Elevator system

Abstract

The system provides an elevator that allows users who cooperate to allow other users to board the elevator to receive benefits. [Solution] The elevator system 1 comprises a call determination unit 32 and a notification control unit 35. When the call determination unit 32 determines that a landing call C has been registered, the notification control unit 35 causes a car alarm installed in the car 2 to broadcast a password W1. When the car 2 responds to the landing call C and stops at the first landing, and then leaves the first landing, the notification control unit 35 causes a first alarm installed in the first landing to broadcast a password W2, which is used in conjunction with password W1 to obtain a reward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an elevator device for a wheelchair. In the elevator device described in Patent Document 1, when there is not enough space for a wheelchair in the car, cooperation is promoted to ask a user without special circumstances to get off the car.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the elevator device described in Patent Document 1, if the user in the car gets off the car, the wheelchair user can get into the car. However, the user who gets off the car for another user to get into the car cannot receive any benefits from getting off the car. Therefore, the elevator device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it has to rely on the goodwill of the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. The object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator system that enables a user who has cooperated for another user to get into the car to receive benefits.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator system according to this disclosure includes a call determination unit that determines whether or not a landing call requesting additional passenger space has been registered for the elevator car, and a notification control unit that, when the call determination unit determines that a landing call has been registered, causes a car notification device installed in the car to broadcast a first password. When the car has responded to the landing call and stopped at the first landing, and then left the first landing, the notification control unit causes a first notification device installed in the first landing to broadcast a second password, which is used in conjunction with the first password to obtain a reward.

[0007] The elevator system according to this disclosure includes a call determination unit that determines whether or not a landing call requesting additional passenger space has been registered for the elevator car, and a notification control unit that, when the call determination unit determines that a landing call has been registered, causes a second notification device installed at the second landing to broadcast a third password. The second landing is a landing where the car stops in response to other landing calls before it stops at the first landing in response to a landing call. After the notification control unit has started broadcasting the third password and the car leaves the second landing, it causes the second notification device to broadcast a second password, which is used in conjunction with the third password to obtain a reward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the elevator system described in this disclosure, users who cooperate to allow other users to board the elevator car will be able to benefit from it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an elevator system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Flowchart illustrating an example of elevator system operation. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows other examples of elevator system operation. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows other examples of elevator system operation. [Figure 5]This flowchart shows other examples of elevator system operation. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of how the reward distribution device works. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the hardware resources of a control device. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of the hardware resources of a control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A detailed explanation follows, with reference to the drawings. Repetitive explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows an example of an elevator system 1 in Embodiment 1. The elevator system 1 comprises, for example, a car 2 and a control device 3. The car 2 moves up and down in a hoistway 4. The hoistway 4 is a vertically extending space formed in a building. The movement of the car 2 is controlled by the control device 3. By being controlled by the control device 3, the car 2 can stop at landings 5 ​​on multiple floors within the building. Hereinafter, the floors on which the car 2 can stop at a landing 5 will also be referred to as stopping floors.

[0012] When a call occurs, the control device 3 registers the call according to the direction of movement of the elevator car 2 and sequentially causes the elevator car 2 to respond to the registered calls. Calls include landing calls and destination calls.

[0013] In the example shown in Figure 1, the elevator system 1 is equipped with a portable terminal 6 carried by the user as a device for generating a call. For example, the terminal 6 is a smartphone. If the terminal 6 is a smartphone, an application for using the elevator car 2 is pre-installed on the terminal 6. The user launches the application and enters the floor to board. The user can generate a landing call by transmitting information indicating the entered floor from the terminal 6 to the control device 3.

[0014] The user may input both the boarding floor and the destination floor from the application. Thereby, the user can generate both a landing call and a destination call before boarding the car 2. The transmission of information from the terminal 6 to the control device 3 may be performed directly or via a server device connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0015] The user may generate a call with a specific attribute by using the terminal 6. For example, it is pre-registered in the terminal 6 that the owner of the terminal 6 is a wheelchair user. When information indicating the boarding floor is transmitted from this terminal 6 to the control device 3, a landing call with the attribute of wheelchair use is generated.

[0016] Note that the landing call with the attribute of wheelchair use is an example of a landing call accompanied by a request for additional boarding space. In the following, when it is necessary to distinguish a landing call accompanied by a request for additional boarding space from a normal landing call, that is, a landing call with no attributes attached, it is also denoted as landing call C. A landing call with the attribute of stroller use may be included in the landing call C. A landing call with the attribute of cart use may be included in the landing call C.

