Elevator failure monitoring system and elevator failure monitoring method

Abstract

The present application provides an elevator failure monitoring system and an elevator failure monitoring method. An elevator failure monitoring system when a robot utilizes an elevator car in a building includes: an elevator control device that manages calls of the elevator car to control operation of the elevator car, and obtains information of sound and image from a sound and image acquisition unit provided in the elevator car to detect an anomaly in the elevator car; an elevator robot cooperation section that controls a robot moving in the building, and stores a notification destination at the time of the anomaly; and a failure monitoring center that obtains the detection information of the anomaly in the elevator car and the information of sound and image from the elevator control device, obtains the notification destination at the time of the anomaly when the robot participates in the anomaly, prompts the detection information of the anomaly in the elevator car and the information of sound and image to a responder on the robot side, and secures and provides a communication path by which the robot can be operated via the elevator robot cooperation section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator fault monitoring system and method that takes into account autonomous moving bodies. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the practical application of autonomous mobile bodies (hereinafter referred to as robots) for tasks such as cleaning inside buildings, moving goods, and guiding building users has been developing. In multi-story buildings, such as apartment buildings, robots using elevators have become indispensable for performing these tasks.

[0003] However, when robots use elevators, it is necessary to assume a situation where the robots cannot move (are stacked). It is assumed that if the robots cannot move inside the elevator car, the elevator will stop operating.

[0004] Thus, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a control system for an autonomous mobile device. When the robot cannot move, the upper management device can deactivate the robot's autonomous mobile mode and confirm that it can capture images from the surrounding cameras to remotely operate the robot.

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, if it is possible to detect that the robot itself cannot move, then the robot can be controlled by the control system of the autonomous movement device of the remotely operated robot.

[0006] However, suppose that when the robot is riding the elevator, it cannot determine whether a passenger is still inside the elevator car and instead gets into the car, thus blocking the path of the passenger who wants to get off the elevator, preventing the passenger from getting off immediately.

[0007] The hypothetical case of a robot using an elevator arises from the fact that the robot is controlled by its own control unit but does not cooperate with the elevator control side.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-179921 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an elevator fault monitoring system that enables robots to move smoothly within a building by incorporating them into the managed objects.

[0010] Based on the above, in this invention, an elevator fault monitoring system is provided, which is an elevator fault monitoring system for robots using elevator cars in a building. It includes: an elevator control device that manages elevator car calls to control the operation of the elevator car, and obtains sound and image information from a sound and image acquisition unit installed in the elevator car to detect abnormalities in the elevator car; an elevator robot collaboration unit that controls the robot moving within the building and stores the notification destination when an abnormality occurs; and a fault monitoring center that obtains the detection information and sound and image information of the abnormality in the elevator car from the elevator control device, obtains the notification destination when the robot is involved in the abnormality, alerts the robot-side responder to the detection information and sound and image information of the abnormality in the elevator car, and ensures and provides a communication path that allows the robot to operate via the elevator robot collaboration unit.

[0011] Furthermore, in this invention, an elevator fault monitoring method is provided, which is an elevator fault monitoring method using an elevator car in a building. This method manages elevator car calls to control elevator car operation, obtains sound and image information from a sound and image acquisition unit installed in the elevator car, detects abnormalities in the elevator car, controls the robot moving within the building, stores the notification destination when an abnormality occurs, obtains the detection information of the abnormality in the elevator car and the sound and image information, and when the robot is involved in the abnormality, obtains the notification destination at the time of the abnormality, prompts the responder on the robot side with the detection information of the abnormality in the elevator car and the sound and image information, and ensures and provides a communication path that enables the robot to operate.

[0012] According to the present invention, an elevator fault monitoring system can be provided for the smooth movement of robots within a building.

[0013] Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a robot is about to enter an elevator car, if the elevator passengers are unable to get off due to the robot blocking their path, the rescue signal is automatically transmitted to the robot's fault response destination (reporting destination) in order to request help via the intercom inside the car, thereby enabling a smooth rescue operation.

