Elevator information communication method and elevator information communication system

Abstract

An elevator information communication method and an elevator information communication system are provided that can reliably and quickly notify a maintenance center device of the elevator's status. [Solution] An elevator monitoring panel 1 transmits elevator information indicating the status of the elevator to a maintenance center device 2 via a dedicated communication line 41, and if it determines that there is a problem with the transmission of the elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41, it notifies the mobile terminal 3 of the elevator information. The mobile terminal 3 transmits the elevator information to the maintenance center device 2 via the Internet 42, and the monitoring panel 1 stops retries to transmit the elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41 when transmission of the elevator information from the mobile terminal 3 via the Internet 42 is complete.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An elevator has a function of stopping the elevator in case it falls into a situation where safe operation is difficult, and a function of notifying the maintenance company of the elevator state using a dedicated communication line of the elevator maintenance company. These functions are very useful especially when a large-scale disaster such as an earthquake occurs. However, when a large-scale disaster occurs, since reports are sent from a large number of elevators, the processing of dedicated communication lines and servers that receive the reports becomes strained, and information may not be obtained in a timely manner.

[0003] Regarding such problems, a method of notifying the elevator state to a monitoring center by using a user's mobile phone is known. For example, when the elevator control panel described in Patent Document 1 fails to report to the monitoring center through a telephone line a predetermined number of times, a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the in-car display device, and the user's mobile phone reads the QR code and reports the information to the monitoring center through email.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the method described in Patent Document 1, when the report to the monitoring center through the telephone line fails a predetermined number of times, the transmission through the telephone line is stopped. If the user does not read the QR code voluntarily and transmit the information, the elevator information will not reach the monitoring center.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an elevator information communication method and an elevator information communication system that can reliably and quickly inform a maintenance center device of the elevator's status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The elevator information communication method of this disclosure comprises: a first transmission step in which an elevator monitoring panel transmits elevator information representing the status of the elevator to a maintenance center device via a dedicated communication line; a first determination step in which the monitoring panel determines whether or not there is a problem with the transmission of elevator information by the first transmission step; if a problem is determined, the monitoring panel notifies a mobile terminal of the elevator information; a second transmission step in which the mobile terminal transmits elevator information to the maintenance center device via the internet; a second determination step in which the monitoring panel determines whether or not the transmission of elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed; and a step in which, if the transmission of elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed, the monitoring panel stops retrying the first transmission step.

[0008] The elevator information notification system of this disclosure is an elevator information notification system comprising an elevator monitoring panel, a maintenance center device, and a mobile terminal, wherein the elevator monitoring panel transmits elevator information representing the status of the elevator to the maintenance center device via a dedicated communication line, and if it determines that there is a problem in transmitting elevator information via the dedicated communication line, it notifies the mobile terminal of the elevator information, the mobile terminal transmits the elevator information to the maintenance center device via the internet, and the monitoring panel stops retrying the transmission of elevator information via the dedicated communication line when the transmission of elevator information from the mobile terminal via the internet is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the status of the elevator can be reliably and quickly communicated to the maintenance center equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the elevator information notification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the monitoring panel 1, maintenance center device 2, and mobile terminal 3 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of the screen displayed on display 4. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the configuration of the monitoring panel 1, maintenance center device 2, and mobile terminal 3 in Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 4. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying a QR code on a display in an elevator landing. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying a QR code on a display in an elevator landing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the elevator information notification system according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] The elevator information notification system comprises an elevator monitoring panel 1, a maintenance center device 2, a mobile terminal 3, a display 4, a dedicated communication line 41, and the internet 42.

[0013] The monitoring panel 1 is provided for each elevator. The maintenance center device 2 manages a plurality of elevators in a building. The maintenance center device 2 may manage a plurality of elevators in a plurality of buildings. The mobile terminal 3 is held by a building user or a building maintenance worker. The display 4 is installed in the elevator car 9.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of the monitoring panel 1, the maintenance center device 2, and the mobile terminal 3 in Embodiment 1. The monitoring panel 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication circuit 13. The memory 12 stores a monitoring program.

[0015] The processor 11 executes the monitoring program stored in the memory 12. The processor 11 transmits elevator information representing the state of the elevator to the maintenance center device 2 through the dedicated communication line 41 and the communication circuit 13. When the processor 11 determines that there is an obstacle in transmitting the elevator information through the dedicated communication line 41, the processor 11 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of the elevator information. When the transmission of the elevator information from the mobile terminal 3 through the Internet 42 is completed, the processor 11 stops retrying to transmit the elevator information through the dedicated communication line 41.

