Elevator boarding guidance device

Abstract

When the total load in the car becomes greater than the maximum load capacity of the car due to a passenger boarding the car, it is suppressed that the passenger is noticed by other passengers who boarded the car before the passenger. 【Solution means】 A load measurement unit 30 that measures the total load in the car, a detection unit 4 that detects the position of the last passenger 12 who boarded the car among the passengers in the car, and a first display that indicates that the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than a first set value T1 that is the maximum load capacity of the car. A display unit 5 that displays the above, and a display control unit 8a that controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays the first display in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 when the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1. It has.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator passenger guidance device.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional elevator passenger guidance device, in order to notify passengers whether the elevator is in a state where they can board, the sound notified by the notification control means is changed according to the load weight in the elevator car. Specifically, a set value X2 corresponding to the load weight when the car is full and a set value X1 smaller than the load weight when the car is full are set. The notification control means maintains a constant music volume when the load weight in the car is less than the set value X1, gradually decreases the music volume when the load weight is greater than or equal to the set value X1 and less than the set value X2, and sounds a buzzer when the load weight is greater than or equal to the set value X2 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional elevator passenger guidance device, it is notified by sound whether the elevator is in a state where passengers can board, and a buzzer is sounded when the load weight is greater than or equal to the set value X2. When a passenger boards the car and the car becomes full, that is, when the total load in the car becomes greater than the maximum load capacity of the car, the buzzer sounds. Therefore, the passenger may be noticed by other passengers who boarded the car before the passenger, and may feel a psychological burden.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and when the total load in the car becomes greater than the maximum load capacity of the car due to a passenger getting into the car, it suppresses the passenger from being noticed by other passengers who got into the car before the passenger. An object of the present disclosure is to obtain an elevator boarding guidance device, an elevator boarding guidance method, and an elevator boarding guidance program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator boarding guidance device according to the present disclosure includes a load measurement unit that measures the total load in the car, a detection unit that detects the position of the last passenger who got into the car among the passengers in the car, a display unit that displays a first display indicating that the total load measured by the load measurement unit is greater than a first set value that is the maximum load capacity of the car, and a display control unit that controls the display unit so that the display unit displays the first display in a vicinity area of the position of the last passenger detected by the detection unit when the total load measured by the load measurement unit is greater than the first set value.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the elevator boarding guidance device according to the present disclosure, when the total load in the car becomes greater than the maximum load capacity of the car due to a passenger getting into the car, it suppresses the passenger from being noticed by other passengers who got into the car before the passenger.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiment 1. The configuration of the elevator car floor 1 and its surroundings in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the elevator car floor 1 and its surroundings in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of the car seen from above the car floor 1. FIG. 1(b) is a front view of the car floor 1 seen from the side of the car entrance 2. In FIG. 1(b), the illustration of the car wall 3 is omitted.

[0010] In FIG. 1(a), the car floor 1 is provided in the car, and the upper surface of the car floor 1 has a substantially rectangular shape. Among the upper surface of the car floor 1, one side constitutes a part of the car entrance 2, and the three sides that do not constitute the car entrance 2 are in contact with the car wall 3. Note that the upper surface of the car floor 1 on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 1(b) is called the upper surface 1a, and the lower surface of the car floor 1 on the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 1(b) is called the lower surface 1b. The upper surface 1a is the loading surface on which passengers board the car floor 1.

[0011] The upper surface 1a of the car floor 1 has a lattice area 1c divided into a lattice shape. One of the divided areas in the lattice area 1c is called a block area 1d. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the lattice area 1c is arranged on the car entrance 2 side from the center of the car floor 1 in the depth direction of the car floor 1. The lattice area 1c is, for example, an area that occupies one-third of the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. The lattice area 1c is set assuming the position where the feet first come into contact when the last passenger 12, which will be described later, boards the car in the car floor 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), a plurality of detection units 4 and a plurality of display units 5 are arranged on the lower surface 1b of the car floor 1. Each detection unit 4 and each display unit 5 are respectively arranged on the lower surface 1b of each block area 1d of the car floor 1. Note that each detection unit 4 and each display unit 5 only need to be arranged on the lower surface 1b side of each block area 1d. For example, there may be a space between each block area 1d and each detection unit 4 and each display unit 5. In FIGS. 1(a) and (b), for the sake of explanation, the block area 1d of the lattice area 1c is illustrated with a dashed line. Note that the depth direction of the car floor 1 is the vertical direction in the paper surface of FIG. 1(a).

