Elevator system

Abstract

This avoids unnecessary extensions of door opening times, minimizing the decrease in operational efficiency. [Solution] The elevator system according to the embodiment comprises a camera, a measuring means, a detection means, and an extension control means. The camera is installed at the top of the elevator car and takes pictures of the inside of the elevator car. The measuring means measures the degree of congestion inside the elevator car based on the image taken by the camera. The detection means detects first users moving from inside the elevator car toward the exit for a certain period of time after the elevator car doors begin to open. The extension control means extends the elevator car door opening time if the degree of congestion exceeds a threshold and a certain number of first users are detected in a first detection area predetermined on the far side of the elevator car in the image.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an elevator system.

Background Art

[0002] In a situation where many passengers are in the car or a passenger gets off from the back side of the car, etc., the passengers in the car need to keep pressing the door open button in the car to extend the door open time for other passengers getting off. Therefore, in recent years, a system that detects the above-mentioned situation and automatically extends the door open time has been considered.

[0003] However, when the above system is introduced into actual operation, there is a problem that the operation efficiency decreases due to frequent extension of the door open time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <0000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The elevator system according to the embodiment comprises a camera, measuring means, detection means, and extension control means. The camera is installed at the top of the elevator car and photographs the inside of the elevator car. The measuring means measures the degree of congestion inside the elevator car based on the image captured by the camera. The detection means detects first users moving from inside the elevator car toward the exit for a certain period of time after the elevator car starts opening its doors. The extension control means extends the door opening time of the elevator car if the degree of congestion exceeds a threshold and a certain number of first users are detected in a first detection area predetermined on the far side of the elevator car in the image. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the area around the entrance / exit inside the elevator car in the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of an image captured by a camera in the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the extension determination process performed by the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the processing of the detection unit of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the application of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the application of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the application of an elevator system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the application of an elevator system according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a detection area set up in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the application of the elevator system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and the invention is not limited by the contents described in the embodiments below. Modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily apply are naturally included within the scope of the disclosure. In order to make the explanation clearer, the size, shape, etc. of each part may be schematically represented in the drawings with modifications from the actual embodiments. In some cases, the same reference numerals may be used for corresponding elements in multiple drawings, and detailed explanations may be omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows a schematic example of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. While this explanation uses a single elevator car as an example, the configuration is similar for multiple elevator cars.

[0010] A camera 12 is installed at the top of the elevator car 11. The camera 12 has a wide-angle lens or a fisheye lens and captures a predetermined area including the entire interior of the elevator car 11. The camera 12 is capable of continuously capturing several frames per second (for example, 30 frames per second).

[0011] A car control panel 45 is installed inside the elevator car 11. The car control panel 45 includes destination floor buttons, door open buttons, door close buttons, etc. Signals from these buttons are transmitted to the elevator control device 30.

[0012] At each floor landing 15, a landing door 14 is installed at the arrival opening of the car 11 so as to be openable and closable. The landing door 14 engages with the car door 13 when the car 11 arrives and operates to open and close. The power source (door motor) is on the car 11 side, and the landing door 14 only follows the car door 13 to open and close. In the following description, it is assumed that when the car door 13 is open, the landing door 14 is also open, and when the car door 13 is closed, the landing door 14 is also closed.

[0013] At each floor landing 15, a landing call button 16 is installed. The landing call button 16 consists of an upward button and a downward button, and is configured to press the upward button or the downward button according to the destination direction (upward / downward) of the user. The signal of the landing call button 16 is transmitted to the elevator control device 30.

[0014] Each image acquired by the camera 12 is analyzed and processed in real time by the image processing device 20. In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience, the image processing device 20 is taken out of the car 11 and shown, but actually, the image processing device 20 is installed near the camera 12 inside the car 11.

[0015] The image processing device 20 is provided with a storage unit 21 and a control unit 22. The storage unit 21 sequentially stores the captured images and has a buffer area for temporarily storing the data necessary for the processing of the control unit 22. It is also possible that the storage unit 21 stores images that have been subjected to processing such as distortion correction, enlargement / reduction, and partial cutting as pre-processing for the captured images.

[0016] The control unit 22 performs a process for determining whether it is necessary to extend the door opening time of the car 11 based on the image stored in the storage unit 21. Note that the "door opening time" is a predetermined time during which, when the car 11 arrives at an arbitrary floor and the door open button or door close button is not pressed by the user, the door opening is continued from when the car door 13 is fully opened until the door closing starts. The control unit 22 is composed of a detection area setting unit 22a, a congestion degree measurement unit 22b, a detection unit 22c, and an extension control unit 22d.

