Elevator System

Abstract

To provide an elevator system that enables a user to select a destination floor from a plurality of candidates after passing through a security gate, without performing a registration operation by the user. [Solution] The elevator system comprises multiple elevators 50, an in-cage imaging device 51 capable of capturing images inside the cage, a security gate 20 that performs personal authentication of users, a gate imaging device 25 capable of capturing images of users passing through the security gate 20, and a control device, and the control device performs facial authentication to compare facial information contained in an image inside a first or second cage called to a specific floor with facial data of the user, and if facial authentication is successful for the image inside the first cage, it officially assigns the first destination floor to the first elevator, and if facial authentication is successful for the image inside the second cage, it officially assigns the second destination floor to the second elevator.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to elevator systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an elevator system that uses a card reader at a security gate to obtain user information such as an ID number from a user's security card, and authenticates the user by comparing the obtained user information with user information stored in a memory unit or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7379592 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide an elevator system that enables a user to select a destination floor from a plurality of candidates after passing through a security gate without performing a registration operation by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An elevator system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A plurality of elevators, each of which has a car; An in-car imaging device capable of capturing an image of the inside of the car; A security gate is installed on a specific floor and performs personal authentication of users. a gate imaging device capable of capturing an image of the user passing through the security gate; a control device that, when the personal authentication is successful and a face image of the user is acquired by the gate imaging device, provisionally assigns a first destination floor and a second destination floor associated with the face data of the user indicated by the face image to a first elevator and a second elevator among the plurality of elevators, respectively, and calls a first car of the first elevator and a second car of the second elevator to the specific floor; An elevator system comprising: The control device includes: performing face authentication for comparing face information included in an image of the first car or the second car that has been called to the specific floor with the face data of the user whose personal authentication has been successful; if the face authentication is successful for the image inside the first car, then permanently assigning the first destination floor to the first elevator; If the facial authentication is successful for the image inside the second car, the second destination floor is permanently assigned to the second elevator. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a user can select a destination floor from among a plurality of candidates after passing through a security gate, without performing a registration operation by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an equipment arrangement on a specific floor of a building to which an elevator system according to a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of an elevator system. [Diagram 3] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of an elevator control device. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a security gate [Diagram 5] A perspective view illustrating the appearance of a security gate [Figure 6] A block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a security server. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a user DB configuration [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the device DB configuration [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the unit DB [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temporary allocation list [Figure 11] Flowchart explaining the operation of a security gate [Figure 12] Flowchart explaining the operation of a security server [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating an allocation operation and a provisional allocation operation executed by a group management control device. [Figure 14] Flowchart for explaining allocation processing [Figure 15] Flowchart for explaining provisional allocation processing [Figure 16] Flowchart explaining the operation of the gate indicator [Figure 17] A diagram illustrating an example of a gate display screen that displays the first default destination floor and assigned elevator in a single display format. [Figure 18A] A diagram showing an example of a display screen of a gate display in a multiple item display format. [Figure 18B] A diagram showing an example of a display screen of a gate display in a multiple item display format. [Figure 18C] A diagram showing an example of a display screen of a gate display in a multiple item display format. [Figure 19] Flowchart explaining the operation of the elevator control device [Figure 20] Flowchart explaining the operation of the cage camera [Figure 21] A flowchart explaining the main allocation operation executed by the group management control device 10. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a gate indicator in a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION A security gate-linked destination floor registration system guides users to the elevator to which a default destination floor is assigned by performing some kind of personal authentication. However, there are cases where a user wishes to go to a floor other than the default destination floor. In such cases, the user needs to register the destination floor every time using a destination floor registration device installed at the elevator hall.

[0009] For example, suppose that the 10th floor, where User A's office is located, is registered as the default destination floor for User A in a destination floor registration system for an office building. User A often goes to the 9th floor, where the smoking room is located, instead of his / her office when commuting to work, but not every day. In other words, whether User A goes to the 10th floor or the 9th floor may vary depending on User A's mood or physical condition on that day, whether there is enough time before the start of work, and other factors. It is difficult for the destination floor registration system to determine the user's mood or physical condition on that day, and it is difficult to automatically determine the destination floor.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an elevator system that enables a user to select a destination floor from among multiple candidates after passing through a security gate without performing a registration operation by the user, thereby enabling the user to select a destination floor after passing through a security gate and immediately before getting into the elevator car.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) 1. Configuration 1-1. Overview of elevator systems 1 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement of equipment on a specific floor of a building to which the elevator system according to the embodiment 1 is applied. The specific floor is, for example, a lobby floor connected to the outside of the building, and users of the building move to other floors via the specific floor.

[0013] The elevator system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of elevators 50 and a group control system that comprehensively controls the operation of the plurality of elevators 50. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the elevator system has six elevators 50 (No. 1 to No. 6).

[0014] On a particular floor, multiple security gates 20 are placed on the path of users from the entrance to the elevator hall. Each security gate 20 includes a reader 29 that reads information contained in a card held up by a user. At the security gate 20, personal authentication is performed by comparing the information obtained by the reader 29 with pre-registered information.

[0015] If personal authentication is successful, the user can pass through one of the security gates 20 from the entrance side and enter the elevator hall. The elevator hall is located in a specific area. The specific area is an area in the building that can only be entered by passing through the security gate 20 from the entrance side. The specific area includes the elevator hall, the space inside the car of each elevator 50, the space on each floor that can be moved using the elevator 50, etc.

[0016] The security gate 20 is provided with a gate camera 25 capable of capturing an image of a user passing through the security gate 20. When personal authentication of a user is successful and a facial image of the user is acquired by the gate camera 25, the elevator system provisionally assigns a first destination floor and a second destination floor pre-associated with the user to two of the six elevators 50, respectively. The elevator system also performs a process of calling the two elevators 50 to which the first destination floor and the second destination floor are provisionally assigned, to a specific floor (pseudo call, described later). The elevator system is configured to notify the user of information indicating the provisionally assigned elevator (provisionally assigned elevator) and allow the user to board one of the provisionally assigned elevators.

