Elevator system and button display device

Abstract

This elevator system is provided with a door (12), a control panel (6), and a button display device (27). The control panel (6) has a function of a door control device. The door control device controls opening / closing of the door (12). The button display device (27) displays, in the air, an image of an open button (30) for causing the control panel (6) to perform an opening operation of the door (12). The button display device (27) displays the image of the open button (30) in a larger size than before the start of a closing operation of the door (12) while the closing operation of the door (12) is being performed by the control panel (6). According to this elevator system, an erroneous operation by a user can be suppressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator system and a button display device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an input device. The input device described in Patent Document 1 has a function of displaying an aerial image. The input device described in Patent Document 1 can be applied to, for example, an input button of an elevator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the input device described in Patent Document 1 can be applied to an input button of an elevator, it cannot perform button display suitable for an elevator. For example, an elevator has doors provided at the entrance and exit. With the input device described in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to perform button display suitable for the movement of the doors, and there was a risk that the user would make an incorrect operation when quick judgment was required.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator system and a button display device that can suppress incorrect operations by the user by performing button display suitable for the movement of the doors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator system relating to this disclosure comprises a door provided in the car, a door control device that controls the opening and closing of the door, and a button display device that displays an image of an open button in the air for causing the door control device to perform the door opening operation. The button display device is a door control device from door Upon receiving a close command to close the button, the display of the open button will be enlarged. Before the door closing action begins The size of the image of the open button Display the image of the open button larger.

[0007] The button display device according to this disclosure is a button display device that displays an image of an open button in the air for causing the door control device to perform the door opening operation, in an elevator system comprising a door provided in the car and a door control device that controls the opening and closing of the door. The button display device comprises a display unit that displays an image of the open button, a beam splitter that reflects light from the display unit, a retroreflective material that reflects the light from the display unit reflected by the beam splitter, and a display control unit that controls the display unit. The image of the open button is displayed in the air by the formation of an image from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter. The display control unit controls the door control device from door Upon receiving a close command to close the button, the display of the open button will be enlarged. Before the door closing action begins Image size of the open button The image of the open button will be displayed larger on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to display button information that is appropriate for the movement of the elevator doors, thereby suppressing user errors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an elevator system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the AA section of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of an elevator system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a button display device. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of an elevator system. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example in which an open button is enlarged and displayed. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example in which an open button is highlighted. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another example in which an open button is highlighted. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing another operation example of an elevator system. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another operation example of an elevator system. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of hardware resources of a button display device. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing another example of hardware resources of a button display device.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with reference to the drawings. Redundant descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts or corresponding parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator system in Embodiment 1. The elevator system shown in FIG. 1 includes a car 1 and a counterweight 2. The car 1 moves up and down in a hoistway 3. The car 1 and the counterweight 2 are suspended in the hoistway 3 by a rope 4. The counterweight 2 moves up and down in the hoistway 3 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the car 1 moves.

[0012] The rope 4 is wound around a hoisting machine 5. The hoisting machine 5 drives the car 1. The control panel 6 controls the hoisting machine 5. That is, the movement of the car 1 is controlled by the control panel 6. In addition, the control panel 6 controls the devices provided in the car 1. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the hoisting machine 5 and the control panel 6 are provided in a machine room 7 above the hoistway 3. The hoisting machine 5 and the control panel 6 may be provided in the hoistway 3.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a state where the car 1 is stopped at the landing 8 having the car 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing the A-A cross section of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the functions of the elevator system. The car 1 includes a car chamber 11, a door 12, a motor 13, a camera 14, a weighing device 15, and an operation panel 16.

[0014] An entrance / exit 21 for users to get on and off the car 1 is formed in the car chamber 11. The car chamber 11 includes a ceiling plate 22 and side walls 23. The ceiling plate 22 is disposed above the entrance / exit 21 and forms the upper edge of the entrance / exit 21.