[0016] The communication circuit 13 can communicate with the management server 21 of the maintenance center device 2 through the dedicated communication line 41.

[0017] The maintenance center device 2 includes a management server 21, a disaster response server 22, and a maintenance device 23. The management server 21 is connected to the dedicated communication line 41. The disaster response server 22 is connected to the Internet 42. The elevator information received by the management server 21 and the disaster response server 22 is used for the management of the elevator in the maintenance device 23.

[0018] The mobile terminal 3 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a touch panel 33, a display 34, a camera 35, and a communication circuit 13.

[0019] The communication circuit 36 ​​can communicate with the disaster relief server 22 of the maintenance center device 2 via the internet 42. Memory 32 stores the application program.

[0020] The processor 31 executes the application program stored in the memory 32. The processor 31 transmits elevator information to the maintenance center device 2 via the communication circuit 36 ​​and the internet 42. The touch panel 33 accepts input from the owner of the mobile device 3. Display 34 displays the application screen.

[0021] The camera 35 can read the QR code displayed on the display 4 of the elevator car 9 according to the user's operation via the touch panel 33. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 1.

[0022] In step S101, the communication circuit 13 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 transmits elevator information representing the elevator's status to the management server 21 of the maintenance center device 2 via a dedicated communication line 41. If transmission fails, the monitoring panel 1 continues to retry. The elevator information includes the elevator car's stopping position and error codes. Error codes are codes related to the cause of the elevator stopping, or codes indicating that recovery failed.

[0023] In step S102, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 determines whether there is a problem with transmitting elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41. For example, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 determines that there is a problem with transmitting elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41 if it fails to transmit elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41 a predetermined number of times. If it is determined that there is a problem with transmitting elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0024] In step S103, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 displays a QR code and a message on the display 4 installed inside the elevator car 9, prompting the user to press a specific button once the transmission of elevator information from the mobile terminal 3 to the maintenance center device 2 is complete. The QR code contains elevator information and the address of the disaster response server 22. Figure 4 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display 4. The specific button is, for example, the close button 91 shown in Figure 1.

[0025] In step S104, the user of the mobile terminal 3 operates the touch panel 33 and the camera 35 reads the QR code displayed on the display 4.

[0026] In this embodiment, steps S103 and S104 correspond to the step in which the elevator monitoring panel 1 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of elevator information.

[0027] In step S105, the communication circuit 36 ​​of the mobile terminal 3 transmits elevator information to the disaster response server 22 of the maintenance center device 2 via the internet 42.

[0028] In step S106, the disaster response server 22 of the maintenance center device 2 receives elevator information.

[0029] In step S107, the processor 11 of the elevator's monitoring panel 1 determines whether a specific button inside the elevator has been pressed by a user of a mobile terminal 3 or the like. If a specific button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0030] In step S108, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 determines that the transmission of elevator information has been completed.

[0031] In step S109, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 terminates the retry of elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41 from the communication circuit 13.

[0032] In step S110, the disaster response server 22 of the maintenance center device 2 sends a reward to the mobile terminal 3 via the internet 42. The reward may include, for example, a URL for a video call with the maintenance center device 2, or a ticket that allows direct elevator operation. By providing a reward to the user of the mobile terminal 3, it is possible to encourage building users to voluntarily cooperate in sending elevator information during a disaster. In step S111, the communication circuit 36 ​​of the mobile terminal 3 receives the reward.

[0033] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when the dedicated communication line is under heavy load, the elevator status can be reliably and quickly communicated to the maintenance center, allowing the maintenance center to accurately and quickly grasp the elevator status. By accurately and quickly grasping the elevator status, the number of personnel required for response and the priority of response can be appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, when the transmission of elevator information by the mobile terminal is completed, the retry of transmitting elevator information from the monitoring panel using the dedicated communication line is terminated, which quickly reduces the heavy load on the dedicated communication line. Embodiment 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is an obstacle to the upstream transmission from the monitoring panel 1 to the maintenance center device 2, but the downstream transmission from the maintenance center device 2 to the monitoring panel 1 is performed relatively without problems.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 2. The difference between the flowchart in Figure 5 and the flowchart in Figure 3 of Embodiment 1 is that the flowchart in Figure 5 includes steps S303 and S307 instead of steps S103 and S107, and further includes step S306 after step S106.

[0036] In step S303, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 displays a QR code on the display 4 installed inside the elevator car 9. The QR code includes elevator information and the address of the disaster response server 22, similar to the first embodiment.

[0037] In step S306, the management server 21 sends a notification to the communication circuit 13 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 via a dedicated communication line 41, indicating that it has received elevator information from the mobile terminal 3 via the internet 42.

