A method and an elevator
The method and elevator system utilize an imaging device and stationary features to automate rope position monitoring, addressing the complexity and detection challenges of conventional systems, ensuring early detection of anomalies and preventing damage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONE OYJ
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional elevator rope monitoring systems are complex and fail to detect early signs of rope displacement or deterioration, particularly in composite load-bearing members, making it difficult to prevent dangerous situations.
A method and elevator system using an imaging device and stationary features to monitor rope position, allowing for continuous and automated detection of abnormal displacements through image analysis and comparison with threshold or reference markings.
Facilitates efficient and reliable monitoring of elevator ropes, enabling early detection of structural anomalies and preventing potential damage by triggering appropriate actions.
Smart Images
Figure FI2025050033_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A METHOD AND AN ELEVATOR
[0002] Field of the invention
[0003] The invention relates to monitoring a roping of an elevator. The elevator is an elevator suitable for transporting passengers and / or goods.
[0004] Background of the invention
[0005] Conventional elevators have plurality of hoisting ropes connected to the elevator car. The hoisting ropes typically pass as a row around a traction wheel and possibly also around guide wheels, which do not drive the ropes but only divert the route of the ropes. The traction wheel and the guide wheels are typically provided with a shape for keeping the ropes in a certain position in axial direction of the wheel in question. In an elevator having traditional steel ropes, the ropes pass inside grooves of the rotatable traction wheel. There are also elevators where the ropes are guided by a cambered shape of the rim of the wheel. This suits well for belt-shaped ropes. Cambered shape is a gentle and simple way to guide the ropes and may be desired for instance when the ropes have sensitive surface structure and / or sensitive internal structure.
[0006] In solutions utilizing cambered rope wheels (also later referred to as rope wheels having a crowning shape) for guidance, the intended placement of the rope is in the middle of the cambered area, but normally the rope is allowed to move sideways a little bit. It may happen that the rope gets too far displaced from the peak of the crowning shape. Running of a rope far outside its intended course is potential to cause different dangerous problems such as damaging the rope itself or other components of the elevator. Thus, there is a need to prevent the rope from running outside its intended course, or in some other way prevent the situation from developing this far.
[0007] Safety solutions have been suggested for stopping the elevator operation if a rope is displaced from its intended position over a limit position. Sucha solution has been suggested in document EP2947034A1, for instance. In this document, a solution is disclosed with mechanical sensing members sensing displacement of ropes over limit positions. Also, a contactless monitoring solution is disclosed. This is implemented using sensors sensing electromagnetic radiation reflected from ropes displaced over limit positions. In response to displacement of ropes beyond a limit position, stopping of elevator drive machinery is triggered.
[0008] There are various reasons that may cause displacement of a rope guided by a cambered wheel. Some displacement is normal. For instance, changes of elevator drive direction cause typically minor displacement, which doesn't require reacting.
[0009] It has been concluded that an abnormal displacement can be due to a damage, wear or degradation of internal structures or surface structures of the rope. This kind of issues may need to be reacted to before they develop worse. With a composite rope, an internal damage of a load bearing member of the rope, such as delamination of a composite structure of a load bearing member of the rope, can for example cause a local change in stress distribution within the rope which can change of the balance position where the delaminated portion of the rope gets positioned on a crowning shape. A damage or an alteration of properties of the surface can correspondingly affect the position that the rope assumes on the crowning shape. It has been concluded that as a precaution for this kind of issues, it would be advantageous firstly to monitor individual ropes and to give early attention to an individual rope, if it has started to run aside of its intended course, preferably even though the position has not reached a dangerous limit. The attention could involve inspecting, maintenance or even replacing the individual rope.Generally, a problem in rope monitoring has been that noticing an abnormal displacement of a rope has required complicated systems and devices.
[0010] Another problem in rope monitoring has been the difficulties in noticing rope deterioration early in advance. Also, there are damages that are difficult to notice. Such damages include particularly delamination of a composite load bearing member, or minor local damages which may occur already during installation and develop over time. A further problem has also been that the position of a damage is difficult to find.
[0011] Brief description of the invention
[0012] The object of the invention is to achieve an improved method and elevator whereby an elevator roping can be monitored in an improved manner.
[0013] An object is to introduce a new solution by which one or more of the above-mentioned problems of prior art and / or drawbacks discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be alleviated.
[0014] An object is particularly to introduce a solution whereby rope position can be simply and reliably monitored, and in particular whereby an abnormal rope displacement can be noticed and reacted to by appropriate measures.
[0015] An object is particularly to provide a solution facilitating monitoring of ropes of an elevator utilizing rope guidance by one or more cambered rope wheels. Thereby, it is facilitated safe using of this kind of rope guidance.
[0016] An object is particularly to provide a solution well suitable for monitoring ropes having composite load bearing members, in particular with ability to detect displacement that may be due to structural anomalies such ascracks, cuts or delamination of load bearing members or coating of a rope or wear of rope parts.
