Elevator information providing device and elevator information providing method

Abstract

To provide an elevator information providing device that is easy for users to use. The elevator system includes a building data acquisition unit (10) for acquiring building data, a specification data acquisition unit (11) for acquiring a plurality of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in a building, and an assistance unit (12) for assisting in input of specification data in any one of the following cases: when the building data affects at least one of the specification data, when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, or when one of the specification data affects the design of the building.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator information providing device and an elevator information providing method. [Background technology]

[0002] An architectural designer who places an order for an elevator uses the elevator information providing device to obtain information about elevators and places an order for an elevator that meets his or her requirements.

[0003] An architectural designer inputs the purpose of the building, the number of floors of the building, the estimated resident population per floor, and the specifications required for the elevator into the elevator information providing device, and then orders the elevator (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-230253 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Such elevator information providing devices have not been easy to use for users of the elevator information providing devices, such as architectural designers, because the users have to input data while checking various documents and rules, and may continue their investigation without noticing inconsistencies in the input data.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an elevator information providing device that is easy for users to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The elevator information providing device according to the present invention includes a building data acquiring unit that acquires data on a building, a specification data acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in the building, If the building data affects at least one of the specification data, or When one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, In the event and an assistant unit that assists the input of specification data and assists the user in inputting the data. The auxiliary unit, as an auxiliary for the input work, limits the input contents of the affected specification data by using any one of the following methods: reflecting contents uniquely determined in the input items of the affected specification data; hiding the input items of the affected specification data; and reducing options in a drop-down list in the input items of the affected specification data. do. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The elevator information providing device according to the present invention is easy for users to use. or When one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, In the event , Restricting input Because. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator information providing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary unit. [Figure 10] 3 is a flowchart showing an elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an elevator information providing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the auxiliary unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiment 1 First, an application example of the elevator information device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The elevator information device 100 according to the present embodiment assumes that the user is an architectural designer, but the user is not limited to this and may be anyone who is considering purchasing or ordering an elevator. In the present invention, when simply referred to as a user, it refers to a user of the elevator information device 100 who is considering purchasing or ordering an elevator, and an elevator user is referred to as a passenger.

[0011] The elevator information providing device 100 according to this embodiment constitutes a part of a website that provides elevator information. In other words, a user of the elevator information providing device 100 is a user of a website created by the elevator information providing device 100. The website created by the elevator information providing device 100 provides elevator information when a user inputs data on a building in which the user wants to install an elevator and specification data required for the elevator.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment provides elevator information to a user via a server 102 and an Internet line 103. FIG. 1 will be explained along with the flow of data. As shown in FIG. 1, a user's personal computer 104 is connected to a server 102 via an Internet line 103. Building data and specification data required for an elevator input by the user to the personal computer 104 are input to the elevator information providing device 100 through the server 102. The elevator information providing device 100 uses the input data to select an elevator that meets the user's requirements from the storage device 101, and outputs data of information related to the elevator. The data output from the elevator information providing device 100 is input to the user's personal computer 104 through the server 102, and is displayed on a display device possessed by the personal computer 104.

[0013] Next, the configuration of the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a building data acquiring unit 10 that acquires building data, a specification data acquiring unit 11 that acquires a plurality of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in the building, an assisting unit 12 that assists in inputting the specification data, and a selecting unit 13 that selects from a storage device 101 an elevator suitable for installation in the building from the plurality of elevators.

[0014] The building data acquiring unit 10 acquires, via the server 102, building data that a user of the elevator information providing device 100 has input into the user's personal computer 104. For example, if the user is an architectural designer who is about to build a building, the user inputs data of the building to be built into the personal computer 104. The data of the building to be built that has been input into the personal computer 104 is acquired by the building data acquiring unit 10 of the elevator information providing device 100 via the server 102. The building data acquiring unit 10 outputs the acquired building data to the assisting unit 12 and the selecting unit 13.

