Step monitoring device for passenger conveyor, and passenger conveyor

Abstract

To provide a monitoring device for a passenger conveyor step, enabling more assured determination of the presence or absence of damage of each moving step of a passenger conveyor.SOLUTION: A monitoring device for passenger conveyor step 100 according to the present disclosure is installed in a machine room 20 of an escalator, and comprises an imaging apparatus 110, an illuminating device 111 that illuminates an imaging range, and a processing device 120, the processing device 120 has a processing unit capable of determining the presence or absence of damage of each step 4 on the basis of image data of each step 4 obtained from imaging data captured by the imaging apparatus 110, and the processing unit performs binarization processing on the image data to generate inspection data, and determines the presence or absence of damage of each step on the basis of the inspection data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor and a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a comb plate monitoring device that photographs a comb plate of a passenger conveyor with a camera provided near the boarding and alighting openings of the passenger conveyor and remotely checks the state of the comb plate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

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, there was a problem that it was impossible to accurately grasp the presence or absence of passengers and the presence or absence of damage to each step that moves due to irregular reflection of light.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor and a passenger conveyor that can more reliably determine the presence or absence of damage to each step of the moving passenger conveyor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The passenger conveyor step monitoring device according to this disclosure is installed in the machine room of the passenger conveyor and includes an imaging device that captures an area encompassing a portion of the movement path of a plurality of endlessly connected steps as the imaging area, an illumination device that illuminates the imaging area, and a processing device. The processing device has a processing unit that can determine whether or not each step is damaged based on the image data of each step obtained from the imaging data captured by the imaging device. The processing unit generates inspection data by performing a binarization process on the image data and determines whether or not each step is damaged based on the inspection data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The passenger conveyor step monitoring device and passenger conveyor described herein allow for more reliable determination of whether or not each step of the passenger conveyor is damaged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing the entire passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the steps. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the machine room located on the upper floor of Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the machine room located on the upper floor of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the processing unit. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the binarization process of image data. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a configuration of a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the processing unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the processing unit shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a side view showing the entire passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 1. The passenger conveyor in Embodiment 1 is an escalator 1.

[0010] The escalator 1 comprises a truss 2, a plurality of steps 4, a pair of railings 5, an escalator control device 7, and a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0011] Escalator 1 is positioned between the lower floor LF and the upper floor UF, which is located at a higher position than the lower floor LF. The upper end of truss 2 is supported by the building structure connecting it to the upper floor UF, and the lower end of truss 2 is supported by the building structure connecting it to the lower floor LF.

[0012] The truss 2 is supported by a plurality of endlessly connected steps 4. The plurality of steps 4 move in a circular motion along an endless movement path set between the lower end and the upper end of the truss 2 by the driving force of the drive machine.

[0013] Each step 4 movement path has a forward path between the lower and upper ends of the truss 2, a return path located below the forward path within the truss 2, and a pair of reversal sections connecting the forward and return paths at the lower and upper ends of the truss 2.

[0014] A pair of railings 5 ​​are provided on the upper part of the truss 2. The pair of railings 5 ​​are arranged along the forward path and are positioned opposite each other, flanking a plurality of steps 4 located in the forward path. Each railing 5 faces the side of a step 4 moving along the forward path.

[0015] The escalator 1 is provided with a pair of entrances / exits 10. The entrances / exits 10 are located at each of the longitudinal ends of the escalator 1. The floor of each entrance / exit 10 is made up of floor panels 11. That is, passengers pass over the floor panels 11 to get on and off the escalator 1. The floor panels 11 are located on the upper part of the upper end and the upper part of the lower end of the truss 2.

[0016] Below each of the pair of entrances / exits 10, that is, under the floor board 11, a machine room 20 is provided. In the machine room 20 provided below the entrance / exit 10 of the upper floor UF, an escalator control device 7 for controlling the operation of the escalator 1 is arranged.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of step 4 in Figure 1. Step 4 has a tread 41, a bracket 42, and a riser 43. Taking the boarding surface where passengers board on the tread 41 as the front surface and the surface on the back side of the boarding surface as the back surface.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the machine room 20 provided in the upper floor UF of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side view showing the machine room 20 provided in the upper floor UF of Figure 1. The escalator 1 further includes a step monitoring device 100. In the machine room 20 provided below the entrance / exit 10 of the upper floor UF, the step monitoring device 100 is provided. The machine room 20 faces the reversing section.

[0019] The step monitoring device 100 is a device for determining the presence or absence of damage on the surface of the tread 41. The damage on the surface of the tread 41 includes, for example, through holes, cracks, deformations, etc.