[0017] The elevator system 1 may include devices permanently installed on each stop floor as devices for generating calls. The elevator system 1 may include devices permanently installed on each stop floor as devices for generating landing calls and devices permanently installed in the car 2 as devices for generating destination calls. These permanently installed devices may include buttons or touch panels. The elevator system 1 may include devices that adopt other input methods as devices for generating calls.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a preferred example in which a landing operation panel 7 for generating a landing call is provided at the landing 5 of each stop floor, and a car operation panel 8 for generating a destination call is provided in the car 2. As an example, the landing operation panel 7 includes an up button and a down button. The landing operation panel 7 may be provided with a device such as a card reader for attaching an attribute such as wheelchair use to the landing call. The car operation panel 8 includes a destination button corresponding to each stop floor. The car operation panel 8 may be provided with a device such as a card reader for attaching an attribute such as wheelchair use to the destination call.

[0019] In the preferred example shown in FIG. 1, a display 9 such as a digital signage is provided at the landing 5 of each stop floor. The display 9 is an example of a notification device that notifies information to the users at the landing 5. As the notification device, a projector capable of projecting an image on the floor, wall, or door of the landing 5 may be provided at the landing 5. As the notification device, a plurality of devices may be provided at the landing 5 of each stop floor.

[0020] In the preferred example shown in FIG. 1, a display 10 such as a digital signage is provided in the car 2. The display 10 is an example of a car notification device that notifies information to the users in the car 2. As the car notification device, a projector capable of projecting an image on the floor, wall, or door of the car 2 may be provided in the car 2. As the car notification device, a plurality of devices may be provided in the car 2.

[0021] The control device 3 includes, for example, a storage unit 30, an operation control unit 31, a call determination unit 32, a generation unit 33, a space determination unit 34, and a notification control unit 35.

[0022] The operation control unit 31 controls the operation of the entire elevator. Specifically, the operation control unit 31 registers landing calls according to the position and direction of movement of the elevator car 2, and causes the elevator car 2 to respond to the registered landing calls. For example, consider Example E1 in a building where the elevator car 2 can stop on each floor from the 1st to the 10th floor, and the downward button on the landing control panel 7 is pressed at the landings 5 ​​on the 9th, 5th, and 2nd floors, and the upward button on the landing control panel 7 is pressed at the landing 5 on the 3rd floor. In Example E1, if the elevator car 2 is stopped on the 10th floor, the operation control unit 31 considers that the elevator car 2 will move downward from the 10th floor and registers landing calls for each of the floors: the 9th, 5th, and 2nd floors.

[0023] First, we will explain a typical case where landing calls on the 9th, 5th, and 2nd floors are not associated with attributes such as wheelchair use. The operation control unit 31 first causes car 2 to respond to the landing call on the 9th floor and stops car 2 at landing 5 on the 9th floor. Once car 2 is stopped at landing 5 on the 9th floor, the operation control unit 31 opens and closes the doors 2a of car 2 to allow passengers to board and alight.

[0024] Next, the operation control unit 31 causes car 2 to respond to a call to the landing on the 5th floor and stops car 2 at landing 5 on the 5th floor. Once car 2 is stopped at landing 5 on the 5th floor, the operation control unit 31 opens and closes door 2a. Next, the operation control unit 31 causes car 2 to respond to a call to the landing on the 2nd floor and stops car 2 at landing 5 on the 2nd floor. Once car 2 is stopped at landing 5 on the 2nd floor, the operation control unit 31 opens and closes door 2a.

[0025] If a passenger on the 9th, 5th, or 2nd floor of elevator car 2 presses the 1st floor destination button on the elevator control panel 8, the operation control unit 31 will cause elevator car 2 to respond to the 1st floor destination call. That is, when elevator car 2 stops at the 1st floor landing 5, the operation control unit 31 opens and closes the doors 2a. When the doors 2a are closed at the 1st floor landing 5, the operation control unit 31 registers a call for the 3rd floor landing, taking into account that elevator car 2 will move upward from the 1st floor, and causes elevator car 2 to respond to the registered landing call.

[0026] Next, referring to Figures 2 to 6, we will explain the case in Example E1 where the downward landing call on the second floor is marked as wheelchair user. In the following explanation, we will assume that elevator car 2 moves from the 10th floor to the 9th floor, and after a user boards elevator car 2 from landing 5 on the 9th floor, the wheelchair user presses the downward button on the landing control panel 7 at landing 5 on the second floor.

[0027] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of elevator system 1. Specifically, Figure 2 shows an example of the operation flow performed by control device 3.

