Pedestrian detection device for escalators

Abstract

Without installing any hardware equipment, this system detects when escalators are being used for walking and issues a warning. [Solution] The drive current of the motor that drives the escalator steps is detected, the detected current value is recorded, the slope value of the torque fluctuation is calculated from the amount of change in motor current per unit time and compared with a standard value, and if the slope value of the torque fluctuation exceeds the standard value as a result of the comparison, a warning is issued indicating that there is a user walking on the escalator steps.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pedestrian detection device and a pedestrian detection method for escalators. [Background technology]

[0002] Although walking on escalators is generally prohibited, it is a persistent problem as many users in a hurry continue to walk. Furthermore, it has become customary for passengers to leave one lane open for those in a hurry, rather than having them board in two rows side-by-side, which in turn encourages walking.

[0003] Traditionally, it has been proposed to use cameras to detect passengers walking on escalators and issue warnings. However, the high cost of installing and maintaining the cameras has been a disadvantage, and this approach has not yet become widespread. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-256010 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-160884 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As mentioned above, in conventional methods that use cameras to detect pedestrian activity and issue warnings, it is necessary to install a camera on each unit and analyze the camera images to determine if pedestrian activity is occurring, which increases equipment costs.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an escalator pedestrian detection device and pedestrian detection method for detecting when escalator passengers are using the escalator while walking and for issuing warnings, without introducing any hardware equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An embodiment for achieving the above objective is an escalator pedestrian detection device comprising: a motor current detection unit for detecting the drive current of a motor that drives the steps of an escalator; a standard value setting unit for setting a standard value for the drive current; a state analysis unit for recording the current value detected by the motor current detection unit, calculating the slope value of torque fluctuation from the amount of change in motor current per unit time and comparing it with the standard value; and a warning unit for issuing a warning that there is a user walking on the steps of the escalator if, as a result of the comparison, the slope value of torque fluctuation exceeds the standard value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A waveform diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A waveform diagram illustrating the setting of standard values. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the processing procedure of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> Configuration of the First Embodiment Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0010] In the figure, the three-phase power supply 1 supplies a three-phase AC voltage to the power converter (inverter) 2, which converts the three-phase AC voltage to a desired voltage and frequency of three-phase AC to control the drive of the drive motor 3. The drive motor 3 is connected to the drive wheels 4, which drive the escalator steps (not shown) to transport users on the steps.

[0011] The output current of the power converter 2 supplied to the drive motor 3 is detected by the current detector 10 and output to the pedestrian detector 20A.

[0012] The pedestrian detector 20A includes a motor current detection unit 21, a state analysis unit 22, a standard value setting unit 23, a warning unit 24, and a learning unit 25.

[0013] The motor current detection unit 21 inputs the current detection value of the drive motor detected by the current detector 10.

[0014] The state analysis unit 22 calculates the slope value of the torque fluctuation from the change amount of the motor current per unit time and compares it with the standard value.

[0015] The standard value setting unit 23 sets a standard value of the torque fluctuation amount based on the drive current of the motor that drives the steps of the escalator.

[0016] When the slope value (torque fluctuation speed) of the torque fluctuation exceeds the standard value, the warning unit 24 outputs a warning signal to the speaker 31, the buzzer 32, and the display panel 33 assuming that there is a user walking on the steps of the escalator.

[0017] The learning unit 25 records past data for the same time zone and the same day of the week, and has a function of learning / updating the standard value S std by overlapping these past data. This is effective when predicting the timing when a determination process is required, such as when there is a high possibility that a user will walk, such as the time when a train arrives.

[0018] 《Operation Outline》 FIG. 2(a) shows the waveform (during upward operation) of the current control pattern when, for example, all 30 users are standing still on the steps of the escalator. This waveform is used as the standard value S std and.

[0019] Fig. 2(b) shows the current control pattern when 20 out of 30 users stopped using the escalator and 10 started walking halfway. The dashed line indicates the maximum value of the torque fluctuation when only stationary users are carried. When this maximum value is exceeded, it is detected that there are pedestrians.

[0020] The torque (motor current amount) of the drive motor 3 of the escalator is sampled at Δt, and the torque fluctuation speed S cal (ΔN / Δt: torque fluctuation amount per unit time) is calculated. S cal is the standard value S std (torque fluctuation amount when only stationary users are present). When it is above this value, it is detected that there are users walking, and a warning is given. Δt2 and Δt5 in Fig. 2(b) correspond to this.