[0012] The detection unit 4 detects the position of the last passenger 12 who got into the car among the passengers in the car. The detection unit 4 is, for example, a pressure detection device. The pressure detection device is a device that detects the pressure applied to the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. When the last passenger 12 gets on the lattice area 1c of the car floor 1, the detection unit 4 arranged on the lower surface 1b of the block area 1d where the last passenger 12 got on detects the pressure, and the detection unit 4 detects the position of the last passenger 12. That is, the detection unit 4 detects that the position of the last passenger 12 is at least partially on the upper surface 1a of the block area 1d where the pressure is applied. Here, at the lower left of the paper surface of Fig. 1(a), the positions of both feet of the last passenger 12 are simply illustrated by surrounding them with a dotted line, and the right foot of the last passenger 12 is in contact with the ground in the lattice area 1c. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1(a), the position of the last passenger 12 is, for example, the position where the foot of the last passenger 12 contacts the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. When the detection unit 4 detects pressure, it transmits a signal indicating that the pressure has been detected to a display control unit 8a described later.

[0013] In addition, the detection unit 4 can detect the position of the last passenger 12 even when the last passenger 12 walks and moves in the lattice area 1c of the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. Specifically, the detection unit 4 analyzes the pattern of the timing when the pressure disappears when the last passenger 12 lifts the foot from the upper surface 1a and the timing when the pressure is generated when the foot is lowered to the upper surface 1a, so as to determine whether the position where the pressure is generated is the position of the last passenger 12. For example, after detecting the positions of both feet of the last passenger 12, that is, after detecting the pressure at two positions, if the pressure at one of the detected pressure positions disappears and a new pressure is generated at a position about one step away from that position, it can be determined that the position where the new pressure is generated is the position of one foot of the last passenger 12.

[0014] Even when multiple passengers are in the car and on the grid area 1c, the detection unit 4 can detect the positions of the passengers. In addition to the pressure disappearance and generation timing described above, the detection unit 4 analyzes using parameters such as the moving direction, moving distance, and stationary position of the passengers to detect the positions of the passengers, and detects where each passenger has moved after boarding. That is, since the detection unit 4 can grasp the current positions of the passengers, each passenger can be identified. And since it can be grasped who is about to pass through the car entrance 2 last, the passengers who have already boarded, the boarded passengers 11, and the last passenger 12 can be identified. Note that the detection unit 4 itself may have the configuration for such analysis, or the function may be realized by another device and the data may be transmitted to the detection unit 4.

[0015] Also, at the lower left of the paper surface of FIG. 1(a), a region 13 straddling four block regions 1d is shown as the position of the last passenger 12 and the vicinity region of the position of the last passenger 12. Here, the position of the last passenger 12 and the vicinity region of the position of the last passenger 12 are continuous, and the vicinity region of the position of the last passenger 12 indicates a portion of the upper surface 1a of the block region 1d where a part of the foot of the last passenger 12 is in contact but the foot of the last passenger 12 is not in contact.

[0016] The display unit 5 displays a first display that can be visually recognized by the last passenger 12. The display unit 5 is, for example, a lighting device that lights or blinks light. The display unit 5 blinks red light, for example, as the first display. When the display unit 5 is a lighting device, the car floor 1 is formed of a transparent or translucent member that transmits light so that the last passenger 12 can visually recognize the light emitted by the display unit 5 from the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. Also, only the grid region 1c of the car floor 1 may be formed of a transparent or translucent member that transmits light.

[0017] The cage is provided with a load detection sensor 6 for detecting the load inside the cage. As shown in FIG. 1(a), for example, the load detection sensor 6 is installed at the four corners of the lower surface 1b of the cage floor 1, and detects the loads applied to the four corners respectively. The load detection sensor 6 is, for example, a differential transformer. The differential transformer is a kind of displacement sensor, which measures the displacement amount accompanying the elastic deformation of a spring (not shown) provided in the differential transformer, and converts it into a voltage corresponding to the total load inside the cage.

[0018] Next, the configuration of the elevator boarding guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the elevator boarding guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1. The elevator boarding guidance device 100a includes a detection unit 4, a display unit 5, a load detection sensor 6, a door opening / closing detection unit 20, a door opening / closing control unit 21, a load calculation unit 7, and a display control unit 8a. Note that the functions of the door opening / closing detection unit 20, the load calculation unit 7, and the display control unit 8a are realized by the elevator control panel 10a.

[0019] The door opening / closing detection unit 20 is attached to the cage or the cage frame, etc., and detects the opening / closing state of the cage door. When the door opening / closing detection unit 20 detects that the cage door has opened, it transmits a door open signal indicating that the cage door has opened to the door opening / closing control unit 21, and when it detects that the cage door has closed, it transmits a door close signal indicating that the cage door has closed to the door opening / closing control unit 21.

[0020] The door opening / closing control unit 21 receives a signal for instructing the opening / closing of the cage door from the elevator operation control unit (not shown), and controls the opening / closing of the cage door based on the signal. Also, the door opening / closing control unit 21 determines the opening / closing state of the cage door based on the door open signal or the door close signal transmitted by the door opening / closing detection unit 20.

[0021] The load calculation unit 7 is communicably connected to the load detection sensor 6, and calculates the total load in the car from the detection result of the load detection sensor 6. For example, when the load detection sensor 6 is a differential transformer, when the load calculation unit 7 receives the voltage converted by the differential transformer, it converts it into a load corresponding to the voltage and calculates the total load in the car. The load calculation unit 7 outputs information on the total load in the car to the display control unit 8a.