[0015] The building data includes, for example, data on the area where the building is to be constructed, data on the type of building, data on the number of floors of the building, data on the number of people using the elevator, data on the size of the building, data on whether the building needs welfare support, etc. The website created by the elevator information providing device 100 has items for inputting the area where the building is to be constructed, data on the type of building, data on the number of floors of the building, data on the number of people using the elevator, data on the size of the building, data on whether the building needs welfare support, etc., and the building data acquiring unit 10 acquires the data entered in these items.

[0016] The specification data acquiring unit 11 acquires a plurality of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in a building, which are data inputted by a user of the elevator information providing device 100 into the user's personal computer 104. The specification data includes, for example, data related to functions, data related to welfare support, data related to landing design, and data related to car design. The specification data acquiring unit 11 outputs the acquired specification data to the assisting unit 12 and the selecting unit 13.

[0017] The assistance unit 12 assists in the input of specification data in any one of the following cases: when building data affects at least one of the specification data, when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, and when one of the specification data affects the design of the building. The assistance unit 12 assists the user in the input work when the building data or elevator specification data input by the user to the personal computer 104 affects data to be input, other data already input, or the design of the building. The user considers the content of the data to be input or considers changing data already input, referring to the assistance from the assistance unit 12. The data newly input or changed by the user, referring to the assistance from the assistance unit 12, is acquired by the building data acquisition unit 10 or the specification data acquisition unit 11. A detailed explanation of the assistance unit 12 will be given later.

[0018] The selection unit 13 selects an elevator suitable for installation in a building from the multiple elevators stored in the storage device 101, and provides information about the selected elevator to the user. When selecting an elevator, the selection unit 13 uses the building data acquired by the building data acquisition unit 10 and the specification data acquired by the specification data acquisition unit 11. The building data and specification data used by the selection unit 13 include data input by the user with reference to assistance from the assistance unit 12.

[0019] In this embodiment, the method by which the selection unit 13 selects an elevator from the storage device 101 is not particularly limited. For example, the selection unit 13 first acquires from the storage device 101 a trained model for inferring an elevator suitable for installation in a building from building data. The selection unit 13 then inputs the building data acquired by the building data acquisition unit 10 into the trained model, infers an elevator suitable for installation in the building, and selects multiple candidates. The specification data acquisition unit 11 acquires specification data required for the candidates, and the selection unit 13 uses the acquired specification data to select an elevator suitable for installation in the building from among the multiple candidates.

[0020] Alternatively, the building data and the data on the specifications required for the elevator may be used simultaneously to select an elevator suitable for installation in the building from among multiple elevators stored in storage device 101.

[0021] In this embodiment, the selection unit 13 may select one type of elevator, or two or more types. When the selection unit 13 selects one type of elevator, the selection unit 13 selects the elevator that is most suitable for installation in a building. When the selection unit 13 selects two or more types of elevators, the selection unit 13 may select elevators suitable for installation in a building by assigning a recommendation order to the elevators, or may select the elevators without assigning a recommendation order to the elevators. When the selection unit 13 selects elevators suitable for installation in a building by assigning a recommendation order to the elevators, the selection unit 13 outputs which elevators have been selected together with the recommendation order. When the selection unit 13 infers that elevators suitable for installation in a building are not assigned a recommendation order to the elevators, the selection unit 13 outputs only which elevators have been selected.

[0022] In addition, the method of the selection unit 13 selecting an elevator suitable for installation in a building may include a method in which the selection unit 13 presents multiple elevators to the user and the user selects one of them. For example, the selection unit 13 acquires a trained model for inferring an elevator suitable for installation in a building from building data from the storage device 101. Then, the selection unit 13 inputs the building data acquired by the building data acquisition unit 10 into the trained model, infers an elevator suitable for installation in the building, selects multiple candidates, and presents them to the user. Then, a method in which the user selects any number of candidates from the multiple candidates to narrow down the options may be included. Note that, as long as the selection unit 13 can select an elevator suitable for installation in a building from multiple elevators, the number of building data acquired by the building data acquisition unit 10 is not particularly limited.

[0023] The auxiliary unit 12 of the elevator information providing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The auxiliary unit 12 of the elevator information providing device 100 according to this embodiment assists in the input of specification data when any one of the following three cases occurs: when the building data affects at least one of the specification data, when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, and when one of the specification data affects the design of the building. First, the cases in which the auxiliary unit 12 assists in the input of specification data will be described.

