Elevator system, notification method

Abstract

This invention provides an elevator system that can effectively notify users that contactless operation is disabled. [Solution] An elevator system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation reception unit installed in the elevator landing or car, which is capable of receiving non-contact operations by detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area, and a notification unit that notifies the operation reception unit that the non-contact operation reception is disabled when the operation reception unit is set to disable and the operation reception unit detects an object within the predetermined spatial area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator system and a notification method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a non-contact destination floor registration device capable of designating a destination by non-contact operation, and disabling the non-contact operation according to the congestion level inside the car. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the availability of the non-contact registration function is changed, it is disclosed that the information may be displayed on a display inside the car or announced to the user as voice announcements from a speaker inside the car.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when notifying by voice announcements, it is impossible to notify a user who enters the car after the non-contact registration function has been disabled that the non-contact registration function has been disabled. Also, even when displaying on the display unit, there is a possibility that a user who enters the car after the non-contact registration function has been disabled may not notice, which may impair convenience.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an elevator system capable of effectively notifying that reception of non-contact operations from a user is disabled.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an elevator system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention includes an operation reception unit installed in the elevator landing or car, which is capable of receiving contactless operations by detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area, and a notification unit that notifies the user that the contactless operation reception of the operation reception unit is disabled when the operation reception unit is set to disable contactless operation reception and the operation reception unit detects an object within the predetermined spatial area.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the elevator system can effectively notify the user that contactless operation is disabled.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the notification method according to embodiment 7 of the present invention includes a reception step in which an operation reception unit, which is installed in the elevator landing or car and is capable of receiving non-contact operations by detecting an object in a predetermined spatial area, receives a non-contact operation, and a notification step in which, when the non-contact operation reception of the operation reception unit is set to be disabled and the operation reception unit detects an object in the predetermined spatial area, the operation reception unit provides notification that the non-contact operation reception of the operation reception unit is disabled.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the notification method can effectively notify the user that contactless operation is disabled.

[0010] In the elevator system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1 described above, the operation reception unit is capable of receiving operations by contact, and the notification unit may be configured such that it does not make a notification if it detects an operation by contact within a predetermined time after the operation reception unit detects an object in the predetermined spatial area, and does not detect an operation by contact within the predetermined time after the operation reception unit detects an object in the predetermined spatial area, and if it continuously detects an object in the predetermined spatial area from the time the operation reception unit detects an object in the predetermined spatial area until the predetermined time has elapsed, it makes a notification. In this case, the elevator system can determine that the user is unaware that the reception of non-contact operations is disabled, and in that case, it makes a notification, thereby preventing unnecessary notifications.

[0011] In the elevator system according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2 described above, the operation reception unit is equipped with a plurality of detection units that can receive operations without contact by detecting objects in different spatial areas, and the notification unit may be configured not to make a notification if a predetermined number or more of the detection units detect an object. In this case, the elevator system can determine that the user has only approached the operation reception unit and prevent unnecessary notifications by not making a notification in that case.

[0012] An elevator system according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, is provided with a display unit located in an area visible to the user operating the operation reception unit, and the notification unit is configured to display a first indication on the display unit that the non-contact operation reception of the operation reception unit is invalid. In this case, the elevator system can notify the user that the non-contact operation reception from the user is invalid through visual information.

[0013] In the elevator system according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in aspect 4 described above, the notification unit may be configured to display the first display on the display unit for a predetermined period of time after the operation reception unit has stopped detecting an object within the predetermined spatial area, after the first display has been displayed on the display unit. In this case, the elevator system can continuously notify users that contactless operation reception from users is invalid, and can also notify new users who use the elevator after the first display has been displayed.

[0014] In the elevator system according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 4 to 5 above, the operation reception unit is provided with a plurality of buttons for receiving operations, and each of the plurality of buttons is provided with the display unit and a detection unit for detecting an object in a predetermined spatial area, and the notification unit may be configured to display the first display on all display units when at least one of the detection units detects an object. In this case, the elevator system can conspicuously notify the user that contactless operation reception is invalid.

