Usage management device of passenger conveyor and usage management method of passenger conveyor

Abstract

To provide an usage management device of a passenger conveyor capable of performing the attention attraction of an appropriate content according to usage situations for users of the passenger conveyor carrying foods and drinks.SOLUTION: An usage management device of a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment comprises an attention attracting information storage unit, a first analysis unit, and an output control unit connected communicatively to a camera device to photograph an area including an entrance of a passenger conveyor and to an output device outputting information to users of the passenger conveyor. The attention attracting information storage unit stores attention attracting information preset for each attribute information of a user carrying the foods and drinks in the passenger conveyor. The first analysis unit analyzes imaging information obtained by photographing with the camera device and if the user carrying the foods and drinks is detected, acquires information representing the attribute information of the user carrying the foods and drinks. The output control unit acquires the attention attracting information corresponding to the attribute information of the user carrying the foods and drinks acquired by the first analysis unit, from the attention attracting information storage unit, and makes output from the output device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a passenger conveyor use management device and a passenger conveyor use management method.

Background Art

[0002] Users of passenger conveyors need to take various precautions according to the items they carry in order to use the passenger conveyor safely. For example, when carrying a long item such as an umbrella or wearing clothes with a long hem, it is necessary to be careful not to get these ends caught in the gap between the steps and the skirt guard when boarding. Also, since boarding with a stroller or shopping cart is dangerous, it is necessary to avoid boarding while carrying these.

[0003] In view of these points, there is a technology that prompts users of passenger conveyors to pay attention according to the items they carry. By using this technology, users can recognize what they should pay attention to and use the passenger conveyor safely.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In addition to the above-mentioned items, food and drink are items that users pay attention to when using a passenger conveyor. When a user boards a passenger conveyor while carrying food and drink, if the food and drink spill on other users, steps, etc., there may be troubles between users, the appearance of the escalator may be damaged, or the steps may become slippery.

[0006] However, when users carry food and beverages and use the passenger conveyor, the matters that need attention vary depending on the usage situation, such as the boarding position or the presence of companions. Therefore, a technology that can give appropriate warnings to users carrying food and beverages according to their usage situations has been desired.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a passenger conveyor use management device and a passenger conveyor use management method capable of giving appropriate warnings to users of the passenger conveyor who carry food and beverages according to their usage situations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to an embodiment for achieving the above object, a passenger conveyor use management device is communicably connected to a camera device that photographs an area including the entrance and exit of the passenger conveyor and an output device that outputs information to users of the passenger conveyor, and includes a warning information storage unit, a first analysis unit, and an output control unit. The warning information storage unit stores warning information preset for each piece of attribute information of users who carry food and beverages in the passenger conveyor. The first analysis unit analyzes the imaging information captured by the camera device, and when detecting a food and beverage carrying user who carries food and beverages, obtains information indicating the attribute information of the food and beverage carrying user. The output control unit obtains the warning information corresponding to the attribute information of the food and beverage carrying user acquired by the first analysis unit from the warning information storage unit and causes it to be output from the output device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, an escalator system that manages an escalator, which is an example of a passenger conveyor, will be described.

[0011] 〈Configuration of Escalator System Using Usage Management Device According to One Embodiment〉 FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of an escalator system 1 according to the present embodiment. The escalator system 1 includes a first escalator 10, a first camera device 101 and a first speaker device 102 installed near the first escalator 10, a second escalator 20, a second camera device 201 and a second speaker device 202 installed near the second escalator 20, a usage management device 30, and a building monitoring device 40. The usage management device 30 is communicably connected to the first camera device 101, the first speaker device 102, the second camera device 201, the second speaker device 202, and the building monitoring device 40.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the case where the usage management device 30 is connected to the camera devices and speaker devices installed for two escalators will be described, but it may be connected to the camera devices and speaker devices installed for one or three or more escalators.

[0013] The first escalator 10 is an upward escalator for moving from the first floor to the second floor in a building, and includes a first step 11 for moving from the first floor to the second floor, a first handrail 12 that a user boarding on the first step 11 grasps, a first landing plate 131 installed at the first boarding entrance 13 on the first floor, a first comb 132 installed at the boundary between the first landing plate 131 and the first step 11, a second landing plate 141 installed at the first exit 14 on the second floor, and a second comb 142 installed at the boundary between the second landing plate 141 and the first step 11.

