Elevator control system and control method

Abstract

To improve the operation efficiency of an elevator.SOLUTION: An elevator control system (100) includes; an elevator control unit (112) configured to control an elevator such that, when a call registration from an information processing device (3) capable of using the elevator (2) is received, an elevator car (21) on which the information processing device rides operates in a robot-dedicated operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person; and a cancellation instruction receiving unit (25) configured to accept an input operation for instructing cancellation of the robot-dedicated operation mode. When the cancellation instruction receiving unit accepts the input operation, the elevator control unit cancels the robot-dedicated operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator control system that can be used by a robot and a method for controlling the elevator control system.

Background Art

[0002] When a self-driving robot uses an elevator, it is known to cooperate the robot with the elevator. Also, as described in Patent Document 1, when cooperating the robot with the elevator, in order to avoid the robot and a person sharing the elevator, when there is a cooperation request from the robot, it has become common to switch the elevator to a dedicated operation mode for the robot and operate it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the robot gets on and off the elevator, the elevator receives a door open hold notification from the robot and keeps the door open, and when the robot's boarding or alighting is completed, it receives a notification that these operations are completed and starts to close the door. Here, if the notification from the robot is interrupted due to a communication failure or the like at the timing when the notification from the robot should be received, a situation where the door does not close may occur.

[0005] In this case, until the automatic operation is restored, the general user cannot use the elevator, and the operation efficiency of the elevator decreases.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to improve the operation efficiency of the elevator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, an elevator control system according to an aspect of the present invention, when receiving a call registration from an information processing device capable of using an elevator, controls the elevator so that a car in which the information processing device rides operates in a robot-only operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person, and a release instruction reception unit that receives an input operation for instructing the release of the robot-only operation mode, and when the release instruction reception unit receives the input operation, the elevator control unit releases the robot-only operation mode.

[0008] To solve the above problems, a control method for an elevator control system according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for an elevator control system executed by one or more computers. When receiving a call registration from an information processing device capable of using an elevator, an elevator control step of controlling the elevator so that a car in which the robot rides operates in a robot-only operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person, and a release instruction reception step of receiving an input operation for instructing the release of the robot-only operation mode, and in the elevator control step, when the input operation is received in the release instruction reception step, the robot-only operation mode is released.

[0009] The elevator control system according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program for an elevator control system that realizes the elevator control system by operating a computer as each part (software element) included in the elevator control system, and a computer-readable recording medium on which it is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operating efficiency of an elevator can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an elevator control system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator control system 100 includes an elevator 2, an elevator control device 1 that controls the elevator 2, and an information processing device 3 capable of autonomous driving. Note that the information processing device 3 is also referred to as a robot.

[0013] The elevator control system 100 includes an elevator control unit 112 that controls the elevator 2 and a release instruction reception unit 25. When the elevator control unit 112 receives a call registration from the information processing device 3 that can use the elevator 2, it controls the elevator 2 so that the car 21 in which the information processing device 3 rides operates in a robot - exclusive operation mode that does not respond to calls from people. Further, the release instruction reception unit 25 receives an input operation for instructing the release of the robot - exclusive operation mode. Furthermore, when the release instruction reception unit 25 receives an input operation, the elevator control unit 112 releases the robot - exclusive operation mode.

[0014] When the elevator 2 is operating in the robot - exclusive operation mode, for example, when a failure occurs in the information processing device 3 or a communication failure occurs between the information processing device 3 and the elevator control device 1, the elevator control device 1 cannot receive a boarding completion signal or an alighting completion signal from the information processing device 3. As a result, a situation may occur where the robot - exclusive operation mode continues without being released. When the boarding completion signal or the alighting completion signal from the information processing device 3 cannot be received, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the door 22 of the elevator 2 opens, the robot - exclusive operation mode is released. However, in this case, the user cannot use the elevator 2 until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0015] Here, according to the above configuration, regardless of the transmission from the information processing device 3, when the release instruction reception unit 25 receives an input operation for instructing the release, the robot - exclusive operation mode is forcibly released. Therefore, even in a situation where a signal from the information processing device 3 cannot be received, the robot - exclusive operation mode can be released by the judgment of people such as users and administrators without waiting for the expiration of the duration of the robot - exclusive operation mode. Thereby, the elevator control system 100 can shorten the elevator occupancy time by the information processing device 3 and improve the overall operation efficiency of the elevator 2 including the use by general users.

[0016] (Elevator 2) As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 2 includes a car 21, a door 22, an operation panel 23, and an operation panel 24. The car 21 operates based on the control of the car control unit 113 of the elevator control device 1 and moves between floors. The door 22 opens and closes according to the control of the door control unit 114 of the elevator control device 1. Note that the landing door also opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 22 of the car 21.

[0017] The operation panel 23 is an operation panel for a user to register a landing call, and is provided, for example, at the landing of each floor. The operation panel 23 may include, for example, buttons for selecting a moving direction for registering a landing call.

[0018] The operation panel 24 is an operation panel provided inside the car 21 and is used for a user to register a car call. The operation panel 24 inside the car 21 may include, for example, an open button for extending the opening time of the door 22, a close button for shortening the opening time of the door 22, and floor buttons for selecting the destination floor.

