Remote monitoring support device, elevator, remote monitoring support method, and remote monitoring support program

Abstract

To prevent inconsistencies in the quality of response work related to elevator car troubles, which can arise due to differences in the experience and abilities of workers, by using a simple configuration, thereby achieving high-quality remote monitoring and improving the safety of elevator users. [Solution] The remote monitoring support device 120 acquires a signal output from a pressure sensor 137 installed in the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130, determines the position of the car 131 based on the acquired signal, and transmits notification information regarding the determination result to the management server computer 110. This makes it possible to properly determine the position of the car 131 with a simple configuration, and to properly determine whether the car 131 is operating normally, whether it is stopped between floors, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote monitoring support device, a remote monitoring support method, and a remote monitoring support program for supporting remote monitoring of an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for elevators installed in multi-story buildings or the like, workers perform inspection work (diagnostic maintenance work) including diagnosis for maintenance regularly or when a failure occurs in the elevator, thereby ensuring the proper operation of the elevator.

[0003] Also conventionally, a communication function is provided to a control board (control device) that controls the operation of an elevator, and communication is performed between a management server computer installed at a remote location of the elevator and the control board, so that there is an elevator remote monitoring system for monitoring the state of the elevator at a remote location of the elevator.

[0004] Also conventionally, there has been a technique in which a terminal device having a communication function is connected to an elevator control board or the like, and the state of the elevator is monitored at a remote location of the elevator via the terminal device. Thereby, for example, even in an old-type elevator that was not assumed to be remotely monitored at the time of installation, remote monitoring can be performed after the elevator is installed.

[0005] As a related technique, specifically, conventionally, for example, sensor information from a smart device carried by an operator and equipped with a sensor is transmitted to a center device, and in the center device, the work schedule, work location of the operator, and data obtained by the operator at the first inspection are obtained as model data information, and based on the measured value from the sensor, the location where the maintenance work of the elevator is to be performed is specified, and when the operator in the car is in a dangerous state, a signal for notifying danger is sent to the smart device (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-80076 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2021 / 38624 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2021 / 131076 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-14367 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, all of the conventional technologies described above tend to have complex configurations because they rely on information obtained from multiple components that make up the elevator to detect signs of malfunctions or other problems, or the problems themselves (hereinafter referred to as "problems, etc.").

[0008] Furthermore, the conventional technology described above had a problem in that when troubles occurred in elevators and were detected through remote monitoring, the quality of the response work varied due to differences in the experience and abilities of the workers dispatched to the site. This variation in the quality of response work due to differences in the experience and abilities of the workers caused problems such as making elevator users anxious and compromising safety.

[0009] In addition, generally speaking, elevator manufacturers themselves or those affiliated with the manufacturer... The components installed by the elevator management company (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturer, etc." as appropriate) are controlled by control boards manufactured and managed by the said manufacturer, etc. It is difficult for so-called "independent elevator maintenance service companies," which are independent of the manufacturer, etc., to obtain elevator information on the same level as the manufacturer, etc., by using the existing components that the elevator has had since its installation.

[0010] Due to these circumstances, maintenance and management by elevator managers tend to be limited to the scope specified by the elevator manufacturer, resulting in less flexibility in their maintenance and management. In this situation, reducing the frequency of maintenance and inspections in order to lower maintenance costs posed a problem, potentially compromising the safety of elevator users.

[0011] Furthermore, the conventional technologies described above often detect elevator problems by utilizing output signals from components present during elevator installation, which presented a problem in that it was difficult for independent elevator maintenance service companies to add further functions later on.

[0012] Furthermore, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 above is intended to monitor the safe actions of workers during inspection and maintenance work on elevators installed in buildings, and does not constantly monitor the condition of the elevator. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the standpoint of ensuring the safety of elevator users.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a remote monitoring support device, a remote monitoring support method, and a remote monitoring support program that can solve the problems of the prior art described above, prevent variations in the quality of work related to elevator car troubles caused by differences in the experience and abilities of workers with a simple configuration, realize high-quality remote monitoring, and improve the safety of elevator users.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve the problems of the prior art described above, this invention aims to provide a remote monitoring support device, a remote monitoring support method, and a remote monitoring support program that can prevent variations in the quality of work related to elevator car troubles, etc., caused by differences in the experience and ability of workers, through a simple configuration, while simultaneously improving the flexibility of maintenance management and improving the safety of elevator users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a signal output from a pressure sensor installed in an elevator car; a determination means for determining the position of the car based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means; and a transmission means for transmitting notification information regarding the determination result of the determination means to a management server computer installed at a remote location of the elevator.

