Escalator monitoring and control system

The escalator monitoring and control system uses detectable tags and non-contact detection to prevent wheeled objects from boarding, effectively preventing damage by controlling escalator operation and ensuring reliable detection and response.

JP2025142936AActive Publication Date: 2025-10-01MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC BUILDING SOLUTIONS CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024042569
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-18
Publication Date
2025-10-01
Estimated Expiration
2044-03-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional escalator systems fail to reliably prevent damage caused by wheeled moving objects, such as shopping carts and strollers, from stepping onto the steps, leading to potential collisions and equipment damage.

Method used

An escalator monitoring and control system that includes detectable tags on wheeled objects, first and second detection devices for non-contact detection, and a control device that issues warnings and controls the escalator's operation based on these detections to prevent wheeled objects from boarding and, if necessary, stops the escalator.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively prevents damage to escalator equipment by ensuring wheeled objects do not board the steps, with quick response times and reliable detection, reducing the risk of collisions and equipment damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an escalator monitoring and control system capable of more reliably preventing damage to equipment caused by a wheeled mobile object riding on a step.SOLUTION: When a control device 22 receives a first detection signal from a first detection device 24 on the lower floor, it causes a plurality of alarm devices to issue a warning to users of wheeled mobile objects near a lower floor entrance 11a that they are prohibited from boarding a step connector 13. When the control device 22 receives a first detection signal from any of the first detection devices 24, it decelerates the step connector 13. When the control device 22 receives a second detection signal from any of the second detection devices 25, it stops the step connector 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring and control system for an escalator. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional information provision system, a computer acquires first information, second information, and third information. The first information is information about a person in a first area of ​​an escalator. The second information is information about the person in a second area of ​​the escalator. The third information is information about a vehicle such as a cart, a pushcart, or a stroller. The computer determines a change in the vehicle's state based on the third information, and outputs notification information determined based on the determined change in the vehicle's state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 219986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional information provision system described above, if a vehicle user does not check the notification information or checks it but ignores it, the vehicle may move onto the step, which could result in a collision with the vehicle and damage to the step or surrounding equipment.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an escalator monitoring and control system that can more reliably prevent damage to equipment caused by wheeled moving objects stepping on the steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The escalator monitoring and control system of the present disclosure comprises a detectable tag attached to a wheeled moving body, a first detection device that detects that the wheeled moving body is approaching the boarding / alighting entrance by detecting the detectable tag non-contactly and outputs a first detection signal, a second detection device that detects that the wheeled moving body is closer to the boarding / alighting entrance than when the first detection signal was output from the first detection device by detecting the detectable tag non-contactly and outputs a second detection signal, and a control device to which the first detection signal from the first detection device and the second detection signal from the second detection device are input, and when the first detection signal is input, the control device notifies the user of the wheeled moving body that they are prohibited from boarding the step connecting body, and when the second detection signal is input, stops the step connecting body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the escalator monitoring and control system of the present disclosure, damage to equipment caused by a wheeled moving object riding on a step can be more reliably prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an escalator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the control device of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a monitoring process of a wheeled vehicle by the control device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the process when a second detection signal is not input within a first set time in the monitoring process of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing an abnormality detection process performed by the control device of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 2 is a front view showing a shopping cart passing through the anti-theft gate of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a front view showing a stroller passing through the anti-theft gate of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]8 is a front view showing a modified example of the state in which the first detection device is installed on the anti-theft gate of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a modification of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 2 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an escalator according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 shows an escalator installed in a commercial facility, a so-called shopping center. The operating direction of the escalator in Fig. 1 is upward.

[0010] In the figure, the escalator comprises an escalator body 11 and a monitoring and control system 21.

[0011] The escalator body 11 has a truss 12, a step connector 13, a pair of left and right handrails 14, a pair of left and right moving handrails 15, a drive unit 16, a lower floor passenger sensor 17, and an upper floor passenger sensor 18.

[0012] The truss 12 is installed between the upper and lower floors of the building. The step connector 13 is supported by the truss 12. The step connector 13 is composed of a plurality of steps 13a connected together in an endless manner. Each step 13a moves between the upper and lower floors along a travel path. Only three steps 13a out of the plurality of steps 13a are shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] A pair of balustrades 14 are erected on the truss 12. Each moving handrail 15 is provided on the corresponding balustrade 14. The pair of moving handrails 15 circulates in synchronization with the movement of the multiple steps 13a.

