Inspection system and inspection method

Abstract

To provide an inspection system and an inspection method that are able to reduce a work time of a maintenance worker spent on inspection of an indicator of an elevator.SOLUTION: An inspection system comprises: a control panel configured to control a lighting state of an indicator of an elevator provided at a landing of each of a plurality of floors; and a command device having a command unit configured to transmit an inspection command to a first robot capable of capturing an image by moving to a first target floor among the plurality of floors. In a case where it is detected that there is no person at a landing of the first target floor when passing near the landing of the first target floor, the first robot that has received the inspection command transmits a command to turn on the indicator indicated in the inspection command, in an inspection mode, to the control panel. When a notification that the indicator is lit in the inspection mode is received thereafter, an image of the indicator is captured, and result information including the captured image of the indicator is transmitted to the command device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for inspecting elevator indicators. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting elevator hall indicators. According to this inspection method, an elevator maintenance worker installs a camera at the hall and runs the car in an inspection pattern. This inspection method makes it easy to inspect the indicators. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-089628 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the inspection method described in Patent Document 1 requires a maintenance worker to travel to the landing on each floor, which means that it takes time for the maintenance worker to travel during maintenance work.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection system and an inspection method that can reduce the work time spent by maintenance personnel inspecting elevator indicators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inspection system according to the present disclosure comprises a control panel that controls the lighting state of elevator indicators provided at each of the landings on multiple floors, and a command device having a command unit that transmits inspection commands to a first robot that can move around a first target floor among the multiple floors and take images. When the first robot receives the inspection command and detects that there is no one at the landing of the first target floor when it passes near the landing of the first target floor, it transmits a command to the control panel to turn on the indicator indicated in the inspection command in inspection mode, and then, when it receives a notification that the indicator is lit in inspection mode, it photographs the indicator and transmits result information including the photographed image of the indicator to the command device.

[0007] The inspection method disclosed herein is an inspection method performed using the above-mentioned inspection system, and includes a first step in which a control device sends an inspection command, which is performed after a maintenance worker performing elevator maintenance work has performed the previous inspection work on the elevator, and a second step in which, after the first step, the maintenance worker inspects indicators that have not been inspected based on the inspection command when performing the current inspection work on the elevator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the inspection of the indicators can be performed by a robot. For example, a maintenance person only needs to inspect the indicators that were not inspected by the robot. This reduces the time that a maintenance person spends inspecting elevator indicators. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator device and a building to which an inspection system according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an inspection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a functional block diagram of an inspection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4]3 is a flowchart showing an outline of an inspection operation performed by a robot in the inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the command device of the inspection system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method using the inspection system in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an elevator device and a building to which an inspection system according to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of an inspection operation performed by a robot in the inspection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method using the inspection system in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a command device of the inspection system according to the first or second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator device and a building to which an inspection system according to Embodiment 1 is applied. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the inspection system according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] A building 1 in Figure 1 has multiple floors 2. An elevator device 3 is provided in the building 1. A hoistway 4 passes through each floor 2. A plurality of landings 5 ​​are provided on each floor 2 of the building 1. Each of the multiple landings 5 ​​faces the hoistway 4. A hoisting machine 6 is provided in the machine room. A main rope 7 is wound around a sheave of the hoisting machine 6. A car 8 is suspended from the main rope 7 inside the hoistway 4.

[0013] A plurality of landing doors 9 are provided at the entrances and exits of the plurality of landings 5, respectively. A plurality of indicators 10 are provided at the plurality of landings 5, respectively. In particular, the indicators 10 are provided around the landing doors 9. The indicators 10 are devices that convey information to users by lighting up. For example, the indicators 10 are devices such as a screen made up of a plurality of lit dots, or a plurality of number-shaped lights. A plurality of indicators 10 may be provided at one landing 5.

[0014] The control panel 11 is provided in the machine room. The control panel 11 is electrically connected to the hoisting machine 6 and a plurality of indicators 10. The control panel 11 controls the operation of the car 8 by controlling the drive of the hoisting machine 6. The control panel 11 controls the lighting state of the indicators 10.