[0020] One of the plurality of steps 4 is a specific step 4A, and the steps 4 other than the specific step 4A among the plurality of steps 4 are normal steps 4B. The normal step 4B has the same configuration as the step 4 described above in Figure 2.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the specific step 4A is provided with an identification part 4a. The normal step 4B is not provided with the identification part 4a. Also, the configuration other than the identification part 4a of the specific step 4A is the same as that of the normal step 4B. Therefore, the description of the configuration other than the identification part 4a of the specific step is omitted.

[0022] The identification unit 4a is located on the underside of the tread 41 of the specific step 4A, in a position where it cannot be visually confirmed by passengers riding the escalator 1. The specific step 4A can be distinguished from the normal step 4B by the presence of the identification unit 4a.

[0023] In this embodiment, one of the multiple steps 4 is a specific step 4A, but there may be multiple specific steps 4A. In that case, the appearance of the identification part 4a of each specific step 4A may be made different so that each specific step 4A can be distinguished from one another.

[0024] The step monitoring device 100 is connected to the escalator control device 7 via wired or wireless communication. The information collected by the step monitoring device 100 is transmitted to the escalator control device 7.

[0025] The step monitoring device 100 includes an imaging device 110, an illumination device 111, a detector 112 that detects when step 4 has passed a specific position, and a processing device 120. The imaging device 110 is a camera capable of capturing images as video.

[0026] The imaging device 110 is installed inside the machine room 20. The imaging device 110 captures an area that includes a portion of the movement path of a plurality of endlessly connected steps 4. The imaging area includes the entire step 41 of the step 4 as it passes through the reversal section at a specific timing.

[0027] The lighting device 111 is installed inside the machine room 20. The lighting device 111 illuminates the imaging range. Specifically, the imaging device 110 can image the step plate 41 of step 4 and the identification unit 4a that move within the imaging range.

[0028] In other words, the lighting device 111 is positioned to illuminate the footplates 41 of each moving step 4 and the identification unit 4a, which are imaged by the imaging device 110. In this embodiment, the imaging device 110 and the lighting device 111 are housed in the same enclosure. However, the imaging device 110 and the lighting device 111 may be installed separately in different locations within the machine room 20.

[0029] The illumination device 111 is electrically connected to the imaging device 110 and illuminates the imaging area when the imaging device 110 is taking an image. The illumination device 111 may remain lit to illuminate the imaging area while the multiple steps 4 are moving, or it may illuminate the imaging area for a certain period of time based on a timing signal emitted by the imaging device 110.

[0030] The detector 112 is installed inside the machine room 20. The detector 112 can detect when each step 4 has passed a specific location. The detector 112 is, for example, a contact sensor. The probe of the contact sensor is installed on the movement path of each step 4, in a position where each moving step 4 sequentially makes contact.

[0031] As each moving step 4 makes contact with the probe, the detector 112 can detect that each step 4 has passed a specific location.

[0032] Note that other sensors may be used for the detector 112. For example, a photocell may be used for the detector 112. In this case, the photocell is positioned so that each moving step 4 blocks the light emitted by the photocell. The detector 112 can detect that each step 4 has passed a specific location by the blocking of the light from the photocell.

[0033] The processing unit 120 is installed inside the machine room 20. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the processing unit 120 in Figure 4. The processing unit 120 can determine whether or not there is damage to the footplate 41 of each step 4 based on the imaging data captured by the imaging device 110.

[0034] The processing unit 120 includes a processing unit 121, a storage unit 122, and an input / output unit 123. The processing unit 120 is connected to the escalator control device 7 by wire or wireless connection for information communication.

[0035] The processing unit 121 performs calculations using the signals input to the input / output unit 123 and the information stored in the storage unit 122, stores the new information obtained from the calculations in the storage unit 122, and can output it from the input / output unit 123.

[0036] The input / output unit 123 is connected to the imaging device 110, the detector 112, and the escalator control device 7. The imaging data captured by the imaging device 110, the output signal from the detector 112, and the information transmitted from the escalator control device 7 are input to the input / output unit 123 and stored in the storage unit 122 as needed.

[0037] The processing unit 121 can calculate the image processing timing based on the output signal of the detector 112. The image processing timing indicates the moment when the state of the step plate 41 of each moving step 4 is clearly captured as image data.

[0038] The processing unit 121 can extract and acquire image data from the captured data based on the image processing timing. That is, the image data acquired based on the image processing timing is a still image that clearly shows the state of the footplate 41. The image data acquired based on the image processing timing is compared with standard data, which is a still image. The standard data will be explained later.

