Passenger conveyor inspection system, passenger conveyor inspection device, and passenger conveyor inspection method

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor inspection system which can properly manage a bolt removed from a passenger conveyor.SOLUTION: A passenger conveyor inspection system includes: an acquisition unit which acquires at least one of first position information indicating a position where a bolt has been removed and second position information indicating a position where the bolt is to be fixed, and first time information indicating the time at which the bolt has been removed and second time information indicating the time at which the bolt is to be fixed; and a determination unit which performs at least one of a first process to determine whether the first position information and the second position information acquired by the acquisition unit indicate the same position, and a second process to determine whether the first time information and the second time information acquired by the acquisition unit indicate a period of time from the removal to the fixation of the bolt.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a technique for managing bolts removed from a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] A passenger conveyor such as an escalator is a device for transporting people in a building and is an essential device in urban spaces. In a passenger conveyor, steps on which people ride are fixed to a chain formed in a loop via several fixing members. Then, the chain is engaged with a gear-shaped member called a sprocket, and by rotating the sprocket, the steps of the passenger conveyor are driven.

[0003] In a passenger conveyor having such a drive mechanism, the steps are the parts that contact users and are regularly inspected to maintain a normal state. In the inspection, the operator may sometimes remove the steps, and in that case, the bolts fixed to the drive part are removed to conduct the inspection, and after the inspection, the steps are fixed again using the bolts. In such work, it is important to securely fasten the removed bolts again. For example, a device for managing such bolt attachment and detachment work is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 above verifies whether the number of bolts fastened matches the number of bolts registered in advance. The number of bolts to be fastened can be calculated from the work plan. However, if work exceeding the initially planned amount is performed depending on the site conditions, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above becomes unable to manage the bolts removed from the passenger conveyor.

[0006] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a passenger conveyor inspection system that can properly manage bolts removed from the passenger conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a passenger conveyor inspection system for inspecting a passenger conveyor equipped with steps fixed by bolts, comprising an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of: first position information indicating the position when the bolt removal work is performed and second position information indicating the position when the bolt installation work is performed; first time information indicating the time when the removal work is performed and second time information indicating the time when the installation work is performed. A storage unit for storing work information related to the inspection of the passenger conveyor, Whether the first location information and the second location information indicate the same location Based on the aforementioned work information Determine By doing so, the consistency between the first location information and the second location information is determined. The first process and the first time information From the first time indicated by Second time information The time until the second time indicated by is obtained from the aforementioned work information. From removing the aforementioned bolt to installing it During working hours Determine whether or not This determines the consistency between the first time information and the second time information. Second process and, Perform at least one of the following Based on that determination, determine whether or not the bolt installation work can be carried out. A determination unit and a judgment unit were provided.

[0008] According to the above configuration, for example, at least one of the consistency of positional information related to the removal and installation of bolts and the consistency of time information related to the removal and installation of bolts can be determined, so that bolts removed from the passenger conveyor can be properly managed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a passenger conveyor inspection system capable of properly managing bolts removed from the passenger conveyor can be realized. Other problems, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a passenger conveyor inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a bolt storage sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of work information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of work information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of bolt storage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the process for detecting a bolt according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the process for determining the consistency of location information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the process for determining the consistency of time information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a passenger conveyor inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (I) First Embodiment One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0012] The passenger conveyor inspection system according to this embodiment is characterized by determining whether fastening work can be performed based on the consistency of the position and / or time related to the fastening work of the bolts used for fastening the steps of the passenger conveyor. According to the above configuration, the bolts removed from the passenger conveyor can be properly managed.

[0013] Also, for example, the passenger conveyor inspection system checks the consistency between the number of bolts and the number of bolts used in the work scheduled to be performed, and determines whether the fastening work can be performed based on the result of the check. In the above configuration, before performing the fastening work, the number of bolts required for fastening the steps can be reliably grasped. According to the above configuration, the time required to check the number of bolts required for fastening the steps can be reduced, the stop time of the passenger conveyor due to inspection can be reduced, and the time that the user cannot use due to inspection can be reduced.

