Elevator monitoring system, elevator monitoring method

Abstract

If elevator users prefer not to talk to people, they may refrain from making a call even when necessary. This is especially true for minor matters, where communication is often avoided out of consideration for the responder and their availability. [Solution] The elevator monitoring system comprises an elevator car equipped with a communication device, an operator communication device that allows a passenger in the car to communicate with an operator via the communication device, and a dynamic automatic communication device that can automatically communicate with the passenger. The elevator car is equipped with a selection means that allows the passenger to select either the operator communication device or the dynamic automatic communication device as the destination for the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator monitoring system and an elevator monitoring method.

Background Art

[0002] When receiving an inquiry at a call center, the call support system of Patent Document 1 automatically displays registration information about the corresponding elevator registered in the database unit and the current state of the corresponding elevator on the response terminal. This enables appropriate support for the work of responders at the call center.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a user who calls the call center needs to talk to a responder. However, when the user does not prefer to talk to a person, the user may refrain from making a call even in a situation where a call is necessary. In particular, for minor matters, due to consideration for responders and response time, contact is likely to be avoided.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator monitoring system that can suppress the occurrence of avoiding calls by providing an environment in which users can convey their opinions and questions without psychological burden.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator monitoring system of the present disclosure is Acquire the voice spoken by the user. between the car of an elevator having a communication device and the operator via the communication device, the user who has boarded the car Voice calls Operator communication device capable of automatically communicating with users Voice calls The car is equipped with a monitoring device that has a dynamic automatic communication device, and the car has a selection means that allows the user to select either an operator's communication device or the dynamic automatic communication device as the destination for the communication device.

[0007] The elevator monitoring method described herein is provided in the elevator car Acquire the voice spoken by the user. Based on the operation performed using the selection means installed in the car, the communication device allows the passenger in the car and the operator to communicate. Voice calls Operator communication device capable of automatically communicating with users Voice calls The system includes a connection step that connects to a dynamic automatic communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure is expected to allow us to collect more information, such as opinions and questions, from users. This information can then be used, for example, to improve customer satisfaction and preventative maintenance, thereby enhancing the overall safety and convenience of the elevator system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the elevator monitoring system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a processing flowchart of the elevator monitoring system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the details of the feedback processing in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the details of the question processing in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the details of the error handling process in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the dynamic automatic communication device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of hardware resources for a monitoring device. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another example of the hardware resources of the monitoring device. [Figure 9] It is a configuration diagram of the elevator monitoring system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a processing flowchart of the elevator monitoring system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] It is a configuration diagram of the elevator monitoring system in Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] It is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the dynamic automatic calling device in Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the details of the abnormality processing in Embodiment 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator monitoring system 100 in Embodiment 1. This elevator monitoring system 100 includes an elevator 1 installed in one or more buildings, a monitoring device 20, and a communication line 30.

[0012] The elevator 1 has an elevator control device 2 and a car 10. The elevator control device 2 performs comprehensive control of the rotation, stop, landing call, car call, and devices of the car 10 of the hoist (not shown). In addition, the elevator control device 2 has an operation history recording device � and accumulates the operation history of the elevator.

[0013] The car 10 moves up and down in the elevator shaft in the building and transports the users who board from the boarding floor to the destination floor. The car 10 is provided with a communication device 11 as a device necessary for a call by the user. The communication device 11 includes a speaker 12, a microphone 13, and an intercom button 14 which is a call button.

[0014] The communication device 11 is a device that controls the call with the monitoring device 20. For example, the communication device 11 acquires and analyzes the communication data sent from the monitoring device 20 and extracts the voice data. The speaker 12 emits voice into the car 10 based on this voice data.

[0015] Also, the communication device 11 acquires the voice emitted by the user toward the microphone 13. Then, the communication device 11 generates communication data including the call data composed of this voice and transmits it to the monitoring device 20. Note that the communication data is what is obtained by adding information such as an address necessary for communication to data such as call data.

[0016] The intercom button 14 is for the user who wants to talk to the monitoring device 20 to request the start of a call to the monitoring device 20. Here, the intercom button 14 corresponds to the selection means.

[0017] The monitoring device 20 is installed in a monitoring center that remotely monitors a plurality of elevators. The monitoring device 20 has a connection destination switching device 21, a dynamic automatic call device 22, an operator call device 23, a type-by-type content database 24, an abnormal factor estimation database 25, a response database 26, an emergency transfer control unit 27, and a maintenance inspection information management unit 28.

