Facility system, facility control device, facility control method, and facility control program

Abstract

To provide a facility system, a facility control device, a facility control method, and facility control program that a specific user becomes easier to get on a car while suppressing the decrease in utilization efficiency of general users of an elevator.SOLUTION: In a facility system 1, a movable body 4 occupies a space in a car 16 leaving a space where other users 3 can get on when the movable body gets on the car 16 alone. A facility control device 24 comprises an acquisition part 26 and a command part 29. The acquisition part 26 acquires operation information including a position of the car 16 responding to priority calls when the priority call of the specific user is registered. The command part 29 outputs a riding command to ride the movable body 4 in the car 16 on other floors of a departure floor before the car 16 arrives on the departure floor where the specific user rides based on the operation information. The command part 29 reserves the output of an alighting command to get off the movable body 4 from the car 16 until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an equipment system, an equipment control device, an equipment control method, and an equipment control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator system. In this system, a sensor is installed to detect whether or not a specific user, such as a wheelchair user, is present at the landing. When a priority call is registered to allow the specific user to use the car on a priority basis, if the sensor detects the specific user at the landing of the departure floor, the elevator control device will implement priority operation to give priority to the specific user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-51853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the system of Patent Document 1, when priority operation is implemented, call registrations from the current floor of the car to the departure floor of a specific user are invalidated, which may reduce the efficiency of elevator use by general users.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to solving such problems. The present disclosure provides an elevator system, an elevator control device, an elevator control method, and an elevator control program that make it easier for specific users to board the elevator car while minimizing the decline in elevator usage efficiency for general users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The facility system according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in elevator use is registered, operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call; one or more moving bodies that occupy the space inside the car when riding alone in the car, leaving at least space for other users to ride; and a command unit that, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, outputs a boarding command to cause at least one of the one or more moving bodies to board the car as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user will board, and withholds output of a disembarking command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor.

[0007] The equipment control device according to the present disclosure comprises an acquisition unit that acquires, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in elevator use is registered, operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call; and a command unit that, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, outputs a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that would occupy the space in the car if the specific user were to board alone, leaving space for at least other users to board, to board the car at another floor of the departure floor, and withholds output of a disembarkation command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor.

[0008] The equipment control method according to the present disclosure is a method in which, when a priority call for a specific user who is given priority in elevator use is registered, a computer acquires operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call; based on the acquired operation information, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user is to board, outputs a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that would occupy the space in the car if the specific user were to board alone to board the car at a floor other than the departure floor as a reserved moving body; and withholds output of a disembarkation command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor.

[0009] The equipment control program of the present disclosure causes a computer to, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in elevator use is registered, acquire operating information including the position of the car that will respond to the priority call; and, based on the acquired operating information, output a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that would occupy the space in the car if the specific user were to board alone, leaving at least space for other users to board, to board the car at a floor other than the departure floor as a reserved moving body, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user will board; and withhold output of a disembarkation command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the facility system, facility control device, facility control method, or facility control program disclosed herein, it becomes easier for specific users to board the elevator car while minimizing a decrease in the efficiency of elevator use by general users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a facility system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of a landing at an intermediate floor where a secured moving body boards in the facility system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an external view of a landing at an intermediate floor where a secured moving body boards in the facility system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an elevator car according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is an external view of a boarding area at a departure floor where specific users board in the facility system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an external view of a boarding area at a departure floor where specific users board in the facility system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a plan view of an elevator car according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the facility system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a facility system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the facility system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an external view of a landing at an intermediate floor where a secured moving body boards in the facility system according to embodiment 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an external view of a landing at an intermediate floor where a secured moving body boards in the facility system according to embodiment 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a facility system according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a facility system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The facility system 1 is a system that provides services to users 3 of the facility 2 using facilities operating in the facility 2. The facility 2 includes, for example, one or more buildings. The facility 2 may be part or all of a building. The facility 2 may include one or both of the outdoor and indoor portions of a building. The facility 2 may be, for example, a commercial facility, an office building, an accommodation facility, a residential facility, a public facility, or other facility, or a complex of these. The facility system 1 includes, for example, one or more mobile objects 4 and an elevator 5 as facilities operating in the facility 2. In this example, the facility system 1 includes multiple mobile objects 4. Note that the facility system 1 may also include a single mobile object 4.

[0015] Each mobile object 4 is a device capable of moving within the facility 2. The mobile object 4 may be, for example, an autonomous mobile object that moves autonomously within the facility 2. The mobile object 4 may be, for example, a robot, a self-driving vehicle, or other mobile device. Each mobile object 4 is equipped with wireless communication capabilities so that it can communicate information with external devices. Each mobile object 4 communicates with external devices directly or indirectly via a communication network 6. The communication network 6 may include, for example, the Internet, a telephone network, or an optical communication network. The communication network 6 may include a local network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) within the facility 2, or may include industrial communication such as short-range wireless communication. The communication network 6 may include a wired or wireless intranet. Some or all of the mobile objects 4 operating in the facility 2 may be devices within the facility system 1, or may be devices outside the system that cooperate with the facility system 1. Some or all of the mobile objects 4 operating in the facility 2 may be controlled by a device external to the mobile objects 4, such as a mobile object control device. The mobile object control device is, for example, one or more server devices.

[0016] The elevator 5 is a device that transports users 3 who use the elevator 5 between multiple floors. A hoistway 7 for the elevator 5 is provided in the facility 2. The hoistway 7 is a long space extending vertically across multiple floors. A landing 8 for the elevator 5 is provided on each floor of the facility 2. The landing 8 is a location that leads to the hoistway 7. Each landing 8 is provided with a landing door 9, a landing operating panel 10, a landing camera 11, and a landing speaker 12. The landing door 9 is a door that separates the landing 8 from the hoistway 7. The landing operating panel 10 is a device that accepts operations to register calls for the elevator 5 at the landing 8. The landing camera 11 is a device that takes images of the landing 8. The landing speaker 12 is a device that notifies information to users 3 of the elevator 5 at the landing 8 by voice. The landing speaker 12 is an example of an alarm device.

