Elevator control system and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of more comfortably and surely using a priority operation mode of an elevator.SOLUTION: When the communication device 302 receives the request, the group management control device 100 assigns any car 10 of one or more elevators as the assigned car, and controls the assigned car in the priority operation mode. The group management control device 100 permits the allocated car to travel from the boarding floor to the deboarding floor when a specific operation is received by a car operation panel 212 provided in the allocated car after the allocated car arrives at the boarding floor. The group management control device 100 controls the assigned car so as not to stop in response to another landing call from the start of the priority operation mode to the arrival at the getting-off floor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator control system and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Users of buildings equipped with elevators have a need to travel to their destination floor as quickly as possible. However, in the case of an emergency, for example, in an elevator in a high-rise apartment building, even if users want to travel to their destination floor quickly, the elevator may frequently stop due to car or hall calls from other users, causing the user to take a long time to reach their destination floor.

[0003] For example, in the elevator system disclosed in JP 2024-291 A (Patent Document 1), if a user is eligible for dedicated operation, a hall call is automatically registered using the user's mobile terminal, and the dedicated operation lamp at the hall is turned on. Furthermore, if a beacon in the car detects a user other than the eligible user for dedicated operation, an announcement is made that the elevator is in dedicated operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The elevator system described above is configured so that only certain users (those eligible for dedicated operation) can perform priority operation (dedicated operation), but there is also a need, for example, for any resident of an apartment building to be able to freely use priority operation.

[0006] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned elevator system, even users who are not designated for exclusive use can move in the car during exclusive use if they wish, so it is not possible to reliably occupy the car. For these reasons, there is still room for further study on how to realize a priority operation mode that allows users to use the elevator on a priority basis.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that enables the priority operation mode of an elevator to be used more comfortably and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The elevator control system according to the present disclosure includes a control device that controls one or more elevators and a communication device that communicates with a user terminal carried by an elevator user. The communication device receives a request from the user terminal to start a priority operation mode in which the elevator runs with priority from the user's boarding floor to the disembarking floor. When the communication device receives the request, the control device assigns one of the elevator cars as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to run in the priority operation mode. After the assigned car arrives at the boarding floor, if a specific operation is received on a car operating panel installed in the assigned car, the control device allows the assigned car to run from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor. The control device controls the assigned car so that it does not stop in response to other hall calls from the start of the priority operation mode until it arrives at the disembarking floor.

[0009] A control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for an elevator control system including a control device for controlling one or more elevators and a communication device for communicating with a user terminal carried by an elevator user. The control method includes the steps of: receiving, from the user terminal, a request by the communication device to start a priority operation mode in which the elevator is run preferentially from the user's boarding floor to the disembarking floor; when the communication device receives the request, the control device assigns one of the elevator cars as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode; when a specific operation is received on a car operating panel installed in the assigned car after the assigned car arrives at the boarding floor, the control device allows the assigned car to run from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor; and controlling the assigned car so that it does not stop in response to other hall calls from the start of the priority operation mode until it arrives at the disembarking floor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the priority operation mode of an elevator can be used more comfortably and reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an elevator control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator hall. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of an elevator car. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in a priority operation mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by the elevator control system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by the elevator control system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a DB. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a point giving process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an elevator control system 1. In this embodiment, a building in which an elevator is installed has N floors (for example, six floors). Three elevators are installed in the building. These three elevators are also referred to as elevator A, elevator B, and elevator C, respectively.

[0014] In this embodiment, a priority operation mode of an elevator will be described, in which priority is given to running from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor of a passenger. A similar conventional service is, for example, independent operation. In independent operation, the car control panel inside the car is opened and the internal operation switch is set to the "independent" side. This causes the car to leave the group management control, allowing it to be operated independently by the passenger inside the car. If a passenger wishes to go directly to the destination floor, all that is required is to make a car call to the destination floor. However, independent operation can only be operated by someone who has a key to the car control panel, such as the building manager. This has the disadvantage that it cannot be used by ordinary passengers.

[0015] Other similar services include dedicated operation, VIP operation, and pet operation. For example, the dedicated operation of a bed elevator is an operation mode that can be used exclusively by hospital nurses when transporting beds, etc. The operation mode can be switched by simultaneously pressing the "open" button and the "open extension" button inside the car. However, with dedicated operation, there is a problem that a general user may accidentally press the "open" button and the "open extension" button, which may cause the elevator to unexpectedly switch to the dedicated operation mode and become unable to cancel it. The priority operation mode of this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0016] The elevator control system 1 includes a control device that controls one or more elevators. In this embodiment, the elevator control system 1 includes a group management control device 100 as one aspect of a "control device." In this embodiment, the group management control device 100 is a control board that controls three elevators (Elevators A to C).

[0017] The elevator control system 1 further includes individual car controllers 200a to 200c. Each of the individual car controllers 200a to 200c is a control board that controls the operation of the corresponding elevator. The individual car controller 200a controls the operation of car A. The individual car controller 200b controls the operation of car B. The individual car controller 200c controls the operation of car C.

[0018] The group management control device 100 and the individual elevator control devices 200a to 200c communicate with each other and exchange various elevator-related data. Note that a control device may be configured to control one elevator. In this case, the group management control device 100 is not required, and the individual elevator control device 200a performs the functions of the control device.

