Display device for passenger conveyor

Abstract

To prevent a passenger from walking in a passenger conveyor.SOLUTION: A display device for a passenger conveyor according to the present disclosure includes first projection means for projecting an image for reducing visibility of a demarcation line provided on an outer peripheral portion of a tread of each of a plurality of steps disposed in a moving passage of the passenger conveyor. In a case where the passenger conveyor is divided, along a moving direction, into a platform portion including one or more steps on a platform side of the passenger conveyor and an intermediate portion interposed between the platform portions, a projection region of the image for reducing the visibility by the first projection means includes: a surface of a step located in the intermediate portion; and a surface of a portion located in an intermediate portion between skirt guards provided on both sides in a width direction of the plurality of steps.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device for a passenger conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] The passenger conveyor described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with two sensors that detect passengers near the middle inclined section of the passenger conveyor. In this passenger conveyor, the two sensors detect the moving speed of passengers on the passenger conveyor, and the passenger's movement is detected by comparing the rated speed of the passenger conveyor with the moving speed of the passenger. If it is determined that a passenger is running up or down the conveyor, a warning announcement is played to the passenger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-188236 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The passenger conveyor of Patent Document 1 plays a caution announcement to discourage passengers from running up or down the conveyor. However, when detecting passenger speeds using a pair of sensors as in Patent Document 1, there is a risk of mismeasurement of passenger speeds due to the incorrect detection of the movements of multiple passengers as a single person. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine which passenger a caution announcement is intended for, and the passengers targeted by the announcement may not notice the announcement. Even if a passenger notices the announcement, they may not stop running up or down the conveyor. Thus, it is believed that control that plays a caution announcement is not very effective in discouraging passengers from walking on the passenger conveyor.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a display device for a passenger conveyor that is improved to more effectively prevent passengers from walking inside the passenger conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The display device for a passenger conveyor according to the present disclosure comprises a first projection means for projecting an image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line provided on the outer periphery of the tread of each of a plurality of steps arranged in the moving path of the passenger conveyor, and if the passenger conveyor is divided along the moving direction into a boarding and alighting section including one or more steps on the boarding and alighting side of the passenger conveyor, and an intermediate section sandwiched between the boarding and alighting sections, the projection area of ​​the image that reduces visibility by the first projection means includes the surface of the step located in the intermediate section and the surface of the portion located in the intermediate section of the skirt guard provided on both sides of the width of the plurality of steps.

[0007] Alternatively, the display device for a passenger conveyor according to the present disclosure includes a fourth projection means for projecting a demarcation line onto the surface of the tread of a step located in the boarding / alighting section, when the passenger conveyor has a plurality of steps arranged in a moving passage and is divided along the moving direction into a boarding / alighting section including one or more steps on the boarding / alighting side of the passenger conveyor, and an intermediate section sandwiched between the boarding / alighting sections. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the passenger conveyor display device of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the demarcation lines on steps other than those near the passenger conveyor entrances, i.e., steps located in the middle, or to make the demarcation lines invisible on the surfaces of steps located in the middle. This makes it difficult to distinguish the boundaries of the steps in the middle of the passenger conveyor, thereby preventing passengers from moving along the passageway of the passenger conveyor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a passenger conveyor and a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a location where a projector for projecting an inclined portion of a passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is installed. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device for a passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of locations where an image is projected by an inclined-section projector of the display device of the passenger conveyor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of control of the operating speed of a passenger conveyor by the control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a passenger conveyor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for checking the position of a passenger layout by a passenger conveyor control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a passenger conveyor according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a passenger conveyor according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a passenger conveyor and a display device according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1, the passenger conveyor 100 is an escalator. As shown in FIG. 1, the passenger conveyor 100 has a plurality of steps 10. A landing floor 20 at an entrance / exit point on an upper floor of the passenger conveyor 100 and a landing floor 20 at an entrance / exit point on a lower floor are connected by a passageway along which the plurality of steps 10 move. In the following embodiments, when referring to the left and right of the passenger conveyor 100, unless otherwise specified, this refers to the left and right sides in the direction of travel of the steps 10, i.e., both ends in the width direction perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0012] The steps 10 are connected endlessly and are provided so as to be able to move circulating along the passageway. Each of the steps 10 comprises a tread 11 and a riser 12. Both ends of the tread 11 and the riser 12 in the width direction are supported by a pair of brackets (not shown).

