Elevator Systems

Abstract

Provided is an elevator system that can easily detect when a person has boarded a car. The elevator system includes: a call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user and that sends a car call request including a departure floor and a destination floor, a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to a departure floor based on the call request, a first index acquiring unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating the altitude at which the portable device is located based on the detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device, and a first determining unit that determines that a user has boarded the car at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to the movement of the car.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elevator systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator system. In this elevator system, a sensor such as a camera is installed at a landing. The sensor detects people who are waiting in a queue formed to board the car. By monitoring the dynamics of the queue, the elevator system can detect when a person has boarded the car and detect the waiting time from when the person lines up until when the person boards the car. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-070359 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the elevator system described in Patent Document 1, when detecting whether a person is getting on, it is assumed that a queue is formed at the hall. Therefore, if a queue is not formed, it may not be possible to detect whether a person is getting on.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator system that can easily detect when a person gets into the car. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user and sending a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to a departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquiring unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating the altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; and a first determination unit that determines that a user has boarded the car at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information regarding the movement of the car. a transmitter provided in the car for transmitting radio waves; a distance calculation unit for calculating a distance from the portable device to the car based on the strength of the radio waves received by the portable device; a proximity detection unit for detecting the approach of the portable device to the car when the distance from the portable device to the car is closer than a specified approach determination distance; and a number counting unit. Equipped with The first determination unit determines that the user has entered the car based on the amount of change in the first altitude index value and the detection result of the approach detection unit, and the number counting unit increments the number of times the user has seen the car off by one when the approach of the portable device to the car is detected and the user has not been determined to have entered the car. . The elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user, the call sending unit sending a call request for the car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel controlling the operation of the car and dispatching the car to a departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquiring unit acquiring a first altitude index value indicating the altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determining unit determining that a user has boarded the car at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information regarding the movement of the car; a transmitter provided in the car for emitting radio waves; and a determining unit determining, based on the strength of the radio waves received by the portable device, The vehicle is equipped with a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance from the portable device to the cage, an approach detection unit that detects the approach of the portable device and the cage when the distance from the portable device to the cage is closer than a specified approach judgment distance, and a second judgment unit, wherein the first judgment unit judges that a user has boarded the cage based on the change in the first altitude index value and the detection result of the approach detection unit, and the second judgment unit judges that the user has stopped waiting for the cage when the separation duration during which the approach of the cage to the portable device is not detected after the approach of the portable device is detected and the user is not judged to have boarded the cage exceeds a first duration. Also, an elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a call transmitting unit provided in a portable device carried by a user and transmitting a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls operation of the car and dispatches the car to a departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquiring unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determining unit that determines that a user has boarded the car at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information regarding movement of the car; and a number counting unit. The first judgment unit determines that a user has boarded the car based on the direction of movement of the car departing from the departure floor and the amount of change in the first altitude index value, and determines that a user has boarded the car if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold after the car has arrived at the departure floor and departed in the direction toward the destination floor, and the number counting unit increases the number of times that users have passed on the car by one if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold until a specified boarding time has elapsed since the car has arrived at the departure floor and departed in the direction toward the destination floor. Moreover, an elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a call transmitting unit provided in a portable device carried by a user and transmitting a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor, a control panel controlling operation of the car and dispatching the car to a departure floor based on the call request, a first index acquiring unit acquiring a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device, a first determination unit determining that a user has boarded the car at a departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to movement of the car, and a second determination unit, The second determination unit determines that a user has boarded the elevator car based on the amount of change in the first altitude index value and the amount of change in the first altitude index value, and if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold after the elevator car has arrived at the departure floor and departs in the direction toward the destination floor, the second determination unit determines that a user has boarded the elevator car, and if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold until a prescribed boarding time has elapsed since the elevator car has arrived at the departure floor and departed in the direction toward the destination floor, and if a repeat call request including the departure floor of the previous call request has not been transmitted from the call transmitting unit until a second duration has elapsed since the elevator departed. In addition, the elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user and sending a call request for the car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to the departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquisition unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating the altitude at which the portable device is located based on the detection results of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determination unit that determines that a user has boarded the car at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information regarding the movement of the car; and a second index acquisition unit that acquires a second altitude index value indicating the altitude at which the car is located, and after determining that the car has stopped at the departure floor based on the second altitude index value, the first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the car based on the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is determined that a user has boarded the car based on information about the movement of the car and the first altitude index value of the user. Therefore, it is possible to easily detect that a person has boarded the car. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an elevator system in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an elevator system in a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart for illustrating an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart for illustrating an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an elevator system in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an elevator system in a third embodiment. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the elevator system in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server device of the elevator system in the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The duplicated description of the parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an elevator system according to a first embodiment.

[0011] The elevator system shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, an elevator device 1, a hall transmitter 2a, a car transmitter 2b, a portable device 3, and a server device 4.

[0012] The elevator device 1 is communicatively connected to the server device 4 via a network 5a. The elevator device 1 is an example of an elevator device connected to the server device 4. A large number of elevator devices are connected to the server device 4.

[0013] The elevator device 1 includes a car 11 and a counterweight 12. The car 11 moves up and down in a hoistway 13. The car 11 and the counterweight 12 are suspended in the hoistway 13 by a main rope 14. The main rope 14 is wound around a driving sheave 16 of a hoisting machine 15. The hoisting machine 15 is controlled by a control panel 17. In other words, the control panel 17 controls the operation of the car 11. The control panel 17, as the elevator device 1, is connected to the network 5a and the server device 4 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] The hall transmitter 2a is provided at the hall 20 where the car 11 stops. The hall transmitter 2a may be provided at all the halls 20 where the car 11 stops, or may be provided at some of the halls 20 where the car 11 stops. The hall transmitter 2a transmits radio waves including information for identifying the elevator device 1 and a signal for identifying the floor of the hall 20. The radio waves transmitted from the hall transmitter 2a may be radio waves of any standard, such as UWB (Ultra Wide Band), RF (Radio Frequency), Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), etc.

[0015] The car transmitter 2b is provided in the car 11. The car transmitter 2b transmits radio waves indicating that it is provided in the car 11. The radio waves transmitted from the car transmitter 2b may be radio waves of any standard, similar to the radio waves transmitted from the hall transmitter 2a.

[0016] The portable device 3 is a device carried by a user. For example, the portable device 3 is a smartphone. In this elevator system, a user can register a call using the portable device 3. A specific application for registering a call is pre-installed in the portable device 3. At least a part of the functions of the portable device 3 described below is realized by executing the application. Note that, if the specific application can be executed, the portable device 3 may be a wearable device such as a smart watch. Furthermore, the functions of the portable device 3 described below may be realized by a smartphone and a wearable device. That is, some of the functions of the portable device 3 may be realized by a smartphone, and other parts of the functions of the portable device 3 may be realized by a wearable device.

[0017] The mobile device 3 is capable of communicating with the server device 4 via the network 5b. The network 5b and the network 5a are different networks. The network 5b and the network 5a may be the same network.

[0018] The portable device 3 accepts input of a destination floor from the user. At this time, the portable device 3 may also accept input of a departure floor. The portable device 3 transmits a call request, which is a call including information contained in the radio waves received from the hall transmitter 2a, the departure floor, and the destination floor, to the server device 4. The call request may include attributes of the user.

[0019] The attributes of a user may be set as attributes related to the difficulty of movement, such as whether or not the user uses a vehicle, such as a wheelchair, a stroller, or a push cart. The attributes of a user may also include attributes such as a person with a disability that makes it difficult to move around in a wheelchair, a person with a visual disability, a person with no difficulty in moving around, etc. The attributes of a user may be set in advance in the portable device 3, or may be set by the user at any time.

