Inspection device and inspection method

Abstract

The present invention provides an inspection device and inspection method that can accurately inspect whether clearance is ensured for elevator control cables. [Solution] The inspection device includes an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a portion of the moving part of the control cable, including the folded-back section, taken by a camera installed inside the elevator shaft when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position, and an inspection unit that determines, based on the image, whether or not a clearance, which is the distance between the folded-back section and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position, is secured. The acquisition unit acquires a first image taken at a reference time when the clearance is secured and a second image taken at the time of inspection from the camera, and the inspection unit determines whether or not a clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the first image and the second image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection device and an inspection method for an elevator control cable.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a diagnostic method for diagnosing elongation of a main rope of an elevator or the like. According to the diagnostic method, a camera provided in the car photographs feature points in the hoistway. At this time, the position of the counterweight or the like is detected from the images taken when the car is at two different positions. For example, the secular elongation of the main rope can be diagnosed from the position of the counterweight.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Whether the control cable connecting the car and the control panel contacts the bottom of the hoistway is inspected by an operator who has entered the hoistway. Therefore, a method for performing the inspection using a camera or the like is required. However, in the diagnostic method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to take images from at least two locations in the vertical direction. For this purpose, although it is necessary to move the car in the vertical direction, when the car is moved, the control cable also moves together with the car, and there is a risk that the clearance, which is the distance between the control cable and the bottom of the hoistway when the car is stopped at the lowest floor, cannot be accurately measured.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection device and an inspection method capable of accurately inspecting whether the clearance of the elevator control cable is ensured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inspection device according to this disclosure is a device for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shaped movable portion of the control cable that connects the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the hoistway, with respect to the movable portion of the control cable that hangs down in a U-shape between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel. The device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a part of the movable portion, including the folded-back portion, taken by a camera installed inside the hoistway when the car is stopped at the inspection position, and an inspection unit that determines whether or not a clearance, which is the distance between the folded-back portion and the bottom of the hoistway when the car is stopped at the inspection position, is secured, based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit acquires a first image taken at a reference time when the clearance is secured and a second image taken at the inspection time from the camera, and the inspection unit determines whether or not a clearance is secured at the inspection time by comparing the first image and the second image.

[0007] The inspection device according to this disclosure is a device for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the movable portion of the control cable that connects the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the hoistway, with respect to the movable portion of the control cable that hangs down in a U-shape between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel. The device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires an inspection image from a camera installed inside the hoistway that shows a part of the movable portion, including the folded-back portion, when the car is stopped at the inspection position; a storage unit that stores clearance information for calculating the clearance value, which is the distance between the folded-back portion and the bottom of the hoistway when the car is stopped at the inspection position, from the image of the control cable in the inspection image acquired by the acquisition unit; and an inspection unit that calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection based on the image of the control cable in the inspection image taken by the camera at the time of inspection and the clearance information.

[0008] The inspection method relating to this disclosure is a method for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shaped portion of the control cable that connects the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the elevator shaft, with respect to the movable portion of the control cable that hangs down in a U-shape between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the elevator shaft for connection to the control panel. The method comprises an acquisition step in which a computer acquires an image of a part of the movable portion, including the folded-back portion, taken by a camera installed inside the elevator shaft when the car is stopped at the inspection position, and an inspection step in which the computer determines, based on the image acquired in the acquisition step, whether or not a clearance, which is the distance between the folded-back portion and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the car is stopped at the inspection position, is secured. In the acquisition step, the computer acquires a first image taken at a reference time when the clearance is secured and a second image taken at the inspection time from the camera, and in the inspection step, the computer determines whether or not a clearance is secured at the inspection time by comparing the first image and the second image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the inspection unit determines whether clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the first image and the second image. Alternatively, according to this disclosure, the inspection unit calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection based on the inspection image and clearance information. Therefore, it is possible to accurately inspect whether clearance is secured for the elevator control cable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an elevator device to which the inspection system in Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the inspection system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart outlining the operation of the inspection system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4]This figure shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the result of image processing of the second image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This flowchart outlines the operation of the inspection system in a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This figure shows the results of image processing of the second image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of an elevator device to which the inspection system in Embodiment 3 is applied. [Figure 10] This figure shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This figure shows the results of image processing of the second image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] This figure shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] This figure shows the results of image processing of the second image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of an elevator device to which the inspection system in Embodiment 5 is applied. [Figure 15] This figure shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] This figure shows the results of image processing of the second image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 17] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the inspection device in Embodiments 1 to 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0012] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an elevator device to which the inspection system in Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the inspection system in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the operation of the inspection system in Embodiment 1.

[0013] In FIG. 1, an elevator device 80 is provided in a building 90. A hoistway 91 penetrates each floor of the building 90. The hoistway 91 is a space surrounded by structures such as walls and columns. A pit 92 is at the bottom of the hoistway 91. The floor surface of the pit 92 is the bottom surface of the hoistway 91. A machine room 93 is provided directly above the hoistway 91.

[0014] A hoisting machine 81 of the elevator device 80 is provided in the machine room 93. A main rope 82 is wound around the hoisting machine 81. A car 83 is suspended by the main rope 82 inside the hoistway 91. A control panel 84 is provided in the machine room 93. The control panel 84 can control the elevator device 80 as a whole.

[0015] A control cable 85 is a cable in which one or a plurality of bundled power lines, signal lines, etc. overlap. For example, the control cable 85 is a flat cable having an inner surface S1 and an outer surface S2 facing the opposite of the inner surface S1. In this case, although not shown, in a vertical cross-section of one control cable 85, the outer shape of the control cable 85 consists of the inner surface S1, the outer surface S2, and two curved surfaces connecting the inner surface S1 and the outer surface S2. Hereinafter, the case where basically there is one control cable 85 will be described.

[0016] The control cable 85 connects the car 83 and the control panel 84. Power is supplied to the car 83 through the control cable 85. Each device of the control panel 84 and the car 83 communicates via the control cable 85.

[0017] The control cable 85 is fixed at the car-side end 85a and the fixed end 85b so that it can be connected to the control panel 84 from the connection point with the car 83. The car-side end 85a is the portion of the control cable 85 that is fixed at the bottom of the car 83. The control cable 85 hangs down from the car-side end 85a.

[0018] The fixed end 85b is the portion of the control cable 85 that is fixed to the structure of the elevator shaft 91. The fixed end 85b is located between the car end 85a and the control panel 84. For example, the fixed end 85b is located in the central part of the elevator shaft 91 in the vertical direction. That is, the fixed end 85b is located in the elevator shaft 91 at an intermediate position between the pit 92 and the machine room 93. The control cable 85 hangs down from the fixed end 85b.

[0019] The movable portion 85c of the control cable 85 is the portion of the control cable 85 between the car-side end 85a and the fixed-side end 85b. The control cable 85 hangs down in a U-shape in the movable portion 85c. In this case, the inner surface S1 faces inward towards the U-shape, and the outer surface S2 faces outward towards the U-shape. The folded portion 85d is the lower end of the U-shape in the movable portion 85c, i.e., the lowest point of the movable portion 85c.