[0015] Each aspect of the present invention may be implemented by a computer, in which case the control program for the elevator system that enables the elevator system to be implemented by a computer by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the elevator system, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, an elevator system can effectively notify the user that contactless operation is disabled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the main components of an elevator system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an example of the display of the display according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the notification method by the elevator system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the elevator system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the notification method by the elevator system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the elevator system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an example of the button according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an example of the first display according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is another example of the first display according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is another example of the first display according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the notification method by the elevator system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0019] (Elevator System 1A) The elevator system 1A is a system for operating an elevator. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main components of the elevator system 1A according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the elevator system 1A includes an operation panel (operation reception unit) 10, a display (display unit) 13, and a control device 2A. The elevator system 1A may further include an elevator car (not shown), a mechanism for moving the elevator car, and doors installed at the place where passengers (users) get on and off the elevator car (hereinafter referred to as the "landing").

[0020] (Operation panel 10) The control panel 10 is an input device that can accept operations from passengers by having a component (for example, the button 11 described later) that can accept operations from passengers. The control panel 10 may be installed at the landing or in the elevator car. If the control panel 10 is installed at the landing, passengers can use the control panel 10 to call the elevator car, open and close the doors of the elevator car and the doors installed at the landing, etc. If the control panel 10 is installed in the elevator car, passengers can use the control panel 10 to specify the destination of the elevator car, or open and close the doors of the elevator car and the doors installed at the landing, etc. Furthermore, the control panel 10 may be installed in two or more locations, for example, one for regular users and one for wheelchair users.

[0021] The operations performed by passengers that the control panel 10 accepts include operations in which the passenger makes contact with the buttons 11 (hereinafter referred to as "contact operations"), such as pressing the buttons 11 described later, and operations in which the passenger holds an object (for example, the passenger's hand) within the area through which the emitted light of the sensor 12 described later passes (hereinafter referred to as "a predetermined spatial area") without touching the buttons 11 (hereinafter referred to as "non-contact operations"). As shown in Figure 1, the control panel 10 is equipped with one or more buttons 11.

[0022] Button 11 is a component that can accept operation by contact. When there is a change in the state of button 11, it sends a signal to the contact detection unit 31, which will be described later. The change in the state of button 11 may be the displacement of button 11, the generation of a voltage inside button 11, or a change in the resistance value on the surface of button 11. This allows it to accept operation by contact. As shown in Figure 1, each button 11 is equipped with a sensor (detection unit) 12.

[0023] Sensor 12 is a component that can accept non-contact operation. Sensor 12 constantly emits light of a certain wavelength (for example, infrared light). When sensor 12 detects light of the same wavelength as the light it emits (hereinafter referred to as "light shielding"), it transmits a signal to the light shielding detection unit 32, which will be described later. As a result, if an object is present in a predetermined spatial area, sensor 12 can accept non-contact operation by detecting the reflected light of the light it emits.

[0024] The sensor 12 may be located on the surface of the button 11, embedded inside the button 11, or embedded in a wall near the button 11. If the sensor 12 is embedded inside the button 11, the button 11 further includes a window (not shown) through which the sensor 12 emits light and detects reflected light. If the sensor 12 is embedded in a wall near the button 11, the wall includes a window (not shown) through which the sensor 12 receives light.

[0025] (Display 13) The display 13 is an output device that displays characters and / or images, controlled by the notification unit 33A, which will be described later. The display 13 may be located in an area visible to the passenger operating the control panel 10. For example, the display 13 may be located near the control panel 10.

[0026] (Disable contactless operation) The administrator of elevator system 1A can configure the control panel 10 so that contactless operation does not interfere with elevator operation, that is, they can disable the acceptance of contactless operations. For example, the acceptance of contactless operations can be disabled for sensor 12, which is used to specify the destination of the elevator car to a destination other than the direction of movement or stopping position of the elevator car, and which is inappropriate for passengers to operate.

[0027] Furthermore, the administrator of elevator system 1A may manage elevator system 1A so that contactless operation is automatically disabled when the elevator's state falls into a specific condition. A specific condition is, for example, when the elevator's load or congestion level exceeds a predetermined value.

[0028] In the following explanation, we will assume that the contactless operation acceptance function of the control panel 10 is disabled.