[0020] When the server device 4 receives a call request, it identifies the car 11 included in the call request and transmits a call including the departure floor and the destination floor to the control panel 17. The control panel 17 registers the call received from the server device 4 in the car 11. That is, the server device 4 operates the car 11 based on the call request.

[0021] When many people are already in the car 11, the user who has performed the action of transmitting a call request may see the car 11 off at the departure floor without getting on. In particular, when a user has a vehicle such as a wheelchair or a stroller, the user often sees the car 11 off because there is not enough free space inside the car 11 even though it is not full. After seeing off the stopped car 11, the user again transmits a repeat call request including the same departure floor and destination floor from the portable device 3. The elevator system measures the number of times that a user has seen off a car 11 that has arrived but has not gotten on, and the waiting time caused by seeing the car 11 off. The elevator system calculates the user's satisfaction level based on the number of times that a user has seen off a car 11 and the waiting time.

[0022] Next, the elevator system will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the elevator system according to the first embodiment.

[0023] 2, the portable device 3 includes, as functions, a detection unit 30, a call transmission unit 31, a first index detection unit 32, a first index acquisition unit 33, a distance calculation unit 34, and an approach detection unit 35. For example, the call transmission unit 31, the first index acquisition unit 33, and the distance calculation unit 34 are realized by a specific application installed in the portable device 3.

[0024] For example, the detection unit 30 is an antenna that detects radio waves. The detection unit 30 detects radio waves from the hall transmitter 2a and the car transmitter 2b.

[0025] The call transmitting unit 31 accepts the input of a destination floor from a user. For example, the call transmitting unit 31 displays an interface for accepting the input of a destination floor on the screen of the portable device 3 to accept the input of information. The call transmitting unit 31 creates a call request and transmits it to the server device 4 via the network 5b. At this time, the call transmitting unit 31 may set the floor indicated in the radio wave from the hall transmitter 2a as the departure floor to be included in the call request, or may accept an input of the departure floor to be included in the call request from the user.

[0026] The first index detection unit 32 is a sensor that detects a physical quantity for calculating the altitude of the portable device 3. For example, the first index detection unit 32 is an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure. For example, the first index detection unit 32 may be an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in the vertical direction. Note that the first index detection unit 32 may be both an air pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor.

[0027] The first index acquisition unit 33 acquires information on the detection result of the first index detection unit 32. The first index acquisition unit 33 acquires a first altitude index value, which is an index value indicating the altitude of the portable device 3, based on the detection result of the first index detection unit 32. If the first index detection unit 32 is a sensor that detects air pressure, the first altitude index value may be a value of the detected air pressure.

[0028] If the first index detection unit 32 is a sensor that detects atmospheric pressure, the first index acquisition unit 33 may calculate the altitude of the portable device 3 from the detected atmospheric pressure value and consider the calculated altitude as the first altitude index value. If the first index detection unit 32 is a sensor that detects acceleration in the vertical direction, the first index acquisition unit 33 may calculate the altitude of the portable device 3 from the detected acceleration value and consider the calculated altitude as the first altitude index value. If the first index detection unit 32 is both a sensor that detects atmospheric pressure and a sensor that detects acceleration in the vertical direction, the first index acquisition unit 33 may calculate the first altitude index value by prioritizing one of the sensors, or may calculate the first altitude index value based on the detection results of both sensors.

[0029] The distance calculation unit 34 calculates the distance between the portable device 3 and the car 11 based on the intensity of the radio wave from the car transmitter 2b detected by the detection unit 30.

[0030] The approach detection unit 35 acquires the distance between the portable device 3 and the car 11 from the distance calculation unit 34. The approach detection unit 35 judges whether or not the car 11 has approached the portable device 3 based on the relationship between the distance between the portable device 3 and the car 11. The approach detection unit 35 also measures the separation duration during which the state in which the car 11 and the portable device 3 are not close to each other, i.e., the separated state, continues.

[0031] The server device 4 includes an operation information acquisition unit 40, a call processing unit 41, a first determination unit 42, a second determination unit 43, a number counting unit 44, a time measurement unit 45, a storage unit 46, and an evaluation unit 47 as functions.

[0032] The operation information acquisition unit 40 acquires operation information about the car 11 at a specified cycle from the control panel 17. The operation information includes information such as calls registered in the car 11, the current position of the car 11, the traveling direction of the car 11, and the like.

[0033] When the call processing unit 41 receives a call request from the portable device 3 , it creates a call based on the call request and transmits it to the control panel 17 of the corresponding elevator device 1 .

[0034] When the first determination unit 42 receives a call request, it acquires various pieces of information at a specified period from the portable device 3 that sent the call request. The first determination unit 42 judges whether or not the user has boarded the car 11 that made the call request, based on the acquired information on the first altitude index value and information on the movement of the car 11. In this embodiment, the first determination unit 42 uses information on the detection result of the approach detection unit 35, i.e., information on whether or not the car 11 has approached the portable device 3, as information on the movement of the car 11.

[0035] After the first judgment unit 42 judges that the user has not boarded the car 11, the second judgment unit 43 judges whether or not the user has stopped waiting for the car 11 based on the information from the portable device 3, the operation information, etc. The second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has not stopped waiting for the car 11, that is, the user is continuing to wait for the car 11.

[0036] The number of times counting unit 44 counts the number of times a user has seen a car 11 off without getting on, based on the judgment result of the first judgment unit 42 or the second judgment unit 43. Specifically, when the first judgment unit 42 judges that the user has not gotten on the car 11, the number of times counting unit 44 increments the number of times a user has seen a car 11 off by one. When the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has gotten on the car 11, or when the first judgment unit 42 judges that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11, the number of times counting unit 44 resets the number of times a user has seen a car 11 off to 0. Note that the number of times counting unit 44 may count the number of times a user has seen a car 11 off by making a judgment similar to the judgment operation of the first judgment unit 42 or the second judgment unit 43, regardless of the judgment result of the first judgment unit 42 or the second judgment unit 43.

[0037] The time measurement unit 45 measures the waiting time that the user waits to board the car 11 based on the judgment result of the first judgment unit 42 or the second judgment unit 43. The time measurement unit 45 starts measuring the waiting time when the first call request is received from the user. The time measurement unit 45 ends measuring the waiting time when the first judgment unit 42 judges that the user has boarded the car 11 or when the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. Note that the time measurement unit 45 may measure the waiting time by making a judgment similar to the judgment operation of the first judgment unit 42 or the second judgment unit 43, regardless of the judgment result of the first judgment unit 42 or the second judgment unit 43.

[0038] The storage unit 46 stores information. The storage unit 46 stores various information acquired from when a call request is received from a user until the user boards the car or when the user stops waiting for the car 11. The information stored in the storage unit 46 includes the final value of the number of times the user has been seen off and the final waiting time of the user. Furthermore, the information stored in the storage unit 46 may include information such as attributes of the user, a time chart of the first advanced index value acquired by the first index acquisition unit 33, a time chart of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit 34, operation information, and satisfaction level.

[0039] The evaluation unit 47 calculates the degree of satisfaction of the user based on at least one of the number of missed trips and the waiting time. The degree of satisfaction is evaluated as an index value of the user's satisfaction with the use from the experience of the user from when a call request is received from the user until the user boards the car or until the user stops waiting for the next car 11. The degree of satisfaction can be evaluated by various calculation methods.