[0018] Note that as long as each device possessed by the monitoring device 20 exists as a function, it may be in one housing, or the housings may be separated and connected to each other by a communication line.

[0019] Based on user operation via the intercom button 14, the connection switching device 21 connects the communication device 11 to either the dynamic automatic communication device 22 or the operator communication device 23 so that it can communicate with them.

[0020] The dynamic automatic call system 22 is a device that can understand the content of a user's voice call and respond automatically. In other words, because it is automatic, it responds on its own without operator intervention. Furthermore, because it is dynamic, its response changes appropriately according to the content and situation of the user's call. For example, the dynamic automatic call system 22 is an AI (artificial intelligence) that uses a large-scale language model (LLM) specifically trained for elevators. The dynamic automatic call system 22 also has the function of dynamically generating answers that are specifically tailored to questions about elevators.

[0021] The operator communication device 23 is a device used by the operator to communicate with the passenger inside the elevator car 10. For example, the operator communication device 23 may be a personal computer connected to the communication line 30, equipped with a headset that has a speaker and microphone function.

[0022] The category-specific content database 24 is a database used by the dynamic automatic call device 22, which is designed to correspond to a user, to store the content of those calls.

[0023] The Anomaly Cause Estimation Database 25 contains data on abnormalities in equipment components and the factors that are thought to cause those abnormalities.

[0024] The answer database 26 stores a collection of questions that users are expected to ask, along with their corresponding answers.

[0025] The emergency transfer control unit 27 issues a command to the connection destination switching device 21 to switch the connection destination, based on a notification from the dynamic automatic communication device 22.

[0026] The Maintenance and Inspection Information Management Unit 28 manages the timing and items of maintenance and inspection for elevator 1.

[0027] Next, the processing when a user makes a call in the elevator monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1 will be explained based on the processing flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0028] First, in Figure 2, the user inside the elevator car 10 presses the intercom button 14. This initiates the transmission of ON information from the intercom button 14, and the connection destination switching device 21 receives the ON information via the communication line 30 (step S01).

[0029] In step S01, the connection destination switching device 21, which received ON information from the intercom button 14, determines whether the transmission of ON information has continued for more than 3 seconds (step S02). Note that ON information is transmitted while the user is pressing the intercom button 14, and the transmission of ON information stops when the user stops pressing it.

[0030] In step S02, the connection switching device 21 determines that the user has been continuously pressing the intercom button 14 and has been transmitting ON information for more than 3 seconds, and then connects the operator communication device 23 with the communication device 11 (step S03). The operator communication device 23 sends a voice message or call tone communication data saying "Connecting you to an operator" to the communication device 11. The communication device 11 analyzes the received communication data and emits the message voice or call tone from the speaker 12. After that, the operator operates the operator communication device 23, and a conversation between the operator and the user begins.

[0031] In step S02, if the transmission of ON information stops within 3 seconds, it is determined whether the transmission time of the ON information was less than 1 second (step S04).

[0032] In step S04, if the time is less than 1 second, the connection destination switching device 21 connects the AI-controlled dynamic automatic call device 22 with the call device 11 (step S05).

[0033] If the time in step S04 is longer than 1 second, the destination switching device 21 stops processing and returns to the state before step S01.

[0034] Inside the cage 10, a message is displayed, for example, "You can speak with the monitoring device by pressing the intercom button. If you wish to speak with the AI, please release the button within 1 second. If you wish to speak with an operator, please hold the button down for 3 seconds or more." Therefore, the user can choose to speak with an operator or an AI by pressing the intercom button 14. Note that if the operation time is between 1 second and 3 seconds, there will be no response to prevent accidental operation. Steps S01 to S05 correspond to the connection steps.

[0035] After step S05, when the dynamic automatic call device 22 and the call device 11 are connected, the dynamic automatic call device 22 responds to the user. Figure 6 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the dynamic automatic call device 22.

[0036] The dynamic automatic communication device 22 includes a type determination unit 22a, an operation history acquisition unit 22b, a history storage unit 22c, a message generation unit 22d, a message transmission unit 22e, a response creation unit 22f, a response storage unit 22g, an abnormality cause estimation unit 22h, and a maintenance adjustment unit 22i.

[0037] In Figure 2, after step S05, the message transmission unit 22e sends communication data of the message "Please state your request" to the call device 11. The call device 11 analyzes this communication data and prompts the user to speak by emitting the message's voice from the speaker 12. In response, the user speaks into the microphone 13. The call device 11 transmits the communication data of this voice. The type determination unit 22a of the dynamic automatic call device 22 acquires call data from the communication data (step S06).