[0022] Note that the load detection sensor 6 and the load calculation unit 7 do not necessarily need to be installed separately, and may be configured to detect the load in the car and calculate the total load in the car with one device. Hereinafter, a configuration that has the functions of the load detection sensor 6 and the load calculation unit 7 and measures the total load in the car is referred to as a load measurement unit 30.

[0023] The display control unit 8a is communicably connected to the detection unit 4, the display unit 5, and the load calculation unit 7. The display control unit 8a determines whether the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1. Here, the first set value T1 is set as the maximum load capacity of the car. Note that the maximum load capacity of the car is the maximum load that the car can move with luggage such as passengers loaded in the car.

[0024] When the total load in the car is greater than the first set value T1, the display control unit 8a determines whether the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12. When the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12, the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays a first display in an area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area.

[0025] That is, when the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1, the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays a first display in an area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area.

[0026] Here, it can be said that the first display indicates that the total load in the car is greater than the first set value T1, which is the maximum load capacity of the car. Therefore, in order to alert the last passenger 12, it is desirable that the first display be a visually distinct display. For example, if the display unit 5 is a lighting device, the display unit 5 may blink red light as the first display.

[0027] In addition, when the detection unit 4 fails to detect the position of the last passenger 12, the display control unit 8a does not control the display unit 5. Also, when the total load in the car is less than or equal to the first set value T1, the display control unit 8a does not control the display unit 5.

[0028] Here, the hardware configuration of the elevator control panel 10a in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the elevator control panel 10a in Embodiment 1. The elevator control panel 10a is realized by a computer such as a personal computer or a microcontroller.

[0029] The elevator control panel 10a includes a processor 41, a memory 42, an interface 43, and a secondary storage device 44, which are connected to each other via a bus 40.

[0030] The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By the processor 41 reading the operation program stored in the secondary storage device 44 into the memory 42 and executing it, each function of the elevator control panel 10a is realized.

[0031] The memory 42 is, for example, a main storage device constituted by a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 42 stores the program read by the processor 41 from the secondary storage device 44. Also, the memory 42 functions as a work memory when the processor 41 executes the program.

[0032] The interface 43 is an I / O (Input / Output) interface such as a serial port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or a network interface. Through the interface 43, inputs from the detection unit 4 and the load detection sensor 6 and outputs to the display unit 5 are performed.

[0033] The secondary storage device 44 is, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The secondary storage device 44 stores various information necessary for the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100a and the programs executed by the processor 41.

[0034] Next, the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4(a) is an overall view of the flowchart, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing the details of S10. Note that the detection unit 4 will be described assuming a pressure detection device, the display unit 5 will be described assuming a lighting device, and the load detection sensor 6 will be described assuming a differential transformer. Note that in the lighting device, the first display is a display that blinks with red light. Note that the position of the last passenger 12 and the area in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger 12 are continuous and are an area 13 that straddles four block areas 1d.

[0035] In step S1, the door opening / closing control unit 21 determines whether the door of the car is open based on the door open signal transmitted by the door opening / closing detection unit 20. When the door opening / closing control unit 21 receives the door open signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 20, it determines that the door of the car is open and proceeds with the process to step S2. When the door opening / closing control unit 21 does not receive the door open signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 20, it determines that the door of the car is not open and repeats the process of step S1.

[0036] In step S2, the load measurement unit 30 measures the total load in the car. Specifically, the measurement of the total load in the car is performed by the load calculation unit 7 receiving the voltage converted by the differential transformer, which is the load detection sensor 6, converting it into a load corresponding to the voltage, and calculating the total load in the car. The load calculation unit 7 transmits the total load in the car to the display control unit 8a.

[0037] In step S3, the display control unit 8a determines whether the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1. If the display control unit 8a determines that the total load in the car is greater than the first set value T1, the process proceeds to step S10. If the display control unit 8a determines that the total load in the car is not greater than the first set value T1, that is, the total load in the car is less than or equal to the first set value T1, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0038] Here, the display control of the first display (S10) will be described. Step S10 is a process in which the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 to display the first display, and is composed of four steps from step S11 to step S14. In step S11, the display control unit 8a determines whether the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12. When the display control unit 8a receives a signal indicating that the detection unit 4 has detected pressure, it determines that the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12, and the process proceeds to step S12. When the display control unit 8a does not receive a signal indicating that the detection unit 4 has detected pressure, it determines that the detection unit 4 has not detected the position of the last passenger 12, and the process proceeds to step S2.

[0039] In step S12, the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays the first display in the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area. By controlling in this way, the display unit 5 displays the first display. Since the area 13 transmits the light emitted by the display unit 5, the first display is displayed on the upper surface 1a of the block area 1d of the car floor 1, and the last passenger 12 can visually recognize the first display.