[0020] The remote monitoring device 86 is located in the machine room 93 and can communicate with the control panel 84. The information center device 87 is located in a building separate from the building 90 of the company or other entity responsible for maintenance and management. The information center device 87 can communicate with the remote monitoring device 86 via a network. The information center device 87 receives operational information of the elevator system 80, diagnostic results of the elevator system 80, etc., from the remote monitoring device 86.

[0021] The hoisting machine 81 rotates in response to a command from the control panel 84, causing the main rope 82 to move. Following the movement of the main rope 82, the elevator car 83 moves upward or downward inside the hoistway 91. Based on the detection results of a position detection device (not shown), the control panel 84 stops the elevator car 83 at a position corresponding to the landing on each floor. The position of the elevator car end 85a of the control cable 85 moves upward or downward in accordance with the movement of the elevator car 83. At this time, the position of the return section 85d of the control cable 85 moves along with the movement of the elevator car end 85a. The distance from the return section 85d to the pit 92 changes according to the position of the elevator car 83.

[0022] In particular, when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the lowest floor, a sufficient distance must be maintained between the return section 85d and the pit 92, which is the bottom of the elevator shaft 91. This distance is also called clearance. More specifically, clearance is the distance between the return section 85d and the floor of the pit 92, which is the bottom of the elevator shaft 91, when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the lowest floor. For example, if the fixing of the car-side end 85a or the fixed-side end 85b is loose and the control cable 85 is paid out more than normal, the position of the return section 85d will be lower and the clearance will be shortened. For example, if only one turn of the bundled control cable 85 is paid out at the car-side end 85a, the return section 85d may come into contact with the bottom of the pit 92. Thus, clearance must be maintained so that the return section 85d does not come into contact with equipment installed in the pit 92.

[0023] Inspection system 1 is a system for inspecting the clearance. Inspection system 1 comprises a camera 2 and an inspection device 10.

[0024] Camera 2 takes images. Camera 2 is installed inside the elevator shaft 91. Figure 1 shows two cameras 2. Specifically, one of the cameras 2, car camera 2a, is installed at the bottom of the elevator car 83. Car camera 2a is mounted at an angle that allows it to photograph a portion of the moving part 85c of the control cable 85, including the return section 85d.

[0025] Of the cameras 2, the hoistway camera 2b is attached to a structure that makes up the hoistway 91. For example, the hoistway camera 2b is attached below the landing of the lowest floor. The hoistway camera 2b is attached at an angle that allows it to photograph a portion of the moving part 85c of the control cable 85, including the return section 85d, when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the inspection position which is the lowest floor.

[0026] Furthermore, the inspection system 1 may have only one camera 2. That is, the inspection system 1 may include either the elevator car camera 2a or the elevator shaft camera 2b. In Embodiment 1 and other embodiments, when simply referred to as camera 2, it refers to the elevator car camera 2a.

[0027] For example, the inspection device 10 is installed in the machine room 93. The inspection device 10 can communicate with the camera 2, the control panel 84, and the remote monitoring device 86. The functions of the inspection device 10 may be installed inside the control panel 84 or inside the remote monitoring device 86.

[0028] Specifically, the inspection device 10 causes camera 2 to take inspection images when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the inspection position. Based on the inspection images taken by camera 2, the inspection device 10 checks whether clearance is secured. If it determines that clearance is not secured, the inspection device 10 notifies the system via remote monitoring device 86. For example, at the information center, based on the notification received by the information center device 87, a system is in place to dispatch workers to the elevator device 80.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the inspection device 10 includes a storage unit 11, a command unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, an inspection unit 14, and a notification unit 15. The inspection unit 14 includes the functions of a processing unit 16 and a determination unit 17.

[0030] The memory unit 11 stores various types of information necessary for the inspection. For example, the memory unit 11 stores previously taken inspection images and the image processing results of those inspection images as image information.

[0031] The command unit 12 transmits a command to camera 2 to take an inspection image when the shooting conditions are met, that is, when the elevator car 83 is in the inspection position. For example, the command unit 12 transmits a command to camera 2 to take a first inspection image at a reference point when clearance is deemed to be secured. For example, the reference point is when the elevator device 80 is installed, when the clearance of the elevator device 80 is checked by workers, etc. For example, the command unit 12 transmits a command to camera 2 to take a second inspection image at the inspection time, which is the timing of the inspection. The inspection time is any time other than the reference point, such as the time of a periodic diagnostic run, when a specified period has elapsed since the previous inspection and the elevator car 83 is stopped at the inspection position during normal operation.

[0032] The command unit 12 may also send a command to the control panel 84 to move the cage 83 to the inspection position so that the shooting conditions are met. For example, the command unit 12 may send the command to the control panel 84 when remote diagnostic operation is being performed on the control panel 84.

[0033] The acquisition unit 13 acquires inspection images captured by camera 2. The acquisition unit 13 acquires an image from camera 2, which is installed inside the elevator shaft 91, showing a portion of the moving section 85c, including the turnaround section 85d, when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the inspection position. At this time, the acquisition unit 13 distinguishes whether the acquired image is the first image or the second image. That is, the acquisition unit 13 acquires the image captured at the reference time as the first image. The acquisition unit 13 acquires the image captured at the time of inspection as the second image. The acquisition unit 13 may also acquire images captured by camera 2 for other processing as inspection images, as long as they were captured at the time of inspection.

[0034] The processing unit 16 of the inspection unit 14 performs image processing on the first image. The processing unit 16 performs image processing on the second image. The processing unit 16 stores the information of the first or second image, including the result of the image processing, in the storage unit 11.

[0035] The determination unit 17 of the inspection unit 14 compares the first image and the second image to determine whether the clearance is of sufficient length or longer at the time of inspection, that is, whether clearance is secured. In other words, based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit 13, it determines whether the clearance, which is the distance between the turnaround section 85d and the bottom of the elevator shaft 91 when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the inspection position, is secured. The determination unit 17 uses the results of image processing of the first image and the results of image processing of the second image during the determination process.

[0036] If the inspection unit 14 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection, the notification unit 15 notifies the information center device 87 of this fact.

[0037] The flowchart in Figure 3 shows an example of the actions performed by the inspection system 1 at the time of inspection. For example, the flowchart in Figure 3 starts during a diagnostic operation. By the time the flowchart in Figure 3 is performed, the inspection device 10 has acquired the first image. This flowchart shows an example of the command unit 12 sending a command to the control panel 84.

[0038] In step S01, the command unit 12 transmits a command to the control panel 84 to move the elevator car 83 to the inspection position. The elevator car 83 stops at the inspection position.

[0039] Subsequently, in step S02, the command unit 12 transmits a command to camera 2 to take an image. Camera 2 takes an image.

[0040] Subsequently, in step S03, the acquisition unit 13 acquires an inspection image from the camera 2 as a second image.

[0041] Subsequently, in step S04, the processing unit 16 performs image processing on the second image. The content of this image processing corresponds to the content of the determination process.

[0042] Subsequently, in step S05, the determination unit 17 performs a determination process to determine whether clearance is secured at the time of inspection, based on the information of the first image stored in the storage unit 11 and the information of the second image including the result of the image processing in step S04.

[0043] If it is determined in step S05 that clearance is not secured, in step S06 the notification unit 15 notifies the information center device 87 that clearance is not secured.