[0024] First, the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting specification data when the data of the building affects at least one of the specification data. For example, depending on the data of the area where the building is to be constructed, which is the data of the building, it may be necessary to install specific equipment due to regulations. In other words, since the data of the area where the building is to be constructed, which is the data of the building, affects whether or not to install specific equipment, which is one of the specification data, the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting whether or not to install specific equipment, which is one of the specification data.

[0025] In addition, for example, depending on the data on the number of people using an elevator, which is building data, the type of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data, may be required to be a specific type by law. In other words, since the data on the number of people using an elevator, which is building data, affects the selection of the type of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data, the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting the type of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data.

[0026] In addition, for example, depending on the data of the region where the building is constructed, which is the data of the building, the elevator to be installed must be welfare-compatible according to regulations, so that it may not be possible to select a non-welfare compatible control panel. In other words, since the data of the region where the building is constructed, which is the data of the building, affects the selection of the type of control panel, which is one of the specification data, the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting the type of control panel, which is one of the specification data.

[0027] In addition, for example, depending on the data on whether or not the building needs welfare support, which is the building data, the number of elevator occupants, which is one of the specification data, may need to be set to a certain number or more. In other words, the data on whether or not the building needs welfare support, which is the building data, affects the selection of the number of elevator occupants, which is one of the specification data, so the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting the number of elevator occupants, which is one of the specification data.

[0028] Secondly, the auxiliary unit 12 assists in inputting specification data when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data. For example, if the presence or absence of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data related to function, is set to "present," then glass cannot be selected as the material for the car door or wall, which is one of the specification data related to the car design, due to regulations. In other words, the presence or absence of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data, affects the selection of the material for the car door or wall, which is one of the other specification data, so the auxiliary unit 12 assists in inputting the material for the car door or wall, which is one of the specification data.

[0029] In addition, for example, if the presence or absence of a kick plate, which is one of the specification data related to the car design, is determined to be present, there is a high possibility that not only regular passengers but also baggage-carrying trolleys and wheelchairs will ride in the elevator, so the installation of an opening / extending device, which is one of the specification data related to function, is recommended. In other words, since the presence or absence of a kick plate, which is one of the specification data, affects the presence or absence of an opening / extending device, which is another piece of specification data, the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting the presence or absence of an opening / extending device, which is one of the specification data.

[0030] Thirdly, the auxiliary unit 12 assists in inputting specification data when one of the specification data affects the design of the building. For example, if the presence or absence of a cargo room, which is one of the specification data related to functions, is set to "yes", the size of the elevator will be large, and there is a possibility that the blueprint of the building will have to be reconsidered. In other words, since the presence or absence of a cargo room, which is one of the specification data, affects the design of the building, the auxiliary unit 12 assists in inputting the presence or absence of a cargo room, which is one of the specification data.

[0031] For example, if the presence or absence of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data, is set to "no," then according to regulations, fire protection equipment must be installed in the building, not in the elevator. In other words, the presence or absence of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data, affects the presence or absence of fire protection equipment in the building, so the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting the presence or absence of fire protection equipment, which is one of the specification data.

[0032] Next, how the auxiliary unit 12 assists in the input of specification data will be described. Fig. 3 to Fig. 9 are diagrams showing an example of a website created by the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and are diagrams for explaining the auxiliary unit 12. The auxiliary unit 12 assists in the input of specification data by suggesting specification data of an elevator suitable for installation in a building, by restricting the input of specification data, by displaying data recommended for the input of specification data, by displaying information related to the design of the building, and by displaying information related to the auxiliary input.

[0033] First, how a user inputs data into a website created by the elevator information providing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described by taking the input of building data as an example. A website as shown in Fig. 3 is displayed on the user's personal computer 104. When inputting building data, the user selects the appropriate item from a drop-down list, or a selection menu, as shown in the area X surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 3. The drop-down list shown in the area X surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 3 displays BBB and CCC as options, and the user can select BBB or CCC.