[0015] The door 12 opens and closes the entrance / exit 21. FIG. 2 shows the double-opening type door 12. The door 12 may be a single-opening type. The door 12 is driven by the motor 13. The motor 13 is controlled by the control panel 6. The control panel 6 controls the opening and closing of the door 12. That is, the control panel 6 has the function of a door control device that controls the opening and closing of the door 12. The door control device may be provided as a device separate from the control panel 6. For example, the door control device may be provided above the car 1.

[0016] The camera 14 photographs the inside of the car 1. If there is a user in the car 1, the user is photographed by the camera 14. The weighing device 15 measures the load weight of the car 1. FIG. 1 shows an example where the weighing device 15 is provided under the car chamber 11. As another example, the weighing device 15 may be provided at the end of the rope 4.

[0017] The operation panel 16 is provided on the side wall 23. The operation panel 16 includes a display 24, an interphone 25, destination buttons 26, a button display device 27, a sensor 28, and a control device 29. The display 24 provides information to the users in the car 1. The interphone 25 is a device for the users in the car 1 to communicate with the operator at the external information center. The destination buttons 26 are buttons for the users to input the destination floor.

[0018] The button display device 27 has the function of displaying images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 in the air. As an example, the button display device 27 displays the images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 in the air using an imaging method that uses an orthogonal mirror array or a hexahedral prism element. The open button 30 is a button that causes the control panel 6 to open the door 12. The close button 31 is a button that causes the control panel 6 to close the door 12. Figure 2 shows an example in which the destination button 26 is a mechanical button. The button display device 27 may further have the function of displaying an image of the destination button 26 in the air.

[0019] Figure 4 shows an example of a button display device 27. In the example shown in Figure 4, the button display device 27 comprises a display unit 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflective material 34. The panel 35 is part of the housing of the button display device 27 or part of the housing of the control panel 16. For example, the panel 35 is a decorative panel facing the space where the user sits, and is an example of a flat plate. Through holes 36 are formed in the panel 35.

[0020] The display unit 32 displays an image. Light emitted from the display unit 32 is incident on the beam splitter 33. The beam splitter 33 reflects the light from the display unit 32. The light from the display unit 32 reflected by the beam splitter 33 is incident on the retroreflective material 34. The retroreflective material 34 has the function of reflecting light incident from a light source back towards that light source. Therefore, the light from the display unit 32 reflected by the beam splitter 33 is reflected back to the beam splitter 33 by the retroreflective material 34. The light from the display unit 32 reflected by the retroreflective material 34 passes through the beam splitter 33. The light from the retroreflective material 34 that has passed through the beam splitter 33 passes through the through hole 36 and forms an image inside the cage chamber 11.

[0021] Therefore, when the image of the open button 30 is displayed on the display unit 32, an image of the open button 30 is projected into the air at a distance from the panel 35. When the image of the close button 31 is displayed on the display unit 32, an image of the close button 31 is projected into the air at a distance from the panel 35.

[0022] As an example, the button display device 27 includes a display unit 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflective material 34 for the open button 30, and a display unit 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflective material 34 for the close button 31. In the following, when it is necessary to distinguish between the elements for the open button 30 and the elements for the close button 31, the letter op is added after the code for the elements for the open button 30. Similarly, the letter cl is added after the code for the elements for the close button 31. For example, the button display device 27 includes a display unit 32op, a beam splitter 33op, and a retroreflective material 34op for the open button 30. The button display device 27 includes a display unit 32cl, a beam splitter 33cl, and a retroreflective material 34cl for the close button 31.

[0023] Sensor 28 detects the presence of an object within the detection range 37. Sensor 28 is a sensor for detecting a user's finger attempting to touch the aerial image of the open button 30 or the close button 31 displayed by the button display device 27.

[0024] As an example, the control panel 16 includes a sensor 28op for the open button 30 and a sensor 28cl for the close button 31. The detection range 37op of sensor 28op includes at least a portion of the aerial image of the open button 30. Preferably, the detection range 37op includes the entire aerial image of the open button 30. The detection range 37cl of sensor 28cl includes at least a portion of the aerial image of the close button 31. Preferably, the detection range 37cl includes the entire aerial image of the close button 31. For example, if a user standing in front of the control panel 16 tries to touch the image of the open button 30 displayed in the air and brings their finger close to the image, the presence of the finger is detected by sensor 28op when the finger enters the detection range 37op.

