Escalator exit contact avoidance device and escalator exit contact avoidance method

Abstract

By visually indicating the approach of pedestrians disembarking from escalators, this system alerts users of escalators that are stopped on the escalator without obstructing their passage. [Solution] The system includes a video information storage unit that stores video information set according to the usage status of escalators; an audio information storage unit that stores audio information synchronized with the video information set according to the usage status of escalators; a shooting information acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of escalators; an analysis unit that analyzes the shooting information captured by the camera and, when it detects walking users among the escalators, acquires the timing at which stationary and walking users cross the exit comb from the speed of the users; and an output control unit that, from the timing acquired by the analysis unit, acquires the video information and audio information set according to the usage status of escalators from the video information storage unit and the audio information storage unit, respectively, and outputs them from the display and speaker.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to an escalator exit contact avoidance device and an escalator exit contact avoidance method. 【Background Art】 【0002】 When using an escalator, there is a high risk of danger, such as falls and collisions, especially when getting off. In particular, when the getting-off timing of a walking user (hereinafter referred to as a walking passenger) overlaps with that of a stopped user (hereinafter referred to as a stopped passenger), the two may come into contact and accidents or troubles may occur. Escalator users had to measure and adjust the distance from other users and the getting-on / off timing to avoid falls and collisions during boarding and alighting. 【0003】 Conventionally, there are known technologies for projecting passenger flow guidance on the boarding / alighting platform and for projecting a stereoscopic image into the air from below the boarding / alighting platform to restrict the actions of passengers. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-20757 【Patent Document 2】 Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-109067 【Patent Document 3】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-17457 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 However, in the conventional technology of projecting passenger flow guidance on the boarding / alighting platform, when there is dirt or passenger movement on the platform, the effect of avoiding contact between users may not be achieved, and there is no function to notify approaching walking passengers from behind. 【0006】 This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an escalator exit contact avoidance device and an escalator exit contact avoidance method that can visually display to escalator users who are stopped on the escalator the approach of pedestrians disembarking, thereby alerting them without obstructing passage. [Means for solving the problem] 【0007】 In an embodiment for achieving the above objective, the elevator exit contact avoidance device is communicated to a camera that photographs the escalator usage situation, including the escalator users and the area near the exit comb, a display that projects information to the escalator users, and a speaker that announces information to the escalator users. 【0008】 This elevator exit contact avoidance device includes: a video information storage unit that stores video information set according to the usage status of escalator users; an audio information storage unit that stores audio information synchronized with the video information set according to the usage status of escalator users; a shooting information acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of escalator users; an analysis unit that analyzes the shooting information captured by the camera and, when it detects walking users among the escalator users, acquires the timing at which stationary users and walking users cross the exit comb from the speed of the users; and an output control unit that, from the timing acquired by the analysis unit, acquires the video information and audio information set according to the usage status of escalator users from the video information storage unit and the audio information storage unit, respectively, and outputs them from a display and a speaker. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] An overall diagram showing the configuration of an escalator system using an escalator exit contact avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A top-down plan view of the area near the escalator exit of an escalator system using an escalator exit contact avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3]A block diagram showing the configuration of an outlet contact avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the process for selecting video information to be displayed on a screen by an exit contact avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] An illustrative diagram showing an example of a typical image displayed on a screen by an exit contact avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] An illustrative diagram of an example of a video warning of approaching pedestrians behind the device, displayed on a screen by an exit collision avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] An illustrative diagram of an example of a rearward pedestrian collision warning video displayed on a screen by an exit collision avoidance device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0010】 <Configuration of an escalator system using an escalator exit contact avoidance device according to one embodiment> Figure 1 is an overall view showing the configuration near the exit of the escalator system 1 according to the embodiment, and Figure 2 is a top view of the area near the exit of the escalator system 1 according to the embodiment. 