[0019] In addition, the elevator 2 includes a cancellation instruction reception unit 25. The cancellation instruction reception unit 25 is provided on the operation panel 24 inside the car 21 and receives an input operation for instructing the cancellation of the robot-only operation mode. The cancellation instruction reception unit 25 may be any button provided on a general operation panel. For example, the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 may be a close button.

[0020] When the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 receives a cancellation instruction operation, which is an input operation for instructing the cancellation of the robot-only operation mode, it transmits a cancellation signal, which is a signal for instructing the cancellation of the robot-only operation mode, to the elevator control device 1. The cancellation instruction operation may be, for example, an operation of long-pressing the close button, which is the cancellation instruction reception unit 25, for 3 seconds or more, or another predetermined operation.

[0021] In addition, the operation panel 24 may include, as the cancellation instruction reception unit 25, a button for receiving an input operation for instructing cancellation, separately from the open button, the close button, and the floor buttons.

[0022] <Information Processing Device 3> The information processing device 3 is a device capable of autonomous driving and can move between floors using the elevator 2. Although only one information processing device 3 is shown in FIG. 1, the elevator control system 100 may include a plurality of information processing devices 3.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 3 includes a control unit 31 and an operation unit 32. The control unit 31 executes the processing performed in the information processing device 3. The control unit 31 includes an output control unit 311 and an operation control unit 312. The operation unit 32 operates according to the control of the operation control unit 312 and moves the information processing device 3 to a desired location.

[0024] (Output Control Unit 311) The output control unit 311 outputs a call registration request of the information processing device 3 to the elevator control device 1. The call registration request includes information indicating the departure floor and the destination floor of the information processing device 3.

[0025] (Operation Control Unit 312) The operation control unit 312 operates the operation unit 32 and moves the information processing device 3 to a desired position. For example, the operation control unit 312 operates the operation unit 32 according to the operation state of the elevator 2 that has made the call registration request. When the operation control unit 312 receives information indicating that the registration of the landing destination floor call has been completed from the elevator control device 1, it operates the operation unit 32. As a result, the information processing device 3 moves to the landing and waits for the arrival of the elevator 2.

[0026] Also, when the elevator control device 1 receives information indicating that the door has been opened while the elevator 2 is in a standby state, the operation control unit 312 determines whether the floor where the information processing device 3 is currently located matches the floor where the car 21 has stopped. When the floor where the information processing device 3 is currently located matches the floor where the car 21 has stopped, the operation control unit 312 sends a door open hold command to the elevator control device 1. After that, the operation control unit 312 operates the operation unit 32 so that the information processing device 3 gets on the car 21. After the boarding operation of the information processing device 3 onto the car 21 is completed, the operation control unit 312 sends a boarding completion signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0027] Also, when the elevator control device 1 receives information indicating that the door has been opened while the information processing device 3 is on board the car 21, the operation control unit 312 determines whether the destination floor of the information processing device 3 matches the floor where the car 21 has stopped. When the destination floor of the information processing device 3 matches the floor where the car 21 has stopped, the operation control unit 312 sends a door open hold command to the elevator control device 1. After that, the operation control unit 312 operates the operation unit 32 so that the information processing device 3 gets off the car 21. After the getting-off operation of the information processing device 3 from the car 21 is completed, the operation control unit 312 sends a getting-off completion signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0028] <Elevator control device 1> The elevator control device 1 receives calls from the user and the information processing device 3 and controls the elevator 2 in response to the received calls. As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator control device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and an input / output interface 13. The input / output interface 13 is a communication module for communicating between the elevator control device 1, the information processing device 3, and the elevator 2.

[0029] The storage unit 12 stores various information used by the elevator control device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 12 stores elevator information 121 and call registration information 122.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of elevator information 121. The elevator information 121 is information regarding the state of elevator 2. The elevator information 121 includes the current floor indicating the current position of car 21, the current moving direction of car 21, and information indicating the current operation mode of elevator 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the upward arrow “↑” indicates that the moving direction of car 21 is the direction of moving upward to the upper floor.

[0031] The operation modes of elevator 2 include a normal operation mode and a robot - dedicated operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which elevator 2 operates in response to a landing call and a car call by a user, and can receive a landing call and a car call from the user, and a landing destination floor call from information processing device 3. The robot - dedicated operation mode is an operation mode when a call from information processing device 3 is registered, and does not receive a landing call and a car call from the user, and only information processing device 3 operates elevator 2 in a state where elevator 2 can be used.

[0032] The call registration information 122 is information regarding calls by the user and information processing device 3. The call registration information 122 includes landing call information 123, car call information 124, and robot call information 125.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of landing call information 123. The landing call information 123 is information regarding a landing call by a user. As shown in FIG. 3, the landing call information 123 includes the floor where the landing call is made (landing call floor), that is, the departure floor of the user, and information indicating the moving direction specified by the landing call. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of car call information 124. The car call information 124 is information regarding a car call by a user. As shown in FIG. 4, the car call information 124 includes information indicating the destination floor (car call floor) of the user.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of robot call information 125. The robot call information 125 is information regarding a landing destination floor call by the information processing apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the robot call information 125 includes information indicating the departure floor and the destination floor of the information processing apparatus 3.

[0035] The control unit 11 executes each process performed in the elevator control apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 11 includes a reception unit 111 and an elevator control unit 112.

