Notification system

Abstract

The present invention provides a notification system that makes it possible to easily discover the position of a car that will arrive at a landing next. The notification system comprises: a display device that is provided at a landing inside a building where a plurality of cars are operated, and that displays information on a screen; and a display control device that creates guidance screen information by using the operation information of the plurality of cars, and that causes the display device to display the guidance screen. The following are displayed on the guidance screen: the position of the display device in the landing; the direction in which a person looking at the guidance screen of the display device is expected to be facing; and an arrival indicator at a plane-passing position of the next car to arrive at the landing from among the plurality of cars.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator notification system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator notification system. In the elevator, a plurality of cars are group-controlled. When a car to be dispatched to a certain landing is determined, the notification system can notify the user of the car by turning on a light corresponding to the car.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the notification system described in Patent Document 1, if the structure of the landing is large and complex, it may be difficult for the user to find the lighting position of the light. For this reason, there is a possibility that the user cannot know the position of the car that will next arrive at the landing.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a notification system that allows a user to easily find the position of the car that will next arrive at the landing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] BookThe notification system for disclosure is installed in the landing area inside a building where multiple elevator cars operate, and comprises a display device that displays information on a screen, and a display control device that creates information for a guidance screen using the operation information of multiple elevator cars and displays the guidance screen on the display device. The guidance screen displays the position of the display device at the landing, the direction that the person viewing the guidance screen on the display device is assumed to be facing, and an arrival indicator for the planar passing position of the next elevator car to arrive at the landing among the multiple elevator cars. The arrival indicator on the guidance screen is associated with and displayed information indicating the direction of travel of a specific elevator car that will arrive at the landing next among the multiple elevator cars, and information indicating the probability of arrival at the landing next. For a specific elevator car among the multiple elevator cars, the upward and downward arrival probabilities are simultaneously associated and displayed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the guidance screen displays the location of the display device, the direction the person viewing the guidance screen is presumed to be facing, and an arrival indicator for the plane passing position of the next elevator car to arrive at the boarding area. This makes it easy for users to find the location of the next elevator car to arrive at the boarding area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a building to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] This is a top view of the boarding area to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the notification system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed in the notification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed in the notification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed in the notification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed in the notification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a comparative example showing a part of a building to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is not applied. [Figure 9] This is a comparative example showing a part of a building to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is not applied. [Figure 10] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the display control device of the notification system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed in the notification system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a building to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is applied. Figure 2 is a top view of the landing to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is applied.

[0011] The elevator system 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed in a building 2. The building 2 is provided with multiple hoistways 3. Each of the multiple hoistways 3 penetrates each floor of the building 2. The elevator system 1 comprises multiple cars 4. Each of the multiple cars 4 is installed to be able to move up and down inside each of the multiple hoistways 3. Each of the multiple cars 4 is controlled by each of the multiple control devices 5. Figure 1 illustrates some of the multiple cars 4 and the multiple control devices 5.

[0012] In elevator system 1, a group control device 6 controls multiple elevator cars 4 as a group. The group control device 6 manages the operation of multiple elevator cars 4 via multiple control devices 5.

[0013] An elevator system 1 includes a notification system 7. The notification system 7 includes a display control device 8. The display control device 8 is capable of communicating with a group management device 6. The display control device 8 acquires operation information of a plurality of cars 4 from the group management device 6.

[0014] Inside a building 2 as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of landings 9 are provided on each floor of the building 2. FIG. 2 shows one of the plurality of landings 9 provided in the building 2. For example, all of the plurality of landings 9 have the same structure and are provided with the same facilities. The landing 9 includes two landing doorways 9a and 9b for entering and exiting the landing 9 from another area on the same floor, and a landing passage 9c. For example, the two landing doorways 9a and 9b are provided so as to sandwich the inside of the landing 9. The landing passage 9c connects the two landing doorways 9a and 9b. The landing passage 9c passes through the center of the interior of the landing 9.

[0015] Although not directly illustrated, for example, eight cars 4 are provided in the building 2. The plurality of first cars 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are four of the eight cars 4. The plurality of second cars 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h are the other four of the eight cars 4 that are not the first cars 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d.