[0015] One or more robots 20 are placed in a building 1. The robots 20 have the ability to move autonomously. The robots 20 are capable of capturing images or video, which is a series of images. For example, the robots 20 are general-purpose robots that perform set tasks while moving around each floor 2 of the building 1. For example, the robots 20 perform tasks such as delivery, waiting, room service, and security. For example, the robots 20 cannot move autonomously to a floor 2 other than the floor 2 on which they are placed.

[0016] As an example, in the first embodiment, three robots 20a, 20b, and 20c are placed in the building 1 as one or more robots 20. The three robots 20a, 20b, and 20c may perform different tasks or the same task. The robot 20a is placed on the first floor of the building 1 as the first robot. The robot 20b is placed on the second floor of the building 1 as the second robot. The robot 20c is placed on the fourth floor of the building 1 as the third robot. For example, in this example, no robot 20 is placed on the third floor of the building 1.

[0017] The robot 20 is wirelessly connected to a building network 21. For example, the building network 21 is a network configured by devices inside the building 1 and devices outside the building 1. The robot 20 can receive instructions related to its work from a command device (not shown) via the building network 21.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 11 is connected to a building network 21 via a GW device 22 that functions as a gateway.

[0019] The inspection system 30 includes a control panel 11, a monitoring device 31, and an information center device 32. The monitoring device 31 is provided in a machine room. The monitoring device 31 is electrically connected to the control panel 11. The monitoring device 31 is provided so as to be able to monitor the state of the elevator device 3 based on information from the control panel 11. The monitoring device 31 is capable of communicating with the robot 20 via the control panel 11, the GW device 22, and the building network 21.

[0020] The information center device 32 is installed in a location away from the building 1. For example, the information center device 32 is installed in a maintenance company that maintains and manages the elevator device 3. The information center device 32 can grasp the status of the elevator device 3 based on the information from the monitoring device 31.

[0021] The inspection system 30 is a system for inspecting the indicators 10. The monitoring device 31 functions as a command device that generates a command to inspect the indicators 10. Specifically, the monitoring device 31 transmits an inspection command to the robot 20 to inspect the indicators 10 on the floor 2 where the robot 20 is located. Based on the inspection command, the robot 20 photographs the indicators 10 and transmits information about the photographed image to the monitoring device 31. Based on the image received from the robot 20, the monitoring device 31 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the indicators 10.

[0022] For example, if a certain indicator 10 is determined to be abnormal, the monitoring device 31 notifies the information center device 32 that the indicator 10 is abnormal. The information center device 32 makes a plan to dispatch a maintenance worker to the building 1 to perform maintenance work on the elevator device 3.

[0023] As another example, the results of an inspection showing that there are no abnormalities in the indicators 10 on the first, second, and fourth floors out of the multiple floors 2 are accumulated in the monitoring device 31. A maintenance worker who visits the building 1 for regular maintenance work checks the information accumulated in the monitoring device 31 via a maintenance terminal T that is connected to and communicates with the monitoring device 31. The maintenance worker turns on only the indicator 10 on the third floor in inspection mode and inspects only the indicator 10 on the third floor. After inspecting the indicator 10 on the third floor, the maintenance worker completes the maintenance inspection of the multiple indicators 10 in the building 1.

[0024] Next, the function of each device will be explained using FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the inspection system according to the first embodiment.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the control panel 11 has at least an operation control unit 12 and a lighting control unit 13 as its functions. The operation control unit 12 controls the operation of the car 8. The lighting control unit 13 controls the lighting state of each of the multiple indicators 10. For example, when the lighting control unit 13 receives an inspection lighting command to light a certain indicator 10 in inspection mode, it lights the indicator 10 in inspection mode. Thereafter, the lighting control unit 13 sends a confirmation notification to the destination of the inspection lighting command that the indicator 10 is lit in inspection mode.

[0026] The one or more robots 20 at least include, as functions, an imaging unit 23, a driving unit 24, an operation control unit 25, and an inspection control unit 26.

[0027] The photographing unit 23 has a function of photographing an image or a video, and is, for example, a camera.

