Elevator control system, control method, and control program

Abstract

The present invention provides an elevator control system, control method, and control program that enable smoother rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone, regardless of the user's proficiency in operating procedures. [Solution] In the control system 24, when an earthquake sensor 17 installed in the building 3 detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the entrapment determination unit 27 determines whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the express zone based on the position of the car 9 detected by the position detection unit 25 and whether or not there are passengers on board the car 9 determined by the boarding determination unit 26. When an entrapment occurs in the express zone, the display control unit 28 displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel 19 for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel 19. At the same time, the display control unit 28 also displays the operating procedure to be performed on the car operation panel 13 installed in the car 9 for rescue operations on the monitoring panel 19 and the car display panel 14 installed in the car 9, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator control system, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator control system. In an elevator provided with a rapid zone which is a section where the car passes through a floor, when it is determined that the car cannot reach the nearest floor within a predetermined time, the control system makes the car stop urgently. Thereafter, when a high vibration sensor that senses vibrations due to an earthquake exceeding a predetermined level is not operating, the control system makes the car travel at a low speed and stop at the nearest floor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an elevator or the like to which the control system of Patent Document 1 is applied, when entrapment occurs in the rapid zone where the car stops with users inside, a rescue operation from the entrapment in the rapid zone is performed. The rescue operation may require operations by an elevator administrator or the like and operations by the users trapped in the car. On the other hand, since entrapment in the rapid zone usually does not occur frequently, the administrator or the like may not be familiar with the operation procedures for the rescue operation. At this time, the operations by the administrator or the like and the explanations of the operations to the users may not be performed smoothly, and it may take time to rescue the trapped users.

[0005] This disclosure relates to solving these problems. This disclosure provides an elevator control system, control method, and control program that enable smoother rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone, regardless of the operator's proficiency in operating procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control system according to this disclosure is a control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels in a building's hoistway within a range including an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel, and comprises: a position detection unit that detects the position of the first car in the hoistway; a passenger determination unit that determines whether or not a passenger is in the first car based on an image captured by a first camera installed in the first car; an entrapment determination unit that, when an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, determines whether or not entrapment has occurred in the first car in the express zone based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the passenger determination unit; and a display control unit that, when the entrapment determination unit determines that entrapment has occurred in the first car in the express zone, displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operation from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel installed in the first car for rescue operation on the monitoring panel and on the first display panel installed in the first car, respectively.

[0007] The control method relating to this disclosure is a control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels in a building's hoistway within a range including an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel. The control system performs the following actions: detects the position of the first car in the hoistway; determines whether or not a user is in the first car based on an image captured by a first camera installed in the first car; when an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, determines whether or not a passenger has been trapped in the first car in the express zone based on the position of the first car and whether or not a passenger is in the first car; and when it is determined that a passenger has been trapped in the first car in the express zone, displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from the trap in the express zone on the monitoring panel, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on a first control panel installed in the first car for rescue operations on the monitoring panel and on a first display panel installed in the first car, respectively.

[0008] The control program relating to this disclosure is applied to a control system that has a first car that travels in a building's hoistway within a range including an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel. The control program performs the following actions: detects the position of the first car in the hoistway; determines whether or not there is a passenger in the first car based on an image captured by a first camera installed in the first car; when an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, determines whether or not a passenger has been trapped in the first car in the express zone based on the position of the first car and whether or not there is a passenger in the first car; and when it is determined that a passenger has been trapped in the first car in the express zone, displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from the trap in the express zone on the monitoring panel, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel installed in the first car for rescue operations on the monitoring panel and on the first display panel installed in the first car, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The elevator control system, control method, or control program described herein will enable smoother rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone, regardless of the operator's proficiency with the operating procedures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the display in the monitoring panel display unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a display in the cage display panel according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator control system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the main components of the elevator control system according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modification of any component of the embodiments or omission of any component of the embodiments is possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0012] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the elevator system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Elevator system 1 is a system that includes one or more elevators 2. In this example, elevator system 1 includes multiple elevators 2. Each elevator 2 is installed in a building 3 having multiple floors. In building 3, there is a hoistway 4, which is a space spanning multiple floors. In some of the floors of building 3, there is a landing 5. The landing 5 is a space adjacent to the hoistway 4. In the landing 5, there is a landing door 6. The landing door 6 is a door that separates the landing 5 from the hoistway 4. Each elevator 2 comprises a hoisting machine 7, a main rope 8, a car 9, a counterweight 10, and a control panel 11.

[0014] The hoisting machine 7 includes a motor that generates driving force and a sheave that rotates using the driving force generated by the motor. The hoisting machine 7 is located, for example, above or below the elevator shaft 4. Alternatively, if a machine room is provided above the elevator shaft 4, the hoisting machine 7 may be located in the machine room.

[0015] The main rope 8 is a rope that supports the loads of the elevator car 9 and the counterweight 10 in the hoistway 4. The main rope 8 is wound around the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the elevator car 9 on one side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the counterweight 10 on the other side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7.

