Elevator control device and elevator control system

Abstract

To prevent submergence of a service robot when there is a possibility that a lower story of a building is submerged.SOLUTION: An elevator control device according to an embodiment is communicably connected to a moving body that moves in a building, and controls an elevator installed in the building. An elevator control device includes storage means, reception means, and command means. The storage means stores a current floor where the moving body is present and a target floor of the moving body. The receiving means receives a warning signal indicating that the building is likely to be flooded. When receiving the warning signal, the determination means determines whether or not the current floor is a target floor which may be flooded. When the determination means determines that the current floor is the target floor, the command means transmits a setting command for setting the target floor to a predetermined evacuation floor having a low possibility of flooding to the moving body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an elevator control device and an elevator control system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, it has been considered that a mobile body such as an autonomous mobile robot (hereinafter referred to as a service robot) can move (travel) within a building to provide various services such as transporting (carrying) luggage within the building or guarding the building. If the building in which the service robot moves is, for example, multi-story, the service robot can move between the multiple floors within the building by using the elevators provided in the building.

[0003] However, if heavy rain or a typhoon causes rivers around the building to overflow or drainage channels to malfunction, the lower floors of the building may be flooded. If such flooding occurs while a service robot is moving on the lower floors of the building, the service robot and its belongings may be submerged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-137650 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5787806 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an elevator control device and an elevator control system that can prevent a service robot from being submerged in water when there is a possibility that the lower floors of a building will be flooded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An elevator control device according to one embodiment is communicatively connected to a mobile object moving within a building and controls an elevator installed within the building. The elevator control device includes a storage means, a receiving means, and a command means. The storage means stores a current floor where the mobile object is located and a destination floor of the mobile object. The receiving means receives a warning signal indicating that the building may be flooded. When the determination means receives the warning signal, the determination means determines whether the current floor is a target floor that may be flooded. When the determination means determines that the current floor is the target floor, the command means transmits a setting command to the mobile object to set the destination floor to a predetermined evacuation floor that is less likely to be flooded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current floor and destination floor of the service robot and the command sent to the service robot in the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a robot management table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a linkage operation during normal operation of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the cooperative operation of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment when dealing with flooding. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an elevator control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the cooperative operation of the elevator control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator control device according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and the invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily make are naturally included in the scope of the disclosure. For clarity of explanation, the size, shape, etc. of each part may be changed from the actual embodiment and shown schematically in the drawings. Corresponding elements in multiple drawings may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0009] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. In the embodiment, it is assumed that a mobile object moves within a building to provide various services. The mobile object includes an autonomous robot (hereinafter referred to as a service robot) that provides services such as transporting (carrying) luggage within the building and guarding the building.

[0010] If the building in which the service robot moves has multiple floors, the service robot can move between the multiple floors by using an elevator installed in the building. Examples of buildings in which the service robot moves include commercial facilities, hospitals, train stations, and the like, which have multiple floors.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an elevator control system according to the first embodiment. The elevator control system comprises a monitoring center 20, an elevator control device 30, and a service robot 40.

[0012] The monitoring center 20 is a facility installed in a location different from the location where the elevator control device 30 is installed. The monitoring center 20 (more specifically, a terminal installed in the monitoring center 20) is remotely connected to multiple elevator control devices including the elevator control device 30, and transmits and receives various data.

[0013] Furthermore, the monitoring center 20 receives weather information for each region from the Japan Meteorological Agency and other sources, and predicts the occurrence of heavy rain, typhoons, and the like for each region based on the weather information. The weather information includes, for example, rainfall forecasts, rain cloud formation forecasts, and heavy rain warnings for each region. When the monitoring center 20 predicts the occurrence of heavy rain, typhoons, and the like in a certain region, it transmits a warning signal to elevator control devices installed in buildings within the region, indicating that the buildings may be flooded. For example, when heavy rain or a typhoon is predicted in the region surrounding the building 10, the monitoring center 20 transmits a warning signal to the elevator control device 30 installed in the building 10.

[0014] The elevator control device 30 controls the operation of elevators installed in a building 10 having multiple floors. The elevator control device 30 is also communicably connected to a service robot 40 moving within the building 10 via a network (public line network) such as the Internet. In the example of FIG. 1, the elevator control device 30 is connected to one service robot 40, but when multiple service robots are moving within the building 10, the elevator control device 30 is connected to each of the multiple service robots.

[0015] The elevator control device 30 includes a remote monitoring device 31, an elevator control unit 32, a robot management unit 33, and a robot interlocking unit .

[0016] The remote monitoring device 31 is connected to the monitoring center 20 via a network such as a public line. The remote monitoring device 31 has a receiving unit 31a. The receiving unit 31a receives a warning signal from the monitoring center 20. The receiving unit 31a outputs the received warning signal to the elevator control unit 32.

[0017] The elevator control unit 32 controls the operation of each unit 31, 33, and 34, and also controls the operation of the elevator based on various signals from each unit 31, 33, and 34. Specifically, the elevator control unit 32 controls a hoist (not shown) for raising and lowering the elevator (car), controls the opening and closing of the doors, and controls various devices (e.g., lighting) inside the elevator. The elevator control unit 32 also controls operations in cooperation with the service robot 40 by sending and receiving various signals from the service robot 40.

[0018] For example, the elevator control unit 32 controls the operation of the elevator based on a movement request transmitted by the service robot 40. The movement request is a request that the service robot 40 move from a floor corresponding to a departure floor to a floor corresponding to a destination floor. The movement request includes information indicating a robot ID, a departure floor, and a destination floor, which is predetermined to identify the service robot 40. The elevator control unit 32 controls the elevator to move to the departure floor included in the movement request, load the service robot 40, and then move the elevator to the destination floor.

[0019] Furthermore, the elevator control unit 32 transmits a departure floor arrival notification to the service robot 40, notifying that the elevator has arrived at the departure floor of the service robot 40 (i.e., a notification encouraging the user to get on the elevator), via the robot interlocking unit 34. Furthermore, when the elevator lands at the destination floor of the service robot 40, the elevator control unit 32 transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40, notifying that the elevator has arrived at the destination floor (in other words, a notification encouraging the user to get off the elevator), via the robot interlocking unit 34.

[0020] Here, the elevator control unit 32 has a function of switching the elevator operation mode from normal operation mode to pit flood control operation mode when flooding is detected, for example, by a sensor installed in the pit. The "pit flood control operation mode" is an operation mode in which the elevator moves to a predetermined evacuation floor and then stops operation. The "evacuation floor" is a floor that has been predetermined as being unlikely to be flooded, such as the top floor. Note that the elevator control unit 32 cancels the pit flood control operation mode and switches back to normal operation mode when, for example, a maintenance worker confirms that flooding in the pit and lower floors has ceased.