[0019] The group management control device 100 collectively controls the hall devices on each floor. The group management control device 100 is connected to the hall devices installed at the halls on each floor from the 1st floor to the Nth floor via a control cable that bundles multiple signal lines. The hall device on each floor includes a priority display 301, a communication device 302, and a hall operating panel 303.

[0020] The hall operating panel 303 includes a hall button for registering a hall call for calling the elevator car 10 (FIG. 3). The priority display 301 and the communication device 302 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0021] Each of the individual car control devices 200a to 200c is connected to a car operating panel 212 and an announcement device 211 installed in the car 10 of each elevator via a control cable that bundles multiple signal lines, and controls these devices including the car 10. The car operating panel 212 includes a destination floor button for registering a car call (destination floor). The announcement device 211 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0022] Although not shown, each of the individual car controllers 200a to 200c is connected to a hoist, various elevator sensors, various switches, etc. The hoist is a motor that drives the car 10 to move up and down.

[0023] In this embodiment, the car 10 controlled by the individual car control device 200a may also be referred to as "car A," the car 10 controlled by the individual car control device 200b may also be referred to as "car B," and the car 10 controlled by the individual car control device 200c may also be referred to as "car C."

[0024] The group management control device 100 is capable of communicating with a hall operating panel 303 on each floor, and controls the corresponding car 10 via one of the individual car controllers 200a to 200c so as to respond to hall calls registered from the hall operating panel 303. Each of the individual car controllers 200a to 200c is capable of communicating with a corresponding car operating panel 212, and controls the car 10 so as to respond to car calls registered from the car operating panel 212.

[0025] The group management control device 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication interface (IF) 103. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). These are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0026] The ROM stores the management software program for controlling the elevator. The CPU loads the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it to control the elevator. The RAM serves as a working area for the CPU when executing the program, and temporarily stores the program and data used to execute the program.

[0027] The group management control device 100 is configured to be able to communicate with various elevator devices such as the individual car control devices 200a to 200c and the hall operating panel 303 by serial communication or parallel communication via the communication IF 103. Although not shown, each of the individual car control devices 200a to 200c also includes a processor, a memory, and a communication IF.

[0028] Each car 10 is installed in a hoistway provided in a building. The car 10 moves up and down in the hoistway to move between a plurality of floors. In this embodiment, the car 10 can stop at each floor from the 1st floor (lowest floor) to the Nth floor (highest floor).

[0029] A machine room is provided directly above the hoistway. The machine room contains a group management control device 100, individual car control devices 200a to 200c, and a hoist. Each of the individual car control devices 200a to 200c drives the hoist to cause the car 10 installed in the hoistway to travel in an upward direction (also referred to as the "UP direction") or a downward direction (also referred to as the "DN direction").

[0030] The elevator control system 1 further includes a server device 400, a terminal 500, and a user terminal 600. Like the group management control device 100, the server device 400, the terminal 500, and the user terminal 600 also include a processor, a memory, and a communication IF, but the memory may include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The terminal 500 and the user terminal 600 also include a display unit and an input unit. The display unit is, for example, a display. The input unit is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel display integrated with the display unit.

[0031] The user terminal 600 is a terminal carried by an elevator user, and is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The user terminal 600 can be connected to the communication device 302 at the landing of each floor. The elevator user can use the user terminal 600 to use the car 10 in priority operation mode.

[0032] When a user requests operation in priority operation mode by specifying the "boarding floor" and "descending floor" from the user terminal 600 carried by the user, the group management control device 100 assigns one of cars A to C to operate in priority operation mode. The car assigned in priority operation mode runs from the specified boarding floor to the descending floor without responding to other hall calls or accepting new car calls. Hereinafter, "boarding floor" refers to the floor where the user boards in priority operation mode, and "descending floor" refers to the floor where the user descends in priority operation mode. A user who requests operation in priority operation mode will also be simply referred to as "user."

[0033] The server device 400 is a server device capable of communicating with the group management control device 100. The server device 400 can acquire various elevator signals held by the group management control device 100 from the group management control device 100. The server device 400 also stores a database (DB) related to the use of the priority operation mode. DB91 records the implementation results of the priority operation mode and billing / point information as a database. The terminal 500 is connected to the server device 400 for communication, and can view the various elevator signals acquired by the server device 400 and the contents of DB91 on a display screen.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator hall. Fig. 2 shows a diagram of an elevator hall seen from the front. Here, in this embodiment, a hall call in the UP direction (upward) is also referred to as an "UP call" or "UP hall call," a hall call in the DN direction (downward) as a "DN call" or "DN hall call," and a destination floor call in the car 10 as a "car call." The buttons for registering each of these calls are called "call buttons."

[0035] The call buttons include car call buttons (also referred to as "destination floor buttons") provided in the car 10 and platform call buttons (also referred to as "platform buttons") provided at the platforms. Platform call buttons (platform buttons) include upward platform call buttons (also referred to as "UP call buttons" or "UP platform call buttons") provided at the platforms, and downward platform call buttons (also referred to as "DN call buttons" or "DN platform call buttons") provided at the platforms.

[0036] At the landing on each floor, a door 61, a priority indicator 301, and a landing arrival light 304 are provided for each car 10. Only one communication device 302 and one landing operating panel 303 may be installed at the landing on each floor, or multiple devices may be installed. The landing operating panel 303 is provided with a UP landing call button 81 and a DN landing call button 82. For example, when the UP landing call button 81 for the first floor is pressed, a UP landing call for the first floor is registered.