[0016] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the pressure sensor is not connected to the control board of the elevator.

[0017] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination means further determines whether or not the elevator car is stopped between floors based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means, and the transmission means transmits the notification information, which includes information regarding the status of the elevator, to the management server computer when the determination means determines that the elevator car is stopped between floors.

[0018] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support method according to this invention is characterized by acquiring a signal output from a pressure sensor installed in the elevator car, determining the position of the car based on the acquired signal, and transmitting notification information regarding the determination result to a management server computer installed at a remote location of the elevator.

[0019] In addition, the remote monitoring support program according to the present invention causes a computer to acquire a signal output from a pressure sensor provided in an elevator car, determines the position of the car based on the acquired signal, and based on the determination result, transmits notification information regarding the determination result to a management server computer installed at a remote location of the elevator. It is characterized by executing the process.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the remote monitoring support device, remote monitoring support method, and remote monitoring support program of the present invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the quality of response work to troubles related to an elevator car due to differences in the experience and ability of workers with a simple configuration, realize high-quality remote monitoring, and improve the safety of elevator users.

[0021] In addition, according to the remote monitoring support device, remote monitoring support method, and remote monitoring support program of the present invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the quality of response work to troubles related to an elevator car due to differences in the experience and ability of workers with a simple configuration, and at the same time, achieve both an improvement in the degree of freedom of maintenance management and an improvement in the safety of elevator users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of a remote monitoring system. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of each part constituting a remote monitoring system. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a remote monitoring support device. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a remote monitoring support device.

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0023] A preferred embodiment of a remote monitoring system including a remote monitoring support device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] (System configuration of the remote monitoring system) First, the system configuration of a remote monitoring system including a remote monitoring support device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the remote monitoring system. As shown in Figure 1, the remote monitoring system 100 includes a management server computer 110 and a remote monitoring support device 120.

[0025] The management server computer 110 is installed, for example, in a remote location different from the location where the elevator 130 to be monitored is installed. Specifically, the management server computer 110 can be installed, for example, in a maintenance company 140 that is responsible for the maintenance and management of the elevator 130.

[0026] In addition to the management server computer 110, the maintenance company 140 is equipped with a telephone 142 that enables direct communication between users inside the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130 and operators 141 of the maintenance company 140. The telephone 142 may be directly connected to the public voice network 101, or it may be connected to the public voice network 101 via a PBX (Private Branch eXchange: not shown in the diagram).

[0027] The management server computer 110 can be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose server computer device. The management server computer 110 may be connected to an operation terminal device 143, which may be implemented by a personal computer or the like. The management server computer 110 and the operation terminal device 143 may be installed in the same location or in different locations.

[0028] The elevator 130, which is monitored by the remote monitoring system 100, is installed in a multi-story building or similar structure. The elevator 130 includes a hoistway (not shown) that penetrates each floor of the building vertically, and a car 131 for carrying people and goods. The car 131 is located within the hoistway and moves up and down vertically within the hoistway. There is one car 131 in each hoistway.

[0029] The hoistway is equipped with a drive mechanism 132 that is involved in the raising and lowering operation of the cage 131. The drive mechanism 132 can be installed, for example, at the top of the hoistway and consists of a hoisting machine 132a, a rope 132b, a counterweight 132c, and the like. The drive mechanism 132 also includes an electromagnetic brake and a speed governor (neither of which are shown in the illustration).

[0030] The elevator car 131 is equipped with a door 131a. Inside the elevator car 131 is a control panel 133. The control panel 133 is equipped with a group of control buttons, including various operation buttons, and a display that shows the floor level on which the elevator car 131 is located. The control panel 133 is also equipped with a microphone and speaker, enabling intercom functionality. The control panel 133 is equipped with a control board for the control panel 133.

[0031] Doors 134a are provided at each landing 134 in the elevator shaft, corresponding to each floor level. The doors 134a at the landings 134 are locked by a device called an interlock. When the elevator 130 arrives at a stopping floor, the motor (not shown) in the car 131 is driven, and the drive mechanism of the door 131a of the car 131 engages with the interlock, releasing the lock, and doors 131a and 134a open and close in conjunction.

[0032] Each landing 134 is equipped with a control panel 135. Each control panel 135 has a landing call button and a display that shows the floor level where the elevator car 131 is located (these are not shown in the illustration). Each control panel 135 at each landing 134 is equipped with a control board for the control panel 135.