[0040] As a first example of the satisfaction level, the evaluation unit 47 calculates a number proportional to the inverse of the number of times of seeing off as the satisfaction level. Specifically, when the proportional constant is 1 and the number of times of seeing off is 2, the satisfaction level is calculated as shown in the following formula (1). Satisfaction level = 1 / 2 = 0.5 (1)

[0041] As a second example of the satisfaction level, the evaluation unit 47 calculates a number proportional to the inverse of the waiting time as the satisfaction level. Specifically, when the proportionality constant is 1 and the waiting time is 300 seconds, the satisfaction level is calculated as shown in the following formula (2). Note that significant figures are appropriately determined. Satisfaction level = 1 / 300 = 0.003 (2)

[0042] As a third example of the satisfaction level, the evaluation unit 47 calculates the difference between the number of times of seeing off and a specified constant as the satisfaction level. Specifically, when the constant is 0 and the number of times of seeing off is 2, the satisfaction level is calculated as shown in the following formula (3). Satisfaction level=0-2=-2 (3)

[0043] As a fourth example of the satisfaction level, the evaluation unit 47 calculates the difference in waiting time with respect to a prescribed constant as the satisfaction level. Specifically, when the constant is 0 and the waiting time is 300 seconds, the satisfaction level is calculated as shown in the following formula (4). Satisfaction=0-300=-300 (4)

[0044] As a fifth example of the satisfaction level, the evaluation unit 47 calculates the output value of an evaluation function having the number of times of seeing off and the waiting time as input values ​​as the satisfaction level. As an example, the evaluation function may be in the form of a linear combination of the number of times of seeing off and the waiting time. In this case, the evaluation function satisfies the following formula (5) for constants α, β, and γ. Satisfaction = waiting time × α + number of missed trips × β + γ (5) If the number of missed trips is 2, the waiting time is 300 seconds, and the constants α, β, and γ are -0.01, -1, and 10, respectively, the satisfaction level is calculated as shown in the following equation (6). Satisfaction level = 300 x (-0.01) + 2 x (-1) + 10 = 5 (6)

[0045] The evaluation unit 47 may calculate the satisfaction level at any timing. For example, the evaluation unit 47 calculates the satisfaction level when it is determined that the user has boarded the car 11, or when it is determined that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. Also, for example, the evaluation unit 47 may calculate the satisfaction level at a specified cycle when the waiting time is being measured.

[0046] Next, the operation of the elevator system will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system in the first embodiment.

[0047] 3 and 4 start when a user arrives at the hall 20 and starts an application on the portable device 3. The detection unit 30 of the portable device 3 detects radio waves from the hall transmitter 2a. In the flowcharts, the portable device 3 transmits information acquired by each function and information on the determination result to the server device 4 at a specified cycle.

[0048] In step S001, the call transmitting unit 31 of the portable device 3 accepts input of a departure floor and a destination floor from a user. The call transmitting unit 31 transmits a call request to the server device 4. The call processing unit 41 of the server device 4 receives the call request.

[0049] After that, in step S002, the time measurement unit 45 starts measuring the waiting time.

[0050] Thereafter, in step S003, the number counter 44 resets the count of the number of times the pass-by has occurred to zero.

[0051] After that, in step S004, the approach detection unit 35 starts measuring the separation duration. The second determination unit 43 monitors the separation duration.

[0052] After that, in step S005, the first index acquirer 33 starts acquiring the first altitude index value. That is, thereafter, the first index acquirer 33 acquires the first altitude index value at a specified period.

[0053] After that, in step S006, the second judgment unit 43 judges whether or not the separation duration time has exceeded the first duration time. The first duration time is set to an arbitrary time, such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc., as a time sufficient to judge that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11.

[0054] If the separation duration does not exceed the first duration in step S006, the operation of step S007 is performed. In step S007, the approach detection unit 35 judges whether or not the car 11 has approached the user. Specifically, if the distance between the portable device 3 and the car 11 calculated by the distance calculation unit 34 is closer than a specified approach judgment distance, the approach detection unit 35 judges that the car 11 has approached the user. If not, the approach detection unit 35 judges that the car 11 is not approaching the user. The approach judgment distance is set to the distance between the portable device 3 and the car 11 that is assumed when the portable device 3 is present at the platform 20 and the car 11 stops at the platform 20.

[0055] If it is determined in step S007 that the car 11 is not approaching a user, the operations from step S006 onwards are repeated.

[0056] In step S007, if the car 11 approaches the user, the operation of step S008 is performed. In step S008, the approach detection unit 35 resets the separation duration time and restarts measurement from zero.

[0057] After that, in step S009, the first determination unit 42 determines whether or not the state in which the distance between the portable device 3 and the car 11 is closer than the approach determination distance has exceeded the first stopping time. The first stopping time is set as a time during which it is possible to determine that the car 11 is stopped at the car 11 without passing through the hall 20.

[0058] In step S009, if the first dwell time is not exceeded, the operations from step S006 onwards are carried out. In this case, it is assumed that the car 11 has merely passed through the hall 20.

[0059] If the first stop time is exceeded in step S009, the operation of step S010 is performed. In step S010, the first judgment unit 42 judges whether or not the user has boarded the car 11 based on information related to the movement of the car 11 and the amount of change in the first altitude index value. Specifically, if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold value from the time when the car 11 approaches the user in step S007 until the first boarding time has elapsed, the first judgment unit 42 judges that the user has boarded the car 11. Also, if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value from the time when the car 11 approaches the user in step S007 until the first boarding time has elapsed, the first judgment unit 42 judges that the user has not boarded the car 11 and has been sent off.

[0060] Note that, in a case where the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold value from the time when the first stop time is exceeded in step S009 until the first boarding time has elapsed, the first determination unit 42 may determine that the user has boarded the car 11. In this case, in a case where the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value from the time when the first stop time is exceeded in step S009 until the first boarding time has elapsed, the first determination unit 42 may determine that the user has been sent off without boarding the car 11.

[0061] In step S010, if it is determined that the user has boarded the car 11, the operation of step S011 is performed. In step S011, the time measurement unit 45 ends measurement of the waiting time.

[0062] After that, in step S012, the evaluation unit 47 calculates the satisfaction level using at least one of the number of times of passing and the waiting time.

[0063] After that, in step S013, various pieces of information acquired or measured by each function in the current operation according to the flowchart are stored in the storage unit 46 in association with each other.

[0064] Thereafter, in step S014, the number counter 44 resets the count of the number of times the pass-off has occurred to zero.

[0065] Thereafter, in step S015, the approach detection unit 35 ends the measurement of the separation duration.

[0066] Thereafter, in step S016, the first index acquirer 33 ends the acquisition of the first altitude index value.

[0067] The elevator system then ends the operation of the flowchart.

[0068] In step S010, if it is determined that the user has seen the car 11 off without getting on, the operation of step S017 is performed. In step S017, the number counting unit 44 increments the number of times the user has seen the car 11 off by 1. After that, the operations of step S006 and the following steps are performed.

[0069] In step S006, if the separation duration exceeds the first duration, the operation of step S018 is performed. In step S018, the second determination unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11.

[0070] Then, the operation of step S019 is performed. In step S019, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time. Then, the operation of step S012 and subsequent steps is performed. That is, after the current satisfaction level and the like are calculated, the elevator system ends the operation of the flowchart.

[0071] It should be noted that the determination in step S009 may not be performed, and the operation in step S010 may be performed after step S008.

