Button display device and call registration system

Abstract

This button display device (27) is provided with a display (32), a beam splitter (33), a retroreflective material (34), and a passage restriction material (38). Light transmitted through the beam splitter (33) from the retroreflective material (34) passes through a through-hole (36) and forms an image, whereby an image of a destination button (26) is displayed in air. The passage restriction material (38) restricts passing light so that the light from the retroreflective material (34) transmitted through the beam splitter (33) passes through a first space (S1) in the through-hole (36) and does not pass through a second space (S2) around the first space (S1). According to the button display device (27), it is possible to prevent a user other than the user operating the button from knowing the button operation content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a button display device and a call registration system.

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 is used by an unspecified number of people. Among the users, there are those who do not want the operation content to be seen by other users when operating the button.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a button display device and a call registration system that can suppress the operation content from being known to users other than the user operating the button.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The button display device according to this disclosure is a button display device for displaying images of elevator destination buttons at a position away from the surface of a flat plate. The button display device comprises a display unit for displaying images of destination buttons, 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 light passage restricting material. The image of the destination button is displayed in the air when light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter is formed through a through-hole formed in the flat plate. The light passage restricting material limits the light that passes through the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter so that it passes through a first space within the space of the through-hole that includes the central axis of the through-hole, and does not pass through a second space surrounding the first space.

[0007] The button display device according to this disclosure is a button display device for displaying images of elevator destination buttons at a position away from the surface of a flat plate. The button display device comprises a display unit for displaying images of destination buttons, a beam splitter that reflects light from the display unit, and a retroreflective material that reflects the light from the display unit reflected by the beam splitter. The image of the destination buttons is displayed in the air by the retroreflective material passing through the beam splitter and forming an image through a through-hole formed in the flat plate. The retroreflective material has a limited reflection area such that the light from the retroreflective material passing through the beam splitter passes through a first space within the through-hole that includes the central axis of the through-hole, but does not pass through a second space surrounding the first space.

[0008] The call registration system according to this disclosure comprises the button display device, a sensor that detects the presence of an object in a first detection range that includes at least a portion of the image of the destination button, and a communication unit that, when the sensor detects the presence of an object in the first detection range, transmits a call registration request corresponding to the destination button to the elevator control panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent users other than the user operating the button from knowing what that operation is. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an elevator system equipped with a button display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing cross-section AA in 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] This figure shows another example of a button display device. [Figure 6] This is a view of the panel from direction B shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Flowchart illustrating an example of elevator system operation. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of a button display device. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows other examples of elevator system operation. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating an example of tracking display. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows other examples of elevator system operation. [Figure 12] This is a diagram to explain the function of the sensor. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an example of visual feedback. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating an example of visual feedback. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of hardware resources for a button display device. [Figure 16] This figure shows another example of hardware resources for a button display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following provides a detailed description with reference to the drawings. Redundant descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0012] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator system provided with a button display device 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.

[0013] The rope 4 is wound around a hoist machine 5. The hoist machine 5 drives the car 1. A control panel 6 controls the hoist machine 5. That is, the movement of the car 1 is controlled by the control panel 6. Also, the control panel 6 controls the devices provided in the car 1. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the hoist machine 5 and the control panel 6 are provided in a machine room 7 above the hoistway 3. The hoist machine 5 and the control panel 6 may be provided in the hoistway 3.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the car 1 is stopped at a landing 8. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the A-A cross section of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the functions of the elevator system. The car 1 includes a car cabin 11, a door 12, a motor 13, a camera 14, a weighing device 15, and an operation panel 16.

[0015] In the car cabin 11, an entrance / exit 21 for users to get on and off the car 1 is formed. The car cabin 11 includes a ceiling 22 and side walls 23. The ceiling 22 is disposed above the entrance / exit 21 and forms the upper edge of the entrance / exit 21.

[0016] Door 12 opens and closes the entrance / exit 21. Figure 2 shows a double-leaf door 12. Door 12 may also be a single-leaf door. Door 12 is driven by motor 13. Motor 13 is controlled by control panel 6. Control panel 6 controls the opening and closing of door 12. That is, control panel 6 has the function of a door control device that controls the opening and closing of door 12. The door control device may be provided as a separate device from control panel 6. For example, the door control device may be installed on top of the elevator car 1.