[0017] The detection area setting unit 22a sets a detection area inside the car 11 on the captured image of the camera 12. Specifically, the detection area setting unit 22a divides the floor surface inside the car into two parts, the back side of the car 11 and the entrance side of the car 11, and sets two detection areas (see Fig. 3). Hereinafter, the detection area on the back side of the car 11 is denoted as the "first detection area A1", and the detection area on the entrance side of the car 11 is denoted as the "second detection area A2".

[0018] The congestion degree measurement unit 22b detects the congestion degree inside the car 11. The congestion degree is detected, for example, based on the difference between the image inside the car 11 obtained by the camera 12 during operation and the image when the car 11 is in an empty state (reference image). The larger the difference, the more congested the inside of the car 11 is, and the smaller the difference, the more empty the inside of the car 11 is. Note that the reference image is stored in advance in the storage unit 21, for example. Also, the congestion degree may be determined based on the loading weight of the car 11.

[0019] The detection unit 22c detects a user (that is, a user who intends to get off the car 11) who moves from inside the car 11 in the direction of the entrance (the direction of the car door 13) during a certain period after the car starts to open the door, based on the image of the camera 12.

[0020] One example of a method for detecting users is motion detection processing. In motion detection processing, the brightness of multiple time-series images captured by the camera is compared in block units to extract blocks with movement (hereinafter referred to as motion blocks), and among these motion blocks, motion blocks moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit are detected as users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit. The processing by the detection unit 22c will be described in more detail later.

[0021] The extension control unit 22d controls whether or not to extend the door opening time of the elevator car 11 based on the detection results of the congestion level measurement unit 22b and the detection results of the detection unit 22c. Specifically, if the congestion level exceeds a predetermined threshold and a certain number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit are detected in the first detection area A1 on the image, the door opening time of the elevator car 11 is extended. If the extension control unit 22d decides to extend the door opening time, it outputs a door opening extension request to the elevator control device 30.

[0022] The elevator control device 30 controls the raising and lowering of the elevator car 11 and the operation of various devices installed in the elevator car 11 (such as destination floor buttons and lighting). The elevator control device 30 includes, for example, a door opening / closing control unit 31, a call management unit 32, and a notification unit 33.

[0023] The door opening / closing control unit 31 controls the opening and closing of the car door 13 when the elevator car 11 arrives at the landing 15. Specifically, the door opening / closing control unit 31 opens the car door 13 when the elevator car 11 arrives at the landing 15, and closes the door after a predetermined time (door opening time) has elapsed.

[0024] Here, if the door opening / closing control unit 31 receives a request from the image processing device 20 to extend the door opening time of the elevator car 11 by a predetermined amount of time. Hereafter, the time extended for the door opening time will also be referred to as the "extended time". In addition, the door opening / closing control unit 31 outputs a door opening start notification to the image processing device 20 when the door starts to open. Similarly, the door opening / closing control unit 31 outputs a door closing start notification to the image processing device 20 when the door starts to close.

[0025] The call management unit 32 stores calls registered by operating the landing call buttons 16 installed at each floor landing in an unillustrated memory unit. Hereinafter, calls registered by operating the landing call buttons 16 will be referred to as "landing calls." Landing calls include information on the registered floor and destination direction. The call management unit 32 also stores calls registered by operating the car control panel 45 in an unillustrated memory unit. Hereinafter, calls registered by operating the car control panel 45 will be referred to as "car calls." Car calls include information on the destination floor.

[0026] The notification unit 33 notifies the passengers inside the elevator car 11 that the door opening time has been extended. Specifically, the notification unit 33 notifies the passengers inside the elevator car 11 that the door opening time has been extended by, for example, lighting up (illuminating) the door opening button located on the elevator car control panel 45 inside the elevator car 11, or by displaying a message on the display inside the elevator car 11 indicating that the door opening time has been extended.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the area around the entrance / exit inside the elevator car 11. A car door 13 is provided at the entrance to the elevator car 11 so as to be able to open and close. In the example in Figure 2, a double-leaf car door 13 is shown, and the two door panels 13a and 13b that make up the car door 13 open and close in opposite directions along the width direction (horizontal direction). Note that "width" is the same as the entrance to the elevator car 11.

[0028] A car control panel 45 is installed on one or both of the front pillars 41a and 41b, and includes a display 43, destination floor buttons 44a, door open buttons 44b, and door close buttons 44c. In the example shown in Figure 2, a speaker 46 is installed on the front pillar 41a, and a display 43 and car control panel 45 are installed on the front pillar 41b.