[0040] Regarding step S12, a specific example will be given for explanation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the boarding positions of passengers on the car floor 1 of the elevator in the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, in order to show the boarding positions of the passengers, the positions of the passengers' feet are simply illustrated. In the car, there is one last passenger 12 and five boarded passengers 11 who boarded the car before the last passenger 12. Also, both feet of each boarded passenger 11 and the last passenger 12 in the car are shown surrounded by dotted lines. Here, the right foot of the last passenger 12 is in contact with at least a part of each of the four block regions 1d. These four block regions 1d correspond to the above-mentioned region 13.

[0041] In the state shown in FIG. 5, assume that when the last passenger 12 places the right foot on the region 13, the total load in the car is greater than the first set value T1, and the detection unit 4 is detecting the position of the last passenger 12. In such a case, the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 corresponding to the region 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 where the detection unit 4 detected the pressure and its vicinity area displays the first display. Specifically, the display unit 5 displays the blinking of the red light which is the first display. Since the region 13 transmits the light emitted by the display unit 5, the first display is displayed on the upper surface 1a of the block region 1d of the car floor 1, and the last passenger 12 can visually recognize the blinking of the red light. Even when the last passenger 12 walks and moves on the grid region 1c on the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1, the detection unit 4 can detect the position of the last passenger 12. Therefore, even if the last passenger 12 moves, hereafter, the block region 1d with which at least a part of the feet of the last passenger 12 is in contact is controlled by the display control unit 8a so that the display unit 5 displays the first display.

[0042] In addition, since the detection unit 4 can also detect the positions of passengers other than the last passenger 12 existing on the grid area 1c, that is, the passengers 11 who have already boarded, the last passenger 12 and other passengers can be distinguished. Therefore, in the grid area 1c, in areas other than the block area 1d where at least a part of the feet of the last passenger 12 is in contact, the display control unit 8a does not control the display unit 5 to display the first display. Specifically, in FIG. 5, two passengers 11 who have already boarded are present on the grid area 1c, but the block area 1d where at least a part of the feet of these two passengers 11 who have already boarded is in contact is not controlled by the display control unit 8a to cause the display unit 5 to display the first display.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 4, the operation of the elevator boarding guidance device 100a will be continued. In step S13, the display control unit 8a determines whether the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1. When the display control unit 8a determines that the total load in the car is greater than the first set value T1, step S12 is repeated. When the display control unit 8a determines that the total load in the car is not greater than the first set value T1, that is, when the total load in the car is less than or equal to the first set value T1, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0044] In step S14, the display control unit 8a stops the display of the first display on the display unit 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0045] Next, in step S4, the door opening / closing control unit 21 determines whether the car door is in a closed state based on the door closing signal transmitted by the door opening / closing detection unit 20. When the door opening / closing control unit 21 receives the door closing signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 20, it determines that the car door is in a closed state and ends the process. When the door opening / closing control unit 21 does not receive the door closing signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 20, it determines that the car door is not in a closed state and proceeds with the process to step S2.

[0046] As described above, in the elevator passenger guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1, when the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value, the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 to display a first display in an area 13 including an area near the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4. In this way, when the first display is displayed in the area 13 including the area near the position of the last passenger 12, the last passenger 12 can easily visually recognize the first display, and the last passenger 12 can easily recognize that the total load in the car has become greater than the maximum load capacity of the car. In addition, since the display unit 5 displays the first display in the position of the last passenger 12 and the adjacent area continuous with the position, it is difficult for the passengers 11 who have already boarded to visually recognize the first display. Therefore, when the total load in the car becomes greater than the maximum load capacity of the car due to the last passenger 12 boarding the car, it is possible to suppress the last passenger 12 from being noticed by the passengers 11 who have already boarded.

[0047] Further, the display unit 5 displays the first display in an area on the car entrance 2 side of the center of the car floor 1 in the depth direction of the car floor 1, so that the passengers 11 who have already boarded and are located on the opposite side in the depth direction of the car floor 1 are less likely to visually recognize the first display, and the last passenger 12 boarding the car from the car entrance 2 can easily visually recognize the first display.

[0048] The grid area 1c may be an area including a position on the car floor 1 where it is assumed that the feet of the last passenger 12 first touch the car floor 1 when boarding the car, and the range of the area may be set as appropriate. Further, the car floor 1 may have an area divided into other shapes instead of the grid area 1c.

[0049] Note that the detection unit 4 is not limited to a pressure detection device as long as it is a device that detects the position of the last passenger 12. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the position of the last passenger 12 is detected by a camera provided in the car or the landing.

[0050] Note that the display unit 5 is not limited to a lighting device as long as it is a device that displays a first display visible to the last passenger 12. For example, a projector provided on the ceiling of the car, the car wall 3, or the landing and capable of projecting onto the car floor 1 may be used. Further, as the first display, it may be indicated by characters or illustrations that the total load in the car is greater than the first set value T1.