[0029] (Control device 2A) The control device 2A controls various parts of the elevator system 1A to operate the elevator. For example, the control device 2A controls the movement of the elevator car. As shown in Figure 1, the control device 2A includes a memory unit 20 and a control unit 30A.

[0030] (Storage unit 20) The memory unit 20 stores data for operating the elevator. As shown in Figure 1, the memory unit 20 stores the notification conditions 21.

[0031] The notification condition 21 is data used for determination by the notification units 33A, 33B, and 33C, which will be described later in each embodiment. The notification condition 21 includes information on a fixed time Tx, a predetermined period Ty, a predetermined time Tz, or a predetermined number of N. Each of the fixed time Tx, predetermined period Ty, predetermined time Tz, and predetermined number of N will be described later.

[0032] (Control Unit 30A) The control unit 30A controls each part of the elevator system 1A. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 30A includes a contact detection unit 31, a light-shielding detection unit 32, and a notification unit 33A.

[0033] The contact detection unit 31 receives a signal from the button 11. This allows it to detect that the control panel 10 has been operated by contact. The contact detection unit 31 may identify the button 11 that transmitted the signal and output information about the button 11 to other control blocks as input information for the control unit 30A.

[0034] The light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal from the sensor 12. This allows it to detect that there has been a non-contact operation on the control panel 10. The light-shielding detection unit 32 may identify the transmitting sensor 12 from the signal and output the information from the sensor 12 to other control blocks as input information for the control unit 30A.

[0035] When the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal, the notification unit 33A determines the start and end of notification based on the information of a predetermined period Ty included in the notification condition 21 and the signal received by the light-shielding detection unit 32, and controls the display of the first display 131 on the display 13. Specifically, when the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal, the notification unit 33A determines the start of notification and starts displaying the first display 131 on the display 13. Also, when the predetermined period Ty has elapsed since the light-shielding detection unit 32 stopped receiving signals, the notification unit 33A determines the end of notification and stops displaying the first display 131 on the display 13. The first display 131 indicates that the acceptance of contactless operation of the control panel 10 is invalid. This allows the elevator system 1A to notify that the acceptance of contactless operation of the control panel 10 is invalid.

[0036] The predetermined period Ty is, as described above, the time from when the notification unit 33A starts broadcasting and the light-shielding detection unit 32 stops receiving signals until the broadcasting ends. The predetermined period Ty is, for example, 2 to 5 seconds. This allows the elevator system 1A to continuously notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled until the passenger moves an object away from the predetermined spatial area of ​​the sensor 12 and views the display 13, if the display 13 is located near the button 11.

[0037] Figure 2 shows an example of the display of the display 13 according to this embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the display 13 displays a first display 131 consisting of the string "Touchless operation disabled" based on instructions from the notification unit 33A. Also as shown in Figure 2, the display 13 is controlled by an output control unit (not shown) provided in the control unit 30A, and displays information other than the first display 131. Specifically, the display 13 displays an arrow indicating the direction of movement of the elevator car, and a number indicating the position of the elevator car (in this case, the floor closest to the elevator car among the multiple floors of the building in which the elevator is installed).

[0038] (Processing flow of elevator system 1A) Next, an example of the notification method processing by elevator system 1A will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification method processing by elevator system 1A.

[0039] In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the non-contact operation acceptance of the control panel 10 is disabled. As shown in Figure 3, in the notification method by the elevator system 1A, first, the notification unit 33A determines whether the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received a signal (step S11). If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has not received a signal (NO in step S11), step S11 is repeated.

[0040] If the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal (YES in step S11), the notification unit 33A starts notification by displaying the first display 131 on the display 13 (step S12).

[0041] Next, the notification unit 33A determines whether the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received a signal (step S13). If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received a signal (YES in step S13), step S13 is repeated.

[0042] If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has not received a signal (NO in step S13), the notification unit 33A determines whether a predetermined period Ty has elapsed since the light-shielding detection unit 32 stopped receiving a signal (step S14). If the predetermined period Ty has not elapsed (NO in step S14), step S14 is repeated.