[0038] The type determination unit 22a analyzes the call data. First, it determines whether the call data falls under the "emergency" category (step S07). An emergency is when the call data contains terms that suggest being trapped, such as "trapped," "immobile," or "power outage."

[0039] In step S07, if the type determination unit 22a determines that the type is "emergency," it immediately notifies the emergency transfer control unit 27 to have an operator take action. The emergency transfer control unit 27 receives the notification and sends a switching command to the connection destination switching device 21. The connection destination switching device 21 connects the communication device 11 and the operator communication device 23 (step S08: switching step). From this point onward, the operator will take action.

[0040] In step S07, if the type determination unit 22a determines that the type is not "urgent," it determines whether it falls under one of the following categories: "opinion," "question," or "anomaly report" (step S09).

[0041] Some opinions include complaints such as "the lighting is too dim at night" or "it's too hot." Other opinions include suggestions such as "please make the lighting brighter at night" or "please increase the air conditioning." Still other opinions include compliments such as "the lighting is pleasant" or "the ride is more comfortable than before."

[0042] Examples of questions include those related to the elevator itself, such as "What are the operating hours of the elevator?", "When is the next inspection?", and "What is the difference between the wheelchair button and the regular button?".

[0043] Examples of abnormal reports include things like "there are strange noises" or "there is a strange smell."

[0044] If the type determination unit 22a determines it to be an "opinion" in step S09, opinion processing is performed (step S10). If the type determination unit 22a determines it to be a "question," question processing is performed (step S11). If the type determination unit 22a determines it to be an "abnormality report," abnormality processing is performed (step S12).

[0045] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the feedback processing in step S10. In the case of an opinion, the operation history acquisition unit 22b acquires the operation history from the operation history recording device 3 of the elevator control device 2 from the time when the last landing call that the car 10 responded to was registered immediately before the user operated the intercom button 14 until the time the call in step S06 was made (step S101: operation history acquisition step). The operation history includes information that can identify the car 10 in which the user who operated the intercom button 14 is riding. Furthermore, in the case of a group control elevator with multiple units working in conjunction, the operation history includes information not only on the unit in which the user is riding, but also on all units in the bank.

[0046] Next, the history storage unit 22c associates the call type and operation history with the call text and stores it in the content database 24 for each type (step S102: history storage step).

[0047] Next, the message generation unit 22d generates a standard message, "Thank you for your valuable feedback" (step S103). The message transmission unit 22e transmits communication data based on this standard message to the call device 11 (step S104). The speaker 12 emits the audio of this standard message.

[0048] Figure 4 is a flowchart detailing the question processing in step S11. In the case of a question, the answer creation unit 22f searches the answer database 26 and extracts answers to questions that are related to or similar to the question. Then, using these as a reference, the answer creation unit 22f creates an answer to the question (step S111: answer creation step). For example, if the question is "What are the operating hours of the elevator?", the answer would be "From 6 a.m. to 11 p.m."

[0049] The message generation unit 22d generates a response message based on the created response (step S112: message generation step). For example, the response message might be, "The operating hours for this elevator are from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM."

[0050] The message transmission unit 22e transmits communication data based on this reply message to the call device 11 (step S113: message transmission step). The speaker 12 emits the audio of this reply message.

[0051] Furthermore, the response storage unit 22g associates the call type with the response and stores it in the content database 24 for each type (step S114).

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the error handling in step S12. In the event of an abnormality, the operation history acquisition unit 22b acquires the operation history from the operation history recording device 3 of the elevator control device 2 from a predetermined time before the user operated the intercom button 14 up to the call in step S06 (step S121).

[0053] Then, the history storage unit 22c associates the call text with the type and operation history and stores it in the type-specific content database 24 (step S122).

[0054] Next, the abnormality cause estimation unit 22h searches the abnormality cause estimation database 25 and extracts abnormality causes corresponding to the abnormal phenomenon in the call (step S123). Then, it determines whether a corresponding abnormality cause exists and whether the faulty component can be estimated (step S124). Steps S123 and S124 correspond to the abnormality cause estimation steps.

[0055] In step S124, if the faulty part can be estimated, the maintenance adjustment unit 22i creates maintenance and inspection items for the estimated part and transmits these items to the maintenance and inspection information management unit 28, which is related to the faulty part. The maintenance and inspection information management unit 28 has a management table for each inspection item and automatically adds this part as a maintenance and inspection item for the next time (step S125: maintenance adjustment step).

