Elevator management system

Abstract

Regardless of the type of elevator, it can be easily retrofitted, detect operational abnormalities, and enable direct communication between the elevator occupants and the outside. [Solution] The elevator management device 200 is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car and includes a microphone 204 for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker 205 for outputting sound, and a communication unit 302 for communicating with an external device 300. When the microphone 204 collects a predetermined sound or a sound similar thereto, or when the microphone 204 collects a sound different from the sounds that normally occur, the communication unit 302 transmits information about the collected sound and information about an abnormality determined based on the collected sound to the external device 300, and the speaker 205 outputs sound related to the predetermined information either towards the outside of the car or towards the inside of the car.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator management device for managing an elevator and an elevator equipped with the elevator management device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technique for collecting sound using a microphone and detecting an abnormality in an elevator during normal operation based on the collected sound (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Patent Document 8

Patent Document 9

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional techniques including Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above can detect abnormalities in each component of the elevator using the provided microphone, but cannot collect the voices of passengers in the car and determine whether it is an emergency situation.

[0005] Furthermore, the conventional technology described above had a problem in that, in order to enable direct communication between the user inside the elevator car and the maintenance company operator, the elevator had to be equipped with an intercom, and it was difficult to enable direct communication after installation in elevators that were not equipped with an intercom at the time of installation.

[0006] Therefore, installing an intercom system would involve extensive work, a long construction period, and a prolonged period of elevator unavailability, causing inconvenience to elevator users.

[0007] Furthermore, in elevators where direct communication between users inside the car and maintenance company operators is not possible, malfunctions can cause anxiety to users due to delays in rescuing them, and the safety of the occupants cannot be adequately guaranteed in the event of an emergency.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an elevator management device that can be easily retrofitted regardless of the type of elevator, can detect operational abnormalities, enables direct communication between the elevator occupants and the outside, and ensures the safety of occupants in the event of operational abnormalities or emergencies, in order to solve the problems of the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the elevator management device according to this invention is an elevator management device that is retrofitted to the outside of an elevator car, and is characterized by comprising a microphone for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker for outputting sound, and a communication unit for communicating with an external device.

[0010] Furthermore, the elevator management device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when the microphone picks up a predetermined sound or a sound similar thereto, it transmits to the external device, using the communication unit, at least one of the information regarding the sound picked up and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the sound picked up.

[0011] Furthermore, the elevator management device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when the microphone picks up a sound different from the sound that normally occurs, it transmits at least one of the information regarding the picked-up sound and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the picked-up sound to the external device using the communication unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the elevator management device according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the speaker is used to output sound relating to predetermined information either outwards from the elevator car or inwards from the elevator car.

[0013] Furthermore, the elevator management device according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the speaker is used to output audio related to the information received by the communication unit from the external device, either outwards or inwards, and the communication unit is used to transmit information related to the audio collected by the microphone to the external device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The elevator management device according to this invention can be easily retrofitted to any type of elevator, can detect operational abnormalities, enables direct communication between the elevator occupants and the outside, and ensures the safety of occupants in the event of an operational abnormality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator according to an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (Part 1) showing the processing procedure of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (Part 2) showing the processing procedure of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart (Part 3) showing the processing procedure of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart (Part 4) showing the processing procedure of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an elevator and an elevator management device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] (Configuration of Elevator) First, the configuration of an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In FIG. 1, an elevator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be realized, for example, by a rope type (traction type) elevator 100. The elevator 100 is installed, for example, in a building such as a multi-story building.

[0019] Each component of the elevator 100 is driven and controlled by the control panel 101. The control panel 101 is connected to each component of the elevator 100 and, for example, outputs signals to each component of the elevator 100, so-called "down signals". The control panel 101 also receives signals from each component of the elevator 100, so-called "up signals".

[0020] Furthermore, the control panel 101 is connected to a management server computer 150 via a network such as the Internet. The management server computer 150 is installed in a remote location, different from the location where the elevator 100 to be monitored is installed. The management server computer 150 can be installed, for example, by a maintenance company responsible for the maintenance and management of the elevator 100.

[0021] The control panel 101 transmits an alarm signal to the management server computer 150, for example. The control panel 101 outputs an alarm signal, for example, when it detects a fault in the elevator 100 or when the operating mode of the elevator 100 changes. The control panel 101 also receives various instructions, such as instructions to execute diagnostic operations, transmitted from the management server computer 150, and outputs a down signal corresponding to the received instructions to each component of the elevator 100.

[0022] The diagnostic operation is performed by the control panel 101 outputting signals to each component of the elevator 100 to operate each component in a predetermined order, and then outputting signals from the control panel 101 to the management server computer 150 indicating whether each component operated normally according to the output signals. The management server computer 150 outputs instructions to perform the diagnostic operation periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0023] By connecting the control panel 101 and the management server computer 150 via the Internet rather than a public voice network such as a telephone line, it is possible to avoid delays in understanding the status of the elevator 100 due to telephone line overload during emergencies such as natural disasters like earthquakes. This allows for a quick response if a malfunction occurs in the operation of the elevator 100 when it is being remotely monitored using the management server computer 150.