[0039] The image processing timing is determined based on the output signal of the detector 112. For example, the processing unit 121 may set the image processing timing to N seconds after receiving the output signal from the detector 112 indicating that step 4 has passed a specific location. In this case, the storage unit 122 may have information indicating N seconds later, input by the operator, stored in advance.

[0040] Alternatively, the processing unit 121 may appropriately calculate the image processing timing from information such as the output signal of the detector 112, the position information of a specific location through which step 4 passes, the movement speed of step 4, and the position information of the imaging range. In this case, the information necessary for calculating the image processing timing is stored in advance in the storage unit 122. The movement speed of step 4 may also be transmitted from the escalator control device 7.

[0041] The processing unit 121 can perform image processing on image data, which is a still image acquired based on the image processing timing. The image processing performed by the processing unit 121 is image data binarization. Image data binarization is the process of converting image data, which is represented by color tones or three or more levels of tones from white to black, into image data represented by white parts and black parts.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the binarization process of the image data. The left column of Figure 6 shows a schematic of the binarization process for image data of a tread 41 without damage 41X. The right column of Figure 6 shows a schematic of the binarization process for image data of a tread 41 with damage 41X.

[0043] In the binarization process, image data acquired based on image processing timing is used. The upper part of Figure 6 shows the image data acquired based on image processing timing.

[0044] In the binarization process, the processing unit 121 generates grayscale image data, which is image data represented in three or more shades from white to black, from the acquired image data. The middle section of Figure 6 shows the grayscale image data.

[0045] Finally, the processing unit 121 performs a binarization process on the grayscale-converted image data, where areas ranging from light gray to white are treated as white, and areas ranging from dark gray to black are treated as black, with a specific threshold as the boundary. The threshold for the binarization process may be pre-set and stored in the storage unit 122. The lower part of Figure 6 shows the image data after the binarization process.

[0046] The threshold for the binarization process is set considering factors such as how the subject is illuminated, the presence of foreign objects such as dust and rainwater in step 4, and the degree of deterioration over time.

[0047] As a result, the processing unit 121 can generate inspection data, which is binarized image data. In the image data on the right side of the lower panel of Figure 6, the damaged area 41X is shown in white, and the difference is clearly shown when compared with the image data on the left side of the lower panel.

[0048] Returning to Figures 3 and 4, we will continue the explanation. The memory unit 122 pre-stores standard data, which is a still image showing the footpeg 41 in a normal state and is a binarized image. The processing unit 121 can compare the standard data stored in the memory unit 122 with the generated inspection data.

[0049] By comparing standard data with inspection data, for example, it is possible to determine whether there are any differences between standard data and inspection data based on the difference in the area ratio of white parts to black parts in standard data and inspection data. If there are differences between standard data and inspection data, the processing unit 121 recognizes that there is an abnormality in the footplate 41 corresponding to the inspection data, that is, that damage has occurred in the corresponding step 4.

[0050] Thus, if the processing unit 121 finds a difference between the standard data and the inspection data as a result of the comparison, the processing unit 121 can determine that damage has occurred in step 4 of the escalator 1.

[0051] The processing unit 121 can calculate the identification timing based on the output signal of the detector 112. The identification timing indicates the moment in each moving step 4 when the identification unit 4a of a specific step 4A can be clearly captured as image data.

[0052] The processing unit 121 can extract and acquire image data from the imaging data based on the identification timing. That is, the identification unit image data acquired based on the identification timing is a still image, and the identification unit 4a of specific step 4A is clearly indicated. The identification unit image data acquired based on the identification timing is compared with the identification unit standard data, which is a still image. The identification unit standard data will be explained later.

[0053] The identification timing is determined based on the output signal of the detector 112. For example, the processing unit 121 may set the identification timing to M seconds after receiving the output signal of the detector 112 indicating that step 4 has passed a specific location. In this case, the storage unit 122 may have information that M seconds has passed, which has been input by the operator, stored in advance.

[0054] Alternatively, the processing unit 121 may appropriately calculate the identification timing from information such as the output signal of the detector 112, the position information of a specific location through which step 4 passes, the movement speed of step 4, and the position information of the imaging range. In this case, the information necessary for calculating the identification timing is stored in advance in the storage unit 122. The movement speed of step 4 may also be transmitted from the escalator control device 7.

[0055] The processing unit 121 can perform image processing, specifically binarization, on the identification unit image data, which is a still image acquired based on the identification timing. This allows the processing unit 121 to generate identification unit inspection data by binarizing the identification unit image data. The binarization process for the identification unit image data is the same as the image data binarization process described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0056] The storage unit 122 pre-stores identification unit standard data, which is a still image showing the identification unit 4a in the normal state of the identification step 4A, and is image data that has been processed using binarization. The processing unit 121 can compare the identification unit standard data stored in the storage unit 122 with the generated identification unit inspection data.