[0017] Each elevator 50 has a car, a hoist (motor), a counterweight, etc. The elevator system includes a car camera 51 capable of capturing images inside the car of each elevator 50. Although Fig. 1 shows an example in which the car camera 51 is installed inside the car of each elevator 50, the installation location of the car camera is not limited to inside the car. The car camera only needs to be capable of capturing images of the car stopped at a specific floor, and may be installed, for example, at the elevator hall of each floor.

[0018] The car camera 51 of each elevator 50 captures an image of a subject in a predetermined angle of view area in front of the camera at a predetermined frame rate and a predetermined resolution, generates image data of the captured image (captured image), and outputs the generated image data to the elevator control device 40. The car camera 51 may include a processing unit such as a CPU, MPU, etc., including an arithmetic circuit.

[0019] The predetermined angle of view of the car camera 51 is set to an angle of view that can capture the faces of all users in the car. The predetermined resolution may be any resolution that can adequately perform face detection and face matching, such as HD, FHD, 4K, etc. The frame rate may be any rate, such as 15 fps or 30 fps.

[0020] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the elevator system 100. The elevator system 100 includes a group management control device 10, a security gate 20, a plurality of elevator control devices 40, and a security server 60.

[0021] The elevator control device 40 controls the elevators 50. In this embodiment, the elevator system 100 includes six elevator control devices 40 corresponding to the first to sixth elevators 50, respectively.

[0022] The group management control device 10 controls the allocation of new calls to each elevator while communicating with the security gate 20 and the elevator control device 40. Each device is connected to another device via a network capable of transmitting information. The network is configured, for example, by a LAN (Local Area Network), and various information is transmitted and received between each device according to various protocols such as TCP / IP.

[0023] The devices constituting the elevator system 100 may be connected to each other via a network of other signal formats or a dedicated signal network. For example, the group management control device 10 may perform serial communication with each elevator control device 40.

[0024] Each component of the elevator system 100 will now be described.

[0025] 1-2. Group management control device As shown in FIG. 2, the group management control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and an input / output interface 13.

[0026] The storage unit 12 is configured using, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, an SSD, etc., and stores programs and various data. The programs include programs for realizing various functions of the group management control device 10 of this embodiment. One example of data stored in the storage unit 12 is a car number database (hereinafter referred to as "car number DB") and a provisional allocation list. The configurations of the car number DB and the provisional allocation list will be described later.

[0027] The control unit 11 is configured using, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc., including an arithmetic circuit. The control unit 11 performs arithmetic processing using various data, etc. based on the above-mentioned program read from the storage unit 12, thereby realizing various functions of the group management control device 10.

[0028] The input / output interface 13 is an interface through which the group management control device 10 transmits and receives various signals to and from external devices such as the security gate 20, the security server 60, and the elevator control device 40.

[0029] The input / output interface 13 is an example of an output unit that converts a signal output from the control unit 11 into a signal of a predetermined format and outputs the signal to an external device. The input / output interface 13 is also an example of an input unit that converts a signal received from an external device into a signal of a predetermined format and inputs the signal to the control unit 11. The input / output interface 13 is configured using, for example, a LAN adapter, a serial port, etc.

[0030] 1-3. Elevator control device The elevator control device 40 controls the operation of the hoist (motor) of the corresponding elevator 50 in accordance with a control signal from the group management control device 10, thereby controlling the raising, lowering, stopping, etc. of the car of the elevator 50. The elevator control device 40 also detects the car status of the corresponding elevator 50, such as the position, running direction, opening / closing of the door, load, etc., and outputs information indicating the detected car status to the group management control device 10.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of elevator control device 40. Elevator control device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and an input / output interface 43. Control unit 41, storage unit 42, and input / output interface 43 may have the same configurations as control unit 11, storage unit 12, and input / output interface 13 of group management control device 10, respectively.

[0032] The control unit 41 performs calculations using various data and the like based on programs read from the storage unit 42, thereby realizing various functions in the elevator control device 40.

[0033] 1-4.Security gate The security gate 20 is a device that controls the entry of users into specific areas inside a building. Specifically, the security gate 20 is a device that allows the entry of authorized users into specific areas inside a building, while restricting the entry of unauthorized users. An authorized user is a user who is registered in a user database (hereinafter referred to as "user DB"), and an unauthorized user is a user who is not registered in the user DB. The security gate 20 performs personal authentication by comparing information obtained by the reader 29 with information pre-registered in the user DB. Authorized users who have been successfully authenticated can pass through the security gate 20 and enter the specific area.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the security gate 20 in embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the security gate 20. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the leftmost security gate 20 of the three security gates 20 in Fig. 1.

[0035] 4, the security gate 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an input / output interface 23. The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the input / output interface 23 may have the same configurations as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the input / output interface 13 of the group management control device 10, respectively.

[0036] The control unit 21, the memory unit 22, and the input / output interface 23 are disposed in a gate main body 20a, which is the housing of the security gate 20, as shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the gate main body 20a is provided with a reader 29, a gate flapper 28, and a gate display 70. The gate camera 25 is provided on the exit side of the gate main body 20a. The gate camera 25 may be attached to the gate main body 20a or may be provided independently. The gate camera 25 is an example of a gate imaging device.

[0037] The gate camera 25 captures an image of a subject in a predetermined angle of view area in front of it at a predetermined frame rate and a predetermined resolution, generates image data of the captured image (captured image), and outputs it to the security server 60. The predetermined angle of view area is set to an angle of view that can capture an image of a user's face when the user passes through the security gate 20. The predetermined resolution may be any resolution that can adequately detect and identify the user's face, and may be, for example, HD, FHD, 4K, or the like. The frame rate may be any rate, and may be, for example, 15 fps or 30 fps.