[0014] The first camera device 101 photographs a first area AR1 including a first boarding area 13 of the first escalator 10. The first speaker device 102 outputs voice information toward the users of the first escalator 10.

[0015] The second escalator 20 is an upward escalator for moving from the second floor to the third floor in the building, and includes a second step 21 for moving from the second floor to the third floor, a second handrail 22 that a user boarding on the second step 21 grasps, a third landing plate 231 installed at a second boarding area 23 on the second floor, a third comb 232 installed at the boundary between the third landing plate 231 and the second step 21, a fourth landing plate 241 installed at a second disembarking area 24 on the third floor, and a fourth comb 242 installed at the boundary between the fourth landing plate 241 and the second step 21.

[0016] The second camera device 201 photographs a second area AR2 including a first disembarking area 14 of the first escalator 10 and a second boarding area 23 of the second escalator 20. The second speaker device 202 outputs voice information toward the users of the second escalator 20.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the usage management device 30. The usage management device 30 includes a storage unit 31 and a CPU 32. The storage unit 31 includes a warning information storage unit 311 and an announcement information storage unit 312. The warning information storage unit 311 stores warning information preset for each piece of attribute information of users (hereinafter referred to as "users carrying food and drinks") carrying food and drinks in the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20. Details of the attribute information of the users carrying food and drinks will be described later. The announcement information storage unit 312 stores auto-announcement voice information to be repeatedly output at predetermined time intervals in the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20.

[0018] The CPU 32 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer. By installing and executing a predetermined escalator usage management program, it constitutes one or more of the following information processing units. The CPU 32 includes an imaging information acquisition unit 321, a first analysis unit 322, a voice output control unit 323, a second analysis unit 324, and a dirt information output unit 325.

[0019] The imaging information acquisition unit 321 acquires the first imaging information captured by the first camera device 101 and the second imaging information captured by the second camera device 201.

[0020] The first analysis unit 322 analyzes the first imaging information and the second imaging information acquired by the imaging information acquisition unit 321 to detect users carrying food and drinks in the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20. When the first analysis unit 322 detects a user carrying food and drinks, it further acquires the attribute information of this user carrying food and drinks.

[0021] The voice output control unit 323 repeatedly outputs the auto-announcement voice information stored in the announcement information storage unit 312 from the first speaker device 102 and the second speaker device 202 with a silent time of a predetermined length in between. Also, the voice output control unit 323 acquires the warning information corresponding to the attribute information of the user carrying food and drinks acquired by the first analysis unit 322 from the warning information storage unit 311 and outputs it from the first speaker device 102 and the second speaker device 202.

[0022] The second analysis unit 324 analyzes the first imaging information and the second imaging information to detect dirt in the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20 caused by the food and drinks carried by the users carrying food and drinks dropping.

[0023] The dirt information output unit 325 outputs the information regarding the dirt detected by the second analysis unit 324 to the building monitoring device 40.

[0024] 〈Operation of the escalator system according to an embodiment〉 The operation of the escalator system 1 according to an embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the alert information storage unit 311 of the usage management device 30 stores, as alert information for each piece of attribute information of food and drink carrying users, first alert information which is alert information when a food and drink carrying user holds food and drink with the hand on the side closer to the handrail (hereinafter referred to as "the handrail side hand"), second alert information which is alert information when the food and drink carrying user is not a child, third alert information which is alert information when the food and drink carrying user is a child and there is an adult companion, and fourth alert information which is alert information when the food and drink carrying user is a child and there is no adult companion.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the alert processing executed by the usage management device 30 for each of the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20 during the operation of the escalator system 1.

[0026] The alert processing regarding the first escalator 10 executed by the usage management device 30 will be described. During the operation of the escalator system 1, the voice output control unit 323 repeatedly outputs the auto-announcement voice information stored in the announcement information storage unit 312 from the first speaker device 102 and the second speaker device 202 with a silent time of a predetermined length interposed therebetween. This silent time is set to be longer than the output time of the alert information having the longest output time among the alert information stored in the alert information storage unit 311.

