Elevator control device and elevator inspection procedure

Abstract

The present invention provides an elevator control device that efficiently acquires elevator inspection data and transmits it to a remote monitoring device, while taking into account the amount of data communication with the remote monitoring device. [Solution] According to the embodiment, the elevator control device is connected to a remote monitoring device that remotely transmits inspection instructions to the elevator at predetermined intervals to perform inspection processing, and comprises a data volume storage unit, a specification unit, an inspection execution unit, and an inspection result processing unit. The data volume storage unit stores information on the amount of inspection data acquired by the previously executed inspection processing. When the specification unit receives an inspection instruction transmitted from the remote monitoring device, it identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired in the current inspection processing based on the amount of inspection data acquired in the previous inspection processing. The inspection execution unit acquires the type of inspection data identified by the specification unit and executes the current inspection processing. The inspection result processing unit transmits the inspection data acquired for the current inspection processing to the remote monitoring device.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0007] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an elevator control device and an elevator inspection processing method.

Background Art

[0002] There is a monitoring system in which a remote monitoring device installed at a location remote from an elevator monitors the elevator. In this monitoring system, based on an instruction periodically transmitted by the remote monitoring device, the elevator acquires inspection data for each inspection item and transmits it to the remote monitoring device.

[0003] Thereby, the remote monitoring device can remotely monitor the state of each location in the elevator based on the inspection data transmitted from the elevator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In remote monitoring of an elevator, by using not only sensor data acquired by a sensor but also video data captured by a camera device as inspection data, the inspection process of the elevator can be accurately executed.

[0006] On the other hand, a data communication volume upper limit is set between the elevator and the remote monitoring device at regular intervals, for example, every month. If the data communication volume exceeds this upper limit, an additional charge for communication usage will occur. Therefore, it is desirable for the elevator to transmit inspection data to the remote monitoring device in a data amount that does not exceed the set upper limit.

[0007] However, a problem arose where, if the amount of video data included in the inspection data increased, the amount of data transmitted when sending the inspection data would increase, sometimes exceeding the set limit.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an elevator control device and an elevator inspection processing method that efficiently acquire elevator inspection data and transmit it to a remote monitoring device, while taking into account the amount of data communication with the remote monitoring device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment for achieving the above objective, the elevator control device is connected to a remote monitoring device that transmits inspection instructions to the elevator at predetermined intervals from a remote location, and comprises a data volume storage unit, a specification unit, an inspection execution unit, and an inspection result processing unit. The data volume storage unit stores information on the amount of inspection data acquired by the previously executed inspection process. When the specification unit receives an inspection instruction transmitted from the remote monitoring device, it identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired in the current inspection process based on the amount of inspection data acquired in the previous inspection process. The inspection execution unit acquires the type of inspection data identified by the specification unit and executes the current inspection process. The inspection result processing unit transmits the inspection data acquired for the current inspection process to the remote monitoring device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the configuration of a monitoring system using an elevator control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] This flowchart shows the initial inspection process performed by the elevator control device while the monitoring system according to one embodiment is in operation. [Figure 2B] This flowchart shows the second and subsequent inspection processes performed by the elevator control device while the monitoring system according to one embodiment is in operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes a monitoring system using an elevator control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] <Configuration of a monitoring system according to one embodiment> Figure 1 is an overall diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to one embodiment. The monitoring system 1 is configured by connecting an elevator 10 and a remote monitoring device 20 installed in a remote center located far from the elevator 10 via a wide-area communication network 30.

[0013] The elevator 10 includes a hoisting machine 11 installed at the top of the hoistway inside the building, a rope 12 stretched over the hoisting machine 11, a car 13 suspended from one end of the rope 12, and an elevator control device 14 installed at the top of the hoistway. The car 13 and the elevator control device 14 are connected via a tail cord 15. The car 13 has a car door 131.

[0014] The elevator control device 14 includes a first storage unit 141, a first communication unit 142, and a first CPU 143.

[0015] The first storage unit 141 includes a threshold storage unit 141a, a data volume storage unit 141b, and an abnormality indicator item storage unit 141c. The threshold storage unit 141a stores a data communication volume threshold Dmax, which is set based on a predetermined period of time for which data communication is available at a predetermined communication fee, for example, an upper limit on the amount of data communication per month, in relation to communication with the remote monitoring device 20.