[0044] After the operation in step S06, or if it is determined in step S05 that clearance has been secured, the flowchart operation ends.

[0045] Next, using Figures 4 and 5, we will explain the first inspection process, which is an example of the inspection process performed by the inspection unit 14. The first inspection process includes the first image processing and the first judgment processing. In the following explanation, we will assume that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection. Figure 4 shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 shows the result of image processing of the second image in the inspection system according to Embodiment 1.

[0046] As the first image processing step, the processing unit 16 detects the edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable 85, in the inspection image. In this step, the processing unit 16 can detect the edge portion by performing edge processing that detects the boundary between the area occupied by the image of the control cable 85 and the area where the background is captured, using a method such as the Canny algorithm. For example, the processing unit 16 detects the outermost part of the image of the control cable 85 as the edge portion.

[0047] Furthermore, when performing edge processing, the processing unit 16 may identify the area occupied by the image of the control cable 85 for each pixel in the image by applying clustering labeling.

[0048] The processing unit 16 identifies the position of the vertex of the curve represented by the edge, based on the shape of the edge, as coordinates in the image. The vertex of the edge can also be expressed as an inflection point of a function that fits the edge. Specifically, the processing unit 16 identifies the point on the edge where the slope of the tangent line at that point is a specified value as the vertex. The processing unit 16 identifies the coordinates of that point. These coordinates can be in any coordinate system set in the image. For example, in an inspection image, the image is taken so that the vertex coincides with the folded portion 85d.

[0049] In addition, the bottom direction of the elevator shaft 91 may be predetermined in the inspection image. In this case, the processing unit 16 may identify the point of the edge closest to the bottom direction as the vertex.

[0050] As an example, in Figures 4 and 5, the processing unit 16 sets up a coordinate system with the upper left corner of the image as the origin, the vertical direction as the y-axis, and the horizontal direction as the x-axis. The inspection image shows the folded portion 85d of the control cable 85, a part of the inner surface S1 of the fixed end 85b of the movable portion 85c, and a part of the outer surface S2 of the cage-side end 85a of the movable portion 85c.

[0051] In Figure 4, the first edge portion E1, which is the edge portion of the control cable 85 in the first image, is shown with a thick line. The processing unit 16 determines the first coordinates (x1, y1) of the first vertex Pt1 from the shape of the first edge portion E1.

[0052] In Figure 5, the second edge portion E2, which is the edge portion of the control cable 85 in the second image, is shown with a thick line. The processing unit 16 determines the second coordinates (x2, y2) of the second vertex Pt2 from the shape of the second edge portion E2.

[0053] As the first determination process, the determination unit 17 calculates the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate. The determination unit 17 compares the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate with a preset first threshold to determine whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection. Specifically, if the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate exceeds the preset first threshold, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection.

[0054] Thus, in the first inspection process, the inspection unit 14 determines whether clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the position of the first vertex Pt1 in the first image with the position of the second vertex Pt2 in the second image. At this time, the inspection unit 14 can improve the accuracy of vertex detection by detecting the edge portion. Alternatively, the inspection unit 14 may specify the coordinates as the position of the vertex. If, for example, the fixing of the cage end 85a loosens at the time of inspection, causing the folded portion 85d of the control cable 85 to shift downward, the second vertex Pt2 in the second image will be in a significantly different position from the first vertex Pt1 in the first image. In this case, the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate becomes large. If the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate becomes large enough to exceed the first threshold, the inspection unit 14 determines that clearance is not secured. In this way, the inspection device 10 can perform clearance inspection more reliably.

[0055] Furthermore, when the processing unit 16 identifies a vertex from the shape of the edge, it may use the intercept of the tangent line instead of the slope of the equation of the tangent line passing through a point on the edge. In this case, the processing unit 16 may consider the point on the coordinate system set for the image to be a vertex, where a tangent line can be drawn such that the intercept is closest to the bottom direction. Specifically, in Figures 4 and 5, the closer a point on the edge is to the pit 92, the larger the intercept of the tangent line passing through that point becomes. The processing unit 16 may use this relationship to identify the coordinates of a vertex in the first processing step.

[0056] According to Embodiment 1 described above, the inspection system 1 comprises a camera 2 and an inspection device 10. The camera 2 is capable of photographing the control cable 85, including the folded portion 85d. The inspection device 10 includes an acquisition unit 13 and an inspection unit 14 as its functions. In the inspection device 10, a program that realizes each function executes the processes corresponding to each function in order, thereby realizing a method for inspecting the control cable 85. Specifically, the acquisition unit 13 acquires a first image taken at a reference time and a second image taken at the time of inspection. The inspection unit 14 compares the first image and the second image to determine whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection. That is, the inspection unit 14 performs clearance inspection by comparing images taken at the same angle of view but at two different time points. For this reason, control such as moving the cage 83 to have the camera 2 take pictures at two locations becomes unnecessary. This inspection method allows the inspection device 10 to accurately check whether sufficient clearance is secured for the control cable 85 of the elevator device 80.

[0057] Furthermore, if a worker were to manually inspect whether clearance was secured, the worker would enter the pit 92 and measure the distance between the return portion 85d of the control cable 85 and the bottom of the elevator shaft 91. At this time, the distance is measured with the elevator car 83 stopped at a position above the lowest floor so that the worker can enter the pit 92. Based on the measured distance, the worker estimates the clearance when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the lowest floor. On the other hand, with the inspection device 10 of this embodiment, the worker does not need to enter the inside of the pit 92 for inspection. Also, the clearance inspection is performed with the control cable 85 in the state when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the lowest floor. As a result, the inspection device 10 can improve worker safety and perform inspections to ensure clearance is secured more accurately.

[0058] Furthermore, if we were to apply the technology described in Patent Document 1 to inspect the clearance of the control cable 85, it would be necessary for a worker to install inspection cameras at two different locations in the vertical direction inside the elevator shaft 91 while the elevator car 83 is stopped at the inspection position. On the other hand, with the inspection system 1 according to this embodiment, there is no need for a worker to carry equipment around and perform the work each time. Therefore, the time required for measurement work can be significantly reduced compared to applying the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the inspection device 10 performs clearance inspection based on images from a camera 2 mounted on the lower part of the elevator car 83. Alternatively, the inspection device 10 performs clearance inspection based on images from a camera 2 mounted on the structure of the elevator shaft 91. Therefore, the inspection device 10 can also perform clearance inspection of the control cable 85 using images captured by a camera installed for purposes other than inspecting the clearance of the control cable 85.

[0060] Furthermore, the inspection device 10 may also be equipped with a command unit 12 as a function. The command unit 12 moves the cage 83 to the inspection position by transmitting commands to the control panel 84. This allows for more reliable clearance inspection.

[0061] Furthermore, the inspection unit 14 detects the edge portion of the control cable 85 and performs a first determination process based on the shape of the edge portion. Generally, the inside of the elevator shaft 91 is dark, so the image of the control cable 85 captured in the camera 2 may become unclear. However, even within that image, the edge portion of the control cable 85 can be detected relatively clearly. For this reason, the inspection device 10 can improve the robustness of the inspection results against environmental influences such as dirt on the control cable 85 and illumination conditions during shooting.