[0017] Camera 14 photographs the inside of the cage 1. If there are passengers in cage 1, they are photographed by camera 14. The weighing device 15 measures the load capacity of cage 1. Figure 1 shows an example where the weighing device 15 is installed below the cage compartment 11. In another example, the weighing device 15 may be installed at the end of the rope 4.

[0018] The control panel 16 is installed on the side wall 23. The control panel 16 includes a display 24, an intercom 25, a button display device 27, a sensor 28, a control device 29, an open button 30, and a close button 31. The display 24 provides information to the user inside the elevator car 1. The intercom 25 is a device for the user inside the elevator car 1 to communicate with an operator at an external information center.

[0019] The button display device 27 has the function of displaying an image of the destination button 26 in the air. For example, the button display device 27 displays an image of the destination button 26 in the air using an imaging method that uses an orthogonal mirror array or a hexahedral prism element. The destination button 26 is a button used by the user to input the destination floor.

[0020] 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 open button 30 and the close button 31 are mechanical buttons. The button display device 27 may further have the function of displaying images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 in the air.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example where the elevator car 1 stops at each landing 8 on each floor from the 1st to the 5th floor. In this example, the button display device 27 displays images of destination buttons 26 corresponding to each floor from the 1st to the 5th floor in the air. In the following, when it is necessary to specify an element on a floor-by-floor basis, the delimiter "-nF" indicating the nth floor is added to the symbol of that element. For example, the button display device 27 displays images of destination button 26-1F, destination button 26-2F, destination button 26-3F, destination button 26-4F, and destination button 26-5F in the air.

[0022] 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, a retroreflective material 34, and a passage restriction material 38. 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. A through hole 36 is formed in the panel 35.

[0023] 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 1.

[0024] Therefore, when the image of the destination button 26 is displayed on the display unit 32, the image of the destination button 26 is displayed in the air at a position away from the surface 35a of the panel 35. The surface 35a is the surface facing the inside of the car compartment 11.

[0025] In the example shown in this embodiment, each element of the button display device 27 shown in Figure 4 is provided corresponding to each floor. Specifically, the button display device 27 for the first floor includes a display unit 32-1F, a beam splitter 33-1F, a retroreflective material 34-1F, and a passage restriction material 38-1F. The display unit 32-1F displays an image of the destination button 26-1F, so that the image of the destination button 26-1F is displayed in the air at a position away from the surface 35a of the panel 35. The same applies to the second to fifth floors.

[0026] The light-passing restricting material 38 has the function of limiting the amount of light that passes through it. For example, the light-passing restricting material 38 is a decorative sheet that limits the area through which light can pass. The light-passing restricting material 38 may also be a black sheet with holes formed therein for light to pass through. The light-passing restricting material 38 is not limited to these examples. The light-passing restricting material 38 is arranged so that light emitted from the display unit 32 passes through the light-passing restricting material 38 and then through the through-holes 36.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example in which the light-passing restriction material 38 is installed between the display unit 32 and the beam splitter 33. In the example shown in Figure 4, the light emitted from the display unit 32 passes through the light-passing restriction material 38 before it enters the beam splitter 33. As the light emitted from the display unit 32 passes through the light-passing restriction material 38, a portion of it is blocked by the material 38.

[0028] Figure 5 shows another example of the button display device 27. The example shown in Figure 5 differs from the example shown in Figure 4 in that the light-passing restricting material 38 is provided between the beam splitter 33 and the panel 35. In the example shown in Figure 5, the light emitted from the display 32 passes through the beam splitter 33 and then through the light-passing restricting material 38. In the example shown in Figure 5 as well, a portion of the light emitted from the display 32 is blocked by the light-passing restricting material 38 as it passes through it. Specifically, the light-passing restricting material 38 blocks a portion of the light from the retroreflective material 34 that has passed through the beam splitter 33.