[0027] Also, during the operation of the escalator system 1, the imaging information acquisition unit 321 of the usage management device 30 sequentially acquires the first imaging information captured by the first camera device 101 and sends it to the first analysis unit 322. The first analysis unit 322 analyzes the first imaging information to monitor whether there is a food and drink carrying user in the first area AR1 (S1).

[0028] When the first analysis unit 322 detects a food / drink carrier user (the "YES" in S1), it further analyzes the first imaging information and, as the attribute information of this food / drink carrier user, obtains information indicating whether the handle position of the food / drink is on the side of the first handrail 12 or on the central part side of the first step 11 (S2).

[0029] When the first analysis unit 322 obtains information indicating that the handle position of the food / drink is on the side of the first handrail 12 as the attribute information of the food / drink carrier user (the "YES" in S2), the voice output control unit 323 obtains the first attention - calling information corresponding to this attribute information from the attention - calling information storage unit 311 and causes it to be output from the first speaker device 102 (S3). The first attention - calling information is, for example, voice information for calling the attention of the food / drink carrier user so as not to spill the food / drink.

[0030] In step S2, when the first analysis unit 322 obtains information indicating that the handle position of the food / drink by the food / drink carrier user is on the central part side of the first step 11 (the "NO" in S2), as the attribute information, it further obtains information indicating whether this food / drink carrier user is a child or not (S4).

[0031] When the first analysis unit 322 obtains the attribute information indicating that this food / drink carrier user is not a child (the "NO" in S4), it obtains the second attention - calling information corresponding to this attribute information from the attention - calling information storage unit 311 and causes it to be output from the first speaker device 102 (S5). The second attention - calling information is, for example, voice information for calling the attention of the food / drink carrier user so that the food / drink does not adhere to the people around.

[0032] In step S4, when the first analysis unit 322 obtains the attribute information indicating that the food / drink carrier user is a child (the "YES" in S4), as the attribute information, it further obtains information indicating whether there is an adult companion with this food / drink carrier user or not (S6).

[0033] Here, when the first analysis unit 322 acquires attribute information indicating that there is an adult companion for the food and drink carrier user ( "YES" in S6), the third attention - calling information corresponding to this attribute information is acquired from the attention - calling information storage unit 311 and output from the first speaker device 102 (S7). The third attention - calling information is, for example, voice information for calling the attention of the adult user accompanying the food and drink carrier user to not take their eyes off the child.

[0034] In step S6, when the first analysis unit 322 acquires attribute information indicating that there is no adult companion for the food and drink carrier user ( "NO" in S6), the fourth attention - calling information corresponding to this attribute information is acquired from the attention - calling information storage unit 311 and output from the first speaker device 102 (S8). The fourth attention - calling information is, for example, voice information for calling the attention of the people around the food and drink carrier user to be careful when boarding the vehicle because there is a child carrying food and drink.

[0035] When outputting the first attention - calling information, the second attention - calling information, the third attention - calling information, or the fourth attention - calling information, the voice output control unit 323 outputs it within the silent time between the auto - announcement information that is repeatedly output.

[0036] The usage management device 30 executes the attention - calling process by repeating the processes of steps S1 to S8 for the first escalator 10 while the escalator system 1 is operating. Similarly, the usage management device 30 also executes the attention - calling process for the second escalator 20.

[0037] For example, when the first analysis unit 322 detects user X1, who is a food and drink carrier user, from the first imaging information, the holding position of the food and drink by user X1 is not on the side of the first handrail 12 ( "NO" in S2), user X1 is a child ( "YES" in S4), and the first analysis unit 322 acquires attribute information indicating that there is an adult companion user X2, the voice output control unit 323 causes the first speaker device 102 to output the third attention - calling information, which is voice information for calling the attention of user X2 to not take their eyes off the child.

[0038] Also, when the first analysis unit 322 detects the user X3 who is a food / drink carrier from the first imaging information, and the handle position of the food / drink carried by this user X3 is not on the side of the first handrail 12 ( "NO" in S2), and when obtaining attribute information indicating that the user X3 is an adult ( "NO" in S4), the voice output control unit 323 causes the first speaker device 102 to output second caution information, which is voice information for cautioning the user X3 so that food / drink does not adhere to people around.