[0038] In step S307, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 determines whether or not it has received a notification indicating that the communication circuit 13 has received elevator information. If it has received a notification indicating that elevator information has been received, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0039] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the user of the mobile terminal 3 does not press a specific button inside the elevator after the transmission of elevator information from the mobile terminal 3 is complete, the monitoring panel 1 can stop retrying the transmission of elevator information via the dedicated communication line 41. Embodiment 3.

[0040] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the monitoring panel 1A, maintenance center device 2, and mobile terminal 3A in Embodiment 3.

[0041] The monitoring panel 1A of Embodiment 3 includes a local wireless communication circuit 14 in addition to the components of the monitoring panel 1 of Embodiment 1. The mobile terminal 3A of Embodiment 3 includes a local wireless communication circuit 37 in addition to the components of the mobile terminal 3 of Embodiment 1. The local wireless communication circuit 14 and the local wireless communication circuit 37 are configured to enable communication via local wireless.

[0042] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 3. The difference between the flowchart in Figure 7 and the flowchart in Figure 3 of Embodiment 1 is that the flowchart in Figure 7 includes steps S203 and S204 instead of steps S103 and S104.

[0043] In step S203, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 transmits a notification code to the mobile terminal 3 via the local wireless communication circuit 14. The notification code includes elevator information, the address of the disaster response server, and a message instructing the mobile terminal 3 to press a specific button once the transmission of elevator information from the mobile terminal 3 to the maintenance center device 2 is complete. The local wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth®.

[0044] In step S204, the processor 31 of the mobile terminal 3 receives a notification code containing elevator information, the address of the disaster relief server, and a message via the local wireless communication circuit 37.

[0045] In this embodiment, steps S203 and S204 correspond to the step in which the elevator monitoring panel 1 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of elevator information.

[0046] In this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, elevator information can be notified to the mobile terminal 3 without requiring the user of the mobile terminal 3 to scan the QR code displayed on the display 4. Embodiment 4.

[0047] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the elevator information notification method of Embodiment 4. The difference between the flowchart in Figure 8 and the flowchart in Figure 5 of Embodiment 2 is that the flowchart in Figure 8 includes steps S403 and S404 instead of steps S103 and S104.

[0048] In step S403, the processor 11 of the elevator monitoring panel 1 transmits a notification code to the mobile terminal 3 via the local wireless communication circuit 14. The notification code includes elevator information and the address of the disaster relief server. The local wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth®.

[0049] In step S404, the processor 31 of the mobile terminal 3 receives a notification code containing elevator information and the address of the disaster relief server via the local wireless communication circuit 37.

[0050] In this embodiment, steps S403 and S404 correspond to the step in which the elevator monitoring panel 1 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of elevator information. Embodiment 5.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the QR code is displayed on the display 4 in the elevator car, but as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the QR code may also be displayed on the display 4 in the elevator landing. The QR code displayed on the display 4 in Figure 10 may contain information for multiple elevators. Variant expression. The present invention also includes the following modifications.

[0052] (1) In the above embodiment, the maintenance center device 2 comprises a management server 21 connected to a dedicated communication line 41 and a disaster response server 22 connected to the Internet 42, but is not limited thereto. The maintenance center device 2 may also comprise a single server connected to a dedicated communication line 41 and the Internet 42. The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following appendix. (Note 1) The elevator monitoring panel transmits elevator information representing the status of the elevator to the maintenance center device via a dedicated communication line in a first transmission step, The monitoring panel performs a first determination step of determining whether or not there is an obstacle to the transmission of the elevator information by the first transmission step, If the aforementioned malfunction is determined to exist, the monitoring panel notifies the mobile terminal of the elevator information, The mobile terminal transmits the elevator information to the maintenance center device via the internet in a second transmission step, The monitoring panel performs a second determination step in which it determines whether or not the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed, An elevator information communication method comprising: a step in which the monitoring panel stops retrying the first transmission step when the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step is completed. (Note 2) The first transmission step includes the monitoring panel transmitting the elevator information to the first server of the maintenance center device, The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 1, wherein the second transmission step includes the step of the monitoring panel transmitting the elevator information to a second server of the maintenance center device. (Note 3) The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 1, wherein the first determination step includes a step in which the monitoring panel determines that there is a problem in transmitting the elevator information by the first transmission step when it fails to transmit the elevator information by the dedicated communication line a predetermined number of times. (Note 4) The step of notifying the elevator information is: The monitoring panel displays a QR code on its display that includes the elevator information and the address of the second server. The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 2, further comprising the step of the mobile terminal reading the QR code. (Note 5) The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 4, wherein the step of displaying the QR code includes the step of displaying the QR code on the display installed inside the elevator car. (Note 6) The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 4, wherein the step of displaying the QR code includes the step of displaying the QR code on the display installed at the elevator landing. (Note 7) The step of notifying the elevator information is: The monitoring panel transmits a code including the elevator information and the address of the second server to the mobile terminal via local wireless communication. The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 2, comprising the step of the mobile terminal receiving the code via the local wireless communication. (Note 8) The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 1, comprising the step of determining that the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed because a specific button inside the elevator has been pressed. (Note 9) The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 1, further comprising the step of determining that the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed, in response to receiving a notification of completion of communication from the maintenance center device via the dedicated communication line. (Note 10) The elevator information communication method according to Appendix 1, further comprising the step of the maintenance center device transmitting a reward to the mobile terminal via the Internet when the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step is completed. (Note 11) An elevator information notification system comprising an elevator monitoring panel, a maintenance center device, and a mobile terminal, The elevator monitoring panel transmits elevator information representing the elevator's status to the maintenance center device via a dedicated communication line, and if it determines that there is a problem transmitting the elevator information via the dedicated communication line, it notifies the mobile terminal of the elevator information. The aforementioned mobile terminal transmits the elevator information to the maintenance center device via the internet. The monitoring panel is an elevator information communication system that stops retrying the transmission of the elevator information via the dedicated communication line when the transmission of the elevator information from the mobile terminal via the internet is completed.