[0036] (Reception unit 111) The reception unit 111 receives call registration requests from the user and the information processing apparatus 3, and accepts call registrations from the user and the information processing apparatus 3.

[0037] The call registration request from the user can be made using the operation panel 23 provided in the landing of the elevator 2 or the operation panel 24 provided in the car 21. For example, when the operation panel 23 provided in the landing of the elevator 2 or the operation panel 24 provided in the car 21 is operated by the user, a call registration request is transmitted to the elevator control apparatus 1. When the reception unit 111 receives a call registration request from the operation panel 23 provided in the landing of the elevator 2, the reception unit 111 stores the departure floor and the moving direction of the user in the landing call information 123 of the storage unit 12, and registers the landing call of the user. Further, when the reception unit 111 receives a call registration request from the operation panel 24 provided in the car 21, the reception unit 111 stores the destination floor of the user in the car call information 124 of the storage unit 12, and registers the car call of the user.

[0038] When the reception unit 111 receives a call registration request from the information processing device 3, it stores the departure floor and the destination floor of the information processing device 3 in the robot call information 125 of the storage unit 12, and registers the landing destination floor call of the information processing device 3. Further, when the reception unit 111 receives a call registration request from the information processing device 3 and registers the landing destination floor call of the information processing device 3, the reception unit 111 outputs information indicating that the call registration of the information processing device 3 has been received to the elevator control unit 112. Thereby, the operation mode of the elevator 2 is switched to the robot dedicated operation mode by the switching unit 115 of the elevator control unit 112, and the robot dedicated operation is started. During the robot dedicated operation mode, the reception unit 111 does not receive a call registration request from the user. Further, the reception unit 111 may transmit information indicating that the call registration of the information processing device 3 has been received to the information processing device 3.

[0039] (Elevator control unit 112) The elevator control unit 112 includes a car control unit 113, a door control unit 114, and a switching unit 115, and controls the operation of the elevator 2. For example, the elevator control unit 112 controls the operations of the car 21 and the door 22 based on the operation mode of the elevator 2. Further, the elevator control unit 112 switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 as necessary.

[0040] [Car control unit 113] The car control unit 113 moves the car 21 based on the registered landing call, car call, and landing destination floor call by the information processing device 3. When the car 21 arrives at the departure floor of the information processing device 3, the car control unit 113 outputs information indicating the stop floor of the car 21 to the door control unit 114.

[0041] The car control unit 113 determines the destination floor of the car 21 based on the user recorded in the call registration information 122, the departure floor and the destination floor of the information processing device 3, and the operation mode of the elevator 2.

[0042] For example, when the operation mode of the elevator 2 is the normal operation mode, the car control unit 113 refers to the landing call information 123 and the car call information 124 to determine the destination floor of the car 21, and transmits a signal instructing the car 21 to move to the determined floor to the car 21. Thereby, the car 21 of the elevator 2 moves to the destination floor based on the landing call and the car call of the user.

[0043] Also, when the reception unit 111 receives a call registration from the information processing device 3, the elevator control unit 112 controls the elevator 2 so that the car 21 in which the information processing device 3 rides operates in a robot - dedicated operation mode that does not respond to calls from people.

[0044] Specifically, the car control unit 113 refers to the storage unit 12. When the operation mode of the elevator 2 is the robot - dedicated operation mode, the car control unit 113 refers to the robot call information 125 to determine the destination floor of the car 21, and transmits a signal instructing the car 21 to move to the determined floor to the car 21. Thereby, the car 21 of the elevator 2 moves to the departure floor and the destination floor based on the landing destination floor call of the information processing device 3.

[0045] Note that when the robot - dedicated operation is started, the car control unit 113 may instruct the elevator 2 to move to the departure floor of the information processing device 3 after responding to the registered car calls. Thereby, before boarding the information processing device 3, the user who was in the car 21 when the robot - dedicated operation was started can be made to get off. Also, when the robot - dedicated operation is started, the car control unit 113 may delete the registered landing calls, or may respond the elevator 2 to the registered landing calls after the robot - dedicated operation is cancelled.

[0046] [Door control unit 114] The door control unit 114 controls the opening and closing of the door 22 of the car 21. When the car 21 arrives at any floor, the door control unit 114 obtains information indicating that the car 21 has stopped from the car control unit 113. Upon obtaining this information, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door opening to the door 22 of the elevator 2. As a result, the door 22 of the car 21 opens, and the landing door also opens in conjunction with the door 22 of the car 21.

[0047] When the elevator 2 is operating in the normal operation mode, and an opening / closing button or the like provided on the landing operation panel 23 or the operation panel 24 inside the car 21 is operated during the period when the door 22 is open, the door control unit 114 extends or shortens the door opening time according to the operation content. Also, when the elevator 2 is operating in the normal operation mode, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22 after a predetermined time from the door opening (for example, 20 seconds after the door opening is completed). As a result, the door 22 of the car 21 and the landing door close.

[0048] When the elevator 2 is operating in the robot - dedicated operation mode, after transmitting a signal instructing door opening to the door 22, the door control unit 114 transmits information indicating the stop floor of the car 21 and information indicating that the door has been opened to the information processing device 3.