[0013] Although not shown in FIG. 1, a demarcation line (see reference numeral 11A in FIG. 2) is formed on the outer periphery of the surface of the step 11 to enhance the visibility of the step 11. The demarcation line is a line painted in a color different from the color of the surface of the step 11. The color of the demarcation line is yellow, for example. The demarcation line may also be formed by attaching a resin part or the like with a molding color different from that of the step 11 to the outer periphery of the step 11.

[0014] A pair of balustrades 13 are installed on both sides of the width of the step 10 along the direction of movement of the step 10. A skirt guard 14 is disposed below each of the balustrades 13. The skirt guard 14 has comb skirts disposed near the upper and lower landing floors 20, respectively, and a skirt guard panel disposed between the upper and lower comb skirts along the longitudinal direction.

[0015] In the following description, the portions of the passenger conveyor 100 near the upper and lower landing floors 20 will be referred to as the boarding / alighting section 101, and the intermediate section sandwiched between the upper and lower boarding / alighting sections 101 will be referred to as the inclined section 102. The boarding / alighting section 101 and the inclined section 102 are areas that divide the passenger conveyor 100 perpendicular to the direction of movement. There are no limitations on the boundary between the boarding / alighting section 101 and the inclined section 102, but the boarding / alighting section 101 is assumed to include at least the upper and lower landing floors 20 and the steps 10 adjacent to the landing floors 20. For example, an area where the inclination angle of the balustrade 13 is constant and the steps 10 move in a straight line may be referred to as the inclined section 102, and the areas on both sides of the inclined section 102 may be referred to as the boarding / alighting sections 101.

[0016] The passenger conveyor 100 is equipped with a sensor 1, a camera 2, an inclined section projector 3, and a control device (see FIG. 3). For the sake of explanation, in FIG. 1, the sensor 1, the camera 2, and the inclined section projector 3, which are installed on the right side of the paper, are shown as seen through from the right side of the passenger conveyor 100. In addition, in FIG. 1, the sensing range of the sensor 1, the shooting range of the camera 2, and the projection area of ​​the inclined section projector 3 are each indicated by dashed lines.

[0017] The sensors 1 are arranged near the upper and lower landing floors 20, such as on the skirt guards. The sensors 1 detect passengers who pass through their detection range, thereby detecting passengers getting on or off the passenger conveyor 100. The output of the sensors 1 is transmitted to the control device 4, which will be described later. While FIG. 1 shows an example in which a total of four sensors 1 are arranged on the left and right skirt guards 14 of the upper and lower landing floors 20, respectively, there is no limit to the number of sensors 1 that can be installed. The sensors 1 only need to be installed in an appropriate number depending on the detection range so that the number of passengers getting on and off the passenger conveyor 100 can be monitored.

[0018] The cameras 2 are installed near the landing floor 20 of the skirt guard 14, for example, near the end of the comb skirt or skirt guard panel. The capture range of the cameras 2 includes at least the entire width direction from the left end to the right end of the step 10 at the installation location of the cameras 2. While FIG. 2 shows an example in which a total of two cameras 2 are installed near the upper and lower landing floors 20, there is no limit to the number of cameras 2 that can be installed. It is sufficient that an appropriate number of cameras 2 are installed so that the cameras 2 can capture images of the entire width direction near the upper and lower landing entrances.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the area where the inclined section projector 3 is installed on the passenger conveyor. Figure 2 shows the installation location of the inclined section projector 3 with the skirt guard panel 14A near the inclined section projector 3 removed. The inclined section projectors 3 are arranged at regular intervals inside the skirt guard panel 14A of the inclined section 102. As shown in Figure 2, smoked glass 14B is installed on the surface of the skirt guard 14 at the location where the inclined section projector 3 is installed.

[0020] The inclined portion projectors 3 are capable of projecting images onto the surface of the steps 10. There is no limit to the number of inclined portion projectors 3 that can be installed, and an appropriate number of inclined portion projectors 3 are arranged taking into consideration their projection areas. That is, it is sufficient that an appropriate number of inclined portion projectors 3 are arranged so that all of the inclined portion projectors 3 cover the entire surface of at least the steps 10 of the inclined portions 102 of the passenger conveyor 100 as a projection area, and so that the overlapping portion of the projection areas of the inclined portion projectors 3 is small or the projection areas are adjacent to each other.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device of a passenger conveyor. As shown in Fig. 3, the display device of the passenger conveyor 100 includes a sensor 1, a camera 2, an inclined section projector 3, and a control device 4. The control device 4 controls a motor 15 for driving the passenger conveyor 100. The control device 4 also controls the projection of an image by the inclined section projector 3.