[0024] The control panel 101 may also be connected to a public voice network. The public voice network includes fixed-line telephone networks (public switched telephone networks) and mobile phone networks. The public voice network consists of several switches, not shown in the diagram, such as subscriber line switches that accommodate telephone lines, intermediate switches that bundle subscriber line switches, and gateway switches that connect to the telephone networks of other operators. Since the public voice network is a well-known technology, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0025] Elevator 100 is equipped with a hoistway (not shown) that penetrates each floor of the building vertically. There is one hoistway for each elevator 100. Inside the hoistway is a car (ride car) 102 for carrying people and goods. There is one car 102 for each elevator 100, that is, for each hoistway, and it moves up and down in the direction of the hoistway, i.e., vertically. The car 102 is supported by a car frame (not shown), and moves up and down together with the frame.

[0026] Guide rails (not shown in the illustration) are provided on the sides of the elevator shaft to guide the elevator car 102 (car frame) to the upper and lowering position. A shock absorber 103 is provided at the bottom of the elevator shaft to mitigate the impact in the event that the elevator car 102 falls and hits the bottom surface. The shock absorber 103 may be a spring-type shock absorber that uses the elastic force of a spring to mitigate the impact, or an oil-filled shock absorber that uses hydraulic resistance to mitigate the impact. The shock absorber 103 may also be provided on the ceiling surface of the elevator shaft.

[0027] Each landing 104 in the elevator shaft is equipped with a door 104a. The doors 104a at each landing 104 are locked by a device called an interlock (not shown in the diagram). The interlock engages with the opening and closing mechanism of the car 102's door 102a and releases the lock only when the motor that opens and closes the car 102's door 102a is driven while the car 102 has arrived at its stopping floor. This allows only the doors 104a at the landing 104 on the floor where the car 102 is located to be opened and closed in conjunction.

[0028] Each elevator car 104 is equipped with a control panel 105. Each control panel 105 includes an elevator car call button 105a, a display 105b that shows the floor level where the elevator car 102 is located, and other such features. Each control panel 105 also has a control board 105c for the control panel 105. Each control panel 105 is connected to the control panel 101 via its own control board 105c.

[0029] The cage 102 is connected to one end of the rope 106. The rope 106 is suspended in a well-bench fashion over a pulley (not shown) and a hoisting machine (traction machine) 107, with the other end connected to a counterweight 108. Specifically, the rope 106 can be made of, for example, a steel wire.

[0030] In a rope-type elevator 100, the hoisting machine 107 is installed, for example, in a machine room located at the top of the elevator 100. The hoisting machine 107 can be installed at the top of the elevator 100 regardless of whether there is a machine room or not. Alternatively, if the elevator 100 is of a type without a machine room, the hoisting machine 107 may be installed at the bottom of the elevator 100.

[0031] The hoisting machine 107 is connected to the control panel 101, for example, via an inverter, and is driven and controlled by the control panel 101 to stop rotating at the floor where the elevator car 102 is to be stopped. In a rope-type elevator 100, the elevator car 102 is raised and lowered by utilizing the frictional force (traction) between the rope 106 and the pulley, which is generated by driving the hoisting machine 107.

[0032] The hoisting machine 107 is equipped with an encoder (not shown), and the control panel 101 can determine the rotational speed and rotational position of the hoisting machine 107 based on the output signal from the encoder. The encoder may be, for example, an absolute encoder or an incremental encoder.

[0033] The bottom of the cage 102 is connected to the other end of a wire rope (or chain) for weight balance adjustment, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the counterweight 108 (not shown in the diagram). This ensures that, for example, in an elevator 100 installed in a high-rise building, an imbalance in the weight balance between the cage 102 and the counterweight 108 near the top or bottom floor due to the weight of the rope 106 can be prevented from causing the rope 106 to slip off the sheave of the hoisting machine 107.

[0034] Furthermore, the elevator 100 is equipped with an electromagnetic brake 109, a governor machine 110, a limit switch 111, and the like. The electromagnetic brake 109 has a coil and uses the electromagnetic force generated by energizing the coil, which is driven and controlled by the control panel 101, to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 107. The electromagnetic brake 109 can maintain the state in which the rotation of the hoisting machine 107 is stopped.

[0035] The electromagnetic brake 109 stops the rotation of the hoisting machine 107 when the power supply is interrupted due to a power outage or the like. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake 109 can be a non-excitation type electromagnetic brake 109 that operates using the force of a spring to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 107 when the power supply to the coil is cut off, such as during a power outage.