[0049] Also, when the elevator 2 is operating in the robot - dedicated operation mode, the door control unit 114 controls the operation of the door 22 according to the reception status of various signals from the information processing device 3. For example, when the elevator 2 is operating in the robot - dedicated operation mode, if the door control unit 114 receives a door opening hold command from the information processing device 3 during the period when the door 22 is open, it holds the door - open state of the door 22.

[0050] After receiving the door open hold command from the information processing device 3, if the door control unit 114 receives the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3 within a predetermined time, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22. When the door control unit 114 receives the door open hold command from the information processing device 3 and then receives the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3 within a predetermined time, it means that the information processing device 3 has completed boarding the car 21. Therefore, by instructing door closing after receiving the boarding completion signal, the door control unit 114 can quickly close the door 22 after the information processing device 3 has completed boarding the car 21.

[0051] Also, after receiving the door open hold command from the information processing device 3, if a predetermined time elapses without the door control unit 114 receiving the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22. When the door control unit 114 receives the door open hold command from the information processing device 3 and then a predetermined time elapses without receiving the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3, it is considered that although the information processing device 3 has boarded the car 21, the boarding completion signal has not been transmitted normally. Or, although the boarding completion signal has been transmitted, it is considered that the communication between the information processing device 3 and the elevator control device 1 has been interrupted, etc., and the elevator control device 1 has not been able to receive the boarding completion signal. Or, it is considered that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 3 and it has not been able to board the car 21 and has not been able to transmit the boarding completion signal. That is, in such a case, there is a possibility that the information processing device 3 is boarding the car 21. Therefore, the door control unit 114 instructs door closing while the robot dedicated operation mode of the elevator 2 continues.

[0052] In addition, although the door control unit 114 cannot receive the door open hold command from the information processing device 3, when it receives the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3, it transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22. Even if the door control unit 114 cannot receive the door open hold command from the information processing device 3, if it receives the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3, it is considered that the information processing device 3 has completed boarding the car 21. Therefore, after receiving the boarding completion signal, the door control unit 114 can promptly close the door 22 after the information processing device 3 has completed boarding the car 21 by instructing door closing.

[0053] After the door closing is completed, the door control unit 114 outputs information indicating that the door has been closed to the car control unit 113. When the door open hold command or the boarding completion signal is received from the information processing device 3, since the elevator 2 is operating in the robot-only operation mode, the car 21 moves to the destination floor of the information processing device 3.

[0054] In addition, after the door is opened, when the robot-only operation mode is released, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22. For example, after the door is opened on the departure floor of the information processing device 3, when a predetermined time elapses without the elevator control unit 112 receiving both the door open hold command and the boarding completion signal, the switching unit 115 releases the robot-only operation mode. When the switching unit 115 releases the robot-only operation mode, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22.

[0055] Also, after the door is opened on the destination floor of the information processing device 3, when the elevator control unit 112 receives the alighting completion signal, or when a predetermined time elapses from the door opening without receiving the alighting completion signal, the switching unit 115 releases the robot-only operation mode. Also in this case, the door control unit 114 transmits a signal instructing door closing to the door 22.

[0056] Furthermore, when the elevator control unit 112 receives a release signal from the release instruction receiving unit 25 of the elevator 2 during the period when the car 21 of the elevator 2 is in the robot - dedicated operation mode and the door is open, the switching unit 115 releases the robot - dedicated operation mode. Also in this case, the door control unit 114 sends a signal instructing door closing to the door 22.

[0057] [Switching unit 115] The switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 2. For example, when the receiving unit 111 acquires information indicating that it has received a call registration from the information processing device 3 that can use the elevator 2, the switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 in the storage unit 12 from the normal operation mode to the robot - dedicated operation mode. Thereby, the door control unit 114 and the car control unit 113 start controlling the door 22 and the car 21 in the robot - dedicated operation mode.

[0058] Also, the switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 according to the reception status of various signals from the information processing device 3. For example, when the car 21 arrives at the destination floor of the information processing device 3 and the information processing device 3 completes getting off the car 21, the information processing device 3 sends a getting - off completion signal to the elevator control device 1. When the elevator control unit 112 receives the getting - off completion signal from the information processing device 3, the switching unit 115 releases the robot - dedicated operation mode. Specifically, the switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 stored in the storage unit 12 from the robot - dedicated operation mode to the normal operation mode.

[0059] When the switching unit 115 releases the robot - dedicated operation mode, the door control unit 114 and the car control unit 113 end the control of the door 22 and the car 21 in the robot - dedicated operation mode and start the control of the car 21 and the door 22 in the normal operation mode.

[0060] Also, when a predetermined time elapses without the elevator control unit 112 receiving a disembarkation completion signal from the information processing device 3 at the destination floor of the information processing device 3, the switching unit 115 releases the robot dedicated operation mode. This predetermined time is set to a time sufficient for the information processing device 3 to board and alight from the car 21. The predetermined time may be, for example, 3 minutes.

[0061] When the elevator control unit 112 receives a disembarkation completion signal from the information processing device 3, the information processing device 3 has completed disembarking from the car 21 at the destination floor. Also, even if the elevator control unit 112 fails to receive a disembarkation completion signal from the information processing device 3, if a predetermined time has elapsed after the car 21 doors are opened at the destination floor of the information processing device 3, it is considered that the information processing device 3 has completed disembarking from the car 21. Alternatively, if the elevator control unit 112 fails to receive a disembarkation completion signal from the information processing device 3 after the car 21 doors are opened at the destination floor of the information processing device 3, there is a possibility that the information processing device 3 did not board the car 21 at the departure floor.