[0057] In comparing the identification unit standard data and the identification unit inspection data, for example, it is possible to determine whether there are any differences between the identification unit standard data and the identification unit inspection data based on the difference in the area ratio of white parts to black parts in the identification unit standard data and the identification unit inspection data. If there are no differences between the identification unit standard data and the identification unit inspection data, it can be determined that step 4 corresponding to the identification unit inspection data is specific step 4A.

[0058] Thus, if the processing unit 121 determines, as a result of the comparison, that the identification unit standard data and the identification unit inspection data match, the processing unit 121 can determine the position of specific step 4A.

[0059] The processing unit 121 can determine the location of step 4 where damage has occurred, based on the location of the specific step 4A that it has identified, and output that location externally. For example, it can output information to the escalator control device 7 indicating that damage has occurred in step 4, which is the fourth step from the specific step 4A.

[0060] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the processing unit 120 in Figure 3. The functions of the processing unit 120 of the step monitoring device 100 are realized by a suitable processing circuit. The processing circuit 300 in the first example is dedicated hardware.

[0061] Furthermore, the processing circuit 300 may include, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0062] Figure 8 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the processing unit 120 in Figure 3. The processing circuit 310 in the second example includes a processor 311 and a memory 312.

[0063] In the processing circuit 310, the functions of the processing unit 120 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 312. The processor 311 realizes the functions by reading and executing the programs recorded in the memory 312.

[0064] The program stored in memory 312 can be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of each of the parts described above. Here, memory 312 refers to non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, DVDs, etc., also fall under the category of memory 312.

[0065] Furthermore, the functions of the processing unit 120 described above may be implemented using some dedicated hardware and some using software or firmware.

[0066] In this way, the processing circuit can realize the functions of the processing unit 120 described above through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The step monitoring device 100 for the escalator 1 of Embodiment 1 comprises an imaging device 110, an illumination device 111, and a processing device 120. The imaging device 110 is installed in the machine room 20 of the escalator 1 and captures an area that includes a portion of the movement path of a plurality of endlessly connected steps 4. The illumination device 111 illuminates the area to be captured. The processing device 120 has a processing unit 121 that can determine whether or not each step 4 is damaged based on the image data of each step 4 acquired from the imaging data captured by the imaging device 110. The processing unit 121 also generates inspection data by binarizing the image data and determines whether or not each step 4 is damaged based on the inspection data. As a result, since the step 4 is illuminated by the illumination device 111, damage to the step 4 can be more clearly reflected in the image data. Therefore, the presence or absence of damage to each step 4 can be determined more reliably. Furthermore, in the image data of step 4 illuminated by the lighting device 111, the parts that reflect and do not reflect light from the lighting device 111 are more emphasized, resulting in clearer inspection data after binarization. Therefore, the presence or absence of damage in each step 4 can be determined more reliably. In addition, image data can be obtained based on certain conditions, such as being inside the machine room 20 and the lighting device 111 being the only light source. Therefore, it is less affected by the presence or absence of passengers, and by diffuse reflection from natural light, indoor lighting, outdoor lighting, etc. Thus, the presence or absence of damage in each step 4 can be determined more reliably.

[0068] The step monitoring device 100 of the escalator 1 in Embodiment 1 further includes a storage unit 122 that can store standard data obtained by binarizing the image data of a still image of step 4 in a normal state. The processing unit 121 determines whether or not step 4 is damaged by comparing the inspection data with the standard data. This allows for comparison with a step in a normal state, and enables more reliable determination of whether or not each step 4 is damaged.

[0069] The passenger conveyor step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1 further includes a detector 112 that detects when each step 4 has passed a specific position, and the processing unit 121 acquires image data, which is a still image, based on the signal output from the detector 112. The processing unit 121 also generates inspection data, which is a still image, by performing a binarization process on the acquired image data. This allows for a more precise comparison by comparing the standard data with the inspection data, which is a still image. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not each step 4 is damaged.

[0070] In the passenger conveyor step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1, the processing unit 121 acquires image data based on the signal output from the detector 112 and the movement speed of step 4. This makes it possible to generate inspection data, which is a still image, even when the movement speed of step 4 is variable. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not each step 4 is damaged.