[0029] Figure 6 is a view of panel 35 from direction B shown in Figure 4. In Figure 6, the first space S1, indicated by the inner pattern, is part of the space formed inside the through hole 36. The second space S2, indicated by the other outer pattern, is another part of the space formed inside the through hole 36. The first space S1 is the central space within the through hole 36 that includes the central axis of the through hole 36. If the cross-section of the through hole 36 is a circle with radius r, then the first space S1 is a cylinder whose base is a circle with radius r1. Radius r1 is smaller than radius r.

[0030] The second space S2 is the space within the through-hole 36 that surrounds the first space S1. That is, the second space S2 is the space within a certain value r2 of distance from the inner surface 35b of the panel 35. The inner surface 35b is the surface that forms the through-hole 36. If the cross-section of the through-hole 36 is circular, then the second space S2 is cylindrical, and r1 + r2 = r holds true. That is, the constant value r2 is smaller than the radius r of the through-hole 36. The light-passing restricting material 38 restricts the light that passes through the beam splitter 33 from the retroreflective material 34 so that it passes through the first space S1 but not the second space S2. This makes the viewing angle of the image of the destination button 26 displayed in the air smaller than the viewing angle when the light-passing restricting material 38 is not present.

[0031] Sensor 28 detects the presence of an object within the detection range 37. Sensor 28 is a sensor for detecting a user's finger that is about to touch the aerial image of the destination button 26 displayed by the button display device 27.

[0032] In the example shown in this embodiment, the sensors 28 are provided corresponding to each floor. That is, the control panel 16 includes sensors 28-1F, 28-2F, 28-3F, 28-4F, and 28-5F. The detection range 37-1F of sensor 28-1F includes at least a portion of the aerial image of the destination button 26-1F. Preferably, the detection range 37-1F includes the entire aerial image of the destination button 26-1F. For example, when a user standing in front of the control panel 16 brings their finger close to the image of the destination button 26-1F displayed in the air, the presence of the finger is detected by sensor 28-1F when the finger enters the detection range 37-1F.

[0033] The same applies to sensors 28-2F for the second floor and 28-5F for the fifth floor. For example, at least a portion of the aerial image of destination button 26-5F is included in the detection range 37-5F of sensor 28-5F. Preferably, the entire aerial image of destination button 26-5F is included in the detection range 37-5F. When a user standing in front of the control panel 16 brings their finger close to the image of destination button 26-5F displayed in the air, the presence of the finger is detected by sensor 28-5F when the finger enters the detection range 37-5F.

[0034] The button display device 27 further includes a display control unit 41 and a determination unit 42 as control functions. The display control unit 41 controls the display unit 32.

[0035] The control device 29 is responsible for the control functions of the operation panel 16. The control device 29 includes a communication unit 51 and a determination unit 52. The communication unit 51 transmits requests to the control panel 6. These requests include a request to register a call. In the example shown in this embodiment, the button display device 27, sensor 28, control device 29, and control panel 6 constitute a system for registering calls.

[0036] The above requests also include a door open request and a door close request. When the open button 30 is pressed, the communication unit 51 transmits a door open request to the control panel 6. When the control panel 6 receives the door open request, it controls the motor 13 to open the door 12. When the close button 31 is pressed, the communication unit 51 transmits a door close request to the control panel 6. When the control panel 6 receives the door close request, it controls the motor 13 to close the door 12.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Next, the operation of this elevator system will be explained, referring also to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator system. Specifically, Figure 7 shows the operation flow performed at the control panel 16.

[0039] 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.

[0040] If the determination unit 42 determines that there is a user inside car 1, it determines Yes in S101. If the determination unit 42 does not determine that there is a user inside car 1, it determines No in S101. If it determines No in S101, the button display device 27 does not display the button (S102). That is, if it determines No in S101, the display control unit 41 does not display the image of the destination button 26 on the display unit 32. Therefore, the aerial image of the destination button 26 is not displayed.

[0041] In S101, it may be determined whether or not there is a user within a specific range inside car 1. This range is the area within car 1 where a user might attempt to touch the destination button 26, 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.

[0042] If the response in S101 is "Yes", 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 destination button 26 on the display unit 32 in normal size and normal color. The normal size and normal color are set in advance. As a result, an image of the destination button 26 of the first size and a specific color is displayed in the air.

