How to rewrite the elevator control program

Abstract

This method for rewriting a control program includes: a step in which an information terminal (70) is connected to a control panel (53) of an elevator (50), and identification information with which to identifying the current control program is taken into the information terminal 70 from a control panel (53); a step in which the identification information is transmitted from the information terminal (70) to an information processing device (32); a step in which the information processing device (32) generates or selects, on the basis of the current control program identified on the basis of the identification information by the information processing device (32) and a new control program, an update file for rewriting the current control program into the new control program; a step in which the update file is taken into the information terminal (70); and a step in which the current control program stored in the control panel (53) is rewritten into the new control program on the basis of the update file taken into the information terminal (70).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for rewriting an elevator control program. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, elevator control programs are rewritten to change control by adding new functions or to improve control functions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-1734 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this context, it is conceivable to rewrite the elevator control program using a communication line according to the control program rewriting procedure of the reference example described below. Note that this control program rewriting procedure of the reference example has not been published in any literature, is not publicly known, and cannot be used to deny the patentability of the present invention.

[0005] In the control program rewriting of the reference example, first, an update file for updating the current control program to the new control program is generated on an information processing device of the maintenance company based on the current control program and the new control program. Next, the created update file is sent to the target elevator via a communication line.

[0006] Finally, when a maintenance worker visits the elevator, he or she confirms that the update file has been sent to the elevator and uses an information terminal to rewrite the current control program with the latest control program using the update file.

[0007] This approach reduces the amount of preparation required for on-site program rewriting and shortens waiting times. However, if there are a large number of affected elevators, such as tens of thousands, communication takes time, and it is expected that the update file will not be sent completely when the maintenance worker arrives on-site.

[0008] Furthermore, if another task is performed before confirming that the update file has been received, the received update file may be lost, and the update file may need to be sent again.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for rewriting an elevator control program that makes it easy to update the control program in a short time without having to wait when a maintenance worker visits the site, and that makes it difficult to accidentally lose updated files. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the method for rewriting an elevator control program according to the present disclosure includes the steps of connecting an information terminal to an elevator control panel, and importing identification information capable of identifying the current control program before updating from the control panel into the information terminal, transmitting the identification information from the information terminal to an information processing device, and Reason The information processing device performs the information processing based on the current control program identified based on the identification information and the new control program obtained by updating the current control program. Reason The method includes a step of creating or selecting an update file for the device to rewrite the current control program with the new control program, a step of importing the update file into the information terminal, and a step of rewriting the current control program stored in the control panel with the new control program based on the update file imported into the information terminal.

[0011] The identification information may be any information that is linked to the target control program and that can identify (specify) the target control program, and may be, for example, information about the name of the control program.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, after a maintenance worker arrives at the site, the worker connects (accesses) an information terminal to the control panel and obtains identification information from the control panel (control device) that can identify the current control program, thereby starting the rewriting of the current control program. Therefore, unlike the control program rewriting in the reference example, there is no situation where the maintenance worker cannot start work until the update file has been sent to the elevator, and there is no waiting time for the maintenance worker when he or she arrives at the site.

[0013] In addition, after the maintenance worker arrives at the site, only the update file related to the elevator is processed. Reason Since the control program is downloaded from the device to the information terminal independently, unlike the control program rewriting method of the reference example, tens of thousands of control programs are not transmitted simultaneously, significantly reducing communication time. Furthermore, unlike the control program rewriting method of the reference example, the maintenance worker is involved in all update operations of the current control program, making it less likely that the maintenance worker will accidentally turn off the elevator power while updating the current control program, and less likely that the update file will be lost during the update work of the current control program. Therefore, with the control program rewriting method of the present disclosure, there is no waiting time when the maintenance worker visits the site, making it easy to update the control program in a short time and making it less likely that the update file will be accidentally lost.

[0014] The identification information may be transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device while the information terminal is connected to the control panel.

[0015] This configuration makes it easy to quickly perform program rewriting work.

[0016] The method may also include a step in which the information terminal writes the update file to a communication control device connected to the control panel, and a step in which the information terminal rewrites the current control program stored in the control panel with the new control program based on the update file written to the communication control device based on a signal sent by the information terminal to the communication control device or the control panel.

[0017] The step of rewriting the current control program with the new control program may be performed manually by a person operating the information terminal, or may be performed automatically by a control device of the information terminal without human operation.

[0018] With this configuration, the update file imported into the information terminal is reflected in the current control program on the control panel in two stages, making it possible to check whether the update is accurate and reducing the possibility of erroneous rewriting.