[0028] The driving unit 24 has a function of moving the robot 20. For example, the driving unit 24 includes wheels and a motor.

[0029] The operation control unit 25 controls the overall operation of the robot 20, such as movement and actions for work. For example, the operation control unit 25 controls the operation of the drive unit 24. The operation control unit 25 controls movement within the building 1 based on map information of the building 1 and the content of work set for the robot 20.

[0030] When the inspection control unit 26 receives an inspection command, it causes the robot 20 to perform the set inspection operation. Specifically, the inspection control unit 26 causes the photographing unit 23 or the operation control unit 25 to perform a specific process in accordance with the inspection operation. Note that the specific content of the inspection operation may be set in advance in the inspection control unit 26, or may be included in the inspection command.

[0031] The monitoring device 31, which is a command device, includes a storage unit 33, a determination unit 34, a management unit 35, and a command unit 36 ​​as functions.

[0032] The storage unit 33 stores various information necessary for maintenance and inspection of the indicators 10. For example, the storage unit 33 stores building information in which, for each of the multiple indicators 10, the floor 2 and hall 5 on which the indicator 10 is installed are associated. The building information includes, for each of one or more robots 20, information indicating the floor 2 on which the robot 20 is located. The building information may also include a map of the hall 5 and the position on the map where the indicator 10 is located.

[0033] The determination unit 34 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the indicator 10 based on the image of the indicator 10. An abnormality in the indicator 10 is a missing dot, whether or not it is lit, and the like.

[0034] The management unit 35 manages the date and time when the inspection of each of the multiple indicators 10 was performed. The management unit 35 stores management information in which the date and time when the inspection of the indicator 10 was performed is associated with the inspection result in the storage unit 33. The management unit 35 also updates the management information stored in the storage unit 33.

[0035] The command unit 36 ​​extracts, from the plurality of indicators 10 at a specified interval, such as once a day, those indicators 10 for which a specified inspection period has elapsed since the date and time of the last inspection, based on the management information. The inspection period is a period that is shorter than the inspection period by a number of reserve days. For example, the inspection period may be the same as the period in which maintenance personnel perform regular maintenance work on the building 1, or may be three months. The number of reserve days may be set to a number of days, such as 0 days or 5 days, depending on the installation environment.

[0036] The command unit 36 ​​extracts the floor 2 and the hall 5 on which the extracted indicator 10 is provided, based on the building information stored in the memory unit 33. The command unit 36 ​​transmits an inspection command for the extracted indicator 10, which includes information identifying the indicator 10, to the robot 20 located on the floor 2 on which the indicator 10 is provided. The inspection command may include at least a portion of the building information.

[0037] Next, the inspection operation performed by the robot 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the inspection operation performed by the robot in the inspection system according to the first embodiment.

[0038] 4 starts when the robot 20 receives an inspection command. Even after receiving the inspection command, the robot 20 continues to move and act mainly based on the set task.

[0039] Hereinafter, as an example, the operation when an inspection command is sent to the robot 20a will be described. That is, the command unit 36 ​​extracts floor 2 where the robot 20a is located as the first target floor. The command unit 36 ​​sends an inspection command to the robot 20a to inspect the indicator 10 at the hall 5 on the first floor, which is the first target floor.

[0040] In step S001, the inspection control unit 26 of the robot 20a determines whether or not the robot 20a is near a hall 5 where the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command is installed. For example, the inspection control unit 26 determines that the robot 20a is near the hall 5 when the robot 20a is within a specified effective range from the hall 5. The effective range may be set to any range, such as within 1 m or 0 m from the hall 5.

[0041] In step S001, if the robot 20a is not located near the hall 5, the inspection control unit 26 repeats the operation of step S001. That is, the robot 20a performs an action based on normal operations at a location that is not near the hall 5.

[0042] In step S001, if a person is present near the platform 5, the operation of step S002 is performed. In step S002, the inspection control unit 26 determines whether or not a person is present at the platform 5 based on the detection results of various sensors of the robot 20a or the image captured by the photographing unit 23.