[0028] When the downward button on the landing control panel 7 is pressed at landing 5 on the second floor, and the employee ID card is read by the card reader, a downward landing call C on the second floor is generated. At this time, elevator car 2, which has picked up passengers on the ninth floor, is moving downwards in response to the landing call on the fifth floor. The operation control unit 31 takes into account the direction of movement of elevator car 2 and registers the landing call C on the second floor (S101).

[0029] In S101, when the operation control unit 31 registers a landing call for the car 2, the call determination unit 32 determines whether the registered landing call involves a request for additional passenger space (S102). That is, in S102, the call determination unit 32 determines whether a landing call C has been registered for the car 2. If a landing call C has been registered for the car 2, the call determination unit 32 determines Yes in S102.

[0030] If the landing call registered in S101 does not have attributes such as wheelchair use, it will be determined as No in S102. If it is determined as No in S102, the operation control unit 31 will sequentially cause the elevator car 2 to respond to the registered landing calls, as in the example described above.

[0031] If the answer in S102 is "Yes", the generation unit 33 generates three passwords W1-W3 (S103). For example, in S103, the generation unit 33 generates "apple" as password W1 (first password), "dandelion" as password W2 (second password), and "truck" as password W3 (third password). The three passwords W1-W3 generated by the generation unit 33 do not have to be related words. Preferably, the three passwords W1-W3 generated by the generation unit 33 are simple single words that can be understood by people of all ages.

[0032] The memory unit 30 stores all passwords generated by the generation unit 33 over a certain period in the past. This certain period can be any period. This certain period may be the most recent three months or the most recent one year. The generation unit 33 preferably generates passwords W1-W3 that are not stored in the memory unit 30. The three new passwords W1-W3 generated by the generation unit 33 in S103 are stored in the memory unit 30 (S104).

[0033] If the result in S102 is Yes, the space determination unit 34 determines whether there is available space in the car 2 to accommodate the request for additional passenger space (S105). Any method may be used to determine whether there is available space in the car 2. If the car 2 is equipped with a camera, the space determination unit 34 may make the determination in S105 based on the image of the inside of the car taken by the camera. If the car 2 is equipped with a weighing device, the space determination unit 34 may make the determination in S105 by converting the load weight of the car 2 measured by the weighing device into the number of passengers.

[0034] For example, in S105, the load capacity of the cage 2 is measured by the weighing device. The space determination unit 34 determines that there is available space in the cage 2 to accommodate the request for additional passenger space if the value obtained by subtracting the load capacity measured by the weighing device from the rated load capacity of the cage 2 is equal to or greater than a threshold (Yes in S105). The space determination unit 34 determines that there is not available space in the cage 2 to accommodate the request for additional passenger space if the subtracted value is less than the threshold (No in S105). This threshold is set in advance. As an example, this threshold is 225 kg. This threshold may be any other value.

[0035] After the determination in S105, the notification control unit 35 makes a specific notification in order to secure a boarding space for the user who made the boarding call C. Furthermore, if the determination in S105 is No, notification control for password W1, notification control for password W2, and notification control for password W3 are performed (S106). If the determination in S105 is Yes, notification control for password W2 and notification control for password W3 are performed (S107).

[0036] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of elevator system 1. The operation flow shown in Figure 3 includes notification control of password W1.

[0037] If the result in S105 is determined to be "No", the notification control unit 35 causes the car notification device to notify that a wheelchair user or other user who requires more space to board than the general public is scheduled to board car 2 (S201). For example, the notification control unit 35 displays on the display unit 10, "A wheelchair user is scheduled to board on the second floor."

[0038] Furthermore, if the notification control unit 35 determines "No" in S105, it causes the password W1 generated by the generation unit 33 in S103 to be broadcast from the car alarm (S202). For example, the notification control unit 35 displays on the display unit 10, "Those who are willing to help wheelchair users board and disembark, please remember the first password, 'apple'."

[0039] After the password W1 is displayed on the display unit 10 in S202, the control device 3 determines whether or not the elevator car 2 has stopped (S203). For example, elevator car 2 descending from the 9th floor will stop at landing 5 on the 5th floor. The operation control unit 31 stopping elevator car 2 at landing 5 on the 5th floor results in a Yes determination in S203. If Yes is determined in S203, the notification control unit 35 terminates the notification in S202, i.e., the notification of the password W1 (S204). If Yes is determined in S203, the notification control unit 35 may terminate both the notification in S201 and the notification in S202.

[0040] Note that the timing for ending the notification of password W1 can be at other times. Preferably, the notification control unit 35 ends the notification of password W1 between the start of the notification of password W1 and the first opening of the door 2a of the elevator car 2.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of elevator system 1. The operation flow shown in Figure 4 includes notification control of password W2.