[0014] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The following description and drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and for the sake of clarity of explanation, appropriate omissions and simplifications are made. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise limited, each component may be singular or plural. Also, in the following description, the same elements in the drawings are given the same numbers, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0015] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a passenger conveyor inspection system according to the first embodiment as a whole.

[0016] The passenger conveyor inspection system 100 includes an inspection device 101 for inspecting a passenger conveyor such as an escalator or a moving walkway. The inspection device 101 acquires an image of the bolt storage sheet 102, inputs the work information 104 stored in the storage unit 103, and executes processing related to the inspection of the passenger conveyor based on the image of the bolt storage sheet 102 and the work information 104.

[0017] More specifically, the inspection device 101 comprises a camera 110, an imaging position acquisition unit 111, an imaging time acquisition unit 112, an extraction unit 113, a detection unit 114, an activation position acquisition unit 115, an activation time acquisition unit 116, a determination unit 117, an activation unit 118, and an application unit 119 (APP: Application).

[0018] In this embodiment, bolts removed from the passenger conveyor are stored in a bolt storage sheet 102. Camera 110 captures an image of the bolts stored in the bolt storage sheet 102. The image acquisition unit 111 acquires position information indicating the position at the time of imaging and associates this position information with the image captured by camera 110 (for example, by storing it). The image acquisition unit 112 acquires time information indicating the time of imaging and associates this time information with the image captured by camera 110 (for example, by storing it). Hereinafter, an image to which at least one of the position at the time of imaging (imaging position) and the time of imaging (imaging time) is associated will be referred to as image data 120.

[0019] Furthermore, when an operator performs bolt fastening work on a passenger conveyor being inspected, they activate the application unit 119 and input image data 120 when performing the fastening work. Information related to the inspection work (such as the serial number of the passenger conveyor and the work ID for the work) is input at appropriate timings such as during imaging and activation. The extraction unit 113 extracts the area (sheet area) indicating the bolt storage sheet 102 from the image of the bolt storage sheet 102 of the input image data 120. The detection unit 114 detects the number of bolts captured within the sheet area. In this embodiment, the extraction unit 113 and the detection unit 114 are not limited to a configuration in which they process when the application unit 119 is activated, but may also be configured in which the extraction unit 113 and the detection unit 114 process in advance when the camera 110 is capturing images, for example, when the image data 120 is generated.

[0020] The startup position acquisition unit 115 acquires position information indicating the startup position of the application unit 119 during bolt fastening work, for example. The startup time acquisition unit 116 acquires time information indicating the startup time of the application unit 119 during bolt fastening work, for example. The determination unit 117 confirms the consistency between the imaging position and imaging time and the startup position and startup time based on the work information 104. For example, the determination unit 117 determines whether or not there is a problem in starting the application unit 119. The startup unit 118 starts the application unit 119 according to the result of the determination by the determination unit 117. The application unit 119 performs processing related to bolt fastening work. For example, after the inspection device 101 is attached to the worker's arm, the application unit 119 acquires vibrations, sounds, etc. of the work of tightening the torque wrench and detects that the bolt has been securely fastened.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the inspection device 101.

[0022] The inspection device 101 is a computer such as a smartphone or tablet. The inspection device 101 includes, for example, a processor 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary memory 203, an input device 204, an output device 205, a communication device 206, and an imaging device 207.

[0023] A processor 201 is a device that performs calculations. Examples of processors 201 include CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips.

[0024] The main memory 202 is a device that stores programs, data, etc. Examples of main memory 202 include ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). ROM includes SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM), Mask ROM (Mask Read Only Memory), and PROM (Programmable ROM). RAM includes DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0025] The auxiliary storage device 203 includes hard disk drives, flash memory, solid state drives (SSDs), optical storage devices, etc. Optical storage devices include CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). Programs, data, etc., stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 are read into the main memory device 202 as needed.

[0026] The input device 204 is a user interface that receives information from the user. The input device 204 may be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, card reader, or touch panel.