[0034] In the area Y surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 3, the result of selecting Prefecture A and City A from a drop-down list, i.e., a selection menu, as the data of the area where the building is to be constructed for the item "construction site" is shown. The method by which the user inputs the building data is not limited to the method of selecting from the drop-down list. For example, as shown in the area Z surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 3, the characters DDD may be directly input into the input item. Note that the data of the area where the building is to be constructed is, for example, the name of the prefecture or the name of the city, ward, town, or village, but when the elevator information providing device 100 according to this embodiment is used outside Japan, the division of the areas is appropriately changed to the division of the local governments in that country.

[0035] Next, the restriction of the input of specification data by the auxiliary unit 12 as an input assistance for specification data will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5, taking as an example the case where the auxiliary unit 12 assists in the input of specification data when the data of a building affects at least one of the specification data. A website as shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the user's personal computer 104. Here, it is assumed that data on the area in which the building is to be constructed, which is data on the building, affects at least one of the specification data, and there is specification data that is uniquely determined among the specification data. For example, this applies when specific equipment must be installed depending on the area in which the building is to be constructed.

[0036] In this case, the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data. There are several ways to restrict input. When the content of the affected specification data is uniquely determined, the uniquely determined content is reflected in the input items, as shown in the area P surrounded by the dotted line in Fig. 4, and it is not possible to select from a drop-down list or directly input. In addition, when the content of the affected specification data is uniquely determined, the input items that are uniquely determined may not be displayed because there is no need for the user to consider or select.

[0037] Furthermore, the auxiliary unit 12 displays information regarding the input restriction of the specification data, as shown in an area Q surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 4. For example, if this input restriction is due to a regulation related to city a in prefecture A, which is the construction site of the building entered in Fig. 3, the auxiliary unit 12 notifies the user by displaying a sentence to that effect, as shown in an area Q surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 4. The information regarding the input restriction of the specification data is not limited to a sentence explaining the reason for the input restriction, and may be anything that allows the user to understand why the input is restricted.

[0038] Another way of restricting input is to reduce the number of options available in a drop-down list. Suppose that the data on the area in which the building is to be constructed, which is the input data on the building, affects at least one of the specification data, limiting the selection of the specification data. For example, this applies when a non-welfare compatible control panel cannot be selected depending on the area in which the building is to be constructed. A method of restricting input in this case will be explained using FIG. 5. Here, suppose that the non-welfare compatible control panel is pattern G, and the welfare compatible control panels are patterns H and I. When a non-welfare compatible control panel cannot be selected, the auxiliary unit 12 does not display pattern G in the drop-down list, but displays only patterns H and I, as shown in the area N surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 5.

[0039] The auxiliary unit 12 also displays information regarding the input restriction of the specification data, as shown in the area M surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 5. For example, if the input restriction is due to a law related to city a in prefecture A, which is the construction site of the building input in Fig. 3, the auxiliary unit 12 notifies the user by displaying a sentence to that effect, as shown in the area M surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 5. The information regarding the input restriction of the specification data is not limited to a sentence explaining the reason for the input restriction, and may be anything that allows the user to understand why the input is restricted. Also, the restricted items may be highlighted or have a different background color from the other options to make the restricted items stand out.

[0040] The explanation has been given of the auxiliary unit 12 restricting the input of specification data as input assistance for specification data, taking as an example the case where the auxiliary unit 12 assists in the input of specification data when building data affects at least one of the specification data. However, even when the auxiliary unit 12 assists in the input of specification data when one piece of specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data as input assistance for specification data. For example, this corresponds to a case where glass cannot be selected as the material for the car door or wall depending on the presence or absence of fire prevention equipment. The auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of the material for the car door or wall as input assistance for specification data, so that the user cannot select glass.

[0041] Other specific examples of cases in which the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data as an input assistance for specification data include cases in which a certain type of fire prevention equipment must be used depending on data on the number of people using an elevator, and cases in which the number of occupants of an elevator must be a certain number or more depending on data on whether or not a building requires welfare support.