[0056] Next, the message generation unit 22d generates a standard message, "Thank you for sharing this valuable information" (step S126). The message transmission unit 22e transmits communication data based on this standard message to the call device 11 (step S127). The speaker 12 then emits the audio of this standard message.

[0057] Thus, in Embodiment 1, the user can choose to converse with an operator or with a non-human entity. In other words, if the user does not prefer to talk to a person, they can select the dynamic automatic call device 22. This is expected to allow for the collection of more information, such as opinions and questions, from the user.

[0058] The selection method does not have to be based on the length of time the intercom button 14 is pressed. For example, a single press of the intercom button 14 could connect to the operator communication device 23, and a quick double press, such as a double-click, could connect to the dynamic automatic communication device 22. Alternatively, a new selection device could be installed inside the car 10 for the user to make the selection. The point is that any method that allows the user inside the car 10 to consciously choose between operator assistance and non-human assistance is acceptable.

[0059] Furthermore, call and operation history are stored in a content database categorized by type. This allows for more efficient statistical and review processing at a later date. Specifically, for example, it can be used to understand trends in opinions, complaints, and praise for quantitative analysis of customer satisfaction. It can be used to identify frequently occurring requests and problems and provide them to the development department for product improvement. It can be used to analyze the correlation between abnormality reporting patterns and actual failures to improve the accuracy of preventive maintenance. It can be used to update the database of frequently asked questions to enhance the FAQ. It can be used to analyze the correlation between operation history and user feedback to optimize elevator operation. It can be used to develop individual countermeasures by identifying on-site specific issues for proposing improvements to maintenance contracts.

[0060] Furthermore, if any terms indicating an emergency are used, the call will be immediately switched to operator assistance. This allows for a swift response in emergency situations.

[0061] Furthermore, in the event of an anomaly report, the faulty component causing the anomaly is estimated based on the report's content, and additional maintenance and inspection items for that component are added. This improves the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0062] Furthermore, the maintenance information management unit 28 may display an alert for the maintenance items if there are multiple automatic additions based on the maintenance adjustment unit 22i for the same fault location. In addition, a priority inspection item may be designated, for example, an item with an inspection cycle of one month may be changed in the maintenance schedule to be inspected one week later.

[0063] Furthermore, the connection time for each call of the dynamic automatic call device 22 may be limited to a maximum of one minute, and the call may be automatically terminated if the time limit is exceeded. In the case of cloud-based AI, charges may be made by the hour, so shortening the connection time can reduce costs. In this case, a voice message such as "The conversation will end in 15 seconds" may be issued before the time limit expires.

[0064] Furthermore, the dynamic automatic call device 22 may be made multilingual and prompt users to speak in their native language with voice messages such as, "Please state your business in your native language."

[0065] The data stored in the category-specific content database 24 is used for statistical processing and review, but its importance varies depending on the business. Therefore, it may be possible to set up automatic deletion. This allows businesses to adjust the total amount of data they store by saving important data for the long term and automatically deleting less important data, for example, after three months.

[0066] Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware resources of the monitoring device 20. The monitoring device 20 is a computer having a processor 20a, memory 20b, and a transmit / receive circuit 20c as hardware resources. Note that there may be multiple processors 20a, memory 20b, and transmit / receive circuits 20c.

[0067] The processor 20a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, or DSP. For memory 20b, semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs may be used. Possible semiconductor memories include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0068] Figure 8 shows another example of the hardware resources of the monitoring device 20. In the example in Figure 8, the monitoring device 20 has a processing circuit that includes a processor 20a, memory 20b, a transmit / receive circuit 20c, and dedicated hardware 20d. Some of the functions of the monitoring device 20 are realized by the dedicated hardware 20d. Alternatively, all of the functions of the monitoring device 20 may be realized by the dedicated hardware 20d. The dedicated hardware 20d can be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0069] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, a two-dimensional code is used to enable connection from the user's terminal 40 to the dynamic automatic communication device 22. Figure 9 is a configuration diagram of the elevator monitoring system 100 in Embodiment 2. In Figure 9, the elevator monitoring system 100 is the same as that shown in Figure 1, except that the car 10 has a display unit 15. In Figure 9, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components as in Figure 1, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0070] In Figure 9, the display unit 15 is, for example, an LCD screen, which displays a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). Users can connect to the monitoring device 20 by reading the two-dimensional code with the camera of their own user terminal 40, such as a smartphone.