[0021] When ΔN < the standard value, it is determined that there are no users walking. This is detected at Δt2 and Δt5 mentioned above.

[0022] When ΔN ≧ the standard value, it is determined that there are users walking.

[0023] 《Setting of the standard value》 Using Fig. 3, the torque pattern for only stationary users and the calculation procedure for the standard value S std are shown below.

[0024] When the average weight of users is set in advance, for example, at 60 kg, the measured data is measured, and the standard value S std is obtained as follows.

[0025] In Fig. 3, S shown by pattern A stda is the pattern when the user rides only on the left side with one step empty, and shows a general pattern without walking use.

[0026] S shown by pattern B stdb is the pattern when the user rides on both the left and right sides with one step empty, and shows the maximum load pattern without walking use. It is the torque Max. when only stationary users are carried.

[0027] Then, as shown by hatching in FIG. 3, the average torque fluctuation speed from no load to the section where all users have boarded the steps is set to the standard value S std and set.

[0028] 《Processing Procedure of the First Embodiment》 Based on the flowchart of FIG. 4, the processing procedure of the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] During the operation of the escalator (S1 YES), the motor current detection unit 21 samples and detects the current amount of the drive motor 3 in Δt time (S2). Based on the sampled motor current, the torque fluctuation speed Scal is calculated according to the following formula (1) (S3).

[0030] (Scal = ΔN / Δt)…(1) Next, the obtained torque fluctuation speed Scal is compared with its standard value Sstd (S4).

[0031] If Scal ≧ Sstd (S4 YES), it is determined that there are pedestrians (S5). If Scal < Sstd (S4 NO), the process of sampling and detecting the current amount of the drive motor 3 in Δt time is continued.

[0032] When it is determined that there are pedestrians, the caution prompting unit 24 may emit a voice message "Please stop walking." from the speaker 31 and sound the buzzer 32. A caution message is displayed on the display panel 33 (S6).

[0033] Thus, according to the first embodiment, without introducing hardware devices, it is possible to detect that escalator passengers use it while walking and issue a caution. In addition, for existing escalators, the above functions of the first embodiment can be realized by retrofitting the current detector 10 and the pedestrian detection device 20A.

[0034] <Modification Example> S, which is the torque Max. when only standing users are loaded stdbYou could also configure the system to detect pedestrians when a certain threshold is exceeded.

[0035] Alternatively, sampling may be initiated only when torque fluctuations begin from an unloaded state.

[0036] For the normal load on the steps (maximum 2 people per step), if a torque fluctuation greater than the standard variation (load for n × 2 people) occurs for the number of step strokes for n steps, it may be determined that there is a pedestrian user.

[0037] <Second Embodiment> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second embodiment. Since the apparatus configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, Figure 1 will be used for explanation.

[0038] The second embodiment is characterized in that the state analysis unit 22 sets a warning level according to the amount of change in motor torque per unit time, and the warning unit 24 provides a stepwise warning based on the warning level. In this case, the warning unit 24 has the function of changing the announcement content and volume. For example, it provides a stepwise warning by changing the announcement content and volume, from the usual voice guidance, "Hold on to the handrail and stand still while boarding," to "It's dangerous! Stand still while boarding."

[0039] Specifically, in Figure 5, the processing in steps S1 to S6 is the same as in Figure 4. When issuing a warning, the degree of warning is judged in three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (S11). Level 1 is a weak warning (S12), Level 2 is a medium warning (S13), and Level 3 is a strong warning (S12).

[0040] Specifically, the torque fluctuation speed S calculated during actual operation. cal However, S stda cal stdb In that case, the volume of the announcement voice will be changed to warn passengers to "Please stand still while boarding" (S12). ​​On the other hand, the Level 2 processing is S stdb cal If so, the message is changed to a warning announcement. For example, an audio message such as "Running up and down is dangerous" is output to draw attention. The display on the display panel 33 is changed and the indicator is made to flash or other actions are taken to draw attention (S13).

[0041] Furthermore, in the Level 3 processing, S stdb ≪S cal If so, an alarm will be issued and buzzer 32 will sound (S14). In some cases, the speed may be reduced and the steps may be brought to a slow stop.