[0037] When a hall call button (UP hall call button 81 or DN hall call button 82) provided on the hall operating panel 303 is pressed, the group management control device 100 registers the hall call corresponding to the hall call button. Then, the group management control device 100 assigns one of the multiple cars 10 (car A, car B, car C) to the registered hall call. The individual car control device (one of the individual car control devices 200a to 200c) corresponding to the assigned car 10 (also referred to as the "assigned car") causes the assigned car to respond to the registered hall call.

[0038] For example, when the 1st floor UP hall call button 81 is pressed, the 1st floor UP hall call signal is turned ON. The group management control device 100 receives the 1st floor UP hall call signal that is ON and registers the 1st floor UP hall call. The group management control device 100 assigns one of locomotives A to C to the 1st floor UP hall call.

[0039] For example, assume that the group management control device 100 assigns car A. In this case, the group management control device 100 sends a command to the individual car control device 200a of car A to respond to the 1st floor UP hall call. The individual car control device 200a of car No. 1 causes the car 10 of car No. 1 to run and respond to the 1st floor UP hall call. After running to the 1st floor, the car 10 stops at the 1st floor and opens the door.

[0040] When the car 10 arrives, the landing arrival light 304 is turned on. The landing arrival light 304 is composed of an arrival light that indicates that the car 10 has arrived in the UP direction and an arrival light that indicates that the car 10 has arrived in the DN direction.

[0041] A user terminal 600 carried by an elevator user can communicate with a communication device 302 provided at the elevator hall. In this embodiment, information acquired by the communication device 302 from the user terminal 600 is immediately transmitted to the group management control device 100, and information transmitted from the group management control device 100 to the communication device 302 is immediately transmitted to the user terminal 600. Note that the communication device 302 may be configured to be included in the group management control device 100.

[0042] The user terminal 600 can request operation in the priority operation mode (also referred to as a "priority operation request") from the group management control device 100 via the communication device 302. When a user requests operation in the priority operation mode using the user terminal 600, the group management control device 100 assigns one of cars 10 of cars A to C as an "assigned car" and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode.

[0043] At the landing of each floor, a priority indicator (display device) 301 is provided that indicates whether or not each of the cars 10 of cars A to C is in priority operation mode. The priority indicator 301 of an assigned car controlled to the priority operation mode (also referred to as a "priority operation mode car") displays a priority operation indication (for example, by lighting a lamp and making the character "Yu" visible) that indicates that the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode.

[0044] Next, the inside of the car 10 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of the elevator car 10. Fig. 3 shows a view of the inside of the car 10 looking toward the exit. The car 10 is provided with a door 60, an announcement device 211 that outputs sound, and a car operation panel 212. The announcement device 211 may be provided in the car operation panel 212. The car operation panel 212 is provided with a door open button 52 for opening the door, a door close button 53 for closing the door, and a car call button 31 for registering a destination floor (car call) from the 1st floor to the Nth floor.

[0045] The car call buttons 31 include a 1st floor car call button for registering a car call for the 1st floor, a 2nd floor car call button for registering a car call for the 2nd floor, ..., an Nth floor car call button for registering a car call for the Nth floor. The car operation panel 212 is also provided with an indicator 51 that displays the running direction and car position of the car 10 (in this example, it displays the 2nd floor UP direction).

[0046] The announcement device 211 is a device that makes various announcements regarding the priority operation mode when operation in the priority operation mode is executed. Details will be described later. Also, inside the car 10, similar to the priority indicator 301 at the landing, a display (priority operation display) may be made to indicate whether or not the car 10 is being controlled in the priority operation mode. This may be displayed on the indicator 51, or the same device as the priority indicator 301 may be installed, or a separate liquid crystal display may be installed to display this.

[0047] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the user terminal 600. For example, assume that the building in which the elevator control system 1 is installed is an apartment building. The user lives on the fifth floor and is about to board the car 10 from the first floor. On the user terminal 600, the user starts dedicated application software (hereinafter also referred to as "dedicated software") for operating the elevator in priority operation mode.

[0048] The user sets the boarding floor as floor 1 and the disembarking floor as floor 5 on the user terminal 600, and requests operation in priority operation mode from the setting screen (for example, by clicking "Send" on the setting screen). As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the screen of the user terminal 600 displays that the user's house number is "501" (meaning room 501), the boarding floor is floor 1, the disembarking floor is floor 5, and that the priority operation mode is ON.

[0049] In addition, the server device 400 stores information about the residents of the apartment building (such as apartment numbers) in a database, and by comparing this with the apartment number sent from the user terminal 600, it is possible to identify the user.

[0050] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the priority operation mode. Assume that car A is assigned as the assigned car by operation from the user terminal 600 shown in Figure 4, and car A is controlled to the priority operation mode. Car A is stopped in the UP direction on the first floor, and a call from the UP hall on the second floor has already been assigned. In this state, car A is assigned the priority operation mode from the first floor (boarding floor) to the fifth floor (disembarking floor).

[0051] As a result of the priority operation mode being assigned to Unit A, the allocation of calls from the 2nd floor UP platform on the route to the 5th floor (disembarkation floor) is changed. This is to prevent other passengers from boarding on the 2nd floor while the train is in priority operation mode.