[0036] The governor 110 detects when the cage 102 exceeds its speed limit. The governor 110 can be implemented as a centrifugal governor equipped with, for example, a governor rope 110a, a governor pulley 110b, and a rotor (not shown). In such a governor 110, the governor rope 110a moves in conjunction with the movement of the cage 102. The governor pulley 110b rotates in conjunction with the movement of the governor rope 110a.

[0037] The rotor operates in accordance with the rotational speed of the governor pulley 110b, that is, the magnitude of the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the governor pulley 110b. Specifically, the rotor operates to open towards the outer circumference of the governor pulley 110b when the rotational speed of the governor pulley 110b is fast, and to close towards the inner circumference of the governor pulley 110b when the rotational speed of the governor pulley 110b is slow.

[0038] The limit switch 111 is equipped with a switch lever (not shown) that switches between supplying and cutting off power to the hoisting machine 107. The switch lever is normally positioned to supply power to the hoisting machine 107, and when the rotor of the governor 110 is biased, it is displaced to a position that cuts off the power supply to the hoisting machine 107.

[0039] The rotor of the speed governor 110 biases the switch lever so that when the lifting speed of the cage 102 exceeds a certain speed relative to the rated speed, the switch lever is displaced to a position that cuts off the power supply to the hoisting machine 107. This allows the operation of the hoisting machine 107 to stop and the cage 102 to stop when the cage 102 exceeds its speed limit.

[0040] Furthermore, the elevator 100 may be equipped with an emergency stop device, which is not shown in the illustration. The emergency stop device forcibly stops the operation of the car 102 when the operation of the car 102 and the operation of the governor rope 110a are different, that is, when the car 102 is operating even though the governor rope 110a has stopped. The emergency stop device can be easily implemented using various known technologies, so a description is omitted.

[0041] The elevator car 102 is equipped with a control panel 102b. The control panel 102b has various operation buttons and a display that shows the floor level on which the elevator car 102 is located. The elevator car 102 is also equipped with various sensors such as a motor for opening and closing the door 102a, a door opening / closing sensor, an obstacle detection device, and a load sensor, as well as a buzzer (not shown in the figure).

[0042] A cage top box 112 is provided on top of the cage 102. The cage top box 112 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the cage 102, that is, on the outside of the cage 102. The cage top box 112 houses an electrical circuit equipped with a power supply circuit, control circuit, etc. Various loads installed on the cage 102, such as the control panel 102b, the motor for opening and closing the door 102a, the door opening / closing sensor, the obstacle detection device, the load sensor and other sensors and buzzer, are connected to the electrical circuit housed in the cage top box 112.

[0043] The motor that opens and closes door 102a is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions; for example, it rotates in the forward direction when opening door 102a and in the reverse direction when closing door 102a. The motor that opens and closes door 102a is, for example, mounted on the ceiling plate of cage 102. The door opening / closing sensor detects the open or closed state of door 102a. The door opening / closing sensor can be implemented, for example, by a microswitch or photoelectric sensor whose output changes depending on whether door 102a or door 104a is open or closed.

[0044] The obstacle detection device detects when an object, such as a person, is trapped between a pair of doors 102a. Specifically, the obstacle detection device can be configured, for example, by a safety shoe installed between a pair of doors 102a and biased to protrude in the opening direction of the doors 102a, or by a microswitch that outputs a signal indicating that an object has been detected trapped between the pair of doors 102a when the safety shoe is pushed inward between the doors 102a.

[0045] The load sensor detects the load on the cage 102. Specifically, the load sensor can be implemented, for example, by a load cell. The load cell is installed, for example, between the bottom of the cage 102 and the cage frame. The buzzer outputs a buzzer sound according to the detection result of the load sensor. The buzzer outputs a buzzer sound when the load (mass) on the cage 102 exceeds a predetermined mass, such as the rated load (mass) applied to the cage 102.

[0046] The elevator control device 200 is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car 102. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 1, it is installed on the ceiling panel of the elevator car 102, near the upper car box 112. Depending on the structure of the elevator 100, the structure of the elevator car 102, and the circumstances of retrofitting, the elevator control device 200 may be installed on the outside of the elevator car 102 in a location other than on the ceiling panel of the elevator car 102.

[0047] The elevator control device 200 is connected to the car-top box 112 and is powered by electricity supplied from the car-top box 112. In addition, the elevator control device 200 is equipped with various sensors 206, as will be described later in Figure 2, but instead of the elevator control device 200 being equipped with various sensors 206, it may be configured to acquire detection data from the various sensors equipped in the car-top box 112.

[0048] The elevator management device 200 is a housing (box) equipped with a microphone 204, a speaker 205, a control unit 301 (CPU 201, memory 202), and a communication unit 302 (communication interface 203), as described later in Figures 2 and 3. It can be made compact enough to accommodate these components and does not require a large space for installation. The housing is fixed to the ceiling panel of the elevator car 102, for example, using screws or magnets. Power is supplied by inserting a power supply plug into an outlet in the elevator car box 112.