[0038] The reader 29 is disposed on the entrance side of the upper surface of the gate main body 20a. The reader 29 reads information from an information source held by a user at a position within a predetermined range from the reader 29. One example of such an information source is a QR code (registered trademark). In this case, the reader 29 is an optical reader that optically reads the QR code and transmits a signal including image data of the QR code and the registered device ID (registered device identification information) of the reader 29 to the security server 60. Another example of an information source is an IC chip in an IC card. In this case, the reader 29 may be a non-contact card reader of an electromagnetic induction type. Alternatively, the information source may be a fingerprint of the user. In this case, the reader 29 reads the fingerprint by a fingerprint sensor.

[0039] The gate flapper 28 is a door that can open and close the path of the user in response to a control signal from the control unit 21. For example, the gate flapper 28 is configured to be closed in the normal state and to open when the personal authentication is successful. Alternatively, the gate flapper 28 may be configured to be open in the normal state and to close when the personal authentication is not successful.

[0040] The gate display 70 displays a screen according to various display signals output from the group management control device 10. For example, the gate display 70 displays an assigned elevator notification screen for notifying the name of the assigned elevator (assigned elevator) and the like when it receives an assignment result signal, a tentative assignment result signal, or the like output from the group management control device 10. The gate display 70 may include a processing unit such as a CPU, MPU, or the like including an arithmetic circuit.

[0041] 1-5.Security Server The security server 60 receives the information read by the reader 29 of the security gate 20, and performs personal authentication processing of the user based on the information to ensure security within the building. For example, the security server 60 performs personal authentication by sequentially comparing (collating) the received information with the data of each user registered in a user DB.

[0042] In addition, depending on the result of personal authentication, the security server 60 controls the opening and closing of the security gate 20. Furthermore, the security server 60 generates a call information signal including information such as the destination floor of the user, and outputs it to the group management control device 10.

[0043] 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the security server 60. The security server 60 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and an input / output interface 63. The control unit 61, the storage unit 62, and the input / output interface 63 may have the same configurations as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the input / output interface 13 of the group management control device 10, respectively.

[0044] The storage unit 62 stores programs and various data. The programs include programs for implementing various functions of the security server 60 of this embodiment. The storage unit 62 stores a user DB and a device database (hereinafter referred to as "device DB") as data. The configurations of the user DB and device DB will be described later.

[0045] 1-6. Data structure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user DB stored in the storage unit 62 of the security server 60. The user DB includes information on a user ID and a first default destination floor and a second default destination floor linked to the user ID. Each data in the user DB is registered, for example, by a building manager.

[0046] The "user ID" in the user DB is identification information set to uniquely identify a user of the building.

[0047] The "first default destination floor" and "second default destination floor" in the user DB are information indicating the default destination floor of a user identified by a user ID. As the first default destination floor, for example, the numerical value of the floor where the user's workplace is located is set. As the second default destination floor, for example, the numerical value of a floor other than the first default destination floor that the user can use is set. Note that the second default destination floor may not be set depending on the user's wishes, etc. The user DB in Figure 7 shows an example of the symbol "-" which indicates that the second default destination floor has not been set.

[0048] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device DB stored in the storage unit 62 of the security server 60. The device DB stores a gate ID, a reader ID, a gate camera ID, a gate display ID, and an installation floor, which are associated with each other.

[0049] The "gate ID", "reader ID", "gate camera ID", and "gate display ID" are identification information for identifying the security gate 20, the reader 29, the gate camera 25, and the gate display 70, respectively.

[0050] The "installation floor" is information indicating the floor on which the associated security gate 20, reader 29, gate camera 25, and gate display 70 are installed. The information registered in the "installation floor" is used as information indicating the departure floor of the user.

[0051] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the car DB stored in the memory unit 12 of the group management control device 10. The car DB stores car camera IDs and car IDs in association with each other. The "car camera ID" and the "car ID" are identification information for identifying the car camera 51 and the car (cage) of the elevator 50, respectively.

[0052] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the provisional allocation list stored in the storage unit 12. In the provisional allocation list, a face image acquired by the car camera 51, a first destination floor, a first provisionally assigned car corresponding to the first destination floor, a second destination floor, and a second provisionally assigned car corresponding to the second destination floor are stored in association with each other.

[0053] 2. Operation 2-1. Overview As described above, the elevator system 100 includes a plurality of elevators 50, a car camera 51 capable of capturing images inside the car of each elevator 50, and a security gate 20.

[0054] When the personal authentication of the user is successful and the gate camera 25 acquires a face image of the user, the elevator system 100 provisionally assigns the first and second destination floors, which are pre-assigned to the user, to two of the six elevators 50. The elevator system 100 also performs a process of calling the two elevators 50, to which the first and second destination floors are provisionally assigned, to a specific floor (pseudo call, described later). The elevator system 100 is configured to notify the user of information indicating the provisionally assigned elevator and to have the user board one of the provisionally assigned elevators. For example, if the user wants to go to the 10th floor where the office is located, he / she boards elevator No. 1, and if the user wants to go to the 9th floor where the smoking room is located, he / she boards elevator No. 3.

[0055] When a user boards one of the cars, the car camera 51 acquires the user's facial information. The elevator system 100 can determine which car the user boarded by comparing the facial information acquired when passing through the security gate with the facial information acquired inside the car. On the other hand, if the car the user boarded is known, the car the user did not board can also be identified. Therefore, the elevator system 100 permanently assigns to that car the destination floor (provisionally assigned destination floor) corresponding to the car the user boarded, and cancels the provisional assignment to the car the user did not board.