[0025] The button display device 27 further includes a display control unit 41, a determination unit 42, a determination unit 43, a determination unit 44, and a communication unit 45 as control functions. The display control unit 41 controls the display unit 32.

[0026] The control device 29 is responsible for the control functions of the control panel 16. The control device 29 includes a communication unit 51. The communication unit 51 transmits requests to the control panel 6. These requests include requests for call registration, door opening, and door closing.

[0027] When a destination button 26 is pressed, the communication unit 51 transmits a call registration request corresponding to the pressed destination button 26 to the control panel 6. The control panel 6 registers the call based on the received call registration request. As a result, the elevator car 1 responds to the registered call.

[0028] When the sensor 28op detects that an object is present in the detection range 37op, the communication unit 51 transmits a door open request to the control panel 6. Upon receiving the door open request, the control panel 6 controls the motor 13 to open the door 12. When the sensor 28cl detects that an object is present in the detection range 37cl, the communication unit 51 transmits a door close request to the control panel 6. Upon receiving the door close request, the control panel 6 controls the motor 13 to close the door 12.

[0029] The control functions provided in the button display device 27 may also be provided in the control device 29 or the control panel 6. The control functions provided in the control device 29 may also be provided in the button display device 27 or the control panel 6.

[0030] Next, the operation of this elevator system will be explained, referring to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator system. Specifically, Figure 5 shows the operation flow performed by the button display device 27.

[0031] In the button display device 27, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not there is a user inside the car 1 (S101). As an example, the determination unit 42 performs the determination process of S101 based on the image captured by the camera 14. The determination unit 42 may also perform the determination process of S101 based on the load measured by the weighing device 15. The determination unit 42 may also perform the determination process of S101 using signals from other sensors such as an infrared sensor.

[0032] If the determination unit 42 determines that there is a user inside cart 1, the result in S101 is Yes. If the determination unit 42 does not determine that there is a user inside cart 1, the result in S101 is No. If the result in S101 is No, the button display device 27 will not display any buttons (S102).

[0033] In other words, if the result in S101 is determined to be "No", the display control unit 41 does not display the image of the open button 30 on the display unit 32op. Therefore, the aerial image of the open button 30 is not displayed. Similarly, if the result in S101 is determined to be "No", the display control unit 41 does not display the image of the close button 31 on the display unit 32cl. Therefore, the aerial image of the close button 31 is not displayed.

[0034] In S101, it may be determined whether or not there is a user within a specific range inside the car 1. This range is the area within the car 1 where a user might attempt to touch the open button 30 or the close button 31, and is set in advance. For example, this range is a radius of 1m from the control panel 16. This range is not limited to this example.

[0035] If Yes is determined in S101, the button display device 27 performs a normal display of the button (S103). In S103, the display control unit 41 displays an image of the open button 30 in normal size on the display unit 32op. This displays an image of the open button 30 in the air in the first size. The display control unit 41 also displays an image of the close button 31 in normal size on the display unit 32cl. This displays an image of the close button 31 in the air in the second size. Preferably, the second size is the same size as the first size.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a preferred example in which the button display device 27 does not display buttons if there is no user in the car 1. Alternatively, the button display device 27 may display buttons regardless of whether there is a user in the car 1 (S103).

[0037] In the button display device 27, if it is determined to be Yes in S101, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not the closing operation of the door 12 has started (S104). The command to close the door 12 is transmitted from the control panel 6. Hereinafter, this command will also be referred to as the closing command. In the button display device 27, the communication unit 45 receives the closing command. If the communication unit 45 receives the closing command from the control panel 6, it is determined to be Yes in S104. If the communication unit 45 does not receive the closing command from the control panel 6, it is determined to be No in S104.