[0051] Further, the display unit 5 may be displayed below the center of the car wall in the height direction of the car wall 3, rather than on the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. The lower part of the car wall 3 is, for example, a part of the car wall 3 at a distance in the vicinity of a region 1 m or less from the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. When the first display is displayed at a position lower than the line of sight of the seated passenger 11 in this way, it is difficult for the seated passenger 11 to visually recognize the first display, and it becomes easier for the last passenger 12 boarding the car from the car entrance 2 to visually recognize the first display.

[0052] Note that the range of the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 can be set as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the vicinity area may be set. FIG. 6 is a modified example of the elevator boarding guidance device in Embodiment 1 and is a diagram showing the boarding position of passengers on the car floor 1 of the elevator. In FIG. 6, the seated passengers 11 and the last passenger 12 are the same number and in the same state as in FIG. 5, but it is different from the above description in that the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 and its vicinity area is 16 block areas 1d. Thus, when the area 13 includes a block area 1d not in contact with the feet of the last passenger 12, compared with the case where the area 13 includes only the block area 1d in contact with at least a part of the feet of the last passenger 12, the first display is displayed in a wider range. Therefore, when the total load in the car becomes greater than the maximum load capacity of the car due to the last passenger 12 boarding the car, it is possible to suppress the last passenger 12 from being noticed by the seated passengers 11, and it becomes easier for the last passenger 12 to visually recognize the first display.

[0053] Note that the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12 may be, for example, an area within 10 cm from the position where the feet of the last passenger 12 touch the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. Further, the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12 may not be continuous with the position of the last passenger 12.

[0054] Note that an example has been described in which the display control unit 8a controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays the first display in the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area. However, the display control unit 8a may control the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays the first display only in the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4. That is, the display unit 5 may not display the first display at the position of the last passenger 12, and may display the first display only in the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12. For example, the display unit 5 may not display the first display in the block area 1d where the feet of the last passenger 12 are in contact, and may display the first display in the block area 1d where the feet of the last passenger 12 are not in contact. In this case, the block area 1d where the feet of the last passenger 12 are not in contact becomes the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12.

[0055] Note that the functions of the door opening / closing detection unit 20, the door opening / closing control unit 21, the load calculation unit 7, and the display control unit 8a are assumed to be realized by the elevator control panel 10a, but are not limited thereto. For example, these functions may be realized by separately connecting a computer different from the elevator control panel 10a or using an elevator control server.

[0056] Embodiment 2. The configuration of the elevator boarding guidance device 100b in Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the elevator boarding guidance device 100b in Embodiment 2. Note that the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0057] In the elevator boarding guidance device 100b in Embodiment 2, the operation of the display control unit 8b whose function is realized by the control panel 10b is different from that of the elevator boarding guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1.

[0058] The display control unit 8b determines whether the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the second set value T2 when the total load in the car is less than or equal to the first set value T1, in addition to the operation of the display control unit 8a. Here, the second set value T2 is set to a value smaller than the first set value T1, and it is desirable to set a value that is about the weight of the number of passengers smaller than the maximum load capacity. That is, it is desirable that the second set value T2 be a value that is less than or equal to the first set value T1 and obtained by subtracting the weight of a predetermined number of passengers from the maximum load capacity of the car. Hereinafter, the second set value T2 will be described as a value that is less than or equal to the first set value T1 and obtained by subtracting the weight of one passenger from the maximum load capacity of the car. Note that the weight per passenger may be a value specified by laws and regulations or standards. When setting the value of the second set value T2, the number of passengers whose weight is to be subtracted may be appropriately determined based on the size of the car and the actual usage situation of the number of passengers boarding.

[0059] When the total load in the car is less than or equal to the first set value T1 and greater than the second set value T2, the display control unit 8b determines whether the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12. When the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12, the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 to display a second display in the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area.

[0060] That is, when the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is less than or equal to the first set value T1 and greater than the second set value T2, the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 to display a second display in the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area.

[0061] Here, it can be said that the second display indicates that the remaining load until the total load reaches the first set value is less than the weight of a predetermined number of passengers. In other words, it can be said that it indicates that the maximum load capacity of the car is approaching. Therefore, compared with the case of displaying the first display, the priority of alerting the last passenger 12 is lower when displaying the second display, but it is desirable to make a visually distinct display. For example, if the display unit 5 is a lighting device and the first display blinks red light, the second display may turn on yellow light. Note that the remaining load is a value obtained by subtracting the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 from the first set value, and indicates the load that can be loaded from the current total load to the maximum load capacity.

[0062] Note that when the detection unit 4 does not detect the position of the last passenger 12, the display control unit 8b does not control the display unit 5. Also, when the total load in the car is equal to or less than the second set value T2, the display control unit 8b does not control the display unit 5.