[0062] Furthermore, if the second image does not show the position indicating the folded portion 85d, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection.

[0063] Next, the operation of a modified example of Embodiment 1 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the inspection system in a modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0064] In the modified example, the determination unit 17 calculates an estimated clearance value at the time of inspection based on the second image. Specifically, the storage unit 11 stores clearance information that shows the relationship between the image of the control cable 85 in the inspection image and the clearance value. The determination unit 17 calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection based on the image of the control cable 85 in the second image and the clearance information. Based on the calculated clearance value, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection.

[0065] The clearance information may be a table that associates the position of the vertices of the control cable 85 in the inspection image with the clearance value. The clearance information may also be a function for calculating the clearance value from the position of the vertices of the control cable 85 in the inspection image. The clearance information may also be a clearance model that outputs the clearance value from the shape of the image of the control cable 85 in the inspection image. In this case, the clearance model may be a trained model that has been machine-learned using training data in which images and clearance values ​​are associated.

[0066] As an example, the processing unit 16 may generate clearance information from the features of the inspection image based on the first image. For example, the processing unit 16 may use clearance information that includes a pre-stored reference clearance as the generated clearance information after correcting it based on the first image. In this case, for example, the processing unit 16 may generate corrected clearance information that associates the coordinates of the vertices in the inspection image with the clearance values, based on the bottom direction of the first image, the coordinates of the first vertex Pt1, and the reference clearance value. The processing unit 16 may store the generated clearance information in the storage unit 11. In this case, the inspection unit 14 will determine whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection based on information including the first image and the second image.

[0067] Furthermore, the memory unit 11 may have clearance information generated by a device other than the inspection device 10 pre-stored in it. In this case, the inspection unit 14 will determine whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection based on the inspection image taken at the time of inspection and the clearance information.

[0068] The flowchart in Figure 6 shows an example of the actions performed by the inspection system 1 at the time of inspection. For example, the flowchart in Figure 6 starts during the diagnostic operation.

[0069] Steps S01 and S02 are the same as the flowchart in Figure 3. After step S02, in step S11, the acquisition unit 13 acquires the inspection image from the camera 2.

[0070] Subsequently, in step S12, the processing unit 16 performs image processing on the inspection image. For example, the processing unit 16 may perform edge processing similar to the first image processing during image processing. The processing unit 16 generates inspection image information, which associates the processing results of the inspection image with the inspection image.

[0071] Subsequently, in step S13, the determination unit 17 calculates the clearance value based on the clearance information stored in the memory unit 11 and the information of the inspection image.

[0072] Subsequently, in step S14, the determination unit 17 performs a determination process to determine whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection. For example, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the clearance value calculated from the inspection image exceeds the clearance threshold.

[0073] If it is determined in step S14 that clearance is not secured, in step S15 the notification unit 15 notifies the information center device 87 that clearance is not secured.

[0074] After the operation in step S15, or if it is determined in step S14 that clearance has been secured, the flowchart operation ends.

[0075] According to the modified embodiment 1 described above, the inspection device 10 includes a storage unit 11, an acquisition unit 13, and an inspection unit 14 as its functions. Clearance information is stored in the storage unit 11. The inspection unit 14 calculates the clearance value based on the inspection image taken at the time of inspection and the clearance information. With this inspection method, the inspection device 10 can accurately inspect whether the clearance of the control cable 85 of the elevator device 80 is secured.

[0076] Furthermore, the inspection unit 14 may generate clearance information based on the first image. Therefore, the inspection device 10 can calculate clearance values ​​based on information that more accurately reflects the installed conditions. As a result, the accuracy of the clearance inspection results is improved.

[0077] Embodiment 2. Figure 7 shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system of Embodiment 2. Figure 8 shows the result of image processing of the second image in the inspection system of Embodiment 2. Parts identical or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions of these parts are omitted.

[0078] In Embodiment 2, the inspection unit 14 performs a second inspection process. The second inspection process includes a second image processing and a second determination process.

[0079] As a second image processing step, the processing unit 16 identifies two feature points, the start and end points, present in the control cable 85 in the inspection image. These two feature points are the two ends of the longest line segment at the outer edge of the image of the control cable 85.

[0080] Specifically, the processing unit 16 first performs edge processing to detect the edges of the image for inspection, similar to the first image processing. Then, the processing unit 16 identifies the point where a portion of the edge located in a specific area intersects with the outer edge of the image for inspection as the starting point. Subsequently, the processing unit 16 identifies a line segment on the edge extending from the starting point and identifies an endpoint different from the starting point of that line segment as the ending point. For example, the processing unit 16 may identify a set of points on the edge that are continuous with the starting point and to which a tangent line equal to the slope of the tangent at the starting point can be drawn, as the line segment on the edge.

[0081] In the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8, during the second image processing, the processing unit 16 identifies the starting and ending points of the leftmost edge portion of the image. This is because, in the inspection image, the image of the moving portion 85c from the cage end 85a to the folded portion 85d is basically linear.

[0082] For example, depending on the position of camera 2, the outer surface S2 of the moving portion 85c extending from the fixed end 85b to the folded portion 85d may appear in the foreground of the inspection image. In this case, the processing unit 16 may identify feature points from the edge portion of the image corresponding to the moving portion 85c extending from the fixed end 85b to the folded portion 85d.

[0083] Figure 7 shows the first edge portion E1 of the control cable 85 in the first image. The processing unit 16 identifies the point where the leftmost first edge portion E1 of the first image intersects with the outer periphery of the first image as the first starting point Ps1. The processing unit 16 identifies the first ending point Pe1 on the first edge portion E1. The first ending point Pe1 is an endpoint of the first line segment L1 on the first edge portion E1 that is different from the first starting point Ps1.

[0084] Figure 8 shows the second edge portion E2 of the control cable 85 in the second image. The processing unit 16 identifies the point where the leftmost second edge portion E2 in the second image intersects with the outer periphery of the second image as the second starting point Ps2. The processing unit 16 identifies the second ending point Pe2 on the second edge portion E2. The second ending point Pe2 is an endpoint of the second line segment L2 on the second edge portion E2 that is different from the second starting point Ps2. In this example, because the folded portion 85d is shifted toward the bottom, the second line segment L2 is longer than the first line segment L1.

[0085] As a second determination process, the determination unit 17 determines whether clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the difference between the length of the first line segment L1 and the length of the second line segment L2. Specifically, the determination unit 17 makes a determination based on the absolute value of the difference between the distance from the first starting point Ps1 to the first ending point Pe1 and the distance from the second starting point Ps2 to the second ending point Pe2. Specifically, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the absolute value of the difference exceeds a specified second threshold. The determination unit 17 determines that clearance is secured at the time of inspection if the absolute value of the difference is less than or equal to the specified second threshold.

[0086] According to Embodiment 2 described above, the inspection device 10 inspects whether clearance is secured based on two feature points that appear in the first image and the second image, respectively. A line segment consisting of a start point and an end point is formed at the outer edge of the image of the control cable 85 captured by the camera 2. This line segment appears in the image with a length related to the clearance value. In this way, the inspection device 10 can inspect the clearance more accurately by utilizing the characteristics of the image captured by the camera 2. Furthermore, by comparing images at two timings, a reference time and an inspection time, the inspection device 10 can determine whether clearance is secured more easily and accurately.