[0017] The elevator 5 includes one or more units 13. In this example, the elevator 5 includes multiple units 13. However, the elevator 5 may also include a single unit 13. Each unit 13 includes a hoisting machine 14, a main rope 15, a car 16, a counterweight 17, and a control panel 18. The hoisting machine 14 includes a motor that generates drive torque and a sheave that rotates by the drive torque generated by the motor. The hoisting machine 14 is disposed, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 7. The main rope 15 is wound around the sheave of the hoisting machine 14. The main rope 15 supports the load of the car 16 on one side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 14. The main rope 15 supports the load of the counterweight 17 on the other side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 14. When the sheave of the hoisting machine 14 rotates, the main rope 15 moves so that one side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 14 is wound up. The car 16 and counterweight 17 are disposed in the hoistway 7. The car 16 and counterweight 17 travel in opposite directions in the vertical direction when the main rope 15 is moved by the hoisting machine 14. The car 16 transports passengers 3 riding in the car 16 between multiple floors by traveling up and down the hoistway 7. The car 16 is equipped with a car door 19, a car camera 20, and a car speaker 21. The car door 19 is a door that separates the interior and exterior of the car 16. When the car 16 arrives at a floor, the car door 19 opens and closes in conjunction with a landing door 9 provided at the landing 8 of that floor so that passengers 3 can board and disembark. The car camera 20 is a device that captures images inside the car 16. The car speaker 21 is a device that notifies information by voice to passengers 3 of the elevator 5 inside the car 16. The car speaker 21 is an example of an alarm device. The control panel 18 is a device that controls the running of the car 16 through control of the hoisting machine 14, etc. The control panel 18 is connected to the hoisting machine 14, the car 16, etc. so as to be able to obtain operating information including the position of the car 16, etc. The control panel 18 is disposed, for example, above or below the hoistway 7. If a machine room for the elevator 5 is provided above the hoistway 7, the hoisting machine 14 and the control panel 18 may be disposed in the machine room.

[0018] The elevator 5 is equipped with a group control device 22. The group control device 22 is a device that controls the operation of each unit 13 of the elevator 5. The group control device 22 is connected to the control panel 18 of each unit 13 so as to collect information such as the position of the car 16. The group control device 22 is connected to each device, such as the hall operating panel 10, hall camera 11, and hall speaker 12, provided at the hall 8 so as to communicate information used to control the operation of the elevator 5. The group control device 22 receives call registrations from, for example, the hall operating panel 10. The group control device 22 assigns the call to one of the units 13. The group control device 22 notifies the control panel 18 of the assigned unit 13 of the call information. The control panel 18 controls the running of the car 16 to respond to the call. Note that the elevator 5 does not need to be equipped with the group control device 22 if, for example, the elevator 5 includes a single unit 13.

[0019] A remote monitoring device 23 is applied to the elevator 5. The remote monitoring device 23 is a device that collects information about the elevator 5 so that the status of the elevator 5 can be monitored from a remote location. The remote monitoring device 23 is directly or indirectly connected to the group management device 22 and the control panel 18 of each unit 13 so as to be able to collect operation information and the like. The remote monitoring device 23 is connected to the communication network 6 so as to be able to communicate the collected information. The remote monitoring device 23 transmits the collected information to, for example, an information center that manages information about the elevator 5.

[0020] Some of the users 3 of the elevator 5 are designated users. A designated user is, for example, a user 3 who is unable or has difficulty moving between floors from the departure floor to the destination floor without using the elevator 5. A designated user is, for example, a user 3 who uses a mobility aid or transportation aid and therefore needs to use the elevator 5 to move between floors. A mobility aid is a device that assists the mobility of a designated user. Examples of mobility aids include devices with wheels, such as a wheelchair or a stroller. A transportation aid is a device that assists a designated user in carrying luggage, etc. A transportation aid includes devices with wheels, such as a shopping cart, a luggage cart, or other handcart. A designated user may also include a caregiver who moves a wheelchair, stroller, etc. A designated user rides in the car 16 with the mobility aid or transportation aid they use, and requires more space within the car 16 because they are less maneuverable than other general users 3. For this reason, even when the car 16 arrives at the departure floor of a specific user, there may not be enough space inside the car 16, and the specific user may decide not to board the car 16. To cope with such a situation, the elevator 5 is equipped with a priority call function so that the specific user can use the elevator 5 on a priority basis.

[0021] A priority call is registered, for example, by operating a dedicated priority call button provided on the hall operating panel 10 at the departure floor of a specific user. When the group control device 22 accepts the registration of a priority call, it assigns the call to one of the units 13. The group control device 22 notifies the control panel 18 of the assigned unit 13 of the call information. The control panel 18 controls the running of the car 16 to respond to the call. Here, one of the moving bodies 4 operates to board the car 16 so that space can be secured inside the car 16 until the car 16 responding to the priority call arrives at the departure floor of the specific user. Here, the moving body 4 that boards the car 16 to secure space inside the car 16 in response to the priority call of a specific user may be referred to as a "secured moving body." In the facility system 1, a facility control device 24 is provided to realize such coordination between the elevators 5 and the moving bodies 4.

[0022] The equipment control device 24 is equipped with a function for linking the mobile objects 4 and elevators 5 operating as equipment in the facility 2. The equipment control device 24 communicates with external devices via a communication network 6 or the like. Some or all of the equipment control device 24 may be devices within the equipment system 1 or devices outside the system that link with the equipment system 1. The equipment control device 24 may be, for example, a computer system including one or more server devices, or a device including such a system. Here, a computer system including one or more devices may simply be referred to as a computer. The multiple server devices constituting the equipment control device 24 may be located in different locations. In this case, the multiple server devices communicate information with each other, for example, via a communication network 6. Some or all of the equipment control device 24 may be located within the facility 2 or outside the facility 2. Some or all of the functions of the equipment control device 24 may be implemented, for example, on a virtual machine on a cloud service or by processing or storage resources on the cloud service. Some or all of the functions of the equipment control device 24 may be installed in the elevator 5, for example, in the group management device 22 or the control panel 18. The equipment control device 24 may include, for example, devices of the elevator 5, such as the group control device 22 or the control panel 18. The equipment control device 24 includes a memory unit 25, an acquisition unit 26, a calculation unit 27, a selection unit 28, a command unit 29, a notification unit 30, and a determination unit 31.

[0023] The memory unit 25 is a component equipped with a function for storing information. The memory unit 25 stores, for example, a database (DB) or the like, thereby storing information used for linking the elevator 5 and the moving objects 4. A moving object DB 32 is stored in the memory unit 25. The moving object DB 32 is a DB that stores information about the moving objects 4 operating in the facility 2. The moving object DB 32 stores, for example, for each moving object 4, an identifier, a current floor, a current position on that floor, a moving speed, a size, a weight, and other information. Here, the weight of each moving object 4 is a weight that can be loaded into the car 16. Furthermore, when each moving object 4 is loaded alone in the car 16, it occupies a space within the car 16 corresponding to the size of the moving object 4. The space occupied by each moving object 4 may be, for example, a range including the moving object 4 that is preset according to the moving function, such as the turning radius of the moving object 4. Each moving object 4 does not occupy the entire space within the car 16. Each moving body 4 can ride with other users 3 in the car 16. In other words, when each moving body 4 rides alone in the car 16, it occupies a space in the car, leaving at least enough space for other users 3 to ride.

[0024] The acquisition unit 26 is a part equipped with a function for acquiring operation information of the elevator 5. For example, the acquisition unit 26 acquires operation information from the group management device 22, the control panel 18, etc., when a priority call for a specific user is registered. The operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26 includes information identifying the car 16 that will respond to the priority call and information on the location of the car 16, such as the floor of the car 16. When a priority call is registered, the acquisition unit 26 may receive a notification from, for example, the remote monitoring device 23. At this time, the acquisition unit 26 may acquire the operation information via, for example, the remote monitoring device 23.