【0011】 The escalator 2, which constitutes the escalator system 1, transports users by circulating the steps 3 between the lower floor entrance / exit 4 and the upper floor entrance / exit (not shown). A camera 7 and a speaker 8 are installed near the exit of the escalator 2, and a display 10 is embedded in the side wall 6 of the building. The camera 7, speaker 8, and display 10 are communicated with the exit contact avoidance device 20. 【0012】 In this embodiment, the case in which the exit contact avoidance device 20 is connected to one camera and one speaker installed for one escalator 2 is described. However, in the case of an escalator 2 with UP / DOWN operation switching, it may be connected to two cameras 7, two speakers 8, and two displays 10 installed both near the lower floor entrance / exit 4 and near the upper floor entrance / exit. Furthermore, the displays 10 may be embedded in the ceiling. If it is not possible to embed them in the side wall 6 or ceiling, the installation of a gantry gate may be substituted for the installation of the cameras 7, speakers 8, and displays 10. Also, in Figure 1, the escalator 2 is shown in the case of going down, and in the figure, 5 indicates the exit comb. 【0013】 Camera 7 captures the area AR1 near the escalator exit, including users on escalator 2 and exit COM 5. 【0014】 Display 10 projects video information to users (walking users 31 and stationary users 32) moving from the steps 3 towards the exit (lower floor entrance / exit 4). Here, users who move on the escalator 2 by walking are referred to as "walking users 31". Users who move while standing still on the escalator 2 are referred to as "stationary users 32". 【0015】 Speaker 8 outputs audio information to users (walking users 31 and stationary users 32) moving from the steps 3 towards the exit (lower floor entrance / exit 4). The display 10 displays the image from the image forming unit 11 as an aerial image 12 on the front side of the exit of the escalator 2. 【0016】 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the exit contact avoidance device 20. The exit contact avoidance device 20 includes a storage unit 22 and a CPU 21. The storage unit 22 includes a video information storage unit 221 and an audio information storage unit 222. The video information storage unit 221 stores video information set according to the usage status of escalator users. The audio information storage unit 222 stores automatic announcements and audio information synchronized with the video information set according to the usage status of escalator users. 【0017】 The CPU 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer. By installing and executing a program for avoiding contact with the exit of a predetermined escalator, it constitutes one or more information processing units shown below. The CPU 21 includes an imaging information acquisition unit 211, an analysis unit 212, and an output control unit 213. 【0018】 The imaging information acquisition unit 211 acquires the imaging information captured by the camera 7. 【0019】 The analysis unit 212 analyzes the imaging information acquired by the imaging information acquisition unit 211 to detect a walking user 31 who is moving on the escalator 2 on foot. Further, when the analysis unit 212 detects the walking user 31, it acquires the speed information of the walking user 31 and the speed information of the stationary user 32 (the speed information of the escalator) who stops and moves based on the imaging information. 【0020】 The output control unit 213 acquires video information and audio information corresponding to the user situations from the storage unit 22 based on the speed information of the walking user 31 and the speed information of the stationary user 32 acquired by the analysis unit 212, and outputs them from the display 10 and the speaker 8. 【0021】 <Operation of the escalator system according to an embodiment> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a target selection process executed by the exit contact avoidance device 20 for the escalator 2 during the operation of the escalator system 1. 【0022】 During the operation of the escalator system 1, the imaging information acquisition unit 211 of the exit contact avoidance device 20 sequentially acquires the imaging information captured by the camera 7 and sends it to the analysis unit 212. The analysis unit 212 analyzes the imaging information to monitor whether there is a walking user 31 in the area AR1 near the escalator exit (S1). 