[0021] In addition, the elevator control unit 32 outputs the warning signal output by the remote monitoring device 31 to the robot management unit 33.

[0022] The robot management unit 33 manages service robots, including the service robot 40, that move within the building 10. The robot management unit 33 includes a memory unit 33a, a determination unit 33b, a command unit 33c, and a boarding / dismounting determination unit 33d.

[0023] The memory unit 33a stores a robot management table 35 (see FIG. 3). The memory unit 33a also updates the information set in the robot management table 35. The robot management table 35 is a table that shows information such as the floor on which a service robot moving within the building 10 is currently located and the destination floor of the service robot. Hereinafter, the floor on which the service robot 40 is currently located will be referred to as the "current floor."

[0024] In response to the warning signal output by the elevator control unit 32, the determination unit 33b refers to the robot management table 35 and determines whether the current floor of the service robot 40 is a floor that may be flooded. Hereinafter, a floor that may be flooded is referred to as a "target floor." The target floor is, for example, a basement floor or the first floor, and is determined in advance according to the structure and location of the building 10. The target floor may be determined by the monitoring center 20 and transmitted together with the warning signal.

[0025] Furthermore, when the current floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor, the determination unit 33b determines whether the destination floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor.

[0026] The command unit 33c transmits commands for the operation of the service robot 40 to the service robot 40 via the robot interlocking unit 34. Specifically, the command unit 33c transmits one of a setting command, a standby command, and a deletion command to the service robot 40 based on the current floor and the destination floor of the service robot.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current floor and destination floor of the service robot 40 and the commands sent to the service robot 40. As shown in FIG. When the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor, the command unit 33c transmits a setting command to the service robot 40 regardless of whether the destination floor is the target floor or not. The setting command is a command to set the destination floor of the service robot 40 to the evacuation floor.

[0028] If the current floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor (i.e., the current floor of the service robot 40 is a non-target floor) and the destination floor is the target floor, the command unit 33c transmits a standby command to the service robot 40. The standby command is a command to make the service robot 40 wait at the current floor.

[0029] If neither the current floor nor the destination floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor, the command unit 33c sends a deletion command to the service robot 40. The deletion command is a command to temporarily delete (exclude) the target floor from the options when setting a new destination floor for the service robot 40. "Temporarily" means, for example, until a notification is received from the monitoring center 20 indicating that the possibility of flooding of the building 10 has decreased, or until the pit flooding control operation is lifted.

[0030] Returning to Figure 1, the boarding / alighting determination unit 33d determines whether the service robot 40 is in the elevator. Specifically, the boarding / alighting determination unit 33d detects whether the service robot 40 is getting on or off the elevator based on signals transmitted from the service robot 40, namely, a boarding signal indicating that the service robot 40 has boarded the elevator and a disembarking signal indicating that the service robot 40 has disembarked from the elevator.

[0031] For example, when the boarding / alighting determining unit 33d receives a boarding signal transmitted by the service robot 40, it detects that the service robot 40 has boarded the elevator. Also, when the boarding / alighting determining unit 33d receives a disembarking signal transmitted by the service robot 40, it detects that the service robot 40 has disembarked from the elevator.

[0032] If the boarding / alighting determination unit 33d receives the boarding signal but does not receive the alighting signal, it determines that the service robot 40 is in the elevator (in other words, it detects that the service robot 40 is in the elevator).

[0033] The robot interlocking unit 34 is a communication interface for communicating with the service robot 40 . The robot interlocking unit 34 receives a boarding signal transmitted by the service robot 40 and outputs the boarding signal to the robot management unit 33. Similarly, the robot interlocking unit 34 receives a dismounting signal transmitted by the service robot 40 and outputs the dismounting signal to the robot management unit 33. In addition, the robot interlocking unit 34 receives a movement request transmitted by the service robot 40 and outputs the movement request to the robot management unit 33 and the elevator control unit 32.

[0034] Furthermore, the robot interlocking unit 34 transmits the departure floor arrival notification output by the elevator control unit 32 to the service robot 40. Similarly, the robot interlocking unit 34 transmits the destination floor arrival notification output by the elevator control unit 32 to the service robot 40. In addition, the robot interlocking unit 34 transmits various commands (setting command, standby command, deletion command, etc.) output by the robot management unit 33 to the service robot 40.

[0035] The service robot 40 is a mobile object that moves within the building 10 and provides various services. The service robot 40 includes an elevator interlocking unit 41, a destination floor setting unit 42, a robot control unit 43, a robot boarding / alighting transmission unit 44, a memory unit 45, and a power supply unit 46.

[0036] The elevator interlocking unit 41 is a communication interface for communicating with the elevator control device 30. The elevator interlocking unit 41 receives various commands transmitted by the elevator control device 30 and outputs them to the destination floor setting unit 42 and the robot control unit 43. The elevator interlocking unit 41 also receives a departure floor arrival notification transmitted by the elevator control device 30 and outputs it to the robot control unit 43. Similarly, the elevator interlocking unit 41 receives a destination floor arrival notification transmitted by the elevator control device 30 and outputs it to the robot control unit 43.

[0037] Furthermore, the elevator interlocking unit 41 transmits the movement request output by the robot control unit 43 to the elevator control device 30. Also, the elevator interlocking unit 41 transmits the boarding signal output by the robot boarding / alighting transmission unit 44 to the elevator control device 30. Similarly, the elevator interlocking unit 41 transmits the alighting signal output by the robot boarding / alighting transmission unit 44 to the elevator control device 30.

[0038] The destination floor setting unit 42 sets a destination floor for the service robot 40. For example, the destination floor setting unit 42 accepts input of a destination from a user and sets the floor where the destination is located as the destination floor. Furthermore, based on a setting command output by the elevator interlocking unit 41, the destination floor setting unit 42 sets the destination floor of the service robot 40 to the destination floor (in this case, an evacuation floor) indicated by the setting command. When a new destination floor is set, the destination floor setting unit 42 outputs information indicating the destination floor to the robot control unit 43.

[0039] The robot control unit 43 controls the operations of the respective units 41, 42, and 44, and also controls the operation of the service robot 40 based on various signals from the respective units 41, 42, and 46.