[0043] If a predetermined period Ty has elapsed (YES in step S14), the notification unit 33A stops displaying the first display 131 on the display 13 and terminates the notification (step S15).

[0044] (summary) The elevator system 1A according to this embodiment includes an operation panel 10 installed in the elevator landing or car, which can accept contactless operations by detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area, and a notification unit 33A that notifies the user that contactless operation of the operation panel 10 is disabled when the operation panel 10 is set to disable contactless operation and the operation panel 10 detects an object within a predetermined spatial area.

[0045] With this configuration, the elevator system 1A can effectively notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled.

[0046] Furthermore, the elevator system 1A according to this embodiment includes a display 13 located in an area visible to the passenger operating the control panel 10, and the notification unit 33A causes the display 13 to display a first display 131 indicating that the acceptance of contactless operation of the control panel 10 is invalid.

[0047] With this configuration, the elevator system 1A can visually notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled.

[0048] Furthermore, after the notification unit 33A displays the first display 131 on the display 13, it displays the first display 131 on the display 13 for a predetermined period Ty after the control panel 10 stops detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area.

[0049] With this configuration, the elevator system 1A can continuously notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled, and can also notify new passengers who use the elevator after the first display 131 has been shown.

[0050] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0051] (Configuration of Elevator System 1B) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main components of the elevator system 1B according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the elevator system 1B includes a control device 2B instead of the control device 2A in Embodiment 1. The control device 2B includes a control unit 30B instead of the control unit 30A in Embodiment 1. The control unit 30B includes a notification unit 33B instead of the notification unit 33A in Embodiment 1.

[0052] When the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal, the notification unit 33B determines the start and end of the notification based on the information of a certain time Tx and a predetermined time Tz included in the notification condition 21, the signal received by the contact detection unit 31, and the signal received by the light-shielding detection unit 32, and controls the display of the first display 131 on the display 13. Specifically, if a predetermined time Tz has elapsed since the light-shielding detection unit 32 received a signal and the contact detection unit 31 has not received a signal, the notification unit 33B determines the start of the notification and starts displaying the first display 131 on the display 13. Also, if a certain time Tx has elapsed since the start of the notification, the notification unit 33B determines the end of the notification and stops displaying the first display 131 on the display 13. As a result, the elevator system 1B can notify that the acceptance of contactless operation of the control panel 10 is invalid.

[0053] As mentioned above, the fixed time Tx is the time from when the notification unit 33B starts broadcasting until it stops broadcasting. The fixed time Tx is, for example, 2 to 5 seconds. This allows the elevator system 1B to continuously notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled until the passenger moves the object away from the predetermined spatial area of ​​the sensor 12 and views the display 13, if the display 13 is located near the button 11.

[0054] As mentioned above, the predetermined time Tz is the time from when the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal until the notification unit 33B starts making a notification when the contact detection unit 31 has not received a signal and the light-shielding detection unit 32 continues to receive a signal. For example, the predetermined time Tz is 0.5 to 1.5 seconds. In this example, the predetermined time Tz corresponds to the time assumed in contact operation, from when the passenger approaches the control panel 10 and shields the sensor 12 from light until they touch the button 11. This allows the elevator system 1B to determine that if the sensor 12 still detects light shielding after the predetermined time Tz has elapsed, the passenger is unaware that contactless operation is disabled. Furthermore, the elevator system 1B can prevent unnecessary notifications by making a notification in that case.

[0055] (Processing flow of elevator system 1B) Next, an example of the notification method processing by elevator system 1B will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification method processing by elevator system 1B.

[0056] In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the non-contact operation acceptance of the control panel 10 is disabled. As shown in Figure 5, in the notification method by the elevator system 1B, first, the notification unit 33B determines whether the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received a signal (step S21). If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has not received a signal (NO in step S21), step S21 is repeated.

[0057] If the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal (YES in step S21), the notification unit 33B determines whether the contact detection unit 31 has received a signal (step S22). If the contact detection unit 31 has received a signal (YES in step S22), the notification unit 33B determines not to start notification (step S23) and proceeds to the end of processing.