[0016] The elevator car 9 is a device that transports people, such as passengers, between multiple floors by traveling vertically in the hoistway 4. The elevator car 9 is equipped with a car door 12, a car control panel 13, a car display panel 14, a car camera 15, and a car communication device 16. The car door 12 is a door that separates the inside and outside of the elevator car 9. When the elevator car 9 stops at any floor where a landing 5 is provided, the car door 12 opens and closes in conjunction with the landing door 6 of the landing 5 on that floor. The car control panel 13 is a device that receives operations from passengers riding in the elevator car 9, such as specifying the destination floor. In this example, the car control panel 13 includes door open and door close buttons that receive operations to open and close the car door 12. The car display panel 14 is a device that displays information to be presented to passengers riding in the elevator car 9. The car camera 15 is a device that takes images of the inside of the elevator car 9. The elevator car communication device 16 is a device used by passengers riding in the elevator car 9 for voice communication with the outside world. The elevator car communication device 16 is, for example, an intercom. The counterweight 10 is a device that balances the loads on both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 between the elevator car 9 and the hoisting machine 7. The elevator car 9 and the counterweight 10 travel in opposite directions in the hoistway 4 by the driving force generated by the motor of the hoisting machine 7.

[0017] The control panel 11 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator 2. The operation of the elevator 2 includes, for example, the movement of the car 9 in the hoistway 4. The control panel 11 is located, for example, above or below the hoistway 4. Alternatively, if a machine room is provided above the hoistway 4, for example, the control panel 11 may be located in the machine room.

[0018] In elevator 2, an express zone is provided. The express zone is the section of the hoistway 4 consisting of floors that elevator car 9 of elevator 2 does not stop on. In this example, no landing 5 for elevator 2 is provided on the floors that are bypassed.

[0019] The elevator system 1 includes a seismic sensor 17. The seismic sensor 17 is provided in the building 3 to which each elevator 2 is applied. The seismic sensor 17 senses shaking of an earthquake of a scale larger than a preset standard in the building 3. The seismic sensor 17 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor or other sensors. When the seismic sensor 17 senses an earthquake, it outputs a sensing signal to, for example, the control panel 11 of each elevator 2.

[0020] In this example, the elevator system 1 includes a group management panel 18. The group management panel 18 is a device that manages the operation of a plurality of elevators 2 in the elevator system 1. The group management panel 18 performs, for example, assignment of a user's call to any one of the elevators 2.

[0021] The elevator system 1 includes a monitoring panel 19. The monitoring panel 19 is a device that monitors the status of each elevator 2. The monitoring panel 19 monitors, for example, the status of the car 9 of each elevator 2. The monitoring panel 19 is provided, for example, in the management room of the building 3 to which each elevator 2 is applied. Alternatively, the monitoring panel 19 may be provided at a remote location of the building 3 to which each elevator 2 is applied. At this time, the monitoring panel 19 communicates with each elevator 2 through a communication network such as the Internet or a telephone line network. The monitoring panel 19 includes a monitoring panel display unit 20, a monitoring panel operation unit 21, a monitoring panel camera 22, and a monitoring panel communication device 23.

[0022] The monitoring panel display unit 20 is a part equipped with the function of displaying information to the manager of elevator 2, etc., who monitors the status of elevator 2 using the monitoring panel 19. The monitoring panel operation unit 21 is a part that accepts operations from the manager, etc. The monitoring panel operation unit 21 may include, for example, buttons, switches, dials, touch panels, or other interfaces. In this example, the control panel operation unit includes a low-speed operation switch that switches whether or not to run the car 9 at a low speed. Here, running at a low speed means running at a speed slower than the rated speed during normal operation of the car 9. The monitoring panel camera 22 is a device that photographs the manager, etc., who is operating the monitoring panel 19, etc. The monitoring panel communication device 23 is a device used by the manager, etc., for voice communication. The monitoring panel communication device 23 is used, for example, for voice communication between the manager and a user riding in the elevator car 9 of elevator 2. The monitoring panel communication device 23 is, for example, an intercom. The monitoring panel communication device 23 is configured to enable one-to-many voice communication with multiple communication targets when connected to them. The communication targets for voice communication with the monitoring panel communication device 23 are, for example, the car communication devices 16 installed in each elevator car 9 of the elevator 2.

[0023] A control system 24 is applied to each elevator 2. The control system 24 is a system that controls each elevator 2. The control system 24 includes equipment for elevator 2, such as a control panel 11 or a group control panel 18. Some or all of the functions of the control system 24 are mounted, for example, on equipment for elevator 2, such as a control panel 11 or a group control panel 18. Some or all of the functions of the control system 24 may be mounted, for example, on a computer system installed in building 3. In this case, the computer system is connected to equipment for elevator 2, such as a control panel 11 or a group control panel 18, so that it can control each elevator 2. The control system 24 includes a position detection unit 25, a passenger determination unit 26, an entrapment determination unit 27, a display control unit 28, and a call control unit 29. In this example, the position detection unit 25, the passenger determination unit 26, the entrapment determination unit 27, the display control unit 28, and the call control unit 29 are mounted on the control panel 11 of each elevator 2.

[0024] The position detection unit 25 is a part that has the function of detecting the position of the elevator car 9 in the hoistway 4. In this example, the position detection unit 25 mounted on the control panel 11 of each elevator 2 detects the position of the elevator car 9 whose movement is controlled by the control panel 11.