[0029] Here, a camera 12 equipped with an ultra-wide-angle lens such as a fisheye lens is installed in the center of the upper ceiling inside the elevator car 11. The camera 12 is positioned facing downwards so that it can capture an area that includes the entire interior of the elevator car 11.

[0030] The camera 12 is not limited to the position shown in Figure 2; it can be installed anywhere as long as it can capture images of the entire interior of the elevator car 11. For example, the camera 12 may be installed facing downwards in the center of the fascia 11a that covers the top of the entrance to the elevator car 11. The camera 12 may also be installed for purposes such as surveillance.

[0031] Figure 3 shows an example of an image captured by camera 12. Figure 3 shows an image captured when camera 12 photographs the elevator car 11 from the top downwards with the car door 13 and landing door 14 fully open.

[0032] Here, a first detection area A1 and a second detection area A2 are set on the floor surface 19 of the elevator car 11 in the image. Specifically, the first detection area A1 is the area at the back when the floor surface 19 of the elevator car 11 is divided into the back side (rear 18 side) and the entrance side (landing 15 side). The second detection area A2 is the other area on the entrance side. In the example in Figure 3, the boundary line L between the first detection area A1 and the second detection area A2 is set near the center in the depth direction of the elevator car 11, and the areas of each detection area A1 and A2 are set to be approximately the same.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the extension determination process performed by the elevator system. Note that the first detection area A1 and the second detection area A2 are assumed to be pre-set by the detection area setting unit 22a.

[0034] Just before the elevator car 11 arrives at a floor and the landing doors 14 and car doors 13 are opened (YES in step S11), the call management unit 32 of the elevator control device 30 determines whether there is a car call corresponding to the arrival floor (a car call that includes the arrival floor as destination floor information) (step S12). In other words, it determines whether there are any passengers disembarking at the arrival floor.

[0035] In step S12, if it is determined that there are no car calls corresponding to the arrival floor (NO in step S12), the elevator system terminates the extension determination process. This is because the absence of car calls corresponding to the arrival floor means that there are no passengers disembarking at the arrival floor, and therefore there is no need to extend the door opening time.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that there is a call for an elevator car corresponding to the destination floor (YES in step S12), the congestion level measuring unit 22b of the image processing device 20 measures the congestion level inside the elevator car 11 (step S13). Specifically, the congestion level measuring unit 22b of the image processing device 20 measures the congestion level inside the elevator car 11 when the call management unit 32 of the elevator control device 30 outputs a notification indicating that there is a call for an elevator car corresponding to the destination floor.

[0037] The congestion level measuring unit 22b determines whether the measured congestion level inside the elevator car 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S14).

[0038] In step S14, if it is determined that the level of congestion is below the threshold (NO in step S14), the elevator system terminates the extension determination process. This is because if the level of congestion is below the threshold, the elevator car 11 is empty, there is a high probability that passengers will be able to disembark smoothly, and therefore there is no need to extend the door opening time.

[0039] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the level of congestion exceeds a threshold (YES in step S14), the detection unit 22c determines whether or not the elevator car 11 has started to open its doors (step S15). The detection unit 22c determines whether or not the elevator car 11 has started to open its doors by receiving a door opening start notification from the door opening / closing control unit 31 of the elevator control device 30.

[0040] In step S15, if it is determined that the elevator car 11 has started to open its doors (YES in step S15), the detection unit 22c extracts motion blocks toward the elevator car door 13 based on images taken during a certain period of time from the start of the door opening (step S16). In other words, the detection unit 22c detects users moving from inside the elevator car 11 toward the exit (i.e., users intending to alight at the arrival floor) during a certain period of time from the start of the door opening. It is desirable that the above-mentioned certain period be set to be shorter than the door opening time (for example, 1 second) so that it is possible to determine whether or not the door opening time has been extended before the elevator car 11 starts to close its doors.

[0041] Here, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the processing of the detection unit 22c will be specifically explained. Figure 5 shows images captured by the camera 12 when users U1 to U10 are inside the elevator car 11. As shown in Figure 5, the detection unit 22c divides each detection area A1 and A2 into predetermined block units in a matrix, and detects moving blocks within these blocks.

