Visual inspection system

Abstract

To provide a visual inspection system for supporting a visual inspection related to various disaster prevention facilities installed in a fire monitoring area.SOLUTION: A visual inspection system 100 includes: an automatically movable robot 110 moving in a fire monitoring area according to a setting route; an imaging device 120 mounted on the automatically movable robot 110 so as to image visual appearance of disaster prevention facilities installed in the fire monitoring area; and an inspection section 130 for enabling a visual inspection related to the disaster prevention facilities from an imaging result of the imaging device 120. The visual inspection is automatically performed according to a desired movement route at set desired timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an appearance inspection system that supports appearance inspection of various disaster prevention facilities installed in a fire monitoring area.

Background Art

[0002] Devices for inspecting various disaster prevention facilities installed in a building, which is a fire monitoring area, have been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an appearance inspection device for inspecting the appearance of a fire detector and a sprinkler head installed in a building.

[0003] Specifically, the appearance inspection device according to Patent Document 1 includes a support rod with a CCD camera attached to its tip and a monitor connected to the CCD camera by a connection line. An inspector can inspect the appearance of the disaster prevention facility by looking at the image of the disaster prevention facility captured by the CCD camera and displayed on the monitor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the prior art has the following problems. In the appearance inspection device according to Patent Document 1, there was a case where the support rod could not reach the disaster prevention facility installed on a high ceiling. Further, if the support rod was lengthened so as to reach such a disaster prevention facility, there was a problem that the operation of the support rod became difficult.

[0006] In inspection work, visual inspections of fire prevention equipment, such as determining whether it is in good condition (deformation, damage, corrosion, etc.) and whether it is installed according to legal standards, are generally performed by eye. Furthermore, the implementation of visual inspections at fire prevention equipment installation sites is greatly influenced by the usage status of tenants, and visual inspections are often carried out under certain work time restrictions.

[0007] Furthermore, bell ringing checks and shutter operation checks often take place at night. If visual inspections could be automatically performed at desired times, such as during the day, the amount of nighttime inspection work could be significantly reduced. Therefore, there is a strong demand for technology to automate the visual inspection of disaster prevention equipment.

[0008] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a visual inspection system that supports visual inspection of various fire prevention equipment installed in fire monitoring areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The visual inspection system disclosed herein comprises an automated mobile robot that moves within a fire monitoring area according to a set movement route, an imaging device mounted on the automated mobile robot that images the appearance of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area and locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required, and an inspection unit that enables visual inspection of the installation environment of the fire prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the imaging device. The inspection unit has a memory unit in which legal standards for fire prevention equipment are pre-stored, and from the imaging results it identifies the spatial area around the fire prevention equipment and the current installation location of the fire prevention equipment, and enables visual inspection of the installation environment by determining whether the spatial area and the current installation location meet legal standards. Furthermore, the visual inspection system relating to this disclosure comprises an automated mobile robot that moves within a fire monitoring area according to a set movement route, an imaging device mounted on the automated mobile robot that images the appearance of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area and locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required, and an inspection unit that enables visual inspection of the installation environment of the fire prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the imaging device, and the inspection unit is located in areas where the likelihood of fire is low.Based on this premise, some disaster prevention equipment has not been installed. If, when a dedicated room is subjected to a visual inspection, objects other than the equipment and disaster prevention devices originally installed in the dedicated room are detected in the imaging results, The dedicated room may become an unprotected area. By determining that there is an abnormality in the visual inspection... 、 This enables visual inspection of the installation environment. Furthermore, the visual inspection system disclosed herein comprises an automated mobile robot that moves within a fire monitoring area according to a set movement route, an imaging device mounted on the automated mobile robot that images the appearance of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area and locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required, and an inspection unit that enables visual inspection of the installation environment of the fire prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the imaging device. The inspection unit has a memory unit that stores reference data, which is the initial installation position of partitions within the fire monitoring area, and legal standards in advance. The inspection unit compares the current imaging results with the reference data based on the legal standards, and if a change in partitions that results in an unprotected area that does not conform to the law is detected, it determines that there is a visual inspection abnormality, thereby enabling visual inspection of the installation environment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, a visual inspection system can be obtained that supports visual inspection of various fire prevention equipment installed in a fire monitoring area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of the visual inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a layout diagram showing an example of fire prevention equipment installed in the fire monitoring area of ​​the visual inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram relating to the symbols shown in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing a series of processes for the visual inspection method performed by the visual inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the visual inspection system of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The visual inspection system described herein is characterized by its ability to automatically move a robot within a fire monitoring area according to a set desired timing and movement route, and to support the visual inspection of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area based on imaging results from an imaging device mounted on the robot.