[0019] In addition, the information terminal may write the update file to the communication control device when it determines, based on elevator identification information stored in the communication control device, that the communication control device is connected to the elevator for which the current control program is to be rewritten.

[0020] The elevator identification information may be, for example, information about the serial number of the elevator, or information indicating the number of the elevator in the building where the elevator is located.

[0021] According to this configuration, the elevator whose current control program is to be rewritten can be rewritten only after confirming in advance that the elevator whose current control program needs to be rewritten, thereby preventing erroneous rewriting of the control program.

[0022] In addition, the information processing Reason an update file for rewriting the current control program with the new control program in the device, and Reason It may be stored on the device.

[0023] According to this configuration, when updating control programs for elevators of the same type, it is only necessary to create an update file for updating the first elevator control program once, and when updating control programs for other elevators of the same type, the created update file can be reused to update the control programs. Therefore, the control programs for the other elevators can be updated in a short time.

[0024] The identification information may be transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device via a mobile phone.

[0025] According to this configuration, it is easy to transmit the identification information to the information processing device regardless of the internet connection environment at the location where the elevator is located.

[0026] The communication control device may be connectable to the information processing device without going through the information terminal.

[0027] According to this configuration, even if some kind of problem occurs in transmitting the update file from the information processing device to the information terminal, the update file can be transmitted from the information processing device to the communication control device, and the current control program can be updated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the method for rewriting an elevator control program disclosed herein, there is no waiting time when a maintenance worker visits the site, making it easy to update the control program in a short time, and it is less likely that the updated file will be accidentally lost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a program rewriting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for rewriting a control program for an elevator by the program rewriting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, when multiple embodiments and variations are included below, it is anticipated from the outset that new embodiments will be constructed by appropriately combining their characteristic features. Furthermore, among the components described below, components that are not recited in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are optional components and are not essential components.

[0031] In the following description, the control devices of the devices 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 31, 32, 53, 70, and 71 are preferably configured by a computer, for example, a microcomputer, and include a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit, i.e., the processor, includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit may be configured by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like, and may include a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit may be configured by only one storage medium or by multiple different storage media. The CPU reads and executes programs and the like stored in the storage unit. The nonvolatile memory stores control programs, predetermined thresholds, and the like in advance. The volatile memory temporarily stores the read programs and processing data.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a program rewriting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the program rewriting system (hereinafter referred to as the rewriting system) 1 includes an information processing system 10 installed in an information center 5 of a maintenance company of elevators 50, a service system 30 installed in a service base 7 of the maintenance company, multiple elevators 50, an information terminal 70, and a mobile phone (smartphone) 71.

[0033] There are, for example, multiple information centers 5 throughout Japan. The multiple information processing systems 10 installed in the multiple information centers 5 manage and utilize data from machines, including tens of thousands of elevators 50, throughout Japan, and perform machine repairs, troubleshooting, and remote monitoring of the machines. The information processing systems 10 communicate using a wide area network or a local area network.

[0034] The information processing system 10 includes, for example, a communication control device 11, one or more communication control device clients 12, a machine reception registration client 15, a command system 17, and a router 18. The devices 11, 12, 15, 17, and 18 of the information processing system 10 are connected to one another via a local area network in the information center 5. The communication control device 11 is composed of a CCU (communication control unit) and connects the computer system to a communication line. The communication control device 11 has functions to detect errors that occur during data transmission and convert data into bits or characters. The communication control device client 12 requests various information related to communication from the communication control device 11 and stores that information.

[0035] When information is sent from the information processing system 10 to a machine, the machine reception registration client 15 receives and stores information indicating that the information has been received from the machine. The command system 17 also includes, for example, a terminal or the like that allows a person in the information center 5 to communicate with a person 52 in a car 51 of an elevator 50 in the event of a disaster.

[0036] The router 18 analyzes information at the network layer (Internet layer, Layer 3) of the protocol hierarchy to determine whether or not to forward data and to which destination, primarily relaying data on TCP / IP networks such as the Internet. The router 18 analyzes data (packets) received from the destination and controls forwarding based on IP (Internet Protocol) control information. The router 18 performs routing, selecting an appropriate forwarding path based on the IP address of the packet's destination, and determining the next neighboring device to which the packet should be forwarded before transmitting the packet. The router 18 performs route selection by, for example, referring to a routing table. The routing table lists which device should be requested to relay for each destination network (address), and the router finds the forwarding destination corresponding to the destination address and forwards the packet to that device.