【0023】 When the analysis unit 212 detects a pedestrian user 31 (S1YES), it further analyzes the imaging information to obtain the speed information of the pedestrian user 31 and the speed information of the stationary user 32 (S2). 【0024】 The analysis unit 212 obtains information from the speed information of the walking user 31 and the speed information of the stationary user 32 to indicate whether the timing of when the walking user 31 and the stationary user 32 cross the exit comb 5 is simultaneous (S3). 【0025】 At this point, the analysis unit 212 acquires information indicating that the timing of when the pedestrian user 31 and the stationary user 32 cross the exit comb 5 is simultaneous (S3YES). Then, the output control unit 213 acquires the rear pedestrian contact warning video from the video information storage unit 221 and outputs it from the display 10, and acquires audio information synchronized with the rear pedestrian contact warning video from the audio information storage unit 222 and outputs it from the speaker 8 (S4). 【0026】 In step S3, when information is obtained indicating that the timing of when the pedestrian user 31 and the stationary user 32 cross the exit comb 5 is not simultaneous (S3NO), the output control unit 213 obtains a video warning of approaching pedestrians from the rear from the video information storage unit 221 and outputs it from the display 10. At the same time, audio information synchronized with the video warning of approaching pedestrians from the rear is obtained from the audio information storage unit 222 and output from the speaker 8 (S5). 【0027】 If there are no pedestrian users 31 in step S1 (S1NO), the output control unit 213 acquires normal video from the video information storage unit 221 and outputs it from the display 10. At the same time, it acquires audio information synchronized with the normal video from the audio information storage unit 222 and outputs it from the speaker 8 (S6). 【0028】 The exit contact avoidance device 20 performs target selection by repeating steps S1 to S5 with respect to the escalator 2 while the escalator system 1 is in operation. 【0029】 Figures 5 to 7 are illustrative diagrams showing how the outlet contact avoidance device 20 according to the embodiment is displayed on the display 10. 【0030】 In the typical video example in Figure 5, the aerial image 12 displays the text information and animation "Exit approaching! Please watch your step," as shown in Figure 5(a), and also outputs audio information to that effect from the speaker. 【0031】 In another example of the regular video, as shown in Figure 5(b), the aerial image 12 displays the text information and animation "Event in progress! Please visit us on the 3rd floor," and also outputs audio information to that effect from the speaker. 【0032】 Furthermore, in other examples of the regular video, as shown in Figure 5(c), the aerial image 12 displays text information and animation that reads, "It's slippery because of the rain! Please be careful when descending," and also outputs audio information to that effect from speaker 8. 【0033】 In the example video of the rear pedestrian approach warning shown in Figure 6, the aerial image 12 displays the text information "Caution! Pedestrian approaching from behind!" along with animation, and the speaker 8 outputs audio information to that effect. 【0034】 In the example video of the rear pedestrian collision warning shown in Figure 7, the aerial view 12 displays the text information and animation "Caution! Be careful of collisions with pedestrians coming from behind!", and the speaker 8 outputs audio information to that effect. 【0035】 As described above, this embodiment allows for the output of appropriate video and audio information according to the usage status of the escalator 2. Furthermore, when disembarking, a warning video is displayed as a spatial image near the exit comb and a warning audio is output, thus preventing falls and contact with pedestrians that could cause trouble when disembarking. In addition, since the display 10 is installed on the side wall 6 or ceiling, the projection equipment does not get in the way during escalator maintenance and inspection. Moreover, because it is displayed as an aerial image 12, warnings can be reliably delivered regardless of the wear and tear on the display 10 over time or the flow of people. 【0036】 Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols] 【0037】 1...Escalator system, 2...Escalator, 3...Steps, 4...Lower floor entrance / exit, 5...Exit comb, 6...Side wall, 7...Camera, 8...Speaker, 10...Display, 11...Image forming unit, 12...Aerial image, 20...Exit contact avoidance device, 21...CPU, 22...Memory unit, 211...Shooting information acquisition unit, 212...Analysis unit, 213...Output control unit, 221...Video information storage unit, 222...Audio information storage unit, 31...Walking users, 32...Stopped users

Claims