[0043] Figure 7 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).

[0044] In the control device 29, when it is determined to be Yes in S101, that is, when the normal display of the button starts in S103, the determination unit 52 determines whether or not the sensor 28 has detected the presence of an object in the detection range 37 (S104). For example, when a user's finger enters the detection range 37 as they attempt to touch the image on the destination button 26, the sensor 28 detects the presence of the object. When the sensor 28 detects the presence of an object, it transmits a detection signal to the control device 29. When the control device 29 receives a detection signal from the sensor 28, it is determined to be Yes in S104. If the control device 29 does not receive a detection signal from the sensor 28, it is determined to be No in S104.

[0045] If the result in S104 is determined to be Yes, the communication unit 51 sends a call registration request to the control panel 6 corresponding to the destination button 26 that the user attempted to touch (S105). That is, if the presence of an object is detected by the sensor 28-1F in S104, a call registration request corresponding to the destination button 26-1F is sent in S105. Similarly, if the presence of an object is detected by the sensor 28-5F in S104, a call registration request corresponding to the destination button 26-5F is sent in S105.

[0046] In the control panel 6, the call is registered based on the received call registration request. As a result, the cage 1 responds to the registered call.

[0047] In the example shown in this embodiment, the button display device 27 is equipped with a light-passing restriction material 38. The light-passing restriction material 38 restricts the light passing through the retroreflective material 34 that has passed through the beam splitter 33, so that it passes through the first space S1 of the space within the through-hole 36 but not through the second space S2. As a result, the viewing angle of the image of the destination button 26 can be limited, and the content of the operation can be prevented from being seen by users other than the user operating the button. In other words, the button display device 27 has an anti-peeping function.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 2 shows an example in which a button display device 27 is provided in the device for registering calls inside the elevator car 1. As another example, a device having the same functions as the control panel 16 may be provided at the landing 8.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 show a preferred example in which the button display device 27 is equipped with a passage-restricting material 38. In another example, a function similar to that of the passage-restricting material 38 may be achieved by limiting the reflective area of ​​the retroreflective material 34. Figure 8 shows another example of the button display device 27. In the example shown in Figure 8, the button display device 27 comprises a display unit 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflective material 34. In this example, the button display device 27 is not equipped with a passage-restricting material 38. The retroreflective material 34 has its reflective area limited so that light from the retroreflective material 34 that has passed through the beam splitter 33 passes through the first space S1 of the space within the through-hole 36 but does not pass through the second space S2.

[0051] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of elevator system operation. Figure 9 shows an alternative operation flow after the call registration request is sent in S105 of Figure 7. That is, in this example as well, the processes shown in S101 to S105 of Figure 7 are performed. Furthermore, when the operation flow shown in Figure 9 is performed, the sensor 28 can not only detect the presence of an object in the detection range 37, but also detect the position of the object within the detection range 37. The button display device 27 further includes a determination unit 43 as a control function.

[0052] If the response is "Yes" in S104, the display control unit 41 performs a tracking display for the destination button 26 whose image the user is about to touch (S201). The tracking display is a display that makes the image of the destination button 26 follow the object whose position has been detected by the sensor 28. In S201, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the destination button 26 on the display unit 32 so that the tracking display can be performed.

[0053] As an example, consider the case where sensor 28-4F detects an object, resulting in a "Yes" determination in S104. In this case, the display control unit 41 displays the image of destination button 26-4F on the display unit 32-4F so that the image of destination button 26-4F follows the object whose position has been detected by sensor 28-4F.

[0054] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of tracking display. In S201, first, a position detection process is performed. In this process, the sensor 28-4F detects the position of the object whose presence has been detected. In the next position alignment process, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the destination button 26-4F on the display unit 32-4F so that the center position of the image of the destination button 26-4F aligns with the position of the tip of the detected object. In the next tracking process, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the destination button 26-4F on the display unit 32-4F so that the center position of the image of the destination button 26-4F follows the position of the tip of the detected object. By performing such tracking display, it is possible to visually inform the user that a call registration request has been made.