[0037] The service system 30 includes, for example, a router 31 and an information processing device 32. The router 31 has a configuration similar to that of the router 18 and performs the same operation as that of the router 18. The devices 31 and 32 of the service system 30 are connected to each other via a local area network of the service base 7.

[0038] Each elevator 50 includes a car 51, a control panel 53, a hoist 55, a deflector sheave 56, a counterweight 57, a wire rope 58, and a communication control device 59. One end of the wire rope 58 is connected to the car 51, and the other end of the wire rope 58 is connected to the counterweight 57. The wire rope 58 is wound around the hoist 55 and the deflector sheave 56, connecting the car 51 to the counterweight 57. Although not described in detail, the control panel 53 controls the hoist motor and the car door opening / closing motor based on information from an encoder, a floor landing sensor, a car call button installed at the landing, and a destination floor designation button inside the car, all of which are not shown, to thereby control the elevation and lowering of the car 51 and the opening and closing of the car doors. The communication control device 59 has the same functions as the communication control device 11 and performs the same operations as the communication control device 11. The communication control device 59 is provided to communicate between the control panel 53 and devices outside the elevator 50. The communication control device 59 is also connected to the intercom device 54 in the car 51 .

[0039] The control panel 53 of each elevator 50 is capable of communicating with the information processing system 10 via a communication control device 59, and is also capable of communicating with the service system 30 via routers 18 and 31. The communication line between the control panel 53 and the information processing system 10 may include a telephone line 8 or an optical line. The information terminal 70 is, for example, configured as a portable laptop computer. The information terminal 70 communicates with the communication control device 59 via a wired or wireless connection, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

[0040] The information terminal 70 is configured to tether with a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone) 71 via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and can connect to the Internet by using the mobile phone 71 as an access point to which the information terminal 70 can connect. The mobile phone 71 is, for example, the mobile phone of a maintenance worker who carries the information terminal 70. The mobile phone 71 and the information processing device 32 communicate with each other using LTE (Long Term Evolution). As a result, the information terminal 70 communicates with the information processing device 32 via the mobile phone 71. Alternatively, a SIM card (not shown) may be inserted into the mobile terminal, and communication may be performed directly from the mobile terminal.

[0041] In the above configuration, the program rewriting system 1 rewrites the control program of the elevator 50, for example, in the following procedure. Note that the control program is rewritten, for example, when a new function is added to the elevator 50 or to improve the control function of the elevator 50.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for rewriting the control program of the elevator 50 by the program rewriting system 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the rewriting of the control program starts when a maintenance worker who has arrived at the site connects the information terminal 70 to the communication control device 59 by wire or wirelessly. First, in step S1, identification information that can identify the current control program before the update is imported from the control panel 53 into the information terminal 70 via the communication control device 59. Note that the identification information may be any information that can be linked to the target current control program and can identify (specify) the target current control program, such as information about the program name. Alternatively, the identification information of the current control program before the update may be imported directly from the control panel 53 into the information terminal 70 without going through the communication control device 59.

[0043] Next, in step S2, identification information is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the information processing device 32 via the mobile phone 71. Next, in step S3, the control device of the information processing device 32 refers to the identification information to determine whether an update file capable of updating the current control program to the corresponding new control program is stored in the storage unit of the information processing device 32. If the determination in step S3 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S4, in which the information processing device 32 transmits the update file to the information terminal 70 via the mobile phone 71.

[0044] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S5, where the information processing device 32 creates an update file, i.e., a difference file (a file that can identify the code portions that differ between the two control programs), based on the current control program identified from the identification information and the corresponding new control program. In other words, the information processing device 32 creates an update file (a difference file between the current control program and the new control program) that can rewrite the current control program with the new control program. When step S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0045] In step S6 after step S4, the control device of the information terminal 70 determines whether or not the update file can be written to the communication control device 59. Specifically, the communication control device 59 is connected to the control panel 53, and a memory unit of the communication control device 59 stores elevator identification information capable of identifying the corresponding elevator 50, such as the serial number of the elevator 50 and an access number (a number that identifies which building the elevator is in). By referencing the elevator identification information, the information terminal 70 checks whether or not the corresponding control program in the corresponding elevator 50 is a control program that requires rewriting. Here, information about the elevators 50 whose control programs require rewriting may be stored in a memory unit of the information terminal 70.