[0014] The driving device 16 is provided at the upper floor end of the truss 12. The driving device 16 generates a driving force for moving each step 13a.

[0015] The escalator body 11 is provided with a lower floor entrance / exit 11a and an upper floor entrance / exit 11b. The lower floor entrance / exit 11a is a boarding / exit point to the step connector 13 on the lower floor. The upper floor entrance / exit 11b is a boarding / exit point to the step connector 13 on the upper floor.

[0016] In the escalator of FIG. 1, since the operating direction is upward, the lower floor entrance 11a is the entrance and the upper floor entrance 11b is the exit.

[0017] The lower floor passenger sensor 17 detects passengers passing through the lower floor entrance 11a. The lower floor passenger sensor 17 is provided, for example, at the lower floor end of the balustrade 14.

[0018] The upper floor passenger sensor 18 detects passengers passing through the upper floor entrance 11b. The upper floor passenger sensor 18 is provided, for example, at the upper floor end of the balustrade 14.

[0019] Each floor of the commercial facility is equipped with a plurality of facilities and equipment, including an anti-theft gate 51, guide handrails 52, and the like.

[0020] The monitoring and control system 21 has a control device 22, a plurality of detectable tags 23, a plurality of first detection devices 24, a plurality of second detection devices 25, a plurality of displays as alarm devices, a plurality of speakers as alarm devices, and a relay connector 28.

[0021] The plurality of indicators include a lower floor indicator 26a and an upper floor indicator 26b. Display devices, LED indicator lights, etc. are used as the lower floor indicator 26a and the upper floor indicator 26b.

[0022] The plurality of speakers includes a lower speaker 27a, an upper speaker 27b, and a middle speaker 27c.

[0023] Control device 22 is provided at the upper floor end of truss 12. Control device 22 also controls drive device 16 to control the operation of escalator body 11. Signals from lower floor passenger sensors 17 and upper floor passenger sensors 18 are input to control device 22.

[0024] The control device 22 also supplies power to each of the plurality of first detection devices 24, the plurality of second detection devices 25, the plurality of display devices, and the plurality of speakers.

[0025] There are a plurality of wheeled mobile objects within the commercial facility. Each detectable tag 23 is provided on a corresponding wheeled mobile object. In FIG. 1, a shopping cart 61 and a stroller 62 are shown as the plurality of wheeled mobile objects. The plurality of wheeled mobile objects may also include a wheelchair (not shown). In this case, the wheelchair may be any of a push wheelchair, a self-propelled wheelchair, and an electric wheelchair.

[0026] A non-powered electronic component is used as each of the detection tags 23. Examples of the non-powered electronic component include an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, an electronic tag, etc. Each of the detection tags 23 may also be a tag with a two-dimensional code attached.

[0027] Furthermore, the detection tag 23 may be attached in advance to each of a plurality of wheeled mobile objects, such as shopping carts 61, owned and managed by a commercial facility.

[0028] Furthermore, each detection tag 23 may be affixable to a wheeled vehicle, making it easy to attach to the wheeled vehicle. In this case, the manager of the commercial facility may lend the detection tags 23 to visitors at the entrances and exits of the commercial facility. This allows visitors to easily attach the loaned detection tags 23 to their personally owned strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

[0029] The anti-theft gates 51 on the lower and upper floors are each provided with one or more first detection devices 24.

[0030] Each first detection device 24 on the lower floor detects the detection tag 23 in a non-contact manner to detect that a wheeled mobile object is approaching the lower floor entrance / exit 11a. Each first detection device 24 on the upper floor detects the detection tag 23 in a non-contact manner to detect that a wheeled mobile object is approaching the upper floor entrance / exit 11b.

[0031] Each of the first detection devices 24 on the upper and lower floors outputs a first detection signal when it detects a detection target tag 23. The first detection signal from each of the first detection devices 24 is input to the control device 22.

[0032] The guide handrails 52 on the lower floor and the upper floor are each provided with one or more second detection devices 25.