[0025] The calculation unit 27 is a part equipped with a function for calculating the required size, which is the size of the space inside the car 16 that a specific user needs when boarding the car 16. The required size of a specific user includes information such as the area, shape, or length of the space required by the specific user. The calculation unit 27 calculates the required size of the specific user, for example, based on an image of the specific user at the hall 8 on the departure floor captured by the hall camera 11. The calculation unit 27 may receive a notification from, for example, the remote monitoring device 23 when a priority call is registered. At this time, the acquisition unit 26 may acquire, for example, via the remote monitoring device 23, an image of the hall 8 on the departure floor of the specific user who registered the priority call.

[0026] The selection unit 28 is a component equipped with a function for selecting a reserved moving body. For example, when the calculation unit 27 calculates the required size of a specific user, the selection unit 28 receives an output of the required size from the calculation unit 27. At this time, the selection unit 28 selects a reserved moving body to ride in the car 16 so as to reserve space in the car 16 based on the required size of the specific user calculated by the calculation unit 27. At this time, the selection unit 28 selects a reserved moving body from among the moving bodies 4 operating in the facility 2, for example, by referring to the moving body DB 32. For example, the selection unit 28 selects a moving body 4 that occupies a space of approximately the same size or larger than the required size as the reserved moving body. The selection unit 28 may select a reserved moving body based on the floor where the moving body 4 is currently located. For example, when the departure floor where the specific user boards includes an intermediate stopping floor that will stop before the car 16 responding to the priority call of the specific user arrives, the selection unit 28 selects a reserved moving body from among the moving bodies 4 at that intermediate stopping floor. An intermediate stop floor is, for example, a departure floor or a destination floor for another user 3 at which the car 16 stops in response to a call from that user 3. When there are multiple intermediate stop floors at which the car 16 stops before arriving at the departure floor, the selection unit 28 may preferentially select a moving object 4 located at a floor farther from the departure floor. An intermediate stop floor may be a floor at the top or bottom end of the ascending or descending journey of the car 16. Here, the floors at the top and bottom ends of the ascending or descending journey may be referred to as the end floor. The end floor includes, for example, the lowest floor, the top floor, and an intermediate transfer floor of the facility 2.

[0027] The command unit 29 is a part equipped with a function to output commands to the moving body 4. The command unit 29 outputs commands to the moving body 4, for example, via the communication network 6. When the moving body 4 operates under the control of a moving body control device or the like, the command unit 29 may output commands to the moving body 4 through the moving body control device. The command unit 29 outputs a boarding command to have the moving body 4 board the car 16 and a disembarking command to have the moving body 4 disembark from the car 16. For example, when the selection unit 28 selects a reserved moving body, the command unit 29 receives information on the selection result from the selection unit 28. The command unit 29 also refers to the operation information of the elevator 5 acquired by the acquisition unit 26. For example, the command unit 29 outputs a boarding command to have the selected reserved moving body board the car 16 at an intermediate floor before the car 16 responding to the priority call of a specific user arrives at the departure floor where the specific user is to board. Thereafter, the command unit 29 reserves the right to not output a disembarkation command to the secured mobile body riding in the car 16 until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user. As a result, the command unit 29 keeps the secured mobile body riding in the car 16 riding without disembarking until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user. In this example, when the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user, the command unit 29 outputs a disembarkation command to the secured mobile body to disembark from the car 16.

[0028] The notification unit 30 is a part equipped with a function of causing notification devices such as the hall speaker 12 and the car speaker 21 to notify information. The notification unit 30 causes the notification device to notify information by outputting the information to be notified. In this example, the notification unit 30 causes the notification device to notify information that the reserved mobile body has reserved space in the car 16 so that a specific user can board. The notification unit 30 causes the notification device to notify the information at least at any timing between when the reserved mobile body boards the car 16 and when the car 16 arrives at the departure floor of the specific user. For example, when the reserved mobile body boards the car 16 from an intermediate stopping floor, i.e., when the car 16 arrives at the intermediate stopping floor, the notification unit 30 causes the hall speaker 12 at the intermediate stopping floor and the car speaker 21 of the car 16 to notify the information. For example, when a secured mobile body disembarks from a car 16 at a departure floor for a specific user, i.e., when the car 16 arrives at the departure floor, the notification unit 30 notifies information to the landing speaker 12 at the departure floor and the car speaker 21 of the car 16.

[0029] The determination unit 31 is a part equipped with a function for determining the range in which a specific user is located. The determination unit 31 determines, for example, whether the specific user is within a boarding range. The boarding range is, for example, a range in which a specific user can board a car 16 from a departure floor when the car 16 responding to a priority call from the specific user arrives at the specific user's departure floor. When the specific user operates the hall operating panel 10 at the departure floor to register a priority call, the boarding range is, for example, hall 8 at the departure floor. The determination unit 31 determines, for example, whether the specific user is within the boarding range, i.e., hall 8 at the departure floor, based on, for example, an image of hall 8 at the departure floor captured by hall camera 11. When a priority call is registered, the determination unit 31 may receive a notification from, for example, the remote monitoring device 23. At this time, the determination unit 31 may acquire an image of hall 8 at the departure floor via, for example, the remote monitoring device 23. The determination unit 31 may also refer to operation information of the elevator 5 acquired by the acquisition unit 26. The determination unit 31 may continue to determine whether or not the specific user is within the boarding range until the car 16 responding to the priority call of the specific user arrives at the departure floor of the specific user. When the determination unit 31 determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range, it outputs the determination result to, for example, the command unit 29.

[0030] The command unit 29 may cancel the output of a boarding command to the secured mobile body when the determination unit 31 determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range before the selected secured mobile body boards the car 16. At this time, the command unit 29 may cancel the output by not outputting the boarding command at all, or may cancel the output by outputting a cancellation command when the boarding command has already been output. Furthermore, the command unit 29 may output a disembarkation command to cause the secured mobile body to disembark at an intermediate stopping floor before arriving at the departure floor when the determination unit 31 determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range after the selected secured mobile body boards the car 16 but before the car 16 arrives at the departure floor of the specific user.

[0031] Next, an example of cooperation between the elevator 5 and the moving object 4 in the facility system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are external views of the hall 8 at an intermediate floor where the secured moving body boards in the facility system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the car 16 of the elevator 5 according to the first embodiment. 5 and 6 are external views of the platform 8 on the departure floor where a specific user boards in the facility system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the car 16 of the elevator 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0032] In this example, a specific user uses elevator 5 to travel to a destination floor, starting from a floor other than the final floor. In this example, the specific user travels to a destination floor above the departure floor. In this case, the departure floor is a floor above the lowest floor in the elevator 5's ascent / descent path. Note that even when the specific user travels to a destination floor below the departure floor, the elevator 5 and the moving object 4 are coordinated in the same way. The specific user operates hall operating panel 10 at the hall 8 of the departure floor to register a priority call. At this time, group control device 22 assigns the priority call to one of units 13. The control panel 18 of the unit 13 to which the priority call is assigned causes car 16 to travel upward from below the departure floor of the specific user so that the car 16 responds to the priority call. The control panel 18 may stop car 16 at floors along the way from the lowest floor to the departure floor, depending on other calls already registered and other calls to be newly registered. Note that the floors along the way may include the lowest floor. Even after the moving body 4 has boarded the car 16 at an intermediate floor, the control panel 18 may stop the car 16 at another intermediate floor in response to another call.