[0042] If the result in S105 is No, the control device 3 determines whether or not the elevator car 2 has stopped (S301). For example, elevator car 2 descending from the 9th floor will stop at landing 5 on the 5th floor. The operation control unit 31 stops elevator car 2 at landing 5 on the 5th floor, resulting in a result of Yes in S301.

[0043] If the result in S301 is Yes, the control device 3 determines whether the stopping of car 2 in this case was done in response to landing call C (S302). As mentioned above, the landing call to the 5th floor is a normal landing call. Therefore, if car 2 stops in response to the landing call to the 5th floor, the result in S302 is No.

[0044] If the result in S302 is No, the control device 3 determines whether or not the elevator car 2 has departed from the landing 5 where it stopped in S301 (S303). For example, if the operation control unit 31 starts moving the elevator car 2 from the 5th floor to the 2nd floor, the result in S303 is Yes. If the result in S303 is Yes, the notification control unit 35 broadcasts the password W2 generated by the generation unit 33 in S103 from the notification device at that landing 5 for a certain period of time (S304). For example, the notification control unit 35 displays "The second password for those who have helped wheelchair users board is 'dandelion'" on the display device 9 at landing 5 on the 5th floor for 20 seconds. The broadcast time for the password W2 can be set arbitrarily.

[0045] Subsequently, when elevator car 2 responds to landing call C and stops at landing 5 on the second floor, both S301 and S302 are determined to be Yes.

[0046] If the result in S302 is Yes, the control device 3 determines whether the elevator car 2 has departed from the landing 5 where it stopped in response to the landing call C (S305). For example, if the operation control unit 31 starts moving the elevator car 2 from the second floor to the first floor, the result in S305 being Yes. If the result in S305 is Yes, the notification control unit 35 broadcasts the password W2 generated by the generation unit 33 in S103 from the notification device at that landing 5 for a certain period of time (S306). For example, the notification control unit 35 displays "The second password for those who have helped wheelchair users board is 'dandelion'" on the display device 9 at the second-floor landing 5 for 20 seconds. The broadcast time for the password W2 can be set arbitrarily.

[0047] Consider the case where user U1 boards elevator car 2 from the 9th floor, looks at the information displayed on display unit 10 in S201, and then alights from elevator car 2 on the 2nd floor. Before alighting from elevator car 2, user U1 sees the password W1 displayed on display unit 10. After alighting from elevator car 2, user U1 sees the password W2 displayed on display unit 9 at landing 5 on the 2nd floor. Passwords W1 and W2 are used together to earn a reward. The method by which user U1 earns the reward will be described later.

[0048] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of elevator system 1. The operation flow shown in Figure 5 includes notification control of password W3.

[0049] If the result in S105 is determined to be "No", the notification control unit 35 causes the notification device at landing 5, where the landing call is registered, to notify that a wheelchair user or other user who requires more space to board than the general public is scheduled to board the elevator car 2 (S401). For example, the notification control unit 35 displays "A wheelchair user is scheduled to board on the 2nd floor" on the display device 9 at landing 5 on the 5th floor.

[0050] Furthermore, if the notification control unit 35 determines "No" in S105, it causes the password W3 generated by the generation unit 33 in S103 to be broadcast from the notification device at landing 5 where the landing call is registered (S402). For example, the notification control unit 35 displays on the display device 9 at landing 5 on the 5th floor: "Those who are willing to wait and cooperate with wheelchair users to board, please remember the first password, 'truck'."

[0051] After the password W3 is displayed on the display 9 at landing 5 in S402, the control device 3 determines whether or not car 2 has stopped at that landing 5 (S403). For example, car 2 descending from the 9th floor will stop at landing 5 on the 5th floor. The operation control unit 31 stops car 2 at landing 5 on the 5th floor, resulting in a Yes determination in S403. If Yes is determined in S403, the notification control unit 35 terminates the notification in S402, i.e., the notification of password W3 from the notification device installed at landing 5 on the 5th floor (S404). If Yes is determined in S403, the notification control unit 35 may terminate both the notification in S401 and the notification in S402.

[0052] The timing for ending the notification of password W3 can be at other times. Preferably, the notification control unit 35 ends the notification of password W3 at that landing 5 between the start of the notification of password W3 and the opening of the door 2a of the car 2 at that landing 5.

[0053] In Example E1, landing 5 on the 5th floor is an example of a landing 5 where the elevator car 2 stops in response to other normal landing calls before stopping at landing 5 on the 2nd floor where wheelchair users are waiting. If the elevator car 2 also stops at landing 5 on the 4th floor in response to a normal landing call, the notification control unit 35 performs the operation flow shown in Figure 5 for the alarm at landing 5 on the 4th floor as well. Furthermore, if the elevator car 2 also stops at landing 5 on the 2nd floor in response to a normal landing call, the notification control unit 35 may also perform the operation flow shown in Figure 5 for the alarm at landing 5 on the 2nd floor.