[0016] The data volume storage unit 141b stores information on the previous inspection data volume D0, which is the amount of inspection data acquired by the previously executed inspection process, as described later, in the inspection process of the elevator 10 which is performed at predetermined intervals. The abnormality sign item storage unit 141c stores information on the inspection items that were determined to have abnormality signs in the previous inspection process.

[0017] The first communication unit 142 communicates with the remote monitoring device 20 via the wide area communication network 30.

[0018] The first CPU 143 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer. By installing and executing a predetermined elevator control program, it constitutes one or more of the following information processing units. The first CPU 143 includes an operation control unit 143a, an inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b, a specification unit 143c, an inspection execution unit 143d, and an inspection result processing unit 143e.

[0019] The operation control unit 143a controls the devices in the elevator 10, including the hoisting machine 11. The inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b acquires an inspection instruction transmitted from the remote monitoring device 20 as will be described later. When the inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b acquires an inspection instruction, the specification unit 143c specifies the type of inspection data to be acquired in this inspection process for each inspection item based on the information stored in the threshold storage unit 141a, the data volume storage unit 141b, and the abnormal sign item storage unit 141c. The types of inspection data include measurement data by sensors, ON / OFF operation data of switches, video data captured by a camera device, and the like.

[0020] Specifically, when the previous inspection data volume D0 stored in the data volume storage unit 141b does not exceed the threshold Dmax stored in the threshold storage unit 141a, the specification unit 143c specifies the type of inspection data including video data for all of a plurality of preset inspection items as the acquisition target in this inspection process.

[0021] Also, when the previous inspection data volume D0 stored in the data volume storage unit 141b exceeds the threshold Dmax stored in the threshold storage unit 141a, the specification unit 143c specifies the type of inspection data without including video data for some or all of a plurality of preset inspection items as the acquisition target in this inspection process. This "some of the plurality of preset inspection items" refers to, for example, the inspection items corresponding to the information stored in the abnormal sign item storage unit 141c. [[ID=十七]]

[0022] The inspection execution unit 143d acquires inspection data of the type specified by the specifying unit 143c and executes inspection processing for each inspection item.

[0023] The inspection result processing unit 143e stores information on the data volume (hereinafter referred to as "current inspection data volume") D1 of the inspection data acquired regarding the current inspection processing in the data volume storage unit 141b.

[0024] Also, based on the inspection data acquired in the executed inspection processing, the inspection result processing unit 143e calculates the severity indicating the degree of abnormality for each inspection item, recognizes items with a calculated severity equal to or greater than a predetermined value as items with abnormal signs (hereinafter referred to as "abnormal sign items"), stores information on the recognized abnormal sign items in the abnormal sign item storage unit 141c, and transmits the acquired inspection data to the remote monitoring device 20.

[0025] Inside the elevator 10, a plurality of camera devices (not shown) for photographing locations corresponding to inspection items, a plurality of sensors (not shown) for acquiring state information of locations corresponding to inspection items, etc. are installed.

[0026] The remote monitoring device 20 includes a second storage unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a second CPU 23. The second storage unit 21 has an inspection data storage unit 211 that stores inspection data of the elevator 10 transmitted from the elevator control device 14. The second communication unit 22 communicates with the elevator control device 14 via the wide area communication network 30.

[0027] The second CPU 23 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer, and by installing and executing a predetermined remote monitoring program, constitutes one or more of the following information processing units.

[0028] The second CPU 23 has a remote monitoring unit 231 that remotely monitors the elevator 10 by sending inspection instructions to the elevator control device 14 at predetermined intervals and acquiring inspection data transmitted from the elevator control device 14 in response to these instructions.

[0029] <Operation of a monitoring system according to one embodiment> The operation of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. While the monitoring system 1 is in operation, the remote monitoring device 20 transmits inspection instructions to the elevator control device 14 at predetermined intervals (for example, once a month).

[0030] Figures 2A and 2B are flowcharts showing the processes performed by the elevator control device 14 while the monitoring system 1 is in operation. When the operation control unit 143a of the elevator control device 14 is performing normal operation of the elevator 10 (S1), the remote monitoring unit 231 of the remote monitoring device 20 transmits the initial inspection instruction, and the inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b acquires this instruction via the first communication unit 142 (YES in S2).