[0014] In addition, by using cameras and intercom microphones / speakers inside the car to access the destination from the robot's malfunction response, it is possible to confirm the condition of passengers inside the car, even if the robot itself malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This illustrates a structural example of the elevator fault monitoring system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an example of a web application screen showing the destination transmission to a robot, as described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an elevator fault monitoring system according to an example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Example]

[0020] Figure 1 This illustrates a structural example of the elevator fault monitoring system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] The elevator fault monitoring system 10 is configured as an elevator-side mechanism including an elevator car 5, an elevator control panel 4, and a fault monitoring center 3. Additionally, as a robot-side mechanism, it includes a robot 1 and an elevator robot collaboration unit 2. Through the collaboration between the elevator side and the robot side, fault occurrence notifications, response requests, and responses along with necessary information can be communicated from the elevator side to the robot side and executed.

[0022] The following description will proceed sequentially from the elevator side mechanism. First, the elevator car 5 is equipped with an intercom 51 and a camera 52 for filming inside the car. The intercom 51 includes an intercom button 511, a microphone 512, and a speaker 513.

[0023] In contrast, the elevator control panel 4 performs the following main functions: during normal operation, the operation control unit 42 responds to the elevator call to move the elevator car 5 up and down and open and close the doors.

[0024] In addition, the elevator control panel 4 includes: a signal input unit 44, which detects the pressed signal of the intercom button 511 inside the elevator car 5; a sound input unit 45, which inputs the microphone sound 512 of the intercom; an image input unit 46, which inputs the image of the camera 52 inside the elevator car 5; and a sound output unit 47, which outputs the sound to the speaker 513 of the intercom.

[0025] Therefore, the elevator control panel 4 can identify malfunctions such as a blockage in the elevator car 5, preventing passengers from disembarking immediately, through notifications from passengers. Furthermore, it can report the situation to passengers.

[0026] Upon receiving the report, the elevator control panel 4 functions as follows: First, the anomaly detection unit 43 monitors door opening and closing commands from the operation control unit 42, and detects specific elevator states to determine if entrapment has occurred. The anomaly notification unit 48 uses the pressed signal of the intercom button 511 and the entrapment state detected by the anomaly detection unit 43 to generate an anomaly notification, which is then sent from the communication unit 41 to the fault monitoring center 3 to report the anomaly. The anomaly notification at this time includes audio and video inputs detected inside the elevator car 5.

[0027] Before proceeding with the explanation of the fault monitoring center 3, the mechanism on the robot side will be explained. First, the robot 1 has a communication unit 11 that communicates with the elevator robot cooperation unit 2 and a control unit 12 that controls the actions of the robot 1. It performs actions appropriately according to the instructions from the operation control unit 23 in the elevator robot cooperation unit 2, or performs actions autonomously by self-judgment, and sends necessary information, such as elevator calls, to the elevator robot cooperation unit 2 when using the elevator.

[0028] The elevator robot collaboration unit 2 includes: a robot communication unit 21, which communicates with the robot 1; a storage unit 22, which stores a robot notification destination 221 for notifying a responder when the robot 1 malfunctions; an operation control unit 23, which controls elevator call registration instructions from the robot; and an elevator communication unit 24, which delegates the generation of calls to the elevator control panel 4.

[0029] In this way, the elevator-side mechanisms (elevator car 5, elevator control panel 4) and the robot-side mechanisms (robot 1, elevator robot collaboration unit 2) function independently during normal operation, and cooperate only in the relationship of registering and managing elevator calls from the robot side.

[0030] In contrast, when the elevator control panel 4 detects an abnormal notification, the fault monitoring center 3, which typically functions as a server, intervenes to help quell the situation. The fault monitoring center 3 includes an elevator communication unit 31, a notification control unit 32, a relay application distribution unit 33, a public web display unit 34, a monitoring center web display unit 36, and a call control unit 35.