[0058] If the contact detection unit 31 has not received a signal (NO in step S22), the notification unit 33B determines whether a predetermined time Tz has elapsed since the light-shielding detection unit 32 received a signal in step S21 (step S24). If the predetermined time Tz has not elapsed (NO in step S24), the process from step S22 is repeated.

[0059] If a predetermined time Tz has elapsed (YES in step S24), the notification unit 33B determines whether the light-shielding detection unit 32 has been continuously receiving signals since it received a signal in step S21 (step S25). If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has not continuously received signals, that is, if the signal reception was interrupted at some point (NO in step S25), the process from step S21 is repeated.

[0060] If the light-shielding detection unit 32 continues to receive a signal (YES in step S25), the notification unit 33B starts notification by displaying the first display 131 on the display 13 (step S26).

[0061] Next, the notification unit 33B determines whether a certain time Tx has elapsed since the determination of the start of notification (step S27). If a certain time Tx has not elapsed (NO in step S27), step S27 is repeated.

[0062] If a certain period of time Tx has elapsed (YES in step S27), the notification unit 33B stops displaying the first display 131 on the display 13 and terminates the notification (step S28).

[0063] (summary) In the elevator system 1B according to this embodiment, the control panel 10 is capable of receiving operations by contact, and the notification unit 33B does not provide notification if it detects an operation by contact within a predetermined time Tz after the control panel 10 detects an object in a predetermined spatial area, and provides notification if it does not detect an operation by contact within a predetermined time Tz after the control panel 10 detects an object in a predetermined spatial area, and if it continues to detect an object in a predetermined spatial area for a period of time Tz after the control panel 10 detects an object in a predetermined spatial area.

[0064] With this configuration, elevator system 1B can determine if a passenger is unaware that contactless operation is disabled, and in that case, it can issue a notification, thereby preventing unnecessary notifications.

[0065] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0066] (Configuration of elevator system 1C) Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main components of the elevator system 1C according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the elevator system 1C includes a control device 2C instead of the control device 2A in Embodiment 1. The control device 2C includes a control unit 30C instead of the control unit 30A in Embodiment 1. The control unit 30C includes a notification unit 33C instead of the notification unit 33A in Embodiment 1. In addition, there are two or more buttons 11, and a display 13 is provided for each of the buttons 11.

[0067] The sensors 12 provided with each button 11 may be designed so that their respective predetermined spatial regions do not overlap. This allows for contactless operation by detecting objects within their respective different spatial regions.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of a button 11 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the button 11 has a circular sensor 12 at the top and a substantially semicircular display 13 at the bottom. When contactless operation is enabled, the display 13 may display a mark (hereinafter referred to as the "touchless mark") indicating that contactless operation is enabled, as shown in Figure 7.

[0069] The location of the display 13 in this embodiment is on the surface of the button 11, but it may also be on the surface of a wall near the button 11.

[0070] If a sensor 12 of a button 11 is embedded inside the button 11, the display 13 of the button 11 may be located on the surface of the button 11 and function as a window for the sensor 12. In this case, the display 13 may include, for example, a material that transmits light emitted by the sensor 12.

[0071] Furthermore, if the sensor 12 of a button 11 is embedded in a wall near the button 11, the display 13 of the button 11 may be located on the surface of the wall near the button 11 and may function as a window for the sensor 12. In this case, the display 13 may include, for example, a material that transmits the light emitted by the sensor 12.

[0072] When the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal, the notification unit 33C determines the start and end of notification based on the information of a certain time Tx and a predetermined number N included in the notification condition 21, and the signal received by the light-shielding detection unit 32, and controls the display of the first display 131 on the display 13. Specifically, when the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives signals from fewer than the predetermined number N of sensors 12, the notification unit 33C determines the start of notification and starts displaying the first display 131 on all displays 13. Also, when a certain time Tx has elapsed since the start of notification, the notification unit 33C determines the end of notification and stops displaying the first display 131 on all displays 13. In this way, the elevator system 1C can conspicuously notify that the acceptance of contactless operation of the control panel 10 is invalid.