[0042] More specifically, each image stored in the memory unit 21 is read out one by one in chronological order, and the average brightness value within these images is calculated for each block. At this time, the average brightness value for each block calculated when the first image was input is stored as an initial value in a buffer area (not shown) in the memory unit 21. When the second and subsequent images are sent, the detection unit 22c compares the average brightness value for each block of the current image with the average brightness value for each block of the previous image stored in the buffer area. As a result, if there is a block in the current image with a brightness difference of more than a preset value (threshold), the detection unit 22c determines that block is a moving block. After determining whether or not there is motion in the current image, the detection unit 22c stores the average brightness value for each block of that image in the buffer area for comparison with the next image. Thereafter, the detection unit 22c repeats the process of determining whether or not there is motion while comparing the brightness values ​​of each image in chronological order on a block-by-block basis.

[0043] The detection unit 22c detects a motion block in the image as a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit if the position of the motion block in the image moves from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit as time progresses.

[0044] Furthermore, the detection unit 22c is not limited to the motion detection process described above, but may also detect users moving from inside the elevator car towards the exit using other methods. For example, the image captured by the camera 12 may be analyzed to detect key points such as the joints and head of users inside the elevator car 11. In this case, key points moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit are detected as users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit.

[0045] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. The detection unit 22c determines whether the total number of motion blocks detected in the first detection area A1 on the far side, among the motion blocks extracted in step S16, that are moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit is a certain number or more (step S17). In other words, the detection unit 22c determines whether the number of users attempting to disembark from the far side of the elevator car 11 is a certain number or more.

[0046] In step S17, if the total number of movement blocks is less than a certain number (NO in step S17), the extension control unit 22d determines that an extension of the door opening time is not necessary and terminates the extension determination process. This is because a total number of movement blocks being less than a certain number means that there are few users who try to get off from the far side, and therefore there is no need to extend the door opening time.

[0047] On the other hand, in step S17, if the number of motion blocks is greater than a certain number (YES in step S17), the extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time (step S18). Specifically, the extension control unit 22d outputs a door opening extension request to the elevator control device 30. The door opening / closing control unit 31 of the elevator control device 30 extends the door opening time in response to the door opening extension request. A number of motion blocks greater than a certain number means that there are many users trying to get off from the far side, and that getting off takes longer than usual. For this reason, the extension control unit 22d determines that it is necessary to extend the door opening time.

[0048] Furthermore, the notification unit 33 illuminates (lights up) the door open button 44b on the car control panel 45 while the door open time is being extended. Alternatively, the notification unit 33 displays on the display unit 43 inside the car 11 that the door open time is being extended. This prevents passengers inside the car 11 from continuing to press the door open button 44b for passengers who are getting off, even though the door open time has been extended.

[0049] Here, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, an example of the application of the elevator system according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, we assume that there are users U1 to U10 inside the elevator car 11, and that the level of congestion inside the elevator car 11 exceeds a threshold. The hatched blocks in the figures indicate motion blocks that move from inside the elevator car 11 toward the entrance / exit direction D1, as detected by the detection unit 22c.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figure 6, consider a scenario where elevator car 11 responds to a call and arrives at a desired floor, and passengers U6, U9, and U10, who are at the back of elevator car 11, disembark. In this case, the detection unit 22c detects a total of 23 motion blocks moving from inside elevator car 11 toward the exit direction D1 in the first detection area A1. The extension control unit 22d compares the number of motion blocks in this first detection area A1 with a predetermined number to determine whether or not to extend the door opening time. Specifically, the extension control unit 22d determines that an extension of the door opening time is not necessary if the number of motion blocks is less than a predetermined number, and determines that an extension of the door opening time is necessary if the number of motion blocks is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0051] On the other hand, consider the case shown in Figure 7, for example, where the elevator car 11 responds to a call and arrives at a desired floor, and users U6 to U10, who are at the back of the elevator car 11, do not disembark, while users U2 to U4, who are at the entrance / exit side of the elevator car 11, disembark. In this case, the detection unit 22c detects a movement block moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in the second detection area A2, but does not detect a movement block moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in the first detection area A1. Therefore, the extension control unit 22d determines that there is no need to extend the door opening time.

[0052] Generally, when the elevator car 11 is crowded, passengers are unable to disembark smoothly because other passengers obstruct their path. In particular, when many passengers disembark from the back of the elevator car 11, other passengers near the entrances and exits obstruct their path, and it often takes longer than usual for all of them to disembark.

[0053] However, as shown in Figure 7, for example, even when the elevator car 11 is crowded, if a passenger near the entrance / exit of the elevator car 11 is alighting, that passenger can alight smoothly, so it is unlikely that it will take a long time to complete the alighting process. Similarly, if only a small number of passengers (for example, one person) are alighting from the back of the car, the number of people alighting is small, so it is unlikely that it will take a long time to complete the alighting process. Extending the door opening time in such cases may reduce the operational efficiency of the elevator system.