[0025] The passenger determination unit 26 is the part that has the function of determining whether or not a passenger is in the car 9. In this example, the passenger determination unit 26 installed in the control panel 11 of each elevator 2 determines whether or not a passenger is in the car 9 whose movement is controlled by the control panel 11. The passenger determination unit 26 determines whether or not a passenger is in the car based on images captured by the car camera 15 installed in the car 9, for example.

[0026] The entrapment determination unit 27 is a part equipped with the function of determining whether or not entrapment has occurred in the express zone. Entrapment in the express zone is a situation in which the elevator car 9, carrying passengers, stops in the express zone. In this example, the entrapment determination unit 27 installed in the control panel 11 of each elevator 2 determines whether entrapment in the express zone has occurred in the elevator car 9 whose movement is controlled by the control panel 11. The entrapment determination unit 27 makes this determination when the earthquake sensor 17 detects the occurrence of an earthquake. The entrapment determination unit 27 makes this determination based on the detection result of the position of the elevator car 9 by the position detection unit 25 and the determination result of the passenger detection unit 26. The entrapment determination unit 27 determines that entrapment in the express zone has not occurred when the elevator car 9 is not in the express zone.

[0027] The display control unit 28 is the part that has functions such as controlling the display on the car display panel 14 installed in the car 9. In this example, the display control unit 28 installed in the control panel 11 of each elevator 2 controls the display on the car display panel 14 installed in the car 9 whose movement is controlled by the control panel 11. The display control unit 28 installed in the control panel 11 of any of the elevators 2 may also control the display on the monitoring panel display unit 20 installed in the monitoring panel 19. Alternatively, the display control unit 28 that controls the display on the monitoring panel display unit 20 installed in the monitoring panel 19 may be installed in the monitoring panel 19 itself or in a group control panel 18, etc. The display control unit 28 may also collect information to be displayed from, for example, the control panel 11 of each elevator 2. When the entrapment determination unit 27 determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in any of the cars 9, the display control unit 28 controls the display to display the operating procedure for rescue operation from entrapment in the express zone. The display control unit 28 displays the operating procedure to be performed on the car operation panel 13 of the car 9 in which a passenger has been trapped in the express zone, on the car display panel 14 of the car 9 in which the passenger has been trapped. The display control unit 28 also displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel operation panel 21 and the operating procedure to be performed on the car operation panel 13 of the car 9 in which a passenger has been trapped in the express zone, on the monitoring panel display unit 20 of the monitoring panel 19.

[0028] The call control unit 29 is the part that has the function of controlling voice communication between the car 9 and the monitoring panel 19. The call control device controls voice communication between the car 9's car communication device 16 and the monitoring panel 19's monitoring panel communication device 23 as voice communication between the car 9 and the monitoring panel 19. In this example, the call control unit 29 mounted on the control panel 11 of each elevator 2 may control voice communication between the communication device provided in the car 9, which the control panel 11 controls for travel, and the monitoring panel 19. Control of voice communication includes starting, ending, holding, muting, and other operations of voice communication. Starting voice communication may be based on, for example, a control signal from the monitoring panel 19, or on a control signal from the car operation panel 13 of the car 9.

[0029] Next, we will explain an example of a rescue operation from entrapment in the express zone. Here, the car 9 to be rescued when entrapment occurs in the express zone is an example of the first car. The car camera 15, car control panel 13, car display panel 14, and car communication device 16 installed in the first car are the first camera, first control panel, first display panel, and first communication device, respectively. Elevator 2, including the first car, is the first elevator. If there is another car 9 to be rescued when entrapment occurs in the express zone, that other car 9 to be rescued is an example of the second car. The car camera 15, car control panel 13, car display panel 14, and car communication device 16 installed in the second car are the second camera, second control panel, second display panel, and second communication device, respectively. Elevator 2, including the second car, is the second elevator.

[0030] Rescue operations from trapped passengers in the express zone are carried out using the following procedure, for example: First, the operator switches the low-speed operation switch on the control panel to "on" to start the rescue operation. Then, the operator starts a voice call with the passenger inside the car 9 via the control panel communication device and the car communication device 16 of the car 9 to be rescued. The operator explains the procedure for using the car control panel 13 to the passenger inside the car 9 via voice call. Then, the passenger inside the car 9 presses the door close button on the car control panel 13. While the door close button on the car control panel 13 of the car 9 is pressed, the control panel 11 makes the car 9 travel at a low speed in a predetermined direction. The control panel 11 makes the car 9 travel in a direction away from the counterweight 10, for example. When the passenger inside the car 9 releases their hand from the door open button, the control panel 11 immediately stops the car 9. Then, the car 9 arrives at one of the floors outside the express zone. At this time, the control panel 11 opens the elevator car door 12 of the elevator car 9 in conjunction with the landing door 6 of the floor. This allows the passenger to exit the elevator car 9. Afterwards, the manager confirms via voice call whether any passengers remain inside the elevator car 9. The manager may also use images captured by the elevator car camera 15 of the elevator car 9. After that, the manager switches the low-speed operation switch on the control panel to "off" and completes the rescue operation.