[0033] The elevator 130 is equipped with a control board 136 that drives and controls various parts of the elevator 130. For example, the control board 136 drives and controls the hoisting machine 132a to raise and lower the elevator car 131. The control board 136 is also connected to, for example, the control board for the control panel 133 and the control board for the control panel 135, and transmits and receives signals between the control board for the control panel 133 and the control board for the control panel 135.

[0034] The cage 131 is equipped with a pressure sensor 137. The pressure sensor 137 can be installed, for example, on the outside of the cage 131. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 137 may be installed on the inside of the cage 131. The pressure sensor 137 can be, for example, a piezoresistive pressure sensor. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 137 may be a pressure sensor using a Si semiconductor by a capacitive method, a thin-film deposition method, or the like. The pressure sensor 137 may also be a network-compatible pressure sensor.

[0035] The pressure sensor 137 may be located in a box on top of the basket, which is not shown in the figure. The upper box is installed, for example, on top of the cage's ceiling, i.e., on the outside of the cage. The cage upper box houses an electrical circuit that includes a power supply circuit and control circuit. Various components installed in the cage 131, such as the control panel 133, the motor for opening and closing the door 131a, the door opening / closing sensor, the obstacle detection device, the load sensor and other sensors and buzzers, are connected to the electrical circuit housed in the cage upper box.

[0036] The pressure sensor 137 is not something that the elevator 130 is equipped with from the start when it is installed, but can be implemented by adding it after the elevator 130 is installed. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 137 may be installed in the elevator car 131 from the start when the elevator 130 is installed.

[0037] The pressure sensor 137 utilizes the principle that atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude to calculate the relative altitude of the cage 131 relative to a reference altitude, based on the relationship between altitude and atmospheric pressure of the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the atmospheric pressure at the current location. It then outputs information regarding the calculated relative altitude of the cage 131. The relative altitude of the cage 131 can be calculated from the atmospheric pressure and temperature at the current location, as well as the sea-level pressure of the International Standard Atmosphere.

[0038] The pressure sensor 137, for example, uses the position (height) where the cage 131 is resting on the first floor of the building as the reference height (0 meters) and outputs information regarding the relative altitude of the cage 131 with respect to this reference height. The relative altitude of the cage 131 will deviate from the actual altitude depending on the ambient temperature around the cage and changes in atmospheric pressure due to weather changes. For this reason, the pressure sensor 137 may output information regarding the corrected relative altitude, for example, by adding a predetermined correction value to the relative altitude of the cage 131 based on the measured value.

[0039] The pressure sensor 137 may output information that directly indicates, for example, the relative altitude of the elevator car 131 with respect to a reference height. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 137 may output information that directly indicates, for example, the floor on which the elevator car 131 is located, or between which floors the elevator car 131 is located.

[0040] Multiple pressure sensors 137 may be provided in a single basket 131. When multiple pressure sensors 137 are provided in a single basket 131, for example, they may be provided at diagonal positions on the top surface of the basket 131. Alternatively, when multiple pressure sensors 137 are provided in a single basket 131, they may be provided at each of the four corners on the top surface of the basket 131.

[0041] The remote monitoring support device 120 is connected to the management server computer 110 via a network 102 such as the Internet. Therefore, the remote monitoring support device 120 can communicate with the management server computer 110. The remote monitoring support device 120 also has a communication function and is connected to the pressure sensor 137 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The remote monitoring support device 120 may acquire the signal output from the pressure sensor 137 and determine the position of the cage 131 based on the acquired signal.

[0042] The remote monitoring support device 120 may calculate the travel speed of the car 131 based on the change in the relative altitude of the car 131 per unit time. The remote monitoring support device 120 may also determine whether the car 131 is traveling at a speed exceeding its rated speed based on the calculated travel speed of the car 131.

[0043] The remote monitoring support device 120 transmits notification information, including information about the position of the cage 131, based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 137, to the management server computer 110. The remote monitoring support device 120 may send notification information to the management server computer 110 only when there is an abnormality in the operation of the elevator 130, such as when the car 131 is stopped between floors.

[0044] In this way, by transmitting notification information regarding the judgment result based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 137 to the management server computer 110, the operating status of the elevator car 131 can be remotely monitored by the remote maintenance company 140 of the elevator 130.