[0031] When the inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b acquires the initial inspection instruction, the identification unit 143c identifies the type of inspection data for each inspection item to be acquired in the initial inspection process (S3). In the initial inspection process, for example, the type of inspection data to be acquired, including video data, is identified for all inspection items.

[0032] When the identification unit 143c identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired for each inspection item, the inspection execution unit 143d stops normal operation by the operation control unit 143a and executes inspection processing for each inspection item (S4). The inspection execution unit 143d acquires the data to be acquired for each inspection item as inspection data by having the operation control unit 143a move the elevator car 13 or switch predetermined switches ON / OFF as appropriate, and then performs inspection processing.

[0033] The inspection result processing unit 143e acquires the inspection data obtained for the executed inspection process and stores the information of the current inspection data amount D1 in the data amount storage unit 141b. This information stored in the data amount storage unit 141b is used as the previous inspection data amount D0 in the next inspection process.

[0034] Furthermore, the inspection result processing unit 143e calculates a severity level indicating the degree of abnormality for each inspection item based on the inspection data acquired for each inspection item, and stores information on abnormality indicator items whose calculated severity level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the abnormality indicator item storage unit 141c (S5).

[0035] The inspection result processing unit 143e then transmits the acquired inspection data to the remote monitoring device 20 (S6). The inspection result processing unit 143e may also transmit information on abnormality indicators along with the inspection data. After that, the operation control unit 143a resumes normal operation (S7).

[0036] The remote monitoring device 20 receives inspection data and information on the severity of each item transmitted from the elevator control device 14, which is then acquired by the remote monitoring unit 231 via the second communication unit 22 and stored in the inspection data storage unit 211. This completes the initial inspection process.

[0037] Subsequently, when it is time to execute the next inspection process, the remote monitoring unit 231 of the remote monitoring device 20 sends a second inspection instruction to the elevator control device 14, and the inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b acquires this instruction (YES in S8).

[0038] When the inspection instruction acquisition unit 143b acquires a second inspection instruction, the identification unit 143c identifies the type of inspection data for each inspection item to be acquired in the current inspection process, based on the information stored in the threshold storage unit 141a, the data volume storage unit 141b, and the abnormality sign item storage unit 141c.

[0039] Specifically, the identification unit 143c predicts that the amount of inspection data D1 acquired in the current inspection process will be about the same as the amount of previous inspection data D0 acquired in the previous inspection process, and determines whether the amount of previous inspection data D0 stored in the data amount storage unit 141b exceeds the threshold Dmax stored in the threshold storage unit 141a (S9).

[0040] If the identification unit 143c determines that the amount of data D0 from the previous inspection exceeds the threshold Dmax (YES in S9), it further determines whether or not information about an abnormality indicator item is stored in the abnormality indicator item storage unit 141c (S10).

[0041] If the identification unit 143c determines that information on abnormality indicator items is stored (YES in S10), it identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired for the current inspection process, including video data for abnormality indicator items and excluding video data for items other than abnormality indicator items (S11).

[0042] Here, prioritizing the accuracy of monitoring abnormality indicators over minimizing additional communication charges, the specific unit 143c includes video data related to abnormality indicators as part of the acquisition target for this inspection process, thereby allowing the amount of inspection data to exceed the threshold Dmax when the inspection data is transmitted to the remote monitoring device 20 in a later stage.

[0043] Furthermore, if the identification unit 143c determines in step S10 that no information on abnormality indicator items is stored ("NO" in S10), it identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired for this inspection process for all inspection items, excluding video data (S12).

[0044] Furthermore, if the specific unit 143c determines in step S9 that the amount of previously inspected data D0 does not exceed the threshold Dmax (NO in S9), it identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired for the current inspection process, including video data, for all inspection items (S13).

[0045] When the identification unit 143c identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired for each inspection item, the inspection execution unit 143d stops normal operation by the operation control unit 143a and executes the inspection process for each inspection item (S14). The inspection result processing unit 143e acquires the inspection data acquired for the executed inspection process and stores the information of the amount of inspection data D1 of the acquired inspection data in the data amount storage unit 141b.