[0040] The robot control unit 43 generates a movement request based on the destination floor set by the destination floor setting unit 42, and transmits it to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41. The movement request is generated, for example, when the service robot 40 needs to use an elevator to provide various services. Specifically, for example, when a new destination floor is set by the destination floor setting unit 42, the robot control unit 43 determines its own current floor from the history of movement requests it has transmitted, generates a movement request indicating the departure floor as the current floor and the new destination floor set by the destination floor setting unit 42 as the destination floor, and transmits the movement request to the elevator control device 30.

[0041] When the movement request is transmitted to the elevator control device 30, the robot control unit 43 controls the operation of the service robot 40 so that the service robot 40 moves from the departure floor to the destination floor indicated by the movement request.

[0042] Furthermore, the robot control unit 43 controls the operation (movement) of the service robot 40 so that the service robot 40 gets on the elevator based on the departure floor arrival notification output by the elevator interlocking unit 41. Similarly, the robot control unit 43 controls the operation (movement) of the service robot 40 so that the service robot 40 gets off the elevator based on the destination floor arrival notification output by the elevator interlocking unit 41.

[0043] The robot control unit 43 also transmits information indicating the remaining amount of power of the service robot 40, which is managed by the power supply unit 46, to the elevator control device 30 together with, for example, a movement request.

[0044] Furthermore, the robot control unit 43 outputs a notification to the robot boarding / disembarking transmission unit 44 that the boarding / disembarking of the service robot 40 has been completed.

[0045] The robot boarding / alighting transmitting unit 44 generates an alighting signal indicating that the service robot 40 has alighted from the elevator based on the notification output by the robot control unit 43 that the alighting of the service robot 40 has been completed, and transmits the alighting signal to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41. In addition, the robot boarding / alighting transmitting unit 44 transmits an alighting signal indicating that the service robot 40 has alighted on the elevator based on the notification output by the robot control unit 43 that the alighting of the service robot 40 has been completed, to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41.

[0046] The storage unit 45 stores setting information such as a map of the building 10 and information on the destination floor set by the destination floor setting unit 42. The setting information is referenced by the robot control unit 43, for example, when operating the service robot 40. The setting information is also rewritten by the robot control unit 43 as necessary, for example, when the destination floor is changed.

[0047] The power supply unit 46 manages the remaining amount of power of the service robot 40 (more specifically, the remaining amount of power in the battery provided in the service robot 40). When the service robot 40 is connected to a charging spot 50, the power supply unit 46 performs processing to charge the service robot 40 with power.

[0048] The charging spot 50 is a device installed at any position within the building 10 for supplying power to the service robot 40. When the charging spot 50 is connected to the service robot 40, it supplies power to the service robot 40. Although one charging spot 50 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple charging spots may be installed within the building 10. It is also desirable that a charging spot 50 be installed on a floor set as an evacuation floor.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the robot management table 35. As shown in FIG. The robot management table 35 is a table for managing the robot ID, departure floor, destination floor, current floor, remaining power, and weight corresponding to each of the multiple service robots moving within the building 10.

[0050] The "robot ID" corresponding to a certain service robot indicates predetermined identification information for that service robot. Here, the robot IDs A100, A200, and A300 are set for the three service robots, respectively.

[0051] The "Departure Floor" and "Destination Floor" indicate the departure floor and destination floor included in the movement request transmitted by the corresponding service robot. When the elevator responds to the movement request, arrives at the destination floor, and the service robot disembarks, the "Departure Floor" and "Destination Floor" are reset and set to the symbol "-".

[0052] "Current floor" indicates the floor where the corresponding service robot is currently located. For example, after the service robot transmits a movement request, the service robot is considered to be waiting at the departure floor until the elevator responds to the movement request, so the same floor as the departure floor is set as the current floor. On the other hand, after the elevator responds to the movement request and arrives at the destination floor, the service robot is considered to be getting off at the destination floor, so the same floor as the destination floor is set as the current floor. Note that the current floor of each service robot is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and may be determined by other methods.

[0053] The "remaining power" indicates the remaining power of the corresponding service robot. The remaining power is updated, for example, by transmitting the remaining power of the service robot together with a movement request.

[0054] "Weight" indicates the weight of the service robot. The weight is stored in association with each service robot when the service robot is introduced into the building 10.

[0055] The robot management table 35 may also include other information about each robot (for example, the type and size of the robot).

[0056] Here, the linked operation of the elevator control system under normal conditions will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the coordinated operation of the elevator control system when the service robot 40 moves using the elevator.

[0057] The robot control unit 43 of the service robot 40 transmits a movement request including information on the robot ID of the service robot 40, the departure floor, and the destination floor to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41 (step S11).

[0058] When the robot interlocking unit 34 receives a movement request (step S12), the robot management unit 33 (storage unit 33a) of the elevator control device 30 updates the robot management table 35 based on the movement request (step S13).

[0059] Specifically, the robot management unit 33 updates the "departure floor" and "destination floor" associated with the service robot 40 in the robot management table 35 to the departure floor and destination floor included in the movement request. Also, the robot management unit 33 updates the "current floor" associated with the service robot 40 in the robot management table 35 to the same floor as the departure floor included in the movement request.

[0060] The elevator control unit 32 of the elevator control device 30 operates the elevator toward the departure floor indicated in the movement request (step S14). When the elevator arrives at the departure floor of the service robot 40 (YES in step S15), the elevator control unit 32 opens the elevator door and transmits a departure floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 (step S16).

[0061] When the robot control unit 43 of the service robot 40 receives the notice of arrival at the departure floor (step S17), it controls the operation (movement) of the service robot 40 so that the service robot 40 gets on the elevator (step S18).

[0062] When the service robot 40 has completed boarding through the processing of step S18, the robot boarding / alighting transmission unit 44 transmits a boarding signal indicating that the service robot 40 has boarded the elevator to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41 (step S19).

[0063] The elevator control unit 32 of the elevator control device 30 receives the boarding signal (step S20), and upon confirming that the service robot 40 has boarded normally, closes the elevator doors and causes the elevator to depart (step S21). Then, the elevator control unit 32 operates the elevator toward the destination floor indicated in the movement request (step S22). When the elevator arrives at the destination floor (YES in step S23), the elevator control unit 32 opens the elevator doors and transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 (step S24).

[0064] When the robot control unit 43 of the service robot 40 receives the destination floor arrival notification (step S25), it controls the operation of the service robot 40 so that the service robot 40 gets off the elevator (step S26).

[0065] When the dismounting of the service robot 40 is completed by the process of step S26, the robot getting on / off transmitting unit 44 transmits a dismounting signal indicating that the service robot 40 has dismounted from the elevator to the elevator control device 30 (step S27).