[0072] Next, a specific example of the operation performed in the elevator system will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system in embodiment 1. In each diagram, illustration of functional configurations is appropriately omitted.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 5, in this example, the user is pushing a stroller. After arriving at the platform 20, the user inputs information into the portable device 3 to send a call request. When the call request is sent from the portable device 3, the server device 4, not shown in Fig. 5, sends a call for the car 11 to the corresponding control panel 17 and starts measuring the waiting time and the number of missed passengers.

[0074] After that, the car 11 stops at the platform 20. The portable device 3 receives radio waves from the car transmitter 2b. The approach detection unit 35 detects that the car 11 has approached the portable device 3. As shown in Fig. 6(A), after the user gets into the car, the car 11 departs for the destination floor.

[0075] FIG. 6(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value acquired by the first index acquisition unit 33 and time. The vertical axis is the value of air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor of the portable device 3 and acquired as the first altitude index value. The unit of air pressure is [hPa]. Time t0 is the time when it is determined that the car 11 has approached the user. The absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold at time t1. At this time, the first determination unit 42 detects that the user has boarded the car 11. The time measurement unit 45 ends measurement of the waiting time at 3 minutes and 00 seconds.

[0076] As another pattern of this example, after Fig. 5, the user may decide not to board the car 11 and may decide not to board. As shown in Fig. 7(A), the car 11 stops at the platform 20, and the car 11 is detected to be approaching the portable device 3. The user thinks that there is not enough space inside the car 11 to board a stroller, and so decides not to board. After that, for example, the user inputs a call request again into the portable device 3.

[0077] Fig. 7(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time in this pattern. The absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value from time t0, when it is determined that the car 11 has approached the user, to time t2, when the first boarding time has elapsed, does not exceed the first altitude threshold. In this case, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user has not boarded the car 11. The number counting unit 44 increments the number of times the user has been seen off by one.

[0078] As another pattern of this example, after Fig. 5, the user may see the car 11 off and stop waiting for it. As shown in Fig. 8(A), the car 11 stops at the platform 20, and the approach of the car 11 to the portable device 3 is detected. The user thinks that there is not enough space inside the car 11 to accommodate a stroller, so he or she sees off the car. After that, the user stops waiting for the next car 11 and leaves the platform 20.

[0079] Fig. 8(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time in this pattern. The absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value did not exceed the first altitude threshold value from time t0 when it was determined that the car 11 approached the user to time t2 when the first boarding time had elapsed. Furthermore, it was not determined that the car 11 approached the user from time t0 when the separation duration exceeded the first duration, i.e., from time t0 when it was determined that the car 11 approached the user to time t3 when the first duration had elapsed. In this case, the second determination unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11.

[0080] The time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time. At this time, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time at the time determined by the second determination unit 43 minus the first duration. That is, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time at time t0. Note that the time measurement unit 45 may end the measurement of the waiting time at a time going back from time t0 to the time when the first stop time has elapsed.

[0081] According to the first embodiment described above, the elevator system includes the call transmitting unit 31, the control panel 17, the first index acquiring unit 33, and the first determining unit 42. The first determining unit 42 determines that a user has boarded the car 11 based on information related to the movement of the car 11 and the first altitude index value. Unlike the conventional system, there is no need for a queue to be formed at the hall 20 for this determination. Therefore, the elevator system can easily detect that a person has boarded the car.

[0082] According to the embodiment described above, the elevator system may further include additional components such as:

[0083] The elevator system includes a car transmitter 2b provided in the car 11, a distance calculation unit 34, and an approach detection unit 35. The first determination unit 42 detects that a user has boarded the car 11 based on the detection result of the approach detection unit 35, which is information related to the movement of the car 11, and the amount of change in the first altitude index value. That is, in an elevator system in which a call is registered in the car 11 by operating the portable device 3, it is only necessary to install a device in the car 11 to determine boarding, and there is no need to install separate devices such as a camera for each hall 20 as in the conventional system. This reduces the workload of the elevator system maintenance staff.

[0084] Furthermore, the first determination unit 42 determines that a user has entered the car 11 when the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold value after it is detected that the car 11 has approached the portable device 3. For this reason, the elevator system can accurately determine that a user has entered the car 11.

[0085] The elevator system further includes a number counting unit 44. When it is not determined that the user has boarded the car 11, the number counting unit 44 increments the number of times that the user has seen the car 11 off by one. This makes it easy to count the number of times that the user has seen the car 11 off. Although not shown, the number of times that the user has seen the car 11 off may be notified inside the car 11. In this case, it is possible to encourage other users who are boarding the car 11 to give way to the other users.

[0086] The elevator system also includes a second determination unit 43. The second determination unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11 based on the separation duration time. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the user has left the hall 20 without providing a separate device for detecting the movement of the user, such as a camera, at the hall 20.

[0087] The elevator system also includes a time measurement unit 45. The time measurement unit 45 measures the waiting time that users continue to wait for the car 11. To perform this measurement, it is not necessary for a queue to be formed at the hall 20 as in the past. Therefore, the elevator system can easily measure the waiting time. Furthermore, users do not get the impression that they are being monitored by a camera or the like, and can wait for the car 11 with peace of mind.

[0088] Although not shown, the waiting time may be notified inside the car 11. In this case, other users in the car 11 can be encouraged to give way to the other users. Although not shown, the control panel 17 may operate the car 11 so as to preferentially dispatch the car 11 to the hall 20 of a floor where there is a user whose waiting time exceeds a specified threshold. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, by using at least one of the information on the number of times that passengers have been sent off and the waiting time, the owner of the elevator system can make a plan to concentrate guidance personnel at the hall 20 during the time period when the number of times that passengers have been sent off or the waiting time is long. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0089] The elevator system also includes an evaluation unit 47. The evaluation unit 47 calculates the user's satisfaction level using at least one of the number of missed passengers and the waiting time. This allows the elevator system to quantitatively evaluate the convenience of the user. Such a satisfaction level can be used for purposes such as operation control, such as direct operation of the car 11 to a floor with a low satisfaction level, being notified at the car 11 or the hall 20, being used when analyzing the usage status of the elevator, being converted into an index of congestion level, and so on.

[0090] The evaluation unit 47 may calculate the satisfaction level associated with the attributes of the users. For example, the attributes may relate to the difficulty of movement. Therefore, the convenience for users who use wheelchairs, strollers, push cars, etc. can be evaluated separately from the convenience for users who do not use these. As a result, a plan can be made to build an elevator system that is comfortable for users who have difficulty in moving around in particular.

[0091] Furthermore, the first index acquisition unit 33 may set the value of the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor of the portable device 3, which is the first index detection unit 32, as the first altitude index value. This makes it possible to easily use the first altitude index value. Generally, many smartphones have an air pressure sensor built in. In particular, when the portable device 3 is a smartphone, it is possible to use the first altitude index value by utilizing an existing sensor.

[0092] Furthermore, the first index acquisition unit 33 may acquire the value of the vertical acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the portable device 3, which is the first index detection unit 32, and calculate the altitude of the portable device 3 to obtain the first altitude index value. This makes it easy to use the first altitude index value. Generally, a smartphone has a built-in acceleration sensor. In particular, when the portable device 3 is a smartphone, the first altitude index value can be used by utilizing an existing sensor.

[0093] The car transmitter 2b may transmit a signal in any form, such as ultrasonic waves, radar, etc., instead of radio waves. In this case, the portable device 3 has a receiver corresponding to the form of the signal transmitted by the car transmitter 2b, and calculates the distance to the car 11 based on the information received by the receiver.