[0031] The present invention is characterized by the following response when a robot is riding in the elevator car 5. As a premise at this time, the elevator robot cooperation unit 2 and the fault monitoring center 3 may or may not be occupied, but there is a responder M that is in a standby state and is contacted and detected by the fault monitoring center 3 to detect an anomaly in the elevator car 5 and ensures the communication path, thereby requesting the corresponding response.

[0032] When the elevator control panel 4 detects an abnormal notification, the fault monitoring center 3 receives the abnormal notification content from the elevator control panel 4 through the elevator communication unit 31 and transmits it to the notification control unit 32. In the notification control unit 32, after receiving the abnormal notification content (direct communication or trapped fault signal of the elevator), it confirms with the elevator robot collaboration unit 2 that the robot 1 has made a call and is currently riding in the elevator car 5.

[0033] When the robot is inside the elevator car 5, the notification control unit 32 in the fault monitoring center 3 further retrieves information about the robot notification destination 221, which manages the malfunctioning robot 1, from the storage unit 22 of the elevator robot collaboration unit 2. The robot notification destination 221 includes the responder MR on the elevator robot collaboration unit 2 side, which issues a relay application via the relay application distribution unit 33 to the robot's notification destination (e.g., the portable information terminal 6 held by the responder MR on the elevator robot collaboration unit 2 side).

[0034] The relay application includes an access method for accessing the public web display unit 34 within the fault monitoring center 3, thereby allowing the responder MR to access the public web display unit 34 using a portable information terminal 6.

[0035] The responder MR, which is able to access the public web display unit 34, displays on its portable information terminal 6. Figure 2 Such a display allows the microphone and speaker of the client (responder MR) accessing via the relay application to be received, and the direct communication microphone / speaker and camera images of the elevator are displayed / broadcast. Furthermore, a similar environment is prepared for the monitoring center web display unit 36 ​​within the fault monitoring center 3, and the same information is displayed to the responder ME on the fault monitoring center 3 side.

[0036] Next, use Figure 2 The screen of the web application that transmits the notification destination to the robot in this invention will be described. When the fault responder MR of robot 1 accesses the public web display unit 34 by sending the web application sent to the robot notification destination 211, it can confirm... Figure 2 The image shown is of the portable information terminal 6.

[0037] The screen includes, for example: an image display unit 61 that displays images detected by the camera 52 inside the elevator car; a microphone mute button 62 that allows selection of whether the sound from the microphone connected to the portable information terminal 6 of the fault responder MR is transmitted / not transmitted (mute) to the speaker 513 of the intercom inside the elevator car 5; a remote button 63 that allows remote control of the robot 1 via the elevator robot collaboration unit 2; a response completion button 64 that allows the robot's fault responder MR to contact the fault monitoring center 3 to complete the response; and a response interruption button 65 that allows the robot's fault responder MR to stop responding and send a response request to the responder ME at the fault monitoring center 3.

[0038] Next, according to Figure 3 The processing flowchart of the elevator monitoring system of Embodiment 1 of this patent will be described.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In step S101, the elevator communication unit 31 of the fault monitoring center 3 receives an abnormality notification signal sent from the abnormality notification unit 48 of the elevator control panel 4 via the communication unit 41. Here, the abnormality notification signal is either the input signal 44 of the intercom button 511, or a signal sent when the abnormality detection unit 43 determines that the operation state of the operation control unit 42 is a trapped state. Furthermore, the abnormality notification signal includes the elevator's current floor and the door's open / closed status obtained from the operation control unit 42.

[0040] In step S102, the elevator communication unit 31 transmits an abnormality notification signal to the notification control unit 32. The notification control unit 32 checks with the operation control unit 23 of the elevator robot cooperation unit 2 to confirm whether there is an elevator call from the robot 1 and the floor where the call was made. If the floor where the call was made by the robot 1 matches the current floor of the elevator in the abnormality notification signal, the notification control unit 32 determines the abnormality notification signal as an abnormality related to the robot 1's elevator movement and proceeds to step S103. If they do not match, proceed to step S110.

