Method and system for detecting entrapment in an elevator

Abstract

This invention relates to an elevator entrapment detection method and elevator entrapment detection system that can detect the entrapment of a person inside an elevator that is not equipped with means for detecting abnormalities. [Solution] When an earthquake occurs, the management device 1 calls the elevator user's telephone 2. When the user answers the incoming call, the user's telephone 2 transmits the response to the management device 1. The management device 1 transmits a voice message to the telephone 2 via the telephone line 5 connected by the response, instructing the user to press a button on the telephone depending on their condition, including being trapped in the elevator. The telephone 2 transmits the button pressed by the user via the telephone line 5. The management device 1 identifies the user's condition according to the button pressed on the telephone 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a confinement detection method in an elevator and a confinement detection system in an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method for detecting the confinement of a person in an elevator has been known. For example, in the method described in Patent Document 1, a monitored elevator and a monitoring device in a monitoring center are connected by a communication line. When an abnormality including a failure occurs in the monitored elevator, the abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to the monitoring device in the monitoring center via the communication line. A monitor (operator) in the monitoring center checks the content of the abnormality displayed on the display panel. For example, in the case of the confinement of a passenger in the elevator, appropriate instructions are given to the passengers in the elevator via an intercom. Then, if necessary, a maintenance worker is sent to the elevator on site for rescue.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, for an elevator that does not have a function of detecting an abnormality such as an earthquake and notifying the monitoring center, the method described in Patent Document 1 cannot detect whether a person is confined.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present disclosure relates to a confinement detection method in an elevator and a confinement detection system in an elevator that can detect the confinement of a person in an elevator that does not have means for detecting an abnormality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator entrapment detection method of this disclosure comprises the steps of: a management device calling an elevator telephone when an earthquake occurs; the telephone transmitting a response to the management device when a user answers the call; the management device transmitting a voice message to the telephone via the telephone line connected by the response, requesting the user to press a button on the telephone depending on the user's condition, including being trapped in the elevator; the telephone transmitting the buttons pressed by the user via the telephone line; and the management device identifying the user's condition according to the pressed telephone buttons. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to trap a person inside an elevator that does not have means for detecting abnormalities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the elevator entrapment detection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the control device 1 at the disaster prevention center. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for detecting entrapment inside an elevator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator status table. [Figure 5] This diagram shows items related to the status of an elevator. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a voice message. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of the elevator entrapment detection system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for detecting entrapment inside an elevator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the configuration of the elevator entrapment detection system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10]This diagram shows the configuration of the branch office management device 10. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for detecting entrapment inside an elevator according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the elevator entrapment detection system according to Embodiment 1. The elevator entrapment detection system comprises a management device 1 at the disaster prevention center, a landline telephone 2 installed in the home of each elevator user, and a mobile phone 3 carried by each maintenance worker. The landline telephone 2 consists of a base unit 2A and a handset 2B, with the handset 2B installed inside the elevator car 4. The management device 1 at the disaster prevention center and the landline telephone 2 installed in the user's home are configured to communicate via a telephone line 5. The management device 1 at the disaster prevention center and the mobile phone 3 carried by the maintenance worker are configured to communicate via a telephone line 6.

[0012] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the disaster prevention center's management device 1. The disaster prevention center's management device 1 comprises a processor 11, memory 12, communication device 13, display device 14, and input device 15. Memory 12 stores programs and the like. The processor 11 executes the programs stored in memory 12. Communication device 13 communicates with the landline telephone 2 and mobile phone 3. Operator instructions and the like are input into the input device 15. Display device 14 displays disaster management screens and the like.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for detecting entrapment inside an elevator according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] In step S101, when the processor 11 of the management device 1 of the disaster prevention center detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0015] In step S102, the processor 11 of the management device 1 of the disaster prevention center acquires the telephone numbers of the landline phones of the users of the home elevators installed in the earthquake occurrence area from the database stored in the memory 12.

[0016] In step S103, the processor 11 of the management device 1 of the disaster prevention center dials the telephone 2 of the user's landline according to the acquired telephone number through the communication device 13 and the telephone line 5.

[0017] In step S104, when the user responds to the incoming call of the telephone 2 of the user's landline, the process proceeds to step S105. When the user is located inside the elevator car 4, the user can respond to the incoming call by the sub-phone 2B. When the user is located at a place other than the elevator car 4 of the home elevator, the user can respond to the incoming call by the main phone 2A.

[0018] In step S105, the telephone 2 of the user's landline transmits a response to the management device 1 of the disaster prevention center through the telephone line 5.