[0071] In the passenger conveyor step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1, the processing unit 121 recognizes an identification unit 4a attached to at least one step 4 based on the identification unit image data of each step 4 acquired from the imaging data captured by the imaging device 110. The processing unit 121 can also identify the step on which the identification unit 4a is provided as a specific step 4A. The processing unit 121 can determine the location of the step 4 in which damage has been detected based on the location of the specific step 4A. This makes it easy to determine the location of the damaged step 4. Therefore, work such as investigation, repair, and replacement of the damaged step 4 can be carried out quickly.

[0072] The passenger conveyor in Embodiment 1 is equipped with a step monitoring device 100. This makes it possible to reliably determine whether or not each step 4 is damaged.

[0073] In the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1, the occurrence of damage to the footplate 41 is determined based on the difference in the area ratio of the white and black parts between the standard data and the inspection data. However, this is not the only method. The occurrence of damage can be determined based on appropriate differences between the standard data and the inspection data. For example, the occurrence of damage can be determined based on the difference in the area of ​​the black parts or the difference in the area of ​​the white parts between the standard data and the inspection data.

[0074] Furthermore, in the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1, image data, which is still image data, is extracted and acquired from the captured image data, which is video data, at the image processing timing and the identification timing. However, this is not the only way. For example, the image data captured by the imaging device 110 may be still image data. In this case, for example, the imaging device 110 may use still images captured based on the image processing timing and the identification timing as the captured image data.

[0075] Furthermore, in the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1, one standard data and one identification unit standard data are stored in the storage unit 122. However, it is not limited to this. For example, multiple standard data and multiple identification unit standard data may be stored in the storage unit 122. In this case, the posture of step 4 shown in each standard data and each identification unit standard data will be different from one another.

[0076] In the step monitoring device 100 of the escalator 1 of Embodiment 1, two or more standard data sets are pre-stored in the storage unit 122, and each standard data set indicates a step 4 in a different position. The processing unit 121 generates inspection data corresponding to each standard data set and determines whether or not step 4 is damaged by comparing each standard data set with the corresponding inspection data. This makes it possible to determine whether or not step 4 is damaged based on more inspection data. Therefore, the possibility of detecting damage to step 4 that could not be detected in step 4 in a specific position is increased. Thus, the presence or absence of damage to each step 4 can be determined more reliably.

[0077] Embodiment 2. The step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 2 differs from the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 1 in that the processing unit 121 generates inspection data, which is video data. Other than this, the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 2 and the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 1 have the same configuration, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0078] The imaging device 110 can capture movement along multiple step 4 movement paths as video imaging data. The imaging data input from the imaging device 110 is sequentially binarized as image data to generate inspection data, which is video data.

[0079] Similar to Embodiment 1, the memory unit 122 pre-stores standard data, which is a still image showing the footboard 41 in a normal state and is a binarized image. The processing unit 121 can compare the standard data stored in the memory unit 122 with the inspection data, which is a generated video.

[0080] In this case, the inspection data, which is video data, shows each step 4 whose posture changes due to movement. That is, in the inspection data, the posture of each step 4 passing through the inversion section changes moment by moment. On the other hand, the standard data is a still image, so the standard data shows step 4 in a specific posture. Therefore, each step 4 shown in the inspection data matches the posture of step 4 shown in the standard data at a certain moment, and then in the next moment, it takes on a different posture and moves on.

[0081] Here, the processing unit 121 can always calculate the agreement rate between the test data and the standard data. The agreement rate is the percentage of the test data that matches the standard data at that time.

[0082] As mentioned above, the examination data is based on imaging data of each moving step 4. Therefore, when the agreement rate between the examination data and the standard data is calculated sequentially, the agreement rate changes periodically. That is, the agreement rate peaks when the posture of a step 4 shown in the examination data becomes equal to the posture of step 4 shown in the standard data, and then decreases as that step 4 moves and its posture changes. When the next step 4 is shown in the examination data and moves, the agreement rate peaks again and then decreases. As each step 4 moves in the examination data, the agreement rate changes periodically in this way.

[0083] In the periodically changing agreement rate, the highest agreement rate for each periodic change is defined as the maximum agreement rate. The processing unit 121 can determine whether or not damage occurred in step 4 by observing the changes in multiple maximum agreement rates that are measured sequentially.

[0084] In step 4, where damage occurs, the maximum match rate decreases even if the orientation is the same as the standard data, due to the damage. The maximum match rate in step 4 where damage occurs will be lower than the maximum match rate in step 4 where no damage occurs. From this, the processing unit 121 can detect step 4 where damage has occurred by observing the change in the maximum match rate. In other words, the processing unit 121 can determine whether or not damage occurs in step 4.

[0085] The processing unit 121 can detect the identification unit 4a of a specific step 4A and identify its location using the same configuration as for detecting step 4 where damage has occurred. Specifically, the processing unit 121 sequentially calculates the agreement rate between the identification unit standard data and the identification unit inspection data, which is a video.