[0056] As described above, the target of "temporary allocation" is multiple cars (elevators), and the elevator system 100 calls all of the multiple cars that are the target of temporary allocation (temporarily assigned cars) to a specific floor (pseudo call). A car that is called to a specific floor by a pseudo call opens its door and remains at the specific floor, and does not depart for the destination floor. In contrast, "real allocation" is a process performed on one of the multiple provisionally assigned cars, and can be said to be a process of narrowing down the cars that depart for the destination floor (first destination floor or second destination floor) to one.

[0057] An example of the operation performed by each component of the elevator system 100 to achieve such an operation will be described below.

[0058] 2-2.Security gate operation 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the security gate 20. The processing of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 21 of the security gate 20, for example.

[0059] The control unit 21 judges whether or not the reader 29 has acquired a user ID (S1). The control unit 21 repeatedly executes the judgment process of step S1 unless it judges that the user ID has been acquired (No in S1).

[0060] When the control unit 21 determines that the reader 29 has acquired a user ID (Yes in S1), it determines whether or not the gate camera 25 has acquired a first face image under a predetermined condition (S2). In step S2, for example, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the gate camera 25 has acquired a first face image within a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds) after determining that the reader 29 has acquired a user ID. Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the gate camera 25 has acquired a first face image before acquiring the next user ID.

[0061] When the control unit 21 determines that the gate camera 25 has acquired the first facial image (Yes in S2), it transmits to the security server 60 the reader ID that identifies the reader 29 that acquired the user ID, the user ID acquired in step S1, and the first facial image acquired in step S2 (S3).

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the gate camera 25 has not acquired the first face image (No in S2), the control unit 21 transmits only the reader ID and the user ID to the security server 60 (S4).

[0063] 2-3.Security Server Operation 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the security server 60. The process of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 61 of the security server 60, for example.

[0064] The control unit 61 determines whether or not data has been received from the security gate 20 (S11). The control unit 61 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S11 unless it determines that data has been received from the security gate 20 (No in S11).

[0065] When the control unit 61 determines that it has received data from the security gate 20 (Yes in S11), it extracts the gate ID, gate display ID, and departure floor linked to the reader ID contained in the received data from the equipment DB stored in the memory unit 62 (S12).

[0066] The control unit 61 determines whether or not the user ID included in the received data is registered in the user DB stored in the storage unit 62 (S13).

[0067] If it is determined that the user ID is not registered in the user DB (No in S13), the control unit 61 transmits only the gate display ID from the data extracted in step S12 to the group management control device 10 (S14). This is an example of a case where personal authentication is not successful. After step S14, the control unit 61 transmits a gate close signal to the security gate 20 corresponding to the gate ID extracted in step S12 (S15). The control unit 21 of the security gate 20 that has received the gate close signal closes the gate flapper 28 that is in an open state, or keeps the gate flapper 28 that is in a closed state closed.

[0068] In step S13, if it is determined that the user ID is registered in the user DB (Yes in S13), the control unit 61 extracts the first default destination floor and the second default destination floor linked to the user ID from the user DB (S16).

[0069] As illustrated in the user DB in Fig. 7, the second default destination floor may or may not be set by the user. If the second default destination floor linked to the user ID included in the data received in step S11 is set in the user DB (Yes in S17), the control unit 61 determines whether or not the first face image has been acquired (S18). That is, in step S18, the control unit 61 determines whether or not the first face image is included in the data received in step S11.

[0070] When it is determined that the first facial image has been acquired (Yes in S18), the control unit 61 transmits the gate indicator ID, the departure floor, the first default destination floor, the second default destination floor, and the first facial image to the group management control device 10 (S19). The gate indicator ID and departure floor transmitted in step S19 are the data extracted in step S12. The first default destination floor and the second default destination floor transmitted in step S19 are the data extracted in step S16. The first facial image transmitted in step S19 is included in the data received in step S11.

[0071] In step S17, if a second default destination floor linked to the user ID has not been set (No in S17), and in step S18, if it is determined that the first facial image has not been acquired (No in S18), the control unit 61 transmits the gate display ID, the departure floor, and the first default destination floor to the group management control device 10 (S20).

[0072] After step S19 and after step S20, the control unit 61 transmits a gate opening signal to the security gate 20 corresponding to the gate ID extracted in step S12 (S21). The control unit 21 of the security gate 20 that receives the gate opening signal opens the gate flapper 28 that is in a closed state, or keeps the gate flapper 28 open that is in an open state. After executing the process of step S21, the control unit 61 returns to step S11. In this manner, the process of FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed.

[0073] 2-4. Allocation and provisional allocation operations by group management control device 2-4-1. Overall operation 13 is a flowchart illustrating an allocation operation and a provisional allocation operation executed by the group management control device 10. The processing of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 11 of the group management control device 10, for example.

[0074] The control unit 11 judges whether or not data has been received from the security server 60 (S31). As long as the control unit 11 does not judge that data has been received from the security server 60 (No in S31), it repeatedly executes the judgment process of step S31.

[0075] When it is determined that data has been received from the security server 60 (Yes in S31), the control unit 11 determines whether or not only the gate display ID has been received (S32). When the control unit 11 of the group management control device 10 receives only the gate display ID (Yes in S32), this is an example of a case where personal authentication is not successful, as described above. In this case, the control unit 11 transmits information including an error message such as "The user ID is invalid" to the gate display 70 corresponding to the received gate display ID (S33). This allows the gate display 70 that has received the information to display a screen showing the error message.

[0076] In step S32, if it is not determined that only the gate indicator ID has been received (No in S32), for example, if it is determined that the gate indicator ID and data other than the gate indicator ID have been received, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the data received in step S11 includes a second default destination floor (S34). If the control unit 11 determines that the received data does not include the second default destination floor (No in S34), it executes an allocation process S35. If the control unit 11 determines that the received data includes the second default destination floor (Yes in S34), it executes a provisional allocation process S36. Details of the allocation process S35 and the provisional allocation process S36 will be described later.