[0022] The sensor 1, camera 2, and control device 4 function as detection means for detecting the number of passengers and their boarding positions on the passenger conveyor 100. The sensor 1 and control device 4, and the camera 2 and control device 4 are connected by wire or wirelessly, respectively. The output of the sensor 1 and the output of the camera 2 are input to the control device 4.

[0023] The sensor 1 detects passengers by sensing the passage of passengers within its detection range, and transmits the detection result to the control device 4. Based on the detection result of the sensor 1, the control device 4 calculates the number of passengers getting on and off the passenger conveyor 100.

[0024] The camera 2 inputs the data of the captured image to the control device 4. The image captured by the camera 2 may be a still image or a video. In the case of a still image, the camera 2 captures an image, for example, at regular intervals or in response to a capture request from the control device 4, and transmits the image to the control device 4. Based on the image data transmitted from the camera 2, the control device 4 monitors the boarding positions of passengers who board the passenger conveyor 100, i.e., the passenger layout.

[0025] The control device 4 detects whether the passenger is on the left or right side of the passageway as the boarding position of the passenger. In the following embodiment, the boarding position of the passenger is determined to be the left side if the passenger is on the left side of the direction of travel, and the right side if the passenger is on the right side, with the center line of the passageway parallel to the direction of travel as the boundary.

[0026] The inclined portion projector 3 and the control device 4 are connected by wire or wirelessly and function as a first projection means for projecting an image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line. The inclined portion projector 3 projects an image onto its projection area.

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a location where an image is projected by the inclined section projector 3. In the example of Figure 4, the balustrade 13 and skirt guard 14 on one side and their internal structure are omitted, and mainly the balustrade 13 and skirt guard 14 on the other side, the step 10, and the landing floor 20 on the upper floor side are shown. For clarity, the outer perimeter of the step 10 is shown in bold.

[0028] 4, the inclined portion projector 3 projects images 3A and 3B that reduce the visibility of the demarcation line onto and around the demarcation line on the surfaces of the tread 11, riser 12, and skirt guard panel 14A of the step 10 located on the inclined portion 102. By reducing the visibility of the demarcation line with the image from the inclined portion projector 3, the staircase shape of the step 10 on the inclined portion 102 can be made less visible.

[0029] The projected images 3A and 3B are, for example, images of a color similar to or similar to the color of the demarcation line. By projecting images 3A and 3B of a color similar to or similar to the color of the demarcation line on and around the demarcation line, the demarcation line of step 10 of inclined portion 102 can be made visible. Note that, as long as the visibility of the demarcation line can be reduced, there is no particular limitation on the similarity between the color of the demarcation line and the color of the projected image. Furthermore, images 3A and 3B may be still images that appear relatively still, or they may be moving images.

[0030] Next, we will explain the control operation by the control device 4. The control device 4 is a control device for the passenger conveyor 100, and also functions as a control device for controlling the inclined section projector 3. In this embodiment, the control device 4 controls the operating speed of the passenger conveyor 100 and the projection operation by the inclined section projector 3.

[0031] Specifically, the control device 4 changes the operating speed of the passenger conveyor 100 depending on the congestion state of the passenger conveyor 100. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of control of the operating speed of the passenger conveyor by the control device. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time t [sec] and the vertical axis represents speed V [m / min]. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 4 performs rated operation at a rated operating speed during busy times when there are many passengers and the passenger conveyor 100 is crowded. Furthermore, during quiet times when there are relatively few passengers, the control device 4 performs eco-operation by setting the operating speed to a speed slower than the rated speed.

[0032] The time periods of busy and off-peak hours may be set in advance in the control device 4. Alternatively, the control device 4 may acquire the congestion state of the passenger conveyor 100 and control the operating speed. In this case, the control device 4 calculates the congestion state of the passenger conveyor 100 from the number of passengers calculated based on the output of the sensor 1. Then, depending on the calculated congestion state, it determines whether the current time is busy or off-peak, and controls the operating speed in accordance with the determination result.

