Elevator information collection system

Abstract

An elevator information collection system capable of suppressing congestion of a communication line at the time of an earthquake and rapidly collecting information of a plurality of elevators. The elevator information collection system has a center device and a plurality of elevators including a representative elevator. The center device has an information collection section that transmits an operation status confirmation request to the representative elevator and collects operation status information of the elevators. Each elevator has an information acquisition section that acquires operation status information of the elevator. The representative elevator has an information aggregation section that aggregates operation status information of each elevator and an information transmission section that transmits the aggregated operation status information to the center device. The information aggregation section starts aggregation of operation status information when an earthquake is sensed. The information transmission section, after the aggregation of operation status information ends, temporarily suspends transmission of the aggregated operation status information to the center device, and upon receipt of an operation status confirmation request, transmits the aggregated operation status information to the center device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an elevator information collection system. Background Technology

[0002] A remote monitoring system for elevators is known, which collects information related to the operating status of multiple elevators installed in various buildings via communication lines, and monitors the operating status of each elevator. The remote monitoring system for elevators includes: multiple monitoring devices connected to the multiple elevators via communication lines to obtain information related to the corresponding multiple elevators; a remote monitoring center connected to these multiple monitoring devices via communication lines, which, upon receiving earthquake information, sends information indicating the collection order of information related to the multiple elevators; and representative monitoring devices, which, upon receiving the information indicating the order, transmit the information according to the order to the elevators under their management. The remote monitoring system for elevators sequentially hands over the earthquake intensity level information to other elevators according to the information indicating the order, and the last elevator returns the earthquake intensity level information obtained from each elevator to the remote monitoring center (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-056426

[0004] Thus, the technology shown in Patent Document 1, upon receiving earthquake information, aggregates the seismic intensity information of multiple elevators by sequentially passing it to other elevators, and then returns the information collected from the last elevator to the monitoring center. However, both the communication used to aggregate information from multiple elevators and the communication used to return the aggregated information to the monitoring center are conducted via communication lines. Therefore, during large-scale earthquakes, when these communications are performed simultaneously on multiple elevators, the communication load on the communication lines is concentrated, potentially leading to congestion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was made to address such a problem. Its purpose is to provide an elevator information collection system that, in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, can suppress communication line congestion and rapidly collect information related to the operating status of multiple elevators.

[0006] The elevator information collection system disclosed herein includes a central device and an elevator group consisting of multiple elevators. At least one of the elevators in the elevator group is a representative elevator. The central device includes an information collection unit that sends an operation status confirmation request to the representative elevator and collects operation status information related to the operation status of the elevators in the elevator group. Each elevator in the elevator group has an information acquisition unit that acquires the operation status information of that elevator. The representative elevator includes: an information aggregation unit that aggregates the operation status information of the elevators in the elevator group; and an information transmission unit that transmits the operation status information aggregated by the information aggregation unit to the central device. When an earthquake is detected, the information aggregation unit begins to aggregate the operation status information. After the information aggregation unit finishes aggregating the operation status information, the information transmission unit temporarily suspends transmitting the aggregated operation status information to the central device. Upon receiving an operation status confirmation request from the information collection unit, the information transmission unit transmits the aggregated operation status information to the central device.

[0007] The elevator information collection system disclosed herein has the following effects: in the event of disasters such as earthquakes, it can suppress communication line congestion and quickly collect information related to the operating status of multiple elevators. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the elevator information collection system according to Implementation Method 1.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the hierarchical structure and data flow of the elevator group in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a matrix for setting group IDs in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of elevator grouping in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the method for changing the group ID of the elevator information collection system in Implementation 1.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the method for changing the group ID of the elevator information collection system in Implementation 1.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the method for changing the group ID in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the method for changing the group ID in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of the elevator in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of a representative elevator in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the second information collection of the elevator information collection system according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of elevator operation status information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of elevator operation status information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of elevator operation status information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of elevator operation status information in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how to generate operational status information for reporting in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how to generate operational status information for reporting in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0029] Figure 22This is a diagram illustrating an example of how to generate operational status information for reporting in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0030] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how to generate operational status information for reporting in the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0031] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example of generating operational status information for reporting by the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1.

[0032] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1 processes the display of operating status information.

[0033] Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1 processes the display of operating status information.

[0034] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the elevator information collection system of Implementation Method 1 processes the display of operating status information.

[0035] Figure 28 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure that enables the central device and other components of the elevator information collection system described in Embodiment 1 to perform their functions.