[0043] If it is determined in step S002 that no person is present at the relevant landing 5, the operation of step S003 is performed. In step S003, the inspection control unit 26 transmits an inspection lighting command for the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command to the control panel 11 via the building network 21 and the GW device 22. The inspection control unit 26 causes the robot 20a to move, via the operation control unit 25, to a position where it can photograph the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command.

[0044] Thereafter, in step S004, the inspection control unit 26 determines whether or not a confirmation notice regarding the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command has been received. If the confirmation notice has not been received, the operation of step S004 is repeated.

[0045] If a confirmation notice is received in step S004, the operation of step S005 is performed. That is, the control panel 11, which has received the inspection lighting command, turns on the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection lighting command in inspection mode and transmits a confirmation notice to the robot 20a. The indicator 10 is turned on in inspection mode. In step S005, the inspection control unit 26 causes the photographing unit 23 to photograph an image of the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command.

[0046] Then, in step S006, the inspection control unit 26 transmits result information including the image taken in step S005, i.e., the image of the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command, and a command to end the lighting in inspection mode to the control panel 11 and the monitoring device 31.

[0047] The control panel 11, which has received the command from the robot 20a, stops lighting the indicator 10 in the inspection mode and transitions to normal mode. The monitoring device 31, which has received the result information, sends a command to the robot 20a that sent the result information to delete the inspection command for the indicator 10 indicated in the result information. Thereafter, the operation of step S007 is performed. In step S007, the inspection control unit 26 receives the command from the monitoring device 31 and deletes the inspection command corresponding to the command.

[0048] After that, in step S008, the inspection control unit 26 ends the inspection operation. The robot 20a returns to a mode for performing normal operations. For example, the robot 20a leaves the hall 5. After that, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0049] If it is determined in step S002 that a person is present at the hall 5, the operation of step S009 is performed. In step S009, the inspection control unit 26 postpones the current inspection of the indicator 10 and returns to a mode in which normal operations are performed. For example, the robot 20a moves away from the hall 5. Thereafter, the operations from step S001 onwards are performed. That is, the inspection control unit 26 causes the operations from step S002 onwards to be performed the next time the robot 20a passes near the hall 5.

[0050] In this way, when the robot 20a receives an inspection command, it performs the operations from step S003 onwards if there is no person at the landing 5 when it approaches the landing 5 during normal operations. The operations in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 are performed by both the robot 20b, which is the second robot, and the robot 20c, which is the third robot, when they receive an inspection command. In this case, the command unit 36 ​​transmits an inspection command to the robot 20b to inspect the indicator 10 of the landing 5 on the second floor, which is the second target floor, or an inspection command to the robot 20c to inspect the indicator 10 of the landing 5 on the fourth floor, which is the third target floor.

[0051] Note that the inspection control unit 26 of the robot 20a may determine whether or not it is in a standby state, instead of step S001. If it is not in a standby state, the same operation may be repeated, or the operation of step S001 may be performed. If it is in a standby state, the inspection control unit 26 may instruct the operation control unit 25 to move the robot 20a to the hall 5 where the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection command is installed. Thereafter, the operations from step S002 onwards may be performed.

[0052] Next, the operation of the monitoring device 31, which is a command device, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the command device of the inspection system in the first embodiment.

[0053] 5 is started after an inspection command is sent, for example. In step S101, the management unit 35 of the command device determines whether or not result information has been received regarding any of the indicators 10. If no result information has been received in step S101, the operation of step S101 is repeated.

[0054] If the result information is received in step S101, the operation of step S102 is performed. In step S102, the command unit 36 ​​of the command device transmits a command to the robot 20 that transmitted the result information to delete the inspection command for the indicator 10 indicated in the result information.

[0055] Thereafter, in step S103, the determination unit 34 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the indicator 10 indicated in the result information, based on the image included in the result information.