[0033] The acquisition unit 26 acquires operation information of the elevator 5, for example, via the remote monitoring device 23. The calculation unit 27 calculates the required size of the specific user based on images from the hall camera 11 at the departure floor, etc. The selection unit 28 selects a reserved moving body that reserves space so that the specific user can board the car 16, based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit 27 and information from the moving body DB 32, etc. The selection unit 28 may, for example, refer to the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26 and use information on intermediate stopping floors of the car 16 of the unit 13 to which the priority call is assigned, to select the reserved moving body. The selection unit 28 outputs information such as the identifier of the selected reserved moving body and the intermediate stopping floor to board to the command unit 29. The selection unit 28 may also output information such as the intermediate stopping floor to the notification unit 30.

[0034] 2, the mobile object 4 selected as the reserved mobile object moves to the hall 8 and waits. In this example, the intermediate floor where the mobile object 4 boards is a floor where the mobile object 4 stops in response to a normal call registered by another user 3 via the hall operating panel 10 or the like. The other user 3 waits at the hall 8 for the car 16 to arrive.

[0035] When the car 16 stops at an intermediate floor, the notification unit 30 causes notification devices such as the hall speaker 12 at the hall 8 at the intermediate floor and the car speaker 21 to notify that the moving body 4 is reserving space in the car 16 so that a specific user can board. The notification unit 30 causes the notification device to issue a message such as, for example, "A dedicated boarding space will be reserved. Please be careful as a robot will be boarding." The notification unit 30 may also cause the notification device to issue a message before the hall door 9 opens.

[0036] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3 , the car 16 arrives at an intermediate floor, and the landing door 9 opens in conjunction with the car door 19. At this time, the notification unit 30 causes notification devices such as the landing speaker 12 at the landing 8 of the intermediate floor and the car speaker 21 to notify the user that the moving object 4 has secured space in the car 16 so that the specific user can board, just as before the landing door 9 opened. The command unit 29 detects the arrival of the car 16 based on, for example, operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. When the car 16 arrives at the intermediate floor, the command unit 29 outputs a boarding command to the moving object 4. The moving object 4 that has received the boarding command boards the arriving car 16. The user 3 who has been waiting for the arrival of the car 16 may board the arriving car 16 together with the moving object 4. The car 16 then travels upward toward the departure floor for the specific user.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows the situation inside the car 16 when a moving body 4 is on board. The command unit 29 reserves the output of a disembarking command to the moving body 4 on board the car 16 until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user. As a result, the moving body 4 remains on board without disembarking until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user. During this time, other users 3 may board or disembark the car 16 in which the moving body 4 is riding. Because the moving body 4 is riding inside the car 16, the required size required for the specific user to board is secured inside the car 16. Furthermore, because the moving body 4 does not occupy more space than necessary, other users 3 can also board the car 16.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, a specific user 3a who has registered a priority call is waiting for the arrival of a car 16 at a boarding area 8 on the departure floor.

[0039] When the car 16 stops at the departure floor for the specific user, the notification unit 30 causes notification devices such as the hall speaker 12 at the hall 8 at the departure floor and the car speaker 21 to notify that the moving body 4 has reserved space in the car 16 so that the specific user 3a can board. The notification unit 30 causes the notification device to issue a message such as, for example, "A dedicated boarding space has been reserved. Please be careful as a robot will disembark." The notification unit 30 may also cause the notification device to issue a message before the hall door 9 opens.

[0040] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6 , the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user 3a, and the landing door 9 opens in conjunction with the car door 19. At this time, the notification unit 30 causes notification devices such as the landing speaker 12 at the landing 8 at the departure floor and the car speaker 21 to notify the user that the moving object 4 has secured space in the car 16 so that the specific user can board, just as before the landing door 9 opened. The command unit 29 detects the arrival of the car 16 based on, for example, the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. When the car 16 arrives at the departure floor, the command unit 29 outputs a disembarkation command to the moving object 4. The moving object 4 that has received the disembarkation command disembarks from the arriving car 16.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows the situation inside the car 16 after the moving object 4 has disembarked. When the moving object 4 disembarks, the required size of space inside the car 16 that was reserved by the moving object 4 becomes available. This allows the specific user 3a to board the arriving car 16 without having to see it off. After the specific user 3a boards, the car 16 travels upward to the destination floor of the specific user 3a. Even after the specific user 3a boards the car 16 at the departure floor, the control panel 18 may stop the car 16 at another floor up to the destination floor in response to other calls that have already been registered and other calls that will be newly registered.

[0042] Next, an example of the operation of the equipment system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the facility system 1 according to the first embodiment. 8 shows an example of the operation of one moving body 4. When referring to the one moving body 4 in particular and distinguishing it from other moving bodies 4, the one moving body 4 may be referred to as moving body 4a. When the equipment system 1 includes multiple moving bodies 4, for example, the operation shown in FIG. 8 may be executed in parallel for each moving body 4.

[0043] In step S101, the equipment control device 24 determines whether a priority call for a specific user has been registered, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. If a priority call has been registered, the equipment control device 24 selects a reserved mobile body to be placed on the car 16 that responds to the priority call, using the calculation unit 27 and the selection unit 28, etc. If the mobile body 4a is selected as the reserved mobile body for the priority call, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if a priority call has not been registered or the mobile body 4a has not been selected as the reserved mobile body for the priority call, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds again to step S101.

[0044] In step S102, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 outputs a boarding command to cause the moving body 4a to board the car 16 at an intermediate floor. After that, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S103.

[0045] In step S103, when the car 16 arrives at the intermediate floor where the moving object 4a is waiting, the moving object 4a gets on the arriving car 16. Thereafter, the processing of the facility system 1 proceeds to step S104. Here, after the moving object 4a gets on the car 16, the command unit 29 of the facility control device 24 withholds output of a disembarkation command until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor of the specific user.

[0046] In step S104, the determination unit 31 of the equipment control device 24 determines whether the car 16 is about to arrive at the departure floor of a specific user, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. The determination unit 31 determines that the car 16 is about to arrive when the control panel 18 makes a decision to stop at the departure floor. The timing when the control panel 18 makes the decision to stop at the departure floor is, for example, the timing when the car 16 starts decelerating so that it can be stopped at the departure floor. When the car 16 is about to arrive at the departure floor, the determination unit 31 determines whether the specific user is at the boarding hall 8 of the departure floor, which is within the boarding range. When the car 16 is about to arrive at the departure floor and the specific user is not within the boarding range, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when the car 16 is not about to arrive at the departure floor or the specific user is within the boarding range, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S106.