[0073] As mentioned above, the fixed time Tx is the time from when the notification unit 33C starts broadcasting until it stops broadcasting. The fixed time Tx is, for example, 2 to 5 seconds. This allows the elevator system 1C to continuously notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled until the passenger moves the object away from the predetermined spatial area of ​​the sensor 12 and views the display 13, if the display 13 is located near the button 11.

[0074] As described above, the predetermined number N is a threshold value for the number of sensors 12 that have received a signal, and is the threshold value at which the notification unit 33C does not start notification if the number of sensors 12 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number N. The predetermined number N may be 1, 2, or 3. Also, as an example, the predetermined number N is a value greater than the number of people who can operate the control panel 10 simultaneously. Also, if the control panel 10 is divided and installed in two or more locations as described above, the predetermined number N is a value greater than the sum of the number of people who can operate each of the divided control panels 10 simultaneously.

[0075] Furthermore, the predetermined number N is, for example, a value greater than the number of sensors 12. This ensures that the number of sensors 12 that receive a signal never exceeds the predetermined number N, and that if any of the sensors 12 detect light obstruction, the notification unit 33C can start providing notification.

[0076] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the first display 131 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the first display 131 may be an X mark next to a touchless mark.

[0077] Figure 9 shows another example of the display of the first display 131 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the first display 131 may be an X mark shown on the background of a touchless mark.

[0078] Figure 10 shows another example of the display of the first display 131 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the first display 131 may erase the touchless mark when the touchless mark is displayed.

[0079] (Processing flow of elevator system 1C) Next, an example of the notification method processing by elevator system 1C will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification method processing by elevator system 1C.

[0080] In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the non-contact operation acceptance of the control panel 10 is disabled. As shown in Figure 11, in the notification method by the elevator system 1C, first, the notification unit 33C determines whether the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received a signal, that is, whether any of the sensors 12 has detected light (step S31). If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has not received a signal (NO in step S31), step S31 is repeated.

[0081] If the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives a signal (YES in step S31), the notification unit 33C determines whether the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received signals from a predetermined number of N or more sensors 12, that is, whether a predetermined number of N or more sensors 12 have detected light (step S32). If the light-shielding detection unit 32 has received signals from a predetermined number of N or more sensors 12 (YES in step S32), the notification unit 33C determines not to start notification (step S33) and proceeds to the end of processing.

[0082] If the light-shielding detection unit 32 receives signals from fewer than a predetermined number N sensors 12 (NO in step S32), the notification unit 33C starts notification by displaying the first display 131 on all displays 13 (step S34).

[0083] Next, the notification unit 33C determines whether a certain time Tx has elapsed since the determination of the start of notification (step S35). If a certain time Tx has not elapsed (NO in step S35), step S35 is repeated.

[0084] If a certain period of time Tx has elapsed (YES in step S35), the notification unit 33C stops displaying the first display 131 on all displays 13 and terminates the notification (step S36).

[0085] (summary) In the elevator system 1C according to this embodiment, the control panel 10 is equipped with a plurality of sensors 12 that can accept contactless operation by detecting objects in different spatial areas, and the notification unit 33C does not provide notification if a predetermined number N or more sensors 12 detect an object.

[0086] With this configuration, the elevator system 1C can determine if a passenger is merely approaching the control panel 10 and, in that case, refrain from issuing an alert, thereby preventing unnecessary alerts.

[0087] Furthermore, in the elevator system 1C according to this embodiment, the control panel 10 is equipped with a plurality of buttons 11 for receiving operations, and each of the plurality of buttons 11 is provided with a display 13 and a sensor 12 for detecting an object in a predetermined spatial area, and the notification unit 33C causes the first display 131 to be displayed on all displays 13 when at least one sensor 12 detects an object.

[0088] With this configuration, the elevator system 1C can conspicuously notify passengers that contactless operation is disabled.

[0089] [Variation 1] Each embodiment of the elevator systems 1A, 1B, and 1C may further include a speaker.

[0090] The above-mentioned speakers are controlled by the notification units 33A, 33B, and 33C according to each embodiment and broadcast sound. The above-mentioned speakers are installed, for example, at the top of the elevator car.