[0062] Therefore, after the car 21 doors are opened at the destination floor of the information processing device 3, when the elevator control unit 112 receives a disembarkation completion signal from the information processing device 3 or when a predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that the possibility of the information processing device 3 existing in the car 21 is low. Thus, the switching unit 115 releases the robot dedicated operation when the elevator control unit 112 receives a disembarkation completion signal from the information processing device 3 or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the car 21 doors are opened at the destination floor of the information processing device 3.

[0063] Also, when a predetermined time elapses without the elevator control unit 112 receiving both a door open hold command and a boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3 at the departure floor of the information processing device 3, the switching unit 115 releases the robot dedicated operation mode. This predetermined time is set to a time sufficient for the information processing device 3 to board and alight. The predetermined time may be, for example, 3 minutes.

[0064] When the information processing device 3 can board the car 21, it is highly unlikely that the elevator control device 1 cannot transmit both the door open hold command and the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3. Therefore, when a predetermined time has elapsed without the elevator control unit 112 receiving both the door open hold command and the boarding completion signal from the information processing device 3, it is highly likely that the information processing device 3 could not board the car 21 due to some cause. Thus, in the above case, by the switching unit 115 releasing the robot-only operation mode, the time that the information processing device 3 occupies the elevator 2 can be shortened.

[0065] Also, when the release instruction reception unit 25 receives an input operation for releasing the robot-only operation, the switching unit 115 releases the robot-only operation mode. Specifically, when a release instruction operation is performed on the release instruction reception unit 25, the release instruction reception unit 25 transmits a release signal to the elevator control device 1. When the switching unit 115 receives the release signal, it releases the robot-only operation mode and switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 from the robot-only operation mode to the normal operation mode.

[0066] According to the above configuration, when a predetermined time elapses from the door opening while the information processing device 3 cannot complete boarding and alighting, the robot-only operation mode is released. Here, if an abnormality on the information processing device 3 side (e.g., the information processing device 3 stops and does not move) while boarding the car 21 of the elevator 2 is obvious, the administrator can use the operation panel 24 in the car 21 to release the robot-only operation mode. When the robot-only operation mode is released, the door 22 is quickly closed under the control of the door control unit 114, and the car control unit 113 starts controlling the car 21 in the normal operation mode.

[0067] In this way, even when the elevator control system 100 cannot receive a signal from the information processing device 3, by receiving a release signal, it can release the robot-only operation mode earlier than waiting for a predetermined time to elapse. As a result, the occupancy time of the elevator 2 by the information processing device 3 can be shortened, and the overall operation efficiency of the elevator 2 including use by general users can be improved.

[0068] Also, according to this configuration, since the administrator goes directly to the car 21 to release the robot-only operation mode, when the information processing device 3 fails, the information processing device 3 can also be recovered.

[0069] <An example of the processing performed in the elevator control system 100> FIGS. 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of processing performed in the elevator control system 100. In the present embodiment, the processing performed in the elevator control system 100 is executed by one or more computers.

[0070] (From call request to boarding) FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 3 and the elevator control device 1.

[0071] When the information processing device 3 needs to use the elevator 2, the output control unit 311 generates a call registration request (S1) and outputs it to the elevator control device 1. The call registration request includes information indicating the departure floor and the destination floor of the information processing device 3.

[0072] When the reception unit 111 receives a call registration request from the information processing device 3, it accepts the call registration of the information processing device 3 (S11), and stores the information indicating the departure floor and the destination floor of the information processing device 3 in the robot call information 125. When the registration of the call by the information processing device 3 is completed, the reception unit 111 outputs information indicating that the registration of the call by the information processing device 3 has been completed to the switching unit 115. When the switching unit 115 acquires the said information, it switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 stored in the elevator information 121 to the robot dedicated operation mode. Thereby, the robot dedicated operation is started (S12). Further, the reception unit 111 may transmit information indicating that the call registration has been completed to the information processing device 3. When the operation control unit 312 of the information processing device 3 receives the said information, it operates the operation unit 32 to move the information processing device 3 to the landing.

[0073] When the robot dedicated operation is started, the car control unit 113 of the elevator control unit 112 refers to the robot call information 125 and moves the car 21 to the departure floor of the information processing device 3. Note that before moving the car 21 to the departure floor of the information processing device 3, the car control unit 113 may refer to the car call information 124 and move the car 21 to the floor designated by the user's car call. When the car 21 arrives at any floor, the door control unit 114 of the elevator control unit 112 instructs the door 22 to open (S13). Further, the elevator control unit 112 starts measuring the elapsed time after the door is opened (S14). Also, the car control unit 113 transmits information indicating that the car 21 has stopped and information indicating the floor where the car 21 has stopped to the information processing device 3.

[0074] When the operation control unit 312 of the information processing device 3 receives the information indicating that the car 21 has stopped and the information indicating the floor where the car 21 has stopped, it determines whether the current floor of the information processing device 3 is the same as the car stop floor (S2). When the current floor of the information processing device 3 is not the same as the car stop floor (NO in S2), the operation control unit 312 repeats the same process until it becomes YES in step S2.