[0071] Next, the process in Embodiment 2 will be explained based on the process flowchart in Figure 10. In Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for steps that are the same as or similar to those in Figure 2, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0072] In Figure 10, the user reads the two-dimensional code on the display unit 15 of the elevator car 10 using the camera of the user terminal 40 (step S201). The user then activates the read two-dimensional code. As a result, the browser of the user terminal 40 sends a two-dimensional code connection request to the dynamic automatic call device 22 based on the two-dimensional code (step S202). The connection destination switching device 21 determines whether it has received the two-dimensional code connection request (step S20).

[0073] In step S20, if the connection destination switching device 21 receives a two-dimensional code connection request, in step S05, it connects the dynamic automatic call device 22 and the user terminal 40 via the communication line 30. Subsequently, steps S06 and onward are executed.

[0074] Furthermore, this two-dimensional code contains identification information for the target elevator car 10. Therefore, the dynamic automatic communication device 22 can identify the elevator car 10 to which opinions or abnormality reports are submitted.

[0075] In this way, by using the two-dimensional code inside the car 10, users can also communicate with the dynamic automatic communication device 22 after alighting from the car 10.

[0076] In this case, the connection time may be limited to a maximum of one minute per session, and connections from the same device may be limited to one per day. This will prevent misuse, such as making multiple calls from outside the cart using the QR code scanned by the user.

[0077] Furthermore, it would be beneficial to monitor access patterns during unusual times, such as late at night. For example, in an office building, it is unlikely that users riding elevators late at night would request a call, making such calls highly likely to be pranks. Additionally, pre-defined rules could be established, and calls could be disconnected if those conditions are met.

[0078] Furthermore, the system may be configured to automatically disconnect if inappropriate content (abusive language, pranks, etc.) is detected. Normally, users riding in an elevator are mindful of their surroundings, especially the surveillance cameras installed inside the elevator car 10, and can therefore refrain from engaging in inappropriate conversations. However, if the user terminal 40 is used and the conversation is made outside the elevator car 10, such restraints do not apply, and there is a possibility that the content may become inappropriate.

[0079] Alternatively, the system may acquire location information of the user terminal 40, or determine proximity using Bluetooth®, and reject QR code connection requests from user terminals 40 that are a predetermined distance from the elevator.

[0080] Furthermore, by storing a history on the user terminal 40, users may be able to check the content of past inquiries.

[0081] Furthermore, if the dynamic automatic call device 22 cannot immediately answer a question from a user, it may choose to provide a response to the user terminal 40 at a later date.

[0082] Additionally, if the browser is closed during a call, the call may be automatically considered complete.

[0083] Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the dynamic automatic communication device 22 is configured to transmit additional information outside of verbal communication when necessary while conversing with a user. Figure 11 is a configuration diagram of the elevator monitoring system 100 in Embodiment 3. Compared with Figure 9, Figure 11 shows that the two-dimensional code sent from the monitoring device 20 can be displayed on the display unit 15. In Figure 11, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as or similar to those in Figure 9, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0084] Figure 12 is a configuration diagram of the dynamic automatic communication device 22 in Embodiment 3. The dynamic automatic communication device 22 in Figure 12 has, in addition to the dynamic automatic communication device 22 in Figure 6, an additional information determination unit 22j, a two-dimensional code generation unit 22k, a two-dimensional code transmission unit 22l, and a received data analysis unit 22m. In Figure 12, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as or similar to those in Figure 6, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0085] Next, the detailed processing of step S12, which is the error handling in Embodiment 3, will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 13. In Figure 13, steps that are the same as or similar to those in Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0086] After connecting the dynamic automatic call device 22 and the call device 11 via the communication line 30, the dynamic automatic call device 22 sends communication data including the message "Please state your request" to the call device 11. In response, the user speaks into the microphone 13. The dynamic automatic call device 22 analyzes this speech and determines that it is an abnormality report, but may require additional information such as image data. For example, if the report concerns water leaking from the ceiling, it may require photographs of the puddle of water on the floor of the elevator car and the ceiling from which the water is leaking.

[0087] After the type determination unit 22a determines that it is an abnormal report, the additional information determination unit 22j determines whether the details of the abnormality cannot be sufficiently confirmed and whether additional information is needed (step S301: additional information determination step).

[0088] If it is determined in step S301 that additional information is needed, the two-dimensional code generation unit 22k generates a two-dimensional code with an expiration date (step S302: two-dimensional code generation step). This two-dimensional code contains information that identifies the previous call. Therefore, the received data analysis unit 22m can correctly associate the additional information with the call based on the two-dimensional code.