[0066] When the robot interlocking unit 34 receives the disembarking signal (step S28), the robot management unit 33 of the elevator control device 30 updates the robot management table 35. Specifically, the robot management unit 33 resets the "departure floor" and "destination floor" related to the service robot 40 in the robot management table 35, and updates the "current floor" to the destination floor where the service robot 40 has arrived.

[0067] Through the above-described coordinated operations, the elevator control device 30 can confirm that the service robot 40 has boarded the elevator from the departure floor and disembarked at the destination floor, and can also determine the current floor of the service robot 40.

[0068] Next, the cooperative operation of the elevator control system when responding to flooding will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the cooperative operation of the elevator control system according to the first embodiment. Note that Fig. 5 will be described assuming that one service robot 40 is moving within the building 10. That is, the robot management table 35 manages only information corresponding to the service robot 40.

[0069] When monitoring center 20 predicts heavy rain or a typhoon in a certain area based on weather information (step S30), it transmits a warning signal to an elevator control device installed in a building located in that area, indicating that the building may be flooded (step S31). Here, it is assumed that monitoring center 20 predicts heavy rain in the area where building 10 is located and transmits a warning signal to elevator control device 30 installed in building 10.

[0070] When the remote monitoring device 31 (receiving unit 31a) of the elevator control device 30 receives the warning signal (step S32), the determining unit 33b refers to the robot management table 35 (step S33). Specifically, the determining unit 33b reads out the robot management table 35 from the storage unit 33a and refers to the robot management table 35.

[0071] The determination unit 33b determines whether the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor (step S34). That is, the determination unit 33b determines whether the target floor is set in the "current floor" corresponding to the service robot 40 in the robot management table 35.

[0072] In the processing of step S34, if it is determined that the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor (YES in step S34), the command unit 33c sends a setting command to the service robot 40 via the robot interlocking unit 34 to set the destination floor to the evacuation floor (step S35).

[0073] In the process of step S34, if it is determined that the current floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor (NO in step S34), the determination unit 33b determines whether the destination floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor (step S36). Specifically, the determination unit 33b refers to the "destination floor" corresponding to the service robot 40 in the robot management table 35, and determines whether the target floor is set.

[0074] In the process of step S36, if it is determined that the destination floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor (YES in step S36), the command unit 33c sends a standby command to the service robot 40 to make the service robot 40 wait at the current floor (step S37). Note that when the command unit 33c sends a standby command, the elevator control unit 32 cancels the movement request of the service robot 40 so as not to direct the elevator to the departure floor of the service robot 40.

[0075] In the processing of step S36, if the destination floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor (NO in step S36), the command unit 33c sends a deletion command to temporarily delete the target floor from the options when the service robot 40 sets a new destination floor (step S38).

[0076] Thereafter, the storage unit 33a updates the robot management table 35 as necessary (step S39). Specifically, when a setting command or a standby command is sent by the command unit 33c, the storage unit 33a resets the "departure floor" and "destination floor" corresponding to the service robot 40 in the robot management table 35.

[0077] If there are multiple service robots other than the service robot 40 in the building 10, the processes of steps S33 to S39 are performed for each of the multiple service robots.

[0078] When the service robot 40 receives various commands (step S40), it operates based on the commands (step S41).

[0079] Specifically, when the elevator interlocking unit 41 of the service robot 40 receives a setting command, the destination floor setting unit 42 sets the destination floor of the service robot 40 to the evacuation floor. Thereafter, the robot control unit 43 generates a movement request specifying the current floor as the departure floor and the evacuation floor as the destination floor, and transmits it to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41. Thereafter, the service robot 40 moves to the evacuation floor through a cooperative process between the service robot 40 and the elevator control device 30 (see FIG. 4).

[0080] When the elevator control device 30 receives a disembarking signal from the service robot 40 at the evacuation floor, it transmits a standby command to put the service robot 40 into a standby state at the evacuation floor. Upon receiving the standby command, the service robot 40 goes into a standby state near the landing of the evacuation floor. The standby state is a state in which the elevator control device 30 is waiting for a notification indicating that there is no longer any possibility of flooding at the target floor (for example, a notification to cancel the set command, etc.).

[0081] When the elevator interlocking unit 41 receives a standby command, the destination floor setting unit 42 resets the destination floor set for the service robot 40. This causes the robot control unit 43 to suspend the operation of the service robot 40 that was moving toward the destination floor, and put the service robot 40 into a standby state at the current floor.

[0082] When the deletion command is received by the elevator interlocking unit 41, the destination floor setting unit 42 temporarily deletes the target floor from options when setting a new destination floor for the service robot 40. This makes it impossible for the service robot 40 to set the target floor as a new destination floor.

[0083] The elevator control device 30 cancels the various commands when the risk of flooding on the target floor has disappeared. "When the risk of flooding on the target floor has disappeared" means, for example, when the elevator control device 30 receives a notification from the monitoring center 20 that heavy rain or a typhoon has passed from the area surrounding the building 10, or when the pit flood control operation has been canceled.

[0084] Specifically, when the risk of flooding at the target floor has disappeared, the elevator control device 30 sends a notification to the service robot 40 that sent the setting command that the setting command will be canceled, causing the service robot 40 to cancel its standby state at the evacuation floor. "Canceling the standby state" means putting the service robot 40 into a state where it can set a new destination floor.

[0085] Furthermore, the elevator control device 30 sends a notification to the service robot 40 that has sent the standby command to cancel the standby command, causing the service robot 40 to cancel the standby state at the current floor.

[0086] Furthermore, the elevator control device 30 sends a notification to the service robot 40 that had sent the deletion command, informing the service robot 40 that the deletion command has been cancelled, allowing the service robot 40 to select the target floor from the options when setting a new destination floor.

[0087] Next, a specific example of an elevator control system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 10. Figs. 6 to 10 are diagrams that schematically show an elevator control system including one elevator 11 installed in a building 10 with four floors, three above ground and one basement floor. In Figs. 6 to 10, the first basement floor and the first floor are set as target floors, and the third floor is set as an evacuation floor. A charging spot 50 is installed on the third floor, which is the evacuation floor.

[0088] First, with reference to Figures 6 to 8, a case where the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor will be described. As shown in Figure 6, it is assumed that the service robot 40 is moving on the first basement floor, which is the target floor. At this time, when heavy rain or a typhoon is predicted in the vicinity of the building 10 and a warning signal is sent from the monitoring center 20 to the elevator control device 30 (step A1), the elevator control device 30 sends a setting command to the service robot 40 (step A2).