[0075] When the current floor of the information processing device 3 and the car stop floor are the same (YES in S2), that is, when the car 21 stops at the departure floor of the information processing device 3 and the door is opened, the operation control unit 312 operates the operation unit 32. Thereby, the information processing device 3 starts the boarding operation to the car 21 (S3). When the information processing device 3 starts the boarding operation to the car 21, the operation control unit 312 sends a door open hold command to the elevator control device 1. When the boarding operation of the information processing device 3 to the car 21 is completed (S4), the operation control unit 312 sends a boarding completion signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0076] After the information processing device 3 starts the boarding operation, if the administrator of the elevator 2 grasps that a situation where it is necessary to cancel the robot - dedicated operation has occurred, such as an abnormality occurring in the information processing device 3, the administrator moves to the car 21 of the elevator 2. After moving to the car 21, the administrator performs a cancellation instruction operation for canceling the robot - dedicated operation on the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 provided on the operation panel 24 in the car 21. The cancellation instruction operation may be, for example, that the administrator long - presses the open button as the cancellation instruction reception unit 25. When the cancellation instruction operation is performed (YES in S31: cancellation instruction reception step), the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 sends a cancellation signal to the elevator control device 1 (S32). The cancellation instruction reception unit 25 may receive the cancellation instruction operation at any time during the period when the administrator can operate the cancellation instruction reception unit 25, that is, during the period when the car 21 has the door 22 open at any floor and the elevator 2 is performing the robot - dedicated operation.

[0077] After step S14, the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the door opened. Specifically, the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not 3 minutes have elapsed since the door opened (S15). When 3 minutes have not elapsed since the door opened (NO in S15), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a cancellation signal from the elevator 2 (S16).

[0078] When the release signal has not been received (NO in S16), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether a door open hold command has been received (S17). When the door open hold command has not been received (NO in S17), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether a boarding completion signal has been received from the information processing device 3 (S18). When the boarding completion signal has not been received (NO in S18), the elevator control unit 112 performs the process of step S15 again.

[0079] When the door control unit 114 of the elevator control unit 112 has not received the release signal and has received the door open hold command within 3 minutes after the door opened (YES in S17), it keeps the door 22 in the open state. Subsequently, the elevator control unit 112 determines whether a boarding completion signal has been received (S19). When the boarding completion signal has not been received (NO in S19), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether a release signal has been received from the elevator 2 (S20).

[0080] When the release signal has not been received (NO in S20), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether 3 minutes have elapsed since the door opened (S21). When the door open hold command has been received and neither the boarding completion signal nor the release signal has been received, and 3 minutes have not elapsed since the door opened (NO in S21), the elevator control unit 112 performs the process of step S19 again.

[0081] After the elevator control unit 112 receives the door open hold command, if it further receives the boarding completion signal within 3 minutes after the door opens (YES in S19), the door control unit 114 of the elevator control unit 112 instructs the door 22 to close (S23). Also, after the elevator control unit 112 receives the door open hold command, if it does not receive the boarding completion signal and the release signal (NO in S19, S20), and 3 minutes have elapsed since the door opened (YES in S21), the door control unit 114 also instructs the door 22 to close (S23). Further, when the elevator control unit 112 has not received the door open hold command (NO in S17), and it receives the boarding completion signal (YES in S18), the door control unit 114 also instructs the door 22 to close (S23). In the case of YES in step S18, YES in step S19, or YES in step S21, there is a possibility that the information processing device 3 is boarding the car 21. Therefore, in these cases, the elevator 2 continues to operate in the robot-only operation mode. After the door closes, the car control unit 113 controls the movement of the car 21 in the robot-only operation mode. For example, the car control unit 113 instructs to move the car 21 to the destination floor of the information processing device 3.

[0082] On the other hand, when the elevator control unit 112 does not receive the door open hold command and the boarding completion signal (NO in S18), and 3 minutes have elapsed since the door opened (YES in S15), the elevator control unit 112 terminates the robot-only operation (S22). Also, when the elevator control unit 112 has not received the boarding completion signal and it receives the release signal within 3 minutes after the door opens (YES in S16 or S20), it also terminates the robot-only operation (S22: elevator control step). Specifically, the switching unit 115 of the elevator control unit 112 switches the operation mode of the elevator 2 in the storage unit 12 from the robot-only operation mode to the normal operation mode. After step S22, the door control unit 114 instructs the door 22 to close (S23). After step S23, the car control unit 113 controls the movement of the car 21 in the normal operation mode.

[0083] (When getting off the elevator) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processes performed in the information processing apparatus 3 and the elevator control apparatus 1 after the information processing apparatus 3 boards the car 21. If the information processing apparatus 3 is not boarding the car 21 (NO in S41), this process ends.

[0084] When the car 21 stops at any floor, the door control unit 114 instructs the door 22 to open (S51), and transmits information indicating that the door has opened and information indicating the stop floor of the car 21 to the information processing apparatus 3. Also, the elevator control unit 112 starts measuring the elapsed time since the door opened (S52).

[0085] When the operation control unit 312 of the information processing apparatus 3 receives information indicating that the door has opened and information indicating the stop floor of the car 21 while boarding the car 21 (YES in S41), it determines whether the destination floor of the information processing apparatus 3 is the same as the stop floor of the car 21 (S42). If the destination floor of the information processing apparatus 3 is not the same as the stop floor of the car 21 (NO in S42), the same process is repeated until YES in step S42.