[0033] The operating speed of the passenger conveyor 100 is controlled by the control device 4 and changes depending on the timing of operation start-up, peak times, off-peak times, stoppages, and the transitional periods between these. The image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line needs to be projected in accordance with the position of the demarcation line on the step 10. Therefore, the control device 4 detects the movement speed of the steps 10 of the passenger conveyor 100 from the rotation speed of the motor 15, and changes the images 3A and 3B projected by the inclined section projector 3 so that they move in synchronization with the movement of the steps 10.

[0034] The control device 4 also controls the start and stop of the image projection operation by the inclined section projector 3. Specifically, the control device 4 calculates the total number of passengers on the passenger conveyor 100 and the number of passengers on each of the left and right sides based on the outputs of the sensor 1 and the camera 2. Then, it determines whether the following conditions are met: (i) the number of passengers is less than a predetermined number, and (ii) the number of passengers on at least one of the left and right sides is greater than a first reference value. If it is determined that both conditions (i) and (ii) are met, it can be determined that there is sufficient space in the passageway for passengers to walk and move. Therefore, in this case, the control device 4 executes projection by the inclined section projector 3, projecting an image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line.

[0035] The predetermined number and the first reference value are reference values ​​for determining whether there is sufficient space for passengers to walk and move, and are stored in advance in the control device 4. However, the determination of whether there is sufficient space for passengers to walk and move is not limited to whether conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied. For example, it may be configured to determine that there is sufficient space for passengers to walk and move when the above condition (ii) is satisfied. Furthermore, instead of the number of passengers, the occupancy rate of the passenger conveyor 100 or the like may be used as a parameter for determination.

[0036] By the above control, when the passageway of the passenger conveyor 100 is in an environment where passengers can walk, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the demarcation lines of the steps 10 on the inclined portion 102. This makes it difficult to distinguish the staircase shape of the steps 10, effectively preventing passengers from walking.

[0037] The steps 10 located in the boarding and alighting area 101 are outside the range of the projection area of ​​the inclined projector 3. Therefore, even if there is space in the passageway for passengers to walk, images that reduce the visibility of the demarcation line are not projected onto the steps 10 located in the boarding and alighting area 101. Therefore, passengers can reliably recognize the demarcation line on the steps 10 near the landing floor 20 where they need to walk.

[0038] In this embodiment, the inclined portion projector 3 projects an image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line, thereby making it difficult to see the tread 11 of the step 10. In addition to this, the display device may be configured to monitor passengers running up or down, and warn passengers when running up or down is detected.

[0039] In this case, the display device of the passenger conveyor 100 has a function as speed detection means for detecting the moving speed of the passengers, and a function as third projection means for projecting an image for calling attention.

[0040] Specifically, a speed sensor that detects the moving speed of passengers is installed near the skirt guard panel 14A of the inclined portion 102 of the passenger conveyor 100. The control device 4 detects the moving speed of passengers based on the output of the speed sensor.

[0041] The inclined section projector 3 and the control device 4 also function as a third projection means for projecting an attention-warning image to alert passengers. When the detected moving speed of a passenger is faster than a reference speed, the control device 4 projects an attention-warning image in synchronization with the passenger's movement to alert them. Here, an example of the attention-warning image is an image that illuminates the area around the moving passenger in a warning color such as red. This highlights the moving passenger and makes them stand out from the surroundings, making the passenger hesitate to walk and alerting surrounding passengers that a pedestrian is present.

[0042] Furthermore, the display device of the passenger conveyor 100 may be configured to include a warning means for issuing an alarm to moving passengers to call their attention. The alarm may be an alarm sound issued to the moving passengers or an audio guidance to call their attention. This makes it possible to call the attention of the moving passengers or passengers around the moving passengers.

[0043] Here, the reference speed is a reference value for determining whether a passenger is moving along the passageway, and is stored in advance in the control device 4. The reference speed may be a variable that is set based on the moving speed of the passenger conveyor 100.

[0044] Embodiment 2 Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a passenger conveyor according to embodiment 2. The passenger conveyor 200 of embodiment 2 has the same configuration as the passenger conveyor 100 of embodiment 1, except that it has a hall projector 7 at the entrance of the hall.