[0036] Label Explanation

[0037] 11: Processor; 12: Memory; 13: Dedicated hardware; 100: Central device; 101: Operation status collection unit; 102: Information storage unit; 200: Elevator group; 210: Mother group; 220: Subgroup; 230: Grandchild group; 300: Elevator; 301: Information acquisition unit; 310: Representative elevator; 311: Information collection unit; 312: Information transmission unit. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The elevator information collection system for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions are simplified or omitted as appropriate. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationships of the various structures are sometimes shown based on the illustrated states. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments; free combinations of embodiments, modifications of any constituent elements of each embodiment, or omissions of any constituent elements of each embodiment are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0039] Implementation method 1.

[0040] Reference Figures 1-27 The following describes Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 1This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the elevator information collection system. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the hierarchical structure and data flow of the elevator group in the elevator information collection system. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a matrix used to set group IDs in an elevator information collection system. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of elevator grouping in an elevator information collection system. Figures 5-8 These are diagrams illustrating examples of methods for changing group IDs in an elevator information collection system. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping information in an elevator information collection system. Figures 10-12 These are diagrams illustrating examples of grouping information in an elevator information collection system. Figure 13 This is a block diagram of an elevator in an elevator information collection system. Figure 14 This is a block diagram representing an elevator in an elevator information collection system. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the second information collection step of the elevator information collection system. Figures 16-19 These are diagrams illustrating examples of elevator operation status information from elevator information collection systems. Figures 20-24 These are diagrams illustrating an example of how an elevator information collection system generates operational status information for reporting purposes. Figures 25-27 These are diagrams illustrating examples of how an elevator information collection system processes operational status information. Figure 28 This diagram illustrates an example of a structure that enables the central device or similar function of an elevator information collection system.

[0041] The elevator condition verification system disclosed herein is a system used, particularly in the event of disasters such as earthquakes, to verify the condition of multiple elevators under its jurisdiction. Figure 1 As shown, the elevator status confirmation system of this embodiment includes a central device 100 and an elevator group 200.

[0042] Elevator group 200 consists of multiple elevators 300. Each elevator 300 has a car that moves up and down within a shaft installed in a building. Additionally, each elevator 300 includes a control device, a monitoring device, a communication device, and a seismic sensor. The control device controls the operation of the elevator 300. The monitoring device monitors the status of the elevator 300. The seismic sensor detects earthquake swaying within the building where the elevator 300 is installed. The functions of one or both of the monitoring and communication devices can also be integrated into the control device. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 The diagrams of the car, control device, monitoring device, communication device, and earthquake sensor are omitted.

[0043] The central unit 100 is, for example, located in a monitoring center (not shown). The monitoring center is a facility for monitoring / managing each elevator 300 of the elevator group 200 located within the area under the jurisdiction of the monitoring center. The monitoring center is typically located in a different part of the building where the elevators 300 are located.

[0044] Each elevator 300 can communicate with the central device 100 via a communication network (not shown). Furthermore, each elevator 300 can also communicate with each other via the communication network. The communication network may include, for example, a portion of the Internet, a portion of the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), a portion of a mobile communication network, a satellite communication line, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), an intranet, an extranet, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the elevator group 200 in this disclosure can have a hierarchical structure. That is, the elevator group 200 can also include a first elevator group and a second elevator group that is positioned below the first elevator group. Figure 2 In the structural example shown, parent group 210 is an example of the first elevator group, and child group 220 is an example of the second elevator group. Additionally, in the example shown, elevator group 200 also includes grandchild group 230. Grandchild group 230 is an example of the third elevator group, which is located below the second elevator group.

[0046] Each elevator 300 belonging to elevator group 200 is assigned a group ID that uniquely identifies each elevator 300 within that group. The group ID can be found by referring to... Figure 3 The group ID settings shown are preset using a matrix. An example of the group ID setting matrix shown in this figure is the following specification.

[0047] The mother group 210 can consist of a maximum of 4 units.

[0048] • Each unit in the mother group 210 can form a subgroup 220.

[0049] Subgroup 220 consists of a maximum of 4 units, including the serial number of parent group 210.

[0050] Subgroup 220 can form a maximum of 4 groups.

[0051] The units of subgroup 220 can form subgroup 230.

[0052] • Group 230, including the number of subgroup 220, consists of a maximum of 4 units.

[0053] Subgroup 220 can form a maximum of 12 groups.