[0016] In FIG. 2, in a cross-section of the landing 9 along a horizontal plane, the planar positions of regions through which the cars 4 pass are shown corresponding to the plurality of cars 4. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h respectively corresponding to the cars 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h.

[0017] The planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d of the first cars 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are aligned on one side with respect to the landing passage 9c. The planar passing positions 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h of the second cars 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h are aligned on the other side opposite to the one side with respect to the landing passage 9c. Passengers can get on and off from the landing 9 to the plurality of first cars 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the plurality of second cars 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h through the corresponding individual doorways.

[0018] Multiple landing doors 11 are provided at individual entrances and exits at planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h on the landing 9. Multiple hall lights 12 are provided near each of the multiple landing doors 11. The hall lights 12 have an upward light and a downward light. The upward light is a lamp that indicates the car 4 is moving upward from the landing 9. The downward light is a lamp that indicates the car 4 is moving downward from the landing 9. Multiple landing control panels 13 receive operations for calling landings upward or downward. For example, the multiple landing control panels 13 are provided so that each is located between the multiple landing doors 11.

[0019] The notification system 7 further comprises two display devices 14. The display devices 14 display information on a screen. Specifically, for example, the display device 14 is a liquid crystal display. The two display devices 14 are a first display device 14a and a second display device 14b. The first display device 14a and the second display device 14b have similar configurations but are mounted at different angles.

[0020] The first display device 14a is mounted on the ceiling above the landing passage 9c. For example, the first display device 14a is positioned midway between the two landing entrances 9a and 9b in the horizontal direction. That is, the first display device 14a is positioned between the planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and the planar passing positions 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h. The screen of the first display device 14a faces the landing entrance 9a.

[0021] The second display device 14b is mounted on the ceiling above the landing passage 9c. For example, the second display device 14b is positioned midway between the two landing entrances 9a and 9b in the horizontal direction. That is, the second display device 14b is positioned between the planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and the planar passing positions 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h. The screen of the second display device 14b faces the landing entrance 9b.

[0022] A display control device 8, not shown in Figure 2, causes each of the two display devices 14 to display a notification screen. The hall light 12 corresponding to the next arriving car 4 flashes. The notification screen shows the arrival indicator, which is the position of the next car 4 to arrive at the landing 9 among the multiple cars 4. For example, a user entering from the landing entrance 9a looks at the notification screen on the first display device 14a to confirm the position of the next arriving car 4. The user then moves in front of the landing door 11 corresponding to the car 4 shown on the notification screen.

[0023] Furthermore, in group control, the next arriving elevator car 4 may be changed to a different elevator car 4. In this case, the hall light 12 corresponding to the different elevator car 4 will flash. Users must look for the flashing hall light 12. In this case, instead of looking for the hall light 12, the user checks the notification screen on the first display device 14a or the second display device 14b to confirm the location of the different elevator car 4. The user then moves in front of the landing door 11 corresponding to the different elevator car 4.

[0024] Next, we will explain the notification system 7 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the notification system in Embodiment 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the display control device 8 comprises a storage unit 8a, a communication unit 8b, and a screen creation unit 8c.

[0026] The memory unit 8a stores the information necessary to create the notification screen. Specifically, the memory unit 8a stores the location information of the entrances and exits 9a and 9b and the location information of the passageway 9c as a map of a certain landing 9. The memory unit 8a stores the information of the planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h on the landing 9 as a map of a certain landing 9. The memory unit 8a stores the location information of the display device 14 on the landing 9 and the information of the direction the screen of the display device 14 faces as a map of a certain landing 9.

[0027] The communication unit 8b communicates with external devices. The communication unit 8b acquires operation information from the group management device 6. The communication unit 8b controls the content displayed by the display device 14 by transmitting information to be displayed on the screen.

[0028] The screen creation unit 8c creates information for the notification screen using the information stored in the storage unit 8a and the information acquired by the communication unit 8b. The screen creation unit 8c displays the created notification screen on the display device 14 via the communication unit 8b. For example, the screen creation unit 8c creates information for the notification screen at a predetermined interval and updates the notification screen displayed on the display device 14.