[0089] When the service robot 40 receives the setting command, it sets the destination floor to the evacuation floor (here, the third floor) (step A3). Then, it transmits a movement request specifying the first basement floor (current floor) as the departure floor and the third floor (evacuation floor) as the destination floor to the elevator control device 30 (step A4). Upon receiving the movement request, the elevator control device 30 moves the elevator 11 to the departure floor (first basement floor) of the service robot 40.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, when the elevator 11 arrives (lands) at the first basement floor, the elevator control device 30 opens the doors of the elevator 11 and transmits a notice of arrival at the departure floor to the service robot 40 (step A5).

[0091] When the service robot 40 receives the notice of arrival at the departure floor, it moves into the elevator 11 (step A6). When the service robot 40 has completed boarding the elevator 11, it transmits a boarding signal to the elevator control device 30 (step A7).

[0092] When the elevator control device 30 receives the boarding signal, it closes the doors of the elevator 11 and moves it to the evacuation floor (third floor).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, when the elevator 11 arrives at the evacuation floor, the elevator control device 30 opens the elevator door and transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 (step A8).

[0094] When the service robot 40 receives the notification of arrival at the destination floor, it moves out of the elevator 11 (i.e., it gets off the elevator 11) (step A9). When the service robot 40 has finished getting off the elevator, it sends a get-off signal to the elevator control device 30 (step A10). The service robot 40 will wait near the landing of the evacuation floor until there is no longer any possibility of flooding at the target floor.

[0095] Next, a case where the destination floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor will be described with reference to Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, it is assumed that the service robot 40 transmits a request to move from the second floor to the first floor (target floor) to the elevator control device 30 (step A11). At this time, when a warning signal is transmitted from the monitoring center 20 to the elevator control device 30 (step A12), the elevator control device 30 transmits a standby command to the service robot 40 (step A13).

[0096] When the service robot 40 receives the standby command, it resets the destination floor currently set for the service robot 40 and goes into standby state at the current floor (the second floor) (step A14).

[0097] Next, with reference to Fig. 10, a case where the current floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor will be described. As shown in Fig. 10, it is assumed that the service robot 40 is moving on a floor that is not the target floor (here, the second floor). At this time, when a warning signal is sent from the monitoring center 20 to the elevator control device 30 (step A15), the elevator control device 30 sends a deletion command to the service robot 40 (step A16).

[0098] When the service robot 40 receives the deletion command, it temporarily deletes the target floor from options when setting a new destination floor for the service robot 40 (step A17).

[0099] 10, the case where the service robot 40 does not transmit a movement request to the elevator control device 30 has been described, but the same applies to a case where the service robot 40 transmits a movement request to move from a floor that is not the target floor (non-target floor) to a floor that is not the target floor (for example, a movement request from the second floor to the third floor). That is, the elevator control device 30 transmits a deletion command to the service robot 40, causing the service robot 40 to temporarily delete the target floor from options when setting a new destination floor.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, when there is a possibility that the building 10 will be flooded and the service robot 40 is on a target floor, the destination floor of the service robot 40 is set to the evacuation floor. This allows the service robot 40 to head to the evacuation floor, preventing the service robot 40 and its luggage from being submerged in water.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when there is a possibility that the building 10 will be flooded, if the destination floor of the service robot 40 is set to a target floor, the service robot 40 is made to wait at the current floor. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the service robot 40 is on a floor that is not the target floor, or if the destination floor of the service robot 40 is a floor that is not the target floor, the target floor is not set as the new destination floor of the service robot 40. In this way, by not directing the service robot 40 to a target floor that may be submerged, it is possible to prevent the service robot 40 and its luggage from being submerged.

[0102] Furthermore, after the service robot 40 disembarks at an evacuation floor, the elevator control device 30 may move the service robot 40 to a pre-set evacuation location at that evacuation floor, rather than leaving the service robot 40 in a standby state near the landing. Specifically, the elevator control device 30 transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 at the evacuation floor, and also transmits a movement command including location information of the evacuation location to the service robot 40. After disembarking at the evacuation floor, the service robot 40 moves to the evacuation location based on the movement command. Note that the elevator control device 30 may transmit this movement command when it receives a disembarkation signal from the service robot 40.

[0103] Furthermore, the elevator control device 30 may move the service robot 40 to a charging spot 50 depending on the charging status of the service robot 40. Specifically, when the remaining power of the service robot 40 received together with the movement request is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the elevator control device 30 transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 at the evacuation floor, and also transmits a movement command to the service robot 40 including position information of the charging spot 50 on the evacuation floor. The service robot 40 moves to the charging spot 50 based on the movement command. Note that the elevator control device 30 may also transmit this movement command when it receives a disembarkation signal from the service robot 40. This makes it possible to prevent secondary damage, such as the service robot 40 running out of charge while waiting at the evacuation floor and being unable to move thereafter.

[0104] Furthermore, when the elevator control device 30 causes the service robot 40 to disembark at a floor (evacuation floor) other than the original destination floor, the elevator control device 30 may cause the service robot 40 to store the original destination floor before it was set as the evacuation floor as an error log, and may cause the service robot 40 to resend a movement request to move to the original destination floor after the risk of flooding at the target floor has passed.

[0105] Specifically, for example, the command unit 33c of the elevator control device 30 transmits a reset command together with the setting command. When the service robot 40 receives the reset command, it stores the destination floor before setting it as an evacuation floor. Then, when the risk of flooding at the target floor has disappeared, the command unit 33c of the elevator control device 30 transmits a notification to the service robot 40 that transmitted the reset command that the destination floor is no longer at risk of flooding. When the service robot 40 receives this notification, it reads the destination floor before it was set as an evacuation floor from the error log, and transmits a movement request with this destination floor set to the elevator control device 30.

[0106] In this way, by storing the destination floor before the change as an error log, service that was interrupted due to predicted heavy rain or typhoon can be automatically resumed once the elevator is restored.

[0107] If the getting-on / off determining unit 33d of the elevator control device 30 detects that the service robot 40 is in the elevator when the warning signal is received, the command unit 33c may send a change command to change the destination floor of the service robot 40 to, for example, an evacuation floor. In this case, the service robot 40 that has received the change command moves to the evacuation floor by sending a movement request to the elevator control device 30 specifying the evacuation floor as the destination floor. When the service robot 40 gets off at the evacuation floor, it enters a standby state at the evacuation floor.