[0046] If a negative determination is made in step S6, the update file is not written to the communication control device 59, and control ends. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S6, control proceeds to step S7, and the information terminal 70 writes the update file to the memory unit of the communication control device 59. In the following step S8, the information terminal 70 transmits a signal to the communication control device 59 indicating that the update file is to be reflected in the current control program of the control panel 53, and the current control program of the control panel 53 is rewritten with the new control program under the control of the control device of the communication control device 59, and control ends.

[0047] In step S8, the information terminal 70 may send a signal to the control panel 53 indicating that the update file stored in the communication control device 59 is to be reflected in the current control program. The control panel 53 may then request information about the update file from the communication control device 59, and the control panel 53 may rewrite the current control program based on the update file provided by the communication control device 59. Briefly, in step S8, the information terminal 70 may send a signal to the communication control device 59, causing the communication control device 59 to send information about the update file to the control panel 53, or the information terminal 70 may send a signal to the control panel 53, causing the control panel 53 to obtain information about the update file from the communication control device 59.

[0048] As described above, the method for rewriting an elevator control program according to the present disclosure includes the steps of connecting the information terminal 70 to the control panel 53 of the elevator 50 and importing identification information (e.g., a program name) that can identify the current control program before the update from the control panel 53 into the information terminal 70; transmitting the identification information from the information terminal 70 to the information processing device 32; creating or selecting an update file by the information processing device 32 to rewrite the current control program with the new control program based on the current control program identified by the information processing device 32 based on the identification information and the new control program after the current control program is updated; importing the update file into the information terminal 70; and rewriting the current control program stored in the control panel 53 with the new control program based on the update file imported into the information terminal 70.

[0049] According to the present disclosure, after the maintenance worker arrives at the site, the information terminal 70 connects (accesses) to the control panel 53 and starts rewriting the current control program by obtaining identification information that can identify the current control program from the control panel 53. Therefore, unlike the rewriting of the control program in the reference example described above, there is no situation in which the maintenance worker cannot start work until the update file has been sent to the elevator 50, and there is no waiting time for the maintenance worker when he or she arrives at the site.

[0050] Furthermore, after the maintenance worker arrives at the site, only the update file for the elevator 50 to be rewritten is downloaded from the information processing device 32 to the information terminal 70 independently. Therefore, unlike the control program rewriting method of the reference example described above, tens of thousands of control programs are not simultaneously transmitted, significantly reducing communication time. Furthermore, unlike the control program rewriting method of the reference example described above, the maintenance worker is involved in all of the current control program update operations. This makes it less likely that the maintenance worker will accidentally turn off the elevator 50's power while updating the current control program, and therefore less likely that the update file will be lost during the current control program update process. Therefore, the control program rewriting method disclosed herein eliminates the waiting time required for the maintenance worker when visiting the site, making it easier to update the control program in a short time and less likely to accidentally lose the update file.

[0051] Furthermore, the identification information may be transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the information processing device 32 while the information terminal 70 is connected to the control panel 53 .

[0052] This configuration makes it easy to quickly perform program rewriting work.

[0053] The method may also include a step in which the information terminal 70 writes an update file to the communication control device 59 connected to the control panel 53, and a step in which the information terminal 70 rewrites the current control program stored in the control panel 53 with a new control program based on the update file written to the communication control device 59 based on a signal sent by the information terminal 70 to the communication control device 59 or the control panel 53.

[0054] The step of rewriting the current control program with the new control program may be performed manually by a person operating the information terminal 70, or may be performed automatically by the control device of the information terminal without human operation.

[0055] According to this configuration, the update file imported into the information terminal 70 is reflected in the current control program of the control panel 53 in two stages. Therefore, it is possible to check whether the update is accurate, and the possibility of erroneous rewriting can be reduced.

[0056] In addition, the information terminal 70 may write an update file to the communication control device 59 when it determines, based on the elevator identification information stored in the communication control device 59, that the communication control device 59 is connected to the elevator 50 for which the current control program is to be rewritten.

[0057] According to this configuration, the elevator 50 whose current control program is to be rewritten can be rewritten after confirming in advance that the elevator 50 needs its current control program to be rewritten, thereby preventing erroneous rewriting of the control program.

[0058] Alternatively, an update file for rewriting the current control program with the new control program may be created in the information processing device 32, and the created update file may be stored in the information processing device 32.

[0059] According to this configuration, when updating the control programs of elevators 50 of the same type, it is only necessary to create an update file for updating the control program of the first elevator 50 once, and when updating the control programs of other elevators of the same type, the created update file can be reused to update the control programs. Therefore, the control programs of the other elevators can be updated in a short time.