[0045] If the pressure sensor 137 is a network-compatible pressure sensor, the management server computer 110 may communicate directly with the pressure sensor 137 without going through the remote monitoring support device 120. In this case, the management server computer 110 can determine the location of the cage 131 and other information without using the remote monitoring support device 120.

[0046] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 may be connected to the control board 136 by wireless or wired connection. In this case, the remote monitoring support device 120 can communicate with the control board 136 and the management server computer 110, and output operation instructions from the management server computer 110 to the control board 136 according to the status of the elevator 130. This allows the elevator 130 to be remotely controlled by a maintenance company 140 located at a remote location.

[0047] The remote monitoring support device 120 is further connected to the telephone 142 via the public voice network 101. The public voice network 101 includes the fixed telephone network (public switched telephone network) and the mobile phone network. This allows a person inside the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130 to communicate directly with the operator 141 of the maintenance company 140. The remote monitoring support device 120 and the telephone 142 may be connected via network 102 instead of the public voice network 101.

[0048] (Hardware configuration of each component constituting the remote monitoring system 100) Next, the hardware configuration of the remote monitoring system 100 will be described. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of each part that makes up the remote monitoring system 100.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the control board 136 of the elevator 130 is connected via signal lines to various components that make up the elevator 130, such as the hoisting machine 132a, the control panel 133 (control board for control panel 133), the control panel 135 (control board for control panel 135), and various sensors (not shown) except for the pressure sensor 137, and drives and controls each of these components. If the pressure sensor 137 is one that the elevator 130 is equipped with at the time of installation, the control board 136 of the elevator 130 is also connected to the pressure sensor 137.

[0050] The control board 136 controls the operation of the elevator 130 by acquiring signals (up signals) output from each component of the elevator 130 and outputting control signals (down signals) to each component based on the up signals.

[0051] The control board for the control panel 133, as described above, generates an upward signal corresponding to each input operation to the operation buttons by a user of the elevator 130, and outputs the generated upward signal to the control board 136. For example, if the control board 136 receives an upward signal indicating that the emergency button on the control panel 133 has been operated, it outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 to notify it that the emergency button has been operated.

[0052] Furthermore, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects an operational abnormality of the elevator 130 based on an upward signal or the like, informing the remote monitoring support device 120 that an operational abnormality has been detected. The control board 136 also outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects, for example, an earthquake, an abnormal stop of the elevator car 131, insufficient illumination inside the elevator car 131, or an abnormal sound inside the elevator car 131.

[0053] Specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects an earthquake of a predetermined seismic intensity (for example, seismic intensity 4) or higher. Also, specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects an abnormal stop of the elevator car 131 in a location where the doors of the elevator car 131 and the landing 134 cannot be opened or closed, such as between floors.

[0054] Furthermore, the control board 136 may, for example, use an illuminance sensor (not shown) such as a phototransistor or photodiode installed inside the cage 131 to detect insufficient illumination inside the cage 131, and output an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when insufficient illumination inside the cage 131 is detected. Furthermore, the control board 136 may, for example, use the microphone provided in the operation panel 133 to detect an abnormal sound that exceeds the range of normal conversation, such as a scream or shout, and output an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120.

[0055] Specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 if, for example, it outputs a control signal to open and close the doors 131a and 134a, but detects that the corresponding doors 131a and 134a do not operate based on the output values ​​of the door opening and closing sensors. Also specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 if, for example, it detects an operational abnormality (malfunction) in which an occupant is trapped inside the car 131.

[0056] The control board for control panel 135, like the control board for control panel 133, generates an upward call signal corresponding to the input operation when it receives an input operation from a user of the elevator 130 to the landing call button, and outputs the generated upward call signal to the control board 136. When an upward call signal is output from the control board for control panel 135, the control board 136, in the same way as when a signal is output from the control board for control panel 133, generates various downward control signals based on the upward call signal output from the control board for control panel 135, and controls the operation of the elevator 130 by outputting the generated downward control signals to the corresponding parts.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the remote monitoring support device 120 includes a communication interface (I / F) 201, a relay board 202, a monitoring and control board 203, a memory 204, and the like. The communication interface 201 is connected to the barometric pressure sensor 137 and receives input signals from the barometric pressure sensor 137. The communication interface 201 outputs the signals received from the barometric pressure sensor 137 to the monitoring and control board 203.

[0058] Furthermore, the communication interface 201 is connected to the network 102. This allows the remote monitoring support device 120 to communicate (data communication) with the management server computer 110 via the communication interface 201. In addition to the network 102 for data communication, the communication interface 201 is also connected to the public voice network 101, which is a network for voice communication. This allows the person inside the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130 to communicate directly with the operator 141 of the maintenance company 140.