[0041] In step S103, the notification control unit 32 accesses the operation control unit 23 of the elevator robot cooperation unit 2. The operation control unit 23 obtains the robot notification destination 221 stored in the storage unit 22 and sends it to the notification control unit 32. Alternatively, multiple robot notification destinations can be stored, but this embodiment describes a flowchart when there is only one robot notification destination.

[0042] Next, in step S104, the notification control unit 32 sends the robot notification destination 221 received from the operation control unit 23, an identifier for determining the abnormal notification signal (e.g., abnormal notification serial number), and an identifier for determining the elevator that sent the abnormal notification signal (e.g., elevator manufacturing number) to the relay application distribution unit 33, requesting the distribution of a relay application. The relay application distribution unit 33, according to the relay application distribution request, sends a one-time identifier to the robot notification destination 221 that enables access to the public web display unit 34. The one-time identifier includes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the public web display unit 34, the identifier for determining the abnormal notification signal, and the identifier for determining the elevator that sent the abnormal notification signal.

[0043] Additionally, the relay application distribution unit 33 sends a message to the public web display unit 34 indicating that a one-time identifier has been sent to the robot notification destination 221, granting access to the relay application, along with the sending time. The public web display unit 34 allows access from the identifier used to determine the anomaly notification signal. Thus, the robot-side responder (MR) accesses the public web display unit 34 and can utilize... Figure 2 The information displayed and operating environment are shown.

[0044] Next, in step S105, the public web display unit 34 detects whether there is access within a certain period of time based on the sending time of the one-time identifier received from the relay application distribution unit 33. If access exists within the certain period of time, it is determined that the responder MR of the robot-reported destination 221 has accessed and is responding, and proceeds to step S106. If there is no access within the certain period of time, it is determined that the responder MR of the robot-reported destination 221 is not present, and proceeds to step S110.

[0045] In step S106, when the responder MR from the robot notification destination 221 is accessed, an identifier for determining the abnormal notification signal and an identifier for determining the elevator that sent the abnormal notification signal are sent to the public web display unit 34. The public web display unit 34 uses the identifier for determining the elevator that sent the abnormal notification signal to request the communication control unit 35 to connect the web application 6 to various devices inside the elevator car at the responder's terminal at the robot notification destination. The communication control unit 35 connects to the various devices via the elevator communication unit 31 and the communication unit 41 of the elevator control panel 4.

[0046] Specifically, the system can output the sound of the intercom microphone 512 to the speaker of the responder's terminal via the Web application 6, display the image of the in-car camera 52 on the camera display unit 61 of the Web application, and output the microphone sound of the responder's terminal to the intercom speaker 513.

[0047] Additionally, by clicking the microphone mute button 62 on the Web application 6, the responder can control whether to output (mute) the microphone sound of their terminal to the intercom speaker 513.

[0048] Furthermore, when the remote button 63 of the Web application 6 is pressed, the public Web display unit 34 sends a request to the operation control unit 23 of the elevator robot cooperation unit 2 for remote control of the robot via the notification control unit 32. The operation control unit 23 deactivates the autonomous movement mode of the robot 1 via the robot communication unit 21 and performs remote control from the public Web display unit. As an example of the aforementioned remote control, as shown by the remote button 63, it is possible to perform remote control of forward, backward, left rotation, and right rotation.

[0049] Next, in step S107, while the Web display unit 34 is connected to various devices inside the elevator car 5, the Web application 6 continuously checks whether the interruption button 65 has been pressed. If the interruption button 65 is pressed, the responder at the robot's destination is considered to have no connection to the abnormal notification signal and the response is handed over to the control personnel ME at the fault monitoring center, proceeding to step S110. If the interruption button 65 is not pressed, the response continues and proceeds to step S108.