[0054] Here, the group ID of the serial number constituting the parent group 210, child group 220, and grandchild group 230 is fixed as follows: Figure 3 The values ​​shown are from the matrix. Specifically, IDs from 01 to 04 are the IDs of elevators 300 constituting the parent group 210, not the IDs of elevators 300 constituting the grandchild group 230. When an elevator 300 with this ID constitutes a subgroup 220, it is also used as the ID of the elevator 300 constituting that subgroup 220. Similarly, IDs from 05 to 16 are the IDs of elevators 300 constituting the subgroup 220, not the IDs of elevators 300 constituting the parent group 210. When an elevator 300 with this ID constitutes a grandchild group 230, it is also used as the ID of the elevator 300 constituting that grandchild group 230. Furthermore, IDs from 17 to 52 are the IDs of elevators 300 constituting the grandchild group 230, not the IDs of elevators 300 constituting either the parent group 210 or the subgroup 220.

[0055] In the elevator status confirmation system disclosed herein, at least one of the elevators 300 in elevator group 200 is a representative elevator 310. The representative elevator 310 represents the elevators 300 of the elevator group 200 to which it belongs. If the elevator group 200 has a hierarchical structure, representative elevators 310 can also be further designated for each group within each level. That is, representative elevators 310 can also be further designated for each subgroup and each grandchild group.

[0056] The representative elevator 310 of parent group 210 is the representative elevator 310 of the entire group of elevators 300. In principle, the group ID of the representative elevator 310 of parent group 210 is set to 01. When the elevators 300 of parent group 210 constitute subgroup 220, the elevator 300 of parent group 210 becomes the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220. That is, the group ID of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 is any one of 01 to 04. Similarly, when the elevators 300 of subgroup 220 constitute grandchild group 230, the elevator 300 of subgroup 220 becomes the representative elevator 310 of grandchild group 230. That is, the group ID of the representative elevator 310 of grandchild group 230 is any one of 05 to 16.

[0057] Furthermore, elevator 310, the representative elevator of parent group 210, is the first representative elevator of the first elevator group. Elevator 310, the representative elevator of subgroup 220, is the second representative elevator of the second elevator group. Elevator 310, the representative elevator of grandchild group 230, is the third representative elevator of the third elevator group.

[0058] As a specific example, in Figure 4In the case of elevator group 200 shown, the parent group 210 is composed of elevators 300 with IDs 01 to 04 within the group. Elevator 300 with ID: 01 represents both the parent group 210 and elevator group 200. Elevator 300 with ID: 02 has a subgroup 220. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The matrix shows that the IDs within subgroup 220 are 02, 08~10. Elevator 300 with ID: 02 is the representative of subgroup 220. Additionally, elevator 300 with ID: 09 has a grandchild group 230. Similarly, refer to... Figure 3 The group IDs of Sun Group 230 are 09, 29~31. Elevator 300 with ID 09 is the representative of Sun Group 230.

[0059] Next, refer to Figures 5-8 An example of how to change the group ID when elevator 300 is added (added) or removed (deleted) will be explained. As a basic principle, when adding elevator 300, the ID of elevator 300 that has not yet been assigned is assigned to that elevator. When deleting elevator 300, the ID is deleted first. Then, if elevator 300 represents a lower-level group, the elevator 300 with the newest (smallest) ID in that lower-level group is promoted to the next higher-level group. The newly promoted elevator 300 is assigned the ID that was just deleted and is now empty. That is, the promoted elevator 300 becomes the representative of the lower-level group. The ID initially assigned to the promoted elevator 300 is an empty ID. Furthermore, if the promoted elevator 300 represents a lower-level group, the elevator 300 in that lower-level group is promoted to the empty ID. Thus, if the deleted or promoted elevator 300 has a lower-level group, the elevators are promoted sequentially, and finally, the IDs of lower-level groups not above it are set to empty numbers.

[0060] Figure 5 The example shown illustrates the case where elevator 300, which has a parent group 210 but does not have a subgroup 220, is deleted. In this example, ID: 03 is deleted, making ID: 03 an empty number. Additionally, Figure 6 The example shown illustrates the deletion of elevator 300 in parent group 210, which has subgroup 220. In this example, the ID: 01 of parent group 210 is temporarily deleted, causing elevator 300 with ID: 05 in subgroup 220 to be promoted to ID: 01 in parent group 210. With this promotion, ID: 05 in subgroup 220 is temporarily deleted. Next, elevator 300 with ID: 17 in grandchild group 230 is promoted to ID: 05 in subgroup 220. Furthermore, ID: 17 in grandchild group 230 is an empty number.

[0061] Figure 7The example shown illustrates the deletion of elevator 300, which has a subgroup 220 that is a grandchild group 230. In this example, the ID: 06 of subgroup 220 is temporarily deleted, causing elevator 300 with ID: 20 of grandchild group 230 to be promoted to ID: 06 of subgroup 220. Furthermore, the ID: 20 of grandchild group 230 is now empty. Figure 8 The example shown is when elevator 300 in group 230 is deleted. In this example, ID: 25 is deleted, and ID: 25 becomes an empty number.