[0019] In step S106, when the processor 11 of the management device 1 of the disaster prevention center receives the response through the telephone line 5 and the communication device 13 from the telephone 2 of the user's landline, the process proceeds to step S110, and when the response is not received, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0020] In step S107, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 updates the elevator status table on the site shared with maintenance personnel (shared site). Elevator maintenance personnel can view and update the elevator status table on the shared site. Figure 4 shows an example of an elevator status table. For each elevator, the elevator status table defines information such as an identification number, location, the user's (owner's) landline and mobile phone numbers, the equipment maintenance personnel, the area maintenance personnel, the status number, and the task currently being performed. The equipment maintenance personnel are the maintenance personnel responsible for the maintenance of this elevator. The area maintenance personnel are the maintenance personnel responsible for the maintenance of elevators in the area including the location of this elevator. The task currently being performed is, for example, on the way to the site, working at the site, etc. The status number represents the elevator status. Figure 5 shows items related to the elevator status.

[0021] The elevator status is set to "1" when the user presses button "1" on telephone 2. Status "1" represents "no abnormalities". No corresponding action is defined for status "1".

[0022] When the user presses button "2" on telephone 2, the elevator status is set to "2". Status "2" indicates that "the person is trapped inside the elevator". The corresponding action for status "2" is to "instruct the equipment maintenance personnel to rush to the scene as first priority". First priority indicates the highest priority.

[0023] When the user presses button "3" on telephone 2, the elevator status is set to "3". Status "3" indicates "other malfunctions or abnormalities." This could mean, for example, that the elevator has broken down or that a user has been injured. The corresponding action for status "3" is to "instruct the equipment maintenance personnel to rush to the site as second priority." Second priority means it has the next highest priority after first priority.

[0024] When the user presses button "4" on telephone 2, the elevator status is set to "4". Status "4" indicates that the user "wishes to have someone make a call on their behalf". This means, for example, that someone will contact a predetermined contact on their behalf. The contact could be the fire department, ambulance, security company, or a relative's home. The corresponding action for status "4" is to "make a call on their behalf".

[0025] Furthermore, the following actions may be taken: pressing button "4" on telephone 2 and then "1" indicates that the user wishes to have a call made to the fire department on their behalf; pressing button "4" on telephone 2 and then "2" indicates that the user wishes to have a call made to emergency services on their behalf; pressing button "4" on telephone 2 and then "3" indicates that the user wishes to have a call made to a security company on their behalf; and pressing button "4" on telephone 2 and then "4" indicates that the user wishes to have a call made to a relative's home on their behalf.

[0026] The elevator status is set to "5" if the user does not answer the phone, or if they answer but do not press the designated button on telephone 2. Status "5" represents "no response". The corresponding action for status "5" is to "instruct the equipment maintenance personnel to rush to the site with third priority". Third priority is the next highest priority after second priority.

[0027] Furthermore, in the case of states "2", "3", and "5", instead of instructing the equipment maintenance personnel, instructions may be given to the area maintenance personnel located closest to the site (location), or instructions may be given to both the equipment maintenance personnel and the area maintenance personnel located closest to the site (location). Alternatively, instructions may be given to the equipment maintenance personnel, and if the equipment maintenance personnel reply that they cannot rush to the site, instructions may be given to the area maintenance personnel located closest to the site (location).

[0028] In step S108, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 performs the corresponding processing shown in Figure 5 according to the elevator status. After that, the process returns to step S102, and the processing from step S102 is executed again.

[0029] In step S109, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 waits for a predetermined interval period before processing.

[0030] In step S110, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 transmits a voice message, as shown in Figure 6, to the user's landline telephone 2 via the communication device 13 and telephone line 5. This voice message is generated based on items related to the elevator status shown in Figure 5.

[0031] In step S111, the user's landline telephone 2 receives a voice message and plays the voice message through its speaker.

[0032] In step S112, the user presses a button on the user's landline telephone, telephone 2. Telephone 2 transmits the number entered by the user via telephone line 5 to the management device 1 at the disaster prevention center.

[0033] In step S113, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 receives the button number entered by the user via the communication device 13 and the telephone line 5.

[0034] In step S114, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 updates the elevator status table on the shared site according to the button number entered by the user.

[0035] In step S115, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 performs the corresponding processing shown in Figure 5, depending on the elevator status.

[0036] As described above, according to this embodiment, elevator users can notify of an abnormality by pressing a button on their telephone, thus preventing people from being trapped inside elevators that do not have means to detect abnormalities. This eliminates the need for center operators to call all elevator users who do not have means to detect abnormalities to check whether they are trapped inside elevators when an earthquake occurs, allowing for early and reliable confirmation of the safety of elevator users.