[0077] 2-4-2. Allocation process FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the allocation process S35 of FIG.

[0078] The control unit 11 determines an assigned elevator based on the departure floor and the first default destination floor received from the security server 60 in step S31 of Fig. 13 (S351). For example, the control unit 11 selects, as an assigned elevator, an elevator that is optimal for departing from the departure floor and heading toward the first default destination floor from among the six elevators 50 (Elevator No. 1 to Elevator No. 6).

[0079] Next, the control unit 11 adds 1 to the number of users (allocated number of people) assigned to the assigned machine determined in step S351 (S352). For example, the memory unit 12 stores an assigned number of people list that records the assigned number of people for each machine, and the control unit 11 rewrites the assigned number of people list in step S352 to add the assigned number of people.

[0080] The control unit 11 transmits the departure floor and the first default destination floor to the elevator control device 40 that controls the assigned car (S353). This allows the elevator control device 40 to control the assigned car based on the received departure floor and first default destination floor.

[0081] The control unit 11 transmits the first default destination floor and the assigned elevator to the gate indicator 70 corresponding to the gate indicator ID received from the security server 60 in step S31 (S354). The operation of the gate indicator 70 that has received the first default destination floor and the assigned elevator will be described later.

[0082] 2-4-3. Provisional allocation process FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the provisional allocation process S36 of FIG.

[0083] The control unit 11 determines the first provisionally assigned elevator based on the departure floor and the first default destination floor received from the security server 60 in step S31 of FIG. 13 (S361), and adds one person to the assigned number of passengers of the first provisionally assigned elevator (S362).

[0084] The control unit 11 determines a second provisionally assigned elevator based on the departure floor and the second default destination floor (S363), and adds one person to the assigned number of passengers of the second provisionally assigned elevator (S364).

[0085] Next, the control unit 11 transmits a set of the first default destination floor and the first provisionally assigned elevator, and a set of the second default destination floor and the second provisionally assigned elevator to the gate indicator 70 (S365).

[0086] The control unit 11 links the first facial image received from the security server 60 in step S31 of Figure 13 with the set of the first default destination floor and the first provisionally assigned elevator, and the set of the second default destination floor and the second provisionally assigned elevator, and registers them in the provisional allocation list (S366).

[0087] The control unit 11 transmits the departure floor and the first default destination floor as a provisional assignment signal to the elevator control device 40 that controls the first provisionally assigned car (S367). The control unit 11 also transmits the departure floor and the second default destination floor as a provisional assignment signal to the elevator control device 40 that controls the second provisionally assigned car (S368).

[0088] 2-5. Gate indicator operation 16 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the gate indicator 70. The gate indicator 70 judges whether or not data has been received from the group management control device 10 (S41). The gate indicator 70 repeatedly executes the judgment process of step S41 unless it is judged that data has been received from the group management control device 10 (No in S41).

[0089] When the gate display 70 determines that it has received data from the group management control device 10 (Yes in S41), it determines whether or not it has received an error message from the group management control device 10 (S42). The error message is transmitted by the group management control device 10 in step S33 of FIG. 13. When the gate display 70 determines that it has received an error message (Yes in S42), it displays a screen showing the error message for a predetermined period of time (S43). This makes it possible to inform the user of the cause of the error, such as an invalid user ID.

[0090] If it is determined that no error message has been received (No in S42), the gate indicator 70 determines whether or not a plurality of provisional allocation signals have been received (S44).

[0091] When the gate display 70 determines that it has not received multiple provisional allocation signals (No in S44), it displays the first default destination floor and the assigned elevator in a single-item display format for a predetermined time (S45). On the other hand, when the gate display 70 determines that it has received multiple provisional allocation signals (Yes in S44), it displays the first default destination floor and the first provisionally assigned elevator, and the second default destination floor and the second provisionally assigned elevator in a multiple-item display format for a predetermined time (S46).

[0092] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen of the gate display 70 that displays the first default destination floor and the assigned elevator in a single-item display format. In the single-item display format screen of Fig. 17, the text "10th floor, elevator 1" is displayed on the screen of the gate display 70. In the screen of Fig. 17, "10th floor" corresponds to the first default destination floor, and "1st elevator" corresponds to the assigned elevator.

[0093] Figures 18A, 18B, and 18C are diagrams illustrating the display screen of the gate display device 70 in a multiple item display format. Figures 18A, 18B, and 18C all show an example in which the first default destination floor is floor 9, the first provisionally assigned car is car 6, the second default destination floor is floor 10, and the second provisionally assigned car is car 1. The display screen example of Figure 18A shows this information in a table format, while the display screen example of Figure 18B shows it mainly as text.

[0094] The display screen example of Fig. 18C includes a layout diagram reflecting the layout (see Fig. 1) of an elevator hall in an actual building where the elevator system 100 of this embodiment is installed, and a text display indicating the first default destination floor and the second default destination floor. This allows a user looking at the display screen of the gate indicator 70 to visually grasp the positions of the first provisionally assigned elevator and the second provisionally assigned elevator in a form that matches the actual layout of the elevator hall.

[0095] By checking the display screen in the multiple item display format as exemplified in Figures 18A, 18B, and 18C, the user can select to board elevator No. 6 if he / she wants to go to the 9th floor, and to board elevator No. 1 if he / she wants to go to the 10th floor. Therefore, after passing through security gate 20, the user can select his / her destination up until just before boarding the elevator.