[0033] Each second detection device 25 on the lower floor is disposed closer to the lower floor entrance 11a than each first detection device 24 on the lower floor. Also, each second detection device 25 on the upper floor is disposed closer to the upper floor entrance 11b than each first detection device 24 on the upper floor.

[0034] Each second detection device 25 on the lower floor detects the detection tag 23 non-contact, thereby detecting that the wheeled mobile body is closer to the lower floor boarding / alighting entrance 11a than when the first detection signal was output from each first detection device 24 on the lower floor.

[0035] Each second detection device 25 on the upper floor detects the detection tag 23 non-contact, thereby detecting that the wheeled mobile body is closer to the upper floor boarding / alighting entrance 11b than when the first detection signal was output from each first detection device 24 on the upper floor.

[0036] Each of the second detection devices 25 on the upper and lower floors outputs a second detection signal when it detects a detection target tag 23. The second detection signal output from each of the second detection devices 25 is input to the control device 22.

[0037] When a non-powered electronic component is used as each of the detection tags 23, each of the first detection devices 24 and each of the second detection devices 25 is a reader that reads information from the detection tag 23. Each of the readers has an antenna.

[0038] When a tag with a two-dimensional code is used as each of the detection target tags 23, each of the first detection devices 24 and each of the second detection devices 25 is a camera that reads the two-dimensional code.

[0039] The lower floor display 26a is provided on the anti-theft gate 51 on the lower floor. The lower floor display 26a displays a warning to users near the lower floor entrance 11a. The upper floor display 26b is provided on the anti-theft gate 51 on the upper floor. The upper floor display 26b displays a warning to users near the upper floor entrance 11b.

[0040] The lower floor speaker 27a is provided at the lower floor entrance 11a. The lower floor speaker 27a issues an audio warning to users near the lower floor entrance 11a. The upper floor speaker 27b issues an audio warning to users near the upper floor entrance 11b.

[0041] The intermediate speaker 27c is provided at the middle of the movement path of each step 13a. The intermediate speaker 27c issues an audio notification to passengers on the step connecting body 13.

[0042] The relay connector 28 is provided at the lower floor end of the truss 12. The relay connector 28 also relays transmission and reception of signals between the control device 22 and a plurality of devices provided on the lower floor.

[0043] When the control device 22 receives a first detection signal from the first detection device 24 on the lower floor, the control device 22 issues a warning to users of wheeled mobile objects near the lower floor entrance 11a by using multiple alarm devices to the effect that they are prohibited from getting on the step connecting body 13. In this case, the multiple alarm devices include a lower floor display 26a and a lower floor speaker 27a.

[0044] When the control device 22 receives a first detection signal from the first detection device 24 on the upper floor, the control device 22 issues a warning to users of wheeled mobile objects near the upper floor entrance 11b by using multiple notification devices to the effect that they are prohibited from getting on the step connecting body 13. In this case, the multiple notification devices include an upper floor display 26b and an upper floor speaker 27b.

[0045] Furthermore, when a first detection signal is input from any of the first detectors 24, the control device 22 decelerates the step connection body 13. That is, the control device 22 switches the operation mode to a low-speed mode. The operation speed of the step connection body 13 is changed by, for example, VVVF inverter control.

[0046] At this time, the control device 22 makes an announcement from the middle speaker 27c to instruct passengers on the step connector 13 to hold onto the moving handrail 15 in order to slow down the step connector 13.

[0047] When the control device 22 receives a second detection signal from any of the second detection devices 25, it stops the step connector 13. At this time, the control device 22 makes an announcement from the middle speaker 27c to instruct passengers on the step connector 13 to grab the moving handrail 15 in order to stop the step connector 13.

[0048] A first set time and a second set time are preset in the control device 22. If a second detection signal is not input within the first set time after a first detection signal is input, and if no new user gets on the step connection 13 for the second set time or longer, the control device 22 returns the speed of the step connection 13 to the rated speed. In other words, the control device 22 returns the operation mode to the normal mode.

[0049] Furthermore, when the second detection signal is input without the first detection signal being input, the control device 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first detection device 24.

[0050] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the control device 22 of Fig. 1. The control device 22 has, as functional blocks, a sensor control unit 22a, a signal processing unit 22b, a notification control unit 22c, a drive control unit 22d, and a central processing unit 22e.