[0056] Thereafter, the operation of step S104 is performed. In step S104, the management unit 35 associates information identifying the indicator 10, the result information, and the determination result of the determination unit 34 for the indicator 10 indicated in the result information, to create management information, and updates the management information for the indicator 10. At this time, the management unit 35 includes the date and time included in the result information or the current date and time as the inspection date and time in the updated management information. Note that the management unit 35 may also include the date and time included in the result information or the current date and time as the date and time of the last inspection in the management information. Note that it is sufficient that the management information includes at least the date and time of the last inspection.

[0057] Thereafter, the command device ends the operation of the flowchart. Note that if there are indicators 10 that have sent an inspection command but have not yet received result information, the operation of the flowchart may be restarted.

[0058] Next, a method for inspecting the indicator 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method using the inspection system according to the first embodiment.

[0059] The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 relates to an inspection method when a maintenance worker visits the elevator device 3 and performs an inspection. When this inspection is considered to be the current inspection, the flowchart starts when the previous inspection is being performed.

[0060] In step S201, a maintenance worker performs an inspection of the elevator device 3. The inspection in step S201 corresponds to the previous inspection. The inspection may also include checking the lighting state of the indicator 10. The worker inputs the inspection result of the indicator 10 from his / her own maintenance terminal. The management unit 35 may update the management information so that the date and time when the indicator 10 inspected in the inspection in step S201 was last inspected becomes the date and time of the previous inspection.

[0061] Thereafter, the first process of step S202 is performed. In the first process, the monitoring device 31, which is a command device, refers to the management information at a specified cycle and transmits an inspection command to the robot 20 located on the floor 2 corresponding to the indicator 10 to inspect the indicator 10 for which a start period has passed since the date of the last inspection. If the robot 20 inspects the indicator 10 based on the inspection command, the management information is updated in the command device. If the robot 20 does not inspect the indicator 10 based on the inspection command, the management information is not updated.

[0062] Thereafter, the second process of step S203 is performed. In step S203, the current inspection work is performed by a maintenance person as the second process. The second process is performed after a period related to the regular inspection has elapsed since the previous inspection work of step S201 was performed. The maintenance person accesses the memory unit 33 of the command device from the maintenance terminal and checks the management information. In the management information, the maintenance person refers to the indicators 10, among the multiple indicators 10, that have not been inspected during the period of step S202.

[0063] For example, if the robot 20 receives an inspection command but does not stop near the hall 5 on floor 2 where the robot 20 is located, or if the robot 20 is near the hall 5 but there continues to be a person at the hall 5, the indicator 10 of the hall 5 on floor 2 where the robot 20 is located will not be inspected. Furthermore, the indicator 10 of the hall 5 on floor 2 where the robot 20 is not located will not be inspected in the first place.

[0064] In step S203, if there is an indicator 10 in the management information that has not been inspected, the maintenance worker inspects that indicator 10. Specifically, the maintenance worker turns on that indicator 10 in inspection mode, then moves to the hall 5 on floor 2 where that indicator 10 is located, and inspects that indicator 10 that is lit in inspection mode. The maintenance worker then inputs the inspection results of that indicator 10 into the maintenance terminal. Furthermore, the maintenance worker reflects the inspection results of that indicator 10 in the command device, updating the management information.

[0065] The flow chart inspection method then ends.

[0066] According to the first embodiment described above, the inspection system 30 includes the control panel 11 and the monitoring device 31, which is a command device. The inspection method is performed using the inspection system 30. The command device has a command unit 36 ​​that transmits an inspection command. Upon receiving the inspection command, the first robot inspects the indicator 10 of the first target floor indicated in the inspection command when passing near the hall 5, if there is no one there. During normal maintenance inspections, a maintenance worker only needs to inspect the indicators 10 that were not inspected by the inspection system 30. This reduces the amount of time the maintenance worker spends inspecting the indicators 10 of the elevator device 3.

[0067] Furthermore, after receiving the inspection command, the first robot attempts to inspect the indicator 10 when passing near the target hall 5. Therefore, the first robot does not have to be a robot dedicated to inspecting the elevator device 3, but may be a robot that performs a different task. This reduces the cost of inspection. Also, the overall operating rate of the robots deployed in the building 1 can be improved.