[0086] In the detection by the identification unit 4a, the matching rate also changes periodically and repeatedly. The processing unit 121 can observe the highest matching rate and identify step 4, which corresponds to the highest matching rate, as step 4A.

[0087] As a result, the processing unit 121 can determine whether or not step 4 is damaged, and, based on the position of the specific step 4A, determine the position of step 4 where the damage occurred.

[0088] In the step monitoring device 100 of the escalator 1 of Embodiment 2, the image data is a video captured by the imaging device 110, and the processing unit 121 generates inspection data, which is a video, by binarizing the image data. The processing unit 121 also sequentially calculates the agreement rate, which is the ratio of the agreement between the inspection data and standard data, based on the inspection data, which is a video, and can detect damage to step 4 based on the change in the highest agreement rate obtained each time the agreement rate changes periodically. As a result, by handling image data based on a video, it is not necessary to consider the timing of creating image data for each moving step 4. Therefore, when it is difficult to calculate the image processing timing for each moving step 4, the presence or absence of damage to each step 4 can be accurately determined using the video data, and the presence or absence of damage to each step 4 can be determined more reliably. Furthermore, as a result, equipment for timing the creation of image data for each moving step 4 is not required, and the equipment can be simplified.

[0089] In addition, the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 2 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a detector 112.

[0090] Furthermore, in the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 2, one standard data and one identification unit standard data are stored in the storage unit 122. However, it is not limited to this. For example, multiple standard data and multiple identification unit standard data may be stored in the storage unit 122. In this case, the posture of step 4 shown in each standard data and each identification unit standard data will be different from one another.

[0091] In the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 2, the storage unit 122 has two or more standard data sets pre-stored, and each standard data set shows step 4 in a different posture. The processing unit 121 sequentially calculates the agreement rate between each standard data set and the inspection data based on the inspection data, which is a video. This makes it possible to determine whether or not step 4 is damaged for a larger number of postures of step 4. Therefore, the possibility of detecting damage to step 4 that could not be detected for step 4 in a specific posture is increased. Consequently, the presence or absence of damage to each step 4 can be determined more reliably.

[0092] Embodiment 3. In the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 3, the method of binarization differs from the method of binarization in Embodiment 1. The other configurations of the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 3 are the same as those of the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0093] In this embodiment as well, as shown in Figure 6, the processing unit 121 performs grayscale processing on the image data, and then binarizes the image data, similar to the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the processing unit 121 performs specific processing on the grayscale-processed image data.

[0094] The processing unit 121 first duplicates the grayscale processed image data to generate multiple primary image data. Then, it overlaps each of the multiple primary image data with a relative position offset from the others to create a single secondary image data.

[0095] For example, primary image data is shifted and superimposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the grooves in the comb teeth formed on the surface of the tread 41. As a result, in the secondary image data generated by superimposing multiple primary image data, the surface of the tread 41 is shown in varying shades of gray or black, where the grooves and protrusions of the comb teeth overlap.

[0096] In the primary image data, the damaged areas were shown in white. As described above, by overlapping multiple primary image data with a slight offset, if the areas shown in white overlap with the areas shown in gray or black on the surface of the tread 41, those areas will be shown in gray or black in the secondary image data. On the other hand, if the damaged areas shown in white do not overlap with the areas shown in gray or black on the surface of other tread 41, the areas shown in white in the primary image data will remain shown in white in the secondary image data.

[0097] The processing unit 121 generates secondary image data as described above. Subsequently, the processing unit 121 performs a binarization process on the secondary image data to generate inspection data.

[0098] In this embodiment, by setting a specific threshold during the binarization process, the inspection data generated from the secondary image data is processed so that the gray and black areas of the footplate 41 are shown in black, and the white areas, which are part of the damage, are shown in white.

[0099] Therefore, the inspection data in step 4 where no damage has occurred will be solid black, while the inspection data in step 4 where damage has occurred will have white areas. In this way, the processing unit 120 can detect that damage has occurred in step 4 from the presence of white areas in the inspection data. Therefore, the processing unit 120 can determine whether or not there is damage in step 4.

[0100] The configuration used to determine whether or not damage occurred in step 4 can be applied to identifying the identification unit 4a. In this case, the shape and pattern of the identification unit 4a can be adopted such that they are not converted to black even during the binarization process.