[0039] Also, when the first analysis unit 322 detects the user X4 who is a food / drink carrier from the second imaging information, and when obtaining attribute information indicating that the handle position of the food / drink carried by this user X4 is on the side of the first handrail 12 ( "NO" in S2), the voice output control unit 323 causes the second speaker device 202 to output first caution information, which is voice information for cautioning the user X4 so that the food / drink is not spilled.

[0040] Also, when the first analysis unit 322 detects the user X5 who is a food / drink carrier from the second imaging information, and the handle position of the food / drink carried by this user X5 is not on the side of the first handrail 12 ( "NO" in S2), and when obtaining attribute information indicating that the user X5 is an adult ( "NO" in S4), the voice output control unit 323 causes the second speaker device 202 to output second caution information, which is voice information for cautioning the user X5 so that food / drink does not adhere to people around.

[0041] When these food / drink carrying users drop the food / drink they carry while boarding the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20, and if the stain of this food / drink adheres to the first comb 132, the second comb 142, the third comb 232, or the fourth comb 242 in the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20, the appearance will be damaged, and the stain will spread into the steps 11 and 21 due to the movement of the steps 11 and 21, making it slippery. Therefore, if a stain adheres to any of the combs, it is necessary to take prompt measures to remove the stain.

[0042] Therefore, when dirt caused by food or drink adheres to the first comb 132, the second comb 142, the third comb 232, or the fourth comb 242, the usage management device 30 executes a dirt notification process. The dirt notification process executed by the usage management device 30 will be described.

[0043] During the operation of the escalator system 1, the second analysis unit 324 analyzes the first imaging information and the second imaging information to monitor whether dirt has occurred on the first comb 132, the second comb 142, the third comb 232, or the fourth comb 242 due to food or drink dropped by a user carrying food or drink.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a top view of the first escalator 10 and the second escalator 20. When the food or drink carried by the user X1 is dropped on the first step 11, the first step 11 moves upward, causing dirt from this food or drink to adhere to the second comb 142. When dirt adheres to the second comb 142, the second analysis unit 324 detects the dirt on the second comb 142 from the second imaging information.

[0045] When the second analysis unit 324 detects the dirt on the second comb 142, the dirt information output unit 325 outputs information regarding the detected dirt on the second comb 142 to the building monitoring device 40. By receiving and outputting the information regarding the dirt on the second comb 142, the administrator can recognize this information and take measures to remove the dirt on the second comb 142.

[0046] According to the above embodiment, the usage management device is communicably connected to a camera device that photographs an area including the boarding and alighting openings of the passenger conveyor, and an output device that outputs information to the users of the passenger conveyor, and includes a warning information storage unit that stores warning information preset for each situation of a user carrying food or drink in the passenger conveyor, a first analysis unit that analyzes the imaging information photographed by the camera device and acquires the attribute information of the user carrying food or drink when detecting a user carrying food or drink, and an output control unit that acquires the warning information corresponding to the attribute information of the user carrying food or drink acquired by the first analysis unit from the warning information storage unit and causes it to be output from the output device.

[0047] Accordingly, it is possible to give appropriate warnings to users of the passenger conveyor who carry food and drink, according to the usage situation.

[0048] In addition, the warning information storage unit stores, as warning information, at least any one of warning information when a food and drink-carrying user holds food and drink with the hand on the handrail side, warning information when the food and drink-carrying user is not a child, warning information when the food and drink-carrying user is a child and there is an adult companion, or warning information when the food and drink-carrying user is a child and there is no adult companion.

[0049] In addition, the first analysis unit acquires, as attribute information of the food and drink-carrying user, at least any one of information indicating the position of the hand with which the food and drink-carrying user holds food and drink, information indicating whether the food and drink-carrying user is a child, or information indicating whether there is an adult companion when the food and drink-carrying user is a child.

[0050] Accordingly, it is possible to specifically identify and output appropriate warning information in detail according to the situation of the food and drink-carrying user.