[0052] The 2nd floor UP hall call is assigned to another car. In this example, the 2nd floor UP hall call has been reassigned to car B. Car B is stopped on the 1st floor in the UP direction, and car calls to the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors have been registered. Due to the reassignment, after departing from the 1st floor, car B will respond to the 2nd floor UP hall call, and then respond to car calls for the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors. Meanwhile, car C is traveling on the 3rd floor in the DN direction, and is scheduled to respond to a 1st floor car call.

[0053] Unit A is controlled in priority operation mode, and when a passenger boards on the first floor and enters a PIN number according to the announcement, it can travel to the fifth floor. When Unit A arrives at the fifth floor, the doors open and the passenger disembarks, ending priority operation mode.

[0054] After that, if a DN hall call for the 6th floor and a DN hall call for the 4th floor are assigned, Locomotive A will respond to these hall calls. After opening its doors at the 5th floor, Locomotive A will close its doors and travel to the 6th floor to respond to the DN call for the 6th floor. After that, it will travel to the 4th floor to respond to the DN call for the 4th floor.

[0055] The 6th floor DN hall call and the 4th floor DN hall call may be hall calls that have already been assigned before the priority operation mode is assigned to Unit A. After Unit A has performed priority operation from the 1st floor to the 5th floor, it will only need to respond to the 6th floor DN hall call and the 4th floor DN hall call, so there is no need to change the assignment of these hall calls.

[0056] All residents of this apartment building can install the dedicated software and can freely use the priority driving mode. Therefore, by using the priority driving mode, they can quickly move to their destination floor (destination floor) at any time.

[0057] For example, the following usage method is envisioned. A resident who has suddenly become ill and called an ambulance sets the priority operation mode from the user terminal 600, and the car 10 waits at the entrance floor (first floor: boarding floor). Even if someone else gets into this car 10, it will not start operating and will continue to wait on the first floor. When the ambulance arrives, the resident enters a PIN number and departs for the residential floor (disembarking floor). After arrival, the user sets the priority operation mode again from the user terminal 600, and waits for the transporting ambulance, and the car then loads the patient and the ambulance team and descends from the residential floor (boarding floor) to the entrance floor (disembarking floor).

[0058] In this way, rapid movement will be possible in the event of an emergency. The dedicated software will be distributed not only to residents but also to firefighters, police, etc. This will allow firefighters, police officers, etc. to freely use the apartment building's priority operation mode in an emergency.

[0059] On the other hand, the priority operation mode can be used by all residents at any time, not just in emergencies. However, as will be described later, users (residents) who use the priority operation mode are charged a usage fee. The DB91 mentioned above records usage information for the priority operation mode, and based on this information, the condominium management association or the like can charge users (residents) a usage fee. By charging a usage fee, excessive use (abuse) of the priority operation mode can be discouraged.

[0060] Furthermore, as will be described later, other users (residents) who are disadvantaged (for example, forced to transfer) by the implementation of the priority operation mode will be given special benefits (points). In this way, a balance can be achieved by charging a usage fee to users who benefit from the implementation of the priority operation mode, and by giving special benefits (points) to users who are disadvantaged by the implementation of the priority operation mode.

[0061] A more detailed explanation will be given below using a flowchart. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts of the processing executed by the elevator control system 1. Hereinafter, "step" may also be simply referred to as "S".

[0062] The processing performed by the elevator control system 1 is composed of processing performed by the user terminal 600, the communication device 302, the group management control device 100, the individual unit control device 200a for elevator A, the individual unit control device 200b for elevator B, and the individual unit control device 200c for elevator C.

[0063] 4, when a user requests operation in the priority operation mode using the user terminal 600, the user terminal 600 transmits, in S101, a priority operation request to run in the priority operation mode to the group management control device 100 via the communication device 302. At that time, information including the boarding floor, the disembarking floor, and the residence number is transmitted from the user terminal 600.

[0064] The communication device 302 receives a priority operation request to start the priority operation mode from the user terminal 600. When the communication device 302 receives the priority operation request, the group management control device 100 assigns one of cars A to C as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode (assignment to priority operation mode car).

[0065] Specifically, in S201, when the group management control device 100 receives a priority operation request from the user terminal 600, it determines the priority operation mode machine. In principle, the group management control device 100 takes into consideration the car calls and hall calls of each machine and determines the machine that will minimize the waiting time of users at the boarding floor as the priority operation mode machine. Here, the flowchart below will be described assuming that the priority operation mode machine is assigned to machine A. Note that the processing content is the same even if the priority operation mode machine is assigned to another machine.

[0066] In S202, the group management control device 100 notifies the individual vehicle control device 200a of vehicle A, which is assigned to the priority operation mode vehicle, of the priority operation mode. This notification includes information such as boarding floor and disembarking floor. In S301, the individual vehicle control device 200a of vehicle A starts the priority operation mode (see FIG. 5).

[0067] In S203, the group management control device 100 generates a personal identification number (for example, "2345") and notifies the generated personal identification number to the individual machine control device 200a of machine A and the user terminal 600. The user can check the personal identification number on the user terminal 600.

[0068] If another hall call has been assigned to the assigned car (car A), the group management control device 100 cancels the other hall call and assigns it to a car 10 different from the assigned car. Specifically, in S204, the group management control device 100 changes the assignment of the hall call for car A and notifies the change. For example, if there is a hall call that must be answered while car A is traveling to the disembarkation floor among the hall calls assigned to car A, the assignment is changed to another car.