[0050] In step S108, when the Web display unit 34 is connected to various devices inside the elevator car, the Web application 6 continuously checks whether the response completion button 64 has been pressed. If the response completion button 64 is pressed, the robot notifies the responder at the destination that the current anomaly notification is considered a response completion, and proceeds to step S109. If the response completion button is not pressed, the response continues and proceeds to step S107.

[0051] In step S109, the Web display unit 34 requests the call control unit 35 to interrupt the connection between the terminal of the responder who reported the destination of the robot and various devices in the elevator car, and refuses access from the identifier used to determine the above-mentioned abnormal notification signal.

[0052] Therefore, the terminal 6 of the responder MR, which is not able to report the destination 221 to the robot, cannot access the status of various devices inside the elevator car, thus protecting the privacy of elevator users.

[0053] Finally, in step S110, the Web display unit 34 requests the communication control unit 35 to have the control personnel ME of the fault monitoring center 3 respond to the abnormality notification signal. The communication control unit 35 displays the abnormality notification signal on the monitoring center Web display unit 36, enabling the control personnel ME to confirm the situation inside the elevator car and initiate rescue operations.

[0054] In addition, there is no need to respond to the destination reported by the robot at this time, so proceed to step S109 and reject the access from the destination reported by the robot.

[0055] Based on the above, when the elevator fault monitoring system detects an abnormal notification signal associated with the robot, it can successfully resolve the inconvenience caused to passengers by the robot by sending a one-time identification talisman that allows access to the elevator car to the robot's destination.

[0056] Additionally, when establishing a communication path via a web application using a relay application, consider the following points. First, the robot can be notified of its destination by sending a one-time identifier that allows access to the fault monitoring center. This one-time identifier includes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for access, an identifier for identifying the anomaly information, and an identifier for identifying the elevator that sent the anomaly information.

[0057] In addition, based on the time of sending the one-time identifier, it can detect whether there is an access within a certain period of time. If there is no access within a certain period of time, it is determined that the responder at the destination reported by the robot is not present, and abnormal information is displayed in the fault monitoring center.

[0058] Additionally, if the interruption response button is pressed, abnormal information can be displayed in the fault monitoring center.

[0059] Additionally, after the fault monitoring center displays abnormal information, the relay application can deny access from the identifier used to determine the abnormal information.

[0060] Furthermore, after the fault monitoring center displays abnormal information, the relay application can deny access from the identifier used to determine the abnormal information.

[0061] In summary, the elevator fault monitoring system of the present invention is an elevator fault monitoring system 10 for robot 1 using elevator car 5 in a building. It includes: an elevator control device 4, which manages the calls of elevator car 5 to control the operation of elevator car, and obtains sound and image information from sound and image acquisition units 51 and 52 installed in elevator car 5 to detect abnormalities in elevator car 5; an elevator robot collaboration unit 2, which controls robot 1 moving in the building and stores the notification destination 221 when abnormalities occur; and a fault monitoring center 3, which obtains the detection information, sound and image information of abnormalities in elevator car 5 from elevator control device 4, obtains the notification destination 221 when robot 1 is involved in the abnormality, prompts the responder MR on the robot side with the detection information, sound and image information of abnormalities in elevator car 5, and ensures and provides a communication path that allows robot 1 to be operated via elevator robot collaboration unit 2.

[0062] In addition, in the above Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a web-based communication unit is used to notify the robot-side responder (MR) and provide response methods. However, this communication unit can also employ other communication methods such as dedicated lines. Additionally, an example using a portable information terminal is shown, but the method is not limited to this.