[0062] The grouping of the elevator groups 200 can take into account the region (management area) of each elevator 300. That is, elevators 300 located in the same region can belong to the same group. Thus, for example, in the event of a regional disaster such as an earthquake, the region where information collection and deployment should be carried out can be roughly matched with the group (elevator group 200).

[0063] The central device 100 groups each elevator 300 based on factors such as location (residence), presence or absence of communication equipment, and presence or absence of earthquake sensors. In this determination, elevators 300 without communication equipment and those without earthquake sensors are excluded from the group. The elevators 300 excluded from the group can be compiled into a "List of Elevators Without Communication Equipment / Earthquake Sensors." This "List of Elevators Without Communication Equipment / Earthquake Sensors" identifies elevators 300 that cannot be remotely monitored or have information collected during disasters, and can be used to determine whether direct access is necessary to assess the situation.

[0064] As a result of grouping elevator groups 200 in the central device 100, grouping information is generated. The grouping information is information related to the elevators 300 belonging to elevator group 200. The generated grouping information is stored, for example, in the information storage unit 102 of the central device 100, described later. (See also...) Figures 9-12 A specific example of grouping information is provided. In this example, the grouping information includes the elevator's group information, group settings, and a list of elevators that are not equipped with communication devices / seismic sensors.

[0065] Figure 9The image shows an example of elevator group information. In this example, the elevator group information includes the building number, elevator number, group information, and group ID. The building number is a number used to manage the building where the elevator is located, typically consisting of 7 digits. For example, the first two digits of the building number represent the region, and the last five digits represent the management number. The elevator number is the number used to manage the elevator, typically consisting of 3 digits or letters. The group information is data used to identify the group to which the elevator belongs, typically consisting of a 7-digit group number. For example, the first two digits of the group information represent the region, and the last five digits represent the management number. The group ID is the ID used to identify the elevator's number within its group, typically consisting of 2 digits. In the example described above, the group ID takes values ​​from 01 to 52.

[0066] Figure 10 The diagram shows an example of group setting information. In this example, the group setting information includes the group to which the elevator belongs, the number of elevators within the group, the phone number of the corresponding elevator, the phone number of the next elevator, the phone number of the lowest elevator, and the set geographical information. The group to which the elevator belongs is the same as the elevator group information described above. The number of elevators within the group is the number of elevators 300 included in that group, for example, consisting of two digits. The phone number of the corresponding elevator is the phone number used when communicating with elevators 300 included in a group that is at the same level as this group. The phone number of the next elevator is the phone number used when communicating with elevators 300 included in a group that is lower down from this group. In the example described here, the group that is lower down from this group is a subgroup or grandchild group. The phone number of the lowest elevator is the phone number used when communicating with elevators 300 included in the lowest group. In the example described here, the lowest group is a grandchild group. The set geographical information is the approximate address of the group, for example, a string combining the prefecture name, city / town / village name, and region name with "surrounding area" appended to the end.

[0067] Figure 11 The image shows an example list of elevators without communication devices / seismic sensors. In this example, the list of elevators without communication devices / seismic sensors includes the building number and elevator number. These building numbers and elevator numbers are the same as the building numbers and elevator numbers in the elevator group information mentioned above.

[0068] Figure 12The illustration shows an example of on-site setting information. The on-site setting information is pre-sent from the central device 100 to each elevator 300 in the elevator group 300. The sent on-site setting information is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of, for example, a communication device in each elevator 300. The communication device of each elevator 300 refers to the on-site setting information and performs various processes, including communication between the elevators 300. The group information, group ID, and number of elevators in the group are the same as the elevator group information described above. Furthermore, the telephone numbers of the corresponding elevators, the next-lower ...

[0069] like Figure 13 As shown, each elevator 300 in the elevator group 200 is equipped with an information acquisition unit 301. The information acquisition unit 301 acquires the operating status information of the elevator 300. The operating status information is information related to the operating status of the elevator 300. The operating status information of the elevator 300 may include whether the elevator 300 is in operation, the current position of the car, the operating status of the seismic sensor, etc. The information acquisition unit 301 may be, for example, installed in the aforementioned monitoring device or control device of the elevator 300. Additionally, as... Figure 14 As shown, the representative elevator 310 of the elevators 300 in the elevator group 200 also includes an information collection unit 311 and an information transmission unit 312. The information collection unit 311 collects the operating status information of the elevators 300 in the elevator group 200. The information transmission unit 312 transmits the operating status information collected by the information collection unit 311 to the central device 100 or the representative elevator 310 of the higher-level group.