[0051] The sensor control unit 22 a controls the lower floor passenger sensor 17 , the upper floor passenger sensor 18 , the plurality of first detection devices 24 , and the plurality of second detection devices 25 .

[0052] The signal processing unit 22 b processes signals from the lower floor passenger sensors 17 , signals from the upper floor passenger sensors 18 , signals from the plurality of first detection devices 24 , and signals from the plurality of second detection devices 25 .

[0053] The notification control unit 22c controls the lower floor display 26a, the upper floor display 26b, the lower floor speaker 27a, and the upper floor speaker 27b.

[0054] The drive control unit 22d controls the drive device 16 to control the movement speed of the plurality of steps 13a.

[0055] The central processing unit 22e controls the sensor control unit 22a, the notification control unit 22c, and the drive control unit 22d based on information from the signal processing unit 22b.

[0056] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the monitoring process of a wheeled vehicle by the control device of Fig. 2. When the monitoring process starts, the control device 22 determines in step S101 whether or not a first detection signal has been input. If the first detection signal has not been input, the control device 22 repeats the process of step S101.

[0057] When the first detection signal is input, the control device 22 registers the detection of the detection target tag 23 by the first detection device 24 in step S102.

[0058] Then, in step S103, the control device 22 issues a warning to the user of the wheeled vehicle and a notice to passengers on the step connected body 13. That is, the control device 22 causes a plurality of notice devices to issue a warning to the user of the wheeled vehicle that they are prohibited from getting on the step connected body 13.

[0059] In addition, the control device 22 causes the intermediate speaker 27c to generate an announcement instructing the user to hold onto the moving handrail 15 in order to slow down the step connector 13.

[0060] Subsequently, in step S104, the control device 22 reduces the operating speed of the step connecting body 13. Then, in step S105, the control device 22 sets a timer t1 to 0.

[0061] Next, in step S106, the control device 22 determines whether the timer t1 is equal to or shorter than a first set time, for example, 30 seconds. If the timer t1 is not equal to or shorter than the first set time, i.e., if the timer t1 exceeds the first set time, the process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0062] If the timer t1 is equal to or less than the first set time, the control device 22 determines in step S107 whether or not a second detection signal has been input. If the second detection signal has not been input, the control device 22 adds Δt to the timer t1 in step S108, and returns to the processing of step S106.

[0063] If the second detection signal is input within the first set time, the control device 22 registers the detection of the detection target tag 23 by the second detection device 25 in step S109.

[0064] Then, in step S110, the control device 22 issues a warning to passengers on the step connector 13. That is, the control device 22 makes an announcement from the middle speaker 27c instructing passengers to grab the moving handrail 15 to stop the step connector 13.

[0065] Thereafter, in step S111, the control device 22 stops the step connecting body 13 and ends the current monitoring process.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing when the second detection signal is not input within the first set time in the monitoring processing of Fig. 3. After the wheeled vehicle is detected by the first detection device 24, if the user of the wheeled vehicle receives a warning and turns back, the processing of Fig. 4 is executed.

[0067] If the second detection signal is not input within the first set time, the control device 22 sets the timer t2 to 0 in step S201.

[0068] Next, in step S202, the control device 22 determines whether the timer t2 is equal to or greater than a second set time, for example, 30 seconds.

[0069] If the timer t2 has not reached the second set time, the control device 22 determines in step S203 whether a new passenger has been detected on the step connector 13 by the lower passenger sensor 17 or the upper passenger sensor 18.

[0070] If a new passenger has not been detected, the control device 22 adds Δt to the timer t2 in step S204, and returns to the processing of step S202.

[0071] If a new passenger is detected before the timer t2 reaches the second set time, the control device 22 returns to the processing of step S201.

[0072] If the timer t2 reaches the second set time without detecting a new passenger, the control device 22 ends the warning to the user of the wheeled vehicle in step S205. Then, in step S206, the control device 22 returns the operating speed of the step connecting body 13 to the rated speed, and returns to the processing of step S101 in FIG. 3.

[0073] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection process by the control device 22 of Fig. 2. The abnormality detection process is started when the detection of the detection target tag 23 by the second detection device 25 is registered.