[0086] When the destination floor of the information processing apparatus 3 is the same as the stop floor of the car 21 (YES in S42), the operation control unit 312 controls the operation unit 32 to start the getting-off operation (S43). Also, the operation control unit 312 transmits a door-open hold command to the elevator control apparatus 1. When the getting-off operation of the information processing apparatus 3 from the car 21 is completed (S44), the operation control unit 312 transmits a getting-off completion signal to the elevator control apparatus 1.

[0087] After the information processing device 3 starts the getting-off operation, if the elevator 2 administrator grasps that a situation where it is necessary to cancel the robot-only operation has occurred, such as an abnormality occurring in the information processing device 3, the elevator 2 administrator moves to the car 21 of the elevator 2. After moving to the car 21, the administrator performs a cancellation instruction operation to cancel the robot-only operation on the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 provided on the operation panel 24 in the car 21. The cancellation instruction operation may be, for example, the administrator long-pressing the open button as the cancellation instruction reception unit 25. When the cancellation instruction operation is performed (YES in S71: cancellation instruction reception step), the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 transmits a cancellation signal to the elevator control device 1 (S72).

[0088] After step S52, the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the door opened. Specifically, the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not 3 minutes have elapsed since the door opened (S53). If 3 minutes have not elapsed since the door opened (NO in S53), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a cancellation signal from the elevator 2 (S54).

[0089] If it has not received the cancellation signal (NO in S54), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a door open hold command (S55). If it has not received the door open hold command (NO in S55), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a getting-off completion signal from the information processing device 3 (S56). If it has not received the getting-off completion signal (NO in S56), the elevator control unit 112 performs the process of step S53 again.

[0090] The door control unit 114 of the elevator control unit 112 holds the door open state of the door 22 when it has not received the cancellation signal and has received a door open hold command within 3 minutes after the door opened (YES in S55). Subsequently, the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a getting-off completion signal (S57). If it has not received the getting-off completion signal (NO in S57), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a cancellation signal from the elevator 2 (S58).

[0091] When the release signal has not been received (NO in S58), the elevator control unit 112 determines whether three minutes have elapsed since the door opened (S59). When the door open hold command has been received and neither the car arrival signal nor the release signal has been received, and three minutes have not elapsed since the door opened (NO in S59), the elevator control unit 112 performs the process of step S57 again.

[0092] After the elevator control unit 112 receives the door open hold command, if the car arrival signal is received within three minutes after the door opens (YES in S57), the switching unit 115 of the elevator control unit 112 ends the robot dedicated operation (S60). Also, when the elevator control unit 112 does not receive the door open hold command and the car arrival signal (NO in S56), and three minutes have elapsed since the door opened (YES in S53), the switching unit 115 also ends the robot dedicated operation (S60). Further, when the elevator control unit 112 is in a state where it has not received the door open hold command (NO in S55) and receives the car arrival signal (YES in S56), the switching unit 115 ends the robot dedicated operation (S60). Specifically, the switching unit 115 of the elevator control unit 112 switches the operation mode of elevator 2 in the storage unit 12 from the robot dedicated operation mode to the normal operation mode.

[0093] Furthermore, when the elevator control unit 112 has not received the car arrival signal and receives the release signal within three minutes after the door opens (YES in S54 or S58), it cancels the robot dedicated operation and ends the robot dedicated operation (S60: elevator control step).

[0094] After step S60, the door control unit 114 instructs door 22 to close (S61). After the door is closed, the car control unit 113 controls the movement of car 21 in the normal operation mode.

[0095] As described above, when the reception unit 111 of the elevator control unit 112 receives a call registration from the information processing device 3, the elevator control unit 112 controls the elevator 2 so that the car 21 in which the information processing device 3 rides operates in the robot-only operation mode without responding to a call registration request from the user (S12 to S23, S51 to S60: elevator control steps).

[0096] Here, when the boarding of the information processing device 3 is completed within a predetermined time (3 minutes) from the opening of the door of the car 21, the operation in the robot-only operation mode continues. On the other hand, when the boarding of the information processing device 3 is not completed within a predetermined time (3 minutes) from the opening of the door of the car 21, the robot-only operation is cancelled. Also, the robot-only operation is cancelled when the administrator performs a cancellation instruction operation on the cancellation instruction reception unit 25.

[0097] Further, in the elevator control system 100, when the alighting of the information processing device 3 is completed within a predetermined time (3 minutes) from the opening of the door of the car 21, or when the predetermined time has elapsed from the opening of the door of the car 21, the robot-only operation is cancelled. Also, the robot-only operation is cancelled when the cancellation instruction reception unit 25 receives a cancellation instruction operation by the administrator and transmits a cancellation signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0098] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8, the elevator control system 100A according to Embodiment 2 includes an elevator control device 1, an elevator 2A, an information processing device 3, and a terminal device 4. The elevator 2A is different from the elevator 2 in that it includes an operation panel 24A that does not have a cancellation instruction reception unit 25 instead of the operation panel 24.