[0047] In step S105, the moving body 4a riding in the car 16 finishes the operation of reserving space for the specific user and transitions to a standby operation. The standby operation performed by the moving body 4a is set in advance by, for example, an administrator of the facility 2. The setting information is stored in advance in, for example, the memory unit 25. The standby operation performed by the moving body 4a is, for example, an operation of getting off at the floor where the car 16 stopped and then waiting there. Alternatively, the standby operation performed by the moving body 4a is, for example, an operation of continuing to ride until the car 16 arrives at the last floor, getting off at the last floor and then waiting there. Here, the last floor where the moving body 4a alights may be, for example, a preset floor from either the top floor or the bottom floor, or may be the floor from either the top floor or the bottom floor that is closer to the car 16 at the time the standby operation is initiated, or may be the floor from either the top floor or the bottom floor that is further ahead in the running direction of the car 16 at the time the standby operation is initiated. For example, after disembarking from the car 16, the moving body 4a waits for the next boarding command at the floor where the moving body disembarked. Then, the processing of the facility system 1 ends. Note that when a new priority call is registered, the selection unit 28 may select the moving body 4a already in the car 16 as the reserved moving body in order to move to the last floor in the waiting operation. At this time, the moving body 4a rides in the car 16 to the departure floor of the specific user who made the new priority call, and reserves space in the car 16 so that the specific user can board. In this case, the processing of the facility system 1 may proceed to, for example, step S104.

[0048] In step S106, the equipment control device 24 determines whether the car 16 has arrived at the departure floor of the specific user, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. If the car 16 has not arrived at the departure floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the car 16 has arrived at the departure floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S107.

[0049] In step S107, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 determines whether there is sufficient space in the car 16 in which the moving object 4a is riding, for example, based on an image captured by the car camera 20 of the car 16. The command unit 29 determines that there is sufficient space in the car 16, for example, when there is space in the car 16 equivalent to the required size of a specific user even if the moving object 4a does not disembark. When there is sufficient space in the car 16, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when there is not enough space in the car 16, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S108.

[0050] In step S108, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 outputs a disembarking command to cause the moving object 4a riding in the car 16 to disembark from the car 16. Based on the disembarking command, the moving object 4 disembarks from the car 16 to the hall 8. Thereafter, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S109.

[0051] In step S109, the moving object 4a finishes the operation of reserving space for the specific user and transitions to standby operation. The command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 determines whether to move the moving object 4a to the end floor and standby, based on, for example, setting information set by the administrator of the facility 2 pre-stored in the memory unit 25. If the setting is to have the moving object 4a standby without moving to the end floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the setting is to have the moving object 4a standby on the end floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S111.

[0052] In step S110, the moving object 4a waits for the next boarding command at the floor where the moving object 4a disembarked from the car 16. Thereafter, the processing of the facility system 1 ends.

[0053] In step S111, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 outputs a boarding command to the floor at which the moving object 4a disembarked from the car 16, to have the moving object 4a board the car 16 that will arrive at the floor after the moving object 4a disembarked from the car 16. The car 16 that arrives at the floor later may be the car 16 of the same unit 13 as the car 16 that arrived at the floor earlier and from which the moving object 4a disembarked, or it may be the car 16 of a different unit 13. Then, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S112.

[0054] In step S112, when a car 16 that the moving body 4a can board arrives at the floor where the moving body 4a got off, the moving body 4a gets on the arriving car 16. Thereafter, the processing of the facility system 1 proceeds to step S113.

[0055] In step S113, the equipment control device 24 determines whether a new priority call has been registered, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. If a priority call has been registered, the equipment control device 24 selects a reserved mobile object using the calculation unit 27, the selection unit 28, etc. If the mobile object 4a is selected as the reserved mobile object for the new priority call, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if a new priority call has not been registered or the mobile object 4a has not been selected as the reserved mobile object for the priority call, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S114.

[0056] In step S114, the equipment control device 24 determines whether the car 16 has arrived at the end floor, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. If the car 16 has not arrived at the end floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if the car 16 has arrived at the end floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S115.

[0057] In step S115, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 outputs a disembarking command to cause the moving object 4a riding in the car 16 to disembark from the car 16. Based on the disembarking command, the moving object 4 disembarks from the car 16 to the hall 8. The moving object 4a waits for the next boarding command at the floor where it disembarked from the car 16. Thereafter, the processing of the equipment system 1 ends.

[0058] As described above, the facility system 1 according to the first embodiment includes one or more moving bodies 4 and a facility control device 24. When each moving body 4 rides alone in the car 16 of the elevator 5, it occupies space within the car 16, leaving at least enough space for other users 3 to board. The facility control device 24 includes an acquisition unit 26 and a command unit 29. When a priority call for a specific user is registered, the acquisition unit 26 acquires operation information including the location of the car 16 that will respond to the priority call. Based on the operation information, the command unit 29 outputs a boarding command to cause any moving body 4 to board the car 16 at a floor other than the departure floor as a reserved moving body before the car 16 arrives at the departure floor where the specific user will board. The command unit 29 withholds output of a disembarkation command to cause the moving body 4 to disembark from the car 16 until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor.

[0059] With this configuration, the moving body 4 reserves space inside the car 16 before the specific user boards. This makes it easier for the specific user to board the car 16 without having to see the car 16 off when it arrives at the departure floor. Furthermore, because the moving body 4 does not occupy more space than necessary, other users 3 can board the car 16 and use the elevator 5 while the moving body 4 is reserving space inside the car 16. This prevents a decrease in the efficiency of use of the elevator 5 by general users 3.

[0060] Furthermore, when the car 16 arrives at the departure floor, the command unit 29 outputs a disembarkation command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark at the departure floor. When the moving body 4 disembarks at the departure floor of the specific user, space in the car 16 that was reserved by the moving body 4 becomes available. This makes it easier for the specific user to board the car 16. Note that if there is sufficient space in the car 16, the command unit 29 may allow the moving body 4 to continue boarding the car 16 without outputting a disembarkation command. This eliminates the need for time for the moving body 4 to disembark, allowing the specific user to board the car 16 more quickly. At this time, the moving body 4 may subsequently disembark at the last floor or another floor.

[0061] The equipment control device 24 also includes a calculation unit 27 and a selection unit 28. The calculation unit 27 calculates the size required for a specific user to board the car 16. The selection unit 28 selects a reserved moving body from among the moving bodies 4 operating in the facility 2 based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit 27. The command unit 29 outputs a boarding command to the reserved moving body selected by the selection unit 28 to cause the reserved moving body to board the car 16 at another floor of the departure floor. With this configuration, the required space is reserved according to the specific user, making it easier for the specific user to board the car 16. Furthermore, since the required space can be reserved by the moving body 4, a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the elevator 5 by general users 3 is further suppressed.