[0091] The notification units 33A, 33B, and 33C control the broadcasting of the speakers. Specifically, when the notification units 33A, 33B, and 33C determine that notification should begin, they cause the speakers to broadcast a first message indicating that the contactless operation of the control panel 10 is disabled. This allows notification that the contactless operation of the control panel 10 is disabled to be made.

[0092] The first broadcast described above includes, for example, the message, "Touchless operation is disabled." Furthermore, the first broadcast may be broadcast only once, or it may be broadcast repeatedly a predetermined number of times.

[0093] [Variation 2] In step S14 of the processing flow of elevator system 1A, the notification unit 33A determines whether a predetermined period Ty has elapsed. In step S27 of the processing flow of elevator system 1B, the notification unit 33B determines whether a certain period of time Tx has elapsed. In step S35 of the processing flow of elevator system 1C, the notification unit 33C determines whether a certain period of time Tx has elapsed. In lieu of these determinations, or in addition to these determinations, the notification units 33A, 33B, and 33C may determine one or more "time-independent conditions". "Time-independent conditions" may include, for example, whether the direction of movement of the elevator car has changed, or whether the elevator car has stopped at all of its predetermined destinations. Furthermore, if the elevator car is equipped with a motion sensor capable of detecting passengers inside the car, and the control devices 2A, 2B, and 2C are further equipped with a motion detection unit capable of receiving signals from the motion sensor, the "time-independent condition" may be, for example, "whether there are passengers inside the elevator car." Also, if the control panel 10 is installed at a landing, the "time-independent condition" may be, for example, "whether the elevator car has stopped at the said landing."

[0094] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the control devices 2A, 2B, and 2C (hereinafter referred to as "devices") are programs that cause the devices to function as computers, and these programs can be realized by programs that cause the computers to function as each control block of the devices (in particular, each part included in the control units 30A, 30B, and 30C).

[0095] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0096] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the system. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the system via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0097] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0098] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1A, 1B, 1C Elevator System 10. Control Panel (Operation Reception Unit) 11 buttons 12 Sensor (detection unit) 13. Display (Display Unit) 33A, 33B, 33C News Department 131 1st display N predetermined number Ty predetermined period Tz Predetermined time

Claims

1. An operation reception unit installed in the elevator landing or car, which can accept contactless operations by detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area, A notification unit provides notification that the non-contact operation reception of the operation reception unit is disabled when the operation reception unit is set to disable and the operation reception unit detects an object within the predetermined spatial area, An elevator system equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The aforementioned operation reception unit is capable of receiving operations by contact. The aforementioned notification department, If the operation receiving unit detects an operation by contact within a predetermined time after detecting an object within the predetermined spatial area, the notification will not be made. If the operation receiving unit does not detect an operation by contact within the predetermined time period after detecting an object within the predetermined spatial area, and if the operation receiving unit continues to detect an object within the predetermined spatial area from the time it initially detected an object within the predetermined spatial area until the predetermined time period has elapsed, the notification is made. The elevator system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned operation reception unit is equipped with multiple detection units that can receive operations without contact by detecting objects in different spatial regions. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit does not make the notification if a predetermined number or more of the detection units detect an object.

4. The aforementioned operation reception unit is equipped with a display unit located in an area visible to the user performing the operation, The notification unit causes the display unit to display a first indication indicating that the non-contact operation reception by the operation reception unit is invalid. The elevator system according to claim 1.

5. The notification unit, after causing the display unit to display the first display, continues to display the first display on the display unit for a predetermined period of time after the operation reception unit stops detecting an object within the predetermined spatial area. The elevator system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned operation reception unit is equipped with a plurality of buttons for receiving operations, Each of the aforementioned buttons is provided with the aforementioned display unit and a detection unit for detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area. The notification unit causes all display units to display the first display when at least one of the detection units detects an object. The elevator system according to claim 4.

7. An operation reception unit installed in the elevator landing or car, which is capable of receiving contactless operations by detecting an object within a predetermined spatial area, includes a reception step for receiving the contactless operation, A notification step is performed when the operation reception unit is set to disable non-contact operation reception and the operation reception unit detects an object within the predetermined spatial area, and the operation reception unit notifies that the operation reception unit has disabled non-contact operation reception. A notification method that includes this.

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