[0029] Next, we will explain examples of notification screens using Figures 4 to 7. Figures 4 to 7 show examples of notification screens displayed in the notification system according to Embodiment 1. In the following figures, reference numerals are used to descriptively on the notification screens. These reference numerals do not necessarily have to be displayed on the actual notification screens.

[0030] Figure 4 shows the notification screen displayed on the first display device 14a when no call is registered at a certain landing 9. In this case, the notification screen displays information indicating that no call is registered, such as "Please press the button to call the elevator." The notification screen displays a map of landing 9, showing the relative positions of the landing entrances 9a and 9b and the landing passageway 9c. The notification screen also displays the planar passing positions 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h at landing 9. The notification screen of the first display device 14a displays the first position, which is the installation location of the first display device 14a at landing 9. The notification screen of the first display device 14a displays the first current location P1, which is assumed to be the location of the person viewing the first display device 14a. The notification screen of the first display device 14a displays the first direction D1, which is assumed to be the direction the person viewing the first display device 14a is facing, as the first direction D1 corresponding to the first display device 14a. The first current location P1 and the first direction D1 are determined based on information about the direction the screen of the first display device 14a faces, which is stored in a storage unit 8a (not shown in Figure 4).

[0031] Figure 5 shows the notification screen displayed on the second display device 14b when no call is registered. The notification screen of the second display device 14b displays a map of the landing 9 that is almost the same as the notification screen of the first display device 14a. Furthermore, the notification screen of the second display device 14b displays the second position of the second display device 14b at the landing 9. The notification screen of the second display device 14b displays the second current location P2, which is assumed to be the current location of the person viewing the second display device 14b. The notification screen of the second display device 14b displays the direction D2, which is assumed to be the direction the person viewing the second display device 14b is facing, as the second direction D2 corresponding to the second display device 14b. The second current location P2 and the second direction D2 are determined based on the information of the direction the screen of the second display device 14b faces, which is stored in the storage unit 8a (not shown in Figure 5).

[0032] Figure 6 shows the notification screen displayed on the first display device 14a when an upward departure boarding call from boarding 9 is registered. For example, the boarding call is registered for the first car 4a. That is, according to the operation information, the first car 4a will arrive at boarding 9 next and depart upward. In this case, the notification screen shows the plane passing position 10a corresponding to the first car 4a in color as an arrival indicator for the next arriving car 4. The arrival indicator shows that the corresponding car 4 will arrive at boarding 9 next. At this time, the plane passing position 10a is colored with a color corresponding to upward as information indicating the direction of travel of the first car 4a. Note that in the notification screen, the arrival indicator for the next arriving car 4 may be displayed by blinking the plane passing position instead of coloring the plane passing area. Also, in the notification screen, the information indicating the direction of travel may be a graphic such as an arrow or text instead of coloring.

[0033] Additionally, the notification screen displays a message indicating that an upward-direction elevator call has been registered, such as "We are going upwards. Please wait until we arrive," using a color corresponding to the upward direction of travel. The notification screen also displays a message indicating that no downward-direction elevator call has been registered, such as "For downward travel, please press the button to call the elevator."

[0034] Figure 7 shows the notification screen displayed on the first display device 14a when both an upward and downward boarding call for departure from boarding 9 are registered. For example, an upward boarding call is registered for the first car 4a. A downward boarding call is registered for the second car 4h. That is, according to the operation information, the first car 4a will arrive at boarding 9 next and depart upward. Also, the second car 4h will arrive at boarding 9 next and depart downward.

[0035] In this case, the notification screen displays the arrival indicator for the next upward-bound car 4, showing the planar passing position 10a corresponding to the first car 4a in a colored state. At this time, the planar passing position 10a is colored with a color corresponding to the upward direction, indicating the direction of travel of the first car 4a. The notification screen also displays the arrival indicator for the next downward-bound car 4, showing the planar passing position 10h corresponding to the second car 4h in a colored state. At this time, the planar passing position 10h is colored with a color corresponding to the downward direction, indicating the direction of travel of the second car 4h.

[0036] Additionally, the notification screen displays a message indicating that a boarding call for an upward direction of travel is registered, such as "We are heading upwards. Please wait until we arrive," using a color corresponding to the upward direction. The notification screen also displays a message indicating that a boarding call for a downward direction of travel is registered, such as "We are heading downwards. Please wait until we arrive," using a color corresponding to the downward direction.