[0037] Embodiment 2.

[0038] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 2. The difference between the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 2 and the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 1 is that in the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 2, communication is possible with the mobile phones 8 of the users of each platform elevator via a telephone line 7.

[0039] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for detecting entrapment inside an elevator according to Embodiment 2.

[0040] In step S301, if the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0041] In step S302, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 retrieves the landline telephone numbers of users of home elevators installed in the earthquake-affected area from the database stored in memory 12.

[0042] In step S303, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 makes a call to the user's landline telephone 2 via the communication device 13 and the telephone line 5, according to the acquired telephone number.

[0043] In step S304, if the user answers an incoming call on the user's landline telephone 2, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0044] In step S305, the user's landline telephone 2 transmits a response to the disaster prevention center's management device 1 via the telephone line 5.

[0045] In step S306, if the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 receives a response from the user's landline telephone via the telephone line 5 and communication device 13, the process proceeds to step S313; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0046] In step S307, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 retrieves the mobile phone number of the home elevator user from the database stored in memory 12.

[0047] In step S308, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 makes a call to the user's mobile phone 8 via the communication device 13 and the telephone line 7, according to the acquired telephone number.

[0048] In step S309, if the user answers an incoming call on the user's mobile phone 8, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0049] In step S310, the user's mobile phone 8 transmits a response to the disaster prevention center's management device 1 via the telephone line 7.

[0050] In step S311, if the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 receives a response from the user's mobile phone 8 via the telephone line 7 and communication device 13, the process proceeds to step S313; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S312.

[0051] In step S312, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 updates the elevator status table on the site shared with maintenance personnel (shared site). The process then proceeds to step S318.

[0052] In step S313, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 sends a voice message to the user's landline telephone 2 or mobile phone 8 via the communication device 13 and telephone line 5 or telephone line 7.

[0053] In step S314, the user's landline phone 2 or mobile phone 8 receives a voice message and plays the voice message through the speaker.

[0054] In step S315, the user presses a button on either the user's landline telephone 2 or mobile phone 8. Telephone 2 or 8 transmits the number of the button entered by the user to the management device 1 at the disaster prevention center via telephone line 5 or 7.

[0055] In step S316, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 receives the button number entered by the user via the communication device 13 and the telephone line 5 or 7.

[0056] In step S317, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 updates the elevator status table on the shared site according to the button number entered by the user.

[0057] In step S318, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 performs the corresponding processing shown in Figure 5, depending on the elevator status.

[0058] According to this embodiment, even when the landline telephone lines are congested, or when the user is out and unable to answer the landline, it is possible to check whether the user is trapped in an elevator using the user's mobile phone.

[0059] Embodiment 3.

[0060] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 3. The difference between the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 3 and the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 1 is that in the elevator entrapment detection system of Embodiment 3, the functions of the management device 1 of the disaster prevention center are distributed among the management devices 10(1) to 10(N) of multiple branches.

[0061] Each branch is equipped with a branch management device 10. In the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, the branch management device 10 manages the home elevators within the branch's jurisdiction.

[0062] Each home elevator user's landline telephone 2 and the branch office's management device 10 are configured to communicate via telephone line 5. The branch office maintenance worker's mobile phone 3 and the branch office's management device 10 are configured to communicate via telephone line 6.

[0063] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the branch office management device 10. The branch office management device 10 comprises a processor 21, memory 22, communication device 23, display device 24, and input device 25. The memory 22 stores programs and the like. The processor 21 executes the programs stored in the memory 22. The communication device 23 communicates with the landline telephone 2 and the mobile phone 3. Operator instructions and the like are input into the input device 25. The display device 24 displays management screens and the like during disasters.

[0064] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for detecting entrapment inside an elevator according to Embodiment 3.

[0065] In step S101, if the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 detects the occurrence of an earthquake, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0066] In step S202, the processor 11 of the disaster prevention center's management device 1 instructs the management devices 10 of each branch office to confirm the safety of their members via the communication line 9.

[0067] In step S203, the processor 21 of the management device 10 at each branch receives instructions for safety confirmation via the communication line 9. Subsequently, the management device 10 at each branch executes the processing on behalf of the management device 1 at the disaster prevention center, thereby executing the processing in steps S102 to S115 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0068] According to this embodiment, processing can be distributed to management devices at multiple branches, thus avoiding the concentration of user telephone calls at a single disaster prevention center during an earthquake.