[0069] In the example of Figure 5, while vehicle A is traveling up from its current position (1st floor) to the disembarking floor (5th floor), there is a 2nd floor UP platform call that it must respond to, so the 2nd floor UP platform call is reassigned to vehicle B. In this case, vehicle B will respond to the newly assigned 2nd floor UP platform call as well. Platform calls that are subject to reassignment also include platform calls on the route to the boarding floor after assignment.

[0070] In S302, if a car call is registered in vehicle A at the time of allocation, the individual vehicle control device 200a controls vehicle A to respond to the registered car call and then go directly to the boarding floor. For example, if the boarding floor is the third floor and the disembarking floor is the first floor, vehicle A is traveling in the DN direction on the seventh floor, and a car call for the fifth floor is registered, vehicle A will respond to the car call for the fifth floor and then go directly to the boarding floor (third floor). If a car call for the second floor is registered, vehicle A will travel in the DN direction, respond to the car call for the second floor, then turn around in the UP direction and go directly to the boarding floor (third floor).

[0071] In S401, the individual car control device 200b of car B and the individual car control device 200c of car C are controlled to respond to registered car calls and hall calls as usual, including hall calls that have been reassigned.

[0072] When the assigned car (car No. A) is controlled to the priority operation mode, the group management control device 100 prohibits the registration of new car calls from the car operation panel 212 installed in the assigned car, and controls the priority indicator 301 corresponding to the assigned car to indicate that the assigned car (car No. A) is in the priority operation mode.

[0073] Specifically, in S205, the group management control device 100 sends a command to the priority indicators 301 of car A at the halls on all floors to change the priority indicators 301 to "priority operation display."

[0074] In S303, when vehicle A arrives at the boarding floor, the individual vehicle control device 200a controls vehicle A to open the door, register a car call for the disembarking floor, turn on the car call button 31 for the disembarking floor, and wait until the PIN number is confirmed.

[0075] In S206, the group management control device 100 performs control so that the platform arrival light 304 of car A is not lit in the priority operation mode. In the example of Fig. 5, when car A arrives at the first floor (boarding floor), the doors open, and a car call registration for the fifth floor (disembarking floor) and the car call button 31 are lit. When car A arrives at the first floor, the platform arrival light 304 is not lit. This is because if the platform arrival light 304 is lit, there is a possibility that passengers other than the user of the user terminal 600 may board car A.

[0076] In S207, if a hall call for the boarding floor is registered, the group management control device 100 allocates it to car B or C. In the above example, the UP hall call for the 1st floor (boarding floor) is allocated to car A in priority operation mode, so other passengers cannot board car A. Therefore, if another passenger registers a 1st floor UP hall call, it is allocated to car B or C.

[0077] When car A arrives at the boarding floor, the user of the user terminal 600 boards car A. In S304, even if another passenger accidentally boards car A and presses the car call button 31, the individual car control device 200a continues to wait at the boarding floor without departing.

[0078] In addition, after the assigned car (car No. A) arrives at the boarding floor, if any operation other than entering a PIN number ("specific operation" described later) is performed on the car operation panel 212 installed in the assigned car, the group management control device 100 controls the announcement device 211 installed in the assigned car to output an announcement that passengers should board a car 10 other than the assigned car.

[0079] Specifically, based on instructions from the group management control device 100, the individual car control device 200a controls the announcement device 211 to output a voice announcement saying, "Car A is in priority operation mode, so please press the call button at the boarding area to use another car," if another passenger who has boarded by mistake performs an operation other than entering a PIN number on the car operation panel 212 (for example, operating the car call button 31 on the Nth floor, operating the door close button 53, etc.).

[0080] Furthermore, after the assigned car (car No. A) arrives at the boarding floor, if any operation other than a specific operation (entry of a PIN number) is performed on the car operation panel 212 provided in the assigned car, the group management control device 100 controls a display device (for example, indicator 51) provided in the assigned car to display a two-dimensional code for awarding a privilege (points). Based on a command from the group management control device 100, the each-car control device 200a executes secondary code display processing. Details will be described later using Figures 8 and 9, but the secondary code display processing is processing for displaying a secondary code for awarding points on a display device to passengers who are forced to transfer to another car.

[0081] When the passenger applies for points from his / her user terminal 600, the group management control device 100 executes a points granting process in S208 and executes a DB update request to the server device 400. In response to this, the server device 400 updates the DB 91 to record the granted points of the passenger. Details will be described later using Figures 8 and 9.

[0082] In S305, the individual-car control device 200a controls the announcement device 211 to output a voice announcement saying "Please set your PIN number using the car destination button."

[0083] The user of the user terminal 600 presses the car call button 31 on the car operation panel 212 and enters the PIN number displayed on the user terminal 600. If the PIN number is "2345," the user presses the car call buttons 31 for the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors in that order. When the correct PIN number is entered, the individual car control device 200a controls the announcement device 211 in S306 to output a voice announcement saying, "Confirmed, please keep pressing the close button until the car starts operating."

[0084] The user of the user terminal 600 continues to press the door close button 53 until vehicle A starts moving (the user rides from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor). Note that the action to cause vehicle A to depart is not limited to a long press of the door close button 53, and other operations (such as pressing the door open button 52 and the door close button 53 simultaneously) may also be used. After vehicle A closes its doors, the individual vehicle control device 200a controls vehicle A in S307 to start operating toward the disembarking floor.