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 2 This describes the process of elevator 310 collecting and transmitting operational status information of elevator 300 to the central device 100. The representative elevator 310 of the parent group 210 communicates with the central device 100. The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the parent group 210 communicates with other elevators 300 within the parent group 210 to obtain operational status information from each elevator 300 and generate operational status information (parent). Similarly, the information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 220 communicates with other elevators 300 within that subgroup 220 to obtain operational status information from each elevator 300 and generate operational status information (sub). Furthermore, the information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the grandchild group 230 communicates with other elevators 300 within that grandchild group 230 to obtain operational status information from each elevator 300 and generate operational status information (grandchild).

[0071] The information transmission unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 230 sends the generated operating status information (subgroup) to the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 to which the representative elevator 310 belongs. The information transmission unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 sends the generated operating status information (subgroup) and the operating status information (subgroup) sent from the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 230 to the representative elevator 310 of parent group 210. The representative elevator 310 of parent group 210 collects the generated operating status information (parent group), the operating status information (subgroup) sent from the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220, and the operating status information (subgroup), and generates operating status information (for notification). Then, the information transmission unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of parent group 210 sends the generated operating status information (for notification) to the central device 100 to report the operating status of elevator group 200.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the central device 100 includes an operation status collection unit 101 and an information storage unit 102. The operation status collection unit 101 collects operation status information of the elevators 300 of the elevator group 200. That is, the operation status collection unit 101 collects the operation status information of the elevators 300 of the elevator group 200 by receiving operation status information (for notification) sent from the representative elevator 310 of the elevator group 200, or more specifically from the representative elevator 310 of the parent group 210. Then, the operation status information of the elevators 300 collected by the operation status collection unit 101 is stored in the information storage unit 102.

[0073] In the elevator information collection system of this embodiment, there are two information collection methods: first information collection and second information collection. The main difference between them is the timing of starting the collection of operating status information in the elevator group 200 and the timing of sending the collected operating status information from the elevator group 200 to the central device 100.

[0074] First, refer to Figure 1 The first information collection is described. In this first information collection, the following processes (1) to (10) are performed.

[0075] (1) When the earthquake sensor of the representative elevator 310 of the elevator group 200 detects an earthquake, the information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 starts to collect the operation status information.

[0076] (2) That is, the information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 communicates with other elevators 300 in the mother group 210 to obtain the operating status information of each elevator 300 and generate operating status information (mother).

[0077] (3) The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 communicates with the other elevators 300 in the subgroup 220 to obtain the operating status information of each elevator 300 and generate operating status information (sub). Then, the information sending unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 sends the generated operating status information (sub) and the next operating status information (grandson) in (4) to the representative elevator 310 of parent group 210.

[0078] (4) The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 230 communicates with the other elevators 300 in the subgroup 230 to obtain the operating status information of each elevator 300 and generate operating status information (subgroup). Then, the information sending unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 230 sends the generated operating status information (subgroup) to the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 220 to which the representative elevator 310 belongs.

[0079] (5) The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 collects the generated operation status information (mother) and (3) operation status information (child) and operation status information (grandchild), and generates operation status information (for notification).

[0080] (6) The information transmission unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 temporarily suspends the transmission of the operation status information (for notification) generated in (5) to the central device 100 until the operation status confirmation request of (8) is received.

[0081] (7) On the other hand, in the central device 100, earthquake occurrence information is received (obtained) from the outside, for example.

[0082] (8) The operation status collection unit 101 of the central device 100 receives earthquake occurrence information and sends an operation status confirmation request to the representative elevator 310 of the parent group 210. In addition, the operation status collection unit 101 may take into account the time spent collecting operation status information on the elevator group 200 side, and send the operation status confirmation request after a certain period of time has elapsed since receiving the earthquake occurrence information from the outside. Specifically, this certain period of time is, for example, several minutes (with the communication time for each 300 elevators set to about 1 minute, the minimum is about 4 minutes).

[0083] (9) When the information transmission unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 receives the operation status confirmation request in (8), it immediately sends the operation status information (for notification) generated in (5) that was temporarily suspended in (6) to the central device 100.

[0084] (10) The operation status collection unit 101 of the central device 100 receives the operation status information (for notification) sent from the representative elevator 310 in (9). The received operation status information is stored in the information storage unit 102.