[0049] In this way, the elevator management device 200 can be retrofitted with simple installation work. Therefore, it can be installed in any type of elevator, regardless of the model. Furthermore, compared to installing it inside the elevator car 102, there is no need to drill holes in the ceiling or walls of the car 102 for wiring, and the replacement or removal (restoration to the original state) of the elevator management device 200 can be performed more easily.

[0050] The elevator 100 may also be equipped with a remote monitoring device 140. The remote monitoring device 140 can be mounted, for example, in the housing that contains the control panel 101 of the elevator 100, or on the wall of the elevator shaft. The remote monitoring device 140 may be connected to the control panel 101. The remote monitoring device 140 is also connected to a management server computer 150 via a network such as the Internet.

[0051] The remote monitoring device 140 acquires signals (control signals) output from the control panel 101 to each component of the elevator 100, generates notification information based on the acquired control signals, and transmits the generated notification information to the management server computer 150 on behalf of the control panel 101. The notification information includes information about the status of the elevator 100 and identification information of the elevator 100 that is the source of the notification information.

[0052] Information regarding the status of elevator 100 includes, for example, the direction of movement of the car 102, the floor to which the car 102 will move, whether or not the car 102 has stopped at the destination floor, and whether or not the motors that open and close the doors 102a and 104a are operating. Information regarding the status of elevator 100 also includes, for example, the floor to which the car 102 is currently located, and whether or not various safety devices are operating.

[0053] The remote monitoring device 140 connects to, for example, the control panel 101 and acquires the output from a relay whose output (output state) changes in accordance with the control signal output from the control panel 101. In this case, the remote monitoring device 140 can acquire the control signal output from the control panel 101 from the relay.

[0054] Furthermore, the remote monitoring device 140 can be connected to the control panel 101 via contacts provided on the pins (wiring connecting the control panel 101 and the IC chip) of the IC chip provided on the control panel 101, corresponding to each component of the elevator 100. In this case, the contacts may be provided on the pins for signals input from the control panel 101 to the IC chip (wiring connecting the control panel 101 and the IC chip), or on the pins for signals output from the IC chip to the control panel 101 (wiring connecting the control panel 101 and the IC chip).

[0055] (Hardware configuration of elevator control system) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the elevator management device 200 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a communication interface 203, a microphone 204, a speaker 205, and a sensor 206, all housed in a compact enclosure (box).

[0056] The CPU 201 controls the entire elevator management device 200 by performing calculations using programs and data stored in the memory 202. The memory 202 stores various types of information, such as information about various conditions related to the program executed by the CPU 201, sound information collected by the microphone 204, and information about sound (voice) output by the speaker 205.

[0057] Instead of the CPU201, it can also be implemented using, for example, an LSI (Large Scale Integration) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0058] Memory 202 can be implemented using a non-volatile storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted. Specifically, memory 202 can be implemented using, for example, flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. Alternatively, memory 202 can be implemented using IC memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), hard disk, etc. Furthermore, memory may be a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the elevator management device 200 via a card slot (not shown) provided in the elevator management device 200. The memory card can function as an IC card, such as an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. Memory may also function as an external USB memory device.

[0059] The communication interface (I / F) 203 is a wireless communication interface that connects the elevator management device 200 to the network via a communication line. It controls the interface between the network and the internal workings of the elevator management device 200, and controls the input of data from external devices 300 (specifically, the management server computer 150, the remote monitoring device 140, etc.) connected via the network, and the output of data to the external devices 300. The network can be implemented by, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0060] The communication interface 203 can be implemented, for example, by a wireless interface using Wi-Fi (registered trademark). This allows communication with a nearby remote monitoring device 140.

[0061] Furthermore, the communication interface 203 may also be a wireless communication interface such as a mobile phone line (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution), PHS (Personal Handy-phone System)). This allows communication with a remote management server computer 150.

[0062] Communication via the communication interface 203 may be performed periodically, such as at predetermined times or intervals, or at any time depending on the status of the communication line. The memory 202 described above may store information obtained through communication via the communication interface 203.

[0063] Microphone 204 collects ambient sounds, i.e., sounds generated outside the cage 102 and sounds (including voices) generated inside the cage 102. One microphone 204 may collect sounds both outside and inside the cage 102. Alternatively, multiple microphones 204 can be provided, allowing for the use of microphones that are well-suited for collecting sounds outside the cage 102 and microphones that are well-suited for collecting sounds inside the cage 102, respectively, and enabling them to be arranged within the enclosure for optimal sound collection.

[0064] Microphone 204 can be a moving-coil type microphone, specifically composed of a diaphragm, a moving coil, a magnet, etc. Alternatively, microphone 204 may be a ribbon type microphone, specifically composed of a ribbon made of a thin metal foil, such as aluminum, with folds, suspended between slits sandwiched between magnetic poles. Microphone 204 converts audio input as analog data into an electrical signal. Specifically, microphone 204 converts an analog audio signal input as analog data from analog to digital and generates audio data in digital format.