[0087] Furthermore, the inspection unit 14 utilizes edge processing when identifying the start and end points. As a result, the inspection device 10 can improve the robustness of inspection results against environmental influences such as contamination of the control cable 85 and illumination conditions during shooting.

[0088] As a modification of Embodiment 2, the storage unit 11 may store clearance information for calculating the clearance value from the distance between the start point and the end point in the inspection image. The clearance information may include a table that associates the distance from the start point to the end point with the clearance value. The clearance information may also be a trained model that calculates the clearance value from the distance from the start point to the end point. For example, the clearance information is pre-stored in the storage unit 11.

[0089] The processing unit 16 may generate clearance information based on the first image. Specifically, the processing unit 16 may generate corrected clearance information by correcting the reference clearance information based on the length of the first line segment L1 in the first image, and store it in the storage unit 11.

[0090] The determination unit 17 calculates the length of the second line segment L2 from the second image, which is the inspection image. The determination unit 17 calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection from the second distance and clearance information. The determination unit 17 may determine that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the calculated clearance value is smaller than the clearance value threshold.

[0091] According to the modified embodiment 2 described above, the inspection device 10 can achieve the same effects as the modified embodiment 1.

[0092] Embodiment 3. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an elevator device to which the inspection system in Embodiment 3 is applied. Figure 10 shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system in Embodiment 3. Figure 11 shows the result of image processing of the second image in the inspection system in Embodiment 3. Parts identical or corresponding to parts in Embodiments 1 or 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions of these parts are omitted.

[0093] As shown in Figure 9, in Embodiment 3, the camera 2 is located at the bottom of the car 83, approximately vertically above the folded portion 85d. More specifically, the camera 2 is located between the car-side end 85a and the fixed end 85b in the horizontal projection plane. The camera 2 is mounted on the car 83 facing the folded portion 85d so that it can photograph the folded portion 85d. In this case, the camera 2 is positioned to photograph the inner surface S1 on the car-side end 85a side of the movable portion 85c, the inner surface S1 on the fixed end 85b side, and the inner surface S1 of the folded portion 85d.

[0094] Although not shown in the figures, camera 2 in Figure 1 may also be installed inside the elevator shaft 91 separately from camera 2 shown in Figure 9.

[0095] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the images captured by camera 2 show a portion of the movable part 85c, specifically the inner surface S1 on the car-side end 85a and the inner surface S1 on the fixed end 85b of the movable part 85c. The images also show the inner surface S1 of the folded-over part 85d.

[0096] In Embodiment 3, the inspection unit 14 performs a third inspection process. The third inspection process includes a third image processing and a third determination process.

[0097] As a third image processing step, the processing unit 16 identifies the portion of the control cable 85 in the inspection image that has the shortest width in the width direction of the control cable 85. For example, the width direction of the control cable 85 in the inspection image may be predetermined. In the inspection image, the portion with the shortest width is the portion of the moving part 85c that is furthest from the camera 2. That is, the portion with the shortest width corresponds to the position of the folded portion 85d. The processing unit 16 may also perform edge processing on the inspection image and use the result of that processing when identifying the portion with the shortest width.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, the processing unit 16 identifies the first width W1, which is the shortest width portion of the control cable 85 in the first image.

[0099] As shown in Figure 11, the processing unit 16 identifies the second width W2, which is the shortest width portion of the control cable 85 in the second image. In this example, the folded portion 85d is shifted toward the bottom, so the folded portion 85d is further away from the camera 2. Therefore, the second width W2 is shorter than the first width W1.

[0100] As a third determination process, the determination unit 17 compares the first width W1 and the second width W2 to determine whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection. Specifically, if the absolute value of the difference between the first width W1 and the second width W2 is greater than the specified third threshold, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection. If the difference between the first width W1 and the second width W2 is less than or equal to the specified third threshold, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is secured at the time of inspection. The determination unit 17 may also calculate the width in pixels.

[0101] According to Embodiment 3 described above, the inspection device 10 inspects the clearance by comparing an image taken at a reference time with an image taken at the time of inspection. In this case, the inspection unit 14 inspects the clearance based on the length of the shortest width among the images of the control cable 85 captured in the first image and the second image. Therefore, the inspection device 10 can easily and accurately inspect the clearance.

[0102] As a modification of Embodiment 3, the storage unit 11 may store clearance information for calculating the clearance value from the width of the shortest portion of the image of the control cable 85 in the inspection image. The clearance information may include a table that associates the width with the clearance value. The clearance information may also be a trained model that calculates the clearance value from the width. For example, the clearance information is pre-stored in the storage unit 11.

[0103] The processing unit 16 may generate clearance information from the width based on the first image. Specifically, the processing unit 16 may generate corrected clearance information by correcting the reference clearance information with the first width W1 in the first image and store it in the storage unit 11.

[0104] The determination unit 17 calculates a second width W2 from the second image, which is the inspection image. The determination unit 17 calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection from the second width W2 and the clearance information. The determination unit 17 may determine that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the calculated clearance value is smaller than the clearance value threshold.

[0105] According to the modified embodiment 3 described above, the inspection device 10 can achieve the same effects as the modified embodiment 1.

[0106] Embodiment 4. Figure 12 shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system of Embodiment 4. Figure 13 shows the result of image processing of the second image in the inspection system of Embodiment 4. Note that parts identical or corresponding to any part of Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions of such parts are omitted.

[0107] In Embodiment 4, the camera 2 is mounted in the same position as in Embodiment 3. The inspection image shows the same image as in Embodiment 3. The inspection unit 14 performs the fourth inspection process. The fourth inspection process includes the fourth image processing and the fourth determination process.

[0108] In the fourth image processing step, the processing unit 16 performs edge processing to detect the edges of the image for inspection. Subsequently, the processing unit 16 identifies a base point where a portion of the edge located in a specific area intersects with the outer edge of the image for inspection. The processing unit 16 then identifies the tangent line of the edge at the base point.

[0109] Figure 12 shows a first base point P1 where a portion of the first edge portion E1 in the first image intersects with the outer edge of the first image. The processing unit 16 identifies a first tangent line M1, which is a tangent line to the first edge portion E1 passing through P1.

[0110] Figure 13 shows a second base point P2 where a portion of the second edge portion E2 in the second image intersects with the outer edge of the second image. The processing unit 16 identifies a second tangent line M2, which is a tangent line to the second edge portion E2 passing through P2. In this example, since the folded portion 85d is shifted toward the bottom and is farther from the camera 2, the inclination of the second tangent line M2 is different from the inclination of the first tangent line M1.

[0111] As the fourth processing determination, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the slopes of the first tangent line M1 and the second tangent line M2. Specifically, if the absolute value of the difference between the slope of the first tangent line M1 and the slope of the second tangent line M2 is greater than the specified fourth threshold, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection. If the absolute value of the difference between the slope of the first tangent line M1 and the slope of the second tangent line M2 is less than or equal to the specified fourth threshold, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is secured at the time of inspection.