[0074] When the abnormality detection process is started, in step S301, the control device 22 determines whether the detection of the detectable tag 23 by the first detection device 24 has been registered. If the detection by the first detection device 24 has been registered, the control device 22 ends the current abnormality detection process.

[0075] If the detection by the second detecting device 25 has been registered but the detection by the first detecting device 24 has not been registered, the control device 22 determines in step S302 that one of the first detecting devices 24 is abnormal.

[0076] Then, in step S303, the control device 22 notifies the outside, for example, an escalator management center, of the abnormality in the first detection device 24, and ends the current abnormality detection process.

[0077] In such an escalator monitoring and control system 21, a wheeled moving body is provided with a detection tag 23. A first detection device 24 detects the detection tag 23 in a non-contact manner and outputs a first detection signal. A second detection device 25 detects the detection tag 23 in a non-contact manner and outputs a second detection signal.

[0078] When the first detection signal is input, the control device 22 notifies the user of the wheeled vehicle that they are prohibited from getting on the step connection body 13. When the second detection signal is input, the control device 22 stops the step connection body 13.

[0079] This makes it possible to prevent the wheeled vehicle from moving onto the step 13a. Even if the wheeled vehicle does move onto the step 13a, the step connector 13 is stopped, so damage to the equipment caused by the wheeled vehicle riding on the step 13a can be more reliably prevented.

[0080] Furthermore, since the first detection device 24 and the second detection device 25 detect the target tag 23, complex processing such as image analysis is not required.

[0081] Furthermore, when the first detection signal is input, the control device 22 decelerates the step connection body 13. Therefore, when the second detection signal is input to the control device 22, the step connection body 13 can be stopped quickly, and even if the wheeled mobile body should move onto the steps 13a, damage to the equipment can be more reliably suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, if the second detection signal is not input within a first set time after the first detection signal is input, and if no new users have boarded the step connector 13 for a second set time or longer, the control device 22 returns the speed of the step connector 13 to the rated speed. Therefore, when the speed of the step connector 13 is returned to the rated speed, there is no need to alert passengers on the step connector 13.

[0083] Furthermore, when the second detection signal is input without the first detection signal being input, the control device 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first detection device 24. This allows for early detection of an abnormality in the first detection device 24.

[0084] Furthermore, the system can be simplified by using non-powered electronic components as the detection tag 23. Furthermore, the detection tag 23 can be made smaller and thinner. Furthermore, the detection tag 23 can be reproduced in large quantities, making management easier.

[0085] Furthermore, by using a tag with a two-dimensional code as the detectable tag 23, it is possible to construct the detectable tag 23 at a lower cost than when using non-powered electronic components. Furthermore, detection of the two-dimensional code by a camera is excellent in terms of immediacy, and the detectable tag 23 can be detected more reliably.

[0086] In addition, the second detection device 25 is disposed closer to the entrance / exit than the first detection device 24. This allows for more reliable detection of a wheeled moving object that is about to move onto the step connecting body 13.

[0087] Furthermore, by attaching the detectable tag 23 to shopping carts 61 owned and managed by a commercial facility, the detectable tag 23 can be attached to the same position on many shopping carts 61, making it possible to more reliably detect the detectable tag 23.

[0088] Furthermore, by using the detection tag 23 that can be attached to a wheeled vehicle, the detection tag 23 can be easily attached to a wheeled vehicle that is owned and managed by an individual. This makes it possible to prevent any wheeled vehicle from getting on the step connecting body 13.

[0089] The following describes the results of an investigation into the conditions for more reliably detecting the detection target tag 23 by the first detection device 24. The detection target tag 23 here is a non-powered electronic component. The first detection device 24 is a reader with an antenna. The conditions for more reliably detecting the detection target tag 23 also apply to the second detection device 25.

[0090] Fig. 6 is a front view showing a shopping cart 61 passing through the anti-theft gate 51 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a front view showing a stroller 62 passing through the anti-theft gate 51 of Fig. 1.

[0091] The anti-theft gate 51 has a first support post 51a and a second support post 51b. A wheeled vehicle and a user pass through between the first support post 51a and the second support post 51b.

[0092] The first detection device 24 is provided on the first support pillar 51a. The first detection device 24 radiates radio waves in the horizontal direction and can detect the target tag 23 within a detection range A indicated by the dashed dotted line.