[0046] Furthermore, the inspection result processing unit 143e calculates a severity level indicating the degree of abnormality for each inspection item based on the inspection data acquired for each inspection item, and stores information on abnormality indicator items whose calculated severity level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the abnormality indicator item storage unit 141c (S15).

[0047] The inspection result processing unit 143e then transmits the acquired inspection data to the remote monitoring device 20 (S16). This completes the second inspection process. After that, the operation control unit 143a resumes normal operation (S17).

[0048] When the second inspection process is completed, the elevator control device 14 returns to step S8, and when it receives the instruction for the next third inspection (YES in S8), it appropriately executes the processes in steps S8 to S17 as described above.

[0049] By regularly repeating the inspection process described above, the administrator of the monitoring center can detect malfunctions that occur over time since the elevator 10 was installed and take appropriate measures such as replacing parts, or detect temporary malfunctions and take measures to resolve their causes.

[0050] For example, regarding the inspection item "door opening and closing time of the car car," if the measured value of the door opening and closing time by a sensor or other means exceeds a predetermined value and is recognized as an abnormality item, the administrator can check the video data of the car car to confirm that there is a foreign object in the guide rail of the car car door and that the opening and closing operation is not being performed smoothly, and can take measures to remove the foreign object and restore it to a normal state.

[0051] Furthermore, regarding the inspection item "landing position," if the difference in height between the floor surface of the elevator car 13 and the landing floor surface, as measured by sensors, exceeds a predetermined value, and this is recognized as an abnormality indicator, the manager can check the video data of the landing switch to recognize if there is rust on the landing switch or a misalignment in its installation position, and can then replace the landing switch or adjust its installation position to restore it to a normal state.

[0052] As a result, this inspection item will no longer be recognized as an abnormality indicator in the next inspection process, allowing for appropriate adjustment of the amount of data in subsequent inspection data.

[0053] In the embodiment described above, the administrator may manually pre-configure items that must be executed using video data for the specific unit 143c, and the specific unit 143c may identify the items to be executed in the current inspection process based on this configured information.

[0054] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the embodiment described above, the elevator control device is a control device that is communicably connected to a remote monitoring device that transmits inspection instructions to the elevator to perform inspection processing remotely at predetermined intervals, and comprises a data amount storage unit, a specification unit, an inspection execution unit, and an inspection result processing unit. The data amount storage unit stores information on the amount of inspection data acquired by the previously executed inspection processing. When the specification unit receives an inspection instruction transmitted from the remote monitoring device, it identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired in the current inspection processing based on the amount of inspection data acquired in the previous inspection processing. The inspection execution unit acquires the type of inspection data identified by the specification unit and executes the current inspection processing. The inspection result processing unit transmits the inspection data acquired for the current inspection processing to the remote monitoring device.

[0055] According to this, the elevator control device can efficiently acquire elevator inspection data and transmit it to the remote monitoring device while taking into account the amount of data transmitted.

[0056] Furthermore, the identifying unit may, when the amount of data from the previous inspection has not exceeded a predetermined threshold, identify the type of inspection data, including video data, for all of the pre-set inspection items, and when the amount of data from the previous inspection has exceeded the threshold, identify the type of inspection data, including video data, for some or all of the inspection items.

[0057] This allows for the acquisition of elevator inspection data with greater accuracy and efficiency, while also considering data traffic, and enables transmission to remote monitoring devices.

[0058] Furthermore, the elevator control device is further equipped with an abnormality indicator item storage unit that stores information on abnormality indicator items that were recognized as showing signs of abnormality in the previously performed inspection process. The identification unit may, if the amount of data from the previous inspection exceeds a threshold and information on abnormality indicator items is stored in the abnormality indicator item storage unit, identify the type of inspection data for the stored abnormality indicator items, including video data, and identify the type of inspection data for items other than the stored abnormality indicator items, without including video data.

[0059] This allows for the efficient acquisition of elevator inspection data and transmission to a remote monitoring device, while taking into account data traffic and abnormality indicators.