[0053] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1.1A monitoring panel, 2 maintenance center equipment, 3.3A mobile terminal, 4.34 display, 9 cage, 11.31 processor, 12.32 memory, 13.36 communication circuit, 14.37 local wireless communication circuit, 21 management server, 22 disaster response server, 23 maintenance equipment, 33 touch panel, 35 camera, 41 dedicated communication line, 42 internet, 91 button.

Claims

1. A first transmission step in which the elevator monitoring panel transmits elevator information representing the status of the elevator to the maintenance center device via a dedicated communication line, The monitoring panel performs a first determination step of determining whether or not there is an obstacle to the transmission of the elevator information by the first transmission step, If the aforementioned malfunction is determined to exist, the monitoring panel notifies the mobile terminal of the elevator information, The mobile terminal transmits the elevator information to the maintenance center device via the internet in a second transmission step, The monitoring panel performs a second determination step in which it determines whether the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed, An elevator information communication method comprising: a step in which the monitoring panel stops retrying the first transmission step when the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step is completed.

2. The first transmission step includes the monitoring panel transmitting the elevator information to the first server of the maintenance center device, The elevator information communication method according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission step includes the step of the monitoring panel transmitting the elevator information to a second server of the maintenance center device.

3. The elevator information communication method according to claim 1, wherein the first determination step includes the step of determining that there is a problem in transmitting the elevator information by the first transmission step when the monitoring panel fails to transmit the elevator information by the dedicated communication line a predetermined number of times.

4. The step of notifying the elevator information is: The monitoring panel displays a QR code on its display that includes the elevator information and the address of the second server. The elevator information communication method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of the mobile terminal reading the QR code.

5. The elevator information communication method according to claim 4, wherein the step of displaying the QR code includes the step of displaying the QR code on the display installed inside the elevator car.

6. The elevator information communication method according to claim 4, wherein the step of displaying the QR code includes the step of displaying the QR code on the display installed at the elevator landing.

7. The step of notifying the elevator information is: The monitoring panel transmits a code including the elevator information and the address of the second server to the mobile terminal via local wireless communication. The elevator information communication method according to claim 2, comprising the step of the mobile terminal receiving the code via the local wireless communication.

8. The elevator information communication method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining that the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed because a specific button inside the elevator has been pressed.

9. The elevator information communication method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining that the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step has been completed, in response to receiving a notification of completion of communication from the maintenance center device via the dedicated communication line.

10. The elevator information communication method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the maintenance center device transmitting a reward to the mobile terminal via the internet when the transmission of the elevator information by the second transmission step is completed.

11. An elevator information notification system comprising an elevator monitoring panel, a maintenance center device, and a mobile terminal, The elevator monitoring panel transmits elevator information representing the elevator's status to the maintenance center device via a dedicated communication line, and if it determines that there is a problem transmitting the elevator information via the dedicated communication line, it notifies the mobile terminal of the elevator information. The aforementioned mobile terminal transmits the elevator information to the maintenance center device via the internet. The monitoring panel is an elevator information communication system that stops retrying the transmission of the elevator information via the dedicated communication line when the transmission of the elevator information from the mobile terminal via the internet is completed.

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