[0045] 6 shows the state of the passenger conveyor 200 as viewed in the direction of movement of the steps 10 from the landing floor 20 side on the upper floor. The display device of the passenger conveyor 200 according to the second embodiment includes a landing projector 7 in addition to the sensor 1, the camera 2, and the inclined portion projector 3.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 6, the landing projector 7 is installed in the inlet guard 14C portion near the landing entrance of each floor. The landing projector 7 includes the landing floor 20 in its projection area. Note that the example in Fig. 6 shows an example in which a pair of landing projectors 7 are installed on the left and right of the landing entrance of each floor, but there is no limit to the number of landing projectors 7 that can be installed. It is sufficient that an appropriate number of landing projectors 7 are installed so that the portion of the landing floor 20 onto which the image should be projected is appropriately included in the projection area 7A.

[0047] The image projected by the hall projector 7 is a guidance image for guiding passengers. The guidance image is an image for guiding passengers at the hall entrance to the desired side, either the left or right side of the passageway. The guidance image may be a still image or a video. Specifically, for example, the guidance image shows a traffic line according to the architectural layout. In this case, the traffic line may be shown by placing footprints along the traffic line, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the guidance image may be an arrow indicating the traffic line, or an image of a person moving ahead along the traffic line. Furthermore, the guidance image may be, for example, an image that prevents passengers from entering the side, either the left or right side, to which passengers are not directed. Examples of such guidance images include an image of a virtual gate that blocks passengers' entry, an image of a wall that blocks entry, or an image of a person standing still at the hall entrance to which passengers are not directed.

[0048] The hall projector 7 is connected to the control device 4 by wire or wirelessly, and functions as a second projection means together with the control device 4. The start and stop of image projection by the hall projector 7 is controlled by the control device 4. When the control device 4 determines from the outputs of the sensor 1 and the camera 2 that the passenger layout is biased to the left or right side of the passageway, it displays a guidance image that guides passengers to the side opposite the biased side, or a guidance image that prevents passengers from entering the biased side.

[0049] More specifically, the control device 4 projects a guidance image from the hall projector 7 when the number of passengers detected by the sensor 1 is less than a second reference value and the difference between the number of passengers on the right side and the number of passengers on the left side is greater than a third reference value. Here, the second and third reference values ​​are thresholds for determining whether to adjust the bias of passenger boarding positions by projecting a guidance image, and are values ​​that are preset in the control device 4. However, the determination of whether to project a guidance image is not limited to this. For example, when there is a certain difference in the number of passengers on the right side and the left side, the guidance image may be displayed regardless of the total number of passengers. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a guidance image guiding passengers to the side with fewer passengers on the right side or the left side is always displayed. Alternatively, the occupancy rate of the passenger conveyor 200 may be used as a parameter for determination instead of the number of passengers.

[0050] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the boarding position of a passenger is detected by the camera 2 installed at the landing entrance has been described. However, the method of detecting the boarding position is not limited to this. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of checking the position of a passenger layout by the control device 4. Fig. 7 shows the moving path of the inclined portion 102 of the passenger conveyor 100 or 200 as viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the moving path.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 7, a pair of inclined portion sensors 8 are installed on the skirt guard 14 of the inclined portion 102 of the passenger conveyor 100 or 200. The inclined portion sensors 8 are reflective sensors. When both the left and right inclined portion sensors 8 are responding, the control device 4 can detect that passenger A is riding on both the left and right sides, and when only the left or right inclined portion sensor 8 is responding, the control device 4 can detect that passenger A is riding on either the left or right side. For example, the control device 4 can grasp the current passenger layout to some extent based on the detection results of the inclined portion sensors 8 over a certain period of time.

[0052] If the control device 4 determines from the grasped passenger layout that there is space on one side of the passageway where passengers can walk and move, it can project an image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line from the inclined portion projector 3. Alternatively, if the control device 4 determines from the grasped passenger layout that passenger A is biased to the left or right side, it displays a guidance image that guides the passenger to the right or left side. In this way, by using the inclined portion sensor 8, it is possible to grasp the passenger layout in a simpler way without analyzing the image from the camera 2.

[0053] Embodiment 3 Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a passenger conveyor according to embodiment 3. In the example of Fig. 8, the balustrade 13 and skirt guard 14 on one side and their internal structure are omitted, and mainly the balustrade 13 and skirt guard 14 on the other side, the step 10, and the landing floor 20 on the upper floor side are shown. The passenger conveyor 300 of embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the passenger conveyor 100 or 200 of embodiment 1 or 2, except that the skirt guard 14 of the inclined portion 102 is provided with a skirt guard brush 16 and a speaker 9.