[0031] Next, using Figures 2 and 3, we will explain examples of displays that appear when a passenger is trapped in the express zone. Figure 2 shows an example of the display in the monitoring panel display unit 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the display in the cage display panel 14 according to Embodiment 1. In this example, building 3 is equipped with three elevators 2: elevators A, B, and C. Entrapment in the express zone has occurred in elevators A and C. One of elevators A and C is an example of the first elevator, and the other is an example of the second elevator. No entrapment in the express zone has occurred in elevator B.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the monitoring panel display unit 20 displays images captured by the car cameras 15 installed in each of the car 9 units A and C, where entrapment in the express zone occurred. In this example, the monitoring panel display unit 20 does not display images captured by the car camera 15 installed in the car 9 unit B, where entrapment in the express zone did not occur. The selection of images to be displayed on the monitoring panel display unit 20 is performed, for example, by the display control unit 28, which controls the display of the monitoring panel display unit 20. The monitoring panel display unit 20 displays the operating procedures for each of the car operation panels 13 of units A and C, and the operating procedures for the monitoring panel 19. Notes may be added to the operating procedures, for example, in parentheses.

[0033] The monitoring panel display unit 20 displays each operation procedure and the current progress status of that procedure. The progress status includes information that allows for the identification of completed procedures, procedures in progress, and procedures before starting. The progress status is indicated by, for example, symbols added to the notation of each procedure, the font color or background color of the notation of each procedure, decorations such as strikethrough, underline, border, bold, or italics of the notation of each procedure, the font size of the notation of each procedure, or other methods. In this example, a check mark (✓) is added to the notation of completed procedures, a right-pointing arrow is added to the notation of procedures in progress, and a bullet point "·" is added to the notation of procedures before starting. The progress status also includes information on the current position and planned stopping floor of each elevator car 9 of elevators A and C, as detected by the position detection unit 25. The progress status also includes information on the running status of each elevator car 9 of elevators A and C. The information regarding the movement status may be, for example, a string of characters representing the movement information of car 9, such as "ascending" or "descending." The information regarding the movement status may also be information indicating that car 9 is stopped when it is stopped.

[0034] In the monitoring panel 19, the monitoring panel camera 22, the monitoring panel operation unit 21, and the monitoring panel communication device 23 are arranged on the same side as the monitoring panel display unit 20, and adjacent to the monitoring panel display unit 20. Therefore, the monitoring panel camera 22 captures an image of the manager responding to the rescue operation by looking at the monitoring panel display unit 20.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the display on the car display panel 14 of elevator A. The car display panel 14 of elevator A displays an image of the manager captured by the monitoring camera 22. The car display panel 14 of elevator A displays information that identifies the elevator 2 on which the car display panel 14 is installed, that is, information indicating that the elevator 2 is elevator A. The car display panel 14 of elevator A displays the operating procedure for the car control panel 13 of elevator A. The operating procedure may include additional notes, for example, in parentheses.

[0036] The elevator car display panel 14 of elevator car A displays the operating procedure on the elevator car control panel 13 of elevator car A, along with the current progress of that procedure. The progress may be displayed in the same format as the procedure displayed on the monitoring panel display unit 20, or in a different format. The progress includes information on the current position of elevator car 9 of elevator car A and the floor to which it is scheduled to stop, as detected by the position detection unit 25. The progress also includes information on the running status of elevator car 9 of elevator car A.

[0037] On the car display panel 14 of elevator A, information about another elevator 2 where a passenger has been trapped in the express zone is displayed as reference information. In this example, the operating procedure and the current progress status on the car control panel 13 of elevator C are displayed. Information such as the running status of elevator car 9 of elevator C may be transmitted simultaneously from the control panel 11 of elevator C to the control panels 11 of other elevators 2, such as elevator A. Information such as the running status of elevator car 9 of elevator C may also be transmitted simultaneously from the monitoring panel 19, which has acquired information from elevator C, to the control panels 11 of other elevators 2, such as elevator A. The information about other elevators 2 may be displayed and hidden by operations on the car control panel 13 of elevator A.

[0038] Next, an example of the operation of the control system 24 of elevator 2 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control system 24 of the elevator 2 according to Embodiment 1. The process shown in Figure 4 is performed, for example, for each elevator 2.

[0039] In step S1, the control system 24 determines whether the seismic sensor 17 has detected seismic shaking. If the seismic sensor 17 has not detected shaking, the control system 24 proceeds back to step S1. On the other hand, if the seismic sensor 17 has detected shaking, the control system 24 proceeds to step S2.

[0040] In step S2, the passenger determination unit 26 determines whether a passenger is in the corresponding car 9. If no passenger is in the car 9, the control system 24 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if a passenger is in the car 9, the control system 24 proceeds to step S4.

[0041] In step S3, the control panel 11 drives the corresponding elevator car 9 to the nearest floor and stops it. The control panel 11 may also open the elevator car door 12 of the elevator car 9 in conjunction with the landing door 6 of the nearest floor. After that, the control system 24 finishes its processing.