[0065] The speaker 205 outputs sound either outwards or inwards. A single speaker 205 may output sound both outwards and inwards from the cage 102. Alternatively, multiple speakers 205 may be provided, with some designated as speakers for sound outwards from the cage 102 and others for sound inwards from the cage 102, and their types and placement within the enclosure may be such that sound reaches either direction effectively.

[0066] Speaker 205 generates sound by vibrating a diaphragm in response to an electrical signal, which is an audio signal. Specifically, speaker 205 can be implemented as a dynamic speaker equipped with, for example, a magnet, speaker cone, voice coil, etc. Speaker 205 may also be a so-called directional speaker that generates sound in only one direction.

[0067] Sensor 206 consists of various sensors. Examples of these sensors include acceleration sensors, infrared sensors, capacitance sensors, gyroscopes, barometric pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic compass sensors, GPS sensors, and the like.

[0068] The acceleration sensor detects gravity, vibrations, and other motions and shocks acting on the elevator control device 200. For example, a frequency-varying acceleration sensor such as a quartz crystal accelerometer, which is low-noise and highly stable, can be used. Alternatively, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a capacitive accelerometer, or a piezoresistive accelerometer may also be used.

[0069] The gyro sensor detects the change in angle of the elevator control device 200. The gyro sensor detects the change in angle of the elevator control device 200 by, for example, measuring the angular velocity using the Coriolis force.

[0070] The pressure sensor detects the altitude of the elevator control device 200, i.e., the elevator car 102. The pressure sensor detects the altitude of the elevator control device 200, for example, by detecting changes in atmospheric pressure.

[0071] The ultrasonic sensor detects the distance from objects (such as the walls of the elevator shaft or obstacles) located around the elevator control unit 200. The ultrasonic sensor detects the distance from objects located around the elevator control unit 200 by, for example, utilizing the reflection of the emitted ultrasonic waves.

[0072] The magnetic compass sensor detects which direction (east, west, north, or south) the elevator control unit 200 is facing. This allows the sensor to detect how much the direction of the elevator control unit 200, which normally does not deviate from its original orientation, has shifted.

[0073] The GPS sensor determines the current location of the elevator control device 200. Specifically, the GPS sensor includes, for example, a GPS antenna, an RF (Radio Frequency) unit, and a baseband unit. The GPS antenna receives radio waves broadcast by GPS satellites. The RF unit demodulates the unmodulated signal received by the GPS antenna into a baseband signal. The baseband unit calculates the current location of the elevator control device 200 based on the baseband signal demodulated by the RF unit. The GPS sensor may also include a filter to remove unwanted components and amplifiers such as an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) ​​or a power amplifier PA (Power Amplifier).

[0074] The current position of the elevator control device 200 can be determined by positioning based on radio waves transmitted from multiple GPS satellites. The baseband unit calculates the distance to each of the four GPS satellites and performs positioning by calculating the position where these distances intersect. Instead of GPS, which determines the geometric position between the GPS satellites and the elevator control device 200 based on radio waves received from GPS satellites, the current position of the elevator control device 200 may be determined using satellite positioning systems such as Michibiki, GLONASS, or Galileo.

[0075] Although not shown in the diagram, the elevator control device 200 may also be equipped with a battery. By providing a battery, the elevator control device 200 can be operated for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply from the car-top box 112 is interrupted due to a power outage or other reason.

[0076] The battery supplies the power required for the operation of each component of the elevator control device 200. The battery can be implemented as a secondary battery (rechargeable battery, storage battery), such as a lithium battery. The battery implemented as a secondary battery may be detachable from the elevator control device 200.

[0077] (Functional configuration of elevator control system) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, the elevator management device 200 includes a control unit 301, a microphone 204, a speaker 205, and a communication unit 302.

[0078] The control unit 301 can perform its functions, for example, by having the CPU 201 shown in Figure 2 execute a program stored in the memory 202. The communication unit 302 can perform its functions, for example, by the communication interface 203 shown in Figure 2.

[0079] The control unit 301 determines whether an operational abnormality has occurred based on the sound picked up by the microphone 204 when it hears a predetermined sound or a sound similar to that predetermined sound. Specifically, sound information related to abnormal noises that occur due to malfunctions, etc., is pre-registered in the memory 202 for each malfunction location, and by comparing it with these sounds, the control unit determines that an operational abnormality (malfunction) has occurred when it hears a sound that is the same as or similar to those sounds, and can also identify the location of the malfunction. These determinations can be made more accurately by using AI or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, the predetermined sound may be a specific frequency sound (a "beep-beep-beep-beep" sound) from a personal alarm carried by the inspection worker. This allows for the detection of when the inspection worker has detected an abnormality or danger during the inspection and activated the personal alarm, enabling a quick and reliable recognition of an emergency.