[0112] According to Embodiment 4 described above, the inspection device 10 inspects the clearance by comparing an image taken at a reference time with an image taken at the time of inspection. In this case, the inspection unit 14 inspects the clearance based on the tangents of the images of the control cable 85 captured in the first and second images. Therefore, the inspection device 10 can easily and accurately inspect the clearance.

[0113] As a modification of Embodiment 4, the storage unit 11 may store clearance information for calculating the clearance value from the slope of the tangent line of the edge portion at the intersection of the edge portion of the inspection image and the outer periphery of the image. The clearance information may include a table that associates the slope of the tangent line with the clearance value. The clearance information may also be a trained model that calculates the clearance value from the slope of the tangent line. For example, the clearance information is stored in the storage unit 11 in advance.

[0114] The processing unit 16 may generate clearance information from the inclination of the first tangent M1 based on the first image. Specifically, the processing unit 16 may generate corrected clearance information by correcting the reference clearance information based on the inclination of the first tangent M1 in the first image, and store it in the storage unit 11.

[0115] The determination unit 17 calculates the slope of the second tangent line M2 from the second image, which is the inspection image. The determination unit 17 calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection from the slope of the second tangent line M2 and the clearance information. The determination unit 17 may determine that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the calculated clearance value is smaller than the clearance value threshold.

[0116] According to the modified embodiment 4 described above, the inspection device 10 can achieve the same effects as the modified embodiment 1.

[0117] Furthermore, in Embodiments 3 and 4, even if the folded portion 85d is significantly shifted downward compared to Embodiment 1 or 2, the image of the folded portion 85d will still be included inside the camera 2. As a result, the inspection device 10 can improve the accuracy of clearance inspection.

[0118] Embodiment 5. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of an elevator device to which the inspection system in Embodiment 5 is applied. Figure 15 shows the result of image processing of the first image in the inspection system in Embodiment 5. Figure 16 shows the result of image processing of the second image in the inspection system in Embodiment 5. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to any part in Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of such parts is omitted. Also, Figures 15 and 16 show a case in which the control cable 85 consists of two strips. As with Embodiments 1 to 4, Embodiment 5 may also be applied in a case in which the control cable 85 consists of a single strip.

[0119] As shown in Figure 14, in Embodiment 5, a marker 3 is provided on the control cable 85. For example, the marker 3 is provided on the inner surface S1 of the folded portion 85d of the control cable 85 when the elevator car 83 is stopped at the lowest floor, which is the inspection position. The marker 3 may be printed on the surface of the control cable 85. The marker 3 may also be attached to the control cable 85 as an add-on reflector indicating the marker 3. The marker 3 may also be included in the configuration of the inspection system 1.

[0120] Marker 3 has features such as color, shape, and pattern that make it distinguishable from other parts of the control cable 85 in the image. For example, the color of marker 3 is selected to be a color that does not exist in the field of view of camera 2. For example, marker 3 includes a reflector that reflects light towards camera 2. For example, marker 3 may include a unique pattern. Specifically, marker 3 may include a two-dimensional code such as QR code (registered trademark) or Chameleon code (registered trademark). The shape of marker 3 itself may also be the unique pattern. By making marker 3 identifiable not only by color but also by pattern, the image of marker 3 can be easily identified even if the colors in the image change due to lighting conditions during shooting.

[0121] Camera 2 is installed in a position and field of view that allows it to photograph marker 3 when the cage 83 is stopped at the inspection position and clearance for the control cable 85 is ensured.

[0122] The inspection unit 14, which is not shown in Figure 14, performs the fifth inspection process. The fifth inspection process includes the fifth image processing and the fifth judgment process. In the fifth image processing, the processing unit 16 identifies the marker coordinates of the image of the marker 3 captured in the inspection image. If the marker 3 contains a unique pattern, the processing unit 16 may identify the marker 3 by pattern detection such as template matching or detection using AI.

[0123] As shown in Figure 15, the first image contains an image of marker 3 at a position that coincides with the folded portion 85d. The processing unit 16 identifies the position of the image of marker 3 in the first image as the first marker coordinate Pm1.

[0124] As shown in Figure 16, the processing unit 16 identifies the position of the marker 3 image in the second image as the second marker coordinate Pm2. Here, at the time of the inspection, when the second image is taken, clearance is not secured. For example, the fixing of the control cable 85 at the car-side end 85a is loose, causing the folded portion 85d of the control cable 85 to be located lower compared to the reference time. In this case, since the position of the marker 3 relative to the control cable 85 does not change, the image of the marker 3 will be at a different position from the position of the folded portion 85d. The second marker coordinate Pm2 will be a different coordinate from the first marker coordinate Pm1.

[0125] As the fifth processing determination, the determination unit 17 compares the position of the marker 3 image in the first image with the position of the marker 3 image in the second image to determine whether clearance is secured at the time of inspection. That is, if the difference between the position of the marker 3 image in the first image and the position of the marker 3 image in the second image is large, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured.

[0126] Specifically, the determination unit 17 determines that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the distance between the first marker coordinate Pm1 and the second marker coordinate Pm2 is greater than the specified fifth threshold. The determination unit 17 determines that clearance is secured at the time of inspection if the distance between the first marker coordinate Pm1 and the second marker coordinate Pm2 is less than or equal to the specified fifth threshold.

[0127] According to Embodiment 5 described above, a marker 3 is provided on the control cable 85. The marker 3 may also be a component of the inspection system 1. The inspection unit 14 performs clearance inspection by comparing the image of the marker 3 in the first image taken at a reference time with the image of the marker 3 in the second image taken at the time of inspection. In particular, the inspection unit 14 may identify the coordinates of the marker 3 and perform clearance inspection based on those coordinates. Therefore, the inspection device 10 can easily and accurately perform clearance inspection.

[0128] Furthermore, the marker 3 may be one that is originally attached to the control cable 85. Therefore, the inspection device 10 can perform clearance inspection without adding any additional components.

[0129] As a modification of Embodiment 5, the storage unit 11 may store clearance information for calculating clearance values ​​from the position of the marker 3 image in the inspection image. The clearance information may include a table that associates the position, such as the coordinates of the marker 3 image, with the clearance value. The clearance information may also be a trained model that calculates the clearance value from the position of the marker 3 image. For example, the clearance information is pre-stored in the storage unit 11.

[0130] The processing unit 16 may generate clearance information from the position of the marker 3 image based on the first image. Specifically, the processing unit 16 may generate corrected clearance information by correcting the reference clearance information based on the position of the marker 3 image in the first image, and store it in the storage unit 11.

[0131] The determination unit 17 identifies the position of the marker 3 image from the second image, which is the inspection image. The determination unit 17 calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection from the position of the marker 3 image and the clearance information. The determination unit 17 may determine that clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the calculated clearance value is smaller than the clearance value threshold.

[0132] The markers 3 may be provided so as to reflect the position of the control cable 85 along its longitudinal direction, with an image of a color or pattern that reflects the position of the control cable 85. For example, multiple markers 3 of different colors may be provided on the control cable 85 in a line along its longitudinal direction. In this case, each of the multiple markers 3 is identifiable from one another. As another example, a strip-shaped marker 3 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the control cable 85. In this case, the strip-shaped marker 3 may be provided with markings indicating its length or position along its longitudinal direction.