[0042] In step S4, the entrapment determination unit 27 determines whether entrapment in the express zone has occurred in the corresponding car 9. For example, the entrapment determination unit 27 determines that entrapment in the express zone has occurred in the car 9 when the position detection unit 25 detects that the position of the corresponding car 9 is within the express zone. On the other hand, the entrapment determination unit 27 determines that entrapment in the express zone has not occurred in the car 9 when the position detection unit 25 detects that the position of the corresponding car 9 is outside the express zone. If entrapment in the express zone has not occurred, the control system 24 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if entrapment in the express zone has occurred, the control system 24 proceeds to step S5.

[0043] In step S5, the display control unit 28 corresponding to the elevator car 9 in which the entrapment in the express zone has occurred displays the operating procedure to be performed on the elevator car operation panel 13 of that elevator car 9 and the current progress status regarding the rescue operation from the entrapment in the express zone on that elevator car 9's display panel 14. The display control unit 28 also displays an image of the manager taken by the monitoring panel camera 22 on the corresponding elevator car 9's display panel 14. If entrapment in the express zone has also occurred in another elevator 2, the display control unit 28 may also display the operating procedure to be performed on the elevator car operation panel 13 of the other elevator 2's elevator car 9 and the current progress status as reference information on the corresponding elevator car 9's display panel 14. The display control unit 28 that controls the display of the monitoring panel display unit 20 displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel operation panel 21 and the current progress status on the monitoring panel display unit 20. The display control unit 28 also displays the operating procedure to be performed on the elevator car operation panel 13 of the elevator car 9 in which the entrapment in the express zone has occurred and the current progress status on the monitoring panel display unit 20. The display control unit 28 displays the image captured by the car camera 15 of the car 9 where the entrapment has occurred in the express zone on the monitoring panel display unit 20. After that, the control system 24 proceeds to step S6.

[0044] In step S6, the call control unit 29 corresponding to the elevator car 9 in which the entrapment in the express zone has occurred controls the voice communication between the car communication device 16 of that car 9 and the monitoring panel communication device 23. For example, the call control unit 29 starts a voice communication when it has not been started. For example, the call control unit 29 continues a voice communication when it has been started. If entrapment in the express zone has occurred in multiple elevator cars 9 of the elevator 2, the call control unit 29 causes one-to-many voice communication between the monitoring panel communication device 23 and the car communication device 16 of each elevator car 9 in which the entrapment in the express zone has occurred. At this time, the call control unit 29 excludes the car communication devices 16 of elevator cars in which the entrapment in the express zone has not occurred from the target of the voice communication with the monitoring panel 19. After that, the control system 24 proceeds to step S7.

[0045] In step S7, the control panel 11 moves the elevator car 9 in a predetermined direction, for example, at a low speed, in response to user operations on the elevator car control panel 13. After that, the control system 24 proceeds to step S8.

[0046] In step S8, the control system 24 determines whether the position detection unit 25 detects that the position of car 9, in which the entrapment occurred in the express zone, has reached the stopping position of a stopping floor outside the express zone. If the position of car 9 has not reached the stopping position of a stopping floor, the control system 24 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the position of car 9 has reached the stopping position of a stopping floor, the control system 24 proceeds to step S9.

[0047] In step S9, the control panel 11 stops the elevator car 9 when it reaches the stopping position of the stopping floor. The control panel 11 opens the elevator car door 12 of the elevator car 9. The display control unit 28, which controls the display on the monitoring panel display unit 20, may continue to control the display on the monitoring panel display unit 20 even after the elevator car door 12 has opened. After that, the processing of the control system 24 ends.

[0048] As described above, the control system 24 for the elevator 2 according to Embodiment 1 is applied to an elevator 2 having a car 9 that travels in the hoistway 4 of building 3 within a range that includes an express zone. The express zone consists of floors that the car 9 passes through without stopping. The status of the car 9 is monitored by a monitoring panel 19. The control system 24 includes a position detection unit 25, a passenger determination unit 26, an entrapment determination unit 27, and a display control unit 28. The position detection unit 25 detects the position of the car 9 in the hoistway 4. The passenger determination unit 26 determines whether or not a passenger is in the car 9 based on the image captured by a car camera 15 installed in the car 9. When an earthquake sensor 17 installed in building 3 detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the entrapment determination unit 27 determines whether or not entrapment has occurred in the express zone based on the detection result of the position detection unit 25 and the determination result of the passenger determination unit 26. When the entrapment determination unit 27 determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone, the display control unit 28 displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel 19 for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone. At the same time, the display control unit 28 also displays the operating procedure to be performed on the car operation panel 13 located in the car 9 for rescue operations on both the monitoring panel 19 and the car display panel 14 located in the car 9.

[0049] With this configuration, it is determined whether or not a passenger is trapped in the express zone, and if so, the necessary operating procedures are displayed on the monitoring panel 19 and the car display panel 14. The monitoring panel 19 displays both the operating procedures for the monitoring panel 19 and the operating procedures for the car control panel 13. This allows the operator to reliably perform the operations on the monitoring panel 19, regardless of their familiarity with the operating procedures. In addition, the operating procedures for the car control panel 13 are also displayed on the monitoring panel 19, allowing the operator to reliably explain the operating procedures to the passengers inside the car 9. Furthermore, the operating procedures for the car control panel 13 are displayed on the car display panel 14, allowing passengers inside the car 9 to more reliably perform the necessary operations while checking the displayed operating procedures. As a result, rescue operations from trapped passengers in the express zone can be carried out more smoothly, regardless of familiarity with the operating procedures.