[0096] 18A, 18B, and 18C are merely examples, and the security gate 20 only needs to inform the user of the first default destination floor and the corresponding first provisionally assigned elevator, and the second default destination floor and the corresponding second provisionally assigned elevator. For example, the security gate 20 may be provided with a speaker and output information indicating the first default destination floor and the corresponding first provisionally assigned elevator, and the second default destination floor and the corresponding second provisionally assigned elevator by voice.

[0097] 2-6. Operation of elevator control device 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the elevator control device 40. The processing of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 41 of the elevator control device 40, for example.

[0098] The control unit 41 judges whether or not data has been received from the group management control device 10 (S51). The gate indicator 70 repeatedly executes the judgment process of step S51 unless it judges that data has been received from the group management control device 10 (No in S51).

[0099] When the control unit 41 determines that data has been received from the group management control device 10 (Yes in S51), it determines whether or not a provisional allocation signal has been received from the group management control device 10 (S52). The provisional allocation signal is transmitted by the group management control device 10 in steps S367 and S368 of FIG.

[0100] When the control unit 41 determines that it has not received a tentative allocation signal from the group management control device 10 (No in S52), it registers the departure floor and the first default destination floor included in the data received in step S51 (S53). That is, the control unit 41 registers the call from the group management control device 10. This enables the control unit 41 to direct one of the cars to the departure floor in response to the call, and then move that car to the first default destination floor.

[0101] In step S52, when it is determined that a provisional allocation signal has been received from the group management control device 10 (Yes in S52), the control unit 41 registers a pseudo call to the departure floor (S54). The pseudo call is a pseudo call corresponding to the provisional allocation signal being provisional, and has a function of moving the elevator to the departure floor and opening the door in response to receiving the provisional allocation signal. For example, when the control unit 41 receives the provisional allocation signal transmitted by the group management control device 10 in step S367 or S368 in Fig. 15, it registers a pseudo call to the departure floor, moves the first provisionally assigned elevator and the second provisionally assigned elevator to the departure floor, and opens the doors of the elevators.

[0102] 2-7. Operation of the cage camera 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the car camera 51. The processing of this flowchart is executed by a processing unit of the car camera 51, for example.

[0103] The car camera 51 is disposed so as to be able to capture an image of the face of a user inside the car. The car camera 51 judges whether or not the face of the user is detected (S61). The car camera 51 repeatedly executes the judgment process of step S61 unless it judges that a face has been detected (No in S61).

[0104] When the car camera 51 determines that a face has been detected (Yes in S61), it transmits its own car camera ID and a second face image showing the face detected in step S61 to the group management control device 10 (S62).

[0105] 2-8. Allocation operation by group management control device 21 is a flowchart illustrating the main allocation operation executed by the group management control device 10. The processing of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 11 of the group management control device 10, for example.

[0106] The control unit 11 determines whether or not data has been received from the car camera 51 (S71). The control unit 11 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S71 unless it is determined that data has been received from the car camera 51 (No in S71).

[0107] When the control unit 11 determines that data has been received from the car camera 51 (Yes in S71), it acquires the car ID linked to the car camera ID of the car camera 51 from the car DB, and assigns the car ID to a variable X (S72). The variable X is stored in the storage unit 12, for example.

[0108] Next, the control unit 11 extracts data in which the first provisionally assigned car or the second provisionally assigned car includes car number X from the provisional allocation list (S73). If such data can be extracted and the number of data items is greater than 0 (Yes in S74), the control unit 11 compares each facial image of all the extracted data with the second facial image received from the car camera 51 (S75).

[0109] The control unit 11 judges whether or not there is a face image that matches the second face image among the face images extracted from the temporary allocation list in step S73 (S76). For example, in step S76, the control unit 11 performs a face feature point detection process on the second face image. When the control unit 11 detects face feature points from the second face image, the control unit 11 sequentially compares (collates) data of the detected face feature points with data of face feature points of each face image extracted from the temporary allocation list to obtain a matching rate. Then, when the matching rate obtained for a certain face image extracted from the temporary allocation list is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 judges that the face image matches the second face image. Note that the face detection process, face feature point detection process, and collation process (authentication process) can be performed using various known methods.

[0110] When the control unit 11 determines that there is no face image that matches the second face image (No in S76), it executes step S83 described later. The assigned numbers of the first provisionally assigned machine and the second provisionally assigned machine, which are added in steps S362 and S364 in FIG. 15, are offset by steps S79 and S82.

[0111] When it is determined in step S76 that there is a face image that matches the second face image (Yes in S76), the control unit 11 determines whether the first provisionally assigned car is car X (S77). When it is determined that the first provisionally assigned car is car X (Yes in S77), the control unit 11 transmits the departure floor and the first default destination floor to the elevator control device 40 that controls car X (S78), and reduces the number of people assigned to the second provisionally assigned car by one (S79). Next, the control unit 11 deletes data (authenticated data) corresponding to the face image that matches the second face image from the provisional assignment list (S80), and returns to step S71. This cancels the provisional assignment to the car in which the user did not board, and the number of people assigned to each car can be accurately managed.

[0112] If the control unit 11 determines that the first provisionally assigned car is not car X (No in S77), that is, if the control unit 11 determines that the second provisionally assigned car is car X, the control unit 11 transmits the departure floor and the second default destination floor to the elevator control device 40 that controls car X (S81), and reduces the number of people assigned to the first provisionally assigned car by one (S82). After executing step S82, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S80.

[0113] In step S74, if data in which the first provisionally assigned car number or the second provisionally assigned car number includes car number X cannot be extracted from the provisional allocation list and the number of data items is 0 (No in S74), the control unit 11 judges whether or not a face image matching the second face image is in the provisional allocation list (S83). If a face image matching the second face image is in the provisional allocation list (Yes in S83), the user boards a car number that is neither the first provisionally assigned car number nor the second provisionally assigned car number. Therefore, the control unit 11 decreases the number of people assigned to the first provisionally assigned car number and the second provisionally assigned car number by one, and increases the number of people assigned to the X car number by one (S84). After executing step S84, the process returns to step S71. The number of people assigned to the first provisionally assigned car number and the second provisionally assigned car number, which are added in steps S362 and S364 in FIG. 15, are offset by step S84.