[0027] The output device 205 is a user interface that outputs various types of information (display output, audio output, print output, etc.). The output device 205 may include, for example, a display device that visualizes various types of information, an audio output device (speaker), a print device, etc. The display device may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a graphics card, etc.

[0028] The communication device 206 is a communication interface that communicates with other devices via a communication medium. Examples of communication devices 206 include a NIC (Network Interface Card), a wireless communication module, a USB (Universal Serial Interface) module, a serial communication module, etc. The communication device 206 can also function as an input device that receives information from other devices that are connected to it for communication. Furthermore, the communication device 206 can also function as an output device that transmits information to other devices that are connected to it for communication.

[0029] The imaging device 207 is, for example, a camera 110, and is equipped with an imaging lens, an image sensor, etc., and is a device that converts the optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electrical signal using the image sensor. The imaging device 207 is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, etc.

[0030] The functions of the inspection device 101 (such as the imaging position acquisition unit 111, imaging time acquisition unit 112, extraction unit 113, detection unit 114, startup position acquisition unit 115, startup time acquisition unit 116, determination unit 117, startup unit 118, and application unit 119) may be realized, for example, by the processor 201 reading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 into the main storage device 202 and executing it (software), or by hardware such as a dedicated circuit, or by a combination of software and hardware. One function of the inspection device 101 may be divided into multiple functions, or multiple functions may be combined into one function. In addition, some of the functions of the inspection device 101 may be provided as separate functions or included in other functions. Furthermore, some of the functions of the inspection device 101 (for example, at least one of the extraction unit 113, detection unit 114, determination unit 117, activation unit 118, and application unit 119) may be implemented by another computer capable of communicating with the inspection device 101.

[0031] Figure 3 shows an example of a bolt storage sheet 102.

[0032] The bolt storage sheet 102 is blue in color and is a sheet made of paper or plastic with pre-made holes for storing bolts. The bolt storage sheet 102 is formed by overlapping and bonding a sheet without holes and a sheet with holes to prevent bolts from falling out. When no bolts are stored, it has a uniform blue appearance despite having holes.

[0033] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of work information 104 stored in the storage unit 103. The work information 104 may be stored in the storage unit 103 which can communicate with the inspection device 101, or it may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 of the inspection device 101.

[0034] The passenger conveyor table 400 stores records containing values ​​for multiple items related to the passenger conveyor. More specifically, the passenger conveyor table 400 stores records that associate information about the passenger conveyor itself with the serial number 401 (serial No.), facility 402, model 403, speed 404, lifting height 405, installation floor 406, standard operating direction 407, and installation location 408.

[0035] Serial number 401 is a unique number assigned to each individual passenger conveyor. Facility 402 is the name of the facility where the passenger conveyor is installed. Model 403 is the model of the passenger conveyor. Speed ​​404 is the speed of the passenger conveyor (e.g., rated speed). Lifting height 405 is the floor height of the passenger conveyor. Installation floor 406 is the floor on which the passenger conveyor is installed. Standard operating direction 407 is the standard operating direction of the passenger conveyor. Installation location 408 is the installation location of the passenger conveyor. For example, the installation location may be the address where the passenger conveyor is installed, the latitude and longitude, or other items indicating the location of the passenger conveyor. Note that the passenger conveyor table 400 may not include some of the items described above, and may include other items related to the passenger conveyor.

[0036] The work details table 500 stores records containing values ​​for multiple items that indicate the work details related to the inspection of the passenger conveyor. More specifically, the work details table 500 stores records that associate information about the work details with the work ID 501, standard work time 502, maximum work time 503, procedure number 504 (procedure no.), and number of steps 505.

[0037] Work ID 501 is the ID assigned to each individual work. Standard work time 502 is the standard time required for the work. Maximum work time 503 is the maximum time required for the work. Procedure number 504 is the procedure number related to the work. Number of steps 505 is the number of steps that are to be removed during the work. Since the number of bolts used in each step is constant, the number of bolts used to secure each step is calculated based on the number of steps. It should be added that the work content table 500 may not include all of the items mentioned above, and may also include other items related to the work content, such as the total number of bolts used in the steps that are to be removed during the work.