[0042] In addition, when there are two or more elevators installed in a building and the data of the building affects at least one of the specification data, and it is sufficient that the specification data of any one of the affected elevators corresponds to the effect, the auxiliary unit 12 only needs to assist in the input of the specification data of any one of the elevators. For example, when there are two or more elevators installed in a building and the data of the area in which the building is constructed, which is the data of the building, affects the selection of the type of control panel, which is one of the specification data, and a welfare-compatible control panel must be selected, it is sufficient that a welfare-compatible control panel is selected in the specification data of any one of the elevators, and therefore the auxiliary unit 12 only needs to assist in the input of the specification data of any one of the elevators.

[0043] The auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data as an input assistance for specification data when the affected specification data contains data that cannot be entered. For example, when building data affects at least one of the specification data, the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data as an input assistance for specification data when the affected specification data contains data that cannot be entered, and entering data that cannot be entered into the affected specification data would cause a contradiction with the building data. When one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data as an input assistance for specification data when the affected specification data contains data that cannot be entered, and entering data that cannot be entered into the affected specification data would cause a contradiction with the specification data already entered.

[0044] In particular, when data of a building that is difficult to change the schedule of affects at least one of the specification data, it is preferable for the assistance unit 12 to assist in the input of the specification data by restricting the input of the specification data. For example, when the data of a building includes data of an area where the building is to be constructed, and the data of the area where the building is to be constructed affects one of the specification data, it is preferable for the assistance unit 12 to restrict the input of the specification data.

[0045] Next, the display of data recommended for input of specification data by the auxiliary unit 12 as input assistance for specification data when one piece of specification data affects at least one of the other specification data will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. The auxiliary unit 12 assists in input of specification data when one piece of specification data affects at least one of the other specification data. This includes a pattern in which the auxiliary unit 12 assists in input of the specification data on the side that is affected, and a pattern in which the auxiliary unit 12 assists in input of the specification data on the side that has an effect. First, the display of data recommended for input of specification data by the auxiliary unit 12 as input assistance for the specification data on the side that is affected when one piece of specification data affects at least one of the other specification data will be described. For example, this corresponds to a case in which the installation of an opening extension device is recommended depending on the presence or absence of a kick plate.

[0046] In this case, the auxiliary unit 12 displays data recommended for inputting the specification data as an input assistance for the specification data. There are several ways to display the data recommended for inputting. First, as shown in the area T surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6, one of the options in the drop-down list may be highlighted or the background color may be made different from the other options to make the option recommended for input stand out, thereby displaying the data recommended for inputting the specification data. Another method may be to change the order of the options in the drop-down list and display the data recommended for input at the top. Another method of displaying the data recommended for input may be to display the data recommended for input by displaying a sentence explaining the contents recommended for input, as shown in the area U surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 6.

[0047] Next, a description will be given of the auxiliary unit 12 displaying data recommended for input of specification data as assistance for input of the influencing side specification data when one piece of specification data affects at least one of the other specification data. Here again, an example will be described in which the installation of an opening extension device is recommended depending on the presence or absence of a kick plate. When assisting input of the influencing side specification data, as shown in the area V surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 7, when the influencing side specification data is input, information indicating what is recommended for the affected side specification data is displayed, thereby displaying the data recommended for input.

[0048] Next, the display of information related to the design of a building by the auxiliary unit 12 as assistance in inputting specification data when a piece of specification data affects the design of a building will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, it is assumed that a piece of specification data affects the design of a building, and there is a possibility that either the affecting specification data or the design of the building will have to be reconsidered. For example, this would be the case where there is a possibility that the blueprint of a building will have to be reconsidered depending on whether or not there is a cargo hold.

[0049] In this case, the auxiliary unit 12 displays information about the building design as assistance for inputting specification data. As shown in the area W surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 8, when specification data that affects the building design is input, information about the building design is displayed. Specifically, when the presence or absence of a cargo room, which is one of the specification data related to function, is determined to be "yes," a sentence explaining that the building's blueprint may need to be reconsidered is displayed as information about the building design. Another specific example of a case in which the auxiliary unit 12 displays information about the building design as assistance for inputting specification data is a case in which a fire protection system must be installed in the building depending on the presence or absence of a fire protection system in the elevator.