[0038] If the response in S104 is "Yes", the button display device 27 displays an enlarged image of the open button 30 (S105). In S105, the display control unit 41 displays an enlarged image of the open button 30 on the display unit 32op. The enlarged size is larger than the normal size. As a result, a third-size image of the open button 30, which is larger than the first size, is displayed in the air. That is, when the door 12 is being closed by the control panel 6, the display control unit 41 displays a larger image of the open button 30 in the air than before the closing operation of the door 12 begins. Figure 6 shows an example of the enlarged display of the open button 30. Note that, as shown in Figure 6, the third size is larger than the second size.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a preferred example in which the button display device 27 further highlights the open button 30 when Yes is determined in S104 (S106). As an example, in the highlighting, the aerial image of the open button 30 is displayed at a position further from the panel 35 than the aerial image of the close button 31. This allows the image of the open button 30 to be displayed closer to the user standing in front of the operation panel 16, i.e., in front of the button display device 27, than the image of the close button 31, when the door 12 is being closed by the control panel 6. Figure 7 shows an example in which the open button 30 is highlighted.

[0040] Figure 8 shows another example in which the open button 30 is highlighted. As shown in Figure 8, in the highlighting, the image of the open button 30 may be displayed at an upward angle.

[0041] On the other hand, even if the result in S104 is "Yes," the normal display for the close button 31 is maintained. Therefore, when the control panel 6 is closing the door 12, the aerial image of the open button 30 is displayed larger than the aerial image of the close button 31.

[0042] As another example, in the highlighting of S106, the display of the close button 31 may be changed. As an example of a display change, the close button 31 is displayed in a reduced size by the button display device 27. In this example, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the close button 31 in a reduced size on the display unit 32cl. The reduced size is smaller than the normal size. As a result, a fourth size image of the close button 31, which is smaller than the second size, is displayed in the air. That is, when the door 12 is being closed by the control panel 6, the display control unit 41 displays a smaller image of the close button 31 in the air than before the door 12 closing operation started.

[0043] Another example of a display change is the darkening of the close button 31 by the button display device 27. In this example, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the close button 31 on the display unit 32cl in a darker color than before. That is, when the door 12 is being closed by the control panel 6, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the close button 31 in a darker color than before the door 12 closing operation began.

[0044] Another example of a display change is that the image of the close button 31 may be hidden.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 5, the timing at which the magnified display of the open button 30 begins is not limited to the above example. The magnified display of the open button 30 only needs to be performed for a portion of the period during which the door 12 is closing. If a switch is provided that outputs an ON signal when the door 12 is fully open, S104 may be determined to be Yes when the output signal of the switch switches from ON to OFF. The start of the closing operation of the door 12 may also be determined based on the image captured by the camera 14.

[0046] When the enlarged display of the open button 30 is started in S105, the determination unit 44 determines whether the condition for ending the enlarged display of the open button 30 has been met (S107). Hereinafter, this condition will also be referred to as the first termination condition. For example, the first termination condition is met when the door 12 is completely closed. As another example, the first termination condition may be met when the movement of the car 1 begins. The requirements for the first termination condition to be met are not limited to these examples. If the first termination condition is met, S107 is determined to be Yes. If S107 is determined to be Yes, and there is a user inside the car 1, the normal display of the button is resumed in S103.

[0047] On the other hand, if the result in S104 is determined to be No, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not the opening operation of the door 12 has been initiated (S108). The command to open the door 12 is transmitted from the control panel 6. Hereinafter, this command will also be referred to as the open command. In the button display device 27, the communication unit 45 receives the open command. When the communication unit 45 receives the open command from the control panel 6, the result in S108 is determined to be Yes. If the communication unit 45 does not receive the open command from the control panel 6, the result in S108 is determined to be No.