[0042] After a certain period following the above detection, the torque fluctuation speed S cal The standard value is S std When the signal drops to a certain level, it will revert to the normal announcement.

[0043] Thus, according to the second embodiment, since the level of warning is set in stages, it is possible to further suppress walking by users, and escalators can be used with peace of mind.

[0044] <Third Embodiment> As shown in Figure 6, the third embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a rotation speed detector 40 for detecting the rotation speed of the drive motor 3.

[0045] There is a proportional relationship between the drive current and motor torque of motor 3, but there is an inverse relationship between the rotational speed and motor torque of motor 3.

[0046] ​In the third embodiment, the rotation speed detector 40 outputs the detected rotation speed value (motor rotation speed) of the drive motor 3 to the motor rotation speed detection unit 26 of the pedestrian detection device 20B. The state analysis unit 22 of the pedestrian detection device 20B records the current value detected by the motor current detection unit 21 and calculates the change in motor torque per unit time from the change in motor current per unit time. By comparing the calculated change in motor torque with the standard change in motor torque corresponding to the movement speed of the escalator steps, which is determined from the rotation speed of the motor 3, the device detects whether the escalator is being used for walking.

[0047] Thus, according to the third embodiment, since the user's walking is detected by considering the change in the standard motor torque corresponding to the movement speed of the escalator steps, which is determined from the rotational speed of the motor 3, highly accurate walking detection becomes possible.

[0048] <Variation> In addition to the configurations of the first to third embodiments, a camera may be optionally introduced to register images taken during detection. This allows for the registration of habitual pedestrians.

[0049] Furthermore, torque fluctuations relative to the actual number of standing passengers can be recorded as standard data, and a warning can be issued when the torque deviates from this standard data. This would allow for higher accuracy in detection.

[0050] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...Three-phase power supply, 2...Power converter (inverter), 3...Drive motor, 4...Drive wheel, 10...Current detector, 20A, 20B...Pedestrian detection device, 21...Motor current detection unit, 22...State analysis unit, 23...Standard value setting unit, 24...Warning unit, 25...Learning unit, 26...Motor rotation speed detection unit, 31...Speaker, 32...Buzzer, 33...Display panel, 40...Rotation speed detector

Claims

1. A motor current detection unit that detects the drive current of the motor that drives the steps of the escalator, A standard value setting unit that sets a standard value for the torque fluctuation amount based on the drive current, A state analysis unit records the current value detected by the motor current detection unit, calculates the slope value of the torque fluctuation from the amount of change in motor current per unit time, and compares it with the standard value. An escalator pedestrian detection device comprising: a warning unit that, if the comparison results show that the slope value of the torque fluctuation exceeds the standard value, warns that there is a user walking on the escalator steps; and

2. A motor current detection unit that detects the drive current of the motor that drives the steps of the escalator, A motor rotation speed detection unit for detecting the rotation speed of the motor, A standard value setting unit that sets a standard value for the torque fluctuation amount based on the drive current, A state analysis unit records the current value detected by the motor current detection unit, calculates the change in motor torque per unit time from the change in motor current per unit time, and compares the calculated change in motor torque with a standard change in motor torque corresponding to the movement speed of the escalator steps, which is determined from the rotation speed of the motor, thereby detecting walking use by escalator users. An escalator pedestrian detection device comprising: a warning unit that, if the comparison results show that the slope value of the torque fluctuation exceeds the standard value, warns that there is a user walking on the escalator steps; and

3. The pedestrian detection device for an escalator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the standard value is the torque fluctuation amount when all users are standing still.

4. The escalator pedestrian detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the state analysis unit starts sampling only when torque fluctuation begins from an unloaded state and calculates the amount of change in motor torque.

5. The state analysis unit sets the alert level according to the amount of change in motor torque per unit time. The escalator pedestrian detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning unit provides stepwise warnings based on the warning level.

6. The escalator pedestrian detection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a learning unit that learns and updates the standard value by superimposing past data obtained under the same conditions.

7. The drive current of the motor that drives the escalator steps is detected, The detected current value is recorded, and the slope value of the torque fluctuation is calculated from the change in motor current per unit time and compared with the standard value. An escalator pedestrian detection method that, based on the results of a comparison, issues a warning if the slope value of the torque fluctuation exceeds the aforementioned standard value, indicating that there is a user walking on the escalator steps.

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