[0037] According to Embodiment 1 described above, the notification system 7 comprises a display device 14 and a display control device 8. The display control device 8 causes the display device 14 to display a guidance screen. The guidance screen displays the position of the display device 14, the direction that the person viewing the display device 14 is presumed to be facing, and an arrival indicator for the next elevator car 4 to arrive at the landing 9. The arrival indicator is displayed in correspondence with the planar passage position of the elevator car 4. By checking the display screen, the user can know their relative position at the landing 9, the direction they are facing, and the position of the next elevator car 4 to arrive. At this time, the user can intuitively know the direction they should look next based on their relative position and the direction they are facing. Therefore, the notification system 7 makes it easy for the user to find the position of the next elevator car 4 to arrive at the landing 9.

[0038] In addition, the arrival indicator also displays information indicating the direction of travel from which the next arriving elevator car 4 will depart from platform 9. Therefore, users can easily find the elevator car 4 heading in the direction they intend to travel.

[0039] Furthermore, the display device 14 is located between the planar passage positions through which the first cars 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d pass and the planar passage positions through which the second cars 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h pass. In a landing 9 with a complex structure due to the arrangement of individual entrances and exits for each car 4, it is difficult for users to find their intended car 4. According to Embodiment 1, in such a landing 9, it is possible to easily allow users to find the location of the next car 4 to arrive at the landing 9.

[0040] Furthermore, if a notification system 7 like the one disclosed herein is not provided, users may not be able to locate the arriving elevator car 4, as shown in Figures 8 and 9 below. Figures 8 and 9 are comparative examples showing a part of a building to which the notification system in Embodiment 1 is not applied.

[0041] In the comparative example shown in Figure 8, the notification system 7, consisting of a display control device 8 and a display device 14, is not provided. The first car 4a is the car 4 that will next arrive at landing 9 and will move upward from landing 9. The second car 4h is the car 4 that will next arrive at landing 9 and will move downward from landing 9.

[0042] User Ua, who has arrived at platform 9 from platform entrance 9a, wishes to board one of the elevator cars 4 from platform 9 to go to the lower floor. However, due to distance or other reasons, user Ua cannot see the hall light 12 corresponding to the second elevator car 4h. In other words, Ua cannot find the elevator car 4 that they should board.

[0043] User Ub is making an upward call from the landing control panel 13 adjacent to the first elevator car 4c. Based on this call, the hall light 12 corresponding to the first elevator car 4a is illuminated. However, due to reasons such as being in user Ub's blind spot, user Ub cannot see the hall light 12 corresponding to the first elevator car 4a. In other words, user Ub cannot find the elevator car 4 that they should board.

[0044] The situation shown in Figure 9 is the situation after the situation shown in Figure 8. After the first elevator car 4a arrives at boarding 9, it departs upward. After the second elevator car 4h arrives at boarding 9, it departs downward.

[0045] Because the sign for hall light 12 was difficult to see, user Uc, who wanted to go to the upper floor, mistakenly boarded elevator car 2 4h. User Ua began moving towards elevator car 2 4h after it arrived at boarding area 9. However, because the timing of the start of movement was delayed, user Ua was unable to board elevator car 2 4h. User Ub did not notice the arrival of elevator car 1 4a and therefore was unable to board elevator car 1 4a.

[0046] As shown in the comparative examples above, in elevator systems with particularly complex landing structures, users may miss their intended elevator car. This situation could potentially be avoided by, for example, installing a landing control panel at the landing that allows users to specify their destination floor. However, there are costs associated with installing such a landing control panel. Furthermore, it may not be possible to install such a landing control panel in existing elevator systems. The notification system 7 described in Embodiment 1 can be installed in existing elevator systems as a replacement for such a landing control panel. In other words, the notification system 7 can be installed easily and inexpensively.

[0047] The display control device 8 may acquire operation information from multiple control devices 5 instead of from the group control device 6. The display control device 8 may also integrate the information acquired from multiple control devices 5 to create operation information for multiple elevator cars 4.

[0048] The display control device 8 may be located inside the group control device 6.

[0049] Furthermore, the number of elevator cars 4 in elevator system 1 does not have to be eight. The number of first cars and second cars does not have to be four each. The number of first cars and second cars do not have to be the same.