[0059] The relay board 202 analyzes various signals output from the control board 136 and monitors the analysis results. The signal is output to the control board 203. The various signals output from the control board 136 differ depending on the model of the elevator 130. For analysis, the relay board 202 converts the various signals output from the control board 136 into a format that the monitoring control board 203 can process and outputs it. This makes it possible to remotely monitor the elevator 130 regardless of the model of the elevator 130.

[0060] The monitoring and control board 203 stores the analysis results output from the relay board 202 in, for example, the memory 204. The memory 204 also stores the remote monitoring support program according to the embodiment of this invention. The monitoring and control board 203 may also directly store the signals received by the relay board 202 in the memory 204 without analysis. The monitoring and control board 203 can be implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

[0061] Memory 204 can be implemented using a non-volatile storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is cut off. Specifically, memory 204 can be, for example, flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or EPROM (Erasable This can be achieved using methods such as Programmable Read-Only Memory.

[0062] Furthermore, the monitoring and control board 203 generates a transmission signal based on the analysis results output from the relay board 202, and transmits the generated transmission signal to the management server computer 110 via the communication I / F 201 connected to the network 102. Specifically, for example, if the monitoring and control board 203 receives a signal (alarm signal) from the control board 136 indicating that an emergency button has been operated via the relay board 202, it transmits predetermined information to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0063] Specifically, for example, if the monitoring and control board 203 receives a signal (an alarm signal) from the control board 136 indicating that an emergency button has been operated, via the relay board 202, it transmits predetermined information to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0064] Furthermore, the monitoring and control board 203 receives various signals (all of which are alarm signals) from the control board 136, indicating not only when the emergency button is operated, but also when an earthquake occurs, the elevator car 131 stops abnormally, there is insufficient illumination inside the elevator car 131, there is an abnormal sound, the doors 131a and 134a do not operate, or an occupant is trapped inside the elevator car 131. When the monitoring and control board 203 receives such alarm signals via the relay board 202, it transmits predetermined information to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator car 130.

[0065] Alternatively, the monitoring and control board 203 may acquire signals (up signals) output from each part of the elevator 130 and signals (down signals) output from the control board 136 to each part of the elevator 130 via the relay board 202, and based on the acquired signals, transmit predetermined information to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0066] Specifically, the monitoring and control board 203, for example, receives an upward signal from a sensor in the elevator 130 to the control board 136 indicating that the doors 131a and 134a are not operating, and based on the acquired signal, transmits a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130. Specifically, the monitoring and control board 203, for example, receives a down signal from the control board 136 instructing the hoisting machine 132a to perform an emergency stop, and based on the received signal, transmits predetermined information to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0067] Furthermore, if the monitoring and control board 203 receives a signal (an alarm signal) from the control board 136 indicating that an emergency button has been operated, via the relay board 202, it will send a call signal to the telephone 142 via the public voice network 101 or the like. This allows the occupants inside the elevator car 131 to communicate (talk) with the operator 141 of the maintenance company 140 using the microphone and speaker provided in the control panel 133.

[0068] (Functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device 120) Next, the functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device 120 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device 120. As shown in Figure 3, the functions of the remote monitoring support device 120 are realized by the acquisition unit 301, the determination unit 302, the storage unit 303, and the transmission unit 304.

[0069] The acquisition unit 301 acquires the signal output from the pressure sensor 137. Specifically, the acquisition unit 301 can be implemented, for example, by a communication I / F 201 connected to the pressure sensor 137. The acquisition unit 301 may continuously acquire the signal output from the pressure sensor 137, or it may acquire the signal when the signal output from the pressure sensor 137 changes.

[0070] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 301 may acquire signals output from other components of the elevator 130 besides the pressure sensor 137. In this case, the acquisition unit 301 specifically acquires the up signal and the down signal. In this case, the acquisition unit 301 specifically acquires the alarm signal output by the control board 136 to the remote monitoring support device 120.

[0071] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 301 may, for example, acquire signals from the remote monitoring support device 120 corresponding to a predetermined signal output from the management server computer 110 to the remote monitoring support device 120, and acquire signals output from each component of the elevator 130 other than the pressure sensor 137. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 301 may continuously acquire signals output from each component of the elevator 130 other than the pressure sensor 137.