[0050] Another method for the assistant unit 12 to assist the input of specification data may be to simply display information related to the input to be assisted. For example, as shown in an area K surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 9, the input of specification data may be assisted by displaying information suggesting specification data of an elevator suitable for installation in a building without restricting the input of specification data.

[0051] Next, an elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 10, the elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 includes a building data acquisition step S1 for acquiring building data, a specification data acquisition step S2 for acquiring multiple specification data required for an elevator to be installed in the building, an assistance step S3 for assisting the input of the specification data, a selection step S4 for selecting an elevator suitable for installation in the building from multiple elevators, a provision step S5 for providing information on the selected elevator to a user, and a display step S6 for displaying the provided elevator information on the user's personal computer 104.

[0052] The building data acquisition step S1 is a step of acquiring building data. In the building data acquisition step S1, the building data acquisition unit 10 acquires the building data inputted to the personal computer 104 by the user of the elevator information providing device 100 through the server 102. Then, the building data acquisition unit 10 outputs the acquired building data to the support unit 12 and the selection unit 13. After completing the building data acquisition step S1, the elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 in this embodiment proceeds to the specification data acquisition step S2.

[0053] The specification data acquisition step S2 is a step of acquiring multiple pieces of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in a building. In the specification data acquisition step S2, the specification data acquisition unit 11 acquires, via the server 102, the specification data required for the elevator that was entered into the personal computer 104 by the user of the elevator information providing device 100. Then, the specification data acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired specification data to the auxiliary unit 12 and the selection unit 13. After completing the specification data acquisition step S2, the elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 in this embodiment proceeds to the auxiliary step S3.

[0054] The auxiliary step S3 is a step of assisting the input of specification data in any one of the following cases: when the data of the building affects one of the specification data, when one of the specification data affects the other specification data, and when one of the specification data affects the design of the building. In the auxiliary step S3, the auxiliary unit 12 assists the input of specification data in any one of the following cases: when the data of the building affects at least one of the specification data, when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, and when one of the specification data affects the design of the building.

[0055] Here, in the elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 in this embodiment, after the auxiliary step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to the selection step S4. However, since the user considers and inputs the contents of the data to be inputted, or considers and re-inputs changes to the data already inputted, referring to the assistance provided by the assistance unit 12, there are cases where the user repeats the building data acquisition step S1 to the assistance step S3 before proceeding to the selection step S4, and cases where the user repeats the specification data acquisition step S2 and the assistance step S3 before proceeding to the selection step S4.

[0056] Selection step S4 is a step of selecting an elevator suitable for installation in a building from among the multiple elevators. In selection step S4, the selection unit 13 uses the building data acquired in building data acquisition step S1 and the specification data acquired in specification data acquisition step S2 to select an elevator suitable for installation in a building from among the multiple elevators stored in the storage device 101. As described above, in this embodiment, the method by which the selection unit 11 selects an elevator is not particularly limited. In the elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 in this embodiment, after the selection step S4 is completed, the method proceeds to providing step S5.

[0057] The provision step S5 is a step for providing information about the selected elevator to the user. In the provision step S4, the server 102 provides the data about the elevator selected by the selection unit 13 to the user via the Internet line 103. That is, in the provision step S4, the information about the elevator output from the elevator information providing device 100 is provided to the user via the server 102 and the Internet line 103. The elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 in this embodiment proceeds to the display step S6 after the provision step S5 is completed.

[0058] The display step S6 is a step of displaying the provided information about the elevator on the user's personal computer 104. In the display step S6, the user's personal computer 104 displays the information about the elevator provided from the server 102 via the Internet line 103.

[0059] The user can obtain elevator information that meets his / her requirements because information about the elevator selected by the selection unit 13 is displayed on the personal computer 104. The elevator information providing method using the elevator information providing device 100 in this embodiment ends when the display step S6 is completed.