[0133] In this case, the clearance information includes the correspondence between the image of marker 3 in the inspection image and the clearance value. The determination unit 17 may calculate the clearance value based on the clearance information and the image of marker 3 captured in the inspection image. For example, the determination unit 17 may identify the color or pattern of marker 3 located at the position corresponding to the folded portion 85d and detect the clearance value by comparing it with the clearance information.

[0134] According to the modified embodiment 5 described above, the inspection device 10 can achieve the same effects as the modified embodiment 1.

[0135] The inspection unit 14 may perform the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth inspection processes in any combination in parallel, depending on the shooting conditions of the camera 2. The notification unit 15 may notify the information center device 87 if it determines that clearance is not secured in any of the inspection processes.

[0136] Next, an example of the hardware that makes up the inspection device 10 will be explained using Figure 17. Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of the inspection apparatus in embodiments 1 to 5.

[0137] Each function of the inspection device 10 can be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit comprises at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit comprises at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0138] If the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the inspection device 10 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a realizes each function of the inspection device 10 by reading and executing the program stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, DVD, etc.

[0139] If the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be implemented as, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the inspection device 10 may be implemented by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the inspection device 10 may be implemented together by a processing circuit.

[0140] For each function of the inspection device 10, some may be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, and others by software or firmware. For example, the functions of the processing unit 16 may be implemented by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 200, while functions other than those of the processing unit 16 may be implemented by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0141] In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the inspection device 10 using hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0142] Although not shown in the diagram, each function of the control panel 84 or the information center device 87 is also implemented by processing circuits equivalent to those that implement each function of the inspection device 10.

[0143] Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the inspection device 10 may be implemented on a cloud server. In this case, the processing circuit is composed of multiple sub-circuits. Each of the multiple sub-processing circuits is provided on multiple devices that make up the cloud server. Each of the multiple devices that make up the cloud server may be located in a different building. In this case, the functions of the inspection device 10 that are implemented on the cloud server may be involved in the control of the elevator device 80 by communicating with the remote monitoring device 86, camera 2, control panel 84, etc., via the network.

[0144] To summarize the above explanation, the possible configurations of the technology relating to this disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Note 1) A device for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the elevator shaft, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, An acquisition unit that acquires an image of a part of the moving portion, including the folding portion, taken by the camera when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position, from a camera installed inside the elevator shaft, An inspection unit determines, based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, whether or not a clearance is secured, which is the distance between the folding section and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position. Equipped with, The acquisition unit acquires a first image taken at a reference time when the clearance is secured, and a second image taken at the time of inspection, from the camera. The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the first image and the second image. Inspection device. (Note 2) The camera is mounted on the bottom of the basket. The inspection device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The camera is attached to a structure that constitutes the elevator shaft. The inspection device described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) A command unit transmits a command to the control panel to move the basket to the inspection position. It also has the following features: The inspection device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the position of the first vertex, which is the folded portion, in the first image with the position of the second vertex, which is the folded portion, in the second image. The inspection device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 4. (Note 6) The aforementioned inspection unit is The first edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image, is detected, and the first vertex is identified from the shape of the first edge portion. The second edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the second image, is detected, and the second vertex is identified from the shape of the second edge portion. The inspection device described in Appendix 5. (Note 7) The aforementioned inspection unit is In the first image, the point on the first edge portion where the slope of the tangent to the first edge portion is a specified value is defined as the first coordinate of the first vertex. In the second image, the point on the second edge portion where the slope of the tangent to the second edge portion is the specified value is defined as the second coordinate of the second vertex. If the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate exceeds the first threshold, it is determined that the clearance is not secured at the time of the inspection. The inspection device described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The aforementioned inspection unit is Identify the first start point and the first end point present in the image of the control cable in the first image, Identify the second starting point and the second ending point present in the image of the control cable in the second image, Based on the difference between a first distance from the first starting point to the first ending point and a second distance from the second starting point to the second ending point, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of inspection. The inspection device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 7. (Note 9) The aforementioned inspection unit is The two ends of the longest line segment at the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image are identified as the first start point and the first end point, respectively. In the second image, the two ends of the longest line segment at the outer edge of the image of the control cable are identified as the second start point and the second end point, respectively. The inspection device described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The aforementioned inspection unit is The first edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image, is detected, the point where the first edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the first image is defined as the first starting point, and the endpoint of the line segment on the first edge portion extending from the first starting point is defined as the first ending point. The second edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the second image, is detected, the point where the second edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the second image is defined as the second starting point, and the endpoint of the line segment on the second edge portion extending from the second starting point is defined as the second ending point. The inspection device described in Appendix 9. (Note 11) The camera is mounted above the folded portion, facing the folded portion, in a position that allows it to photograph the inner surface of the car-side end of the movable portion, the inner surface of the fixed-side end, and the inner surface of the folded portion. The aforementioned inspection unit is By comparing the first width, which is the shortest in the width direction of the control cable in the image of the control cable in the first image, with the second width, which is the shortest in the width direction of the control cable in the image of the control cable in the second image, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of inspection. The inspection device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 10. (Note 12) The camera is mounted above the folded portion, facing the folded portion, in a position that allows it to photograph the inner surface of the car-side end of the movable portion, the inner surface of the fixed-side end, and the inner surface of the folded portion. The aforementioned inspection unit is The first edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image, is detected, and the first tangent to the first edge portion at the point where the first edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the first image is identified. The second edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the second image, is detected, and the second tangent to the second edge portion at the point where the second edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the second image is identified. By comparing the inclination of the first tangent and the inclination of the second tangent, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of inspection. The inspection device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 11. (Note 13) A marker is provided on the inner surface of the U-shaped moving portion of the control cable that faces inward. The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the image of the marker in the first image with the image of the marker in the second image. The inspection device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 12. (Note 14) The inspection unit determines that the clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the distance between the first marker coordinates of the marker image in the first image and the second marker coordinates of the marker image in the second image is greater than a predetermined threshold. The inspection device described in Appendix 13. (Note 15) The aforementioned inspection unit is Based on the first image, clearance information is generated to calculate the clearance value from the image of the control cable in the image captured by the camera. Based on the image of the control cable in the second image and the clearance information, the clearance value at the time of inspection is calculated. Based on the calculated clearance value, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of the inspection. An inspection device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 12. (Note 16) A device for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the elevator shaft, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, An acquisition unit that acquires an inspection image from a camera installed inside the elevator shaft, which captures a part of the moving portion, including the folding portion, when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position. A storage unit that stores clearance information for calculating the clearance value, which is the distance between the return section and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position, from the image of the control cable in the inspection image acquired by the acquisition unit, An inspection unit that calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection based on the image of the control cable in the inspection image captured by the camera at the time of inspection and the clearance information, An inspection device equipped with the following features. (Note 17) A method for inspecting the distance between the folded-over portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the hoistway, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, The computer acquires an image from a camera installed inside the elevator shaft, showing a portion of the moving part, including the folding section, when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position. An inspection step in which, based on the image acquired in the acquisition step, the computer determines whether or not a clearance is secured, which is the distance between the folding portion and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position, Equipped with, In the acquisition process, the computer acquires a first image taken at a reference point when the clearance is secured, and a second image taken at the time of inspection, from the camera. In the inspection process, the computer compares the first image and the second image to determine whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of inspection. Testing method. (Note 18) A system for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the elevator shaft, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, A camera installed inside the elevator shaft, An inspection device that performs inspections based on images captured by the aforementioned camera, Equipped with, The inspection device, An acquisition unit that acquires an image from the camera showing a part of the moving portion, including the folded portion, when the basket is stopped at the inspection position, An inspection unit determines, based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, whether or not a clearance is secured, which is the distance between the folding section and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position. It has, The acquisition unit acquires a first image taken at a reference time when the clearance is secured, and a second image taken at the time of inspection, from the camera. The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the first image and the second image. Inspection system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Inspection system, 2 Camera, 2a Car camera, 2b Hoistway camera, 3 Marker, 10 Inspection device, 11 Memory unit, 12 Command unit, 13 Acquisition unit, 14 Inspection unit, 15 Notification unit, 16 Processing unit, 17 Judgment unit, 80 Elevator device, 81 Hoisting machine, 82 Main rope, 83 Car, 84 Control panel, 85 Control cable, 85a Car side end, 85b Fixed side end, 85c Moving part, 85d Folding part, 86 Remote monitoring device, 87 Information center device, 90 Building, 91 Hoistway, 92 Pit, 93 Machine room, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Hardware, E1 First edge unit, E2 Second edge, L1 first line segment, L2 second line segment, M1 first tangent, M2 second tangent, P1 first base point, P2 second base point, Pe1 first endpoint, Pe2 second endpoint, Pm1 first marker coordinate, Pm2 second marker coordinate, Ps1 first start point, Ps2 second start point, Pt1 first vertex, Pt2 second vertex, S1 inner surface, S2 outer surface, W1 first width, W2 second width