[0060] Furthermore, if the amount of data from the previous inspection exceeds a threshold and no information on abnormal signs is stored in the abnormal sign item storage unit, the identification unit may identify the type of inspection data for all multiple inspection items without including video data. If the amount of data from the previous inspection exceeds a threshold and information on abnormal signs is stored in the abnormal sign item storage unit, the identification unit may allow the amount of data to be acquired in the current inspection process to exceed a threshold and identify the type of inspection data.

[0061] This ensures that video data is always acquired for items showing abnormal signs, allowing for more accurate inspection processes.

[0062] Furthermore, the threshold may be set based on the upper limit of the amount of data communication per predetermined period that can be used with a predetermined communication fee. This makes it possible to efficiently acquire elevator inspection data and transmit it to the remote monitoring device while keeping it within the predetermined communication fee as much as possible.

[0063] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1...Monitoring system, 10...Elevator, 11...Hoisting machine, 12...Rope, 13...Elevator car, 14...Elevator control device, 15...Tail code, 20...Remote monitoring device, 21...Second memory unit, 22...Second communication unit, 23...Second CPU, 30...Wide area communication network, 131...Car door, 141...First memory unit, 141a...Threshold memory unit, 141b...Data volume memory unit, 141c...Anomaly sign item memory unit, 142...First communication unit, 143...First CPU, 143a...Operation control unit, 143b...Inspection instruction acquisition unit, 143c...Specification unit, 143d...Inspection execution unit, 143e...Inspection result processing unit, 211...Inspection data memory unit, 231...Remote monitoring unit

Claims

1. An elevator control device that is communicatively connected to a remote monitoring device that transmits inspection instructions to the elevator to perform inspection procedures at predetermined intervals from a remote location, A data volume storage unit stores information about the amount of inspection data obtained by the inspection process performed last time, and Upon receiving an inspection instruction transmitted from the remote monitoring device, the identification unit identifies the type of inspection data to be acquired in the current inspection process based on the amount of data from the previous inspection, An inspection execution unit acquires inspection data of the type identified by the aforementioned specific unit and executes the current inspection process, An elevator control device comprising: an inspection result processing unit that transmits inspection data acquired in relation to the inspection process described above to the remote monitoring device.

2. The aforementioned specific part is the target of acquisition in this inspection process, If the amount of data from the previous inspection does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the type of inspection data, including video data, is identified for all of the pre-set inspection items. The elevator control device according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of previously inspected data exceeds the threshold, the type of the inspection data is identified for some or all of the multiple inspection items without including video data.

3. The system further includes an abnormality indicator item storage unit that stores information on abnormality indicator items that were recognized as showing signs of abnormality in the inspection process performed previously, The aforementioned specific part is the target of acquisition in this inspection process, The elevator control device according to claim 2, wherein if the amount of previously inspected data exceeds the threshold and information of the abnormality sign item is stored in the abnormality sign item storage unit, the type of the inspection data is identified for the stored abnormality sign item, including video data, and the type of the inspection data is identified for items other than the stored abnormality sign item, without including video data.

4. The specified part is, If the amount of data from the previous inspection exceeds the threshold and the information of the abnormal sign item is not stored in the abnormal sign item storage unit, the type of inspection data is identified for all of the multiple inspection items, without including the video data. The elevator control device according to claim 3, wherein if the amount of data from the previous inspection exceeds the threshold and information on the abnormality indicator item is stored in the abnormality indicator item storage unit, the device allows the amount of data from the inspection data to be acquired in the current inspection process to exceed the threshold and identifies the type of the inspection data.

5. The elevator control device according to claim 2, wherein the threshold is set based on the upper limit of the amount of data communication per predetermined period that can be used for a predetermined communication fee.

6. An elevator control device, which is communicatively connected to a remote monitoring device that transmits inspection instructions to the elevator at predetermined intervals from a remote location, The system stores information about the amount of inspection data obtained from the previously executed inspection process, which is the amount of data from the previous inspection. Upon receiving the inspection instruction transmitted from the remote monitoring device, the type of inspection data to be acquired in the current inspection process is identified based on the amount of data from the previous inspection. Obtain the inspection data of the specified type and execute the current inspection process. An elevator inspection method comprising transmitting inspection data acquired in connection with the aforementioned inspection process to the remote monitoring device.

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