[0038] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a method for detecting bolts. Figure 6 shows an example of bolt storage in the bolt storage sheet 102. Figure 7 shows an example of the process related to bolt detection.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the bolts 600 removed from the passenger conveyor are stored in the holes of the bolt storage sheet 102.

[0040] The bolt storage sheet 102 is configured such that there is a clear difference in hue between the color of the bolt storage sheet 102 and the color of the bolt 600. In this regard, it is preferable that the color of the bolt storage sheet 102 be the opposite color to the color of the bolt 600. For example, if the color of the bolt 600 is ochre (yellow), then the color of the bolt storage sheet 102 should be blue.

[0041] Next, the procedure for detecting the bolts 600 stored in the bolt storage sheet 102 will be explained using Figure 7.

[0042] In step S701, the extraction unit 113 extracts a sheet area from the imaging data 120 based on the color of the bolt storage sheet 102 to be used as a region for detecting the bolt 600. During imaging, guidance is provided so that the bolt storage sheet 102 is widely visible on the screen, so the bolt storage sheet 102 occupies a certain area or more in the image.

[0043] In step S702, the detection unit 114 performs image binarization on the sheet area based on hue.

[0044] In step S703, the detection unit 114 performs image expansion and contraction processing.

[0045] In step S704, the detection unit 114 defines an area with a certain level of density and size as a single region and counts the number of regions.

[0046] In step S705, the detection unit 114 outputs the number of regions as the number of bolts 600 to the determination unit 117.

[0047] For example, when the determination unit 117 receives the number of bolts detected by the detection unit 114, it reads the step number 505 from the work content table 500 and calculates the number of bolts for the step in which inspection is scheduled to be performed from the read step number 505. The determination unit 117 determines whether the calculated number of bolts matches the number of bolts detected and outputs the result of the determination to the activation unit 118. The determination unit 117 may also output the result of the determination via the output device 205 (display output, audio output, etc.) or via the communication device 206 to another computer.

[0048] Next, we will explain how workers determine the consistency of their work using Figures 8 and 9.

[0049] Figure 8 shows an example of the process for determining the consistency of location information.

[0050] In step S801, the determination unit 117 acquires the position information (imaging position) stored in the imaging data 120.

[0051] In step S802, the determination unit 117 obtains the current location information, in this example the location information (startup location) at the time the application unit 119 was attempted to start, from the startup location acquisition unit 115.

[0052] The location information may be absolute location information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude, or it may be relative location information indicating the position from a predetermined starting point acquired at the time of imaging or startup.

[0053] In step S803, the determination unit 117 obtains the passenger conveyor position (for example, position information such as the lifting height 405 and installation location 408 of the passenger conveyor table 400) from the work information 104.

[0054] In step S804, the determination unit 117 determines whether the location information at the time of imaging and the location information at the time of startup indicate the same location. If the determination unit 117 determines that they are the same location, it proceeds to step S805; otherwise, it proceeds to step S806.

[0055] For example, the determination unit 117 determines whether the imaging position, the startup position, and the passenger conveyor position are within a predetermined tolerance. Alternatively, the determination unit 117 may determine whether the imaging position and the startup position are included within a predetermined range from the passenger conveyor position. Alternatively, the determination unit 117 may determine whether the difference between the imaging position and the startup position is within a tolerance without using the passenger conveyor position.

[0056] In step S805, the determination unit 117 outputs information (location permission information) indicating that there are no consistency issues to the activation unit 118, and terminates the process.

[0057] In step S806, the determination unit 117 outputs information indicating a consistency problem (location denied information) to the activation unit 118 and terminates the process.

[0058] The determination unit 117 may output the determination result (location permission information, location denial information, etc.) via the output device 205, or it may output it to another computer via the communication device 206.

[0059] Figure 9 shows an example of the process for determining the consistency of time information.

[0060] In step S901, the determination unit 117 acquires the time information (imaging time) stored in the imaging data 120.