[0081] Furthermore, the predetermined sound may be a specific frequency sound ("poo") of a direct-talk button (not shown) located inside the elevator car 102. This allows the system to detect when a person inside the elevator car 102 (occupant or maintenance worker) presses the direct-talk button and notify the external device 300, thereby enabling communication with an external operator via the elevator management device 200.

[0082] The control unit 301 then transmits the judgment result, that is, information regarding the detected abnormality (including the pressing of the direct call button), to the external device 300 using the communication unit 302. At this time, information regarding the collected sound may also be transmitted. Furthermore, when making a judgment using AI, the processing power of the CPU 201 of the elevator management device 200 may not be sufficient, so only the information regarding the collected sound may be transmitted to the external device 300, allowing the external device 300 to make a more accurate judgment.

[0083] For example, the control unit 301 may only determine whether or not an operational abnormality has occurred, while the external device 300 may identify the cause of the abnormality and the location of the malfunction. Here, the external device 300 may be, for example, a management server computer 150 or a remote monitoring device 140.

[0084] The control unit 301 determines whether an operational abnormality has occurred based on the sound picked up by the microphone 204, which is different from the sounds that normally occur. Specifically, if the control unit 301 picks up sounds such as the car 102 shaking or colliding due to an earthquake, it can determine that an operational abnormality (malfunction) has occurred. In addition, sounds different from the sounds that normally occur may include shouts from people (crew or inspection workers) inside the car 102, or shouts from inspection workers during inspections outside the car 102.

[0085] The control unit 301 then transmits the judgment result, that is, information regarding the detected abnormality, to the external device 300 using the communication unit 302. At this time, it may also transmit information regarding the collected sound, or it may transmit only the information regarding the collected sound to the external device 300.

[0086] The control unit 301 also uses the speaker 205 to output a sound related to predetermined information either towards the outside of the car 102 or towards the inside of the car 102. The volume and type of the sound related to the predetermined information can be changed based on the nature, urgency, and danger level of the detected operational abnormality. Furthermore, the volume and type of the sound can be changed depending on whether it is directed outwards from the car 102 or towards the inside of the car 102. Specifically, the sound related to the predetermined information may be a siren sound or a buzzer sound, or it may be a voice message that is pre-stored (recorded) in the memory 202, such as "This is an emergency. Please get off immediately."

[0087] The control unit 301 also uses the speaker 205 to output audio related to the information received by the communication unit 302 from the external device 300, either outside or inside the elevator car 102. The control unit 301 also uses the communication unit 302 to transmit information related to the audio picked up by the microphone 204 to the external device 300. The control unit 301 determines whether the sound picked up by the microphone 204 is voice or something else, and if it is voice, it transmits the voice to the external device 300. Here, sounds other than voice may be treated as noise and processed to remove the noise. This allows for direct communication between an external operator and inspection workers outside the elevator car 102, or between passengers or inspection workers inside the elevator car 102.

[0088] (Procedure for processing by the elevator control system) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the elevator management device 200 according to an embodiment of this invention, illustrating the basic operation of the elevator management device 200.

[0089] In the flowchart of Figure 4, it is determined whether or not sound has been picked up by the microphone 204 (step S401). Since the power supply of the microphone 204 is always ON, sound pickup is performed continuously. Therefore, the determination of whether or not sound has been picked up can be made at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 5 seconds).

[0090] Here, after waiting for a predetermined time to elapse (step S401: No), if a sound is collected (step S401: Yes), it is determined whether the collected sound is a predetermined sound (step S402). A predetermined sound is a sound that has been defined in advance, more specifically, a sound that corresponds to sound information that has been stored in memory 202 in advance.

[0091] If the collected sound is the predetermined sound (step S402: Yes), it is determined that there may be an abnormal situation and the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if the collected sound is not the predetermined sound (step S402: No), the next step is to determine whether the collected sound is a normal sound or not (step S403).

[0092] If the collected sound is the normal sound (step S403: Yes), it is determined that there is no possibility of an abnormal condition, and the process returns to step S401. On the other hand, if the collected sound is not the normal sound (step S403: No), it is determined that there is a possibility of an abnormal situation, and the process proceeds to step S404.

[0093] Next, a judgment is made about the situation based on the collected sounds (step S404). In making the judgment about the situation, the judgment is made based on the sounds currently occurring. In addition, sounds stored in memory 202 that go back a predetermined time from the current moment may also be used as reference for the judgment.

[0094] Specifically, for example, it determines where in the elevator's components a malfunction occurred and what the current state of the elevator is. Furthermore, if it determines that the sound is coming from inside the elevator car, it assesses the situation occurring inside the car.