[0089] The two-dimensional code transmission unit 22l transmits a two-dimensional code to the display unit 16 (step S303: two-dimensional code transmission step). For example, at the same time as transmission, the system may announce that the code has been transmitted. For example, the message generation unit 22d generates a request message that says, "A two-dimensional code has been displayed on the display unit. Please scan it with your smartphone." The message transmission unit 22e transmits the communication data of the request message to the communication device 11. The communication device 11 receives the request message and emits the voice of the request message from the speaker 12.

[0090] When a user reads the two-dimensional code on the display unit 15 with their own user terminal 40, the user terminal 40 requests a two-dimensional code connection. Therefore, the received data analysis unit 22m determines whether it has received a two-dimensional code connection request (step S304).

[0091] If the system determines in step S304 that it has received a request to connect to a two-dimensional code, the received data analysis unit 22m sends a request for additional information collection, such as "Please send the data," to the user terminal 40 by voice or text (step S305: Additional Information Request Step).

[0092] In response, the user sends additional information from the user terminal 40, and the received data analysis unit 22m determines whether it has received the additional information (Step S306: Additional Information Reception Step).

[0093] If data is received, the received data analysis unit 22m analyzes the additional information sent from the user terminal 40 (Step S307: Additional Information Analysis Step). After acquiring the additional information, it erases the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 15 (Step S308: Two-Dimensional Code Erasing Step).

[0094] Furthermore, if no request to connect to the QR code is received in step S304, it is determined whether 10 minutes have passed since the QR code was sent (step S309). If so, the QR code is deleted in step S308. This is because if 10 minutes have passed, it is assumed that the user has no intention of responding.

[0095] Similarly, if no additional information is received in step S306, it is determined whether 10 minutes have elapsed since the transmission of the QR code (step S310). If so, the QR code is deleted in step S308.

[0096] After erasing the QR code in step S308, steps S121 and onward are executed as shown in Figure 5. Note that even if there is no QR code connection request or no additional information, steps S121 and onward are executed based solely on the acquired call.

[0097] In this way, acquiring and using additional information improves the accuracy of estimating the faulty component.

[0098] The display unit may be an LCD indicator, which may switch on only when a 2D code is generated, or the 2D code may be displayed on a portion of the screen.

[0099] Furthermore, if an operator is handling a call and additional information is needed, the operator may operate the dynamic automatic communication device 22 to generate a two-dimensional code.

[0100] Additional information could include still images showing abnormalities, vandalism, and damage. Videos recording abnormal operation, vibration, and unusual noises could also be included. Furthermore, a text document detailing the situation and any further requests could be provided.

[0101] Furthermore, when collecting additional information, images or videos explaining which parts of the dynamic automatic communication device 22 will be photographed, what operations will be performed, and how the data will be acquired may be displayed on the display unit 15.

[0102] You may offer some kind of incentive to users who cooperate in collecting additional information.

[0103] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of disclosure.

[0104] Furthermore, when referring to the number, quantity, amount, range, etc., of each element in the embodiments, the apparatus of this disclosure is not limited to the referred number unless specifically stated or clearly defined in principle. Also, the structures, etc., described in these embodiments are not necessarily essential unless specifically stated or clearly defined in principle.