[0017] An object is particularly to introduce a solution by which monitoring can be performed efficiently and continuously and / or at least in a relatively highly automatized manner.
[0018] An object is particularly to introduce a solution by which the abnormally displaced portion of a rope can be simply found / located thereby facilitating inspection of said portion.
[0019] It is brought forward a new method for monitoring position of ropes of an elevator, which elevator comprises an elevator car; ropes connected to the elevator car, the ropes being arranged to pass as a row preferably in particular via a monitoring area, wherein the row is formed by plurality of ropes positioned side by side, the row having a thickness direction (t) and width direction (w); a monitoring equipment. The monitoring equipment comprises, preferably in particular mounted stationary at the monitoring area: an imaging device, which is preferably a camera or video recorder, having an imaging zone, and configured to capture images or video from the imaging zone; and one or more stationary members comprising one or more stationary features. Said one or more stationary features preferably being or comprising in particular one or more threshold markings or one or more reference markings. Said one or more stationary features are within the imaging zone of the imaging device and the ropes pass via the imaging zone of the imaging device. The method comprises capturing (100) during movement of the ropes images or video from the imaging zone with the imaging device and thereby of the ropes and of the one or more stationary features of the one or more stationary members; and monitoring (200) relative position [in width direction (w) of the row] of the ropes and the one or more stationary features using the images or video captured with the imaging device.With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.
[0020] Preferable further details of the method are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the method individually or in any combination.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more stationary features comprise plurality of stationary features spaced apart in width direction (w) of the row.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of stationary features comprise a pair (pl-p6) of stationary features per each rope, each rope being between different one of the pairs (pl-p6) as viewed from the perspective of and / or by the imaging device.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises one or more cambered rope wheels around which the ropes pass.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the stationary features are or comprise threshold markings indicating threshold positions of ropes in the width direction (w).
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the stationary features are or comprise reference markings.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment,
[0027] the stationary features are or comprise one or more elongated grooves parallel to the ropes; and / or
[0028] the stationary features are or comprise one or more elongated lines parallel to the ropes; and / or
[0029] the stationary features are or comprise one or more structures having elongated linear edge(s) parallel to the ropes, such as openings or slits having elongated linear edge(s) parallel to the ropes; and / or the stationary features are or comprise series [plural form] of sub features wherein each series is elongated and parallel to the ropes, theseries possibly being a series on several spots, holes or short lines, or other sub features positioned in line; and / or
[0030] the stationary features are or comprise painted markings; and / or the one or more stationary features are or comprise one or more pieces of tape.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises projecting (80) a light pattern on the row of ropes and / or on each rope.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the method, in particular said monitoring (200), comprises, in particular by an elevator control system, analyzing (201) the images or video captured with the imaging device and detecting (202) if position of any of the ropes, in particular in one or more captured images or in a captured video, relative to the one or more stationary features fulfills one or more predetermined criteria.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, said one or more criteria include that
[0034] a rope or a light pattern projected on a rope has reached, in one or more captured images or in a captured video, a stationary feature, in particular a stationary feature associated with the rope in question, said a stationary feature associated with the rope in question preferably being one of the pairs (pl-p6); or
[0035] a distance [value] between the rope or a light pattern projected on a rope and a stationary feature, in particular a stationary feature associated with the rope in question, has reached, in one or more captured images or in a captured video, a threshold distance value, wherein said distance value is a momentary distance [value] or an average distance [value], said a stationary feature associated with the rope in question preferably being one of the pairs (pl-p6).
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, said analyzing (201) preferably comprises recognizing (201a), in the captured images or in the captured video, patterns, such as patterns of light projected on said ropes, and analyzing (201b) one or more characteristics of the recognized patterns , such aspreferably positions of the recognized patterns in width direction (w) of the row relative to the one or more stationary features. Said recognizing is preferably performed with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises performing (300), in particular by an elevator control system, one or more predetermined actions if said one or more predetermined criteria are fulfilled, said one or more predetermined actions preferably comprising one or more of sending an alarm signal, sending a service call, stopping transport operation of the elevator, preventing car movement of the elevator. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises storing (200a) in a memory of an elevator control system data for later processing the data preferably being
[0038] images or video captured, each image or each part of the video preferably showing
[0039] value of car position prevailing at the moment of capturing of the image or the part of video; or
[0040] value of some other parameter directly proportional with car position prevailing at the moment of capturing of the image or the part of video;
[0041] and / or
[0042] data indicating numerically position of each individual ropes in width direction (w) of the row relative to the one or more stationary features associated with the individual rope in function of car position or in function of some other parameter directly proportional with car position.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the analyzing (201) comprises analyzing the aforementioned data stored data for later processing. In such a case this [later] analyzing and preferably also the detecting (202) can in particular be performed by a person or by the elevator control system, e.g. by acomputer of the elevator control system by using an algorithm programmed to perform the [later] analyzing and / or detecting (202). In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises driving (70) the elevator, in particular by rotating a drive wheel around which the ropes pass, such that the ropes move as a row via the monitoring area.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, method further comprises recognizing (201aa) in the captured images or in the captured video, respectively, the stationary features. Said recognizing is preferably performed with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a step of converting pixels in the images and / or video captured by the imaging device to units of length such as preferably to meters, centimeters, millimeters or inches, most preferably millimeters. This is preferably performed by aid of said one or more stationary features, in particular by aid of at least two of them.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more stationary features, preferably in particular at least two of them, which two are spaced apart in width direction w of the row, are used in the method, in particular by the elevator control system, for conversion of pixels in the images and / or video captured by the imaging device to units of length, such as preferably to meters, centimeters, millimeters or inches, most preferably millimeters. Thus, the one or more stationary features [in particular said two stationary features] can be well used as reference markings. This facilitates getting a measured value for a parameter dependent on position of a rope being monitored. The distance [in the aforementioned units of length] between said two stationary features is preferably known by the elevator control system, such as obtained or obtainable by it from a user or stored in a memory of the elevator control system.