[0095] The result of the decision is then transmitted to the external device 300 (step S405). At this time, information regarding the collected sound may also be transmitted. In addition, information regarding the date and time of sound collection and the elevator's identification ID may also be transmitted.

[0096] If the situation cannot be determined or is not determined in step S404 (including cases where the device does not have a function to determine the situation), the device may instead transmit only the information regarding the collected sound to the external device 300, instead of the result of the situation determination.

[0097] Furthermore, based on the judgment result in step S404, a predetermined sound is output from speaker 205 (step S406). The predetermined sound includes, for example, a siren sound, buzzer sound, or voice to indicate an abnormal condition. Depending on the judgment result, the sound output in step S404 may be omitted. In this way, the series of processes is completed.

[0098] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the elevator management device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the operation of the elevator management device 200 based on operation instructions from an external device 300.

[0099] In the flowchart of Figure 5, the communication unit 302 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the external device 300 (step S501). Here, it waits for an instruction from the external device 300 to be received (step S501: No), and if it has been received (step S501: Yes), it makes a determination about the situation based on the collected sound (step S502).

[0100] Then, the result of the judgment is transmitted to the external device 300 (step S503). At this time, information regarding the collected sound may also be transmitted. Alternatively, instead of the result of the judgment of the situation, only information regarding the collected sound may be transmitted to the external device 300. In addition, information regarding the date and time of sound collection and an identification ID for the elevator may also be transmitted.

[0101] Furthermore, based on the judgment result in step S502, a predetermined sound is output from speaker 205 (step S504). The predetermined sound includes, for example, a siren sound, buzzer sound, or voice to indicate an abnormal condition. Depending on the judgment result, the output of the sound in step S504 may be omitted. Whether or not to output the sound and the type of sound to output may be included in the instructions from the external device 300 in step S501. In this way, the series of processes is completed.

[0102] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the elevator management device 200 according to an embodiment of this invention, and illustrates the direct voice operation of the elevator management device 200 based on operation instructions from an external device 300.

[0103] In the flowchart of Figure 6, the communication unit 302 determines whether or not it has received audio from the external device 300 (step S601). Here, it waits for audio to be received from the external device 300 (step S601: No), and if audio is received (step S601: Yes), it outputs the received audio from the speaker 205 (step S602).

[0104] Next, it is determined whether or not sound has been picked up by the microphone 204 (step S603). If sound has been picked up (step S603: Yes), the picked-up sound is transmitted to the external device 300 (step S604), and the process returns to step S601. Subsequently, by repeating each step from S601 to S604, direct communication with the external device 300 (external operator) can be achieved.

[0105] In step S603, if no sound is picked up by the microphone 204 (step S603: No), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S605). The predetermined time is, for example, a pre-set time, specifically, 30 seconds. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S605: No), the process returns to step S603 and continues to wait for sound to be picked up. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S605: Yes), it is determined that there is no person (person to speak directly) inside the cage, and the series of processes is terminated.

[0106] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the elevator management device 200 according to an embodiment of this invention, illustrating the operation of the elevator management device 200 in the event of an abnormality (emergency) such as an earthquake.

[0107] In the flowchart of Figure 7, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has been detected (step S701). An abnormality is detected, for example, by the sensor 206 shown in Figure 2. More specifically, in the event of an earthquake, the acceleration sensor of sensor 206 detects the shaking (vibration) of the cage 102, and based on this detection, the control unit 301 determines whether an abnormality has occurred. Also, if the cage 102 makes an emergency stop at a location different from normal, the acceleration sensor and ultrasonic sensor of sensor 206 detect the stop and the stopping position, and based on this detection, the control unit 301 determines whether an abnormality has occurred.

[0108] Here, the system waits to detect an anomaly (step S701: No), and if an anomaly is detected (step S701: Yes), it outputs a sound using speaker 205 (step S702). For example, if it is determined that an earthquake has occurred, it outputs a voice message pre-stored in memory 202 saying, "An earthquake has occurred. Please evacuate outside immediately." The voice message to be output is selected according to the nature of the anomaly. It may also output a siren sound or a buzzer sound.

[0109] Next, the situation is determined based on the sound collected by microphone 204 (step S703). The collected sound helps identify the location of the malfunction (abnormality), and if the collected sound includes human voices, it can be determined that there is a possibility of trapped personnel.

[0110] Then, the result of the judgment is transmitted to the external device 300 (step S704). At this time, information regarding the collected sound may also be transmitted. Alternatively, instead of the result of the judgment of the situation, only information regarding the collected sound may be transmitted to the external device 300. In addition, information regarding the date and time of sound collection and an identification ID for the elevator may also be transmitted. In this way, the series of processes is completed.

[0111] As described above, the elevator management device 200 according to this embodiment of the present invention is characterized by being retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car 102 of the elevator 100 and comprising a microphone 204 for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker 205 for outputting sound, and a communication unit 302 for communicating with an external device.