[0013] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the visual inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a layout diagram showing an example of fire prevention equipment installed in the fire monitoring area of ​​the visual inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the symbols shown in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The visual inspection system in Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0014] The visual inspection system 100 according to this embodiment 1 includes an automated mobile robot 110, an imaging device 120, and an inspection unit 130, as shown in Figure 1. The inspection unit 130 is composed of a storage unit 131, a communication processing unit 132, and an image processing unit 133. Note that the storage unit 131, the communication processing unit 132, and the image processing unit 133 can also be separate functions located within the inspection unit 130.

[0015] Furthermore, the fire monitoring targets in this disclosure are, for example, the fire monitoring areas within a building as shown in the layout diagram in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates the first floor of a building, and layout diagrams for the second floor and above are omitted.

[0016] In the layout diagram of FIG. 2, an example is shown where a total of seven rooms, namely rooms 1 to 6 and the management room, a corridor, an entrance / exit, and two emergency exits are arranged on one floor. Heat sensors are installed in each of rooms 1 to 6. Also, a heat sensor and a fire receiver are installed in the management room.

[0017] In addition, three smoke sensors are installed in the corridor, and an entrance / exit and two emergency exits are provided. Outside the emergency exits, evacuation equipment used when evacuating from the upper floor to the first floor is installed. And near the emergency exits, guiding lights for indicating the position of the evacuation equipment are provided.

[0018] The automatic mobile robot 110 is a robot that can move within the fire monitoring area according to a set movement route. For example, in the layout diagram of FIG. 2, a route starting from position P0, ending at position P12, and sequentially moving through P0 to P12 can be set as the movement route. By self-running such a movement route, the automatic mobile robot 110 can patrol within the fire monitoring area shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] Note that doors for entering and leaving rooms 1 to 6 and the management room are provided. Therefore, before performing the appearance inspection, it may be considered to request the building administrator or the like to open the doors on the movement route so that the automatic mobile robot 110 can move smoothly. Alternatively, the automatic mobile robot 110 may be made to output a signal for automatically opening and closing the doors.

[0020] The imaging device 120 corresponds to a camera mounted on the automatic mobile robot 110 and imaging the appearance of various disaster prevention facilities installed in the fire monitoring area. The image captured by the imaging device 120 may be either a still image or a moving image.

[0021] Here, we will describe the various fire prevention equipment that are subject to visual inspection in this disclosure. The layout diagram in Figure 2 shows symbols for smoke detectors, heat detectors, emergency lights, and fire alarm receivers, which are described in Figure 3, and these are given as examples of various fire prevention equipment.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, emergency exits have legally defined spatial requirements, such as their area of ​​presence, because objects placed around them can obstruct evacuation. Although not shown in Figure 2, fire extinguishers also have legally defined installation locations and spacings. Therefore, emergency exits and fire extinguishers are included in the various disaster prevention equipment described in this disclosure, and the spatial requirements, installation locations, and spacings that comply with legal standards are also included in the visual inspection items.