[0051] In addition, the output control unit repeatedly outputs preset announcement information with a silent time of a predetermined length in between, and outputs the warning information acquired from the warning information storage unit within the silent time. Further, this silent time is set to be longer than the time required for outputting the warning information.

[0052] Accordingly, it is possible to output the auto-announcement information and the warning information at appropriate timings and make the user recognize the information content.

[0053] In addition, the usage management device further includes a second analysis unit that detects dirt inside the passenger conveyor caused by the food and drink carried by the user of the passenger conveyor falling, based on the imaging information captured by the camera device, and a dirt information output unit that outputs information regarding the dirt detected by the second analysis unit.

[0054] Thereby, information on the dirt generated in the passenger conveyor can be notified to a building monitoring device or the like and used for measures for removing the dirt.

[0055] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Signs

[0056] 1…Escalator system, 10…First escalator, 11…First step, 12…First handrail, 13…First boarding gate, 14…First alighting gate, 20…Second escalator, 21…Second step, 22…Second handrail, 23…Second boarding gate, 24…Second alighting gate, 30…Usage management device, 31…Storage unit, 32…CPU, 40…Building monitoring device, 101…First camera device, 102…First speaker device, 131…First boarding and alighting plate, 132…First communication unit, 141…Second boarding and alighting plate, 142…Second communication unit, 201…Second camera device, 202…Second speaker device, 231…Third boarding and alighting plate, 232…Third communication unit, 241…Fourth boarding and alighting plate, 242…Fourth communication unit, 311…Attention information storage unit, 312…Announcement information storage unit, 321…Imaging information acquisition unit, 322…First analysis unit, 323…Voice output control unit, 324…Second analysis unit, 325…Dirt information output unit

Claims

1. A camera device that photographs an area including the boarding and alighting openings of a passenger conveyor, and an output device that outputs information to users of the passenger conveyor, are communicably connected, a warning information storage unit that stores warning information preset for each piece of attribute information of users who carry food and drink inside the passenger conveyor, a first analysis unit that analyzes the imaging information captured by the camera device, and when detecting a food and drink carrying user who carries food and drink, obtains information indicating the attribute information of the food and drink carrying user, An output control unit that obtains warning information corresponding to the attribute information of the food and drink carrying user acquired by the first analysis unit from the warning information storage unit and causes it to be output from the output device, and a usage management device for a passenger conveyor comprising the same.

2. The warning information storage unit stores, as warning information for each piece of attribute information, warning information when the food and drink carrying user holds the food and drink with the hand on the handrail side, warning information when the food and drink carrying user is not a child, warning information when the food and drink carrying user is a child and there is an adult companion, or warning information when the food and drink carrying user is a child and there is no adult companion. The usage management device for a passenger conveyor according to Claim 1.

3. The first analysis unit obtains, as attribute information of the food and drink carrying user, at least any one of information indicating the position of the hand holding the food and drink by the food and drink carrying user, information indicating whether the food and drink carrying user is a child, or information indicating whether there is an adult companion when the food and drink carrying user is a child. The usage management device for a passenger conveyor according to Claim 1.

4. The output device is a speaker device, The output control unit repeatedly outputs preset announcement information with a silent time of a predetermined length in between, and outputs the warning information acquired from the warning information storage unit within the silent time, The silent time is set to be longer than the time required for output of the warning information. The usage management device for a passenger conveyor according to Claim 1.

5. A second analysis unit that detects dirt inside the passenger conveyor caused by the food and drink carried by the user of the passenger conveyor falling based on the imaging information captured by the camera device, The utilization management device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1, further comprising a dirt information output unit that outputs information regarding the dirt detected by the second analysis unit.

6. A camera device that photographs an area including the boarding and alighting openings of the passenger conveyor, communicably connected to an output device that outputs information to users of the passenger conveyor, A utilization management device comprising a warning information storage unit that stores warning information preset for each piece of attribute information of users who carry food and drink inside the passenger conveyor, When the imaging information captured by the camera device is analyzed to detect a food and drink carrying user who carries food and drink, information indicating the attribute information of the food and drink carrying user is acquired, A method for managing the use of a passenger conveyor, which acquires warning information corresponding to the acquired attribute information of the food and drink carrying user from the warning information storage unit and causes the output device to output the warning information.

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