[0054] Therefore, in the elevator system according to the first embodiment, the door opening time of the elevator car 11 is extended when the elevator car 11 is crowded and many users are disembarking from the back of the elevator car 11 (first detection area A1). As a result, if disembarking takes a long time, the door opening time is automatically extended even if other users do not continue to press the door opening button 44b. On the other hand, the door opening time is not extended when users on the entrance side are disembarking or when there are few users disembarking from the back. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve user convenience without reducing operational efficiency.

[0055] In this example, we have described detecting users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit over the entire floor surface 19 of the elevator car 11. However, it is also possible to detect users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit only in the first detection area A1 at the rear of the elevator car 11. This would reduce the processing load on the image processing device 20 during motion detection processing.

[0056] Furthermore, the extension control unit 22d may change the time for which the doors of the elevator car 11 are extended according to the number of users (movement blocks) detected in the first detection area A1 who are moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1. Specifically, if there are many users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1, the extension control unit 22d will set a longer time for extending the doors. On the other hand, if there are few users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1, the extension control unit 22d will set a shorter time for extending the doors. By changing the time for extending the doors according to the number of users alighting from the far side of the elevator car 11, it is possible to improve user convenience more efficiently.

[0057] Furthermore, even if the door opening time is extended, it is possible that the extended time may not be sufficient, preventing passengers at the far end from disembarking completely. For this reason, even after extending the door opening time once, the extension control unit 22d may further extend the extended door opening time if it detects a passenger (movement block) moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in the first detection area A1 within a predetermined time. This ensures that passengers who might not be able to disembark from the elevator car 11 due to insufficient extended time can be reliably allowed to disembark.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the areas of each detection area A1 and A2 were assumed to be approximately the same, but the areas of each detection area A1 and A2 may be different. That is, the position of the boundary line L is not limited to the vicinity of the center in the depth direction of the elevator car 11, but may be set arbitrarily according to the size of the elevator car 11 and the property in which the elevator system is installed. For example, if user convenience is a priority, the first detection area A1 may be set to be wider, and if the operational efficiency of the elevator system is a priority, the area of ​​the second detection area A2 may be set to be wider.

[0059] (First variation) Even if a certain number of passengers disembark from the far end of the elevator car 11, if passengers on the entrance side of the elevator car 11 also disembark at the same time, passengers on the far end of the elevator car 11 can disembark smoothly. In this case, there is no need to extend the door opening time of the elevator car 11.

[0060] Therefore, the first modified example differs from the first embodiment described above in that the door opening time is not extended when passengers on the entrance / exit side of the elevator car 11 also disembark.

[0061] Specifically, in the first modified example, if a certain number of users (movement blocks) moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1 are detected in the first detection area A1, the extension control unit 22d further determines whether a certain number of users (movement blocks) moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1 are detected in the second detection area A2. If the number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1 in the second detection area A2 is less than a certain number, the extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time, similar to the first embodiment.

[0062] On the other hand, if a certain number of users are detected in the second detection area A2 moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1, the extension control unit 22d determines that the door opening time should not be extended, as this means that users on the exit side of the elevator car 11 will also be disembarking.

[0063] According to the first modified example described above, if passengers on the entrance side of the elevator car 11 can disembark and passengers on the far side of the elevator car 11 can disembark smoothly, the door opening time will not be extended. This will further improve operational efficiency.

[0064] Furthermore, if only a small number of passengers alight from the entrance / exit side of the elevator car 11, it may be difficult for passengers at the back of the elevator car 11 to alight. For this reason, it is desirable that the "certain number" set for passengers moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in the second detection area A2 be set to a reasonably large value, depending on the area and width of the elevator car 11. In addition, the above "certain number" may be the same value as the "certain number" set for passengers moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in the first detection area A1, or it may be a different value.

[0065] (Second variation) Even if a passenger at the back of the elevator car 11 is alighting, if all passengers in the elevator car 11 are alighting, the passenger at the back of the elevator car 11 can alight smoothly, similar to the first modified example. In this case, there is no need to extend the door opening time of the elevator car 11. The second modified example differs from the first embodiment described above in that the door opening time of the elevator car 11 is not extended when it is deemed that all passengers in the elevator car 11 are alighting.