[0050] Furthermore, when the entrapment determination unit 27 determines that an entrapment has occurred in car 9 in the express zone, the display control unit 28 displays the image captured by the car camera 15 of car 9 on the monitoring panel 19. At the same time, the display control unit 28 also displays the image captured by the monitoring panel camera 22 installed on the monitoring panel 19 on the car display panel 14 of car 9.

[0051] This configuration allows the operator to monitor the situation inside car 9 using captured images and respond accordingly. This enables the operator to respond flexibly to situations where passengers are trapped in the express zone depending on the situation inside car 9. In addition, passengers inside car 9 can perform necessary operations while viewing captured images of the operator, which can reduce anxiety when performing unfamiliar operations.

[0052] Furthermore, the display control unit 28 displays the operating procedure for rescue operations, which is performed on the car operation panel 13, and the current progress status of said operating procedure on the monitoring panel 19 and the car display panel 14, respectively. Furthermore, the current progress of the rescue operation procedure performed on the car control panel 13 includes information on the current position of the car 9 and the floor on which the car 9 is scheduled to stop, as detected by the position detection unit 25.

[0053] This configuration allows passengers inside cage 9 to understand their current situation, such as how many more actions are needed before rescue and how long it will take, thus potentially reducing their anxiety about being rescued.

[0054] Furthermore, the control system 24 is applied to multiple elevators 2. The entrapment determination unit 27 may determine that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the car 9 of one of the elevators 2, and that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the car 9 of another elevator 2. At this time, the display control unit 28 displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel 19 for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel 19. At this time, the display control unit 28 also displays the operating procedure to be performed on the car operation panel 13 of one of the cars 9 for rescue operations, as well as the current progress of said operating procedure, on the monitoring panel 19, the car display panel 14 of that car 9, and the car display panels 14 provided in the other cars 9.

[0055] This configuration allows users within each cage 9 to monitor the status of other cages 9 while responding. For example, even if an administrator is attending to multiple cages 9 sequentially, users within each cage 9 can wait or respond while understanding the current situation, such as how much longer it will take until the other cages 9 are finished. This can reduce anxiety among users within each cage 9.

[0056] Furthermore, the control system 24 is applied to multiple elevators 2. The control system 24 includes a call control unit 29. The call control unit 29 controls one-to-many voice communication between the monitoring panel 19 and at least some of the elevators 2. The entrapment determination unit 27 may determine that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the car 9 of one of the elevators 2, and that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the car 9 of another elevator 2. At this time, the display control unit 28 displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel 19 for rescue operation from entrapment in the express zone. At this time, the display control unit 28 also displays the operating procedure to be performed on the car operation panel 13 of one of the cars 9 for rescue operation on the monitoring panel 19, the car display panel 14 of that car 9, and the car display panels 14 provided in the other cars 9. At this time, the call control unit 29 starts one-to-many voice communication between the monitoring panel 19 and the communication targets, including the car 9 where the entrapment in the express zone occurred.

[0057] With this configuration, when it is determined that a passenger has been trapped in the express zone in any of the elevator cars 9, a one-to-many voice call is automatically initiated between the monitoring panel 19 and the relevant elevator cars 9. Since a voice call with the operator is promptly initiated in any of the elevator cars 9 where a passenger has been trapped in the express zone, the anxiety of the passengers inside the elevator cars 9 can be reduced. In addition, the operator can simultaneously explain operating procedures and other information to each passenger inside the elevator car 9 via the one-to-many voice call, which can reduce the time required from entrapment to rescue.

[0058] Furthermore, the call control unit 29 excludes the elevator car 9 of elevator 2 that the entrapment determination unit 27 has not determined to have caused an entrapment in the express zone from the call targets, and initiates a one-to-many voice call with the monitoring panel 19.

[0059] This configuration excludes car 9, which does not require one-to-many voice communication, from being included in the communication. This avoids confusion caused by, for example, the operator emitting a voice message to car 9 that has managed to stop at the nearest floor without any passengers being trapped in the express zone. The operator does not need to consider the possibility of such confusion, allowing them to concentrate on rescuing passengers trapped in the express zone.

[0060] Next, using Figure 5, we will explain an example of the hardware configuration of the control system 24 of elevator 2. Figure 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main parts of the control system 24 of the elevator 2 according to Embodiment 1.

[0061] Each function of the control system 24 of elevator 2 can be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit comprises at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may also include at least one dedicated hardware 200 together with the processor 100a and memory 100b, or as a substitute for them.

[0062] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the control system 24 of the elevator 2 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. This program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the control system 24 of the elevator 2 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b. The program may also be a program package that includes multiple subprograms, modules, or libraries. The program is sometimes called a program product.