[0061] In step S902, the determination unit 117 obtains the current time information, in this example the time when the application unit 119 was attempted to start (start time), from the start time acquisition unit 116.

[0062] In step S903, the determination unit 117 obtains work time (for example, information such as the standard work time 502 and maximum work time 503 from the work information 104). Work time is time information indicating the time from removing the bolt to installing it. Work time may be a certain range of time from the standard work time 502, the maximum work time 503, or a time calculated using at least one of the standard work time 502 and the maximum work time 503.

[0063] In step S904, it is determined whether the imaging time and the startup time fall within the working time. For example, the determination unit 117 determines whether the startup time is after the imaging time and whether the elapsed time from the imaging time to the startup time falls within the working time. If the determination unit 117 determines that it falls within the working time, it proceeds to step S905; otherwise, it proceeds to step S906.

[0064] This time determination mechanism also serves to avoid errors in selecting measurement data (for example, image data 120). When multiple passenger conveyors are installed at the same site, work may be performed on multiple passenger conveyors on the same day. In that case, there is no measurement data for the first conveyor during the work on the first conveyor, so there is no problem. However, for the second and subsequent conveyors, measurement data for the same day will exist. If a long time has passed between the time the measurement data was acquired and the start time, considering the amount of work, that measurement data may be from the first conveyor, not the second. This time-based determination is necessary to avoid such inappropriate specification of measurement data.

[0065] In step S905, the determination unit 117 outputs information (time permission information) indicating that there are no consistency issues to the activation unit 118, and terminates the process.

[0066] In step S906, the determination unit 117 outputs information indicating a consistency problem (time permission information) to the activation unit 118 and terminates the process.

[0067] The determination unit 117 may output the determination result (time permission information, time permission information, etc.) via the output device 205, or it may output it to another computer via the communication device 206.

[0068] Furthermore, the activation unit 118 activates the application unit 119 if the determination unit 117 determines that the number of bolts to be worked on matches the number of bolts detected, and if it receives location permission information and time permission information from the determination unit 117. On the other hand, if the determination unit 117 determines that the number of bolts to be worked on does not match the number of bolts detected, or if the activation unit 118 receives location permission information or time permission information from the determination unit 117, it outputs a message indicating that it cannot activate the application unit 119.

[0069] Furthermore, the determination unit 117 does not need to perform a determination on whether the number of bolts for which work is scheduled matches the number of bolts detected, for example, by performing at least one of the following: determining the consistency of the location information and determining the consistency of the time information.

[0070] Furthermore, the above-described processes may all be performed within the inspection device 101 held by the worker, or the measurement data (image, imaging position, imaging time, imaging data 120, etc.) may be transmitted from the inspection device 101 to the server device, various processes (at least one of the processes performed by each of the extraction unit 113, detection unit 114, determination unit 117, and activation unit 118) may be performed in the server device, and the results may be transmitted back to the inspection device 101.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as location information, when outdoors, information based on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS (Global Positioning System) and QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) may be used. When indoors, location information estimated based on the signal strength of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as WiFi (registered trademark), location information acquired by beacons, etc., may be used. As for height information, information acquired by an altimeter may be used, or information estimated from relative position changes based on a barometer may be used. Furthermore, when indoors, information on which floor of the building the user is on, estimated based on the signal strength of a wireless LAN, information acquired by beacons, etc., may be used.

[0072] To add to that, location information includes one or more of the following: latitude and longitude information from GNSS, information based on wireless communication units such as WiFi and beacons, information on relative height changes during measurement based on a barometer, and information on relative position changes during measurement based on an accelerometer.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the passenger conveyor inspection system makes a determination based on hue to detect bolts in the bolt storage sheet, but extraction may be based on other image features such as contrast and saturation instead of hue. In addition, the passenger conveyor inspection system may measure the number of bolts after learning images of bolts in advance using machine learning.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the passenger conveyor inspection system does not need to use images when measuring the number of bolts. In this case, a two-dimensional code may be attached to the bolt, and the passenger conveyor inspection system may measure the number of bolts by reading the two-dimensional code. Alternatively, a sensor may be embedded in the bolt, and the passenger conveyor inspection system may measure the number of bolts based on the signal from the sensor.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the passenger conveyor can be properly inspected.