[0093] In FIGS. 6 and 7, when the detection target tag 23 is arranged at a plurality of different positions, the positions where it can be detected are indicated by a circle, and the positions where it cannot be detected are indicated by an x.

[0094] Condition 1: When the detection tag 23 passes through the anti-theft gate 51, the movement line of the detection tag 23 is sufficiently within the detection range A. This is because, due to the directional characteristics of the first detection device 24, there is a risk that the detection tag 23 may not be detected near the boundary of the detection range A.

[0095] Condition 2: The first detection device 24 and the detection tag 23 are arranged facing each other. This is because detection accuracy is improved by having the substrate surface of the detection tag 23 facing the first detection device 24. For this reason, it is desirable that the detection tag 23 be attached to the side of each of the shopping cart 61 and the stroller 62.

[0096] Condition 3: The height of the first detection device 24 from the floor and the height of the detection tag 23 from the floor are made as equal as possible. This is because if the installation position of the first detection device 24 is too high, it becomes difficult to place the detection tag 23 within the detection range A.

[0097] Furthermore, if the installation position of the first detection device 24 is too low, there is a risk that the first detection device 24 or the detection target tag 23 may be damaged when the wheeled mobile body comes into contact with the anti-theft gate 51. Furthermore, if the installation position of the first detection device 24 is too low, the workability of maintenance of the first detection device 24 decreases.

[0098] In view of the above conditions 1 to 3, it is desirable to install the first detection device 24 at a height of, for example, 50 cm from the floor. In this case, it is desirable to attach the detection target tag 23 to the wheeled mobile body at a height of 50 cm to 80 cm from the floor.

[0099] It is also desirable that the detection tag 23 be attached to the side of the front end of the wheeled vehicle, which allows the wheeled vehicle to be detected quickly and accurately.

[0100] Fig. 8 is a front view showing a modified example of the installation state of the first detection device 24 relative to the anti-theft gate 51 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the modified example of Fig. 8.

[0101] In this modification, a first detection device 24 is installed on each of the first support column 51a and the second support column 51b. Accordingly, detection tags 23 are attached to both side surfaces of the wheeled mobile body.

[0102] If the first detection device 24 is installed only on the first support 51a, there is a risk that the detection tag 23 may not be detected if there is an object that blocks radio waves between the first detection device 24 and the detection tag 23. In Figures 8 and 9, a child walking alongside a shopping cart 61 is shown as an example of the object. Another example of an object of obstruction is luggage sticking out from the platform of the shopping cart 61.

[0103] In contrast, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, if a first detection device 24 is installed on each of the first support pillar 51a and the second support pillar 51b, and detectable tags 23 are attached to both side surfaces of the shopping cart 61, it is possible to prevent the detectable tags 23 from going undetected.

[0104] The first detection device 24 is not limited to being provided on the anti-theft gate 51, but may also be provided on, for example, a photoelectric pole for detecting passengers or a partition belt. The partition belt is a belt that restricts the movement of escalator users.

[0105] Furthermore, the second detection device 25 is not limited to being provided on the guide handrail 52, but may also be provided on, for example, a parapet panel, a building wall, or a door. The door may be a fire door.

[0106] Furthermore, the operating direction of the escalator is not limited to the upward direction, but may also be the downward direction.

[0107] Furthermore, the control device 22 may not decelerate the step connector 13 when the first detection signal is input, but may decelerate and stop the step connector 13 after the second detection signal is input.

[0108] Furthermore, monitoring of wheeled vehicles by the monitoring and control system 21 and notification to users of the wheeled vehicles do not necessarily have to be performed for both the lower floor boarding / alighting entrance 11a and the upper floor boarding / alighting entrance 11b, but may be performed only for the boarding / alighting entrance on the entrance side.

[0109] The escalator may also be installed in a facility other than a commercial facility.

[0110] Moreover, each function of the control device 22 of the first embodiment is realized by a processing circuit. Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device 22 of the first embodiment. The processing circuit 100 of the first example is dedicated hardware.

[0111] The processing circuit 100 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each function of the control device 22 may be realized by a separate processing circuit 100, or all functions may be realized by the processing circuit 100.