[0048] If the response in S108 is "Yes", the button display device 27 displays an enlarged image of the close button 31 (S109). In S109, the display control unit 41 displays an enlarged image of the close button 31 on the display unit 32cl. As a result, an image of the close button 31 of the fifth size, which is larger than the second size, is displayed in the air. In other words, the display control unit 41 displays an enlarged image of the close button 31 in the air while the door 12 is being opened by the control panel 6, compared to before the door 12 opening operation began. The fifth size is larger than the first size.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, when Yes is determined in S108, the button display device 27 may further highlight the close button 31 (S110). The process shown in S110 is the same as the process shown in S106. That is, in S110, the process performed for the open button 30 in S106 is performed for the close button 31. Also, in S110, the process performed for the close button 31 in S106 is performed for the open button 30.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 5, the timing at which the magnified display of the close button 31 begins is not limited to the above example. The magnified display of the close button 31 only needs to be performed for a portion of the period during which the door 12 is being opened. If a switch is provided that outputs an ON signal when the door 12 is fully closed, S108 may be determined to Yes when the output signal of the switch switches from ON to OFF. The start of the door 12 opening operation may also be determined based on the image captured by the camera 14.

[0051] When the enlarged display of the close button 31 is started in S109, the determination unit 44 determines whether the condition for ending the enlarged display of the close button 31 has been met (S111). Hereinafter, this condition will also be referred to as the second termination condition. As an example, the second termination condition is met when the door 12 is fully opened. The requirements for the second termination condition to be met are not limited to this example. If the second termination condition is met, it is determined as Yes in S111. If it is determined as Yes in S111, and there is a user inside the car 1, the normal display of the button is resumed in S103.

[0052] In the example shown in this embodiment, if "Yes" is determined in S104, the button display device 27 displays an enlarged image of the open button 30. This prevents the user from accidentally touching the aerial image of the close button 31 when reversing the door 12 that is being closed.

[0053] Similarly, in the example shown in this embodiment, if "Yes" is determined in S108, the button display device 27 displays an enlarged image of the close button 31. This prevents the user from accidentally touching the aerial image of the open button 30 when reversing the door 12 that is being opened. Thus, in the example shown in this embodiment, the button display can be adjusted to the movement of the door 12, thereby suppressing user errors.

[0054] The following describes other functions that can be adopted in this elevator system. The elevator system may incorporate a combination of the following functions, if possible.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a preferred example in which the close button 31 is displayed in a magnified view in S109. In another example, the close button 31 does not need to be displayed in a magnified view while the door 12 is being opened. In this case, S108 is always determined to be No.

[0056] The display position of the aerial image of the open button 30 is not limited to in front of the panel 35, i.e., in front of the control panel 16. Similarly, the display position of the aerial image of the close button 31 is not limited to in front of the panel 35, i.e., in front of the control panel 16. As shown in Figure 2, the aerial images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 may be displayed at the entrance / exit 21.

[0057] As an example, when the door 12 is open, the aerial images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 are displayed so that when the door 12 is open, the aerial images are positioned in the space leading to the landing 8 when viewed from the front of the door 12. This includes when the buttons are displayed in enlarged size when the door 12 is open. If the door 12 is a double-leaf type, the aerial images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 are positioned between the left and right doors 12. If the door 12 is a single-leaf type, the aerial images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 are positioned between the door 12 and the door stop.

[0058] In this example, the button display device 27 may be installed on the top panel 22. The button display device 27 may be installed on the ceiling of the elevator car 11. The button display device 27 may be installed on the door 12.

[0059] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of elevator system operation. Figure 9 shows an alternative operation flow when "Yes" is determined in S104 of Figure 5. That is, in this example as well, the processes shown in S101 to S104 and S108 to S111 of Figure 5 are performed. Furthermore, when the operation flow shown in Figure 9 is performed, the button display device 27 is further equipped with a determination unit 46 as a control function.

[0060] If the result in S104 is Yes, the determination unit 46 determines whether or not there is a user attempting to pass through the entrance / exit 21 (S201). For example, the determination unit 46 performs the determination process in S201 based on the image captured by the camera 14. The determination unit 46 may also perform the determination process in S201 using signals from other sensors, such as an infrared sensor.

