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

Elevator system and button display device

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

[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 input buttons of an elevator, for example.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-177400

[0004] Although the input device described in Patent Document 1 can be applied to elevator input buttons, it cannot display buttons appropriate for elevators. For example, elevators have doors at the entrances and exits. The input device described in Patent Document 1 cannot display buttons appropriate for the movement of the doors, which can lead to users making incorrect operations when quick decisions are required.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator system and a button display device that can suppress erroneous operation by users by displaying buttons appropriate for door movement.

[0006] The elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a car door, 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 mid-air to cause the door control device to open the door. When the door control device is performing a door closing operation, the button display device displays the image of the open button larger than before the door closing operation is initiated.

[0007] The button display device according to the present disclosure is a button display device that displays an image of an open button in mid-air to cause the door control device to open the door in an elevator system that includes doors provided on a car and a door control device that controls the opening and closing of the doors. The button display device includes a display that displays an image of the open button, a beam splitter that reflects light from the display, a retroreflective material that reflects the light from the display that has been reflected by the beam splitter, and a display controller that controls the display. The image of the open button is displayed in mid-air by forming an image using light from the retroreflective material that has passed through the beam splitter. When the door control device is performing a closing operation on the door, the display controller displays a larger image of the open button on the display than before the closing operation of the door is initiated.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to display buttons that are appropriate for the movement of the elevator doors, thereby reducing erroneous operation by users.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross section along the line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the functions of the elevator system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a button display device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the elevator system. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an open button being displayed in an enlarged manner. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an open button being displayed in a highlighted manner. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of an open button being displayed in a highlighted manner. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of an operation of the elevator system. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of an operation of the elevator system. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware resources of a button display device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of hardware resources of a button display device.

[0010] The following detailed description will be given with reference to the drawings. Duplicate descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator system in embodiment 1. The elevator system shown in Figure 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 from the hoistway 3 by ropes 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. A control panel 6 controls the hoisting machine 5. That is, the movement of the car 1 is controlled by the control panel 6. The control panel 6 also controls the equipment 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 also be provided in the hoistway 3.

[0013] Fig. 1 shows a state in which car 1 is stopped at a certain landing 8. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of the elevator system. Car 1 includes a car room 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 passengers to get on and off the car 1 is formed in the car chamber 11. The car chamber 11 includes a top plate 22 and a sleeve wall 23. The top 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 21. FIG. 2 shows a double-swing door 12. The door 12 may also be a single-swing door. The door 12 is driven by a motor 13. The motor 13 is controlled by a control panel 6. The control panel 6 controls the opening and closing of the door 12. In other words, 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 on the car 1.

[0016] The camera 14 photographs the interior of the car 1. If a user is present in the car 1, the user is photographed by the camera 14. The weighing device 15 measures the load on the car 1. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the weighing device 15 is provided below the car room 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 sleeve wall 23. The operation panel 16 includes a display 24, an intercom 25, destination buttons 26, a button display device 27, a sensor 28, and a control device 29. The display 24 provides information to a user in car 1. The intercom 25 is a device that allows a user in car 1 to communicate with an operator at an external information center. The destination buttons 26 are buttons that allow a user to input a destination floor.

[0018] The button display device 27 has a function of displaying an image of the open button 30 and an image of the close button 31 in midair. As an example, the button display device 27 displays the images of the open button 30 and the close button 31 in midair by an imaging method using an orthogonal mirror array or a hexahedral prism element. The open button 30 is a button for causing the control panel 6 to perform an opening operation of the door 12. The close button 31 is a button for causing the control panel 6 to perform a closing operation of the door 12. Figure 2 shows an example in which the destination buttons 26 are mechanical buttons. The button display device 27 may further have a function of displaying images of the destination buttons 26 in midair.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the button display device 27. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the button display device 27 includes a display 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflective material 34. A panel 35 is part of the housing of the button display device 27 or part of the housing of the operation 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.

[0020] The display 32 displays an image. Light emitted from the display 32 is incident on the beam splitter 33. The beam splitter 33 reflects the light from the display 32. The light from the display 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 toward the light source. Therefore, the light from the display 32 reflected by the beam splitter 33 is reflected by the retroreflective material 34 back toward the beam splitter 33. The light from the display 32 reflected by the retroreflective material 34 passes through the beam splitter 33. The light from the retroreflective material 34 that is transmitted through the beam splitter 33 passes through the through-hole 36 and forms an image inside the car 11.

[0021] Therefore, when an image of the open button 30 is displayed on the display 32, an image of the open button 30 is displayed in mid-air at a position distant from the panel 35. When an image of the close button 31 is displayed on the display 32, an image of the close button 31 is displayed in mid-air at a position distant from the panel 35.