[0072] The determination unit 302 determines the position of the elevator car 131 based on the signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301. Specifically, the determination unit 302 determines the position of the elevator car 131 based on the relative altitude of the elevator car 131 with respect to a reference height output by the pressure sensor 137. The position of the elevator car 131 can be determined, for example, based on information regarding the floor height and inter-floor distance of the building in which the elevator is installed. The determination unit 302 can be specifically implemented, for example, by the monitoring and control board 203.

[0073] The floor heights and inter-floor distances of the building where elevator 130 is installed are determined in advance by measurement. Floor height refers to the height of each floor in the building, indicating the height from the floor surface of the floor below to the floor surface of the floor above. Inter-floor distance refers to the distance between the ceiling of the floor below and the floor of the floor immediately above it.

[0074] Furthermore, the determination unit 302 may determine whether the car 131 is stopped or moving based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 301. If the car 131 is stopped, the determination unit 302 will determine whether the car 131 is stopped between floors based on the position of the car 131. You may make a judgment.

[0075] Furthermore, the determination unit 302 may, for example, determine whether or not there is abnormal vibration of the cage 131 based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 301. For example, the determination unit 302 determines that abnormal vibration is occurring if the number of times the relative height of the cage 131 fluctuates (moves up and down) by more than a predetermined threshold is greater than a predetermined number of times per unit time. This avoids determining that abnormal vibration is occurring in situations where the cage 131 shakes slightly, such as when a user boards the cage 131 forcefully or when a user forcefully places heavy luggage on the floor inside the cage 131.

[0076] Furthermore, the determination unit 302 may, for example, determine whether the cage 131 is rising or falling at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 301. Specifically, the determination unit 302 determines that the cage 131 is rising or falling at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed when the rate of change in the relative altitude of the cage 131 per unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0077] If multiple pressure sensors 137 are provided in one cage 131, the determination unit 302 may determine that the cage 131 is tilted (in an abnormal state) if the difference in relative altitude calculated by each pressure sensor 137, which is identified based on the signals output from each pressure sensor 137, is greater than a predetermined threshold difference value.

[0078] The determination unit 302 may further determine whether the operating state of the elevator car 131 is in a normal operating state based on signals output from each component of the elevator 130 other than the pressure sensor 137, among the signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301. Specifically, the determination unit 302 may determine that the operating state of the elevator car 131 is not in a normal operating state if, for example, the elevator car 131 is vibrating abnormally. Also, specifically, the determination unit 302 may determine that the operating state of the elevator car 131 is not in a normal operating state if, for example, the change in atmospheric pressure per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0079] Furthermore, the determination unit 302 may determine, for example, that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state if an impact exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the cage 131. Also, the determination unit 302 may determine that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state if the cage 131 is tilted by more than a predetermined value, or if the state of being tilted by more than a predetermined value continues for a predetermined time.

[0080] The storage unit 303 stores information such as signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301 and the judgment results of the decision unit 302. Specifically, the storage unit 303 can be implemented, for example, by memory 204. The storage unit 303 may store either the signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301 or the information regarding the judgment results of the decision unit 302, or it may store both.

[0081] Furthermore, the memory unit 303 stores information regarding the floor height and inter-floor spacing of the building where the elevator is installed. This information regarding the floor height and inter-floor spacing of the building can, for example, be information indicating the relative height to a reference height. This allows the determination unit 302 to determine the position of the elevator car 131.

[0082] The transmitting unit 304 transmits notification information regarding the determination result of the determination unit 302 to the management server computer 110. The transmitting unit 304 may also transmit notification information regarding the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 301 to the management server computer 110. Specifically, the transmitting unit 304 can be implemented, for example, by a communication I / F 201 connected to the network 102.

[0083] The transmission unit 304 may send notification information regarding the judgment result of the judgment unit 302 to the management server computer 110 each time a judgment is made, or it may send it to the management server computer 110 at predetermined intervals. When sending notification information to the management server computer 110 at predetermined intervals, the transmission unit 304 sends information stored in the storage unit 303 that has not been sent to the management server computer 110.

[0084] Furthermore, the transmission unit 304 may send notification information indicating that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state to the management server computer 110 only if the determination unit 302 determines that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. In this case, the transmission unit 304 may also send information stored in the storage unit 303 that has not been sent to the management server computer 110, in addition to the notification information indicating that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state.