[0114] By performing the above-mentioned processing, the elevator system 100 provisionally assigns the first default destination floor and the second default destination floor to different cars. The elevator system 100 can obtain facial information of the user in the car by the car camera 51 and determine which car the user has boarded. In a situation where the provisional assignment has been made, if facial information of the user in the car can be obtained by the car camera 51, the elevator system 100 can permanently assign the destination floor corresponding to the car in which the user boarded to that car, and cancel the provisional assignment to the car in which the user did not board.

[0115] 3. Effects etc. As described above, the elevator system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of elevators 50 each having a cage, a cage camera 51 capable of capturing an image inside the cage, a security gate 20 installed on a specific floor and performing personal authentication of a user, a gate camera 25 capable of capturing an image of a user passing through the security gate, and a group management control device 10 (an example of a control device). When personal authentication is successful and a first face image of a user is acquired by a gate imaging device, the group management control device 10 provisionally assigns a first destination floor and a second destination floor linked to the face data of the user indicated by the first face image to a first elevator and a second elevator among the plurality of elevators, respectively, and calls a first cage of the first elevator and a second cage of the second elevator to the specific floor (S367, S368). The group management control device 10 performs face authentication by collating information indicating a face included in an image inside the first cage or the second cage called to the specific floor with face data of a user whose personal authentication has been successful (S75). If face authentication is successful for the image inside the first car (Yes in S77), the group management control device 10 officially assigns the first destination floor to the first elevator (S78).If face authentication is successful for the image inside the second car (No in S77), the group management control device 10 officially assigns the second destination floor to the second elevator (S81).

[0116] With this configuration, the user can select a destination floor from among a plurality of candidates after passing through the security gate 20 without performing a registration operation.

[0117] In the elevator system 100 of the first embodiment, the group management control device 10 may cancel the provisional allocation of the second destination floor to the second elevator if the face authentication is successful for the image inside the first car (S79). The group management control device 10 may cancel the provisional allocation of the first destination floor to the first elevator if the face authentication is successful for the image inside the second car (S82).

[0118] This configuration allows accurate management of the number of passengers assigned to the first elevator and the second elevator.

[0119] The elevator system 100 of the first embodiment may further include a gate indicator 70 (an example of a display device). The gate indicator 70 displays a first destination floor and a first elevator in association with each other, and displays a second destination floor and a second elevator in association with each other.

[0120] With this configuration, a user can see the gate display 70 to know the possible elevators that the user will board and the destination floors of each elevator.

[0121] In the elevator system 100 of embodiment 1, if personal authentication is successful but the first facial image of the user is not acquired (No in S18 in Figure 12), the group management control device 10 may not make a provisional assignment of the first destination floor and the second destination floor, but may assign the first destination floor to the first elevator and call the first car to a specific floor.

[0122] With this configuration, even if the first face image is not acquired, the user can go to the first destination floor by the first elevator. In this case, the provisional allocation process can be omitted.

[0123] In the elevator system 100 of embodiment 1, when personal authentication by the security gate 20 is successful for a user associated with one default destination floor (third destination floor), the elevator system 100 may assign the third destination floor to one of multiple elevators.

[0124] With this configuration, for a user who is linked to one default destination floor, the provisional allocation process is not performed, and the user can quickly head to the third destination floor.

[0125] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiment has been described as an example of the technology of the present invention. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are appropriately performed. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiment to create a new embodiment. Therefore, the following describes modified examples as other embodiments.

[0126] (First Modification) As described in the above embodiment, the elevator system 100 can acquire face information of a user in a car by the car camera 51 and determine which car the user has boarded. In a situation where a provisional allocation has been made, if face information of a user in a car can be acquired by the car camera 51, the elevator system 100 can permanently assign to the car the destination floor (provisionally assigned destination floor) corresponding to the car in which the user boarded, and can cancel the provisional allocation to the car in which the user did not board.

[0127] To carry out such a permanent allocation process and a temporary allocation cancellation process, the car camera 51 needs to acquire facial information of the user in the car. Therefore, the gate display 70 may display information such as text encouraging the user to face the car camera 51 on a display screen in a multiple-item display format (see S46 in FIG. 16). FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of such a display screen. The display screen in FIG. 22 displays a message saying, "Please face the camera once inside the elevator."

[0128] Such information encouraging the driver to turn his / her face toward the car camera 51 may be displayed on a display installed in the car, or may be output as sound from a speaker installed in the car. The display and speaker installed in the car are examples of an alarm device.

[0129] This allows the elevator system 100 to prompt the user to face the car camera 51, making it possible to more reliably perform the actual allocation process and the cancellation process of the provisional allocation.

[0130] (Second Modification) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the gate cameras 25 are provided at all security gates 20. However, it is sufficient that the gate camera 25 is provided at at least one security gate 20 in the elevator system 100, and a security gate 20 without a gate camera 25 may be provided. A user who has only a first default destination floor and does not have a second default destination floor may pass through a security gate 20 without a gate camera 25. This can ease congestion at the security gates 20 with the gate cameras 25 installed, and improve the transportation efficiency of the elevator system 100.

[0131] (Third Modification) In the above embodiment, an example of performing the provisional allocation process S36 for a user who has both the first default destination floor and the second default destination floor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. To execute the provisional allocation process S36, it is sufficient for the user to have the first destination floor and the second destination floor registered in advance.