[0062] The equipment control device 24 also includes a notification unit 30. The notification unit 30 causes the notification device to notify that the reserved mobile body has reserved or has reserved space in the car 16 so that a specific user can board. The timing of the notification by the notification unit 30 is at least any timing between when the reserved mobile body boards the car 16 and when the reserved mobile body disembarks from the car 16. This configuration makes it easier for users 3 to be aware of boarding and disembarking the reserved mobile body into the car 16, allowing for smoother boarding and disembarking from the car 16. It also prevents other users 3 from boarding before the specific user without knowing that the space has been reserved by the reserved mobile body. This makes it easier for specific users to board the car 16.

[0063] The equipment control device 24 also includes a determination unit 31. The determination unit 31 determines whether or not a specific user is present within the boarding range from the departure floor to board the car 16 when the car 16 arrives at the departure floor. At this time, the command unit 29 may cancel the output of a boarding command to the reserved moving body when the determination unit 31 determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range before the reserved moving body boards the car 16. Furthermore, the command unit 29 may output a disembarkation command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark at another floor of the departure floor when the determination unit 31 determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range after the reserved moving body boards the car 16 but before the car 16 arrives at the departure floor. With this configuration, when a specific user does not board, the moving body 4 does not occupy more space in the car 16 than necessary, thereby further suppressing a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the elevator 5 by general users 3.

[0064] Furthermore, a specific user is, for example, a user 3 who uses a mobility aid or a transportation aid and therefore needs to use the elevator 5 to move between floors. Note that a specific user may also be a user 3 who, due to other circumstances, is unable or has difficulty moving between floors without using the elevator 5. In the facility system 1, the necessary services are provided to the necessary users 3 according to the circumstances or situation of the users 3.

[0065] Furthermore, when no priority call is registered, the command unit 29 causes some or all of the moving bodies 4 to wait at the floor at the top or bottom of the elevator car 16's ascending or descending stroke. Generally, a user 3 riding in the elevator car 16 at the end floor will disembark at the end floor. This allows the moving body 4, which is a reserved moving body, to board the elevator car 16 more reliably. This makes it easier for the specific user to board the elevator car 16, as the space required by the specific user is more reliably reserved.

[0066] The elevator 5 is not limited to the traction elevator exemplified here. The elevator 5 may be, for example, a hydraulic elevator that moves the car 16 using a hydraulic mechanism, or may be an elevator of another type. The notification device that the notification unit 30 causes to issue a notification may also be a device that notifies information using images or text information such as signage.

[0067] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the facility system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the facility system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] Some or all of the functions of the equipment system 1 may be implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100 a and at least one memory 100 b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100 a and the memory 100 b.

[0069] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the equipment system 1 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the equipment system 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b. The program may be a program package including multiple subprograms, modules, libraries, or the like. The program may also be called a program product.

[0070] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is configured by, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0071] Where the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, parallel programmed processors, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0072] Each function of the equipment system 1 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the equipment system 1 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the equipment system 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the equipment system 1 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0073] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, differences from the example disclosed in the first embodiment will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the second embodiment, any of the features of the example disclosed in the first embodiment may be adopted.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the moving object 4 is placed in the car 16 and waits for a command from the command unit 29.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the facility system 1 according to the second embodiment. 10 shows an example of the operation of one moving body 4. When referring to the one moving body 4 in particular and distinguishing it from other moving bodies 4, the one moving body 4 may be referred to as moving body 4a. When the equipment system 1 includes multiple moving bodies 4, for example, the operation shown in FIG. 10 may be executed in parallel for each moving body 4. In this example, moving body 4a is riding in a car 16.

[0076] In step S201, the equipment control device 24 determines whether a priority call for a specific user has been registered, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. If a priority call has been registered, the equipment control device 24 selects, by the calculation unit 27, the selection unit 28, etc., a reserved vehicle that reserves space for the specific user in the car 16 that responds to the priority call. For example, the selection unit 28 selects the mobile unit 4a as the reserved vehicle when the mobile unit 4a is riding in the car 16 that responds to the priority call. If a priority call has not been registered or the mobile unit 4a has not been selected as the reserved vehicle for the priority call, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the mobile unit 4a is selected as the reserved vehicle for the priority call, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S203.

[0077] In step S202, the moving object 4a continues to ride in the car 16. The command unit 29 does not output a command to the moving object 4a to get off the car 16. Thereafter, the processing of the facility system 1 proceeds to step S201.

[0078] In step S203, the determination unit 31 of the equipment control device 24 determines whether the car 16 is about to arrive at the departure floor for the specific user, based on, for example, the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. When the car 16 is about to arrive at the departure floor, the determination unit 31 determines whether the specific user is at the boarding hall 8 of the departure floor, which is within the boarding range. When the car 16 is about to arrive at the departure floor but the specific user is not within the boarding range, the moving object 4a ends the operation of reserving space for the specific user to board and transitions to standby operation. Thereafter, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, when the car 16 is not about to arrive at the departure floor or the specific user is within the boarding range, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S204. At this time, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 refrains from issuing a disembarkation command to the moving object 4a until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor for the specific user.

[0079] In step S204, the equipment control device 24 determines whether the car 16 has arrived at the departure floor of the specific user, for example, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 26. If the car 16 has not arrived at the departure floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the car 16 has arrived at the departure floor, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S205.

[0080] In step S205, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 determines whether there is sufficient space in the car 16 in which the moving object 4a is riding, for example, based on an image captured by the car camera 20 of the car 16. The command unit 29 determines that there is sufficient space in the car 16, for example, if there is space in the car 16 equivalent to the required size of a specific user even if the moving object 4a does not disembark. When there is sufficient space in the car 16, the moving object 4a ends the operation of reserving space for the specific user to board and transitions to standby operation. Thereafter, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, when there is not enough space in the car 16, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S206.

[0081] In step S206, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 outputs a disembarking command to cause the moving object 4a riding in the car 16 to disembark from the car 16. Based on the disembarking command, the moving object 4 disembarks from the car 16 to the hall 8. Thereafter, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S207.

[0082] In step S207, the command unit 29 of the equipment control device 24 outputs a boarding command to cause the moving body 4a to board a car 16 that arrives at the floor at which the moving body 4a disembarked from the car 16. The car 16 that arrives at the floor later may be a car 16 of the same unit 13 as the car 16 that arrived at the floor earlier and from which the moving body 4a disembarked, or may be a car 16 of a different unit 13. Thereafter, the processing of the equipment system 1 proceeds to step S208.

[0083] In step S208, when a car 16 that the moving body 4a can board arrives at the floor where the moving body 4a got off, the moving body 4a gets on the arriving car 16. Thereafter, the processing of the facility system 1 proceeds to step S201.