[0085] Thus, in the first information collection, the information gathering unit 311 representing elevator 310 begins collecting operational status information upon sensing an earthquake. Even after the information gathering unit 311 finishes collecting the operational status information, the information sending unit 312 representing elevator 310 does not send the collected operational status information to the central device 100 and thus pauses the process. Then, upon receiving an operational status confirmation request from the operational status collection unit 101 of the central device 100, the information sending unit 312 representing elevator 310 sends the collected operational status information to the central device 100.

[0086] During an earthquake, reports are processed from multiple elevators, and the monitoring center receives and confirms the situation. However, there is a limit to the number of elevators that the monitoring center can receive at one time. In addition, there is a time lag in the reports from the elevators, which may result in problems such as time taking to grasp the situation.

[0087] According to the elevator information collection system configured as described above, during an earthquake, the system begins collecting operational status information at the elevator group 200 side without waiting for an operational status confirmation request from the central device 100. Even after the collection of operational status information is completed at the elevator group 200 side, the transmission of the collected operational status information to the central device 100 is temporarily suspended until an operational status confirmation request is received from the central device 100. Furthermore, if an operational status confirmation request is received from the central device 100, the collected operational status information is immediately transmitted to the central device 100. Therefore, it is possible to avoid simultaneous communication for collecting information from multiple elevators and communication for returning the collected information to the monitoring center, and to transmit the collected operational status information to the central device 100 in a short time based on the operational status confirmation request from the central device 100. Therefore, during disasters such as wide-area earthquakes, it is possible to suppress communication line congestion without laying dedicated lines in the elevator shafts and to rapidly collect information related to the operational status of multiple elevators.

[0088] Furthermore, the central device 100 can also designate the elevator 300 with the second smallest group ID as a temporary representative elevator 310 when the representative elevators 310 of each group become unable to communicate. In addition, if the seismic sensor of the representative elevator 310 of the parent group 210 does not detect an earthquake, but the seismic sensor of the temporary representative elevator 310, i.e., the elevator 300 with the second smallest group ID, does detect an earthquake, the temporary representative elevator 310 can also begin collecting operational status information.

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 15 The second information collection is described. In this second information collection, the following processes (1) to (10) are performed.

[0090] (1) When an earthquake occurs, the central device 100 receives (obtains) earthquake occurrence information from the outside, for example.

[0091] (2) The operation status collection unit 101 of the central device 100 receives earthquake information and sends an operation status confirmation request to the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210. In addition, the operation status collection unit 101 can automatically send the operation status confirmation request when receiving earthquake information, or it can be manually sent by the monitor at the monitoring center.

[0092] (3) When the information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 receives the operation status confirmation request from (2), it begins to collect operation status information.

[0093] (4) That is, the information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 communicates with other elevators 300 in the mother group 210 to obtain the operating status information of each elevator 300 and generate operating status information (mother).

[0094] (5) The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 communicates with the other elevators 300 in subgroup 220 to obtain the operating status information of each elevator 300 and generate operating status information (sub). Then, the information sending unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of subgroup 220 sends the generated operating status information (sub) and the next operating status information (grandson) in (6) to the representative elevator 310 of parent group 210.

[0095] (6) The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 230 communicates with the other elevators 300 in the subgroup 230 to obtain the operating status information of each elevator 300 and generate operating status information (subgroup). Then, the information sending unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 230 sends the generated operating status information (subgroup) to the representative elevator 310 of the subgroup 220 to which the representative elevator 310 belongs.

[0096] (7) The information collection unit 311 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 collects the generated operation status information (mother) and (5) operation status information (child) and operation status information (grandchild), and generates operation status information (for notification).

[0097] (8) The information transmission unit 312 of the representative elevator 310 of the mother group 210 will send the operating status information (for notification) generated in (7) to the central device 100.

[0098] (9) The operation status collection unit 101 of the central device 100 receives the operation status information (for notification) sent from the representative elevator 310 in (8). The received operation status information is stored in the information storage unit 102.

[0099] Thus, in the second information collection, the information gathering unit 311 representing elevator 310 begins collecting elevator 300's operating status information upon receiving an operating status confirmation request sent from the operating status collection unit 101 of the central device 100. In other words, if the information gathering unit 311 representing elevator 310 receives an operating status confirmation request sent from the operating status collection unit 101 of the central device 100, it begins collecting elevator 300's operating status information even if it hasn't started collecting it at the time of receiving the request. Then, if the information gathering unit 311 finishes collecting the operating status information, the information sending unit 312 representing elevator 310 sends the collected operating status information to the central device 100. Based on this second information collection, the collection of operating status information to the central device 100 can be performed at any time. Therefore, for example, regular information collection during normal times when no disasters have occurred can be easily implemented.