[0050] Furthermore, the display device 14 does not need to be installed at all landings 9. The display device 14 only needs to be installed at at least one of the multiple landings 9.

[0051] Next, an example of the hardware that constitutes the display control device 8 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of the display control device of the notification system in Embodiment 1.

[0052] Each function of the display control device 8 can be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0053] When the processing circuit comprises at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the display control device 8 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a realizes each function of the display control device 8 by reading and executing the program stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, DVD, etc.

[0054] If the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be implemented as, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the display control device 8 may be implemented by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the display control device 8 may be implemented together by a processing circuit.

[0055] Some functions of the display control device 8 may be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, while others may be implemented by software or firmware. For example, the function of storing information may be implemented by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 200, while functions other than the information storage function may be implemented by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0056] In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the display control device 8 using hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Although not shown in the diagram, the functions of the control device 5 and the group management device 6 are also implemented by processing circuits equivalent to those that implement the functions of the display control device 8.

[0058] Embodiment 2. Figure 11 shows an example of a notification screen displayed in the notification system of Embodiment 2. Note that parts identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions of these parts are omitted.

[0059] In Embodiment 2, a notification screen is created that shows the probability of arrival of the elevator car 4. A group control device 6, which is not shown in Figure 11, calculates an arrival probability for each of the multiple elevator cars 4, which is an index value indicating the likelihood of the next elevator car arriving at the landing 9.

[0060] For example, after the group control device 6 has decided to operate the first car 4a upwards from the landing 9, it may, depending on the operating conditions, newly decide to operate a second car 4f, which is different from the first car 4a, upwards from the landing 9. The second car 4f, not the first car 4a, will arrive at the landing 9 next. The likelihood of such a car being operated instead can be calculated in advance.

[0061] After determining that the first car 4a will be operated upward from the landing 9, the group control device 6 calculates that the second car 4f is the car among the multiple cars 4 that is most likely to be dispatched to the landing 9 in place of the first car 4a. The group control device 6 also calculates that the first car 4d is the car among the multiple cars 4 that is second most likely to be dispatched to the landing 9 in place of the first car 4a.

[0062] The group management device 6 calculates the probability of arrival for each of the multiple elevator cars 4, indicating the likelihood of dispatching a vehicle. For example, the higher the probability of dispatch, the greater the probability of arrival. The group management device 6 calculates both the probability of arrival in the upward direction and the probability of arrival in the downward direction.

[0063] The display control device 8 acquires operational information, including arrival probability information, from the group management device 6. The display control device 8 creates a notification screen that reflects the arrival probability.

[0064] Figure 11 shows the notification screen displayed on the first display device 14a when an upward landing call departing from a certain landing 9 is registered. The notification screen includes at least the same information as in Figure 6 in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the notification screen displays the upward arrival probability in correspondence with the planar passage position of the elevator car 4.

[0065] In this case, the notification screen displays the arrival probabilities for several elevator cars 4 that have a high probability of arriving in the upward direction. Specifically, for example, the arrival probabilities for three elevator cars 4 with a high probability of arriving in the upward direction are displayed.

[0066] Car 1 4a is the car with the highest probability of arrival in the upward direction. In this case, the notification screen displays the plane passing position 10a corresponding to car 1 4a and the display "Up 1". The display "Up 1" means that the probability of arrival in the upward direction is the highest. At this time, the arrival indicator for the next arriving car 4 is also displayed at the plane passing position 10a.

[0067] The second elevator car 4f is the elevator car with the second highest probability of arrival in the upward direction. In this case, the notification screen displays the plane passing position 10f corresponding to the second elevator car 4f and the display "Up 2". The display "Up 2" means that the probability of arrival in the upward direction is the second highest.

[0068] Car 1, 4d, is the third most likely to arrive in the upward direction. In this case, the notification screen displays the plane passing position 10d corresponding to car 1, 4d, along with the display "Up 3". The display "Up 3" means that the probability of arriving in the upward direction is the third most likely.