[0054] Consider the case where user U2, who was about to board elevator car 2 from the 5th floor, sees the information displayed on the display unit 9 at landing 5 on the 5th floor in S401 and decides not to board elevator car 2. User U2 sees the password W3 displayed on the display unit 9 before elevator car 2 arrives at landing 5 on the 5th floor.

[0055] Furthermore, as explained using Figure 4, once car 2 stops at landing 5 on the 5th floor and then moves away from that landing 5, the password W2 is displayed on the display 9 at landing 5 on the 5th floor. User U2 will wait at landing 5 on the 5th floor for car 2 to arrive, and will therefore see the password W2 displayed on the display 9 at landing 5 on the 5th floor. Passwords W3 and W2 are used together to earn a reward. The method by which user U2 earns the reward will be described later.

[0056] On the other hand, if the result in S105 is "Yes", the operation flow shown in Figure 4 and the operation flow shown in Figure 5 will be performed. In the example shown in Figure 2, if the result in S105 is "Yes", the operation flow shown in Figure 3 will not be performed.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a preferred example in which elevator system 1 is equipped with a reward-granting device 11 as a device for users to receive rewards. For example, if elevator system 1 is applied to a department store, the reward-granting device 11 may be installed near the service counter of the department store. If elevator system 1 is applied to a multi-purpose commercial complex, the reward-granting device 11 may be included in a device that provides facility information, etc., installed near the entrance of the multi-purpose commercial complex.

[0058] The reward awarding device 11 includes, for example, an input device 40, a display 41, a condition determination unit 42, and an awarding unit 43.

[0059] The input device 40 is a device for the user to input information. The reward awarding device 11 may have buttons as the input device 40, or it may have a touch panel. The reward awarding device 11 may also have a device that employs other input methods as a device for inputting information. The input device 40 may include a device for inputting personal identification information. This device may be a card reader or the like.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reward awarding device 11. Figure 6 shows a preferred example in which the user needs to input two passwords and identification information into the reward awarding device 11.

[0061] The reward awarding device 11 determines whether or not two passwords have been entered from the input device 40 (S501). If the user enters two passwords by operating the input device 40 while looking at the display 41, S501 determines "Yes".

[0062] If the result in S501 is Yes, then it is determined whether or not identification information has been entered from the input device 40 (S502). If the user enters identification information using, for example, an employee ID or membership card, then the result in S502 is Yes.

[0063] If the result in S502 is Yes, the condition determination unit 42 determines whether or not passwords W1 and W2 have been input as a pair from the input device 40 (S503). If passwords W1 and W2 have been input as a pair from the input device 40, the condition determination unit 42 determines Yes in S503. For example, user U1 knows both passwords W1 and W2. When user U1 inputs passwords W1 and W2 from the input device 40 in S501, the result in S503 is Yes.

[0064] If the two passwords entered by the user from the input device 40 in S501 do not match the combination of password W1 and password W2, the result is determined as No in S503.

[0065] If the result in S503 is No, the condition determination unit 42 determines whether or not passwords W3 and W2 have been input as a pair from the input device 40 (S504). If passwords W3 and W2 have been input as a pair from the input device 40, the condition determination unit 42 determines Yes in S504. For example, user U2 knows both passwords W3 and W2. When user U2 inputs passwords W3 and W2 from the input device 40 in S501, the result in S504 is Yes.

[0066] If the condition determination unit 42 determines Yes in S503, it determines whether a reward has already been awarded for the same identification information (S505). For example, the storage unit 30 of the control device 3 stores a history of reward awards. As part of the award history, information consisting of identification information and two passwords as a set may be stored in the storage unit 30 for each awarded reward. If the information consisting of the identification information entered in S502 and the two passwords entered in S501 as a set is already stored in the storage unit 30, the condition determination unit 42 determines Yes in S505. If the information consisting of the identification information entered in S502 and the two passwords entered in S501 as a set is not stored in the storage unit 30, the condition determination unit 42 determines No in S505.

[0067] If the result in S505 is determined to be No, the awarding unit 43 awards a reward (S506). The reward awarded in S506 can be anything. For example, if the elevator system 1 is applied to a multi-purpose commercial complex, a coupon that can be used at a specific store in the multi-purpose commercial complex may be issued as a reward. A coupon that discounts the parking fee at the multi-purpose commercial complex may also be issued as a reward. If the elevator system 1 is applied to a department store, a special point system that can be used at the department store may be awarded as a reward. Examples of rewards awarded are not limited to these.