[0023] The inspection unit 130 enables support for visual inspection of various disaster prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the imaging device 120. Here, visual inspection in this disclosure refers to a concept that includes both the external appearance of various disaster prevention equipment, such as deformation, damage, and corrosion, and the quality of spatial area, installation location, and installation interval based on legal standards.

[0024] Three specific methods for supporting visual inspection by the inspection department 130 are as follows: <Method 1: A method in which inspectors visually inspect the image based on the imaging results.> The inspection unit 130 has a communication processing unit 132 that transmits the imaging results from the imaging device 120 to an external device. Therefore, by transmitting the imaging results to the external device, the inspection unit 130 enables visual inspection by an inspector who has visually reviewed the imaging results.

[0025] <Method 2: A method for performing visual inspection using image processing> The inspection unit 130 includes a storage unit 131 in which reference images taken when the appearance of various disaster prevention equipment is in a normal state are pre-stored, and an image processing unit 133. Therefore, the image processing unit 133 in the inspection unit 130 performs image matching processing by comparing the imaging results obtained as the automatic mobile robot 110 moves with the reference images in the storage unit 131, thereby enabling visual inspection of various disaster prevention equipment.

[0026] <Method 3: Method for conducting visual inspections based on legal standards> The inspection unit 130 has a memory unit 131 in which legal standards defining spatial area, installation location, installation interval, etc., for each of the various disaster prevention equipment are pre-stored. Therefore, the inspection unit 130 identifies the spatial area around each disaster prevention equipment and the current installation location of the disaster prevention equipment from the imaging results accompanying the movement of the automated mobile robot 110. Furthermore, the inspection unit 130 enables inspection to determine whether the spatial area and current installation location meet the legal standards stored in the memory unit 131.

[0027] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for the visual inspection method performed by the visual inspection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0028] Prior to automatically performing the visual inspection, in step S41, the movement route necessary for the automated mobile robot 110 to move on its own, and the inspection start time for automatically starting the visual inspection are set and stored in the memory unit 131.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to perform the visual inspection using Method 2, a reference image taken when the visual appearance of each of the various disaster prevention equipment is in a normal state is stored in the storage unit 131 in advance.

[0030] Furthermore, in order to perform the visual inspection using Method 3, legal standards specifying the spatial area, installation location, and installation interval for each of the various fire prevention devices installed in the fire monitoring area are stored in the memory unit 131 in advance.

[0031] Next, in step S42, the automated mobile robot 110 is moved according to the movement route stored in the memory unit 131, and the imaging device 120 is used to image locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required.

[0032] Next, in step S43, the inspection unit 130 performs a visual inspection based on the imaging results. The inspection unit 130 can perform a visual inspection using method 1 by executing step S431. The inspection unit 130 can also perform a visual inspection using method 2 by executing step S432. Furthermore, the inspection unit 130 can perform a visual inspection using method 3 by executing step S433.

[0033] Furthermore, the inspection unit 130 can perform one of methods 1 to 3, or a combination of two or more methods, and can quickly perform the necessary visual inspections depending on the type of fire prevention equipment installed in the fire monitoring area.

[0034] The visual inspection results can be stored as data history in the storage unit 131 within the visual inspection system 100. Furthermore, the visual inspection system 100 can utilize the communication processing unit 132 to save the data history and inspection results to a higher-level device such as a server, or to notify the customer via email, as needed.

[0035] Furthermore, the manufacturer supplying the disaster prevention equipment can access the visual inspection system 100 from an external source to obtain the visual inspection results. Alternatively, the manufacturer supplying the disaster prevention equipment can access the visual inspection system 100 from an external source as needed, perform a visual inspection at a desired time, and then obtain the visual inspection results.

[0036] Furthermore, the visual inspection judgment procedure could involve performing a judgment on each piece of disaster prevention equipment individually, and then moving the automated mobile robot to the next piece of disaster prevention equipment after the judgment, or it could involve photographing all pieces of disaster prevention equipment and then performing a visual inspection judgment on all of them at once.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the installation environment of the fire prevention equipment, it is possible to conduct additional visual inspections as appropriate. For example, dedicated rooms such as machine rooms and pipe shafts (piping rooms) do not have sprinkler heads installed because the likelihood of fire is low. However, if flammable materials are found in a dedicated room during a periodic inspection, it must be reported as a malfunction in an unprotected area.