[0101] In the step monitoring device 100 of the escalator 1 of Embodiment 3, the processing unit 121 duplicates the grayscale processed image data to create multiple primary image data. The processing unit 121 then overlaps each of the multiple primary image data with a relative position offset to create one secondary image data. The processing unit 121 then generates inspection data by binarizing the secondary image data. As a result, the presence or absence of damage in step 4 can be determined using only the inspection data, eliminating the need for standard data and comparison between the standard data and the inspection data. Therefore, the storage area for standard data can be omitted, and the computational load for comparing standard data and inspection data can be reduced. Consequently, high performance is not required for the processing unit 120.

[0102] In the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiments 1 and 3, the image processing timing and the identification timing are each calculated once for every step 4. Therefore, the computational load on the processing unit 121 for calculating the image processing timing and identification timing for every step 4 can be reduced, enabling stable control. Furthermore, because the computational load on the processing unit 121 can be kept low, there is no need to use high-performance computing elements in the processing unit 121, which is advantageous for new installations and replacements during maintenance work of the step monitoring device 100.

[0103] Furthermore, in the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3, the image processing timing and the identification timing are each calculated once for each step 4. However, this is not the only way. The image processing timing and the identification timing may each be calculated multiple times for each step 4. For example, by calculating the image processing timing twice for each step 4, two image data of the step plate 41 in step 4 can be obtained with different angles of view. Therefore, the presence or absence of damage to step 4 can be determined from different angles. Therefore, the presence or absence of damage to step 4 can be determined more reliably. Also, for example, by calculating the identification timing twice for one step 4, two image data of the identification unit 4a with different angles of view can be obtained, and the identification unit 4a can be identified with higher accuracy.

[0104] Furthermore, the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 has one imaging device 110 and one illumination device 111. However, it is not limited to this. For example, it may have multiple imaging devices 110 and multiple illumination devices 111. This makes it possible to acquire two image data of the step plate 41 with different angles of view, and to determine whether or not the step 4 is damaged from different angles. Therefore, the presence or absence of damage to the step 4 can be determined more reliably. Similarly, it is possible to acquire two image data of the identification unit 4a with different angles of view, and to identify the identification unit 4a with higher accuracy.

[0105] Furthermore, in the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, a person skilled in the art can appropriately select whether the damaged portion after binarization is represented in white or black. It is sufficient as long as the processing unit 121 can easily detect the damage based on the result of binarization of the image data.

[0106] Furthermore, in the step monitoring device 100 of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the occurrence of damage to the step plate 41 is determined for the entire surface of the step plate 41. However, this is not the only method. For example, the surface of the step plate 41 may be divided into multiple sections, and the occurrence of damage may be determined for each of these sections. This allows information to be obtained about which section of the step plate 41 is damaged. Therefore, information about damaged sections can be obtained in advance, enabling appropriate and prompt repair and replacement of damaged steps 4.

[0107] Furthermore, the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 knows the position of a specific step 4A. However, it is not limited to this. The step monitoring device 100 does not need to know the position of a specific step 4A. For example, in a step monitoring device 100 applied to an escalator 1 that does not have a specific step 4A, the configuration for identifying the specific step 4A may be omitted. That is, the step monitoring device 100 may determine whether or not step 4 is damaged, and if it is determined that there is damage, it may output only that information to the outside. This makes it possible to simplify the step monitoring device 100 and reduce installation costs. In addition, the step monitoring device 100 can be applied to an escalator 1 that does not have a specific step 4A.

[0108] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the step monitoring device 100 transmits the information collected by the step monitoring device 100 to the escalator control device 7. However, this is not the only way. The step monitoring device 100 may output the information collected by the step monitoring device 100 to equipment other than the escalator control device 7. For example, an internet line may be connected to the input / output unit 123, and the information may be transmitted directly to the equipment managing the escalator via the internet line. This makes it possible to transmit the information collected by the step monitoring device 100 to a desired device, allowing for a quicker response to damage to step 4.

[0109] Furthermore, the step monitoring device 100 in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 is installed in the machine room 20 on the upper floor UF. However, it is not limited to this. The step monitoring device 100 may also be installed in the machine room 20 on the lower floor LF.

[0110] Furthermore, the escalator 1 in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 may be a moving walkway. In other words, the technical concepts in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 can be applied to passenger conveyors in general.