[0112] According to the elevator management device 200 of this embodiment of the present invention, since it is installed on the outside of the car 102, retrofitting is easy. It can also be easily retrofitted to any type of elevator. Compared to installing it inside the car 102, it is easier to secure driving power. Also, since it does not need to be installed inside the car 102, it is not necessary to drill holes for wiring in the ceiling or walls of the car 102, and restoration to the original state when removed is easy. Also, since it is installed outside the car 102, abnormal noises occurring outside the car 102 (inside the hoistway) can be easily and reliably detected. Furthermore, direct communication and detection of operational abnormalities can be performed with a single device, and it can be installed at low cost. In addition, since it is installed on the outside of the car 102, vandalism and theft by passengers can be reliably prevented.

[0113] This allows for easy retrofitting regardless of the type of elevator, enables detection of operational abnormalities, allows direct communication between elevator occupants and the outside, and ensures the safety of occupants in the event of an operational abnormality.

[0114] Furthermore, the elevator management device 200 according to this embodiment of the invention is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car 102 of the elevator 100 and comprises a microphone 204 for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker 205 for outputting sound, and a communication unit 302 for communicating with an external device 300. The device is characterized in that, when the microphone 204 collects a predetermined sound or a sound similar thereto, it transmits at least one of the information regarding the collected sound and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the collected sound to the external device 300 using the communication unit 302.

[0115] Furthermore, the elevator management device 200 according to this embodiment of the invention is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car 102 of the elevator 100 and comprises a microphone 204 for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker 205 for outputting sound, and a communication unit 302 for communicating with an external device 300. When the microphone 204 collects a sound different from the sounds that normally occur, the device transmits at least one of the information regarding the collected sound and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the collected sound to the external device using the communication unit 302.

[0116] According to the elevator management device 200 of this embodiment of the present invention, operational abnormalities and emergencies can be quickly and accurately detected by sound and notified to the outside, thereby ensuring the safety of the occupants in the event of an operational abnormality or emergency.

[0117] Furthermore, the elevator management device 200 according to this embodiment of the invention is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car 102 of the elevator 100 and comprises a microphone 204 for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker 205 for outputting sound, and a communication unit 302 for communicating with an external device 300. When the microphone 204 collects a predetermined sound or a sound similar thereto, or when the microphone 204 collects a sound different from the sounds that normally occur, the communication unit 302 transmits at least one of the information regarding the collected sound and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the collected sound to the external device 300, and the speaker 205 outputs sound related to the predetermined information either outwards from the car 102 or inwards from the car 102.

[0118] According to the elevator management device 200 of this embodiment of the present invention, operational abnormalities and emergencies can be quickly and accurately detected by sound and notified to the occupants, thereby ensuring the safety of the occupants in the event of operational abnormalities or emergencies.

[0119] Furthermore, the elevator management device 200 according to this embodiment of the invention is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car 102 of the elevator 100 and comprises a microphone 204 for collecting ambient sounds, a speaker 205 for outputting sound, and a communication unit 302 for communicating with an external device 300. The speaker 205 is used to output audio related to information received by the communication unit 302 from the external device 300, either outwards or inwards, and the communication unit 302 is used to transmit information related to the audio collected by the microphone 204 to the external device 300.

[0120] According to the elevator management device 200 of this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to communicate with the occupants inside the elevator car 102, thereby ensuring the safety of the occupants in the event of operational abnormalities or emergencies. [Industrial applicability]

[0121] As described above, the elevator management device according to this invention is useful as an elevator management device that can ensure the safety of occupants in the event of operational abnormalities or emergencies. In particular, it is suitable as an elevator management device that can be easily retrofitted regardless of the type of elevator, can detect operational abnormalities, and enables direct communication between the occupants of the elevator car and the outside. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 100 Elevators 101 Control Panel 102 baskets 200 Elevator Management System 204 Mike 205 Speakers 206 Sensors 300 External devices (140 remote monitoring devices, 150 management server computers) 301 Control Unit 302 Communications Department

Claims

1. An elevator management device that is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car, A microphone that picks up ambient sounds, A speaker that outputs sound, A communication unit that communicates with external devices, An elevator management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The elevator management device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the microphone picks up a predetermined sound or a sound similar thereto, it transmits to the external device, using the communication unit, at least one of the information regarding the picked-up sound and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the picked-up sound.

3. The elevator management device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the microphone picks up a sound different from the sound that normally occurs, it transmits to the external device, using the communication unit, at least one of the information regarding the picked-up sound and the information regarding an abnormality determined based on the picked-up sound.

4. The elevator management device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it uses the speaker to output sound relating to predetermined information either outwards from the elevator car or inwards from the elevator car.

5. The elevator management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the speaker is used to output audio related to information received by the communication unit from the external device, either outwards or inwards, and the communication unit is used to transmit information related to the audio collected by the microphone to the external device.

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