[0068] Furthermore, if the result in S505 is determined to be No, the information that combines the identification information entered in S502 and the two passwords entered in S501, namely password W1 and password W2, as a single set is stored in the storage unit 30 as the reward grant history (S507).

[0069] On the other hand, if the condition determination unit 42 determines Yes in S504, it determines whether a reward has already been awarded for the same identification information (S508). As described above, the reward award history is stored in the storage unit 30 of the control device 3. If the condition determination unit 42 determines Yes in S508 if information consisting of the identification information entered in S502 and the two passwords entered in S501 as a single pair is already stored in the storage unit 30, the condition determination unit 42 determines No in S508 if information consisting of the identification information entered in S502 and the two passwords entered in S501 as a single pair is not stored in the storage unit 30.

[0070] If the result in S508 is No, the awarding unit 43 awards a reward (S509). The reward awarded in S509 can be anything. The reward awarded in S509 may be the same as the reward awarded in S506. In order to prioritize people who have gone to the trouble of getting off the car 2 to allow other users to board, the awarding unit 43 may award a reward in S509 that has a lower value than the reward awarded in S506. For example, a 5% discount coupon may be issued in S506 and a 3% discount coupon may be issued in S509.

[0071] Furthermore, if the result in S508 is determined to be No, the information that combines the identification information entered in S502 and the two passwords entered in S501, namely password W3 and password W2, as a single set is stored in the storage unit 30 as the reward grant history (S510).

[0072] If both S503 and S504 are determined to be No, the awarding unit 43 will not award the reward. Similarly, if S505 is determined to be Yes, the awarding unit 43 will not award the reward. If S508 is determined to be Yes, the awarding unit 43 will not award the reward.

[0073] In the example shown in this embodiment, if the result is determined to be "No" in S105, the password W1 is announced from the elevator car alarm. After the announcement of password W1, in S304 and S306, password W2 is announced from the alarm at the landing 5. Therefore, for example, a user U1 who gets off the elevator car 2 to allow another user to board can receive a reward in S506 by inputting passwords W1 and W2 into the reward awarding device 11.

[0074] In the example shown in this embodiment, whether the result in S105 is Yes or No, the password W3 is broadcast from the alarm at the specific boarding area 5. Furthermore, after the password W3 is broadcast at boarding area 5, the password W2 is broadcast from the alarm at that boarding area 5 in S304 and S306. Therefore, for example, a user U2 who delays boarding the car 2 to allow other users to board can receive a reward in S509 by inputting the passwords W3 and W2 into the reward awarding device 11.

[0075] Therefore, in the example shown in this embodiment, the user who cooperates with other users to get into the car 2 will be able to benefit.

[0076] The following describes other functions that elevator system 1 may employ. Elevator system 1 may employ a combination of the following functions, if possible.

[0077] In this embodiment, a preferred example has been described in which both user U1 and user U2 can receive a reward. In another example, the elevator system 1 may be a system in which only user U1 who gets off the car 2 to allow other users to board can receive a reward. In this case, the elevator system 1 does not perform notification control of the password W3. The elevator system 1 may also be a system in which only user U2 who delays boarding the car 2 to allow other users to board can receive a reward. In this case, the elevator system 1 does not perform notification control of the password W1.

[0078] In this embodiment, a preferred example has been described in which the operation flow shown in Figure 3 is performed when No is determined in S105. As another example, if the determination in S105 is not performed and Yes is determined in S102, the processes shown in S103, S104, and S106 may be performed. In such a case, when the call determination unit 32 determines that a landing call C has been registered for car 2 (Yes in S102), the notification control unit 35 causes the password W1 to be broadcast from the car alarm in S202. Also, when Yes is determined in S102, the notification control unit 35 causes the password W3 to be broadcast from the alarm of the landing 5 where the landing call is registered in S402.

[0079] In this embodiment, a preferred example in which the password W2 is announced in both S304 and S306 has been described. That is, in the example shown in this embodiment, when the elevator car 2 leaves the landing 5 where it stopped in response to a landing call C, the password W2 is announced not only from the announcement device at that landing 5, but also when the elevator car 2 leaves the landing 5 where it stopped before coming to the landing 5. As another example, the announcement of the password W2 in S304 may be omitted.