[0063] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0064] 1: Robot, 11: Communication Department, 12: Control Department, 2: Elevator Robot Collaboration Department, 21: Robot Communication Department, 22: Storage Department, 221: Robot Destination Notification, 23: Operation Control Department, 24: Elevator Communication Department, 3: Fault Monitoring Center, 31: Elevator Communication Department, 32: Notification Control Department, 33: Relay Application Distribution Department, 34: Public Web Display Department, 35: Call Control Department, 36: Monitoring Center Web Display Department, 4: Elevator Control Panel, 41: Communication Department, 42: Operation Control Department, 43: Anomaly Detection Department, 44: Signal Input Department, 45: Voice Input Department, 46: Image Input Department, 47: Voice Output Department, 48: Anomaly Notification Department, 5: Elevator Car, 51: Intercom, 511: Intercom Button, 512: Intercom Microphone, 513: Intercom Speaker, 52: Camera.

Claims

1. An elevator malfunction monitoring system for robots using elevator cars in buildings, characterized in that, The elevator fault monitoring system includes: An elevator control device manages the calls of the elevator car to control the operation of the elevator car, and obtains sound and image information from the sound and image acquisition unit installed in the elevator car to detect abnormalities in the elevator car. An elevator robot collaboration unit controls the robots moving within the building and stores notification destinations in case of anomalies. as well as The fault monitoring center obtains detection information of abnormalities in the elevator car and the sound and image information from the elevator control device. When the robot is involved in the abnormality, it obtains the notification destination at the time of the abnormality, prompts the responder on the robot side with the detection information of abnormalities in the elevator car and the sound and image information, and ensures and provides a communication path that allows the robot to be operated via the elevator robot collaboration unit.

2. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The responder on the robot side carries a portable information terminal, and the fault monitoring center issues a relay application to the responder to ensure and provide a web-based communication path.

3. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fault monitoring center alerts the responder on the elevator side to the detection information of the abnormality in the elevator car, as well as the information of the sound and image, and ensures and provides a communication path that enables the robot to be operated via the elevator robot collaboration unit.

4. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The responder on the robot side can transfer the authority to resolve abnormal situations to the responder on the elevator side.

5. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The portable information terminal held by the responder on the robot side, when the communication path is activated, includes: an image display unit for a camera inside the elevator car; a microphone mute button, which allows the responder to select whether to send the sound from the microphone connected to the portable information terminal on the robot side to the speaker of the intercom or not to send it to the speaker of the intercom, i.e., to mute it; a remote button, which allows the robot to be remotely controlled; a response completion button, which is used by the responder on the robot side to contact the fault monitoring center to confirm the response completion; and a response interruption button, which is used by the robot's fault responder to request a response from the responder at the fault monitoring center instead of responding.

6. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, When establishing a communication path based on a web application using relays, a one-time identifier that enables access to the fault monitoring center is sent to the robot's destination. The one-time identifier includes a URL for access, an identifier for identifying abnormal information, and an identifier for identifying the elevator that sent the abnormal information. The URL is a Uniform Resource Locator.

7. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Based on the sending time of the one-time identifier, it is detected whether there is any access within a certain period of time. If there is no access within a certain period of time, it is determined that the responder at the destination reported by the robot is not present, and the abnormal information is displayed in the fault monitoring center.

8. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the interruption response button is pressed, abnormal information is displayed in the fault monitoring center.

9. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the anomaly information is displayed in the fault monitoring center, the relay application refuses to access the identifier that identified the anomaly information.

10. The elevator fault monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the anomaly information is displayed in the fault monitoring center, the relay application refuses to access the identifier that identified the anomaly information.

11. A method for monitoring elevator malfunctions using a robot in an elevator car within a building, characterized in that, The system manages elevator car calls to control elevator car operation, and receives audio and video information from audio and video acquisition units installed inside the elevator car to detect abnormalities within the elevator car. The robot is controlled to move within the building, and its destination is stored for reporting anomalies. Obtain anomaly detection information and the aforementioned sound and image information within the elevator car. When the robot is involved in the anomaly, obtain the notification destination at the time of the anomaly and send it to the robot side. The responder is prompted with information about the abnormality detected in the elevator car, as well as the audio and video information. And ensure and provide a communication path that enables operation of the robot.

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