[0054] The skirt guard brush 16 of the passenger conveyor 300 according to the third embodiment is positioned so as to hide the demarcation line on the skirt guard 14 side of the tread 11 when viewed from above along the surface of the skirt guard 14 on the step 10 side. The skirt guard brush 16 is designed to let passenger A know that he or she is approaching the gap between the skirt guard 14 and the tread 11 when he or she touches it.

[0055] The passenger conveyor 300 is also provided with a speaker 9 as a warning means near the skirt guard brush 16 of the skirt guard 14. The speaker 9 is connected to the control device 4 by wire or wirelessly, and the issuance and stopping of the warning sound by the speaker 9 is controlled by the control device 4. When the control device 4 detects that passenger A has come into contact with the skirt guard brush 16, it causes the speaker 9 to issue an alarm. The alarm here may be an alarm sound or audio guidance.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the demarcation line is hidden by the skirt guard brush 16 of the inclined portion 102, making it difficult to identify the shape of the step 10 on the inclined portion 102. This makes it possible to discourage passengers from walking on the inclined portion 102. Furthermore, if passenger A touches the skirt guard brush 16, a warning is issued to the passenger by the speaker 9, thereby warning passenger A that he or she is approaching the gap between the skirt guard 14 and the tread 11.

[0057] Embodiment 4 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a passenger conveyor according to this embodiment. Passenger conveyor 400 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as any of passenger conveyors 100, 200, and 300 according to embodiments 1 to 3, except that treads 11 of steps 10 do not have demarcation lines, that it is equipped with a hall projector 17, and that the image projected by inclined portion projector 3 is different.

[0058] Landing platform projectors 17 are attached to the skirt guards 14 of the upper and lower landing areas 101. There is no limit to the number of landing platform projectors 17 that can be installed, but an appropriate number of them should be installed so that the projection area includes at least the entire surface of the tread 11 of the step 10 located in the landing area 101. The landing platform projector 17 projects a demarcation line 17A as an image onto the surface of the tread 11 in the portion between the end of the inclined section 102 and the landing floor 20.

[0059] The hall projector 17 and the control device 4 function as a fourth projection means. The hall projector 17 is connected to the control device 4 by wire or wirelessly, and the image projected by the hall projector 17 and the start or stop of the image projection are controlled by the control device 4.

[0060] As explained in the first embodiment, the control device 4 controls the moving speed of the steps 10 depending on the congestion state of the passenger conveyor 400. The control device 4 calculates the moving speed of the steps 10 based on the rotation speed of the motor 15. In accordance with the calculated moving speed, the control device 4 controls the image projected by the hall projector 17 so that the demarcation line 17A is projected at an appropriate position on the outer periphery of the moving tread 11.

[0061] The inclined section projector 3 and the control device 4 function as a fifth projection means. The inclined section projector 3 projects a freely set image 3C onto the surface of the step 10 located on the inclined section 102 of the passenger conveyor 400. The image to be projected may be, for example, an image of nature such as a forest. By using an image of a forest, it is possible to create a space that makes you feel like you are in a forest. If the image is a moving image, the image may be changed in accordance with the speed of the passenger conveyor 400.

[0062] In the case where the tread 11 does not have a demarcation line on its surface as in this embodiment, it is not necessary to project an image that reduces the visibility of the demarcation line to discourage walking on the inclined portion 102 of the passenger conveyor 400. On the other hand, in the boarding and alighting portion 101 near the landing floor 20, a demarcation line is projected onto the tread 11, so that passengers can reliably see the boundary of the step 10 when boarding and alighting from the passenger conveyor 400.

[0063] Furthermore, by projecting images on the inclined portion 102 of the passenger conveyor 400, it is possible to create a comfortable space while preventing people from walking on the inclined portion 102.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the passenger conveyors 100, 200, 300, and 400 are escalators. However, the passenger conveyors in the present disclosure may be, for example, moving walkways.