[0060] As described above, the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment is easy for users to use because the assistance unit 12 assists in inputting specification data in any one of the following cases: when data on the building affects at least one of the specification data, when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data, and when one of the specification data affects the design of the building.

[0061] Furthermore, the elevator information device 100 according to this embodiment can prevent the user from inputting incorrect specification data. This is because the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data when the building data affects at least one of the specification data, or when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data. That is, the elevator information device 100 according to this embodiment can prevent the user from inputting data that cannot be input to the affected specification data, causing a contradiction with the building data, or from inputting data that cannot be input to the affected specification data, causing a contradiction with already-inputted specification data.

[0062] Moreover, the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment is easier for the user to use because the auxiliary unit 12 displays information regarding input restrictions on the specification data, which allows the user to understand why the input is restricted.

[0063] Furthermore, in the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment, when one of the specification data affects the other specification data, the auxiliary unit 12 displays data recommended for input of the specification data, which is more user-friendly for the user. This is because the user can easily consider the content of the specification data to be input and the modification of the specification data that has already been input.

[0064] Furthermore, in the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment, when one of the specification data affects the design of the building, the auxiliary unit 12 displays information about the design of the building, which makes it even easier for the user to use. This is because the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment gives the user an opportunity to reconsider the design drawing of the building or to reconsider the specification data that has already been input.

[0065] Moreover, the elevator information providing device 100 according to the present embodiment is easier for users to use because it displays information related to the input assisted by the assistance unit 12. This is because it becomes easier for users to understand what should be input into the specification data and what cannot be input.

[0066] Furthermore, the elevator information providing device 100 according to this embodiment is easier for users to use because the auxiliary unit 12 restricts the input of specification data when data of the area where the building is to be constructed affects one of the specification data. This is because it is possible to prevent data that cannot be input into the affected specification data from being input, resulting in elevator specifications that are not permitted in the area where the building is to be constructed.

[0067] The elevator information providing device 100 is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The storage device 101 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a flash memory, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] Embodiment 2 The configuration of an elevator information providing device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The elevator information providing device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same application example as the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment of the present invention, only the differences from the first embodiment of the present invention will be described, and descriptions of the same parts as in the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

[0069] Fig. 11 is a configuration diagram of an elevator information providing device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 11, the elevator information providing device 200 according to the present embodiment includes a building data acquiring unit 10 that acquires building data, a specification data acquiring unit 11 that acquires a plurality of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in a building, an assistant unit 22 that assists in inputting the specification data, and a selection unit 13 that selects, from a storage device 101, an elevator suitable for installation in the building from the plurality of elevators. That is, the elevator information providing device 200 according to the present embodiment includes the assistant unit 22 instead of the assistant unit 11 of the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The auxiliary unit 22 displays the clauses of the regulations that are the basis for the input assistance of the specification data, in addition to the functions of the auxiliary unit 11 of the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of regulations related to the construction of buildings are stored in the storage device 101, and the auxiliary unit 22 acquires data of the clauses of the regulations that are the basis for the input assistance of the specification data from the storage device 101. Then, the auxiliary unit 22 outputs the acquired data of the clauses of the regulations, and causes the user's personal computer 104 to display the clauses of the regulations that are the basis for the input assistance of the specification data.

[0071] The multiple regulations related to the construction of buildings include, for example, various local government ordinances, the Building Standards Act, the Building Standards Act Enforcement Order, the Building Standards Act Enforcement Regulations, the City Planning Act, the Construction Business Act, the Architects Act, the Fire Service Act, the Act on Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings, and the Act on Promotion of Smooth Movement of the Elderly, Disabled, etc. The Act on Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings is commonly known as the Building Energy Conservation Act. The Act on Promotion of Smooth Movement of the Elderly, Disabled, etc. is commonly known as the Barrier-Free Act. In this embodiment, the article of the regulations acquired by the auxiliary unit 22 is, for example, an item of the regulations such as Article 0 of the Building Standards Act. Note that, when the elevator information providing device 200 according to this embodiment is used outside Japan, the multiple regulations related to the construction of buildings may be appropriately changed to relevant laws and regulations in that country.