[0066] Specifically, in the second modified example, the detection unit 22c detects not only users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit, but also users who perform actions to clear a disembarking path for users disembarking from the back of the elevator car 11 (actions that move towards the side panel of the elevator car 11). More specifically, the detection unit 22c detects motion blocks that move from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit, as well as motion blocks that move towards the side panel of the elevator car 11.

[0067] If a certain number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit is detected in the first detection area A1, the extension control unit 22d further determines whether a certain number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit is detected in the second detection area A2, and whether users moving towards the side panel of the elevator car 11 (movement blocks) are detected. Note that the "certain number" in the first detection area A1 and the "certain number" in the second detection area A2 may be the same value or different values.

[0068] If a certain number of passengers moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit are detected in the first detection area A1 and the second detection area A2, and no passengers moving towards the side panel of the elevator car 11 are detected, the extension control unit 22d determines that all passengers inside the elevator car 11 have disembarked and that there is no need to extend the door opening time.

[0069] On the other hand, if a certain number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit are detected in the first detection area A1 and the second detection area A2, and if users moving towards the side panel of the elevator car 11 are detected, the extension control unit 22d determines that there are users remaining inside the elevator car 11 and determines that it is necessary to extend the door opening time of the elevator car 11 for the users who are in the back of the elevator car 11.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of the application of an elevator system according to a second modification of the first embodiment. In the example in Figure 8, it is assumed that users U1 to U10 are inside the elevator car 11, and when the level of congestion inside the elevator car 11 exceeds a threshold, the elevator car 11 responds to a car call and arrives at a floor of a specified size. Note that 17a and 17b in the figure indicate the side panels of the elevator car 11.

[0071] Here, we assume that passengers U6, U9, and U10, who are at the back of the elevator car 11, will disembark. Also, we assume that passengers U2 and U3 have disembarked from the elevator car 11 once to make way for passengers U6, U9, and U10 who are disembarking. Furthermore, we assume that passengers U5 and U8 have moved in the direction D2 of the side panel 17b to make way for passengers U6, U9, and U10 who are disembarking.

[0072] The detection unit 22c detects movement blocks in the first detection area A1 that move from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in response to users U6, U9, and U10 disembarking. It also detects movement blocks in the second detection area A2 that move from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit direction D1 in response to users U2 and U3 disembarking. Furthermore, the detection unit 22c detects movement blocks that move in the direction of the side panel 17b of the elevator car 11 D2 in response to users U5 and U8 moving in the direction of the side panel.

[0073] In this case, even if the extension control unit 22d detects users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the first detection area A1 and the second detection area A2, it does not consider that all users inside the elevator car 11 have disembarked because there are users remaining inside the elevator car 11. Therefore, the extension control unit 22d determines that it is necessary to extend the door opening time for users U6, U9, and U10 who are at the back of the elevator car.

[0074] As described above, according to the second modification, if all passengers in the elevator car 11 disembark, the door opening time is not extended. On the other hand, if there are passengers remaining in the elevator car 11, the door opening time is extended. This allows for an appropriate determination of whether or not to extend the door opening time of the elevator car 11, improving passenger convenience without reducing operational efficiency.

[0075] (Third variation) Even if only a few passengers (for example, one) are disembarking from the back of the elevator car 11, if that passenger is a wheelchair user, it will take longer than when a regular passenger who is not a wheelchair user disembarks, so it is desirable to extend the door opening time. The third modified example differs from the first embodiment described above in that the door opening time is extended when a wheelchair user who is at the back of the elevator car 11 disembarks.

[0076] Specifically, in the third modified example, the extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time even if the number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the first detection area A1 is less than a certain number, if the motion blocks moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit are concentrated within a predetermined range.

[0077] "Concentrated within a predetermined range" means, for example, that within a predetermined range, motion blocks moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance are continuous in all directions (up, down, left, and right). Alternatively, "Concentrated within a predetermined range" means that within a predetermined range, there are a certain number or more motion blocks moving in approximately the same direction. The "predetermined range" can be any size as long as it is larger than the area considered to represent one general user other than a wheelchair user in the image, such as X% of the area of ​​the elevator car 11.

[0078] Figure 9 shows an example of application of a third modification of the first embodiment. In the example in Figure 9, it is assumed that users U1 to U10 are inside the elevator car 11, and the level of congestion inside the elevator car 11 exceeds a threshold. Here, user U10 is a wheelchair user and is inside the elevator car 11 at the back (first detection area A1).

[0079] When elevator car 11 arrives at any floor and only wheelchair user U10 disembarks, the detection unit 22c detects motion blocks moving from inside elevator car 11 toward the exit direction D1 in the first detection area A1. In the example shown in Figure 9, the extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time even if the number of motion blocks moving from inside elevator car 11 toward the exit direction D1 is less than a certain number, because the motion blocks are concentrated within a predetermined range 50.