[0065] Also, the control device 4 has been described as a case where the control device that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 100 has the function of controlling the start and stop of image projection by the inclined section projector 3 and the hall projector 7 or 17. However, the control device that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 100 and the control device that controls the projection of images by the inclined section projector 3 and the hall projectors 7 and 17 may be configured as different, independent control devices. Also, the control devices for the inclined section projector 3 and the hall projectors 7 and 17 may be different, independent control devices.

[0066] Furthermore, the functions realized by the components described in the present embodiment, such as the control device 4, may be implemented using circuits including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (Central Processing Units), conventional circuits, or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the described functions. A processor is considered a circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. A processor may execute a program stored in a memory. Furthermore, the circuits, units, and means in the embodiments are hardware programmed to realize the described functions or hardware that executes them. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed in the embodiments or any hardware programmed to realize or known to execute the described functions. When the hardware is a processor, which can be considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0067] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0068] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a first projection means for projecting an image that reduces the visibility of a demarcation line provided on an outer periphery of each of a plurality of steps arranged in a passageway of the passenger conveyor; When the passenger conveyor is divided along the moving direction into a boarding / alighting section including one or more steps on the boarding / alighting door side of the passenger conveyor and an intermediate section sandwiched between the boarding / alighting sections, the projection area of ​​the image that reduces visibility by the first projection means is a surface of the step located in the intermediate portion; and a surface of a portion of a skirt guard provided on both sides of the plurality of steps in the width direction, the portion being located in the intermediate portion. Passenger conveyor display device. (Appendix 2) The image that reduces visibility is an image of a color similar to the color of the demarcation line. 10. A passenger conveyor display device as described in appendix 1. (Appendix 3) a detection means for detecting the number of passengers using the passenger conveyor and the boarding positions of the passengers on the moving path; the first projection means projects an image that reduces the visibility when at least one of the number of passengers on the left side and the number of passengers on the right side of a center line along the movement direction of the passageway is less than a first reference value; 3. A display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) a detection means for detecting the number of passengers using the passenger conveyor and the boarding positions of the passengers on the moving path; a second projection means for projecting a guidance image that guides the movement of passengers getting on the passenger conveyor, using the boarding and disembarking area as a projection area; Equipped with The second projection means projecting the guidance image for guiding passengers to the side with fewer passengers when the number of passengers is less than a second reference value and the difference between the number of passengers on the left side and the right side of the center line along the moving direction of the passageway is greater than a third reference value; 4. A passenger conveyor display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The guidance image is an image showing a flow line toward the side with fewer passengers, or an image that acts as a barrier to entry toward the side with more passengers. 5. A passenger conveyor display device as described in appendix 4. (Appendix 6) the detection means includes a reflective sensor installed on each of both ends of the intermediate portion in the width direction of the passageway, the detection means detects whether the passenger is on the left or right side of the passageway based on the output of the reflective sensor. 6. A display device for a passenger conveyor according to any one of appendices 3 to 5. (Appendix 7) a speed detection means for detecting a moving speed of a passenger when boarding the passenger conveyor; a third projection means for projecting an attention drawing image in synchronization with the movement of the passenger to draw attention to the passenger when the moving speed of the passenger is faster than a reference speed; 7. A passenger conveyor display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: (Appendix 8) a warning means for issuing a warning when the moving speed detected by the speed detection means is faster than the reference speed; A display device for a passenger conveyor according to appendix 7. (Appendix 9) A skirt guard brush arranged so as to hide the demarcation line on the skirt guard side of the tread when viewed from above along the surface of the skirt guard; a warning means for issuing a warning to a passenger when the passenger comes into contact with the skirt guard brush; 9. A passenger conveyor display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, comprising: (Appendix 10) the first projection means projects the image that reduces the visibility in synchronization with the moving speed of the steps of the passenger conveyor; 10. A passenger conveyor display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) a fourth projection means for projecting a demarcation line onto the surface of a tread of the step located in the boarding / alighting section, when the passenger conveyor having a plurality of steps arranged in a moving passageway is divided along the moving direction into a boarding / alighting section including one or more steps on the boarding / alighting entrance side of the passenger conveyor and an intermediate section sandwiched between the boarding / alighting sections; A passenger conveyor display device comprising: (Appendix 12) a fifth projection means for projecting an image onto the moving path in the intermediate portion; a projection area of ​​the fifth projection means including a surface of the step located in the intermediate portion and a surface of a portion of a skirt guard provided on both sides of the plurality of steps in the width direction, the surface being located in the intermediate portion; 12. A passenger conveyor display device according to claim 11.