[0108] Furthermore, when the service robot 40 that has received the setting command and the standby command is carrying a package, a notification may be sent to the user at the delivery destination of the package. This allows the user at the delivery destination to know that the service robot 40 will wait at the evacuation floor or the current floor, and that there is a possibility that the delivery may be delayed. Note that the notification may be sent only for specific items (e.g., food and drink) that are susceptible to delivery delays.

[0109] Furthermore, if a large number of service robots are moving on the target floor when the elevator control device 30 receives a warning signal and it is not possible to transport all of the service robots to the evacuation floor at once, the elevator control device 30 may continue evacuating the multiple service robots until pit flooding control operation is initiated. In this case, the elevator control device 30 transports the multiple service robots on the target floor to the evacuation floor in multiple trips.

[0110] Specifically, the elevator control device 30 selects the service robot to be allowed to board the elevator for the first time based on the size of the elevator (car) and the elevator's maximum load capacity, etc. For example, the elevator control device 30 references the "weight" associated with each of the multiple service robots on the target floor in the robot management table 35, and selects the service robot to be allowed to board for the first time so that the total weight does not exceed the elevator's maximum load capacity. The elevator control device 30 transmits a setting command only to the selected service robot. Note that when selecting a service robot, the elevator control device 30 may preferentially select a service robot carrying luggage.

[0111] After the service robot moves to the evacuation floor, the elevator control device 30 selects the next service robot to board from the remaining service robots on the target floor and sends a setting command. The elevator control device 30 repeats these processes until pit flooding control operation begins. This allows the elevator control device 30 to evacuate all service robots as much as possible from the target floor.

[0112] Furthermore, when there is a possibility that a target floor may be flooded, the elevator control device 30 may send a command to a predetermined service robot such as a security robot or an evacuation guidance robot to move to the target floor.

[0113] In the first embodiment described above, the monitoring center 20 determines whether there is a possibility of flooding based on weather information, but the elevator control device 30 may determine the possibility of flooding in the building 10 from other information. For example, the elevator control device 30 may determine the possibility of flooding by receiving a notification from the monitoring center 20 indicating that buildings surrounding the building 10 have been flooded.

[0114] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when there is a possibility that the building 10 may be flooded, the elevator control device 30 determines whether the current floor of the service robot 40 is a target floor or not. In the second embodiment, the service robot 40, rather than the elevator control device 30, determines whether the current floor is a target floor or not, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0115] The same components and processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The following description will mainly focus on components and processes that are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0116] 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an elevator control system according to the second embodiment. The elevator control system is made up of a monitoring center 20, an elevator control device 30, and a service robot 40.

[0117] The elevator control device 30 includes a remote monitoring device 31, an elevator control unit 32, a robot management unit 33, and a robot interlocking unit 34. The remote monitoring device 31, the elevator control unit 32, and the robot interlocking unit 34 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0118] The robot management unit 33 includes a command unit 33c and a boarding / dismounting determination unit 33d. When the command unit 33c receives the warning signal, it transmits an evacuation command including information on the target floor and the evacuation floor to the service robot 40 moving within the building 10 via the robot interlocking unit 34. The boarding / alighting determination unit 33d determines whether the service robot 40 is in the elevator.

[0119] The service robot 40 includes an elevator interlocking unit 41, a destination floor setting unit 42, a robot control unit 43, a robot boarding / alighting transmission unit 44, a memory unit 45, a power supply unit 46, and a determination unit 47. The elevator interlocking unit 41, the robot boarding / alighting transmission unit 44, the memory unit 45, and the power supply unit 46 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0120] When an evacuation command is received from the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41, the determination unit 47 determines whether the current floor where the service robot 40 is located is the target floor. Furthermore, when the current floor is not the target floor, the determination unit 47 determines whether the destination floor is the target floor.

[0121] The destination floor setting unit 42 sets a destination floor for the service robot 40. The destination floor setting unit 42 sets a destination floor for the service robot 40 in accordance with the determination of the determination unit 47. Specifically, when the determination unit 47 determines that the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor, the destination floor is set to the evacuation floor included in the evacuation command.

[0122] Furthermore, when the determination unit 47 determines that the destination floor set for the service robot 40 is the target floor, the destination floor setting unit 42 resets the destination floor setting.

[0123] Furthermore, when the determination unit 47 determines that the current floor and the destination floor are not the target floors, the destination floor setting unit 42 temporarily deletes the target floor from options when setting a new destination floor.

[0124] The robot control unit 43 generates a movement request in accordance with the destination floor setting by the destination floor setting unit 42, and transmits the movement request to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41. When the destination floor setting unit 42 resets the destination floor setting, the robot control unit 43 puts the service robot 40 into a standby state at that location (i.e., at the current floor).

[0125] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the cooperative operation of the elevator control system according to the second embodiment.

[0126] When monitoring center 20 predicts heavy rain or a typhoon in a certain area based on weather information (step S50), it transmits a warning signal to an elevator control device installed in a building located in that area, indicating that the building may be flooded (step S51). Here, it is assumed that monitoring center 20 predicts heavy rain in the area where building 10 is located and transmits a warning signal to elevator control device 30 installed in building 10.

[0127] When the remote monitoring device 31 (receiving unit 31a) of the elevator control device 30 receives the warning signal (step S52), the command unit 33c transmits an evacuation command to the service robot 40 (step S53). The evacuation command includes information on the target floor and the evacuation floor.

[0128] When the elevator interlocking unit 41 of the service robot 40 receives an evacuation command (step S54), the determining unit 47 determines whether the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor or not (step S55).

[0129] In the process of step S55, if it is determined that the current floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor (YES in step S55), the destination floor setting unit 42 sets the destination floor of the service robot 40 to the evacuation floor (step S56). Then, the robot control unit 43 generates a movement request indicating the robot ID of the service robot 40, the current floor as the departure floor, and the evacuation floor as the destination floor, and transmits the movement request to the elevator control device 30 via the elevator interlocking unit 41.

[0130] In the process of step S55, if it is determined that the current floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor (NO in step S55), the determination unit 47 determines whether the destination floor is the target floor (step S58).

[0131] In the process of step S58, if it is determined that the destination floor of the service robot 40 is the target floor (YES in step S58), the robot control unit 43 makes the service robot 40 wait at the current floor (step S59). Furthermore, if there is a movement request that has already been sent, the robot control unit 43 sends a notification to the elevator control device 30 to cancel the movement request (step S60).

[0132] In the processing of step S58, if it is determined that the destination floor of the service robot 40 is not the target floor (NO in step S58), the destination floor setting unit 42 temporarily removes the target floor from the destination floor options for the service robot 40 (step S61).