[0080] According to the third modification, if a wheelchair user is alighting from the back of the elevator car 11, the door opening time can be detected and extended. This allows wheelchair users to alight safely.

[0081] While this explanation uses wheelchair users as an example, the users detected in the third modification are not limited to wheelchair users. The third modification also includes detecting cases where users who require more space in their disembarking route than general users, such as users transporting luggage using a trolley or users using a stroller, disembark from the far side of the vehicle, and extending the door opening time accordingly.

[0082] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the time for which the door opening time is extended (extension time) is changed according to the boarding position of the passenger disembarking. The functional configuration of the elevator system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the detection area setting unit 22a sets three detection areas on the floor surface 19 inside the elevator car 11 on the image captured by the camera 12.

[0084] Figure 10 shows an example of a detection area set in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a third detection area A3, a fourth detection area A4, and a fifth detection area A5 are set. The third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4 are areas set on the rear side of the elevator car 11. The third detection area A3 is the area on the rear 18 side when the floor surface 19 is divided into three parts: the rear 18 side of the elevator car 11, the central part of the elevator car 11, and the entrance / exit side (landing 15 side) of the elevator car 11. The fourth detection area A4 is the central area, which is closer to the entrance / exit of the elevator car 11 than the third detection area A3. The fifth detection area A5 is the area on the entrance / exit side.

[0085] The position of boundary line L1 between detection areas A4 and A5 may be set arbitrarily according to the size of the elevator car 11. Similarly, the position of boundary line L2 between detection areas A3 and A4 may be set arbitrarily according to the size of the elevator car 11. In the example in Figure 10, the positions of boundary lines L1 and L2 are set so that the floor surface 19 is divided into three equal parts by detection areas A3 to A5.

[0086] The extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time when the detection unit 22c detects a certain number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4. In other words, the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4 correspond to areas obtained by dividing the first detection area A1, which was set up in the first embodiment to extend the door opening time, into two areas in the direction from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit.

[0087] In more detail, the extension control unit 22d determines which of the three detection areas A3 and A4 a user (movement block) was detected in when a certain number of users (movement blocks) moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction are detected in the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4.

[0088] If a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit is detected in the third detection area 3, the extension control unit 22d extends the extension time by a first time. From the viewpoint of operational efficiency, it is desirable that the first time be set to be the same as the extension time in the first embodiment, or less than or equal to the extension time in the first embodiment.

[0089] On the other hand, if a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit is detected in the fourth detection area A4, the extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time to a second time. The second time is shorter than the first time (first time > second time).

[0090] In other words, the extension control unit 22d sets a longer extension time when it detects a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the third detection area A3 than when it detects a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the fourth detection area A4. To put it another way, the extension control unit 22d sets a shorter extension time when it detects a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the fourth detection area A4 than when it detects a user moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit in the third detection area A3.

[0091] Furthermore, if a user (movement block) moving from inside the elevator car 11 toward the exit direction D1 is detected in both the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4, the extension control unit 22d sets the extension time to either the first time or the second time, depending on the operating mode of the elevator system. For example, if user convenience is prioritized, the extension control unit 22d sets the extension time to the first time, which is longer than the second time. If the operational efficiency of the elevator system is prioritized, the extension control unit 22d sets the extension time to the second time, which is shorter than the first time.

[0092] Alternatively, if a user is detected moving from inside the elevator car 11 toward the exit direction D1 in both the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4, the extension control unit 22d may set the extension time to the sum of the first time and the second time. In this case, from the viewpoint of operational efficiency, it is desirable that the sum of the first time and the second time be set to be less than or equal to the extension time in the first embodiment.

[0093] Alternatively, if both the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4 detect users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1, the extension control unit 22d may set the extension time to the time corresponding to the detection area of ​​the third detection area A3 and the fourth detection area A4 in which the number of users moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the exit direction D1 is detected.

[0094] Figure 11 shows an example of the application of the elevator system according to the second embodiment. In the example in Figure 8, it is assumed that users U1 to U10 are inside the elevator car 11, and when the level of congestion inside the elevator car 11 exceeds a threshold, the elevator car 11 responds to a car call and arrives at a floor of a specified size.

[0095] Here, we assume that passengers U2 and U4, who are in the central part of the elevator car 11, are disembarking. In this case, the detection unit 22c detects a movement block in the fourth detection area A4 that is moving from inside the elevator car 11 toward the exit direction D1. Therefore, the extension control unit 22d sets the extension time to the second time and extends the door opening time.