[0069] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following appendix. (Note 1) A method for detecting entrapment inside an elevator, The management device, when an earthquake occurs, calls the telephone of the elevator user, The steps include: when the user's telephone answers an incoming call, the user transmits the response to the management device; The management device sends a voice message to the telephone via the telephone line connected by the response, requesting the user to press a button on the telephone depending on the user's condition, including being trapped in the elevator. The telephone transmits, via the telephone line, the buttons pressed on the telephone by the user. An elevator entrapment detection method comprising the steps of: the management device identifying the user's status in accordance with the pressed telephone button.

[0070] (Note 2) The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator according to Appendix 1, comprising the step of the management device notifying the elevator maintenance personnel of the user's status.

[0071] (Note 3) The step of notifying the elevator maintenance personnel is: An elevator entrapment detection method according to Appendix 2, comprising the step of notifying the maintenance personnel in charge of the elevator and the maintenance personnel in charge of the area where the elevator is installed.

[0072] (Note 4) The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The elevator entrapment detection method according to Appendix 1, further comprising the step of the management device updating a table representing the status of multiple users on a site accessible to the elevator maintenance personnel.

[0073] (Note 5) The step of calling the elevator user's telephone is: The management device performs the step of calling the landline telephone of the elevator user, The elevator entrapment detection method according to Appendix 1, further comprising the step of the management device calling the elevator user's mobile phone if the elevator user does not respond to a previous call.

[0074] (Note 6) The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator as described in Appendix 1, wherein the user's telephone is a master-slave telephone, and the handset of the master-slave telephone is installed inside the elevator.

[0075] (Note 7) The aforementioned user status includes the status in which the user wishes to make a call on behalf of another user. The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The elevator entrapment detection method according to Appendix 1, further comprising the step of the management device contacting at least one of the following on behalf of the user when the user has requested that a call be made on their behalf: fire, ambulance, security company, and the home of a relative.

[0076] (Note 8) The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The central monitoring center's control device detects the occurrence of an earthquake, The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator, as described in Appendix 1, further comprising the step of switching the device that communicates with the elevator from a central monitoring center management device to a management device provided in each area when the occurrence of the aforementioned earthquake is detected.

[0077] (Note 9) It includes a management device, a telephone for the elevator user, and a telephone line. An elevator entrapment detection system wherein the control device and the telephone perform the method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0078] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Disaster prevention center management equipment, 2. Landline telephones, 2A base unit, 2B handset, 3,8 mobile phones, 4. Elevator car, 5,6,7 telephone lines, 9 communication lines, 10. Branch office management equipment, 11,21 processor, 12,22 memory, 13,23 communication equipment, 14,24 display devices, 15,25 input devices.

Claims

1. A method for detecting entrapment inside an elevator, The management device, when an earthquake occurs, calls the telephone of the elevator user, The steps include: when the user's telephone answers an incoming call, the user transmits the response to the management device; The management device sends a voice message to the telephone via the telephone line connected by the response, requesting the user to press a button on the telephone depending on the user's condition, including being trapped in the elevator. The telephone transmits, via the telephone line, the buttons pressed on the telephone by the user. An elevator entrapment detection method comprising the steps of: the management device identifying the user's status in accordance with the pressed telephone button.

2. The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the management device notifying the elevator maintenance personnel of the user's status.

3. The step of notifying the elevator maintenance personnel is: The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator according to claim 2, further comprising the step of notifying the maintenance personnel in charge of the elevator and the maintenance personnel in charge of the area where the elevator is installed.

4. The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The elevator entrapment detection method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the management device updating a table representing the status of a plurality of users on a site accessible to the elevator maintenance personnel.

5. The step of calling the elevator user's telephone is: The management device performs the step of calling the landline telephone of the elevator user, The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the management device calling the elevator user's mobile phone if the elevator user does not respond to a previous call.

6. The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator according to claim 1, wherein the user's telephone is a master-slave telephone, and the handset of the master-slave telephone is installed inside the elevator.

7. The aforementioned user status includes the status in which the user wishes to make a call on behalf of another user. The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The elevator entrapment detection method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the management device contacting at least one of the following on behalf of the user: fire department, ambulance, security company, and relative's home, when the user has requested that a call be made on their behalf.

8. The method for detecting entrapment inside the elevator further includes: The central monitoring center's control device detects the occurrence of an earthquake, The method for detecting entrapment in an elevator according to claim 1, comprising the step of switching the device that communicates with the elevator from a central monitoring center management device to a management device provided in each area when the occurrence of the aforementioned earthquake is detected.

9. It includes a management device, a telephone for the elevator user, and a telephone line. An elevator entrapment detection system wherein the control device and the telephone perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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