[0068] The command unit 36 ​​also transmits an inspection command to a second robot located on a second target floor different from the floor 2 on which the first robot is located, thereby reducing the number of indicators 10 that the maintenance personnel must inspect.

[0069] Furthermore, the indicators 10 that have been inspected are managed by the management unit 35. The command unit 36 ​​generates an inspection command to inspect a certain indicator 10 when a start period has passed since the last inspection date for that indicator 10. For example, conventionally, the indicators 10 have been inspected periodically, such as every three months. That is, an inspection period of several months is considered sufficient for the indicators 10. By generating an inspection command when the start period has passed, it is possible to prevent the first robot from inspecting the indicators 10 too frequently. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the operating efficiency of the first robot.

[0070] The inspection system 30 may include the elevator device 3 and the robot 20.

[0071] The monitoring device 31 does not necessarily have to include the determination unit 34. For example, the determination unit 34 may be provided in a maintenance terminal carried by a maintenance worker. In this case, when the maintenance worker visits the building 1, the maintenance worker may analyze the result information stored in the storage unit 33 on the maintenance terminal to check whether or not there is an abnormality in the multiple indicators 10. The determination unit 34 may also be provided in the information center device 32.

[0072] Embodiment 2 FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an elevator device and a building to which an inspection system according to the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the inspection system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the inspection operation performed by a robot according to the inspection system according to the second embodiment. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to parts according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and a description of these parts will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7 , in the second embodiment, the inspection system 30 further includes a complementary robot 40. The complementary robot 40 may be a robot for inspecting the elevator device 3. The complementary robot 40 is capable of capturing images or videos. The complementary robot 40 is an autonomously mobile robot that can ride in a car 8. That is, the complementary robot 40 can autonomously move from any floor 2 to another floor 2. For example, the complementary robot 40 can communicate with a monitoring device 31, which is a command device. The communication path between the complementary robot 40 and the monitoring device 31 may be the same as the communication path between the robot 20 and the monitoring device 31.

[0074] 8, the complementary robot 40 includes at least a photographing unit 41, a driving unit 42, a motion control unit 43, and an inspection control unit 44. The photographing unit 41, the driving unit 42, the motion control unit 43, and the inspection control unit 44 have the same functions as the photographing unit 23, the driving unit 24, the motion control unit 25, and the inspection control unit 26 of the robot 20.

[0075] The command unit 36 ​​extracts, from the plurality of indicators 10 at a specified cycle, such as once a day, indicators 10 for which a specified supplementary period has elapsed since the date and time of the last inspection based on the management information. The supplementary period is a period longer than the inspection period. The supplementary period may also be a period shorter than the cycle at which inspection work is performed by a maintenance worker.

[0076] The command unit 36 ​​extracts the floor 2 and the hall 5 where the extracted indicator 10 is installed, based on the building information stored in the memory unit 33. The command unit 36 ​​transmits a complement command for the extracted indicator 10, which includes information for identifying the indicator 10, to the complement robot 40.

[0077] The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 starts when the complementing robot 40 receives a complementing command.

[0078] In step S301, the inspection control unit 44 of the complementary robot 40 moves to floor 2 where the indicator 10 indicated in the complementary command is installed. For example, the complementary robot 40 gets into the car 8 and moves to floor 2.

[0079] In step S301, the complementary robot 40 arrives at the hall 5 on floor 2 indicated in the complementary command, and then the operation of step S302 is performed. In step S302, the inspection control unit 44 determines whether or not a person is present at the hall 5 based on the detection results of various sensors of the complementary robot 40 or the image captured by the image capturing unit 41.

[0080] In step S302, if no person is present at the hall 5, the operation of step S303 is performed. In step S303, the inspection control unit 44 transmits an inspection lighting command for the indicator 10 indicated in the supplementary command to the control panel 11 via the building network 21 and the GW device 22. The inspection control unit 44 moves the complementing robot 40 via the operation control unit 43 to a position where it can photograph the indicator 10 indicated in the supplementary command.

[0081] Thereafter, in step S304, the inspection control unit 44 determines whether or not a confirmation notice regarding the indicator 10 indicated in the supplementary command has been received. If the confirmation notice has not been received, the operation of step S304 is repeated.