[0085] In this way, the group management control device 100 allows the assigned car (car No. A) to travel from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor when a "specific operation" is accepted on the car operation panel 212 installed in the assigned car after the assigned car (car No. A) arrives at the boarding floor. In this embodiment, the "specific operation" is an operation of pressing the car call button (destination floor button) 31 installed on the car operation panel 212 installed in the assigned car (car No. A) and entering a PIN number. Prior to this, the group management control device 100 causes the user terminal 600 to transmit a PIN number to the communication device 302 when the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode.

[0086] The "specific operation" is not limited to the operation of inputting a PIN number, but may be, for example, an operation of operating certain buttons on the car operation panel 212 in a certain sequence. For example, it may be an operation of simultaneously pressing the door open button 52 and the door close button 53. In this case, an instruction to simultaneously press the door open button 52 and the door close button 53 is transmitted to the user terminal 600. In addition, the announcement device 211 also plays a voice announcement instructing the user to operate in accordance with the instructions displayed on the user terminal 600.

[0087] In S308, the individual-car control device 200a controls the announcement device 211 to repeatedly output the voice announcement "Priority service in progress, proceeding directly to the disembarking floor." When car A arrives at the disembarking floor (S309), the individual-car control device 200a notifies the group management control device 100 of completion (S310). The user of the user terminal 600 disembarks at the disembarking floor.

[0088] In S209, the group management control device 100 notifies the individual car control device 200a that the priority operation mode has been cancelled and normal operation has resumed. When the priority operation mode has been cancelled and normal operation has resumed, the individual car control device 200a responds to car calls and hall calls as usual (S311). As explained above, the group management control device 100 controls car A so that it does not stop in response to other hall calls from the time the priority operation mode starts until it arrives at the disembarkation floor.

[0089] In S210, the group management control device 100 executes billing processing for use of the priority operation mode and sends a DB update request to the server device 400. In response to this, the server device 400 updates the DB 91 to record the usage history and billing information of users of the priority operation mode. Details will be described later using FIG. 8. When processing by each device is completed, processing in the priority operation mode ends and the system switches to normal operation (S501).

[0090] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the DB 91. The DB 91 stores the date and time, the house number, the boarding floor, the exiting floor, the type of vehicle, point information (charging information), and accumulated point information.

[0091] For example, in the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, a user with residence number "501" used the priority driving mode from the first floor (boarding floor) to the fifth floor (disembarking floor). Use of the priority driving mode is charged according to the points consumed. For example, X1 points (pt) are consumed for each use of the priority driving mode. The user is charged a usage fee equivalent to the points consumed.

[0092] The group management control device 100 executes billing processing in S210. In the billing processing, the current point increase / decrease and accumulated points (for example, accumulated points for the current month) are calculated. In the above example, the points were "-X1pt" due to the use of the current priority operation mode, and as a result of the points decreasing by X1pt, the accumulated points are calculated as "-X3pt".

[0093] The group management control device 100 makes a DB update request to the server device 400. In response, the server device 400 receives the usage history and billing information of the user of the priority operation mode from the group management control device 100 and updates the DB 91. In the above example, the date and time of use of the priority operation mode (June 7, 2024, 15:10) as well as the house number "501", boarding floor "1st floor", disembarking floor "5th floor", type "priority operation", points "-X1pt", and accumulated points "-X3pt" are recorded. The user is charged a usage fee equivalent to X3 points.

[0094] In this way, when the assigned car (car No. A) is controlled to the priority operation mode, the group management control device 100 transmits information corresponding to the usage fee for the priority operation mode (points / billing information) and user information to the server device 400. The server device 400 records the information corresponding to the usage fee and user information received from the group management control device 100 in the DB91.

[0095] On the other hand, points are awarded to users whose convenience has decreased (who have suffered disadvantages) due to the priority operation (S304, S208). Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the point awarding process. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, unit A has switched to priority operation mode from the first floor to the fifth floor.

[0096] In this case, even though car A is waiting with its doors open on the first floor, other passengers cannot use car A. Even if a passenger boards car A waiting with its doors open on the first floor and attempts to register a car call, an announcement will be made telling them to transfer to another car, which will reduce convenience for other passengers.

[0097] Therefore, points are awarded to users whose convenience has decreased in this way. In S304, an announcement is made to transfer to the other car, and the liquid crystal display unit in the car 10 (for example, the liquid crystal display unit that displays the indicator 51) displays the two-dimensional code 5 together with a message that points will be awarded (two-dimensional code display processing).

[0098] When the two-dimensional code 5 is read by a camera built into the user terminal 600 carried by this user (for example, a resident of room 402), dedicated software is started. When the dedicated software is started, it is connected to the group management control device 100 for communication, and the group management control device 100 executes the point allocation process (S208).

[0099] In the point allocation process, the current allocated points and cumulative points (for example, the cumulative points for the current month) are calculated. In the above example, "X2 points" are allocated as the allocated points due to the decrease in convenience, and as a result of the increase in points by X2 points, the cumulative points are calculated as "X4 points."

[0100] This information is sent to the user terminal 600, and a points application screen is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 600. The screen displays the message "Priority operation mode is in progress, please use another car," along with the user's house number "402," assigned points "X2pt," and accumulated points "X4pt." When the user clicks "Points application," the points application information is sent to the group management control device 100.