[0100] The terminal device 4 is, for example, a smartphone owned by an administrator of the elevator 2 or the like, or a terminal device provided in the management room, and includes a control unit 41 and a release instruction reception unit 42. Further, the terminal device 4 is communicably connected to the elevator control device 1. The control unit 41 executes various processes performed in the terminal device 4. The release instruction reception unit 42 is a button, a touch panel, or the like provided in the terminal device 4. The release instruction reception unit 42 receives a release instruction operation by the administrator in the same manner as the release instruction reception unit 25 according to the first embodiment. When the release instruction reception unit 42 receives a release instruction operation, the control unit 41 transmits a release signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0101] When the switching unit 115 of the elevator control device 1 receives a release signal from the terminal device 4 in a state where the elevator 2 is operating in the robot dedicated operation mode, it releases the robot dedicated operation mode.

[0102] As described above, the elevator control system 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an elevator control device 1 including an elevator control unit 112 and a terminal device 4 communicably connected to the elevator control device 1. Further, in the elevator control system 100A, the release instruction reception unit 42 is provided in the terminal device 4.

[0103] According to the above configuration, the administrator can release the robot dedicated operation mode by operating the terminal device 4 without directly going to the car 21. Thereby, even when the car 21 is far from the administrator, the administrator can release the robot dedicated operation mode promptly as needed.

[0104] [Modification Example] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the configuration in which the release instruction reception unit 25 is provided on the operation panel 23 in the car 21 was shown, and in Embodiment 2, the configuration in which the release instruction reception unit 42 is provided in the terminal device 4 was shown. Here, the elevator control system 100 may include the operation panel 23 and the terminal device 4 and may have both the release instruction reception unit 25 and the release instruction reception unit 42. In this case, when the switching unit 115 receives a release signal from at least one of the release instruction reception unit 25 and the release instruction reception unit 42, the robot dedicated operation mode may be released. The administrator of the elevator 2 can release the robot dedicated operation mode of the elevator 2 by performing a release instruction operation on either the release instruction reception unit 25 or the release instruction reception unit 42.

[0105] 〔Example of Realization by Software〕 The functions of the elevator control systems 100 and 100A (hereinafter referred to as "systems") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the system, and by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block (particularly each unit included in the control unit 11) of the system.

[0106] In this case, the above system includes a computer having at least one control device (for example, a processor) and at least one storage device (for example, a memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program by this control device and storage device, each function described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0107] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporarily. This recording medium may or may not be included in the above system. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0108] In addition, part or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition to this, for example, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by a quantum computer.

[0109] Also, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI may operate in the above control device, or may operate in another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server, etc.).

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in 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.

[0111] 〔Summary〕 The elevator control system according to Aspect 1 of the present invention, when receiving a call registration from an information processing device capable of using an elevator, controls the elevator so that the car in which the information processing device rides operates in a robot-only operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person, and a release instruction reception unit that receives an input operation for instructing the release of the robot-only operation mode. When the release instruction reception unit receives the input operation, the elevator control unit releases the robot-only operation mode.

[0112] The elevator control system according to Aspect 2 of the present invention may, in the above Aspect 1, be provided on an operation panel inside the car of the elevator.

[0113] The elevator control system according to aspect 3 of the present invention includes, in the above aspect 1 or 2, an elevator control device including the elevator control unit, and a terminal device communicably connected to the elevator control device, and the cancellation instruction reception unit is provided in the terminal device.

[0114] A control method for an elevator control system according to aspect 4 of the present invention is a control method for an elevator control system executed by one or more computers. When receiving a call registration from an information processing device capable of using an elevator, an elevator control step of controlling the elevator so that a car in which the information processing device rides operates in a robot-only operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person, and a cancellation instruction reception step of receiving an input operation for instructing cancellation of the robot-only operation mode. In the elevator control step, when the input operation is received in the cancellation instruction reception step, the robot-only operation mode is cancelled.

Explanation of Signs

[0115] 2, 2A Elevator 3 Information Processing Device 4 Terminal Device 21 Car 23 Operation Panel 25, 42 Cancellation Instruction Reception Unit 100, 100A Elevator Control System 112 Elevator Control Unit S12~S23, S51~S60 Elevator Control Steps S31, S71 Cancellation Instruction Reception Steps

Claims

1. When receiving a call registration from an information processing device that can use an elevator, an elevator control unit that controls the elevator so that a car in which the information processing device rides operates in a robot-only operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person, A cancellation instruction reception unit that receives an input operation for instructing cancellation of the robot-only operation mode, Comprising, The elevator control unit, When the cancellation instruction reception unit receives the input operation, cancels the robot-only operation mode, Elevator control system.

2. The cancellation instruction reception unit is provided on an operation panel inside the car of the elevator, The elevator control system according to claim 1.

3. An elevator control device including the elevator control unit, A terminal device communicably connected to the elevator control device, comprising, The cancellation instruction reception unit is provided in the terminal device, The elevator control system according to claim 1.

4. A control method for an elevator control system executed by one or more computers, An elevator control step of controlling the elevator so that a car in which the information processing device rides operates in a robot-only operation mode that does not respond to a call registration from a person when receiving a call registration from an information processing device that can use the elevator, A cancellation instruction reception step of receiving an input operation for instructing cancellation of the robot-only operation mode, Including, In the elevator control step, When the input operation is received in the cancellation instruction reception step, the robot-only operation mode is cancelled, Control method for an elevator control system.

Images