[0085] The notification information may be, for example, the output value of the pressure sensor 137, or it may be information that notifies the determination result of the determination unit 302 (such as whether the cage 131 is stopped or moving, the position of the cage 131, or whether there is abnormal vibration of the cage 131). The notification information may also be information that notifies that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. The notification information may include information indicating the date and time the signal output from the pressure sensor 137 was acquired, and the date and time the determination was made.

[0086] (Processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device 120) Next, the processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device 120 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device 120. In the flowchart of Figure 4, first, the device waits until it obtains the signal output from the pressure sensor 137 (output signal of the pressure sensor 137) (step S401: No).

[0087] In step S401, if a signal output from the pressure sensor 137 is obtained (step S401: Yes), the position of the basket 131 is determined based on the obtained signal (step S402). In step S402, in addition to the position of the basket 131, the operating state of the basket 131 may also be determined.

[0088] Next, based on the signal obtained in step S401:Yes, it is determined whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state (step S403). In step S403, for example, if the change in atmospheric pressure per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or if an impact greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to the cage 131, it is determined that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. Also in step S403, for example, if the cage 131 is tilted more than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. In step S403, it is also possible to determine whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state based on the determination result in step S402.

[0089] In step S403, if the operating state of the basket 131 is not the normal operating state (step S403: No), notification information is generated (step S404). Then, the notification information generated in step S404 is sent to the management server computer 110 (step S405), and the series of processes ends.

[0090] On the other hand, in step S403, if the operating state of the basket 131 is the normal operating state (step S403: Yes), information regarding the decision result is stored in memory 204 (step S406), and the process proceeds to step S401. The information stored in step S406 is In step S404, the notification information is sent to the management server computer 110.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the operating status of the car 131 is monitored by a remote monitoring support device 120 retrofitted to the elevator 130 using a pressure sensor 137 retrofitted to the car 131, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The pressure sensor 137 may be one that was installed on the car 131 when the elevator 130 was installed, or it may be one that is retrofitted to a device installed after the elevator 130 was installed.

[0092] Devices added after the installation of elevator 130 can, for example, be implemented by a tablet terminal that displays management information such as advertisements, operating status, or inspection schedules inside the elevator car 131. By utilizing the functions of devices added after the installation of elevator 130, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in maintenance costs and an improvement in the safety of elevator 130 users.

[0093] Furthermore, if a device added after the installation of the elevator 130, such as a tablet terminal, is equipped with communication capabilities, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this invention can be realized using the device added after the installation of the elevator 130. This makes it possible to achieve both a further reduction in maintenance costs and an improvement in the safety of elevator 130 users.

[0094] As described above, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the present invention is characterized by acquiring a signal output from a pressure sensor 137 installed in the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130, determining the position of the car 131 based on the acquired signal, and transmitting notification information regarding the determination result to the management server computer 110.

[0095] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, the position of the elevator car 131 can be determined by determining the position of the car 131 based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 137 installed in the elevator car 130, thereby enabling accurate determination of the car's position with a simple configuration. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the car 131 is operating normally, whether it is stopped between floors, etc.

[0096] Furthermore, since the remote monitoring support device 120 can communicate with the management server computer 110, this is not limited to elevators 130 that have communication functions with external devices such as the management server computer 110 at the time of installation. Even elevators 130 that do not have communication functions at the time of installation can transmit information regarding the judgment results to the management server computer 110 by retrofitting the pressure sensor 137 and the remote monitoring support device 120 to the elevator 130.

[0097] This allows the management server computer 110 and the remote monitoring support device 120 to share information regarding the judgment results. The management server computer 110 can then quickly and reliably detect problems such as the cage 131 not functioning properly based on standardized judgment criteria. It can then use the management server computer 110 to select the most suitable personnel to respond to the detected problems and dispatch them to the site promptly.

[0098] Furthermore, by quickly dispatching the most suitable personnel to the site to address any detected problems, issues such as the elevator car 131 not operating properly can be dealt with promptly. This reduces the time the elevator 130 is unavailable, ensuring convenience for elevator users.

[0099] Thus, according to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the quality of response work to problems such as the elevator car 131 not operating properly, which can be caused by differences in the experience and abilities of workers, with a simple configuration, thereby achieving high-quality remote monitoring and improving the safety of elevator 130 users.

[0100] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the pressure sensor 137 is not connected to the control board 136 of the elevator 130.

[0101] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, the position of the elevator car 131 can be determined based on a signal output from a pressure sensor 137 that is not connected to the control board 136 of the elevator 130. This allows for remote monitoring of the elevator 130 using a simple configuration with a pressure sensor 137 retrofitted to the elevator 130. As a result, an independent elevator maintenance service company can monitor the operating status of the elevator 130 from a remote location.