[0101] In response to this, the group management control device 100 makes a DB update request to the server device 400 (S208). As a result, the server device 400 receives the point update information from the group management control device 100 and updates the DB 91.

[0102] In the above example, DB91 records the date and time (June 7, 2024, 15:11), the house number "402", the type "transfer", the awarded points "X2pt", and the accumulated points "X4pt" (see FIG. 8). The awarded points can be used to use the priority driving mode. Alternatively, the points may be configured to be able to be used to purchase some kind of product or to be exchanged for cash.

[0103] In the above case, the two-dimensional code 5 may be displayed on a liquid crystal display provided in the car 10 of Locomotive A, or on some kind of liquid crystal display installed at the landing on the first floor. In this case, the two-dimensional code may be displayed on a liquid crystal display installed at the landing on the condition that Locomotive A cannot be boarded and that transfer to Locomotives B or C is required. For example, the two-dimensional code may be displayed on a liquid crystal display at the landing on the condition that an announcement is made to transfer to another locomotive, or on the condition that a locomotive in priority operation mode is waiting with its doors open. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that points can be applied for directly from dedicated software without displaying the two-dimensional code on the liquid crystal display.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the elevator control system 1 includes a group management control device 100 that controls one or more elevators and a communication device 302 that communicates with a user terminal 600 carried by an elevator user. The communication device 302 receives a request from the user terminal 600 to start a priority operation mode in which the elevator runs preferentially from the user's boarding floor to the disembarking floor. When the communication device 302 receives the request, the group management control device 100 assigns one of the elevators' cars 10 as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to run in the priority operation mode. After the assigned car arrives at the boarding floor, if a specific operation is received on the car operating panel 212 installed in the assigned car, the group management control device 100 allows the assigned car to run from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor. The group management control device 100 controls the assigned car so that it does not stop in response to other hall calls from the start of the priority operation mode until it arrives at the disembarking floor.

[0105] In this way, anyone can receive priority operation mode services by making a request to start the priority operation mode from the user terminal 600. The assigned car does not respond to other hall calls, so it can move quickly to the disembarking floor. Even if another user accidentally boards the assigned car, the assigned car will not run unless a specific operation is performed, so it is possible to prevent other users from accidentally running the assigned car. This makes it possible to use the elevator priority operation mode more comfortably and reliably.

[0106] The specific operation is to press the car call button (destination floor button) 31 provided on the car operation panel 212 provided in the assigned car and input a PIN number. When the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the communication device 302 transmits the PIN number to the user terminal 600. This ensures that only the user who has requested the start of the priority operation mode can receive the priority operation mode service.

[0107] There are multiple elevators controlled by the group management control device 100. When another hall call is assigned to the assigned car, the group management control device 100 cancels the other hall call and assigns it to a car 10 different from the assigned car. This allows passengers to be transported quickly to the disembarking floor.

[0108] At the landing of each floor, a priority indicator (display device) 301 is provided that indicates whether or not each of the cars 10 of one or more elevators is in priority operation mode. When an assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the group management control device 100 prohibits the registration of car calls from the car operating panel 212 provided in the assigned car, and controls the priority indicator 301 corresponding to the assigned car to indicate that the assigned car is in priority operation mode. This allows only the user who has requested the start of priority operation mode to receive priority operation mode services, and also allows other users to be guided appropriately without causing confusion.

[0109] An announcement device 211 that outputs sound is provided inside the assigned car. If an operation other than a specific operation is performed on a car operation panel 212 provided inside the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor, the group management control device 100 controls the announcement device 211 provided inside the assigned car so as to output an announcement that the passenger should board a car 10 other than the assigned car. This allows only the user who has requested to start the priority operation mode to receive the priority operation mode service, and also allows other users to be appropriately guided without causing confusion.

[0110] The elevator control system 1 further includes a server device 400 that stores DB91 related to the use of the priority operation mode. When an assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the group management control device 100 transmits information corresponding to the usage fee for the priority operation mode (points / billing information) and user information to the server device 400. The server device 400 records the information corresponding to the usage fee and user information received from the group management control device 100 in DB91. By charging a usage fee, excessive use (abuse) of the priority operation mode can be discouraged.

[0111] The group management control device 100 controls a display (for example, indicator 51) provided in the assigned car to display a two-dimensional code for awarding a privilege (points) when an operation other than a specific operation is performed on the car operating panel 212 provided in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor. In this way, privileges (points) are awarded to other users (residents) who have been disadvantaged (forced to transfer, etc.) by the implementation of the priority operation mode. In this way, a balance can be achieved by charging a usage fee to users who have benefited from the implementation of the priority operation mode and awarding privileges (points) to users who have been disadvantaged by the implementation of the priority operation mode.

[0112] [Note] The above-described embodiment is a specific example of the following additional notes.

[0113] (Appendix 1) a control device for controlling one or more elevators; a communication device that communicates with a user terminal carried by an elevator user, the communication device receives, from the user terminal, a request to start a priority operation mode in which the vehicle travels preferentially from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor of the user; The control device When the communication device receives the request, it assigns one of the cars of the one or more elevators as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode; After the assigned car arrives at the boarding floor, when a specific operation is accepted on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car, the assigned car is permitted to travel from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor; an elevator control system that controls the assigned car so that it does not stop in response to other hall calls from the time the priority operation mode is started until the car arrives at the drop-off floor.