[0072] The auxiliary unit 22 will be described in detail. Examples of cases where regulations are the basis for input assistance include cases where specific equipment must be installed depending on the region where the building is constructed, cases where the type of fire prevention equipment must be a specific one depending on the number of people using the elevator, cases where a non-welfare compatible operation panel cannot be selected depending on the region where the building is constructed, cases where the presence or absence of fire prevention equipment means that glass cannot be selected as the material for the car door or wall, etc.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a WEB site created by the elevator information providing device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the auxiliary unit 22. The auxiliary unit 22 will be explained by taking as an example a case where a specific facility must be installed depending on the region where the building is constructed. When a specific facility must be installed depending on the region where the building is constructed, the auxiliary unit 22 restricts the input of specification data as input assistance for the specification data, similar to the auxiliary unit 11 of the elevator information providing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Then, the auxiliary unit 22 acquires data of the article of the law indicating that the specific facility must be installed from the storage device 101 in which a plurality of laws related to the construction of the building are stored. That is, the auxiliary unit 22 acquires data of the article of the law that is the basis for the input restriction of the specification data performed as input assistance for the specification data from the storage device 101. Then, the auxiliary unit 22 causes the user's personal computer 104 to display the acquired article of the law.

[0074] There are several methods for displaying the clauses of the law. First, as shown in the area L surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 12, the clauses of the law that are the basis for the input assistance are displayed as they are. That is, the original text of the clauses of the law that are the basis for the input assistance are displayed in the area L surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 12. Another method is to display the clauses of the law as an operation button that allows the user to download a document in which the clauses of the law are written, as shown in the area R surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 12. In this case, it is preferable to simultaneously display a message informing the user that the document in which the clauses of the law are written can be downloaded by pressing the operation button, or to highlight the operation button to make it stand out, thereby guiding the user to press the operation button. Alternatively, for example, a link leading to a website in which the clauses of the law are written may be displayed in the area L surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 12.

[0075] As described above, the elevator information device 200 according to this embodiment is easier for users to use than the elevator information device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is because the auxiliary unit 22 displays the clauses of the laws and regulations that are the basis for input assistance, allowing users to proceed with the review of elevator specifications while checking that the specification data satisfies various laws and regulations.

[0076] Within the scope of the invention, the embodiments and modifications can be freely combined, and the embodiments can be modified or omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10 building data acquisition unit, 11 specification data acquisition unit, 12, 22 auxiliary unit, 13 selection unit, 100, 200 elevator information providing device, 101 storage device, 102 server, 103 Internet line, 104 personal computer.

Claims

1. A building data acquisition unit that acquires building data; a specification data acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of specification data required for an elevator to be installed in the building; an assistance unit that assists input of the specification data to assist a user in inputting the specification data in either one of a case where one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data or a case where one of the specification data affects a design of the building; An elevator information providing device comprising:

2. The auxiliary unit restricts input of the specification data when the data of the building affects at least one of the specification data, or when one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data. The elevator information providing device according to claim 1.

3. The auxiliary unit displays information regarding input restrictions of the specification data. The elevator information providing device according to claim 2.

4. The assistance unit displays data recommended for input of the specification data when one of the specification data affects the other specification data. The elevator information providing device according to claim 1.

5. The assistance unit displays information regarding the design of the building when one of the specification data affects the design of the building.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

6. The assistance unit displays clauses of laws and regulations that are the basis for assistance in inputting the specification data. The elevator information providing device according to claim 1.

7. The assistance unit displays information regarding the input to be assisted. The elevator information providing device according to claim 1.

8. The data of the building includes data of an area in which the building is to be constructed; The assistance unit restricts input of the specification data when data of the area in which the building is to be constructed affects one of the specification data. The elevator information providing device according to claim 1.

9. A building data acquisition step of acquiring building data; a specification data acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of specification data required for the elevator to be installed in the building; an assisting step of assisting a user in inputting the specification data in either one of a case where one of the specification data affects at least one of the other specification data or a case where one of the specification data affects a design of the building; The elevator information providing method includes:

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