[0084] As described above, the command unit 29 of the facility system 1 according to the second embodiment causes at least some of the moving bodies 4 to wait in the car 16 when no priority call is registered. With this configuration, the moving bodies 4 wait while ensuring space in the car 16, making it easier for specific users to board the car 16. Furthermore, because the moving bodies 4 do not occupy more space than necessary, other users 3 can also board the car 16 and use the elevator 5. This prevents a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the elevator 5 by general users 3. Furthermore, because the moving bodies 4 ensure space in the car 16, if there is not enough space in the car 16, the moving bodies 4 can be made to disembark, making the space in the car 16 available. This prevents a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the elevator 5.

[0085] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, differences from the examples disclosed in the first and second embodiments will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the third embodiment, any of the features of the examples disclosed in the first and second embodiments may be adopted.

[0086] FIG. 11 is an external view of a hall 8 at an intermediate floor where the secured moving body boards in the facility system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0087] The selection unit 28 selects multiple reserved moving bodies based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit 27. For example, the selection unit 28 selects a combination of multiple moving bodies 4 such that the sum of the sizes of the spaces occupied by the individual moving bodies 4 is equal to or larger than the required size as the multiple reserved moving bodies. At this time, the command unit 29 outputs a boarding command to each of the reserved moving bodies selected by the selection unit 28 to have them board a car 16 that responds to the priority call. Thereafter, the command unit 29 reserves the disembarking command to each of the reserved moving bodies that have boarded the car 16 and does not output it until the car 16 arrives at the departure floor of the specific user. Note that the selection unit 28 may select a combination of moving bodies 4 waiting at different floors as the multiple reserved moving bodies.

[0088] With this configuration, even if a mobile unit 4 that can secure the required size alone is unavailable, the required size for a specific user can be secured by multiple secured mobile units. This allows for greater flexibility in the operation of the mobile units 4.

[0089] Embodiment 4 In the fourth embodiment, differences from the examples disclosed in the first to third embodiments will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the fourth embodiment, any of the features of the examples disclosed in the first to third embodiments may be adopted.

[0090] FIG. 12 is an external view of a hall 8 at an intermediate floor where the secured moving body boards in the facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0091] Some or all of the moving bodies 4 operating in the facility 2 have a docking mechanism. The moving body 4 having the docking mechanism includes a main body 33 and multiple cover units 34 of different sizes. In this example, the main body 33 is equipped with wireless communication functions and functions for moving the moving body 4 itself. The docking mechanism of the moving body 4 is a mechanism for detachably docking the main body 33 and the cover unit 34. The moving body 4 changes the size of the space occupied by the moving body 4 by selectively docking different-sized cover units 34 with the main body 33 using the docking mechanism. The docking mechanism is an example of a scaling mechanism that changes the size of the space occupied by the moving body 4 within the car 16. Note that the multiple cover units 34 may be shared among multiple moving bodies 4. The multiple cover units 34 are arranged, for example, on floors where the moving body 4 waits, such as the end floors.

[0092] Some or all of the moving bodies 4 operating in the facility 2 may have a scaling mechanism that is different from the docking mechanism. For example, the moving bodies 4 may have a deformation mechanism as the scaling mechanism, which changes the size of the space occupied by the moving body 4 in the car 16 using an extendable arm or other part.

[0093] When the securing mobile body has a scaling mechanism, the command unit 29 outputs a command to the securing mobile body to change the size of the space it occupies in the car 16 in accordance with the required size calculated by the calculation unit 27. This command may be output together with a command to board the car 16. A mobile body 4 having a docking mechanism as a scaling mechanism selects the cover unit 34 and docks it with the main body unit 33 in accordance with a command from the command unit 29. A mobile body 4 having a transformation mechanism as a scaling mechanism transforms an arm or other part in accordance with a command from the command unit 29. In this example, the mobile body 4 boards the car 16 in accordance with a boarding command after changing the size of the space it occupies using the scaling mechanism.

[0094] This configuration allows the size of the space occupied by the moving body 4 to be adjusted according to the required size, ensuring that the necessary amount of space is secured. This makes it easier for specific users to board the car 16, and prevents a decrease in the efficiency of use of the elevator 5 by general users 3.

[0095] Embodiment 5. In the fifth embodiment, differences from the examples disclosed in the first to fourth embodiments will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the fifth embodiment, any of the features of the examples disclosed in the first to fourth embodiments may be adopted.

[0096] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the facility system 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0097] A user DB 35 is stored in the memory unit 25 of the equipment control device 24. The user DB 35 is a DB that stores information about users 3 who use the elevator 5 in the facility 2. For each user 3, the user DB 35 stores, for example, an identifier, the floor on which the user is currently located, the current position on that floor, the size required to board the car 16 of the elevator 5, attributes, and other information.

[0098] A user 3 using the elevator 5 carries a mobile device 36. The mobile device 36 is a portable information processing device equipped with a wireless communication function. The mobile device 36 connects to the communication network 6 via wireless communication. The mobile device 36 may be a general-purpose device such as a smartphone, or a dedicated device such as a wireless tag. The mobile device 36 may be owned by the user 3, or may be loaned to the user 3 by an administrator of the facility 2 or the like. The mobile device 36 may be a device within the facility system 1, or may be a device outside the system that cooperates with the facility system 1. The mobile device 36 may be equipped with a function to acquire a current location. For example, when the user 3 is in the facility 2, the mobile device 36 may provide the facility control device 24 with information on the user 3's current floor and current location.

[0099] The user 3 may register a call via the mobile device 36. At this time, the call information is input to the group control device 22 or the like via the communication network 6 or the like. The group control device 22 assigns the call received from the mobile device 36 to one of the units 13.

[0100] In this example, the registration of a priority call is performed, for example, by operating a portable device 36 carried by a specific user. The portable device 36, for example, outputs the call information with information indicating that it is a priority call added. The portable device 36 may also add an identifier that identifies user 3, who is a specific user, to the call information. When accepting the registration of a priority call, the group control device 22 assigns the call to one of the units 13. The calculation unit 27 calculates the required size of the specific user, for example, by referencing the user DB 35 using the identifier included in the call information as a key. The selection unit 28 selects a reserved mobile object based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit 27. In this way, the required size of user 3 is calculated by referencing the preset user DB 35, so that the space in the car 16 required by user 3 is more reliably reserved.