[0133] When a new movement request is transmitted from the service robot 40, the elevator control device 30 operates the elevator in accordance with the movement request. For example, the elevator control device 30 operates the elevator in response to the movement request transmitted by the service robot 40 in the processing of step S57. That is, the service robot 40 is moved from the target floor to the evacuation floor through cooperative processing between the service robot 40 and the elevator control device 30 (see FIG. 4). Note that the service robot 40 that has moved to the evacuation floor is placed in a standby state at the evacuation floor.

[0134] Furthermore, when the elevator control device 30 receives a notification from the service robot 40 to cancel the movement request, it cancels the movement request. Furthermore, when the elevator control device 30 has not received a movement request or a notification to cancel the movement request, it operates the elevator based on the movement request of the service robot 40 that has already been registered (i.e., a movement request that indicates floors other than the target floor as the departure floor and destination floor).

[0135] If there are multiple service robots other than the service robot 40 in the building 10, the command unit 33c of the elevator control device 30 transmits an evacuation command to each of the multiple service robots. Furthermore, the multiple service robots that receive the evacuation command each perform the processes of steps S54 to S61.

[0136] As described above, in the second embodiment, the service robot 40 that receives an evacuation command from the elevator control device 30 determines whether to set the destination floor as an evacuation floor and whether to wait at the current floor. As a result, in the second embodiment, there is no need to implement in the elevator control device 30 a function for determining the current floor of the service robot 40, and the function for preventing the service robot 40 from being submerged in water can be introduced into the elevator control device 30 more easily than in the first embodiment.

[0137] After getting off at the evacuation floor, the service robot 40 may move to an evacuation location that is preset for that evacuation floor. Specifically, the elevator control device 30, at the evacuation floor, transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 and also transmits location information of the evacuation location to the service robot 40. The service robot 40 moves to the evacuation location based on the location information. The location information of the evacuation location may not be transmitted from the elevator control device 30, but may be stored in advance in the service robot 40, for example, in a memory unit 45.

[0138] Furthermore, after the service robot 40 disembarks at an evacuation floor, it may move to a charging spot 50 depending on the charging status of the service robot 40. Specifically, if the remaining power of the service robot 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined value when the service robot 40 disembarks at an evacuation floor, the service robot 40 requests the elevator control device 30 for location information of the charging spot 50. In response to the request, the elevator control device 30 transmits location information of the charging spot 50 on the evacuation floor to the service robot 40. The service robot 40 moves to the charging spot 50 based on the location information. Note that the location information of the charging spot 50 on the evacuation floor may not be transmitted from the elevator control device 30 but may be stored in advance in, for example, a memory unit 45 of the service robot 40. This allows the service robot 40 to automatically move to the charging spot 50 even if the elevator control device 30 does not know the charging status of the service robot 40, thereby preventing the service robot 40 from running out of charge while waiting at an evacuation floor.

[0139] In addition, when the service robot 40 disembarks at a floor (evacuation floor) different from the original destination floor, it may store the original destination floor before it was set as an evacuation floor as an error log, and after the risk of flooding at the target floor has passed, it may resend a movement request to the elevator control device 30 to move to the original destination floor.

[0140] Specifically, for example, when the service robot 40 sets the destination floor to an evacuation floor in response to an evacuation command, it stores the destination floor before it was set as an evacuation floor as an error log. Then, when the service robot 40 receives a notification from the elevator control device 30 that the target floor is no longer at risk of flooding, it reads the destination floor before it was set as an evacuation floor from the error log and sets that destination floor as the new destination floor of the service robot 40. In this way, by storing the destination floor before the change as an error log, it is possible to automatically resume the provision of services that were interrupted due to forecasted heavy rain or typhoon once the elevator is restored.

[0141] (Variation) A modified example of this embodiment will be described below. In this modified example, the operation of the elevator control device 30 will be described in the case where, when the service robot 40 is to board the elevator at a target floor, the elevator control device 30 transmits a departure floor arrival notice to the service robot 40 but is unable to receive a boarding signal from the service robot 40. Also, the operation of the elevator control device 30 will be described in the case where, when the service robot 40 is to disembark from the elevator at an evacuation floor, the elevator control device 30 transmits a destination floor arrival notice to the service robot 40 but is unable to receive a disembarking signal from the service robot 40.

[0142] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator control device 30 according to the modified example. Here, it is assumed that the elevator control device 30 according to the second embodiment transmits an evacuation command to the service robot 40. Note that the same processing as in Fig. 13 is performed when the elevator control device 30 according to the first embodiment transmits a setting command to the service robot 40.

[0143] When the elevator control device 30 receives a movement request from the service robot 40 in response to the evacuation command (step S71), it operates the elevator toward the departure floor (here, the target floor) indicated in the movement request (step S72). When the elevator arrives at the departure floor (target floor) of the service robot 40 (step S73), the elevator control device 30 transmits a departure floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 (step S74).

[0144] When a certain time has elapsed since the elevator doors were opened, the elevator control device 30 performs control to close the elevator doors. At this time, the elevator control device 30 checks whether or not a boarding signal has been received from the service robot 40 (step S75).

[0145] If it is confirmed in the processing of step S75 that the boarding signal has not been received from the service robot 40 (NO in step S75), the elevator control device 30 controls the elevator doors to reopen (step S76), and then sends a departure floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 again (step S74), and executes the processing of step S75 described above again.

[0146] If it is confirmed in the processing of step S75 that a disembarking signal has been received from the service robot 40 (YES in step S75), the elevator control device 30 determines that it has confirmed that the boarding of the service robot 40 has been completed safely (normally), closes the elevator doors, and causes the elevator to depart for the destination floor (here, the evacuation floor) (step S77).

[0147] The elevator control device 30 again operates the elevator based on the movement request (step S78), and when the elevator arrives at the evacuation floor (YES in step S79), it transmits a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 (step S80).

[0148] When a certain time has elapsed since the elevator doors were opened, the elevator control device 30 performs control to close the elevator doors. At this time, the elevator control device 30 checks whether or not it has received an alighting signal from the service robot 40 (step S81).

[0149] If it is confirmed in the processing of step S81 that the disembarkation signal has not been received from the service robot 40 (NO in step S81), the elevator control device 30 controls the elevator doors to reopen (step S82), and then sends a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40 again (step S80), and executes the processing of step S81 described above again.