[0063] Next, the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100b in Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100b in Embodiment 2. FIG. 8(a) is an overall view of the flowchart, and FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the details of S20. Note that the description of the same steps as those of the elevator passenger guidance device 100a in Embodiment 1 is omitted. Also, the second display is a display that lights up yellow. Note that the position of the last passenger 12 and the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12 are continuous, and it is assumed that they are in the area 13 that straddles the six block areas 1d.

[0064] In step S3, the display control unit 8b determines whether the total load in the basket measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1. If the display control unit 8b determines that the total load in the basket measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the first set value T1, the process proceeds to step S10. If the total load in the basket measured by the load measurement unit 30 is not greater than the first set value T1, that is, if it is determined that the total load in the basket is less than or equal to the first set value T1, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S10, the display control unit 8b performs display control of the first display. In step S21, the display control unit 8b determines whether the total load in the basket measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the second set value T2. If the display control unit 8b determines that the total load in the basket is greater than the second set value T2, the process proceeds to step S20. If the display control unit 8b determines that the total load in the basket is not greater than the second set value T2, that is, if it is determined that the total load in the basket is less than or equal to the second set value T2, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0065] Here, the display control (S20) of the second display will be described. Step S20 is a process in which the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 to display in the second display, and is composed of four steps from step S22 to step S25. In step S22, the display control unit 8b determines whether the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12. When the display control unit 8b receives a signal indicating that the detection unit 4 has detected pressure, it is determined that the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12, and the process proceeds to step S23. When the display control unit 8b does not receive a signal indicating that the detection unit 4 has detected pressure, it is determined that the detection unit 4 has not detected the position of the last passenger 12, and the process proceeds to step S2.

[0066] In step S23, the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays the second display in the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area. By controlling in this way, the display unit 5 displays the second display. Since the area 13 transmits the light emitted by the display unit 5, the second display is displayed on the upper surface 1a of the block area 1d of the basket floor 1, and the last passenger 12 can visually recognize the second display.

[0067] Regarding step S23, a specific example will be given for explanation. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the boarding positions of passengers on the car floor 1 of the elevator in the second embodiment. In the car, there is one final passenger 12 and four boarded passengers 11 who boarded the car before the final passenger 12. Here, at least a part of the left foot of the final passenger 12 is in contact with each of the six block regions 1d. These six block regions 1d correspond to the region 13.

[0068] In the state shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that when the final passenger 12 places the right foot on the region 13, the total load in the car is equal to or less than the first set value T1 and greater than the second set value T2, and the detection unit 4 is detecting the position of the final passenger 12. In such a case, the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 corresponding to the region 13 including the position of the final passenger 12 where the detection unit 4 detected the pressure and its vicinity region displays the second display. Specifically, the display unit 5 displays the lighting of the yellow light which is the second display. Since the region 13 transmits the light emitted by the display unit 5, the second display is displayed on the upper surface 1a of the block region 1d of the car floor 1, and the final passenger 12 can visually recognize the lighting of the yellow light. Similar to the first embodiment, since each passenger is identified by the detection unit 4, hereinafter, the block region 1d in the grid region 1c where at least a part of the feet of the final passenger 12 is in contact is controlled by the display control unit 8b so that the display unit 5 displays the second display. Also, the block region 1d in the grid region 1c where at least a part of the feet of the boarded passengers 11 is in contact is not controlled by the display control unit 8b so that the display unit 5 displays the second display.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 8, the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100b will be continued. In step S24, the display control unit 8b determines whether the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is greater than the second set value T2. If the display control unit 8b determines that the total load in the car is greater than the second set value T2, the process proceeds to step S23. If the display control unit 8b determines that the total load in the car is not greater than the second set value T2, that is, the total load in the car is less than or equal to the second set value T2, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0070] In step S25, the display control unit 8b stops the display of the second display on the display unit 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S2. The subsequent processing is the same as the operation of the elevator passenger guidance device 100a in the first embodiment.

[0071] Here, a specific example will be described for the case where the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 to display the second display in step S20 and then proceeds to step S2, and then the display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 to display the first display in step S10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the boarding positions of passengers on the elevator car floor 1 after FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the boarding positions of passengers on the elevator car floor 1 after FIG. 10.

[0072] In FIG. 10, five passengers 11 who have already boarded are in the car. Here, one of the passengers 11 who have already boarded is the last passenger 12 in FIG. 9, who moved from the state in FIG. 9 and is located in the lower right of the drawing in FIG. 10. That is, the passenger 14a located in the lower right of the drawing in FIG. 10 is the same person as the last passenger 12 in FIG. 9. At the time of FIG. 9 when the passenger 14a boarded the car, since the total load in the car was less than or equal to the first set value T1 and greater than the second set value T2, in FIG. 10, even if the passenger 14a moved, the area 13a including the position of the passenger 14a and the adjacent area was displayed in the second display. Also, in FIG. 10, there is a passenger, that is, the last passenger 12 in FIG. 10, who newly boards the car, located in the lower left of the drawing.