[0100] Reference Figures 16-19 This section provides a specific example of the operational status information for elevator 300. Figure 16 The diagram shows an example of the operational status information for parent group 210. In this example, the operational status information for parent group 210 includes group information, the number of elevators within the group, the status of each elevator 300 in the parent group 210, and the operational status of the seismic sensors. Furthermore, the status of each elevator 300 in the parent group 210 and the operational status of the seismic sensors determine the number of elevators 300 registered in the parent group 210. The group information is the same as the elevator group information described above. The number of elevators within the group is the same as the group setting information described above.

[0101] The status of each elevator 300 indicates whether it is in operation, stopped due to an earthquake, or unable to communicate, along with its current car position, and is represented by, for example, a 5-digit number. In this 5-digit number, the top two digits are the group ID mentioned above, the next digit is the status code, and the bottom two digits are the current car position. For example, the status code is 0 for in operation, 1 for stopped due to an earthquake, 2 for in operation due to temporary restoration, and 3 for unable to communicate. The car position is represented in hexadecimal, for example, with 01 representing the lowest floor. Alternatively, 00 can be used to indicate an unknown car position. The operational status of the seismic sensor in each elevator 300 indicates whether the seismic sensor detected an earthquake, and is represented by, for example, a 3-digit number. In this 3-digit number, the top two digits are the group ID mentioned above, and the bottom digit indicates the operational status of the seismic sensor in that elevator 300. The operation status of the earthquake sensor of the elevator 300 is as follows: 0 indicates that the sensor is not in operation, and 1 indicates that the sensor is in operation.

[0102] Figure 17 The diagram shows an example of the operational status information for subgroup 220. In this example, the operational status information for subgroup 220 includes its group affiliation information, the number of elevators within the group, the status of each elevator 300 in the subgroup 220, and the operational status of the seismic sensors. Furthermore, the status of each elevator 300 and the operational status of the seismic sensors in the subgroup 220 determine the number of elevators 300 registered in the subgroup 220. The group affiliation information is the same as the elevator group affiliation information described above. The number of elevators within the group is the same as the group setting information described above. Additionally, the status of each elevator 300 and the operational status of the seismic sensors are the same as the operational status information for the parent group 210 described above.

[0103] Figure 18 The diagram shows an example of the operational status information for subgroup 230. In this example, the operational status information for subgroup 230 includes its group affiliation information, the number of elevators within the group, the status of each elevator 300 in subgroup 230, and the operational status of the seismic sensor. Furthermore, the status of each elevator 300 and the operational status of the seismic sensor in subgroup 230 determine the number of elevators 300 registered in subgroup 230. The group affiliation information is the same as the elevator group affiliation information described above. The number of elevators within the group is the same as the group setting information described above. Additionally, the status of each elevator 300 and the operational status of the seismic sensor are the same as the operational status information for parent group 210 described above.

[0104] Figure 19 The image shows an example of operational status information being sent from the representative elevator 310 of the parent group 210 of elevator group 200 to the central device 100. This operational status information is communicated through merging... Figures 16-18The information is generated from the operating status information of each group. Furthermore, the information representing elevator 310 in subgroup 220 is repeatedly included in both the operating status information of parent group 210 and the operating status information of subgroup 220. Therefore, when generating the reporting operating status information by merging, one of them (e.g., the operating status information of the higher-level parent group 210) is retained, and the other (the operating status information of the lower-level subgroup 220) is deleted. Similarly, the information representing elevator 310 in grandchild group 230 is repeatedly included in both the operating status information of subgroup 220 and the operating status information of grandchild group 230. Therefore, when generating the reporting operating status information by merging, one of them (e.g., the operating status information of the higher-level subgroup 220) is retained, and the other (the operating status information of the lower-level grandchild group 230) is deleted.

[0105] Next, refer to Figures 20-24 Specific examples of how to create operational status information for reporting purposes will be provided. In the following explanations, it will be assumed that... Figure 20 The situation shown in the figure. Under the situation shown in the figure, the operating status information of the mother group 210 becomes Figure 21 The content shown. Additionally, the operational status information of subgroup 220 becomes... Figure 22 The content shown. Furthermore, the operational status information of Group 230 becomes... Figure 23 The content shown. The information collection unit 311 representing elevator 310 merges the operating status information of these groups to create operating status information for notification. At this time, as described above, duplicate information representing elevator 310 in subgroups 220 and grandchild groups 230 is deleted. In the example described here, the information of ID: 02 exists repeatedly. Figure 21 The operating status information of the parent group 210 and Figure 22 The status information of subgroup 220 was therefore deleted. Similarly, the information for ID: 09 was duplicated. Figure 22 The operational status information of subgroup 220 and Figure 23 Therefore, one side was deleted from the operational status information of group 230. As a result, the following was generated: Figure 24 The information shown is for reporting operational status.