[0150] In the processing of step S81, if it is confirmed that a disembarking signal has been received from the service robot 40 (YES in step S81), the elevator control device 30 will determine that it has confirmed that the boarding of the service robot 40 has been completed safely (normally), close the elevator door, and if there is another movement request, have the elevator depart to the floor corresponding to the other movement request (step S83), and end the processing here.

[0151] By executing the processes of steps S75 and S76 described above, the elevator control device 30 executes again the process of sending the departure floor arrival notification to the service robot 40, and allows the service robot 40 to board the elevator whose doors have reopened. This prevents the service robot 40 from being left behind on the target floor because, for example, the communication conditions are poor when the process of step S74 is executed and the service robot 40 is unable to properly receive the departure floor arrival notification sent from the elevator control device 30.

[0152] Furthermore, by executing the processes of steps S81 and S82 described above, the elevator control device 30 executes again the process of sending a destination floor arrival notification to the service robot 40, and can cause the service robot 40 to exit the elevator after the doors have reopened. This prevents the service robot 40 from being left behind in the elevator because, for example, the communication conditions are poor when the process of step S80 is executed and the service robot 40 is unable to properly receive the destination floor arrival notification sent from the elevator control device 30.

[0153] When the elevator doors are reopened at the evacuation floor by the processing of step S82 described above, the elevator control device 30 controls a display device (for example, an indicator showing the floor) installed on the landing side to display a notice that the elevator is currently unavailable due to the evacuation of the robot due to the forecast of heavy rain or a typhoon. This makes it possible to prevent users from mistakenly getting on the elevator whose doors have reopened.

[0154] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an elevator control device and an elevator control system that can prevent a service robot from being submerged in water when there is a possibility of flooding of the lower floors of a building.

[0155] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 10...building, 20...monitoring center, 30...elevator control device, 31...remote monitoring device, 31a...receiving unit, 32...elevator control unit, 32...elevator control unit, 33...robot management unit, 33a...memory unit, 33b...determination unit, 33c...command unit, 33d...boarding / alighting determination unit, 34...robot interlocking unit, 35...robot management table, 40...service robot, 41...elevator interlocking unit, 42...destination floor setting unit, 43...robot control unit, 44...robot boarding / alighting transmission unit, 45...memory unit, 46...power supply unit, 47...determination unit, 50...charging spot.

Claims

1. An elevator control device that is communicatively connected to a mobile object that moves within a building and controls an elevator installed in the building, a storage means for storing a current floor where the moving object is located and a destination floor of the moving object; receiving means for receiving a warning signal indicating that the building may be flooded; a determination means for determining, when the warning signal is received, whether the current floor is a target floor that may be flooded; a command means for transmitting to the mobile body, when the determination means determines that the current floor is the target floor, a setting command for setting the destination floor to a predetermined evacuation floor that is less likely to be flooded; An elevator control device comprising:

2. When the current floor is not the target floor, the determination means further determines whether the destination floor is the target floor; When the destination floor is the target floor, the command means transmits a standby command to the moving body to cause the moving body to wait at the current floor.

2. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

3. When the current floor and the destination floor are not the target floor, the command means transmits to the mobile body a deletion command for temporarily deleting the target floor from options when the mobile body sets a new destination floor.

3. The elevator control device according to claim 2.

4. When the command means receives an alighting signal indicating that the moving body has alighted from the elevator at the evacuation floor, the command means transmits a standby command to the moving body to make the moving body wait at the evacuation floor.

2. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

5. When transmitting the setting command, the command means transmits to the mobile object a movement command for moving the mobile object to a predetermined evacuation place on the evacuation floor.

2. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

6. When transmitting the setting command, if the remaining amount of power of the mobile body is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the command means transmits to the mobile body a movement command to move the mobile body to a charging spot installed on the evacuation floor.

2. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

7. The command means When the moving body sets the destination floor to the evacuation floor based on the setting command and gets off before moving to the original destination floor, the moving body stores the original destination floor as a log, After the risk of flooding at the target floor has disappeared, a reset command is sent to the mobile body to reset the original destination floor indicated in the log as a new destination floor of the mobile body.

2. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

8. An elevator control system in which a mobile object that moves within a building and an elevator control device that controls an elevator installed in the building are communicably connected, The elevator control device includes: receiving means for receiving a warning signal indicating that the building may be flooded; a command means for transmitting an evacuation command to the mobile body when the warning signal is received, the evacuation command including information on target floors that may be flooded and predetermined evacuation floors that are unlikely to be flooded; The moving body is a determination means for determining, when the evacuation command is received, whether the current floor where the moving object is located is the target floor; and a destination floor setting means for setting the destination floor of the moving body to the evacuation floor when the determination means determines that the current floor is the target floor. Elevator control system.

9. When the current floor is not the target floor, the determination means further determines whether the destination floor is the target floor; When the destination floor is the target floor, the moving body waits at the current floor.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

10. When the current floor and the destination floor are not the target floor, the destination floor setting means temporarily deletes the target floor from options when setting a new destination floor.

10. The elevator control system of claim 9.

11. The moving body gets off the elevator at the evacuation floor and then waits at the evacuation floor.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

12. When transmitting the evacuation command, the elevator control device transmits location information of a predetermined evacuation location on the evacuation floor to the moving body, The moving object gets off the elevator at the evacuation floor and then moves to the evacuation site based on the position information.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

13. When the remaining amount of power of the mobile body is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the mobile body requests the elevator control device for location information of a charging spot installed on the evacuation floor, and after getting off the elevator at the evacuation floor, moves to the charging spot based on the location information from the elevator control device.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

14. When a predetermined floor has already been set as the destination floor and the destination floor is set as the evacuation floor, the destination floor setting means stores the predetermined floor as a log, and when the risk of flooding at the target floor has disappeared, sets the predetermined floor indicated in the log as a new destination floor.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

15. The elevator control device transmits a departure floor arrival notification indicating that the elevator has arrived at the current floor to the moving body that has set the destination floor to the evacuation floor in response to the evacuation command, and if the elevator control device does not receive a boarding signal indicating that the moving body has boarded the elevator within a certain time period after transmitting the departure floor arrival notification, it retransmits the departure floor arrival notification to the moving body.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

16. The elevator control device transmits a destination floor arrival notification indicating that the elevator has arrived at the evacuation floor to the moving body that has set the destination floor to the evacuation floor in response to the evacuation command, and if the elevator control device does not receive an alighting signal indicating that the moving body has alighted from the elevator within a certain time period after transmitting the destination floor arrival notification, it retransmits the destination floor arrival notification to the moving body.

9. The elevator control system of claim 8.

Images