[0073] In Fig. 11, passenger 14a has not moved from the state shown in Fig. 10, and passenger 14b has placed their right foot on the four block regions 1d on the upper surface 1a of the car floor 1. Here, assuming that when passenger 14b boards the elevator, the total load inside the elevator is greater than the first set value T1, the area 13b including the position of passenger 14b and its vicinity is displayed with the first display. Here, in Fig. 11 as well, similar to Fig. 10, the area 13a including the position of passenger 14a and its vicinity is displayed with the second display. Thus, after performing the process of step S20 and then performing the process of step S10, there may be a situation where both the first display and the second display are shown.

[0074] As described above, in the elevator boarding guidance device 100b in the second embodiment, the display unit 5 displays a second display indicating that the remaining load until the total load reaches the first set value T1 is less than the weight of a predetermined number of passengers. The display control unit 8b controls the display unit 5 such that when the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is less than or equal to the first set value T1 and greater than the second set value T2 obtained by subtracting the weight of a predetermined number of passengers from the maximum load capacity of the car, the display unit 5 displays the second display in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4. By being controlled in this way, the last passenger 12 can decide whether to wait for the next elevator, take a chance and try to board, or make a judgment. Also, when neither the first display nor the second display is shown, the last passenger 12 can judge that there is sufficient margin in terms of weight and board the elevator without feeling anxious about exceeding the weight limit.

[0075] Note that in the operation of the elevator boarding guidance device 100b, although it is assumed that there may be a situation where the first display and the second display are shown simultaneously, in the state where the first display and the second display are shown simultaneously, it is also possible to configure the device to cancel the display of the second display and only show the first display.

[0076] Embodiment 3. The configuration of the elevator boarding guidance device 100c in Embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 12 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the elevator boarding guidance device 100c in Embodiment 3. Note that the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0077] In the elevator passenger guidance device 100c in the third embodiment, the operation of the display control unit 8c whose function is realized by the control panel 10c is different from that of the elevator passenger guidance device 100b in the second embodiment.

[0078] In addition to the operation of the display control unit 8b, when the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is equal to or less than the first set value T1, the display control unit 8c determines whether the total load in the car is greater than the second set value T2. When the total load in the car is not greater than the second set value T2, that is, when the total load in the car is equal to or less than the second set value T2, the display control unit 8c determines whether the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12. When the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12, the display control unit 8c controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays a third display in an area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area.

[0079] That is, when the total load measured by the load measurement unit 30 is equal to or less than the second set value T2, the display control unit 8c controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays a third display in an area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and its vicinity area. When the detection unit 4 has not detected the position of the last passenger 12, the display control unit 8c does not control the display unit 5.

[0080] Here, it can be said that the third display is a display indicating that the remaining load until the total load reaches the first set value T1 is equal to or greater than the weight of a predetermined number of passengers. In other words, it can be said that the third display is a display indicating that there is a margin up to the maximum load capacity of the car. Therefore, compared with the case of displaying the first display or the second display, when the third display is displayed, the priority of calling the attention of the last passenger 12 is lowered, but it is desirable to display a visually distinct display. For example, if the display unit 5 is a lighting device and the first display blinks red light, the third display may turn on green light.

[0081] Next, the operation of the elevator boarding guidance device 100c in Embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the elevator boarding guidance device 100c in Embodiment 3. FIG. 13(a) is an overall view of the flowchart, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the details of S30. Note that the description of steps similar to those of the elevator boarding guidance device 100b in Embodiment 2 will be omitted. Also, the third display is a display that lights up in green. Note that the position of the last passenger 12 and the area in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger 12 are continuous and are the area 13 that straddles the seven block areas 1d.

[0082] In step S21, when the display control unit 8c determines that the total load in the car measured by the load measurement unit 30 is equal to or less than the second set value T2, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0083] Here, the display control (S30) of the third display will be described. Step S30 is a process in which the display control unit 8c controls the display unit 5 to display the third display, and is composed of two steps from step S31 to step S32. In step S31, the display control unit 8c determines whether or not the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12. When the display control unit 8c receives a signal indicating that the detection unit 4 has detected pressure, it determines that the detection unit 4 has detected the position of the last passenger 12, and the process proceeds to step S32. When the display control unit 8c does not receive a signal indicating that the detection unit 4 has detected pressure, it determines that the detection unit 4 has not detected the position of the last passenger 12, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0084] In step S32, the display control unit 8c controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 displays the third display in the area 13 including the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4 and the area in the vicinity thereof. By controlling in this way, the display unit 5 displays the third display. Since the area 13 transmits the light emitted by the display unit 5, the first display is displayed on the upper surface 1a of the block area 1d of the car floor 1, and the last passenger 12 can visually recognize the third display. After step S32, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0085] Regarding step S32, a specific example will be given for explanation. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the boarding positions of passengers on the car floor 1 of the elevator in Embodiment 3. In the car, there is one final passenger 12, and three boarded passengers 11 who boarded the car before the final passenger 12. Here, the left foot of the final passenger 12 is in contact with at least a part of each of the seven block regions 1d. These seven block regions 1d correspond to the region 13.