[0094] In addition, when the first judgment unit 42 determines that the passenger has not boarded the cage 11, the call sending unit 31 may send a repeat call request to the server device 4, which is a call request including the same departure floor and destination floor even if no additional operation is performed.

[0095] The attributes of the user may be determined by a dedicated device, a holding tool, or the like distributed by the business operator, and may be set in advance in the portable device 3. The user may set the attributes by inputting a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a pair of an ID and a password, or the like distributed by the business operator, into an application on the portable device 3. The attributes of the user may be determined by the control panel 17 based on the detection result of the multi-beam door sensor when the user gets into the car 11, and may be notified to the server device 4.

[0096] The first determination unit 42 may perform various determinations based on both the detection result of the approach detection unit 35 and information related to the movement of the car 11.

[0097] In addition, the server device 4 may acquire the measurement value of the weighing device that measures the weight of the cage 11 each time. The first determination unit 42 may further use the measurement value of the weighing device to improve the accuracy of the determination of whether or not the user has boarded the cage 11. In addition, when the first determination unit 42 determines that the user has not boarded the cage 11, information in which the number of times the user has been sent off is associated with the measurement value of the weighing device may be stored in the storage unit 46. In this case, the reason why the user has not boarded the cage 11 may be estimated based on the measurement value of the weighing device. For example, when the measurement value of the weighing device is equal to or greater than a specified full-occupancy threshold, it may be estimated that the user has been sent off because the cage 11 is full. When the measurement value of the weighing device is smaller than the full-occupancy threshold, it may be estimated that the user has been sent off because the cage 11 is full, or because the user has violated etiquette, such as not leaving space inside the cage 11.

[0098] In addition, the elevator system may be provided with at least one of the number counting unit 44 and the time measuring unit 45.

[0099] The evaluation unit 47 may calculate the satisfaction level based on the evaluation model. The evaluation model is a trained model created in advance. In this case, for example, a questionnaire survey on subjective satisfaction is conducted in advance on users. In the questionnaire survey, the number of times of passing on and the waiting time are similarly measured. From the results of the questionnaire survey, learning data is created in which the number of times of passing on, the waiting time, and the subjective satisfaction level are associated with each other. The evaluation model is a model trained by supervised learning using the learning data as correct answer data. The evaluation unit 47 uses the evaluation model to input the number of times of passing on and the waiting time and outputs the satisfaction level.

[0100] Embodiment 2 Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of the elevator system in the second embodiment. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are flow charts for explaining an outline of the operation of the elevator system in the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment. Explanation of these parts will be omitted.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the information on the movement of the car 11 used by the first determination unit 42 and the second determination unit 43 is different from that in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, the server device 4 further includes an operation monitoring unit 48.

[0102] The operation monitoring unit 48 acquires operation information from the control panel 17. The operation monitoring unit 48 monitors the stopping floor of the car 11 and the direction in which the car 11 moves from the stopping floor.

[0103] When making a judgment, the first judgment unit 42 uses the monitoring results or operation information of the operation monitoring unit 48 as information regarding the movement of the car 11. When making a judgment, the second judgment unit 43 uses the monitoring results or operation information of the operation monitoring unit 48 as information regarding the movement of the car 11.

[0104] In the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11, the operations performed from step S101 to step S105 are the same as the operations performed from step S001 to step S005 in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0105] After step S105, the operation of step S106 is performed. In step S106, the operation monitoring unit 48 judges, based on the operation information, whether or not the car 11 stops at the departure floor included in the call request and then departs from the departure floor in the direction toward the destination floor. This judgment may be performed by the first judgment unit 42, not by the operation monitoring unit 48. In step S106, if the car 11 does not stop at the departure floor, or departs in the opposite direction to the destination floor after stopping at the departure floor, the operation of step S106 is repeated.

[0106] In step S106, if the car 11 departs in the direction toward the destination floor after stopping at the departure floor, the operation of step S107 is performed. In step S107, the first determination unit 42 determines whether or not a user has boarded the car 11 based on the moving direction of the car 11 after arriving at the departure floor and the change amount of the first altitude index value. Specifically, in step S106, if the absolute value of the change amount of the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold value until the second boarding time has elapsed from the time when the car 11 departs in the direction toward the destination floor from the departure floor until the second boarding time has elapsed, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user has boarded the car 11. In addition, in step S106, if the absolute value of the change amount of the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value until the second boarding time has elapsed from the time when the car 11 departs in the direction toward the destination floor from the departure floor, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user has not boarded the car 11 and has seen it off. The second riding time may be the same as the first riding time in the first embodiment, or may be different.

[0107] In step S107, when a user gets on the car 11, the operations from step S108 onwards are performed. The operations performed from step S108 to step S113 are the same as the operations performed from step S011 to step S016 in the flowcharts of Figs.

[0108] In step S107, when it is determined that the user has seen the car 11 off without getting on, the operation of step S117 is performed. In step S114, the number counting unit 44 increments the number of times the user has seen the car 11 off by one.

[0109] After that, in step S115, the second determination unit 43 determines whether or not a second duration has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction from the departure floor to the destination floor in step S106. The second duration may be the same as or different from the first duration in the first embodiment.

[0110] If it is determined in step S115 that the second duration time has not elapsed, the operation of step S116 is performed. In step S116, the second determination unit 43 determines whether the server device 4 has received, from the call sending unit 31, a repeat call request that is a call request including the same departure floor as the departure floor of the immediately preceding call request.

[0111] In step S116, when a recall request is received, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has not stopped waiting for the car 11. That is, when a recall request is transmitted from step S115 to step S116 until the second duration time has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction toward the destination floor, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has not stopped waiting for the car 11. In this case, the operations from step S106 onwards are performed.

[0112] If no recall request is received in step S116, the operations from step S115 onwards are carried out.

[0113] In step S115, if the second duration time has elapsed, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. That is, if a recall request is not transmitted by the repetition of steps S115 to S116 until the second duration time has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction of the destination floor, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. In this case, the operation of step S117 is performed. In step S117, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time. Thereafter, the operations from step S109 onwards are performed.

[0114] Next, a specific example of the operation performed in the elevator system will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system in the embodiment 2. In each diagram, illustration of functional configurations is appropriately omitted.

[0115] In this example, as in the example of the first embodiment, the user is pushing a stroller. After arriving at the platform 20, the user inputs information into the portable device 3 to send a call request. In this example, the user inputs that the departure floor is the second floor and the destination floor is the fifth floor. When the call request is sent from the portable device 3, the server device 4 sends a call for the car 11 to the corresponding control panel 17 and starts measuring the waiting time and the number of missed passengers.

[0116] After that, the car 11 stops at the hall 20. As shown in Fig. 12(A), after the passenger gets on the car, the car 11 departs for the destination floor. The operation monitoring unit 48 determines that the car 11 departs in the direction of the destination floor after stopping at the departure floor of the call request.

[0117] Fig. 12(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value acquired by the first index acquisition unit 33 and time. Time t4 is the time when it is determined that the car 11 has departed in the direction toward the destination floor after stopping at the departure floor. The absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold at time t5, before the second boarding time has elapsed from time t4. At this time, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user has boarded the car 11. The time measurement unit 45 ends measurement of the waiting time at 3 minutes and 00 seconds.

[0118] As another pattern in this example, the user may decide to see off the car 11 without getting on. As shown in Fig. 13(A), the user again inputs to the portable device 3 that the departure floor is the second floor and the destination floor is the fifth floor. The call sending unit 31 sends a repeat call request to the server device 4.