[0076] (II) Second Embodiment This embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the operator can correct the number of bolts after the consistency of the location and / or time information has been confirmed. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0077] Here, if it becomes clear that the number of bolts detected by the detection unit 114 differs from the actual number due to imaging conditions or other influences, it becomes problematic if subsequent work is not carried out. In this regard, as shown in Figure 10, the inspection device 1001 of the passenger conveyor inspection system 1000 is equipped with a correction unit 1010 and a verification unit 1020. The correction unit 1010 corrects the number of bolts based on the numerical value entered by the worker. The verification unit 1020 receives and inputs the result confirmed by the person in charge (manager).

[0078] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of the passenger conveyor inspection system 1000.

[0079] The correction unit 1010 is used when, although there are no issues with the consistency of position, time, etc., the number of bolts calculated based on the work information 104 (number of steps 505 to be worked on) differs from the actual number of bolts. If the number of bolts is corrected by the correction unit 1010, it becomes a problem if the value arbitrarily entered by the worker deviates from the actual situation. For this reason, the imaging data 120 at the time of work, the number of bolts detected, and the corrected number of bolts are checked by the person in charge to ensure their appropriateness, and the results of the check by the person in charge are input via the check unit 1020.

[0080] The verification unit 1020 may be installed in the inspection device 1001 held by the worker, or in a computer such as a terminal or server located in a remote location that is connected via communication, or in another terminal in the same location that is connected via communication (for example, a terminal held by the person in charge).

[0081] If the verification unit 1020 confirms that there is no problem with the number of corrected bolts, it outputs information to the activation unit 118 indicating that it has been confirmed by the person in charge. In this case, the activation unit 118 activates the application unit 119.

[0082] According to this embodiment, it is possible to correct and verify erroneous detections of the number of bolts, enabling reliable inspections that are in line with actual conditions.

[0083] (III) Addendum The above-described embodiments include, for example, the following:

[0084] In the embodiments described above, the present invention was applied to a passenger conveyor inspection system. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be broadly applied to various other systems, devices, methods, and programs.

[0085] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, part or all of the program may be installed from the program source onto a device such as a computer that implements the inspection device. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server connected via a network or a recording medium readable by a computer (e.g., a non-temporary recording medium). Also, in the above description, two or more programs may be implemented as one program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration of each table is merely an example; one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may constitute one table.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for the sake of explanation, information related to the passenger conveyor inspection system was described using a table, but the data structure is not limited to a table. Information related to the passenger conveyor inspection system may also be represented by data structures other than tables, such as XML (Extensible Markup Language), YAML (YAML Ain't a Markup Language), hash tables, tree structures, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the output of information is not limited to display on a screen. The output of information may be audio output by a speaker, output to a file, printed on paper media by a printing device, projected onto a screen by a projector, or in any other form.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above description, information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in memory, storage devices such as hard disks and SSDs, or recording media such as IC cards, SD cards, and DVDs.

[0090] The above-described embodiment includes, for example, the following characteristic configurations.

[0091] (1) A passenger conveyor inspection system (passenger conveyor inspection system 100, passenger conveyor inspection system 1000, etc.) for inspecting a passenger conveyor equipped with steps fixed by bolts, wherein the system includes first position information indicating the position when the bolt removal operation is performed (position information when an image of the bolt storage sheet 102 is taken, position information when a bolt is detected from the image of the bolt storage sheet 102, etc.), second position information indicating the position when the bolt installation operation is performed (for example, position information at startup), first time information indicating the time when the removal operation is performed (time information when an image of the bolt storage sheet 102 is taken, time information when a bolt is detected from the image of the bolt storage sheet 102, etc.), and when the installation operation is performed. The system includes: an acquisition unit (imaging position acquisition unit 111, imaging time acquisition unit 112, startup position acquisition unit 115, startup time acquisition unit 116, inspection device 101, circuit, etc.) that acquires at least one of the following: a second time information indicating the time of startup (for example, startup time information); a first process (for example, the process shown in Figure 8) that determines whether the first and second time information acquired by the acquisition unit are location information indicating the same location; a second process (for example, the process shown in Figure 9) that determines whether the first and second time information acquired by the acquisition unit are time information indicating the time from when the bolt was removed until when it was installed; and a determination unit (determination unit 117, inspection device 101, circuit, other computer that can communicate with the inspection device 101, etc.) that performs at least one of the following.