Claims

1. A device for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the elevator shaft, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, An acquisition unit that acquires an image of a part of the moving portion, including the folding portion, taken by the camera when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position, from a camera installed inside the elevator shaft, An inspection unit determines, based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, whether or not a clearance is secured, which is the distance between the folding section and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position. Equipped with, The acquisition unit acquires a first image taken at a reference time when the clearance is secured, and a second image taken at the time of inspection, from the camera. The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the first image and the second image. Inspection device.

2. The camera is mounted on the bottom of the basket. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The camera is attached to a structure that constitutes the elevator shaft. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

4. A command unit transmits a command to the control panel to move the basket to the inspection position. It also has the following features: The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the position of the first vertex, which is the folded portion, in the first image with the position of the second vertex, which is the folded portion, in the second image. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned inspection unit is The first edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image, is detected, and the first vertex is identified from the shape of the first edge portion. The second edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the second image, is detected, and the second vertex is identified from the shape of the second edge portion. The inspection apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned inspection unit is In the first image, the point on the first edge portion where the slope of the tangent to the first edge portion is a specified value is defined as the first coordinate of the first vertex. In the second image, the point on the second edge portion where the slope of the tangent to the second edge portion is the specified value is defined as the second coordinate of the second vertex. If the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate exceeds the first threshold, it is determined that the clearance is not secured at the time of the inspection. The inspection apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned inspection unit is Identify the first start point and the first end point present in the image of the control cable in the first image, Identify the second starting point and the second ending point present in the image of the control cable in the second image, Based on the difference between a first distance from the first starting point to the first ending point and a second distance from the second starting point to the second ending point, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of the inspection. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned inspection unit is The two ends of the longest line segment at the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image are identified as the first start point and the first end point, respectively. In the second image, the two ends of the longest line segment at the outer edge of the image of the control cable are identified as the second starting point and the second ending point, respectively. The inspection apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned inspection unit is The first edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image, is detected, and the point where the first edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the first image is defined as the first starting point, and the endpoint of the line segment on the first edge portion extending from the first starting point is defined as the first ending point. The second edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the second image, is detected, the point where the second edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the second image is defined as the second starting point, and the endpoint of the line segment on the second edge portion extending from the second starting point is defined as the second ending point. The inspection apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The camera is mounted above the folded portion, facing the folded portion, in a position that allows it to photograph the inner surface of the car-side end of the movable portion, the inner surface of the fixed-side end, and the inner surface of the folded portion. The aforementioned inspection unit is By comparing the first width, which is the shortest in the width direction of the control cable in the image of the control cable in the first image, with the second width, which is the shortest in the width direction of the control cable in the image of the control cable in the second image, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of inspection. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The camera is mounted above the folded portion, facing the folded portion, in a position that allows it to photograph the inner surface of the car-side end of the movable portion, the inner surface of the fixed-side end, and the inner surface of the folded portion. The aforementioned inspection unit is The first edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the first image, is detected, and the first tangent to the first edge portion at the point where the first edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the first image is identified. The second edge portion, which is the outer edge of the image of the control cable in the second image, is detected, and the second tangent to the second edge portion at the point where the second edge portion intersects with the outer periphery of the second image is identified. By comparing the inclination of the first tangent and the inclination of the second tangent, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of the inspection. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

13. A marker is provided on the inner surface of the U-shaped moving portion of the control cable that faces inward. The inspection unit determines whether the clearance is secured at the time of inspection by comparing the image of the marker in the first image with the image of the marker in the second image. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The inspection unit determines that the clearance is not secured at the time of inspection if the distance between the first marker coordinates of the marker image in the first image and the second marker coordinates of the marker image in the second image is greater than a predetermined threshold. The inspection apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned inspection unit is Based on the first image, clearance information is generated to calculate the clearance value from the image of the control cable in the image captured by the camera. Based on the image of the control cable in the second image and the clearance information, the clearance value at the time of inspection is calculated. Based on the calculated clearance value, it is determined whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of the inspection. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A device for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the elevator shaft, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, An acquisition unit that acquires an inspection image from a camera installed inside the elevator shaft, which captures a part of the moving portion, including the folding portion, when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position. A storage unit that stores clearance information for calculating the clearance value, which is the distance between the return section and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position, from the image of the control cable in the inspection image acquired by the acquisition unit, An inspection unit that calculates the clearance value at the time of inspection based on the image of the control cable in the inspection image captured by the camera at the time of inspection and the clearance information, An inspection device equipped with the following features.

17. A method for inspecting the distance between the folded-back portion, which is the lower end of the U-shape of the control cable connecting the elevator car and the control panel, and the bottom of the hoistway, wherein the control cable is a U-shaped portion that hangs down between the car-side end fixed to the car and the fixed-side end fixed to the hoistway side for connection to the control panel, The computer acquires an image from a camera installed inside the elevator shaft, showing a portion of the moving part, including the folding section, when the elevator car is stopped at the inspection position. An inspection step in which, based on the image acquired in the acquisition step, the computer determines whether or not a clearance is secured, which is the distance between the folding portion and the bottom of the elevator shaft when the cage is stopped at the inspection position, Equipped with, In the acquisition process, the computer acquires a first image taken at a reference point when the clearance is secured, and a second image taken at the time of inspection, from the camera. In the inspection process, the computer compares the first image and the second image to determine whether or not the clearance is secured at the time of inspection. Testing method.

Images