[0119] 13B shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time in this pattern. The absolute value of the change in the first altitude index value from time t4 to time t6 when the second boarding time has elapsed does not exceed the first altitude threshold. In this case, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user did not board the car 11, and the number counting unit 44 increments the number of times the user has been seen off by one.

[0120] After that, the call processing unit 41 receives a repeat call request at time t7 before the second duration time has elapsed from time t4. The second determination unit 43 determines that the user has continued to wait for the car 11.

[0121] As another pattern of this example, a user may see the car 11 off and stop waiting for the car 11. As shown in FIG. 14(A), after the car 11 stops at the platform 20, it departs in the direction of the destination floor. At this time, the user sees the car off to board. After that, the user stops waiting for the next car 11 and leaves the platform 20.

[0122] 14(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time in this pattern. From time t4 to time t6 when the second boarding time has elapsed, the absolute value of the change in the first altitude index value did not exceed the first altitude threshold. Furthermore, from time t4 to time t8 when the second duration time has elapsed, no repeat call request was sent from the call sending unit 31. In this case, the second determination unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11.

[0123] The time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time. At this time, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time at the time when the second determination unit 43 determines that the second duration has been subtracted from the waiting time. That is, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time at time t4.

[0124] According to the above-described second embodiment, the first determination unit 42 uses the operation information as information related to the movement of the car 11, and determines that a user has boarded the car 11 based on the movement direction of the car 11 departing from the departure floor and the change amount of the first altitude index value. More specifically, the first determination unit 42 determines that a user has boarded the car 11 when the absolute value of the change amount of the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold value after the car 11 arrives at the departure floor and departs in the direction to the destination floor. In an elevator system that accepts a call request from the portable device 3, the operation information is originally obtained from the control panel 17 and used. That is, the elevator system can easily determine that a user has boarded the car 11 without installing a separate device.

[0125] Furthermore, the number counting unit 44 may perform the same determination as the first determination unit 42. Specifically, when the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value until the second boarding time, which is a specified boarding time, has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction toward the destination floor, the number counting unit 44 may determine that the user did not board the car 11, and may increment the number of times that a pass-by has occurred by one. Therefore, the elevator system can count the number of times that a pass-by has occurred in the second embodiment as well.

[0126] Furthermore, the second determination unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11 if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value until the second boarding time, which is a specified boarding time, has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction toward the destination floor, and if a recall request has not been transmitted before the second duration time has elapsed. Therefore, the elevator system can easily realize a configuration that determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11, even in the second embodiment.

[0127] Embodiment 3 Fig. 15 is a functional block diagram of the elevator system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 are flow charts for explaining an outline of the operation of the elevator system according to the third embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or corresponding parts as those in the first or second embodiment. Explanation of these parts will be omitted.

[0128] In the third embodiment, the information regarding the movement of the car 11 used by the first judgment unit 42 and the second judgment unit 43 differs from the information in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 15, in the third embodiment, the elevator system includes a second index device 6. The second index device 6 is fixed to the car 11. The second index device 6 includes a second index detection unit 60 and a second index acquisition unit 61 as functions.

[0129] The second index detection unit 60 is a sensor that detects a physical quantity for calculating the altitude of the car 11. For example, the second index detection unit 60 is an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure. For example, the second index detection unit 60 may be an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in the vertical direction. Note that the second index detection unit 60 may be both an air pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor.

[0130] The second index acquisition unit 61 acquires information on the detection result of the second index detection unit 60. The second index acquisition unit 61 acquires a second altitude index value, which is an index value indicating the altitude of the car 11, based on the detection result of the second index detection unit 60. The second altitude index value is a value comparable to the first altitude index value, such as the same physical quantity or calculated value as the first altitude index value. For example, when the second index acquisition unit 61 is an air pressure sensor, the second altitude index value may be a value of the detected air pressure.

[0131] When the second index detection unit 60 is an air pressure sensor, the second index acquisition unit 61 may calculate the altitude of the car 11 from the detected air pressure value and consider the calculated altitude as the second altitude index value. When the second index detection unit 60 is an acceleration sensor, the second index acquisition unit 61 may calculate the altitude of the car 11 from the detected acceleration value and consider the calculated altitude as the second altitude index value. When the second index detection unit 60 is both an air pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor, the second index acquisition unit 61 may calculate the second altitude index value by prioritizing one of the sensors, or may calculate the second altitude index value based on the detection results of both sensors.

[0132] The server device 4 acquires the second altitude index value acquired by the second index acquisition unit 61 at a specified period. When making a judgment, the first judgment unit 42 uses the amount of change in the second altitude index value as information related to the movement of the car 11. When making a judgment, the second judgment unit 43 uses the amount of change in the second altitude index value.

[0133] In the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 and 17, the operations performed from step S201 to step S205 are the same as the operations performed from step S001 to step S005 in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0134] After step S205, the operation of step S206 is performed. In step S206, the second index acquisition unit 61 starts acquiring the second altitude index value.

[0135] Thereafter, in step S207, the first determination unit 42 determines whether the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user corresponding to the call request based on the second altitude index value. Specifically, if the time during which the second altitude index value is included in the altitude range corresponding to the departure floor included in the call request exceeds the second stop time, the first determination unit 42 determines that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user. Note that the first determination unit 42 may determine that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user when the state in which the difference between the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value is smaller than the stop threshold exceeds the second stop time. If it is not determined in step S207 that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user, the operation of step S207 is repeated.

[0136] Thereafter, if it is determined in step S207 that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user, the operation of step S208 is performed. In step S208, it is determined whether or not the sign of the change in the second altitude index value matches the sign of the change in the direction from the departure floor to the destination floor included in the call request. Specifically, if the destination floor is above the departure floor, the sign is plus. If the destination floor is below the departure floor, the sign is minus.

[0137] In step S208, if the signs of the amounts of change in the second altitude index values ​​do not match, it is determined that the car 11 is a car heading in the reverse direction, and the operations in and after step S207 are carried out.

[0138] In step S208, if the signs of the changes in the second altitude index value match, the operation of step S209 is performed. In step S209, the first determination unit 42 determines whether the absolute value of the change in the second altitude index value within a specified time period exceeds the second altitude threshold. The second altitude threshold may be set to the same value as the first altitude threshold, or may be set to a different value.

[0139] If it is determined in step S209 that the absolute value of the amount of change in the second altitude index value does not exceed the second altitude threshold, the operations from step S207 onwards are repeated.

[0140] In step S209, if the absolute value of the amount of change in the second altitude index value exceeds the second altitude threshold, the operation of step S210 is performed. In step S210, the second determination unit 43 uses at least the first altitude index value to determine whether the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value have changed in the same manner. Specifically, for example, if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold until the third boarding time has elapsed after it is determined that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user, the first determination unit 42 determines that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value have changed in the same manner through steps S209 to S210. The third boarding time may be the same as or different from the first boarding time or the second boarding time.

[0141] If it is determined in step S210 that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value have changed in the same manner, the first determination unit 42 determines that a user has boarded the car 11. In this case, the operations from step S211 onwards are performed. The operations performed from step S211 to step S216 are the same as the operations performed from step S011 to step S016 in the flowcharts of Figs. 3 and 4.

[0142] In step S210, if it is determined that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value have not changed in the same way, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user has seen the car 11 off without getting on. In this case, the operation of step S217 is performed. In step S217, the number counting unit 44 increments the number of times the user has seen the car 11 off by one.