[0105] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) An elevator car equipped with a communication device, The system includes an operator communication device that allows communication between a passenger in the car and an operator via the aforementioned communication device, and a monitoring device that has a dynamic automatic communication device that can automatically communicate with the passenger. The elevator car is an elevator monitoring system having selection means that allows the user to select either the operator's communication device or the dynamic automatic communication device as the connection destination for the communication device. (Note 2) The aforementioned dynamic automatic communication device is the elevator monitoring system described in Appendix 1, which is a large-scale language model. (Note 3) The elevator monitoring system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the selection means is a call button provided on the call device, and the user can select the operator's call device or the dynamic automatic call device as the connection destination by operating the call button. (Note 4) The elevator monitoring system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the dynamic automatic call device has a type determination unit that determines the type of the call made by the user, and the monitoring device has a type-specific content database that stores the calls in accordance with the type. (Note 5) The elevator monitoring system described in Appendix 4, wherein one of the aforementioned types is a question, and the dynamic automatic call device comprises: a response generation unit that generates an answer corresponding to the question; a message generation unit that generates a message based on the answer; a message transmission unit that transmits the message to the call device; and a response storage unit that stores the answer in a content database for each of the aforementioned types, linked to the call. (Note 6) One of the aforementioned types is an opinion, and the dynamic automatic communication device is an elevator monitoring system as described in Appendix 4, comprising: an operation history acquisition unit that acquires operation history from the time when a landing call answered by the car is registered from an elevator control device that controls the elevator to the time when the call is made; and a history storage unit that stores the operation history linked to the call in a database of content for each type. (Note 7) One of the aforementioned types is an anomaly report, and the dynamic automatic communication device is an elevator monitoring system as described in Appendix 4, comprising: an anomaly cause estimation unit that extracts an anomaly cause corresponding to the anomaly phenomenon in the call from an anomaly cause estimation database and estimates the component that has malfunctioned; and a maintenance adjustment unit that creates maintenance and inspection items for the estimated component. (Note 8) The elevator monitoring system described in Appendix 4, wherein one of the aforementioned types is emergency, and the monitoring device switches the connection destination from the dynamic automatic communication device to the operator communication device in the event of an emergency. (Note 9) The dynamic automatic call device is an elevator monitoring system according to any one of the appendices 4 to 8, which automatically deletes calls from the content database for each type that are not specified after a certain period of time has elapsed since their storage. (Note 10) The elevator monitoring system described in any of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein the connection time to the aforementioned dynamic automatic communication device is limited. (Note 11) The elevator monitoring system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the elevator car has a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed, and the user's terminal is connected to the dynamic automatic communication device using the two-dimensional code. (Note 12) An elevator monitoring system as described in Appendix 11 that limits the number of uses in connection via the aforementioned two-dimensional code. (Note 13) The elevator monitoring system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, wherein the elevator car has a display unit, and the dynamic automatic communication device has a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code that can be used with the user's terminal to connect to the dynamic automatic communication device, a two-dimensional code transmission unit that transmits the two-dimensional code to the display unit, and a data analysis unit that analyzes image data, video data, and text data transmitted from the terminal in accordance with the two-dimensional code. (Note 14) An elevator monitoring method comprising a connection step of connecting an elevator car-mounted communication device to an operator communication device that allows communication between a passenger in the car and an operator, or a dynamic automatic communication device that allows automatic communication with the passenger, based on an operation performed by a selection means provided in the car. (Note 15) The aforementioned dynamic automatic communication device is a large-scale language model, as described in Appendix 14 of the elevator monitoring method. (Note 16) The elevator monitoring method according to Appendix 14 or 15, further comprising a type determination step in which, after connecting the communication device to the dynamic automatic communication device in the connection step, the user's call sent from the communication device falls under one of the following categories: question, opinion, abnormality report, or emergency. (Note 17) The elevator monitoring method according to Appendix 16, comprising: an answer creation step of creating an answer corresponding to the question after the type determination step determines that the type is the question; a message generation step of generating a message based on the answer; and a message transmission step of transmitting the message to the communication device. (Note 18) The elevator monitoring method according to Appendix 16, comprising: an operation history acquisition step, after the type determination step determines that the type is the opinion, acquiring the operation history from the time when the elevator control device that controls the elevator registers a landing call in which the car responds to the call until the time the call is made; and a history storage step, which stores the operation history in a type-specific content database linked to the call. (Note 19) The elevator monitoring method according to Appendix 16, comprising: an abnormality factor estimation step, in which, after the type determination step, the type is determined to be the abnormality report, an abnormality factor corresponding to the abnormality in the call is extracted from an abnormality factor estimation database and an abnormality factor estimation step is performed to estimate the part in which the failure occurred; and a maintenance adjustment step is performed to create maintenance and inspection items for the estimated part. (Note 20) The elevator monitoring method according to Appendix 16, further comprising a switching step of switching the connection from the dynamic automatic communication device to the operator communication device after the type determination step has determined that the type is emergency. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Elevator, 2. Elevator control device, 3. Operation history recording device, 10 basket, 11 communication device, 12 speaker, 13 microphone, 14 Intercom button, 15 Display unit, 20 Monitoring device, 20a Processor, 20b Memory, 20c Transceiver circuit, 20d dedicated hardware, 21 Connection destination switching device, 22 Dynamic automatic communication device, 22a Type determination unit, 22b Operation history acquisition unit, 22c History storage unit, 22d Message generation unit, 22e Message transmission unit, 22f Response creation unit, 22g Answer storage unit, 22h Anomaly factor estimation unit, 22i Maintenance adjustment unit, 22j Additional information determination unit, 22k Two-dimensional code generation unit, 22l Two-dimensional code transmission unit, 22m Received data analysis unit, 23 Operator communication device, 24 Content database for each type, 25 Anomaly Factor Estimation Database, 26 Response Database, 27 Emergency Transfer Control Unit, 30 communication lines, 40 user terminals, 100 Elevator Monitoring System

Claims

1. An elevator car having a communication device that acquires voices emitted by a user, The system includes an operator communication device that allows the operator to communicate via voice with the user riding in the cart, and a monitoring device that has a dynamic automatic communication device that allows for automatic voice communication with the user. The elevator car is an elevator monitoring system having selection means that allows the user to select either the operator's communication device or the dynamic automatic communication device as the connection destination for the communication device.

2. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic automatic communication device is a large-scale language model.

3. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is a call button provided on the call device, and the user can select either the operator's call device or the dynamic automatic call device as the connection destination by operating the call button.

4. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic automatic call device has a type determination unit that determines the type of the call made by the user, and the monitoring device has a type-specific content database that stores the calls in accordance with the type.

5. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein one of the aforementioned types is a question, and the dynamic automatic call device comprises: an answer generation unit that generates an answer corresponding to the question; a message generation unit that generates a message based on the answer; a message transmission unit that transmits the message to the call device; and an answer storage unit that stores the answer in a content database for each type, linking it to the call.

6. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein one of the aforementioned types is an opinion, and the dynamic automatic communication device includes an operation history acquisition unit that acquires operation history from the time when a landing call in which the car responded is registered from an elevator control device that controls the elevator to the time when the call is made, and a history storage unit that stores the operation history in a database of content for each type, linked to the call.

7. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein one of the aforementioned types is an abnormality report, and the dynamic automatic call device comprises an abnormality estimation unit that extracts abnormality factors corresponding to the abnormal phenomenon in the call from an abnormality factor estimation database and estimates the component in which the failure occurred, and a maintenance adjustment unit that creates maintenance and inspection items for the estimated component.

8. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein one of the aforementioned types is an emergency, and the monitoring device switches the connection destination from the dynamic automatic communication device to the operator communication device in the event of an emergency.

9. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the dynamic automatic call device automatically deletes calls that are not specified from the contents database for each type after a certain period of time has elapsed since their storage.

10. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the connection time to the dynamic automatic communication device is limited.

11. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the elevator car has a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed, and the user's terminal is connected to the dynamic automatic communication device using the two-dimensional code.

12. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 11, which limits the number of uses in the connection via the two-dimensional code.

13. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the elevator car has a display unit, and the dynamic automatic communication device has a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code that can be used on the user's terminal to connect to the dynamic automatic communication device, a two-dimensional code transmission unit that transmits the two-dimensional code to the display unit, and a data analysis unit that analyzes image data, video data, and text data transmitted from the terminal in accordance with the two-dimensional code.

14. An elevator monitoring method comprising a connection step of connecting a communication device installed in an elevator car, which acquires voices emitted by a user, to an operator communication device that enables voice communication between the user riding in the car and an operator, or a dynamic automatic communication device that enables voice communication with the user automatically, based on an operation performed by a selection means installed in the car.

15. The elevator monitoring method according to claim 14, wherein the dynamic automatic communication device is a large-scale language model.

16. The elevator monitoring method according to claim 14, further comprising a type determination step in which, after connecting the communication device to the dynamic automatic communication device in the connection step, a type determination step is made to determine whether the call from the user sent from the communication device falls under any of the following categories: question, opinion, abnormality report, or emergency.

17. The elevator monitoring method according to claim 16, further comprising: an answer creation step of creating an answer corresponding to the question after the type determination step determines that the type is the question; a message generation step of generating a message based on the answer; and a message transmission step of transmitting the message to the communication device.

18. The elevator monitoring method according to claim 16, further comprising: an operation history acquisition step, after the type determination step determines that the type is the opinion, acquiring an operation history from the time when the elevator control device that controls the elevator registers a landing call in which the car responded to the call until the time the call was made; and a history storage step, which stores the operation history in a type-specific content database linked to the call.

19. The elevator monitoring method according to claim 16, further comprising: an abnormality factor estimation step, after the type determination step determines that the type is the abnormality report, extracting abnormality factors corresponding to the abnormality in the call from an abnormality factor estimation database and estimating the component in which the failure occurred; and a maintenance adjustment step, which creates maintenance and inspection items for the estimated component.

20. The elevator monitoring method according to claim 16, further comprising a switching step of switching the connection from the dynamic automatic communication device to the operator communication device after the type determination step has determined that the type is emergency.

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