[0080] In this embodiment, a preferred example has been described in which identification information and two passwords are input to the reward granting device 11. In other examples, input of identification information to the reward granting device 11 is not required. In such cases, the processes shown in S505 and S508 may be omitted. That is, the granting unit 43 grants a reward in S506 when the condition determination unit 42 determines that two correct passwords, namely password W1 and password W2, have been input as a pair from the input device 40. Also, the granting unit 43 grants a reward in S509 when the condition determination unit 42 determines that two correct passwords, namely password W3 and password W2, have been input as a pair from the input device 40.

[0081] If the input of identification information to the reward granting device 11 is not requested, the granting of rewards may be limited to a certain period of time elapsed after the passwords W1-W3 are generated in S103. The specified time period is predetermined. This specified time period can be one hour or one day.

[0082] In this embodiment, a preferred example in which the elevator system 1 is equipped with a reward-giving device 11 has been described. The elevator system 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a reward-giving device 11. For example, if the elevator system 1 is applied to a department store, the user may receive a coupon or the like from an employee at the service counter by telling the employee two correct passwords.

[0083] Some of the functions of the control device 3 described in this embodiment may be implemented using artificial intelligence (AI). For example, the function of generating passwords W1-W3 may be implemented using artificial intelligence. By generating passwords W1-W3 using artificial intelligence, it becomes unnecessary to prepare a huge number of passwords in advance, and system management can be made easier.

[0084] Some of the functions of the control device 3 described in this embodiment may be provided in other devices that can communicate with the control device 3. Such other devices may communicate with the control device 3 via a network such as the Internet. Such other devices may include server devices managed by the system management company.

[0085] Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware resources of the control device 3. The control device 3 includes a processing circuit 50 as a hardware resource, which includes a processor 51 and memory 52. ​​The processing circuit 50 may include multiple processors 51. The processing circuit 50 may include multiple memory 52.

[0086] In this embodiment, the parts indicated by reference numerals 30 to 35 represent functions of the control device 3. The function of the storage unit 30 is realized by the memory 52. ​​The functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 31 to 35 can be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 52. ​​The control device 3 realizes the functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 31 to 35 by executing the program stored in the memory 52 using the processor 51 (computer).

[0087] The processor 51 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. For memory 52, semiconductor memory or the like may be used.

[0088] Figure 8 shows another example of the hardware resources of the control device 3. In the example shown in Figure 8, the control device 3 includes a processor 51, memory 52, and a processing circuit 50 including dedicated hardware 53. Figure 8 shows an example in which some of the functions of the control device 3 are implemented by the dedicated hardware 53. All of the functions of the control device 3 may also be implemented by the dedicated hardware 53.

[0089] The hardware resources of the reward awarding device 11 are the same as those shown in the example in Figure 7 or Figure 8. The reward awarding device 11 includes a processing circuit that includes a processor and memory as hardware resources. The processing circuit may include multiple processors. The processing circuit may also include multiple memories. Each of the devices realizes the functions of the parts shown by reference numerals 42 to 43 by executing a program stored in memory using a processor (computer). Each of the devices may include a processing circuit that includes a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of each of the devices may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0090] Examples of aspects that may be included in this disclosure are listed below as an addendum.

[0091] [Note 1] A call determination unit that determines whether or not a landing call requesting additional passenger space has been registered for the elevator car, When the call determination unit determines that the aforementioned landing call has been registered, the notification control unit causes the car notification device installed in the car to broadcast the first password, Equipped with, The notification control unit is an elevator system that, when the elevator car stops at the first landing in response to the landing call and then leaves the first landing, causes a first notification device installed at the first landing to announce a second password, which is used in conjunction with the first password to obtain a reward. [Note 2] The elevator system according to Appendix 1, wherein the notification control unit, after starting to notify the first password, causes the elevator car to leave the second landing where it has stopped before it stops at the first landing, to notify the second password from the second notification device installed at the second landing. [Note 3] The elevator system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the notification control unit terminates the notification of the first password between the start of notification of the first password and the first opening of the elevator car door. [Note 4] The elevator system as described in Appendix 2, wherein when the call determination unit determines that the landing call has been registered, the notification control unit causes the second notification device to announce a third password for obtaining a reward when used in conjunction with the second password. [Note 5] The elevator system according to Appendix 4, wherein the notification control unit terminates the notification of the third password between the start of notification of the third password and the opening of the elevator car door at the second landing. [Note 6] When the call determination unit determines that the aforementioned boarding call has been registered, the system further includes a space determination unit that determines whether or not there is an available space in the elevator car to accommodate the additional request. The elevator system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, wherein the notification control unit causes the car notification device to announce the first password when the space determination unit determines that there is no available space in the car to accommodate the additional request. [Note 7] Further equipped with a reward distribution device, The reward-granting device is, Input device and A condition determination unit that determines whether the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, When the condition determination unit determines that the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, the reward awarding unit awards a reward, An elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, which includes the following: [Note 8] Further equipped with a reward distribution device, The reward-granting device is, Input device and A condition determination unit that determines whether the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, When the condition determination unit determines that the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, the awarding unit awards the first reward, Equipped with, The condition determination unit determines whether the second password and the third password have been input as a pair from the input device. The elevator system according to Appendix 4 or Appendix 5, wherein the awarding unit awards a second reward having a value lower than the value of the first reward when the condition determination unit determines that the second password and the third password have been input as a pair from the input device. [Note 9] A call determination unit that determines whether or not a landing call requesting additional passenger space has been registered for the elevator car, When the call determination unit determines that the aforementioned landing call has been registered, the notification control unit causes the second notification device installed at the second landing to broadcast the third password, Equipped with, The second landing is a landing where the elevator car stops in response to another landing call before it stops at the first landing in response to the landing call. An elevator system in which, after the notification control unit has started notifying the third password, when the elevator car leaves the second landing, the second password, which is used in conjunction with the third password to obtain a reward, is notified from the second alarm device. [Note 10] The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein the notification control unit terminates the notification of the third password between the start of notification of the third password and the opening of the elevator car door at the second landing.