[0069] Although not shown in the diagram, a user who wishes to move upwards at landing 9 checks the notification screen to confirm the probability of arrival upwards for each of the multiple elevator cars 4. The user waits in front of the landing door 11 corresponding to the first elevator car 4a. Subsequently, the group control device 6 changes the elevator car that will arrive at landing 9 next from the first elevator car 4a to the second elevator car 4f. In this case, for example, an announcement sound is emitted at landing 9. The hall light 12 corresponding to the first elevator car 4a turns off. The hall light 12 corresponding to the second elevator car 4f turns on. If the user notices that the hall light 12 for the first elevator car 4a has turned off, they can immediately check the hall light 12 for the second elevator car 4f, which had the second highest probability of arrival. Subsequently, the user waits in front of the landing door 11 corresponding to the second elevator car 4f.

[0070] Although not shown in the diagram, the notification screen may display the probability of arrival in the downward direction in the same way as the probability of arrival in the upward direction. For example, the notification screen may display "Down 1," which means that the probability of arrival in the downward direction is the highest. Also, for a single elevator car 4, there may be cases where the probability of arrival in the upward direction and the probability of arrival in the downward direction are both large values. In this case, the plane passing position of the elevator car 4 may be associated with and displayed simultaneously for both the upward and downward directions. Specifically, for example, "Up 2" and "Down 2" may be displayed simultaneously at the plane passing position 10a.

[0071] According to Embodiment 2 described above, the guidance screen displays the probability of arrival for each elevator car 4, indicating the likelihood of it arriving at the next boarding area 9. The probability of arrival is displayed in correspondence with the planar position of the elevator car 4. For example, if the elevator car arriving at the boarding area is changed to a different elevator car, the user can be notified by light, sound, etc., but it is difficult to know which elevator car it has been changed to. The notification system 7 allows the user to know in advance which elevator car 4 may be changed to when it arrives at the next boarding area 9. Therefore, when the elevator car 4 arriving at the boarding area 9 is changed, the user can easily find the changed elevator car 4.

[0072] The display control device 8 may acquire operation information from multiple control devices 5 instead of from the group control device 6. In this case, the display control device 8 may integrate the information acquired from the multiple control devices 5 to create operation information for multiple elevator cars 4. At this time, the display control device 8 may calculate the probability of arrival and create operation information that includes the probability of arrival.

[0073] The display of the probability of arrival is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 11. For example, the probability of arrival may be displayed by at least one combination of a graphic, an arrow, and a number. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] As described above, the notification system described herein can be used in elevator systems equipped with multiple elevator cars. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1 Elevator system, 2 Building, 3 Hoistway, 4 Car, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d First car, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h Second car, 5 Control device, 6 Group control device, 7 Notification system, 8 Display control device, 8a Memory unit, 8b Communication unit, 8c Screen creation unit, 9 Landing, 9a, 9b Landing entrance / exit, 9c Landing aisle, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h Plane passing position, 11 Landing door, 12 Hall light, 13 Landing control panel, 14 Display device, 14a First display device, 14b Second display device, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Hardware, D1 First direction, D2 2nd direction, P1 1st current location, P2 2nd current location, Ua,Ub,Uc User

Claims

1. A display device is installed in the boarding area inside a building where multiple elevators operate, and displays information on a screen. A display control device that creates information for a guidance screen using the operation information of the aforementioned multiple elevators and displays the guidance screen on the display device, Equipped with, The guidance screen displays the location of the display device at the boarding area, the direction the person viewing the guidance screen of the display device is presumed to be facing, and an arrival indicator for the planar passing position of the next of the multiple elevator cars to arrive at the boarding area. The arrival indicator on the aforementioned guidance screen includes: Information indicating the direction of travel of a specific elevator among the aforementioned multiple elevators that will arrive at the landing next, and information indicating the probability of arrival at the landing next, are displayed together in association with each other. A notification system in which, as information on the probability of arrival, the probability of arrival in the upward direction and the probability of arrival in the downward direction are simultaneously associated and displayed for a specific car among the multiple carts.

2. Some of the aforementioned multiple first cages pass along one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the passage inside the landing, Some of the aforementioned multiple cages, specifically the second cages, pass on the side opposite to the aforementioned one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the passageway inside the landing. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided in a position between the area through which the plurality of first cages pass and the area through which the plurality of second cages pass in the horizontal direction.

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