[0063] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0064] If the processing circuit includes dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be implemented as, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0065] Each function of the control system 24 for elevator 2 can be implemented by a separate processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the control system 24 for elevator 2 can be implemented collectively by a processing circuit. Some functions of the control system 24 for elevator 2 may be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, while others are implemented by software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuit implements each function of the control system 24 for elevator 2 using dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0066] To summarize the above explanation, the possible configurations of the technology relating to this disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Note 1) A control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels through a building's hoistway in a range that includes an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel. A position detection unit for detecting the position of the first elevator car in the elevator shaft, A passenger determination unit that determines whether or not a passenger is in the first basket based on an image captured by a first camera installed in the first basket, When an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the entrapment determination unit determines whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the first car in the express zone, based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the boarding determination unit. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the display control unit displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel provided in the first car for rescue operations on the monitoring panel and the first display panel provided in the first car, respectively. A control system equipped with the following features. (Note 2) When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the display control unit displays the image captured by the first camera on the monitoring panel and displays the image captured by the monitoring panel camera provided on the monitoring panel on the first display panel. The control system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The display control unit displays the operation procedure to be performed on the first control panel for the rescue operation and the current progress status of the operation procedure on the monitoring panel and the first display panel, respectively. The control system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Note 4) The current progress status of the operation procedure performed on the first control panel for the rescue operation includes the current position of the first car and the floor on which the first car is scheduled to stop, as detected by the position detection unit. The control system described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) Applicable to multiple elevators, The plurality of elevators include a second elevator having a second car that travels in the hoistway of the building in a range that includes the first elevator and the express zone. The position detection unit detects the position of the second car in the elevator shaft, The passenger determination unit determines whether or not a passenger is in the second basket based on the image captured by the second camera installed in the second basket. The entrapment determination unit, when the earthquake sensor detects the occurrence of an earthquake, determines whether or not entrapment has occurred in the second car in the express zone, based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the boarding determination unit. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, and when the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the second car, the display control unit displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel, displays the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel for rescue operations and the current progress of said operation procedures on the monitoring panel, the first display panel, and the second display panel provided in the second car, respectively, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on the second operation panel provided in the second car for rescue operations and the current progress of said operation procedures on the monitoring panel, the first display panel, and the second display panel, respectively. The control system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Note 6) The current progress status of the operation procedure performed on the first control panel for the rescue operation includes the current position of the first elevator car detected by the position detection unit and information on the floor where the first elevator car is scheduled to stop. The current progress status of the operation procedure performed on the second control panel for the rescue operation includes the current position of the second car and the floor on which the second car is scheduled to stop, as detected by the position detection unit. The control system described in Appendix 5. (Note 7) Applicable to multiple elevators, A call control unit that controls one-to-many voice communication between the monitoring panel and at least some of the multiple elevators. Equipped with, The plurality of elevators include a second elevator having a second car that travels in the hoistway of the building in a range that includes the first elevator and the express zone. The position detection unit detects the position of the second car in the elevator shaft, The passenger determination unit determines whether or not a passenger is in the second basket based on the image captured by the second camera installed in the second basket. The entrapment determination unit, when the earthquake sensor detects the occurrence of an earthquake, determines whether or not entrapment has occurred in the second car in the express zone, based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the boarding determination unit. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, and when the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the second car, the display control unit displays on the monitoring panel the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone, displays on the monitoring panel and the first display panel the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel for rescue operations, and displays on the monitoring panel and the second display panel provided in the second car the operating procedure to be performed on the second operation panel provided in the second car. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, and when the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the second car, the call control unit initiates a one-to-many voice call between the monitoring panel and the call subjects, including the first car and the second car. A control system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 4. (Note 8) The call control unit excludes from the call the elevator cars of the multiple elevators that the entrapment determination unit has not determined to have caused entrapment in the express zone, and initiates a one-to-many voice call with the monitoring panel. The control system described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) A control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels in a building's hoistway within a range that includes an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel, To detect the position of the first car in the aforementioned hoistway, The system determines whether or not a user is riding in the first basket based on the image captured by the first camera installed in the first basket, When an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, it is determined whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, based on the position of the first car and whether or not there are passengers in the first car. When it is determined that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone is displayed on the monitoring panel, and the operating procedure to be performed on the first control panel provided in the first car for rescue operations is displayed on the monitoring panel and the first display panel provided in the first car, respectively. A method for controlling an elevator to perform this action. (Note 10) A control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels through a building's hoistway in a range including an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel, To detect the position of the first car in the aforementioned hoistway, The system determines whether or not a user is riding in the first basket based on the image captured by the first camera installed in the first basket, When an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, it is determined whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, based on the position of the first car and whether or not there are passengers in the first car. When it is determined that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone is displayed on the monitoring panel, and the operating procedure to be performed on the first control panel provided in the first car for rescue operations is displayed on the monitoring panel and the first display panel provided in the first car, respectively. An elevator control program that executes [the command / action]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1 Elevator system, 2 Elevator, 3 Building, 4 Hoistway, 5 Landing, 6 Landing door, 7 Hoisting machine, 8 Main rope, 9 Car, 10 Counterweight, 11 Control panel, 12 Car door, 13 Car operation panel, 14 Car display panel, 15 Car camera, 16 Car communication device, 17 Earthquake sensor, 18 Group control panel, 19 Monitoring panel, 20 Monitoring panel display unit, 21 Monitoring panel operation unit, 22 Monitoring panel camera, 23 Monitoring panel communication device, 24 Control system, 25 Position detection unit, 26 Boarding determination unit, 27 Entrapment determination unit, 28 Display control unit, 29 Communication control unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. This control system is applied to a first elevator, which has a first car that travels through a building's hoistway in a range that includes an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel. A position detection unit for detecting the position of the first elevator car in the elevator shaft, A passenger determination unit that determines whether or not a passenger is in the first basket based on an image captured by a first camera installed in the first basket, When an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the entrapment determination unit determines whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the first car in the express zone, based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the boarding determination unit. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the display control unit displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel provided in the first car for rescue operations on the monitoring panel and the first display panel provided in the first car, respectively. A control system equipped with the following features.

2. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the display control unit displays the image captured by the first camera on the monitoring panel and displays the image captured by the monitoring panel camera provided on the monitoring panel on the first display panel. The control system according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit displays the operation procedure to be performed on the first control panel for the rescue operation and the current progress status of the operation procedure on the monitoring panel and the first display panel, respectively. The control system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The current progress status of the operation procedure performed on the first control panel for the rescue operation includes the current position of the first car and the floor on which the first car is scheduled to stop, as detected by the position detection unit. The control system according to claim 3.

5. Applicable to multiple elevators, The plurality of elevators include a second elevator having a second car that travels in the hoistway of the building in a range that includes the first elevator and the express zone. The position detection unit detects the position of the second car in the elevator shaft. The passenger determination unit determines whether or not a passenger is in the second basket based on the image captured by the second camera installed in the second basket. The entrapment determination unit, when the earthquake sensor detects the occurrence of an earthquake, determines whether or not entrapment has occurred in the second car in the express zone, based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the boarding determination unit. When the entrapment determination unit determines that entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, and when the entrapment determination unit determines that entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the second car, the display control unit displays the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone on the monitoring panel, displays the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel for rescue operations and the current progress of said operation procedures on the monitoring panel, the first display panel, and the second display panel provided in the second car, respectively, and displays the operating procedure to be performed on the second operation panel provided in the second car for rescue operations and the current progress of said operation procedures on the monitoring panel, the first display panel, and the second display panel, respectively. The control system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The current progress status of the operation procedure performed on the first control panel for the rescue operation includes the current position of the first elevator car detected by the position detection unit and information on the floor where the first elevator car is scheduled to stop. The current progress status of the operation procedure performed on the second control panel for the rescue operation includes the current position of the second car and the floor on which the second car is scheduled to stop, as detected by the position detection unit. The control system according to claim 5.

7. Applicable to multiple elevators, A call control unit that controls one-to-many voice communication between the monitoring panel and at least some of the multiple elevators. Equipped with, The plurality of elevators include a second elevator having a second car that travels in the hoistway of the building in a range that includes the first elevator and the express zone. The position detection unit detects the position of the second car in the elevator shaft. The passenger determination unit determines whether or not a passenger is in the second basket based on the image captured by the second camera installed in the second basket. The entrapment determination unit, when the earthquake sensor detects the occurrence of an earthquake, determines whether or not entrapment has occurred in the second car in the express zone, based on the detection result of the position detection unit and the determination result of the boarding determination unit. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, and when the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the second car, the display control unit displays on the monitoring panel the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone, displays on the monitoring panel and the first display panel the operating procedure to be performed on the first operation panel for rescue operations, and displays on the monitoring panel and the second display panel provided in the second car the operating procedure to be performed on the second operation panel provided in the second car. When the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, and when the entrapment determination unit determines that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the second car, the call control unit initiates a one-to-many voice call between the monitoring panel and the call subjects, including the first car and the second car. The control system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The call control unit excludes from the call the elevator cars of the multiple elevators that the entrapment determination unit has not determined to have caused entrapment in the express zone, and initiates a one-to-many voice call with the monitoring panel. The control system according to claim 7.

9. A control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels in a building's hoistway within a range that includes an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel, To detect the position of the first car in the aforementioned hoistway, The system determines whether or not a user is riding in the first basket based on the image captured by the first camera installed in the first basket, When an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, it is determined whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the first car in the express zone, based on the position of the first car and whether or not there are passengers in the first car. When it is determined that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone is displayed on the monitoring panel, and the operating procedure to be performed on the first control panel provided in the first car for rescue operations is displayed on the monitoring panel and the first display panel provided in the first car, respectively. A method for controlling an elevator to perform this action.

10. A control system applied to a first elevator having a first car that travels in the building's hoistway within a range that includes an express zone consisting of non-stopping floors, and the status of the first car is monitored by a monitoring panel, To detect the position of the first car in the aforementioned hoistway, The system determines whether or not a user is riding in the first basket based on the image captured by the first camera installed in the first basket, When an earthquake sensor installed in the building detects an earthquake, it is determined whether or not an entrapment has occurred in the first car in the express zone, based on the position of the first car and whether or not there are passengers in the first car. When it is determined that an entrapment has occurred in the express zone in the first car, the operating procedure to be performed on the monitoring panel for rescue operations from entrapment in the express zone is displayed on the monitoring panel, and the operating procedure to be performed on the first control panel provided in the first car for rescue operations is displayed on the monitoring panel and the first display panel provided in the first car, respectively. An elevator control program that executes [the command / action].

Images