[0102] In situations where independent maintenance service companies for elevators 130 find it difficult to pre-install sensors and other components necessary for remote monitoring when installing elevators 130, maintenance and management by elevator managers and other personnel are limited to the scope specified by the manufacturer of each elevator 130, resulting in a low degree of freedom in maintenance and management by elevator managers and other personnel.

[0103] In addition, communication between the control board 136 and the management server computer 110 is generally carried out using signals unique to each manufacturer. This makes it easy for each elevator manufacturer to uniquely set the maintenance costs for the elevator 130, making it difficult to reduce the maintenance costs borne by the person in charge of managing the elevator 130.

[0104] While the safety and sense of security of users of elevator 130 tend to increase with the frequency of maintenance and inspections of elevator 130, if the frequency of maintenance and inspections is reduced to the minimum or close to the frequency stipulated in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines in order to reduce maintenance costs in the above-mentioned situation, it becomes difficult to achieve both an increase in the flexibility of maintenance management, including a reduction in maintenance costs, and an increase in the safety of users of elevator 130.

[0105] In contrast, with the remote monitoring support device 120 of the embodiment of this invention, even an independent elevator 130 maintenance service company can remotely monitor the elevator 130. This makes it possible for independent elevator 130 maintenance service companies to enter the elevator 130 remote monitoring business, thereby achieving both increased flexibility in maintenance management, including a reduction in maintenance costs, and improved safety for elevator 130 users.

[0106] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized by determining whether the elevator car 131 is stopped between floors based on a signal output from the pressure sensor 137, and if it is determined that the elevator car 131 is stopped between floors, it transmits notification information including information regarding the status of the elevator 120 to the management server computer 110.

[0107] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the cage 131 is stopped between floors, the device notifies the management server computer 110 of this fact. It is possible.

[0108] This reduces the processing load on the management server computer 110 that communicates with the remote monitoring support device 120. Furthermore, if the elevator car 131 stops between floors, the most suitable personnel can be quickly dispatched to the site to address the situation, promptly respond to any problems with the elevator 130, minimize the time the elevator 130 is unavailable, and ensure convenience for elevator users.

[0109] Furthermore, by promptly responding to any problems that occur in elevator 130, it is possible to quickly rescue any users inside elevator car 131, thereby improving the safety of elevator 130 users and ensuring their peace of mind.

[0110] The remote monitoring support method described in this embodiment can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, USB memory, or SSD, and is executed when read from the recording medium by the computer. This program may also be transmitted via a network such as the Internet. [Industrial applicability]

[0111] As described above, the remote monitoring support device, remote monitoring support method, and remote monitoring support program according to this invention are useful for remote monitoring support devices, remote monitoring support methods, and remote monitoring support programs that support remote monitoring of elevators, and are particularly suitable for remote monitoring support devices, remote monitoring support methods, and remote monitoring support programs that support remote monitoring of elevators by independent elevator maintenance service companies. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 100 Remote Monitoring Systems 110 Management Server Computer 120 Remote monitoring support device 130 Elevators 131 baskets Platform 134 136 Control board 137 Barometric pressure sensor 140 Maintenance and Management Companies 201 Communication I / F 202 Relay board 203 Monitoring and Control Board 204 memory 301 Acquisition Department 302 Judgment Department 303 Storage section 304 Transmitter

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring a signal output from a pressure sensor installed in the elevator car, Based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means determines the position of the basket, A transmission means for transmitting notification information regarding the determination result of the determination means to a management server computer installed remotely from the elevator, A remote monitoring support device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The remote monitoring support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensor is not connected to the control board of the elevator.

3. The determination means further determines, based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means, whether or not the elevator is stopped between floors. The remote monitoring support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the notification information, which includes information regarding the status of the elevator, to the management server computer when the determination means determines that the elevator car is stopped between floors.

4. The signal output from the pressure sensor installed in the elevator car is acquired. Based on the acquired signal, the position of the basket is determined. Notification information regarding the result of the aforementioned determination is transmitted to a management server computer installed remotely from the elevator. A remote monitoring support method characterized by the following features.

5. On the computer, The signal output from the pressure sensor installed in the elevator car is acquired. Based on the acquired signal, the position of the basket is determined. Based on the judgment result, notification information regarding the judgment result is transmitted to a management server computer located remotely from the elevator. A remote monitoring support program characterized by its ability to execute processes.

Images