[0086] In the state shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that when the final passenger 12 places the right foot on the region 13, the total load in the car is equal to or less than the second set value T2, and the detection unit 4 is detecting the position of the final passenger 12. In such a case, the display control unit 8c controls the display unit 5 so that the display unit 5 corresponding to the region 13 including the position of the final passenger 12 where the detection unit 4 detected pressure and its vicinity region displays the third display. Specifically, the display unit 5 displays the lighting of the green light which is the third display. Since the region 13 transmits the light emitted by the display unit 5, the second display is displayed on the upper surface 1a of the block region 1d of the car floor 1, and the final passenger 12 can visually recognize the lighting of the green light. Note that, similar to Embodiment 2, since each passenger is identified by the detection unit 4, hereafter, the block region 1d in the lattice region 1c where at least a part of the feet of the final passenger 12 is in contact is controlled by the display control unit 8c so that the display unit 5 displays the third display. Also, the block region 1d in the lattice region 1c where at least a part of the feet of the boarded passenger 11 is in contact is not controlled by the display control unit 8c so that the display unit 5 displays the third display.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 13, in step S4, the door opening / closing control unit 21 determines whether the door of the car is in a closed state based on the door closed signal transmitted by the door opening / closing detection unit 20. When the door opening / closing control unit 21 receives the door closed signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 20, it determines that the door of the car is in a closed state and advances the process to step S33. When the door opening / closing control unit 21 does not receive the door closed signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 20, it determines that the door of the car is not in a closed state and advances the process to step S2.

[0088] In step S33, the display control unit 8c stops the display of the third display on the display unit 5. Then, the process ends.

[0089] As described above, in the elevator boarding guidance device 100c in the third embodiment, the third display indicates that the remaining load until the total load reaches the first set value T1 is equal to or greater than the weight of a predetermined number of passengers. When the total load is equal to or less than the second set value T2, the display control unit 8c controls the display unit 5 to display the third display in the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12 detected by the detection unit 4. In this way, when the third display is displayed in the area 13 including the vicinity area of the position of the last passenger 12, the last passenger 12 can easily view the third display, and the last passenger 12 can easily recognize that there is a margin until the total load in the car reaches the maximum load capacity of the car. The last passenger 12 can quickly board the car without feeling anxiety about exceeding the weight.

[0090] In step S4, when it is determined that the car door is closed, the process proceeds to step S33, and the display control unit 8c stops the display of the third display on the display unit 5. However, the configuration may be such that the display control unit 8c stops the display of the third display on the display unit 5 immediately before the car door closes.

[0091] The configuration shown in the above embodiment is an example of the content of the present disclosure. The embodiment can be combined with another known technique. It is possible to omit or change a part of the configuration of the embodiment without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1 car bed, 1a upper surface, 1b lower surface, 1c lattice area, 1d block area, 2 car entrance, 3 car wall, 4 detection unit, 5 display unit, 6 load detection sensor, 7 load calculation unit, 8a, 8b, 8c display control unit, 10a, 10b, 10c control panel, 11 passengers who have boarded, 12 last passenger, 13, 13a, 13b area, 14a passenger, 14b passenger, 20 door opening / closing detection unit, 21 door opening / closing control unit, 30 load measurement unit, 40 bus, 41 processor, 42 memory, 43 interface, 44 secondary storage device, 100a, 100b, 100c boarding guidance device

Claims

1. a load measurement unit that measures the total load in the car; a detection unit that detects the position of the last passenger who got into the car among the passengers in the car; a display unit that displays a first display indicating that the total load measured by the load measurement unit is greater than a first set value which is the maximum load capacity of the car; a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the first display in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger detected by the detection unit when the total load is greater than the first set value; An elevator boarding guidance device comprising the above.

2. The display unit displays a second display indicating that the remaining load until the total load reaches the first set value is less than the weight of a predetermined number of passengers, When the total load is less than or equal to the first set value and greater than a second set value obtained by subtracting the weight of the predetermined number of passengers from the maximum load capacity of the car, the display control unit controls the display unit to display the second display in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger detected by the detection unit. The elevator boarding guidance device according to Claim 1.

3. The display unit displays a third display indicating that the remaining load until the total load reaches the first set value is greater than or equal to the weight of a predetermined number of passengers, When the total load is less than or equal to the second set value, the display control unit controls the display unit to display the third display in the vicinity of the position of the last passenger detected by the detection unit. The elevator boarding guidance device according to Claim 2.

4. The display unit displays at the position of the last passenger and in the vicinity area continuous with the position. The elevator boarding guidance device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The display unit displays in the depth direction of the car floor, in an area closer to the car entrance than the center of the car floor. The elevator boarding guidance device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. The display unit displays below the center of the car wall in the height direction of the car wall. The elevator boarding guidance device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

Images