[0096] On the other hand, for example, when passengers U7 and U8 who are on the rear side 18 inside the elevator car 11 disembark, the detection unit 22c detects a movement block in the third detection area A3 that moves from inside the elevator car 11 toward the entrance / exit direction D1. Therefore, the extension control unit 22d extends the door opening time by setting the extension time to a first time that is longer than the second time.

[0097] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the elevator car 11 is crowded and many passengers are disembarking from the back of the elevator car 11, the time for which the doors of the elevator car 11 are extended is changed according to the position of the passengers disembarking.

[0098] When a passenger disembarks in the fourth detection area A4, which is closer to the entrance / exit, the disembarkation process is smoother compared to when a passenger disembarks in the third detection area A3, which is closer to the rear 18 of the elevator car 11. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the time for extending the elevator car door opening is set to be shorter when a passenger moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit is detected in the fourth detection area A4, compared to when a passenger moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit is detected in the third detection area A3. This makes it possible to set the optimal extension time according to the position of the disembarking passenger, thereby improving operational efficiency compared to the first embodiment.

[0099] In the second embodiment, it was explained that three detection areas are set, but the number of detection areas may be four or more. In this case, the extension control unit 22d sets the extension time to be shorter for detection areas closer to the entrance / exit of the elevator car 11 when a user is detected moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit. In other words, the extension control unit 22d sets the extension time to be longer for detection areas closer to the rear 18 of the elevator car 11 when a user is detected moving from inside the elevator car 11 towards the entrance / exit.

[0100] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide an elevator system that can avoid unnecessary door opening extensions and suppress a decrease in operational efficiency.

[0101] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 12...Camera, 13...Car door, 13a, 13b...Door panel, 14...Landing door, 15...Landing, 16...Landing call button, 17a, 17b...Side panel, 18...Back, 19...Floor, 20...Image processing device, 21...Storage unit, 22...Control unit, 22a...Detection area setting unit, 22b...Congestion level measurement unit, 22c...Detection unit, 22d...Extension control unit, 30...Elevator control device, 31...Door opening / closing control unit, 32...Call management unit, 33...Notification unit, A1...First detection area, A2...Second detection area, A3...Third detection area, A4...Fourth detection area, A5...Fifth detection area, D1...Entrance / exit direction, D2...Side panel direction.

Claims

1. A camera is installed at the top of the elevator car to photograph the inside of the elevator car, A measuring means for measuring the degree of congestion inside the elevator car based on the image captured by the aforementioned camera, A detection means for detecting a first user moving from inside the elevator car toward the exit for a certain period of time after the elevator car begins to open its doors, If the congestion level exceeds a threshold, and a certain number of first users are detected in a first detection area pre-set on the far side of the elevator car in the image, an extension control means is provided to extend the elevator car door opening time. An elevator system equipped with the following features.

2. The extension control means is If a certain number of first users are detected in the second detection area, which is pre-set on the entrance / exit side of the elevator car in the aforementioned image, the elevator car door opening time will not be extended. The elevator system according to claim 1.

3. The detection means further detects a second user moving in the direction of the side panel inside the elevator car. The extension control means will not extend the door opening time of the elevator car if a certain number of first users are detected in a second detection area predetermined on the entrance side of the elevator car in the image, and no second users are detected. The elevator system according to claim 1.

4. The extension control means changes the time for which the elevator car door opening time is extended according to the number of first users detected in the first detection area. The elevator system according to claim 1.

5. The extension control means, after extending the door opening time, further extends the door opening time if the first user is detected in the first detection area. The elevator system according to claim 1.

6. The first detection area includes a plurality of detection areas divided from inside the elevator car toward the entrance / exit direction, The extension control means sets the time for extending the elevator car door opening time to be shorter when the first user is detected in the fourth detection area, which is closer to the entrance / exit of the elevator car than the third detection area, compared to when the first user is detected in the third detection area among the plurality of detection areas. The elevator system according to claim 1.

7. The detection means is By comparing the brightness of multiple time-series images captured by the aforementioned camera in block units, blocks showing movement are extracted, and the first block among the blocks showing movement that is moving from inside the elevator car towards the exit is detected as the first user. The elevator system according to claim 1.

8. The extension control means is If the number of first users is less than the aforementioned certain number, and the first block is concentrated within a predetermined range, the door opening time is extended. The elevator system according to claim 7.

Images