[Claim 1] A camera that photographs the escalator's usage status, including escalator users and the area near the exit, a display that projects information to the escalator users, and a speaker that announces information to the escalator users are all connected in a manner that allows for communication between them. A video information storage unit that stores video information set according to the usage status of the escalator users, The audio information storage unit stores audio information synchronized with video information set according to the usage status of the escalator users, A camera information acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of the escalator users, The camera analyzes the captured information to detect walking users among the escalator users, and the analysis unit obtains the timing at which stationary and walking users cross the exit comb from the users' speeds. An escalator exit contact avoidance device comprising: an output control unit that, from the timing acquired by the analysis unit, acquires video information and audio information set according to the usage status of the escalator user from the video information storage unit and audio information storage unit, respectively, and outputs them from the display and speaker. [Claim 2] The escalator exit contact avoidance device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit, upon detecting a pedestrian user, acquires information on the pedestrian user's movement speed and the stationary user's movement speed as usage status, and determines whether the timing of crossing the exit comb is simultaneous or not. [Claim 3] The aforementioned display is an aerial projection display that is positioned to be embedded in the side wall or ceiling near the exit comb and projects images into the air above the escalator's path. Based on the determination result of the analysis unit, if the timing of the stopping user and the walking user crossing the exit comb is simultaneous, the display will show a video warning of collision with a pedestrian behind, and the speaker will output a voice warning of collision with a pedestrian behind that is synchronized with the video warning. Based on the determination result of the analysis unit, if the timing of the stopping user and the walking user crossing the exit comb is not simultaneous, the display will show a video warning of approaching pedestrians from behind, and the speaker will output an audio warning of approaching pedestrians from behind that is synchronized with the video warning of approaching pedestrians from behind. Based on the determination result of the analysis unit, if there are no pedestrian users, the display shows normal video including normal warning information or auto-announcements or building information advertisements when disembarking from the escalator, and the speaker outputs normal video and audio synchronized with the normal video, as described in claim 1. [Claim 4] The escalator exit contact avoidance device according to claim 3, wherein, if the camera and the aerial projection display cannot be embedded in a side wall or ceiling, the device comprises a gate-type gate into which the equipment including the camera and the aerial projection display is incorporated. [Claim 5] The escalator exit contact avoidance device according to claim 3, wherein the display size of the aerial projection display is such that, in the case of two or more escalators installed in parallel, the display size of the device does not exceed the width of the steps. [Claim 6] The escalator exit contact avoidance device according to claim 3, wherein the aerial projection display is installed near both exit combs when there is an UP / DN operation switch and is equipped with a contact that can be synchronized with the UP / DN switching contact. [Claim 7] The camera captures the usage status of the escalator, including escalator users and the area near the exit. The analysis unit analyzes the image information captured by the aforementioned camera, and when it detects walking users among the escalator users, it obtains the timing at which stationary and walking users cross the exit comb from the speed of the users. A method for avoiding contact with an escalator exit, comprising outputting pre-set video information and audio information from a spatial projection display and a speaker, according to the usage status of the escalator user, from the timing acquired by the analysis unit. [Claim 8] Based on the determination result of the analysis unit, if the timing of the stopping user and the walking user crossing the exit comb is simultaneous, the spatial projection display will display a video warning of collision with a pedestrian behind, and the speaker will output a voice warning of collision with a pedestrian behind that is synchronized with the video warning. Based on the determination result of the analysis unit, if the timing of the stopping user and the walking user crossing the exit communication is not simultaneous, the spatial projection display will display a video warning of approaching pedestrians from behind, and the speaker will output an audio warning of approaching pedestrians from behind that is synchronized with the video warning of approaching pedestrians from behind. The method for avoiding contact at the exit of an escalator according to claim 7, wherein, based on the determination result of the analysis unit, if there are no pedestrian users, the spatial projection display displays normal video including normal warning information or auto-announcements or building information advertisements when disembarking from an escalator, and the speaker outputs normal video and audio synchronized with the normal video.

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