[0101] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) an acquisition unit that acquires, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including a position of a car that responds to the priority call; one or more moving bodies that, when riding alone in the car, occupy a space in the car, leaving at least space for other users to ride; a command unit that outputs a boarding command to cause at least one of the one or more moving bodies to board the car as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user will board, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, and reserves the output of a disembarking command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; An equipment system comprising: (Appendix 2) the command unit outputs a disembarkation command to cause the secured mobile body to disembark at the departure floor when the car arrives at the departure floor. 1. The equipment system described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) a calculation unit that calculates a required size when the specific user gets on the car; a selection unit that selects the reserved moving object from the one or more moving objects based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit; Equipped with the command unit outputs a boarding command to the secured moving body selected by the selection unit to board the car at another floor of the departure floor. 1. An equipment system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) the one or more moving bodies include a plurality of moving bodies, the selection unit selects the plurality of reserved moving bodies based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit; 1. The equipment system described in Appendix 3. (Appendix 5) a calculation unit that calculates the size required when the specific user gets on the car; Equipped with At least one of the one or more moving bodies has a scaling mechanism that changes the size of the space it occupies within the car, the command unit outputs, when the securing mobile body has the scaling mechanism, a command to the securing mobile body to change the size of the space it occupies in the car in accordance with the required size calculated by the calculation unit; 1. An equipment system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Appendix 6) a notification unit that causes a notification device to notify that the reserved mobile body is reserving or has reserved space in the car so that the specific user can board at least at any timing between when the reserved mobile body gets on the car and when the reserved mobile body gets off the car; 6. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (Appendix 7) a determination unit that determines whether the specific user is within a boarding range that allows the specific user to board the car from the departure floor when the car arrives at the departure floor; Equipped with the command unit cancels output of a boarding command to the secured mobile body when the determination unit determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range before the secured mobile body boards the car; 7. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) a determination unit that determines whether the specific user is within a boarding range that allows the specific user to board the car from the departure floor when the car arrives at the departure floor; Equipped with the command unit outputs a disembarkation command to cause the secured mobile body to disembark at another floor of the departure floor when the determination unit determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range after the secured mobile body has boarded the elevator car and before the elevator car arrives at the departure floor. 7. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 9) The specific user is a user who uses a mobility aid or transportation aid and therefore needs to use an elevator to move between floors. 9. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) the command unit causes a part or all of the one or more moving bodies to wait at a floor at the upper end or lower end of the elevator car's ascending or descending stroke when the priority call is not registered; 10. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) the command unit causes a part or all of the one or more moving bodies to wait in the car when the priority call is not registered; 10. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 12) an acquisition unit that acquires, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including a position of a car that responds to the priority call; a command unit that outputs, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that would occupy the space in the car, leaving space for at least other users to board if the specific user were to board the car alone, to board the car at another floor of the departure floor, and that reserves the output of a disembarking command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; An equipment control device comprising: (Appendix 13) The computer When a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call is acquired; Based on the acquired operation information, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user boards, output a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that occupy the space inside the car when the specific user boards the car alone to board at least one of the moving bodies as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor; Withholding output of a dismount command to dismount the secured mobile body from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; A facility control method for performing the above. (Appendix 14) On the computer, When a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call is acquired; Based on the acquired operation information, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user boards, output a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that occupy the space inside the car when the specific user boards the car alone to board at least one of the moving bodies as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor; Withholding output of a dismount command to dismount the secured mobile body from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; An equipment control program that executes the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Equipment system, 2 Facility, 3 User, 4 Moving object, 5 Elevator, 6 Communication network, 7 Hoistway, 8 Landing, 9 Landing door, 10 Landing operation panel, 11 Landing camera, 12 Landing speaker, 13 Unit, 14 Hoisting machine, 15 Main rope, 16 Cage, 17 Counterweight, 18 Control panel, 19 Cage door, 20 Cage camera, 21 Cage speaker, 22 Group control device, 23 Remote monitoring device, 24 Equipment control device, 25 Memory unit, 26 Acquisition unit, 27 Calculation unit, 28 Selection unit, 29 Command unit, 30 Notification unit, 31 Determination unit, 32 Moving object DB, 33 Main body unit, 34 Cover unit, 35 User DB, 36 Mobile device, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including a position of a car that responds to the priority call; one or more moving bodies that, when riding alone in the car, occupy a space in the car, leaving at least a space for other users to ride; a command unit that outputs a boarding command to cause at least one of the one or more moving bodies to board the car as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user will board, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, and reserves the output of a disembarking command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; An equipment system comprising:

2. the command unit outputs a disembarkation command to cause the secured mobile body to disembark at the departure floor when the car arrives at the departure floor. The facility system of claim 1 .

3. a calculation unit that calculates a required size when the specific user gets on the car; a selection unit that selects the reserved moving object from the one or more moving objects based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit; Equipped with the command unit outputs a boarding command to the secured moving body selected by the selection unit to board the car at another floor of the departure floor. The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the one or more moving bodies include a plurality of moving bodies, the selection unit selects the plurality of reserved moving bodies based on the required size calculated by the calculation unit; The facility system according to claim 3 .

5. a calculation unit that calculates the size required when the specific user gets on the car; Equipped with At least one of the one or more moving bodies has a scaling mechanism that changes the size of the space it occupies in the car, the command unit outputs, when the securing mobile body has the scaling mechanism, a command to the securing mobile body to change the size of the space it occupies in the car in accordance with the required size calculated by the calculation unit; The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a notification unit that causes a notification device to notify that the reserved mobile body is reserving or has reserved space in the car so that the specific user can board at least at any timing between when the reserved mobile body gets on the car and when the reserved mobile body gets off the car; The facility system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

7. a determination unit that determines whether the specific user is within a boarding range that allows the specific user to board the car from the departure floor when the car arrives at the departure floor; Equipped with the command unit cancels output of a boarding command to the secured mobile body when the determination unit determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range before the secured mobile body boards the car; The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a determination unit that determines whether the specific user is within a boarding range that allows the specific user to board the car from the departure floor when the car arrives at the departure floor; Equipped with the command unit outputs a disembarkation command to cause the secured mobile body to disembark at another floor of the departure floor when the determination unit determines that the specific user is not within the boarding range after the secured mobile body has boarded the elevator car and before the elevator car arrives at the departure floor. The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The specific user is a user who uses a mobility aid or transportation aid and therefore needs to use an elevator to move between floors. The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the command unit causes a part or all of the one or more moving bodies to wait at a floor at an upper end or a lower end of an ascending or descending stroke of the car when the priority call is not registered; The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the command unit causes a part or all of the one or more mobile bodies to wait in the car when the priority call is not registered. The facility system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. an acquisition unit that acquires, when a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including a position of a car that responds to the priority call; a command unit that outputs, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that would occupy the space in the car when riding alone in the car, leaving at least space for other users to ride, to board the car at another floor of the departure floor, based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user will board, as a reserved moving body, and that withholds output of a disembarking command to cause the reserved moving body to disembark from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; An equipment control device comprising:

13. The computer When a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call is acquired; Based on the acquired operation information, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user boards, output a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that occupy the space inside the car when the specific user boards the car alone to board as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor, while leaving space for at least other users to board; Withholding output of a dismount command to dismount the secured mobile body from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; A facility control method for performing the above.

14. On the computer, When a priority call of a specific user who is given priority in using the elevator is registered, operation information including the position of a car that responds to the priority call is acquired; Based on the acquired operation information, before the car arrives at the departure floor where the specific user boards, output a boarding command to cause at least one of one or more moving bodies that occupy the space inside the car when the specific user boards the car alone to board as a reserved moving body at a floor other than the departure floor, while leaving space for at least other users to board; Withholding output of a dismount command to dismount the secured mobile body from the car until the car arrives at the departure floor; An equipment control program that executes the above.

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