[0022] As an example, the button display device 27 includes an indicator 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflector 34 for the open button 30, and an indicator 32, a beam splitter 33, and a retroreflector 34 for the close button 31. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between elements for the open button 30 and elements for the close button 31, the reference numeral for the element for the open button 30 will be followed by the letter "op." Similarly, the reference numeral for the element for the close button 31 will be followed by the letter "cl." For example, the button display device 27 includes an indicator 32op, a beam splitter 33op, and a retroreflector 34op for the open button 30. The button display device 27 includes an indicator 32cl, a beam splitter 33cl, and a retroreflector 34cl for the close button 31.

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

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

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

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

[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 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. When the control panel 6 receives the door open request, it 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. When the control panel 6 receives the door close request, it controls the motor 13 to close the door 12.

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

[0030] Next, the operation of the elevator system will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator system. Specifically, Fig. 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 a user is present in the car 1 (S101). As an example, the determination unit 42 performs the determination process of S101 based on an image captured by the camera 14. The determination unit 42 may also perform the determination process of S101 based on the live load measured by the weighing device 15. The determination unit 42 may also perform the determination process of S101 using a signal from another sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0032] If the determination unit 42 determines that a user is present in car 1, a Yes is determined in S101. If the determination unit 42 does not determine that a user is present in car 1, a No is determined in S101. If a No is determined in S101, no button is displayed by the button display device 27 (S102).

[0033] That is, if the determination in S101 is No, the display control unit 41 does not display an image of the open button 30 on the display 32op. Therefore, an aerial image of the open button 30 is not displayed. Similarly, if the determination in S101 is No, the display control unit 41 does not display an image of the close button 31 on the display 32cl. Therefore, an aerial image of the close button 31 is not displayed.

[0034] In S101, it may be determined whether or not a user is present within a specific range within the car 1. This range is a range within which a user within the car 1 may attempt to touch the open button 30 or the close button 31, and is set in advance. As an example, this range is a range with a radius of 1 m from the operation panel 16. The range is not limited to this example.

[0035] If S101 returns Yes, the button display device 27 displays the buttons in a normal display mode (S103). In S103, the display control unit 41 displays an image of the open button 30 in a normal size on the display 32op. As a result, an image of the open button 30 in a first size is displayed in mid-air. The display control unit 41 also displays an image of the close button 31 in a normal size on the display 32cl. As a result, an image of the close button 31 in a second size is displayed in mid-air. It is preferable that the second size be the same as the first size.

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

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

[0038] If S104 returns 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 32op. The enlarged size is larger than the normal size. As a result, an image of the open button 30 of a third size, which is larger than the first size, is displayed in midair. In other words, when the control panel 6 is performing the closing operation of the door 12, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the open button 30 in midair at a larger size than before the closing operation of the door 12 is initiated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged display of the open button 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the third size is larger than the second size.

[0039] 5 shows a preferred example in which the button display device 27 further highlights the open button 30 when the determination in S104 is Yes (S106). As an example, in the highlighting, the aerial image of the open button 30 is displayed at a position farther from the panel 35 than the aerial image of the close button 31. As a result, when the control panel 6 is performing the closing operation of the door 12, the image of the open button 30 can be displayed so that it is closer to a 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. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the open button 30 is highlighted.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example in which the open button 30 is highlighted. As shown in Fig. 8, in the highlighted display, the image of the open button 30 may be displayed facing diagonally upward.

[0041] On the other hand, even if the determination in S104 is Yes, the normal display is maintained for the close button 31. Therefore, when the control panel 6 is performing the closing operation of 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, the display of the close button 31 may be changed in the highlighted display in S106. As an example of the display change, the button display device 27 displays a reduced image of the close button 31. In this example, the display control unit 41 displays an image of the close button 31 in a reduced size on the display 32cl. The reduced size is smaller than the normal size. As a result, an image of the close button 31 of a fourth size, which is smaller than the second size, is displayed in mid-air. In other words, when the control panel 6 is performing the closing operation of the door 12, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the close button 31 in mid-air, smaller than before the closing operation of the door 12 was started.

[0043] As another example of the display change, the close button 31 may be displayed in a dark color 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 32cl in a darker color than the previous color. That is, when the control panel 6 is performing the closing operation of the door 12, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the close button 31 in a darker color than before the closing operation of the door 12 was started.

[0044] As another example of the display change, the image of the close button 31 may be hidden.