[0111] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0112] (Note 1) An imaging device installed in the machine room of a passenger conveyor, which captures an area encompassing a portion of the movement path of multiple steps connected in an endless loop, An illumination device for illuminating the aforementioned imaging range, Processing device and Equipped with, The processing apparatus has a processing unit that can determine whether or not each step is damaged based on the image data of each step obtained from the imaging data captured by the imaging device, The processing unit generates inspection data by performing a binarization process on the image data, and determines whether or not each step is damaged based on the inspection data. A step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor belt. (Note 2) The processing unit duplicates the grayscale processed image data to create multiple primary image data, and overlaps each of the multiple primary image data with a relative position offset to create one secondary image data. The processing unit performs a binarization process on the secondary image data to generate the inspection data. Step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The processing apparatus further includes a storage unit capable of storing standard data obtained by binarizing data of a still image captured in the normal state of the above step, The processing unit determines whether or not the step is damaged by comparing the inspection data with the standard data. Step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) The storage unit has two or more of the standard data stored in it beforehand. Each of the aforementioned standard data shows the aforementioned step in a different posture, The processing unit generates the inspection data corresponding to each of the standard data, and determines whether or not the step is damaged by comparing the inspection data corresponding to each of the standard data. Step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The system further includes a detector that detects when each of the steps has passed a specific position. The processing unit acquires the image data, which is a still image, based on the signal output from the detector, and generates the inspection data, which is a still image, by performing a binarization process on the acquired image data. A step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4. (Note 6) The processing unit acquires the image data based on the signal output from the detector and the movement speed of the step. Step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 5. (Note 7) The image data is a video captured by the imaging device, The processing unit generates the inspection data, which is a video, by binarizing the image data. The processing unit sequentially calculates a matching rate, which is the percentage of the inspection data that matches the standard data, based on the inspection data which is a video, and can detect damage to the step based on the change in the highest matching rate obtained each time the matching rate changes periodically. Step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 3. (Note 8) The storage unit has two or more of the standard data stored in it beforehand. Each of the aforementioned standard data shows the aforementioned step in a different posture, The processing unit sequentially calculates the agreement rate between each standard data and the inspection data based on the inspection data, which is a video. Step monitoring device for the passenger conveyor as described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) The processing unit can identify the step on which the identification unit is provided as a specific step by recognizing the identification unit attached to at least one of the steps based on the identification unit image data of each step obtained from the imaging data captured by the imaging device. The processing unit can determine the position of the step where the damage was detected, based on the position of the specific step. A step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 9. (Note 10) A passenger conveyor equipped with a step monitoring device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Escalator, 2 Truss, 4 Step, 4A Specific step, 4B Normal step, 4a Identification unit, 5 Railing, 7 Escalator control device, 8 Detector, 10 Entrance / exit, 11 Floorboard, 20 Machine room, 41 Tread, 41X Damage, 42 Bracket, 43 Riser, 100 Step monitoring device, 110 Imaging device, 111 Lighting device, 112 Detector, 120 Processing unit, 121 Processing unit, 122 Memory unit, 123 Input / Output unit, 300 Processing circuit, 310 Processing circuit, 311 Processor, 312 Memory, LF Lower floor, UF Upper floor.

Claims

1. An imaging device installed in the machine room of a passenger conveyor, which captures an area encompassing a portion of the movement path of multiple steps connected in an endless loop, An illumination device for illuminating the aforementioned imaging range, Processing device and Equipped with, The processing apparatus has a processing unit that can determine whether or not each step is damaged based on the image data of each step obtained from the imaging data captured by the imaging device, The aforementioned processing unit, The grayscale processed image data is duplicated to create multiple primary image data, and each of the multiple primary image data is shifted relative to the others and superimposed to create one secondary image data. The secondary image data is binarized as the image data to generate inspection data. Based on the inspection data, determine whether or not each of the steps is damaged. A step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor belt.

2. An imaging device installed in the machine room of a passenger conveyor, which captures an area encompassing a portion of the movement path of multiple steps connected in an endless loop, An illumination device for illuminating the aforementioned imaging range, Processing device and Equipped with, The processing apparatus includes a processing unit that can determine whether or not each step is damaged based on the image data of each step obtained from the imaging data captured by the imaging device, A storage unit capable of storing standard data obtained by binarizing data of a still image captured in the normal state of the above step, It has, The image data is a video captured by the imaging device, The aforementioned processing unit, By binarizing the aforementioned image data, video inspection data is generated. The presence or absence of damage at each step is determined by comparing the inspection data with the standard data. The agreement rate, which is the percentage of the inspection data that matches the standard data, is calculated sequentially based on the inspection data, which is a video. Damage to the step can be detected based on the change in the highest agreement rate obtained each time the agreement rate changes periodically. A step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor belt.

3. The storage unit has two or more of the standard data stored in it beforehand. Each of the aforementioned standard data shows the aforementioned step in a different posture, The processing unit sequentially calculates the agreement rate between each standard data and the inspection data based on the inspection data, which is a video. A step monitoring device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 2.

4. A passenger conveyor equipped with a step monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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