[0106] Next, refer to Figures 25-27 This document provides a specific example of the processing method used in the central device 100 to display the operating status information of the elevator 300 using notification-type operating status information. In this explanation, we will continue to assume... Figure 20 The situation is as shown. In this case, as described above, the operational status information used for notification is as follows: Figure 24As shown. The central device 100 includes an information analysis unit (not shown), a display control unit, and a display unit. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display, capable of displaying various information including characters and graphics. The display control unit controls the display of the display unit.

[0107] The information analysis unit of the central device 100 first analyzes the operational status information used for reporting, namely the collected operational status information of each elevator 300, such as... Figure 25 As shown, the status of each elevator 300, determined by its group information and group ID, is extracted. Next, the information analysis unit of the central device 100, referring to the elevator group information, converts the status of each elevator 300 into information corresponding to the building number and elevator number. In the elevator group information, such as... Figure 26 As shown, the group information and group ID are correlated with the building number and elevator number. The information analysis unit of the central device 100, by referring to this correspondence of elevator group information, replaces the group information and group ID in the operation status information with the building number and elevator number. Thus, it generates... Figure 27 The data shown is for display purposes.

[0108] Based on the generated display data, the display control unit of the central device 100 displays information related to the operating status of each elevator 300 in the elevator group 200. This allows the monitor at the monitoring center to confirm the operating status of each elevator 300 displayed on the central device 100's display. Since each elevator 300 can be identified by the building and its number, the monitor can easily determine which elevator 300 is being targeted.

[0109] Figure 28 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure that implements the functions of the central device 100 and the control and monitoring devices of each elevator 300 (hereinafter referred to as the central device 100, etc.) in this embodiment. The functions of the central device 100, etc., are implemented, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may also include a processor 11 and a memory 12. The processing circuit may also be dedicated hardware 13. Alternatively, a portion of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 13, and this processing circuit may also include a processor 11 and a memory 12. In the example shown in this diagram, a portion of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 13. Furthermore, in the example shown in this diagram, the processing circuit also includes a processor 11 and a memory 12.

[0110] A portion of the processing circuitry is at least one dedicated hardware 13, such as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuitry includes at least one processor 11 and at least one memory 12, the functions of the control device 30 are implemented through software, firmware, or a combination of both.

[0111] Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in memory 12. Processor 11 implements the functions of each part by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 12. Processor 11 is also called CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. Memory 12 is, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or disks, floppy disks, optical disks, compact disks, mini disks, and DVDs.

[0112] In this way, the processing circuit of the central device 100, etc., can realize the various functions of the central device 100, etc. through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit of the central device 100, etc., has at least a processor 11 and a memory 12, the processor 11 in the central device 100, etc., executes the program stored in the memory 12, and the hardware and software of the central device 100, etc., cooperate to realize the functions of each part of the central device 100, etc.

Claims

1. An elevator information collection system, comprising a central device and an elevator group consisting of multiple elevators. At least one of the elevators in the elevator group is a representative elevator. The central device includes an information collection unit that sends an operation status confirmation request to the representative elevator and collects operation status information related to the operation status of the elevators in the elevator group. Each elevator in the elevator group is equipped with an information acquisition unit that obtains the elevator's operating status information. The elevator described above has the following features: An information collection unit that collects the operating status information of the elevators in the elevator group; and The information sending unit sends the operational status information collected by the information gathering unit to the central device. Upon detecting an earthquake, the information collection unit begins collecting operational status information. After the information collection unit finishes collecting the operation status information, the information sending unit temporarily suspends sending the collected operation status information to the central device. Upon receiving the operation status confirmation request from the information collection unit, the information sending unit sends the collected operation status information to the central device.

2. The elevator information collection system according to claim 1, wherein, If the information collection unit receives the operation status confirmation request from the information gathering unit but has not yet started collecting the operation status information of the elevators in the elevator group, it shall start collecting the operation status information of the elevators in the elevator group.

3. The elevator information collection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The elevator group includes a first elevator group and a second elevator group located below the first elevator group. At least one of the multiple elevators in the first elevator group is the first representative elevator serving as the representative elevator. At least one of the elevators in the second elevator group is a second representative elevator. The second representative elevator collects the operating status information of the elevators in the second elevator group and sends it to the first representative elevator. The first representative elevator collects the operating status information of the elevators in the first elevator group and sends it together with the operating status information sent from the second representative elevator to the central device.

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