[0060] The identification information may also be transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the information processing device 32 via the mobile phone 71 .

[0061] According to this configuration, it is easy to transmit the identification information to the information processing device 32 regardless of the internet connection environment at the location where the elevator 50 is located.

[0062] Furthermore, the communication control device 59 may be connectable to the information processing device 32 without the information terminal 70. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the communication control device 59 may be connectable to the information processing device 32 via, for example, a telephone line 8, an information processing system 10, and routers 18 and 31.

[0063] According to this configuration, even if some kind of problem occurs in transmitting the update file from the information processing device 32 to the information terminal 70, the update file can be transmitted from the information processing device 32 to the communication control device 59, and the current control program can be updated.

[0064] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the identification information of the current control program is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the information processing device 32 while the information terminal 70 is connected to the control panel 53 has been described. However, the identification information of the current program may be transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device while the information terminal is disconnected from the control panel.

[0066] Also, the case has been described where the information terminal 70 writes an update file to the communication control device 59 when it determines that the communication control device 59 is connected to the elevator 50 for which the current control program is to be rewritten based on the elevator identification information stored in the communication control device 59. However, the information terminal may always write the update file to the communication control device without referring to the elevator identification information stored in the communication control device.

[0067] Also, the case has been described where the information terminal 70 writes the update file to the communication control device 59 connected to the control panel 53. However, the information terminal may write the update file directly to the control panel.

[0068] Also, the case has been described where an update file for rewriting the current control program with a new control program is created in the information processing device 32, and the created update file is stored in the information processing device 32. Reason Device 32 The update file created by the information processor Reason Device 32 It is not necessary to store the information in the storage unit. Reason Device 32 The update file may be created whenever the information processing unit receives identification information that identifies the current control program. Reason Device 32 This reduces the amount of information stored in the memory.

[0069] Also, the case where the identification information is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the information processing device 32 via the mobile phone 71 has been described. However, the identification information is transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device 32 via the mobile phone 71. Reason Device 32 For example, the identification information may be transmitted from an information terminal to an information processing device without going through a mobile phone. Reason Device 32 may be transmitted via the communication control device.

[0070] Also, the case has been described where the communication control device 59 can be connected to the information processing device 32 without going through the information terminal 70. However, the communication control device may be connected to the information processing device only through the information terminal.

[0071] Also, the case where the information processing device 32 is included in the service system 30 at the service base 7 has been described. However, the information processing device 32 may receive the identification information of the current control program from the information terminal while transmitting the update file to the information terminal. Reason Device 32 may be included in the information processing system 10 of the information center 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 program rewriting system, 5 information center, 7 service base, 8 telephone line, 10 information processing system, 11,59 communication control device, 12 communication control device client, 15 machine receiving registration client, 17 command system, 18,31 router, 30 service system, 32 information processing device, 50 elevator, 51 cage, 53 control panel, 54 intercom device, 55 hoist, 56 deflector, 57 counterweight, 58 wire rope, 70 information terminal, 71 mobile phone.

Claims

1. a step of connecting an information terminal to a control panel of the elevator and importing identification information capable of identifying the current control program before the update from the control panel into the information terminal; transmitting the identification information from the information terminal to an information processing device; creating or selecting an update file for the information processing device to rewrite the current control program with the new control program based on the current control program and a new control program obtained by updating the current control program, the new control program being identified by the information processing device based on the identification information; importing the update file into the information terminal; rewriting the current control program stored in the control panel with the new control program based on the update file imported into the information terminal; A method for rewriting an elevator control program, including:

2. 2. The method for rewriting an elevator control program according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device while the information terminal is connected to the control panel.

3. a step in which the information terminal writes the update file to a communication control device connected to the control panel; rewriting the current control program stored in the control panel with the new control program based on the update file written in the communication control device based on a signal transmitted from the information terminal to the communication control device or the control panel; 2. The method for rewriting an elevator control program according to claim 1, comprising:

4. 4. The elevator control program rewriting method according to claim 3, wherein the information terminal writes the update file to the communication control device when it determines, based on elevator identification information stored in the communication control device, that the communication control device is connected to the elevator for which the current control program is to be rewritten.

5. creating an update file for rewriting the current control program with the new control program in the information processing device; 2. The elevator control program rewriting method according to claim 1, wherein the created update file is stored in the information processing device.

6. 6. The method for rewriting an elevator control program according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing device via a mobile phone.

7. 5. The elevator control program rewriting method according to claim 3, wherein the communication control device is connectable to the information processing device without going through the information terminal.

Images