[0055] When the tracking display starts in S201, the determination unit 43 determines whether the conditions for ending the tracking display have been met (S202). Hereinafter, this condition will also be referred to as the first termination condition. For example, the first termination condition is met when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the sensor 28-4F detected the presence of an object. As another example, the first termination condition is met when the sensor 28-4F no longer detects the presence of an object. The requirements for the first termination condition to be met are not limited to these examples. If the first termination condition is met, S202 is determined to be Yes. If S202 is determined to be Yes, and there is a user in the car 1, the normal display of the buttons is resumed in S103.

[0056] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of elevator system operation. Figure 11 shows another operation flow after the call registration request is sent in S105 of Figure 7. That is, in this example as well, the processes shown in S101 to S105 of Figure 7 are performed. Furthermore, when the operation flow shown in Figure 11 is performed, the sensor 28 can detect the presence of an object at multiple levels. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the function of the sensor 28. The sensor 28 can not only detect the presence of an object in the detection range 37, but also detect the presence of an object in the detection range 39.

[0057] For example, the detection range 39-1F of sensor 28-1F includes at least a portion of the aerial image of destination button 26-1F. The detection range 39-1F may include the entire aerial image of destination button 26-1F. Also, the detection range 39-1F is smaller than the detection range 37-1F, and is included within the detection range 37-1F.

[0058] Therefore, when a user standing in front of the control panel 16 approaches the image of the destination button 26-1F displayed in the air, their finger first enters the detection range 37-1F, and then enters the detection range 39-1F. Sensor 28-1F detects that an object is present in the detection range 37 when the finger enters the detection range 37-1F. As a result, sensor 28-1F outputs a first detection signal. Subsequently, when the finger enters the detection range 39-1F, sensor 28-1F detects that an object is present in the detection range 39. As a result, sensor 28-1F outputs a second detection signal.

[0059] The same applies to sensors 28-2F for the second floor and 28-5F for the fifth floor.

[0060] When the operation flow shown in Figure 11 is performed, for example, when a first detection signal is output from sensor 28-4F, it is determined to be Yes in S104. When it is determined to be Yes in S104, the button display device 27 determines whether or not an object has been detected by sensor 28-4F within the detection range 39-4F (S301). When the button display device 27 receives a second detection signal from sensor 28-4F, it is determined to be Yes in S301.

[0061] On the other hand, if the button display device 27 does not receive the second detection signal from sensor 28-4F, and a certain amount of time has elapsed since S104 determined Yes, then S302 will determine Yes. If S302 determines Yes, the process returns to S101.

[0062] If the response in S301 is determined to be Yes, visual feedback is provided to the user (S303). Specifically, in S303, the display control unit 41 displays a visual feedback on the display unit 32 indicating that a call registration request has been made.

[0063] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate examples of visual feedback. As shown in Figure 13, the display control unit 41 may, as feedback in S303, display an emphasis image 40a on the display unit 32-4F adjacent to the image of the destination buttons 26-4F to highlight the image of the destination buttons 26-4F. Figure 13 shows an example in which a ripple image is displayed around the image of the destination buttons 26-4F as the emphasis image 40a. Other images may be used as the emphasis image 40a.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14, the display control unit 41 may, as feedback in S303, display a highlight image 40b containing character information on the display unit 32-4F adjacent to the image of the destination buttons 26-4F. Figure 14 shows an example in which the highlight image 40b is an image containing characters in a callout placed on top of the image of the destination buttons 26-4F.

[0065] As feedback in S303, the display control unit 41 may displace the images of the destination buttons 26-4F that are already displayed. For example, the display control unit 41 may vibrate the images of the destination buttons 26-4F.

[0066] The display control unit 41 may, as feedback in S303, enlarge the image of the destination buttons 26-4F that are already displayed. The display control unit 41 may, as feedback in S303, change the color of the destination buttons 26-4F that are already displayed.

[0067] In addition to the visual feedback in S303, other feedback may be provided to inform the user that a call registration request has been made. For example, vibrations may be generated in the finger by applying ultrasound to it. Alternatively, air may be blown on the finger, or sound may be generated.

[0068] Figure 15 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 also include multiple memory 62.

