator user who realizes that they are unable to register a destination floor using facial authentication to register a destination floor by input operation on the touch panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1: elevator system, 2: destination floor registration device, 20: memory unit, 21: notification unit (display unit), 22: input unit, 23: imaging unit, 24: face detection unit, 25: communication unit, 26: control unit, 2A: operation screen, 2B: numeric buttons, 2C: symbol buttons, 2a: display screen, 2α: registration screen, 3: face recognition device, 30: memory unit, 31: communication unit, 32: determination unit, 4: control device, 40: memory unit, 41: communication unit, 42: control unit, 5: elevator, 50: car, 51: hoist

Claims

1. An elevator system comprising: a destination floor registration device that is provided in a landing or a car and that accepts destination floor registration by an elevator user; and a control device that controls an elevator including the car used by the elevator user, The destination floor registration device includes an input unit that accepts an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, an imaging unit that images a face of the elevator user who is about to register the destination floor, a communication unit that communicates with the control device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, The face of a specific elevator user is linked to destination floor information and stored in advance, The face authentication unit is configured to determine whether a face of the elevator user included in an image captured by the imaging unit is a face of the specific elevator user, The control device controls the operation of the elevator car using destination floor registration information received by the input unit, or the destination floor information linked to the face of the specific elevator user whose face authentication has been successful.

2. The destination floor registration device includes a notification unit that notifies the elevator user, and a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from an image captured by the imaging unit, The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify that a face of the elevator user has been detected.

3. If it is determined that the face is not that of a specific elevator user stored in advance, The elevator system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify the user that face authentication has failed.

4. The destination floor registration device includes a notification unit that notifies information to the elevator user, The control unit controls the notification unit to notify the user that the operation of the elevator car will be controlled using the destination floor registration information received by the input unit or the destination floor information obtained by facial recognition.

5. An external device configured separately from the destination floor registration device and including at least the control device, The destination floor registration device includes a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit and generates face data, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the face data or the destination floor registration information to the external device, When the input unit receives an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user before the communication unit transmits the face data to the external device, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit information of the destination floor registration to the control device, The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device controls the operation of the elevator car using information on the destination floor registration.

6. An external device configured separately from the destination floor registration device and including at least the control device, The destination floor registration device includes a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit and generates face data, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the face data or the destination floor registration information to the external device, After the communication unit transmits the face data to the external device, before the control device controls the operation of the elevator car using the destination floor information associated with the face of the specific elevator user, if the input unit receives an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit information of the destination floor registration to the control device, The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device controls the operation of the elevator car using information on the destination floor registration.

7. An external device configured separately from the destination floor registration device and including at least the control device, The destination floor registration device includes a face detection unit that detects a face of the elevator user from the captured image captured by the imaging unit and generates face data, The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the face data to the external device; After the communication unit transmits the face data to the external device, when the face detection unit detects the face of the elevator user corresponding to the transmitted face data and the input unit receives an input operation of the destination floor registration by the elevator user, The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the control device releases control of the car's operation using the destination floor information obtained by facial recognition, and controls the car's operation using the destination floor registration information.

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