[0092] According to the above configuration, for example, at least one of the consistency of positional information related to the removal and installation of bolts and the consistency of time information related to the removal and installation of bolts can be determined, so that bolts removed from the passenger conveyor can be properly managed.

[0093] (2) The system includes a detection unit (extraction unit 113, detection unit 114, inspection device 101, circuit, other computer capable of communicating with the inspection device 101, etc.) that detects the number of bolts based on the measurement data of the bolts, and a storage unit (storage unit 103, auxiliary storage device 203, inspection device 101, other computer capable of communicating with the inspection device 101, etc.) that stores work information (work information 104, work content table 500, etc.) for obtaining the number of bolts in the step in which the inspection is scheduled to be performed, and the determination unit determines whether the number of bolts obtained from the work information matches the number of bolts detected by the detection unit.

[0094] In the above configuration, it is determined whether the number of bolts in the step where inspection is scheduled to be performed matches the number of bolts detected, thus enabling management to ensure that the bolt installation work is carried out as planned.

[0095] (3) The system includes a storage unit (storage unit 103, auxiliary storage device 203, inspection device 101, other computer capable of communicating with the inspection device 101, etc.) that stores work information (work information 104, work content table 500, etc.) for obtaining work time, which is the time required from removing the bolt to installing it. The determination unit performs the second process in addition to the first process, or without performing the first process, and in the second process, it determines whether the first time in the first time information is earlier than the second time in the second time information, and whether the time from the first time to the second time is within the work time obtained from the work information (see, for example, Figure 9).

[0096] According to the above configuration, for example, it is possible to determine whether the time between removing and installing a bolt is appropriate, thereby ensuring that the bolt installation work starts within a predetermined time frame.

[0097] (4) The passenger conveyor inspection system described above includes an activation unit (activation unit 118, inspection device 101, circuit, other computer capable of communicating with the inspection device 101, etc.) that activates an application (for example, application unit 119) used in the bolt installation work, according to the result of the determination by the determination unit.

[0098] In the above configuration, for example, the application used in bolt installation is launched only when it is determined that the location information or time information is consistent. This prevents situations where bolt installation is started when the location information or time information is inconsistent.

[0099] (5) The passenger conveyor inspection system includes a detection unit (extraction unit 113, detection unit 114, inspection device 101, circuit, other computer capable of communicating with the inspection device 101, etc.) that detects the number of bolts based on measurement data of the bolts, the bolts are stored in a storage member (for example, a bolt storage sheet 102) whose hue is opposite to the color of the bolts, the measurement data is an image of the storage member when the bolts are stored, and the detection unit detects the number of bolts based on the color of the bolts in the image (see, for example, Figure 7).

[0100] In the above configuration, for example, since the bolts are stored in storage members with opposite colors and hues, the number of bolts can be detected with high precision, and the number of bolts removed from the passenger conveyor belt can be accurately managed.

[0101] (6) The passenger conveyor inspection system comprises a first computer equipped with the acquisition unit described above, and a second computer that is communicatively connected to the first computer and equipped with the determination unit described above.

[0102] According to the above configuration, for example, if the processing of the determination unit is performed on a high-performance computer, the load on the first computer can be reduced, and the processing of the determination unit can be sped up.

[0103] The passenger conveyor inspection system described above may include a first computer usable by workers and a second computer usable by a supervisor. In this case, the first computer includes an acquisition unit and a determination unit, and the second computer includes a confirmation unit (confirmation unit 1020, inspection device 1001, etc.) that receives the result of the supervisor confirming the number of bolts. The first computer may also include a correction unit (correction unit 1010, inspection device 1001, etc.) that accepts corrections by workers, and the second computer may include a correction unit that accepts corrections by a supervisor.