[0092] The matters described in Appendix 6 may be added to Appendix 9-10, just as they are added to Appendix 4. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1 Elevator system, 2 Car, 2a Door, 3 Control device, 4 Hoistway, 5 Landing, 6 Terminal, 7 Landing control panel, 8 Car control panel, 9 Display, 10 Display, 11 Reward granting device, 30 Memory unit, 31 Operation control unit, 32 Call determination unit, 33 Generation unit, 34 Space determination unit, 35 Notification control unit, 40 Input device, 41 Display, 42 Condition determination unit, 43 Granting unit, 50 Processing circuit, 51 Processor, 52 Memory, 53 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. A call determination unit that determines whether or not a landing call requesting additional passenger space has been registered for the elevator car, When the call determination unit determines that the aforementioned landing call has been registered, the notification control unit causes the car notification device installed in the car to broadcast the first password, Equipped with, The aforementioned notification control unit is an elevator system that, when the elevator car stops at the first landing in response to the landing call and then leaves the first landing, causes a first notification device installed at the first landing to announce a second password, which is used in conjunction with the first password to obtain a reward.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, after the notification control unit has started notifying the first password, if the elevator car leaves the second landing where it has stopped before coming to the first landing, the second notification device installed at the second landing will cause the second password to be notified.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification control unit terminates the notification of the first password between the start of notification of the first password and the first opening of the elevator car door.

4. The elevator system according to claim 2, wherein when the call determination unit determines that the landing call has been registered, the notification control unit causes the second notification device to announce a third password for obtaining a reward when used in conjunction with the second password.

5. The elevator system according to claim 4, wherein the notification control unit terminates the notification of the third password between the start of notification of the third password and the opening of the elevator car door at the second landing.

6. When the call determination unit determines that the aforementioned boarding call has been registered, the system further includes a space determination unit that determines whether or not there is an available space in the elevator car to accommodate the additional request. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification control unit causes the car notification device to announce the first password when the space determination unit determines that there is no available space in the car to accommodate the additional request.

7. Further equipped with a reward distribution device, The reward-granting device is Input device and A condition determination unit that determines whether the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, When the condition determination unit determines that the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, the reward awarding unit awards a reward, An elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

8. Further equipped with a reward distribution device, The reward-granting device is Input device and A condition determination unit that determines whether the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, When the condition determination unit determines that the first password and the second password have been input as a pair from the input device, the awarding unit awards the first reward, Equipped with, The condition determination unit determines whether the second password and the third password have been input as a pair from the input device. The elevator system according to claim 4, wherein the awarding unit, when the condition determination unit determines that the second password and the third password have been input as a pair from the input device, awards a second reward having a value lower than the value of the first reward.

9. A call determination unit that determines whether or not a landing call requesting additional passenger space has been registered for the elevator car, When the call determination unit determines that the aforementioned landing call has been registered, the notification control unit causes the second notification device installed at the second landing to broadcast the third password, Equipped with, The second landing is a landing where the elevator car stops in response to another landing call before it stops at the first landing in response to the landing call. The elevator system, after the notification control unit has started notifying the third password, and the elevator car has left the second landing, has the second password, which is used in conjunction with the third password to obtain a reward, announced from the second alarm.

10. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein the notification control unit terminates the notification of the third password between the start of notification of the third password and the opening of the elevator car door at the second landing.

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