[0112] 11 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device 22 according to the embodiment 1. The processing circuit 200 of the second example includes a processor 201 and a memory 202.

[0113] The processor 201 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0114] In the processing circuit 200, each function of the control device 22 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 202. The processor 201 realizes each function by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 202.

[0115] It can also be said that the programs stored in memory 202 cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the above-mentioned sections. Here, memory 202 refers to non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidisks, DVDs, and the like also fall under memory 202.

[0116] It should be noted that some of the functions of the above-described units may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware.

[0117] In this way, the processing circuit can realize the functions of each of the above-mentioned units by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0118] The above describes in detail preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0119] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0120] (Appendix 1) a detection tag provided on a wheeled vehicle; a first detection device that detects the approach of the wheeled vehicle to the boarding / alighting entrance by detecting the detection tag in a non-contact manner and outputs a first detection signal; a second detection device that detects the target tag in a non-contact manner, thereby detecting that the wheeled vehicle is closer to the entrance / exit than when the first detection signal was output from the first detection device, and outputs a second detection signal; and a control device to which the first detection signal from the first detection device and the second detection signal from the second detection device are input; Equipped with The control device When the first detection signal is input, a user of the wheeled vehicle is notified that he or she is prohibited from getting on the step connecting body; The escalator monitoring and control system stops the step connector when the second detection signal is input. (Appendix 2) 2. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device decelerates the step connecting body when the first detection signal is input. (Appendix 3) The escalator monitoring and control system of Appendix 2, wherein the control device returns the speed of the step connecting body to the rated speed if the second detection signal is not input within a first set time after the first detection signal is input and if no new users have boarded the step connecting body for a second set time or longer. (Appendix 4) The escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first detection device when the second detection signal is input without the first detection signal being input. (Appendix 5) the detection tag is a non-powered electronic component, An escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first detection device and the second detection device are readers that read information from the detection tag. (Appendix 6) the detection target tag is a tag with a two-dimensional code attached thereto, The escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first detection device and the second detection device are cameras that read the two-dimensional code. (Appendix 7) 7. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the second detection device is arranged closer to the entrance / exit than the first detection device. (Appendix 8) the wheeled vehicle is a shopping cart owned and managed by a commercial facility, The escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the detection tag is attached to the shopping cart. (Appendix 9) 9. The escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the detection tag is affixable to the wheeled moving body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 11a Lower floor entrance, 11b Upper floor entrance, 13 Step connecting body, 21 Monitoring control system, 22 Control device, 23 Detectable tag, 24 First detection device, 25 Second detection device, 61 Shopping cart (wheeled mobile body), 62 Stroller (wheeled mobile body).

Claims

1. a detection tag provided on a wheeled vehicle; a first detection device that detects the target tag in a non-contact manner to detect that the wheeled vehicle is approaching an entrance and outputs a first detection signal; a second detection device that detects the detection tag in a non-contact manner, thereby detecting that the wheeled vehicle is closer to the boarding / alighting entrance than when the first detection signal was output from the first detection device, and outputs a second detection signal; and a control device to which the first detection signal from the first detection device and the second detection signal from the second detection device are input; Equipped with The control device When the first detection signal is input, a user of the wheeled vehicle is notified that he or she is prohibited from getting on the step connecting body; The escalator monitoring and control system stops the step connector when the second detection signal is input.

2. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device decelerates the step connecting body when the first detection signal is input.

3. 3. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 2, wherein the control device returns the speed of the step connecting body to the rated speed if the second detection signal is not input within a first set time after the first detection signal is input and if no new user gets on the step connecting body for a second set time or longer.

4. 4. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first detection device when the second detection signal is input without the first detection signal being input.

5. the detection tag is a non-powered electronic component, The escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first detection device and the second detection device are readers that read information from the detection target tags.

6. the detection target tag is a tag with a two-dimensional code attached thereto, The escalator monitoring and control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first detection device and the second detection device are cameras that read the two-dimensional code.

7. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1 , wherein the second detection device is disposed closer to the entrance / exit than the first detection device.

8. the wheeled vehicle is a shopping cart owned and managed by a commercial facility, 4. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the detection target tag is attached to the shopping cart.

9. 4. The escalator monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the detection tag is attachable to the wheeled moving body.

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