[0045] 5, the timing at which the enlarged display of the open button 30 begins is not limited to the above example. The enlarged display of the open button 30 may be performed during part of the period during which the door 12 is being closed. If a switch that outputs an ON signal when the door 12 is fully open is provided, the determination in S104 may 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 an 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 or not a condition for ending the enlarged display of the open button 30 is met (S107). Hereinafter, this condition will also be referred to as a first end condition. As an example, the first end condition is met when the door 12 is completely closed. As another example, the first end condition may be met when the car 1 starts moving. The requirements for the first end condition to be met are not limited to these examples. When the first end condition is met, a Yes determination is made in S107. When a Yes determination is made in S107, and there is a user in the car 1, normal display of the button is resumed in S103.

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

[0048] If S108 returns 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 32cl. As a result, an image of the close button 31 of a fifth size, which is larger than the second size, is displayed in midair. In other words, when the control panel 6 is performing the opening operation of the door 12, the display control unit 41 displays the image of the close button 31 in midair at a larger size than before the opening operation of the door 12 is started. Note that the fifth size is larger than the first size.

[0049] 5, when the determination in S108 is Yes, the close button 31 may be further highlighted by the button display device 27 (S110). The process in S110 is the same as the process in S106. That is, in S110, the process performed in S106 with respect to the open button 30 is performed with respect to the close button 31. Also, in S110, the process performed in S106 with respect to the close button 31 is performed with respect to the open button 30.

[0050] 5, the timing at which the enlarged display of the close button 31 begins is not limited to the above example. The enlarged display of the close button 31 may be performed during part of the period during which the door 12 is being opened. If a switch that outputs an ON signal when the door 12 is fully closed is provided, the determination in S108 may be Yes when the output signal of the switch switches from ON to OFF. The start of the opening operation of the door 12 may also be determined based on an 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 or not a condition for terminating the enlarged display of the close button 31 is met (S111). Hereinafter, this condition is also referred to as a second termination condition. As an example, the second termination condition is met when the door 12 is fully open. The requirements for the second termination condition to be met are not limited to this example. When the second termination condition is met, a Yes determination is made in S111. When a Yes determination is made in S111, and there is a user in the car 1, normal display of the button is resumed in S103.

[0052] In the example shown in the present embodiment, if the determination in S104 is Yes, an enlarged image of the open button 30 is displayed by the button display device 27. 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 S108 returns Yes, the button display device 27 displays an enlarged version of the close button 31. This prevents the user from accidentally touching the mid-air image of the open button 30 when reversing the door 12 that is being opened. In this way, in the example shown in this embodiment, the button display can be adapted to the movement of the door 12, thereby preventing erroneous operation by the user.

[0054] Other functions that can be adopted by the elevator system are described below. If possible, the elevator system may adopt a combination of the following functions.

[0055] 5 shows a preferred example in which the close button 31 is enlarged in S109. As another example, the close button 31 may not be enlarged during the opening operation of the door 12. In such a case, the determination in S108 is always 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 operation 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 operation panel 16. As shown in FIG. 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 image of the open button 30 and the aerial image of the close button 31 are displayed so that they are positioned in the space leading to the landing 8 when the door 12 is viewed from the front. This includes when the door 12 is open, and the buttons are enlarged. If the door 12 is a double-swing type, the aerial image of the open button 30 and the aerial image of the close button 31 are positioned between the left and right doors 12. If the door 12 is a single-swing type, the aerial image of the open button 30 and the aerial image of 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 provided on the top panel 22. The button display device 27 may be provided on the ceiling of the car room 11. The button display device 27 may be provided on the door 12.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the elevator system. Fig. 9 shows another operation flow when the determination in S104 of Fig. 5 is Yes. That is, in this example, the processes shown in S101 to S104 and S108 to S111 of Fig. 5 are also performed. Furthermore, when the operation flow shown in Fig. 9 is performed, the button display device 27 further includes a determination unit 46 as a control function.

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

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

[0062] If S201 returns Yes, the button display device 27 displays an enlarged version of the open button 30 (S202). The process of S202 is the same as the process of S105. Furthermore, if S201 returns Yes, the button display device 27 may further highlight the open button 30 (S203). The process of S203 is the same as the process of S106.

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

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

[0065] When the enlarged display of the close button 31 is started in S205, the determination unit 44 determines whether or not a condition for ending the enlarged display of the close button 31 is met (S207). The condition in S207 is a condition when the door 12 is closed, and the condition in S111 is a condition when the door 12 is opened. Hereinafter, the condition in S207 is also referred to as a third end condition. As an example, the third end condition is met under the same condition as the first end condition.

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

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

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

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

[0070] 10 , if S305 is determined as Yes when S304 is determined as Yes, the aerial image of the open button 30 can be displayed larger than when S305 is determined as No. Also, if S305 is determined as No when S304 is determined as Yes, the aerial image of the close button 31 can be displayed larger than when S305 is determined as Yes.