[0104] Furthermore, the above-described configuration may be modified, rearranged, combined, or omitted as appropriate, as long as it does not exceed the essence of the present invention.

[0105] The designations "First," "Second," "Third," etc., used in this specification are for identifying components and do not necessarily limit their number or order. Furthermore, the numbers used to identify components are used on a context-by-context basis, and a number used in one context does not necessarily indicate the same component in another context. Moreover, this does not prevent a component identified by one number from also performing the function of a component identified by another number.

[0106] Please understand that items included in a list in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 100... Passenger conveyor inspection system, 101... Inspection device.

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor inspection system for inspecting a passenger conveyor equipped with bolted steps, An acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following: first position information indicating the position when the bolt removal operation is performed and second position information indicating the position when the bolt installation operation is performed; first time information indicating the time when the removal operation is performed and second time information indicating the time when the installation operation is performed. A storage unit for storing work information related to the inspection of the passenger conveyor, A first process for determining the consistency between the first location information and the second location information by determining, based on the work information, whether the first location information and the second location information indicate the same location. At least one of the following is performed: a second process that determines the consistency between the first time information and the second time information by determining whether the time from the first time indicated by the first time information to the second time indicated by the second time information is within the work time obtained from the work information, from removing the bolt to installing it; Based on the result of that determination, a determination unit determines whether or not the bolt installation work can be carried out, A passenger conveyor inspection system equipped with the following features.

2. The system includes a detection unit that detects the number of bolts based on the measurement data of the bolts, The aforementioned work information includes information for obtaining the number of bolts in the step where the inspection is scheduled to be performed. The determination unit determines whether the number of bolts obtained from the work information matches the number of bolts detected by the detection unit. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a startup unit that activates an application used in the bolt installation work, according to the result of the determination by the determination unit. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1.

4. The system includes a detection unit that detects the number of bolts based on the measurement data of the bolts, The bolt is housed in a storage member whose color and hue are opposite to the color of the bolt. The measurement data is an image of the storage member when the bolt is stored. The detection unit detects the number of bolts based on the color of the bolts in the image. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1.

5. The system comprises a first computer equipped with the acquisition unit, and a second computer that is communicatively connected to the first computer and equipped with the determination unit. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1.

6. A passenger conveyor inspection device for inspecting a passenger conveyor equipped with steps fixed by bolts, An acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following: first position information indicating the position when the bolt removal operation is performed and second position information indicating the position when the bolt installation operation is performed; first time information indicating the time when the removal operation is performed and second time information indicating the time when the installation operation is performed. A storage unit for storing work information related to the inspection of the passenger conveyor, A first process for determining the consistency between the first location information and the second location information by determining, based on the work information, whether the first location information and the second location information indicate the same location. At least one of the following is performed: a second process that determines the consistency between the first time information and the second time information by determining whether the time from the first time indicated by the first time information to the second time indicated by the second time information is within the work time obtained from the work information, from removing the bolt to installing it; Based on the result of that determination, a determination unit determines whether or not the bolt installation work can be carried out, A passenger conveyor inspection device equipped with the following features.

7. A passenger conveyor inspection method for inspecting a passenger conveyor equipped with steps fixed by bolts, The acquisition unit acquires at least one of the following: first position information indicating the position when the bolt removal operation is performed and second position information indicating the position when the bolt installation operation is performed; first time information indicating the time when the removal operation is performed and second time information indicating the time when the installation operation is performed. The determination unit performs at least one of the following: a first process to determine whether the first location information and the second location information indicate the same location, based on the work information related to the inspection of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, thereby determining the consistency between the first location information and the second location information; and a second process to determine whether the time from the first time indicated by the first time information to the second time indicated by the second time information is within the work time obtained from the work information, from removing the bolt to installing it, thereby determining the consistency between the first time information and the second time information; and then, based on the determination result, determines whether the bolt installation work can be carried out. A passenger conveyor inspection method that includes this.

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