[0038] Therefore, when the inspection unit 130 is inspecting a dedicated room visually, if it detects anything other than the equipment and disaster prevention devices originally installed in the dedicated room, it can determine that there is an abnormality in the visual inspection and use this as material for reporting defects.

[0039] Furthermore, if partitions have been altered in an area where a visual inspection has been performed, the inspection unit 130 can also notify the user of any unprotected areas that do not comply with the law. The inspection unit 130 stores the initial installation position of partitions as reference data, as well as the legal standards, and by comparing these with the current imaging results, it can determine if there is an abnormality in the visual inspection and use this information as material for reporting defects.

[0040] Furthermore, regarding partitions, in addition to the automated mobile robot 110 that moves according to a set movement route, it is also conceivable to use another robot capable of autonomously moving within a movable space, such as a cleaning robot, or an automated flying robot such as a drone, to compare the original space with the current space, thereby determining any abnormalities in the visual inspection and using this information as material for reporting defects.

[0041] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, visual inspections of various disaster prevention equipment can be automated using an automated mobile robot and an image processing device. As a result, by performing automated visual inspections at appropriate times, the workload of inspectors can be reduced, and a visual inspection system that supports visual inspections of various disaster prevention equipment installed in fire monitoring areas can be realized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100 Visual inspection system, 110 Automated mobile robot, 120 Imaging device, 130 Inspection unit, 131 Storage unit, 132 Communication processing unit, 133 Image processing unit.

Claims

1. An automated mobile robot moves within the fire monitoring area according to a set route, An imaging device mounted on the aforementioned mobile robot, which images the exterior of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area, and locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required, An inspection unit that enables visual inspection of the installation environment of the disaster prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the aforementioned imaging device, Equipped with, The aforementioned inspection unit is It has a storage unit in which the laws and regulations concerning the aforementioned disaster prevention equipment are pre-stored, By identifying the spatial area surrounding the disaster prevention equipment and the current installation location of the disaster prevention equipment from the imaging results, and by determining whether the spatial area and the current installation location meet the legal standards, a visual inspection of the installation environment becomes possible. Visual inspection system.

2. An automated mobile robot moves within the fire monitoring area according to a set route, An imaging device mounted on the aforementioned mobile robot, which images the exterior of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area, and locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required, An inspection unit that enables visual inspection of the installation environment of the disaster prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the aforementioned imaging device, Equipped with, The aforementioned inspection unit is When a dedicated room without certain fire prevention equipment is targeted for visual inspection, assuming a low probability of fire, and if objects other than the equipment and fire prevention equipment that should be installed in the said dedicated room are detected in the imaging results, the dedicated room will be judged as potentially being an unprotected area, thus enabling visual inspection of the installation environment. Visual inspection system.

3. An automated mobile robot moves within the fire monitoring area according to a set route, An imaging device mounted on the aforementioned mobile robot, which images the exterior of fire prevention equipment installed within the fire monitoring area, and locations within the fire monitoring area where visual inspection is required, An inspection unit that enables visual inspection of the installation environment of the disaster prevention equipment based on the imaging results from the aforementioned imaging device, Equipped with, The aforementioned inspection unit is Regarding the partitions in the aforementioned fire monitoring area, they have a storage unit that pre-stores reference data for the initial installation position and legal standards. By comparing the current imaging results with the aforementioned standard data based on the aforementioned legal standards, and detecting any changes to partitions that result in unprotected areas that do not conform to the law, the system determines this to be an abnormality in the visual inspection, thereby enabling a visual inspection of the installation environment. Visual inspection system.

Images