[0082] If a confirmation notice is received in step S304, the operation of step S305 is performed. That is, the control panel 11, which has received the inspection lighting command, lights up the indicator 10 indicated in the inspection lighting command in inspection mode and transmits a confirmation notice to the complement robot 40. The indicator 10 is lit in inspection mode. In step S305, the inspection control unit 44 causes the photographing unit 41 to photograph an image of the indicator 10 indicated in the complement command.

[0083] Then, in step S306, the inspection control unit 44 transmits result information including an image of the indicator 10 shown in the supplementary command, which is the image captured in step S305, and a command to end the lighting in inspection mode to the control panel 11 and the monitoring device 31.

[0084] The control panel 11, which has received the command from the complementary robot 40, stops lighting the indicator 10 in the inspection mode and transitions to the normal mode. The monitoring device 31, which has received the result information, transmits a command to the complementary robot 40 to delete the complementary command for the indicator 10 indicated in the result information. Thereafter, the operation of step S307 is performed. In step S307, the inspection control unit 44 receives the command from the monitoring device 31 and deletes the complementary command.

[0085] After that, in step S308, the inspection control unit 44 ends the complementary inspection operation. For example, the complementary robot 40 returns to the second floor where it was before moving. After that, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0086] In step S302, if a person is present at the hall 5, the operation of step S309 is performed. In step S309, the robot waits for a specified time. Thereafter, the inspection control unit 44 repeats the operation of step S302. That is, the complement robot 40 waits at the hall 5 until the person leaves the hall 5.

[0087] Next, a method for inspecting the indicator 10 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method using the inspection system according to the second embodiment.

[0088] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the processes performed in steps S401, S402, and S405 are the same as the processes performed in steps S201, S202, and S203 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

[0089] In the second embodiment, a third step in step S403 and a fourth step in step S404 are performed between the first step in step S402 and the second step in step S405.

[0090] Specifically, after step S402, a third step, step S403, is performed. In the third step, the monitoring device 31, which is a command device, refers to the management information at a specified cycle and transmits a complement command to the complement robot 40 to inspect the indicators 10 for which a complement period has elapsed since the last inspection date.

[0091] Thereafter, the fourth process of step S404 is performed. In the fourth process, the indicator 10 is inspected based on the complement command by the complement robot 40. In this case, the command device updates the management information based on the result information from the complement robot 40.

[0092] Then, the second process of step S405 is performed. After the second process, the inspection method of the flowchart ends.

[0093] According to the second embodiment described above, in a third step, the command device transmits a complement command to the complement robot 40. The complement command is generated when there is an indicator 10 for which a complement period longer than the start period has elapsed since the last inspection date. That is, a complement command may be generated when an inspection command is transmitted but the robot 20 receiving the inspection command is unable to pass near the hall 5, or when there are many people at the hall 5, resulting in the indicator 10 not being inspected. The complement command may also be generated for an indicator 10 on floor 2, where no robot 20 is located. In a fourth step, the complement robot 40 moves to floor 2 indicated in the complement command and inspects the indicator 10. This allows the indicator 10 to be inspected more reliably. As a result, the time spent by a maintenance technician inspecting the indicator 10 when the maintenance technician visits the building 1 for maintenance and inspection can be further reduced.

[0094] Next, an example of hardware constituting the command device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of the command device of the inspection system according to the first or second embodiment.

[0095] Each function of the monitoring device 31, which is a command device, can be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0096] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, the functions of the command device are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a realizes the functions of the command device by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b.

[0097] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be realized, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the command device may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the command device may be realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0098] Some of the functions of the command device may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of the management unit 35 may be realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 200, and functions other than the function of the management unit 35 may be realized by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0099] Thus, the processing circuitry implements the functions of the command device in hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0100] Although not shown, the functions of the control panel 11, the information center device 32, the one or more robots 20, and the complementary robot 40 are also realized by processing circuits equivalent to the processing circuits that realize the functions of the command device.