[0143] Thereafter, in step S218, the second judgment unit 43 judges whether or not the third duration time has elapsed since the car 11 stopped at the same floor as the user in step S207. That is, the second judgment unit 43 judges whether or not the third duration time has elapsed without it being judged that the user has boarded the car 11 after the car 11 stopped at the same floor as the user. The third duration time may be the same as or different from the first duration time in the first embodiment or the second duration time in the second embodiment.

[0144] If it is determined in step S218 that the third duration time has not elapsed, the operation of step S219 is performed. In step S219, the second determination unit 43 determines whether the server device 4 has received a repeat call request from the call transmission unit 31 or not.

[0145] In step S219, when a recall request is received, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has not stopped waiting for the car 11. That is, when a recall request is transmitted from step S218 to step S219 until the third duration time has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction toward the destination floor, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has not stopped waiting for the car 11. In this case, the operations from step S207 onwards are performed.

[0146] If a recall request is not received in step S219, the operations from step S218 onwards are carried out.

[0147] In step S218, if the third duration time has elapsed, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. That is, if a recall request is not transmitted by the repetition of steps S218 to S219 until the third duration time has elapsed since the car 11 departed in the direction of the destination floor, the second judgment unit 43 judges that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. In this case, the operation of step S220 is performed. In step S220, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time. Thereafter, the operations from step S212 onwards are performed.

[0148] In addition, in step S210, if the difference between the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value does not exceed the third altitude threshold value until the third boarding time has elapsed since it was determined that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user, the first determination unit 42 may determine that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value have changed in the same manner. In this case, the operation of step S208 may be skipped, and instead the operation of step S209 may be performed.

[0149] Next, a specific example of the operation performed in the elevator system will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 20 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system in the embodiment 3. In each diagram, illustration of functional configurations is appropriately omitted.

[0150] In this example, as in the example of the first embodiment, the user is pushing a stroller. After arriving at the platform 20, the user inputs information into the portable device 3 to send a call request. In this example, the user inputs that the departure floor is the second floor and the destination floor is the fifth floor. When the call request is sent from the portable device 3, the server device 4 sends a call for the car 11 to the corresponding control panel 17 and starts measuring the waiting time and the number of missed passengers.

[0151] 18(A), the car 11 stops at the platform 20. After the passengers board the car, the car 11 departs for the destination floor. The first determination unit 42 determines that the sign of the change in the second altitude index value is positive and that the sign of the change matches the sign when moving from the second floor to the fifth floor.

[0152] The upper part of Fig. 18(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value acquired by the first index acquisition unit 33 and the time. The lower part of Fig. 18(B) shows the relationship between the second altitude index value acquired by the second index acquisition unit 61 and the time.

[0153] The time t9 is the time when it is determined that the car 11 has stopped at the same floor as the user. The absolute value of the change in the second altitude index value is the time t 10 The absolute value of the change in the first altitude index value is the same as that at time t 11 At this time, the first determination unit 42 determines that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value have changed in the same manner, and determines that a user has boarded the car 11. The time measurement unit 45 ends measurement of the waiting time at 3 minutes and 00 seconds.

[0154] As another pattern in this example, the user may decide to see off the car 11 without getting on. As shown in Fig. 19(A), the user again inputs to the portable device 3 that the departure floor is the second floor and the destination floor is the fifth floor. The call sending unit 31 sends a repeat call request to the server device 4.

[0155] FIG. 19(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time and the relationship between the second altitude index value and time in this pattern. The upper part of FIG. 19(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value acquired by the first index acquisition unit 33 and time. The lower part of FIG. 19(B) shows the relationship between the second altitude index value acquired by the second index acquisition unit 61 and time. At time t 12 During this time, the absolute value of the amount of change in the second altitude index value exceeded the second altitude threshold, but the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value did not exceed the first altitude threshold. In this case, the first determination unit 42 determines that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value did not change in the same way, and determines that the user did not board the car 11. The number counting unit 44 increments the number of times of seeing off by one.

[0156] After that, the call processing unit 41 receives a repeat call request at a time before the third duration time has elapsed from time t9. The second determination unit 43 determines that the user has continued to wait for the car 11.

[0157] As yet another pattern of this example, a user may see off the car 11 and stop waiting for the car 11. As shown in FIG. 20(A), after the car 11 stops at the platform 20, it departs in the direction of the destination floor. At this time, the user sees off the car to board. After that, the user stops waiting for the next car 11 and leaves the platform 20.

[0158] Figure 20(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time and the relationship between the second altitude index value and time in this pattern. The upper part of Figure 20(B) shows the relationship between the first altitude index value and time acquired by the first index acquisition unit 33. The lower part of Figure 20(B) shows the relationship between the second altitude index value and time acquired by the second index acquisition unit 61.

[0159] Time t after the third ride time has elapsed since time t 12 During the period from time t9 to the time t10, the absolute value of the change in the first altitude index value did not exceed the first altitude threshold value. Therefore, the first determination unit 42 determines that the user did not get into the car 11. Furthermore, at time t 13 During this time, no recall request has been transmitted from the call transmitting unit 31. In this case, the second determining unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11.

[0160] The time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time. At this time, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time at the time determined by the second determination unit 43 minus the third duration. That is, the time measurement unit 45 ends the measurement of the waiting time at time t9.

[0161] According to the third embodiment described above, the elevator system includes the second index acquisition unit 61. The first determination unit 42 uses information of the second altitude index value as information related to the movement of the car 11 to determine that the car 11 has entered the departure floor. Thereafter, the first determination unit 42 determines that a user has entered the car 11 based on the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value. Therefore, the elevator system can easily determine that a user has entered the car 11.

[0162] Furthermore, the first determination unit 42 determines that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value are changing in the same manner by determining that a user has boarded the car 11 if the absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds the first altitude threshold before the third boarding time, which is a specified boarding time, has elapsed since the absolute value of the amount of change in the second altitude index value exceeded the second altitude threshold. Therefore, the elevator system can easily determine that a user has boarded the car 11.

[0163] Note that the first determination unit 42 may determine that the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value change in the same manner by determining that the car 11 has stopped at the departure floor and then determining that a user has boarded the car 11 if the difference between the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value does not exceed the third altitude threshold. Even in this case, the elevator system can therefore easily determine that a user has boarded the car 11.

[0164] Furthermore, the number of times counting unit 44 increments the number of times of passing by by one when it is determined by the first determination unit 42 that the car 11 has stopped at the departure floor and then it is determined that the user has not boarded the car 11. Note that the number of times counting unit 44 may perform the same determination as the first determination unit 42. Therefore, the elevator system can count the number of times of passing by in the third embodiment as well.

[0165] Furthermore, if it is not determined that the user has boarded the car 11 and a repeat call request is not transmitted until the third duration time has elapsed since it was determined that the car 11 has stopped at the departure floor, the second determination unit 43 determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11. Therefore, even in the third embodiment, the elevator system can easily realize a configuration that determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car 11.

[0166] Next, an example of hardware constituting the server device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server device according to the first to third embodiments.

[0167] Each function of the server device 4 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0168] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the server device 4 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a realizes each function of the server device 4 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, the at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc., a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, etc.

[0169] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is realized, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the server device 4 is realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the server device 4 is realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0170] Some of the functions of the server device 4 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the remaining parts may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of the evaluation unit 47 may be realized by a processing circuit as the dedicated hardware 200, and functions other than the function of the evaluation unit 47 may be realized by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0171] The server device 4 may be realized on a cloud server. In this case, the processing circuit is composed of a plurality of partial circuits. The plurality of partial processing circuits are provided in the plurality of devices constituting the cloud server, respectively. The plurality of devices constituting the cloud server may be provided in different buildings, respectively.