[0071] 11 is a diagram showing an example of hardware resources of the button display device 27. The button display device 27 includes, as hardware resources, a processing circuit 60 including a processor 61 and a memory 62. The processing circuit 60 may include multiple processors 61. The processing circuit 60 may also include multiple memories 62.

[0072] In this embodiment, the units denoted by reference numerals 41 to 46 represent functions possessed by the button display device 27. The functions of the units denoted by reference numerals 41 to 46 can be realized by software written as a program, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The program is stored in memory 62. The button display device 27 realizes the functions of the units denoted by reference numerals 41 to 46 by executing the program stored in memory 62 by 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 be a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD. Usable semiconductor memories include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0074] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of hardware resources of the button display device 27. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the button display device 27 includes a processing circuit 60 including a processor 61, a memory 62, and dedicated hardware 63. Fig. 12 shows an example in which some of the functions of the button display device 27 are realized by the dedicated hardware 63. All of the functions of the button display device 27 may also be realized by the dedicated hardware 63. The dedicated hardware 63 may 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 each device of the control panel 6 are similar to the examples shown in Fig. 11 or 12. Each device has a processing circuit including a processor and memory as its hardware resources. Each device realizes the functions of each part by executing a program stored in the memory using the processor (computer). Each device may have a processing circuit including a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as its hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of each device may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0076] The button display device according to the present disclosure can be applied to elevator systems.

[0077] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cage, 2 Counterweight, 3 Hoistway, 4 Rope, 5 Hoisting machine, 6 Control panel, 7 Machine room, 8 Landing, 11 Cage, 12 Door, 13 Motor, 14 Camera, 15 Weighing device, 16 Operation panel, 21 Entrance / exit, 22 Top plate, 23 Sleeve wall, 24 Display, 25 Intercom, 26 Destination button, 27 Button display device, 28 Sensor, 29 Control device, 30 Open button, 31 Close button, 32 Display, 33 Beam splitter, 34 Retroreflective material, 35 Panel, 36 Through hole, 37 Detection range, 41 Display control unit, 42 Determination unit, 43 Determination unit, 44 Determination unit, 45 Communication unit, 46 Determination unit, 51 Communication unit, 60 Processing circuit, 61 Processor, 62 Memory, 63 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. a door provided in a cage; a door control device for controlling the opening and closing of the door; a button display device for displaying an image of an open button in the air to cause the door control device to perform an opening operation of the door; comprising; when the button display device receives a close command for closing the door from the door control device, the button display device starts to enlarge and display the open button, and displays the image of the open button larger than the size of the image of the open button before the closing operation of the door starts. An elevator system.

2. The button display device: displays an image of a close button in the air for causing the door control device to perform a closing operation of the door; when receiving the close command from the door control device, the button display device displays the image of the close button smaller or darker than before the closing operation of the door starts, or makes the image of the close button disappear. The elevator system according to claim 1.

3. The button display device: displays an image of a close button in the air for causing the door control device to perform a closing operation of the door; when receiving the close command from the door control device, the button display device displays the image of the open button so that the image of the open button is closer to the user than the image of the close button, or displays the image of the open button obliquely upward. The elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. when receiving the close command from the door control device, the button display device displays the image of the open button so that the image of the open button is arranged in the space leading to the landing as viewed from the front of the door. The elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The button display device: displays an image of a close button in the air for causing the door control device to perform a closing operation of the door; when the door control device performs an opening operation of the door, the button display device displays the image of the close button larger than before the opening operation of the door starts. The elevator system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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

7. The button display device: determines whether there is a user trying to pass through the entrance and exit of the 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 car while the door is fully open, an image of the open button is displayed larger than when it is determined that there is no such user.

8. The button display device displays an image of a close button for causing the door control device to perform a closing operation of the door in the air, 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 car while the door is fully open, an image of the close button is displayed larger than when it is determined that there is such a user.

9. a door provided in the car, a door control device that controls opening and closing of the door, In an elevator system comprising: a button display device that displays an image of an open button for causing the door control device to perform an opening operation of the door in the air, a display that displays an image of the open button, a beam splitter that reflects light from the display, a retroreflective material that reflects the light from the display reflected by the beam splitter, a display control unit that controls the display, comprising By the light from the retroreflective material transmitted through the beam splitter forming an image, an image of the open button is displayed in the air, The display control unit starts enlarged display of the open button when receiving a close command for closing the door from the door control device, and displays the image of the open button larger on the display than the size of the image of the open button before the closing operation of the door is started.