[0101] At least one of the functions of the command device may be provided in the information center device 32. In this case, information required for each function may be appropriately communicated between the monitoring device 31 and the information center device 32 via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 building, 2 floor, 3 elevator device, 4 elevator shaft, 5 landing, 6 hoisting machine, 7 main rope, 8 car, 9 landing door, 10 indicator, 11 control panel, 12 operation control unit, 13 lighting control unit, 20 robot, 20a robot, 20b robot, 20c robot, 21 building network, 22 GW device, 23 photography unit, 24 drive unit, 25 operation control unit, 26 inspection control unit, 30 inspection system, 31 monitoring device, 32 information center device, 33 memory unit, 34 judgment unit, 35 management unit, 36 command unit, 40 complementary robot, 41 photography unit, 42 drive unit, 43 operation control unit, 44 inspection control unit, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 hardware, T maintenance terminal

Claims

1. a control panel that controls the lighting state of indicators of elevators provided at each of the landings on the plurality of floors; a command device having a command unit that transmits an inspection command to a first robot that can move through a first target floor among the plurality of floors and take images; Equipped with Upon receiving the inspection command, when the first robot passes near the landing of the first target floor and detects that there is no one at the landing of the first target floor, the first robot transmits a command to the control panel to turn on an indicator indicated in the inspection command in inspection mode, and thereafter, upon receiving a notification that the indicator is turned on in inspection mode, the first robot photographs the indicator and transmits result information including the photographed image of the indicator to the command device. Inspection system.

2. the command unit transmits the inspection command to a second robot capable of moving through a second target floor different from the first target floor among the plurality of floors and capturing images; Upon receiving the inspection command, when the second robot passes near the landing of the second target floor and detects that there is no one at the landing of the second target floor, it transmits a command to the control panel to turn on an indicator indicated in the inspection command in inspection mode, and thereafter, upon receiving a notification that the indicator is turned on in inspection mode, it photographs the indicator and transmits result information including the photographed image of the indicator to the command device. The inspection system of claim 1 .

3. a management unit that manages the date of inspection for each indicator provided at each landing on the plurality of floors; Further provided with the command unit creates the inspection command to inspect the indicator at the landing of the first target floor when a start period has elapsed since the day on which the indicator was last inspected, and transmits the inspection command to the first robot; The inspection system of claim 1 .

4. When a complement period longer than the start period has elapsed since the date on which the indicator at the landing of the first target floor was last inspected, the command unit creates a complement command to inspect the indicator and transmits the complement command to a complement robot that can move to the first target floor from another floor, Upon receiving the complement command, the complement robot moves to the landing of the first target floor indicated in the complement command, and thereafter, when it detects that there is no person at the landing of the first target floor, it transmits a command to the control panel to turn on an indicator indicated in the complement command in an inspection mode, and thereafter, when it receives a notification that the indicator is turned on in the inspection mode, it photographs the indicator and transmits result information including the photographed image of the indicator to the command device. The inspection system of claim 3 .

5. An inspection method performed using the inspection system according to claim 3, a first step in which a maintenance worker who performs maintenance work on the elevator performs a previous inspection work on the elevator, and the command device transmits the inspection command; a second step of inspecting indicators that have not been inspected based on the inspection command when the maintenance worker performs the current inspection work on the elevator after the first step; An inspection method that includes:

6. a third step, which is carried out between the first step and the second step, in which the command device creates a supplementary command to inspect an indicator for which a supplementary period longer than the start period has elapsed since the last inspection date, and transmits the supplementary command to a supplementary robot that can move from another floor to a floor on which an indicator indicated in the supplementary command is provided; a fourth step, which is carried out after the third step and before the second step, in which the complementing robot receives the complement command, moves to a landing of a floor indicated in the complement command, and thereafter, when it detects that no one is present at the landing of the floor, transmits a command to the control panel to turn on an indicator indicated in the complement command in an inspection mode, and then, when it receives a notification that the indicator is turned on in the inspection mode, photographs the indicator and transmits result information including the photographed image of the indicator to the command device; The inspection method of claim 5 further comprising:

Images