[0061] A camera may be installed at landing 8 in order to determine in S201 whether or not there is a user attempting to board car 1 from landing 8. The determination unit 46 may perform the determination process in S201 based on the image captured by the camera. For example, if there is a person moving towards the exit 21 at landing 8, S201 will be determined to be Yes. If there is no person moving towards the exit 21 at landing 8, S201 will be determined to be No.

[0062] If Yes is determined in S201, the button display device 27 displays the open button 30 in an enlarged view (S202). The process shown in S202 is the same as the process shown in S105. In addition, if Yes is determined in S201, the button display device 27 may further highlight the open button 30 (S203). The process shown in S203 is the same as the process shown in S106.

[0063] When the enlarged display of the open button 30 is started in S202, the determination unit 44 determines whether or not the first termination condition has been met (S204). The process shown in S204 is the same as the process shown in S107.

[0064] On the other hand, if No is determined in S201, the close button 31 is enlarged and displayed by the button display device 27 (S205). The process shown in 205 is the same as the process shown in S109. Also, when No is determined in S201, the close button 31 may be further highlighted by the button display device 27 (S206). The process shown in S206 is the same as the process shown in S110.

[0065] When the enlarged display of the close button 31 is started in S205, the determination unit 44 determines whether the conditions for ending the enlarged display of the close button 31 have been met (S207). The conditions in S207 are the conditions for when the door 12 is closed, and the conditions in S111 are the conditions for when the door 12 is opened. Hereafter, the conditions in S207 will also be referred to as the third termination condition. As an example, the third termination condition is met by the same requirements as the first termination condition.

[0066] As another example, the operation flow shown in Figure 9 may be performed when door 12 is fully open, and the operation flow shown in Figure 5 may be performed when door 12 is being opened or closed. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the elevator system. The processes shown in S301 to S303 in Figure 10 are the same as the processes shown in S101 to S103 in Figure 5.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 10, when the button is displayed normally in S303, the determination unit 43 determines whether the door 12 is fully open or not (S304). If a switch is provided that outputs an ON signal when the door 12 is fully open, then if the output signal of the switch is ON, then S304 determines Yes. The determination process in S304 may also be performed based on an image captured by the camera 14. The determination process in S304 may also be performed by other methods. If the door 12 is fully open, then S304 determines Yes. If the door 12 is not fully open, then S304 determines No.

[0068] If the result in S304 is No, the process shown in S104 to S111 in Figure 5 is performed. In this case, if the result in S107 is Yes, in S108 is No, or in S111 is Yes, the process returns to S301.

[0069] On the other hand, if the result in S304 is "Yes", the process proceeds to S305. The processes shown in S305 to S309 in Figure 10 are the same as the processes shown in S201 to S203 and S205 to S206 in Figure 9.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 10, if the result in S304 is determined to be Yes, and the result in S305 is also determined to be Yes, then the aerial image of the open button 30 can be displayed larger than when the result in S305 is determined to be No. Also, if the result in S304 is determined to be Yes, and the result in S305 is determined to be No, then the aerial image of the close button 31 can be displayed larger than when the result in S305 is determined to be Yes.

[0071] Figure 11 shows an example of the hardware resources of the button display device 27. The button display device 27 includes a processing circuit 60 as hardware resources, which includes a processor 61 and memory 62. The processing circuit 60 may include multiple processors 61. The processing circuit 60 may include multiple memory 62.

[0072] In this embodiment, the parts indicated by reference numerals 41 to 46 represent the functions of the button display device 27. The functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 41 to 46 can be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware, which are written as a program. The program is stored in memory 62. The button display device 27 realizes the functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 41 to 46 by executing the program stored in memory 62 using a processor 61 (computer).