[0069] In the above embodiments, when the number, quantity, amount, range, etc. of each element is mentioned, the passenger conveyor display device of this disclosure is not limited to the mentioned number unless it is particularly specified or clearly specified in principle. Furthermore, the structure described in this embodiment is not necessarily essential unless it is particularly specified or clearly specified in principle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100, 200, 300, 400 passenger conveyor, 101 boarding / alighting section, 102 inclined section, 1 sensor, 2 camera, 3 inclined section projector, 3A, 3B, 3C image, 4 control device, 7 landing projector, 7A projection area, 8 inclined section sensor, 9 speaker, 10 step, 11 footboard, 11A demarcation line, 12 riser, 13 handrail, 14 skirt guard, 14A skirt guard panel, 14B smoked glass, 14C inlet guard, 15 motor, 16 skirt guard brush, 17 landing projector, 17A demarcation line, 20 landing floor, A passenger

Claims

1. a first projection means for projecting an image that reduces the visibility of a demarcation line provided on an outer periphery of each of a plurality of steps arranged in a passageway of the passenger conveyor; When the passenger conveyor is divided along the moving direction into a boarding / alighting section including one or more steps on the boarding / alighting door side of the passenger conveyor and an intermediate section sandwiched between the boarding / alighting sections, the projection area of ​​the image that reduces visibility by the first projection means is as follows: a surface of the step located in the intermediate portion; and a surface of a portion of a skirt guard provided on both sides of the plurality of steps in the width direction, the portion being located in the intermediate portion. Passenger conveyor display device.

2. The image that reduces visibility is an image of a color similar to the color of the demarcation line. The display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1.

3. a detection means for detecting the number of passengers using the passenger conveyor and the boarding positions of the passengers on the moving path; the first projection means projects an image that reduces the visibility when at least one of the number of passengers on the left side and the number of passengers on the right side of a center line along the movement direction of the passageway is less than a first reference value; The display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1.

4. a detection means for detecting the number of passengers using the passenger conveyor and the boarding positions of the passengers on the moving path; a second projection means for projecting a guidance image that guides the movement of passengers getting on the passenger conveyor, using the boarding and disembarking area as a projection area; Equipped with The second projection means When the number of passengers is less than a second reference value and the difference between the number of passengers on the left side and the number of passengers on the right side of the center line along the moving direction of the passageway is greater than a third reference value, projecting the guidance image for guiding passengers to the side with fewer passengers. The display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1.

5. The guidance image is an image showing a flow line toward the side with fewer passengers, or an image that acts as a barrier to entry toward the side with more passengers. The display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 4.

6. the detection means includes a reflective sensor installed on each of both ends of the intermediate portion in the width direction of the passageway, the detection means detects whether the passenger is on the left or right side of the passageway based on the output of the reflective sensor. The display device for a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. a speed detection means for detecting a moving speed of a passenger when boarding the passenger conveyor; a third projection means for projecting an attention drawing image in synchronization with the movement of the passenger to draw attention to the passenger when the moving speed of the passenger is faster than a reference speed; The display device for a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

8. a warning means for issuing a warning when the moving speed detected by the speed detection means is faster than the reference speed; The display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 7 .

9. A skirt guard brush arranged so as to hide the demarcation line on the skirt guard side of the tread when viewed from above along the surface of the skirt guard; a warning means for issuing a warning to a passenger when the passenger comes into contact with the skirt guard brush; The display device for a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

10. the first projection means projects the image that reduces the visibility in synchronization with the moving speed of the steps of the passenger conveyor; The display device for a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. a fourth projection means for projecting a demarcation line onto the surface of a tread of the step located in the boarding / alighting section, when the passenger conveyor having a plurality of steps arranged in a moving passageway is divided along the moving direction into a boarding / alighting section including one or more steps on the boarding / alighting entrance side of the passenger conveyor and an intermediate section sandwiched between the boarding / alighting sections; A passenger conveyor display device comprising:

12. a fifth projection means for projecting an image onto the moving path in the intermediate portion; a projection area of ​​the fifth projection means including a surface of the step located in the intermediate portion and a surface of a portion of a skirt guard provided on both sides of the plurality of steps in the width direction, the surface being located in the intermediate portion; The display device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 11.

Images