[0114] (Appendix 2) The specific operation is an operation of pressing a destination floor button provided on the car operation panel provided in the assigned car and inputting a PIN number, An elevator control system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the communication device transmits the PIN number to the user terminal when the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode.

[0115] (Appendix 3) There are a plurality of elevators controlled by the control device, 3. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein, when another hall call is assigned to the assigned car, the control device cancels the other hall call and assigns it to a car different from the assigned car.

[0116] (Appendix 4) a display device is provided at each floor landing to indicate whether each car of the one or more elevators is in the priority operation mode; An elevator control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein when the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the control device prohibits the registration of car calls from the car operating panel installed in the assigned car, and controls the display device corresponding to the assigned car to indicate that the assigned car is in the priority operation mode.

[0117] (Appendix 5) There are a plurality of elevators controlled by the control device, An announcement device that outputs voice is provided in the assigned car, An elevator control system as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, wherein the control device controls the announcement device installed in the assigned car so as to output an announcement that the passenger should board a car other than the assigned car when an operation other than the specific operation is performed on a car operating panel installed in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor.

[0118] (Appendix 6) The elevator control system described in Appendix 5, wherein the control device controls a display provided in the assigned car to display a two-dimensional code for granting a privilege when an operation other than the specific operation is performed on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor.

[0119] (Appendix 7) Further, a server device that stores a database related to the use of the priority operation mode is provided, When the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the control device transmits information corresponding to a usage fee for the priority operation mode and information about the user to the server device; The elevator control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the server device records information corresponding to the usage fee and information about the user received from the control device in the database.

[0120] (Appendix 8) A control method for an elevator control system including a control device for controlling one or more elevators and a communication device for communicating with a user terminal carried by an elevator user, comprising: receiving, from the user terminal, a request by the communication device to start a priority operation mode in which the vehicle travels preferentially from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor of the user; When the communication device receives the request, the control device assigns one of the cars of the one or more elevators as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode; a step in which the control device permits the assigned car to travel from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor when a specific operation is received on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor; and a step by the control device of controlling the assigned car so as not to stop in response to another hall call from the start of the priority operation mode until the assigned car arrives at the disembarking floor.

[0121] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples and are not limited to the above. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1 elevator control system, 5 two-dimensional code, 10 car, 31 car call button, 51 indicator, 52 door open button, 53 door close button, 60, 61 door, 81 UP hall call button, 82 DN hall call button, 91 DB, 100 group management control device, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 communication IF, 200a to 200c individual control devices, 211 announcement device, 212 car operation panel, 301 priority display, 302 communication device, 303 hall operation panel, 304 hall arrival light, 400 server device, 500 terminal, 600 user terminal.

Claims

1. a controller for controlling one or more elevators; a communication device that communicates with a user terminal carried by an elevator user, the communication device receives, from the user terminal, a request to start a priority operation mode in which the vehicle travels preferentially from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor of the user; The control device When the communication device receives the request, it assigns one of the cars of the one or more elevators as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode; After the assigned car arrives at the boarding floor, when a specific operation is accepted on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car, the assigned car is permitted to travel from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor; an elevator control system that controls the assigned car so that it does not stop in response to other hall calls from the time the priority operation mode is started until the car arrives at the drop-off floor.

2. The specific operation is an operation of pressing a destination floor button provided on the car operation panel provided in the assigned car and inputting a PIN number, 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device transmits the personal identification number to the user terminal when the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode.

3. There are a plurality of elevators controlled by the control device, 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein, when another hall call is assigned to the assigned car, the control device cancels the other hall call and assigns it to a car different from the assigned car.

4. a display device is provided at each floor landing to indicate whether each car of the one or more elevators is in the priority operation mode; 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein, when the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the control device prohibits registration of car calls from the car operating panel provided in the assigned car, and controls the display device corresponding to the assigned car to indicate that the assigned car is in the priority operation mode.

5. There are a plurality of elevators controlled by the control device, An announcement device that outputs voice is provided in the assigned car, 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the announcement device provided in the assigned car so as to output an announcement that a passenger should board a car other than the assigned car when an operation other than the specific operation is performed on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor.

6. 6. The elevator control system according to claim 5, wherein the control device controls a display provided in the assigned car to display a two-dimensional code for granting a privilege when an operation other than the specific operation is performed on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor.

7. Further, a server device that stores a database related to the use of the priority operation mode is provided, When the assigned car is controlled to the priority operation mode, the control device transmits information corresponding to a usage fee for the priority operation mode and information about the user to the server device; An elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the server device records information corresponding to the usage fee and information about the user received from the control device in the database.

8. A control method for an elevator control system including a control device for controlling one or more elevators and a communication device for communicating with a user terminal carried by an elevator user, comprising: receiving, from the user terminal, a request by the communication device to start a priority operation mode in which the vehicle travels preferentially from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor of the user; When the communication device receives the request, the control device assigns one of the cars of the one or more elevators as an assigned car and controls the assigned car to the priority operation mode; a step in which the control device permits the assigned car to travel from the boarding floor to the disembarking floor when a specific operation is received on a car operating panel provided in the assigned car after the assigned car has arrived at the boarding floor; and a step by the control device of controlling the assigned car so as not to stop in response to another hall call from the start of the priority operation mode until the assigned car arrives at the disembarking floor.

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