[0073] The processor 61 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 62 may include semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs. Possible semiconductor memories include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0074] Figure 12 shows another example of the hardware resources of the button display device 27. In the example shown in Figure 12, the button display device 27 includes a processor 61, memory 62, and a processing circuit 60 including dedicated hardware 63. Figure 12 shows an example in which some of the functions of the button display device 27 are implemented by the dedicated hardware 63. All of the functions of the button display device 27 may also be implemented by the dedicated hardware 63. The dedicated hardware 63 can be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0075] The hardware resources of the control device 29 and the control panel 6 are the same as those shown in the example in Figure 11 or Figure 12. Each of these devices includes a processing circuit with a processor and memory as its hardware resources. Each of these devices realizes the functions of its respective parts by executing a program stored in memory using the processor (computer). Each of these devices may also include a processing circuit with a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as its hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of each of these devices may be realized by dedicated hardware. [Industrial applicability]

[0076] The button display device described herein can be applied to elevator systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 elevator car, 2 counterweight, 3 elevator shaft, 4 rope, 5 hoisting machine, 6 control panel, 7 machine room, 8 landing, 11 elevator car, 12 door, 13 motor, 14 camera, 15 weighing device, 16 control panel, 21 entrance / exit, 22 top panel, 23 side wall, 24 display, 25 intercom, 26 destination button, 27 button display device, 28 sensor, 29 control device, 30 open button, 31 close button, 32 indicator, 33 beam splitter, 34 retroreflective material, 35 panel, 36 through hole, 37 detection range, 41 display control unit, 42 judgment unit, 43 judgment unit, 44 judgment unit, 45 Communication unit, 46 Judgment unit, 51 Communication unit, 60 Processing circuit, 61 Processor, 62 Memory, 63 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. The door attached to the basket, A door control device that controls the opening and closing of the aforementioned door, A button display device that displays an image of an open button in the air for causing the door control device to perform the door opening operation, Equipped with, An elevator system in which, upon receiving a closing command from the door control device to close the door, the button display device starts to enlarge the display of the open button, and displays the image of the open button larger than the size of the image of the open button before the door closing operation is started.

2. The aforementioned button display device is The door control device displays an image of a close button in the air to cause the door to close. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving the closing command from the door control device, the image of the close button is displayed smaller or darker, or the image of the close button is hidden, before the closing operation of the door begins.

3. The aforementioned button display device is The door control device displays an image of a close button in the air to cause the door to close. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, upon receiving the closing command from the door control device, the image of the open button is displayed such that the image of the open button is closer to the user than the image of the close button, or the image of the open button is displayed at an upward angle.

4. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the button display device, upon receiving the closing command from the door control device, displays an image of the open button such that the image of the open button is positioned in the space leading to the landing when viewed from the front of the door.

5. The aforementioned button display device is The door control device displays an image of a close button in the air to cause the door to close. The elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the door opening operation is being performed by the door control device, the image of the close button is displayed larger than before the door opening operation is started.

6. The elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the button display device displays an image of the open button in the air using an imaging method that uses an orthogonal mirror array or a hexahedral prism element.

7. The aforementioned button display device is Determine whether or not there is a user attempting to pass through the entrance / exit of the aforementioned cage. The elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when it is determined that there is a user attempting to pass through the entrance of the elevator car while the door is fully open, the image of the open button is displayed larger than when it is determined that there is no such user.

8. The aforementioned button display device is The door control device displays an image of a close button in the air to cause the door to close. The elevator system according to claim 7, wherein when it is determined that there is no user attempting to pass through the entrance of the elevator car while the door is fully open, the image of the close button is displayed larger than when it is determined that there is a user.

9. The door attached to the basket, A door control device that controls the opening and closing of the aforementioned door, An elevator system comprising a button display device that displays an image of an open button in the air for causing the door control device to perform the door opening operation, A display unit that shows the image of the open button, A beam splitter that reflects light from the aforementioned display unit, A retroreflective material that reflects the light from the display unit reflected by the beam splitter, A display control unit that controls the aforementioned display unit, Equipped with, The light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter forms an image, causing the image of the open button to be displayed in the air. The display control unit, upon receiving a closing command from the door control device to close the door, starts an enlarged display of the open button, and displays the image of the open button on the display unit larger than the size of the image of the open button before the door closing operation is started.

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