[0069] In this embodiment, the parts indicated by reference numerals 41 to 43 represent the functions of the button display device 27. The functions of the parts indicated by reference numerals 41 to 43 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 43 by executing the program stored in memory 62 using a processor 61 (computer).

[0070] 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.

[0071] Figure 16 shows another example of the hardware resources of the button display device 27. In the example shown in Figure 16, the button display device 27 includes a processor 61, memory 62, and a processing circuit 60 including dedicated hardware 63. Figure 16 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.

[0072] The hardware resources of the control device 29 are the same as those shown in the example in Figure 15 or Figure 16. The control device 29 includes a processing circuit that includes a processor and memory as hardware resources. The control device 29 realizes the functions of each part shown by reference numerals 51 to 52 by executing a program stored in memory using the processor (computer). The control device 29 may also include a processing circuit that includes a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of the control device 29 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0073] The hardware resources of the control panel 6 are the same as those shown in the example in Figure 15 or Figure 16. The control panel 6 includes a processing circuit that includes a processor and memory as hardware resources. The control panel 6 realizes each function by executing a program stored in memory using the processor (computer). The control panel 6 may also include a processing circuit that includes a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of the control panel 6 may be realized by dedicated hardware. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] The button display device described herein can be applied to elevator systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 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, 35a surface, 35b interior, 36 through hole, 37 detection range, 38 passage restriction material, 39 detection range 40a~40b Enhanced image, 41 Display control unit, 42 Judgment unit, 43 Judgment unit, 51 Communication unit, 52 Judgment unit, 60 Processing circuit, 61 Processor, 62 Memory, 63 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. A button display device for displaying images of elevator destination buttons at a position away from the surface of a flat plate, A display unit that shows images of the destination buttons, 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 passage restriction material, Equipped with, Light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter is imaged through a through-hole formed in the flat plate, thereby displaying an image of the destination button in the air. The aforementioned light-passing restricting material is a button display device that restricts the light passing through the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter so that it passes through a first space within the through-hole that includes the central axis of the through-hole, and does not pass through a second space surrounding the first space.

2. The button display device according to claim 1, wherein the passage-restricting material is provided between the display and the beam splitter, and blocks a portion of the light emitted from the display.

3. The button display device according to claim 1, wherein the passage-restricting material is provided between the beam splitter and the flat plate, and blocks a portion of the light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter.

4. A button display device for displaying images of elevator destination buttons at a position away from the surface of a flat plate, A display unit that shows images of the destination buttons, 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, Equipped with, Light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter is imaged through a through-hole formed in the flat plate, thereby displaying an image of the destination button in the air. The retroreflective material is a button display device in which the reflective region is limited such that light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter passes through a first space within the through hole that includes the central axis of the through hole, but does not pass through a second space surrounding the first space.

5. A button display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A sensor that detects the presence of an object in a first detection range that includes at least a portion of the image of the destination button, When the sensor detects the presence of an object within the first detection range, a communication unit transmits a call registration request corresponding to the destination button to the elevator control panel. A call registration system equipped with the following features.

6. The button display device further comprises a display control unit for controlling the display, The sensor detects the position of an object located within the first detection range. The call registration system according to claim 5, wherein the display control unit displays the image of the destination button on the display device such that the image of the destination button follows the position of an object detected by the sensor.

7. The button display device further comprises a display control unit for controlling the display, The sensor detects that an object exists in a second detection range which includes at least a portion of the image of the destination button. The second detection range is smaller than the first detection range and is included within the first detection range. The call registration system according to claim 5, wherein when the sensor detects that an object is present in the second detection range, the display control unit displays feedback on the display that a call registration request has been made, visually indicating that a call registration request has been made.

8. The call registration system according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit displays an image for highlighting the image of the destination button on the display so as feedback, adjacent to the image of the destination button.

9. The call registration system according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit displays an image including characters on the display so as feedback, adjacent to the image of the destination button.

10. The call registration system according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit displaces the image of the destination button as feedback.

11. The call registration system according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit enlarges the image of the destination button as feedback.

12. The call registration system according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit changes the color of the image of the destination button as feedback.

Images