[0132] For example, instead of the first default destination floor and the second default destination floor being registered in the user DB as in FIG. 7, a default destination floor and permitted floors may be registered. The "permitted floor" is information indicating a floor that a user identified by the "user ID" is permitted to enter. For example, a shared floor within a building may be set as the permitted floor. In this case, the above embodiment can also be established in an aspect in which the "second default destination floor" is replaced with the "permitted floor".

[0133] (Fourth Modification) At least one of the group management control device 10, the elevator control device 40, and the security server 60 in the above embodiment does not have to be installed in the building in which the elevator 50 is located. Moreover, the control unit 21 of the security gate 20 does not have to be installed in the building in which the elevator 50 is located. For example, the functions of these devices may be executed by a cloud server. In this case, various signals and information may be exchanged between the cloud server and devices such as the security gate 20 and the gate display 70 installed in the building in which the elevator 50 is located, by communication using an appropriate communication method.

[0134] Furthermore, the group management control device 10, the elevator control device 40, the security server 60, and the control unit 21 of the security gate 20 do not need to be separate devices, and the functions of these devices may be executed by one or more information processing devices. Such an information processing device is an example of the "control device" of the present disclosure.

[0135] In each embodiment, a plurality of aspects of the present invention have been described. However, the specific aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be combined with each other.

[0136] (Example) The following are examples of aspects of the present invention.

[0137] <Aspect 1> A plurality of elevators, each of which has a car; An in-car imaging device capable of capturing an image of the inside of the car; A security gate is installed on a specific floor and performs personal authentication of users. a gate imaging device capable of capturing an image of the user passing through the security gate; a control device that, when the personal authentication is successful and a face image of the user is acquired by the gate imaging device, provisionally assigns a first destination floor and a second destination floor associated with the face data of the user indicated by the face image to a first elevator and a second elevator among the plurality of elevators, respectively, and calls a first car of the first elevator and a second car of the second elevator to the specific floor; An elevator system comprising: The control device includes: performing face authentication for comparing face information included in an image of the first car or the second car that has been called to the specific floor with the face data of the user whose personal authentication has been successful; if the face authentication is successful for the image inside the first car, then permanently assigning the first destination floor to the first elevator; if the face authentication is successful for the image inside the second car, then officially assign the second destination floor to the second elevator; Elevator system.

[0138] <Aspect 2> The control device includes: cancelling the tentative assignment of the second destination floor to the second elevator if the facial recognition is successful on the image inside the first car; cancelling the tentative assignment of the first destination floor to the first elevator if the facial recognition is successful on the image inside the second car; 2. The elevator system of claim 1.

[0139] <Aspect 3> The elevator system according to aspect 1 or 2, further comprising a display device that displays the first destination floor and the first elevator in association with each other, and displays the second destination floor and the second elevator in association with each other.

[0140] <Aspect 4> The elevator system of aspect 3, wherein the display device displays a message encouraging the passenger to face the in-car imaging device.

[0141] <Aspect 5> The elevator system according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein each car of the plurality of elevators further includes an alarm device that notifies the user of information prompting the user to face the in-car imaging device.

[0142] <Aspect 6> An elevator system described in any of aspects 1 to 5, wherein if the personal authentication is successful but a facial image of the user is not acquired, the control device does not make a provisional assignment of the first destination floor and the second destination floor, assigns the first destination floor to the first elevator, and calls the first car to the specific floor.

[0143] <Aspect 7> An elevator system according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein, when personal authentication by the security gate is successful for a user associated with a third destination floor, the third destination floor is assigned to one of the plurality of elevators. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 10 Group management control device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Input / Output Interface 20 Security Gate 20a Gate body 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Input / Output Interface 25 Gate Camera 28 Gate Flapper 29 Leader 40 Elevator control device 41 Control section 42 Storage section 43 Input / Output Interface 50 Elevator 51 Basket Camera 60 Security Server 61 Control section 62 Storage section 63 Input / Output Interface 70 Gate Indicator 100 Elevator System

Claims

1. A plurality of elevators, each of which has a car; An in-car imaging device capable of capturing an image of the inside of the car; A security gate is installed on a specific floor and performs personal authentication of users. a gate imaging device capable of capturing an image of the user passing through the security gate; a control device that, when the personal authentication is successful and a face image of the user is acquired by the gate imaging device, provisionally assigns a first destination floor and a second destination floor associated with the face data of the user indicated by the face image to a first elevator and a second elevator among the plurality of elevators, respectively, and calls a first car of the first elevator and a second car of the second elevator to the specific floor; An elevator system comprising: The control device includes: performing face authentication for comparing face-indicating information included in an image of the first car or the second car that has been called to the specific floor with the face data of the user whose personal authentication has been successful; if the facial recognition is successful for the image inside the first car, then permanently assigning the first destination floor to the first elevator; if the face authentication is successful for the image inside the second car, then officially assign the second destination floor to the second elevator; Elevator system.

2. The control device includes: cancelling the tentative assignment of the second destination floor to the second elevator if the facial recognition is successful on the image inside the first car; cancelling the tentative assignment of the first destination floor to the first elevator if the facial recognition is successful on the image inside the second car; 10. The elevator system of claim 1.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1, further comprising a display device that displays the first destination floor and the first elevator in association with each other, and that displays the second destination floor and the second elevator in association with each other.

4. The elevator system according to claim 3 , wherein the display device displays a message encouraging the passenger to face the in-car imaging device.

5. The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein each car of the plurality of elevators further comprises an alarm device that notifies the user of information prompting the user to face the in-car imaging device.

6. 2. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein if the personal authentication is successful but a facial image of the user is not acquired, the control device does not make a provisional assignment of the first destination floor and the second destination floor, assigns the first destination floor to the first elevator, and calls the first car to the specific floor.

7. The elevator system according to claim 1 , wherein, when personal authentication by the security gate is successful for a user associated with a third destination floor, the third destination floor is assigned to one of the plurality of elevators.

Images