[0172] In this way, the processing circuitry realizes each function of the server device 4 by hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0173] Although not shown, each function of the mobile device 3 is realized by a processing circuit equivalent to the processing circuit that realizes each function of the server device 4.

[0174] At least one of the functions of the portable device 3 other than the detection unit 30, the call transmission unit 31, and the first indicator detection unit 32 may be provided in the server device 4. At least one of the functions of the server device 4 other than the call processing unit 41 may be provided in the portable device 3. In any case, information required for the operation of each function is exchanged between the functions via the internal circuitry of the device or the network. [Industrial Applicability]

[0175] As described above, the elevator system according to the present disclosure can be used as a system in which a user can call a car from a terminal carried by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 elevator device, 2a platform transmitter, 2b cage transmitter, 3 portable device, 4 server device, 5a network, 5b network, 6 second index device, 11 cage, 12 counterweight, 13 elevator shaft, 14 main rope, 15 hoist, 16 driving sheave, 17 control panel, 20 platform, 30 detection unit, 31 call transmission unit, 32 first index detection unit, 33 first index acquisition unit, 34 distance calculation unit, 35 approach detection unit, 40 operation information acquisition unit, 41 call processing unit, 42 first judgment unit, 43 second judgment unit, 44 number counting unit, 45 time measurement unit, 46 accumulation unit, 47 evaluation unit, 48 operation monitoring unit, 60 second index detection unit, 61 Second index acquisition unit, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 hardware

Claims

1. a call transmission unit provided in a portable device carried by a user, the call transmission unit transmitting a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to the departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquisition unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determination unit that determines that the user has boarded the elevator at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to the movement of the elevator; A transmitter provided in the car for transmitting radio waves; A distance calculation unit that calculates a distance from the portable device to the car based on the intensity of the radio wave received by the portable device; an approach detection unit that detects that the portable device and the car have come close to each other when a distance from the portable device to the car is shorter than a prescribed approach determination distance; A counting unit; Equipped with The first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the elevator car based on an amount of change in the first altitude index value and a detection result of the approach detection unit, In the elevator system, the number counting unit increments the number of times the user has seen the car pass by by one when it detects that the portable device and the car have come close to each other and it is not determined that the user has boarded the car.

2. 2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the car when an absolute value of a change in the first altitude index value exceeds a first altitude threshold value after it is detected that the portable device and the car have come close to each other.

3. A call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user, the call sending unit sending a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to the departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquisition unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determination unit that determines that the user has boarded the elevator at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to the movement of the elevator; A transmitter provided in the car for transmitting radio waves; A distance calculation unit that calculates a distance from the portable device to the car based on the intensity of the radio wave received by the portable device; an approach detection unit that detects that the portable device and the car have come close to each other when a distance from the portable device to the car is shorter than a prescribed approach determination distance; A second determination unit; Equipped with The first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the elevator car based on an amount of change in the first altitude index value and a detection result of the approach detection unit, The second determination unit determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car when a separation duration during which the car is not detected to be approaching the portable device exceeds a first duration after it is detected that the portable device and the car have come close to each other and it is not determined that the user has boarded the car.

4. A call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user, the call sending unit sending a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to the departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquisition unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determination unit that determines that the user has boarded the elevator at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to the movement of the elevator; A counting unit; Equipped with the first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the car based on a moving direction of the car departing from the departure floor and an amount of change in the first altitude index value, and determines that the user has boarded the car when an absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds a first altitude threshold value after the car that has arrived at the departure floor departs in a direction toward the destination floor, the number counting unit increments by one the number of times the user has seen the car off if the absolute value of the change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value until a specified boarding time has elapsed since the car, which has arrived at the departure floor, departs in the direction of the destination floor.

5. A call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user, the call sending unit sending a call request for a car including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to the departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquisition unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determination unit that determines that the user has boarded the elevator at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to the movement of the elevator; A second determination unit; Equipped with the first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the car based on a moving direction of the car departing from the departure floor and an amount of change in the first altitude index value, and determines that the user has boarded the car when an absolute value of the amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds a first altitude threshold value after the car that has arrived at the departure floor departs in a direction toward the destination floor, the second determination unit determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car if the absolute value of the change in the first altitude index value does not exceed the first altitude threshold value until a specified boarding time has elapsed since the car, which has arrived at the departure floor, departs in the direction of the destination floor, and if a repeat call request including the departure floor of the previous call request is not sent from the call sending unit until a second duration time has elapsed since the car departs, the second determination unit determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car.

6. A call sending unit provided in a portable device carried by a user, the call sending unit sending a car call request including a departure floor and a destination floor; a control panel that controls the operation of the car and dispatches the car to the departure floor based on the call request; a first index acquisition unit that acquires a first altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the portable device is located based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the portable device; a first determination unit that determines that the user has boarded the elevator at the departure floor based on the first altitude index value and information related to the movement of the elevator; a second index acquisition unit that acquires a second altitude index value indicating an altitude at which the car is located; Equipped with The first determination unit determines that the car has stopped at the departure floor based on the second altitude index value, and then determines that the user has boarded the car based on the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value.

7. 7. The elevator system according to claim 6, wherein the first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the car when an absolute value of an amount of change in the second altitude index value exceeds a second altitude threshold and an absolute value of an amount of change in the first altitude index value exceeds a first altitude threshold before a specified boarding time has elapsed since it was determined that the car has stopped at the departure floor.

8. 7. The elevator system according to claim 6, wherein the first determination unit determines that the user has boarded the car if a difference between the first altitude index value and the second altitude index value does not exceed a third altitude threshold value until a specified boarding time has elapsed since it was determined that the car has stopped at the departure floor.

9. a number counting unit that, when it is determined that the user has not boarded the car after it is determined that the car has stopped at the departure floor, increases the number of times that the user has seen off the car by one; 7. The elevator system of claim 6, further comprising:

10. a second determination unit that determines that the user has stopped waiting for the car when it is not determined that the user has boarded the car and a repeat call request including the departure floor of the immediately preceding call request is not transmitted from the call transmission unit until a third duration time has elapsed since it was determined that the car had stopped at the departure floor; 7. The elevator system of claim 6, further comprising:

11. a time measurement unit that measures, as a waiting time, a time from when the call request is transmitted from the call transmission unit until it is determined that the user has boarded the car or until it is determined that the user has stopped waiting for the car; 11. The elevator system of claim 3, claim 5, or claim 10, further comprising:

12. an evaluation unit that calculates a satisfaction level of the user based on the waiting time measured by the time measurement unit; 12. The elevator system of claim 11, further comprising:

13. The elevator system of claim 12, wherein the evaluation unit calculates the satisfaction level in correspondence with the user's attributes relating to the difficulty of movement.

14. an evaluation unit that calculates a degree of satisfaction of the user based on the number of times the user has missed the car, which is measured by the number counting unit; 10. The elevator system of claim 1, claim 4, or claim 9, further comprising:

15. The elevator system according to claim 14, wherein the evaluation unit calculates the degree of satisfaction in association with an attribute of the user relating to difficulty in moving.

16. 7. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the first altitude index value is a value of air pressure detected by an air pressure sensor of the portable device.

17. 7. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the first index acquisition unit acquires an acceleration value in an upward and downward direction detected by an acceleration sensor of the portable device, and calculates an altitude of the portable device from the acquired acceleration value to set the altitude as the first altitude index value.

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