[0047] It is also brought forward a new elevator comprisingan elevator car;
[0048] ropes connected to the elevator car, the ropes being arranged to pass as a row wherein the row is formed by plurality of ropes positioned side by side, the row having a thickness direction (t) and width direction (w);
[0049] a monitoring equipment comprising
[0050] an imaging device, which is preferably a camera or video recorder, having an imaging zone, and configured to capture images or video from the imaging zone;
[0051] one or more stationary members, comprising one or more stationary features, said one or more stationary features being or comprising preferably in particular one or more threshold markings or one or more reference markings;
[0052] wherein said stationary features are within the imaging zone of the imaging device and the ropes pass via the imaging zone of the imaging device;
[0053] wherein
[0054] the monitoring equipment is configured to capture during movement of the ropes images or video from the imaging zone with the imaging device and thereby of the ropes and of the stationary features of the one or more stationary members; and
[0055] the monitoring equipment is further configured to monitor relative position [in width direction (w) of the row] of the ropes and the one or more stationary features using the images or video captured with the imaging device.
[0056] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.
[0057] Preferable further details of the method and elevator have been introduced already above, and are introduced further in the following, which preferable further details can be combined with the method and the elevator individually or in any combination.In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the elevator comprises a control system comprising one or more computers.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the elevator, in particular said control system is configured to analyze (201) the images or video captured with the imaging device and to detect (202) if position of any of the ropes, in particular in one or more captured images or in a captured video, relative to the one or more stationary features fulfills one or more predetermined criteria.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the elevator, in particular said control system is configured to perform one or more predetermined actions if said one or more predetermined criteria are fulfilled, said one or more predetermined actions preferably comprising one or more of sending an alarm signal, sending a service call, stopping transport operation of the elevator, preventing car movement of the elevator.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the elevator, in particular said control system is configured to recognize in the captured images or in the captured video patterns , such as patterns of light projected on said ropes, and to analyze (201b) one or more characteristics of the recognized patterns , such as preferably positions of the recognized patterns in width direction (w) of the row relative to the one or more stationary features. The control system is preferably configured to perform said recognizing with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system. In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the one or more stationary members and the imaging device are mounted stationary.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the elevator comprises one or more light sources comprised in the monitoring equipment configured to project light, preferably a light pattern, on therow of ropes and / or on each rope within the imaging zone during the capturing.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the stationary features and the imaging device stay / are configured to stay stationary during the capturing (100).
[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the ropes are belts.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the ropes are belts and the one or more wheels around which the ropes pass comprise a drive wheel rotatable by a motor and / or a non-driven rope wheel, the ropes passing around the drive wheel and / or the non-driven rope wheel such that the wide side of each rope rests against a crowning shape of the drive wheel and / or a crowning shape of the non-driven rope wheel. In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, each of the ropes comprise one or more load-bearing members made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers or alternatively some other fibers, embedded in a matrix, which matrix comprises polymer material. Said polymer material is preferably epoxy, although alternatively some other polymer material could be utilized. In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the control system of the elevator is configured to perform one or more of the steps of the method defined in any of the preceding claims, preferably the aforementioned analyzing (201) and / or the aforementioned detecting (202) and / or the aforementioned performing (300), possibly all of the steps of the method.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the control system of the elevator is configured to perform the step of storing (200a) in a memory of an elevator control system data for later processing. The preferred details of the data have been described earlier above.In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, said stationary member is a plate.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, said stationary member is disposed on the opposite side of the row than the imaging device.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the control system is configured to recognize (201aa), in the captured images or in the captured video, the stationary features. The control system is preferably configured to perform this recognizing (201aa) with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the method and / or elevator, the one or more stationary members and the imaging device are each preferably fixed to its place with a bracket.
[0069] Generally, the car preferably comprises an interior wherein passenger and / or goods can be transported.
[0070] Generally, the control system is preferably configured to perform any one or plurality of the steps of the method defined above or in any of the claims of the application.
[0071] Brief description of the drawings
[0072] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which Figures 1 illustrates an elevator 1 according to an embodiment implementing a method for monitoring position of ropes according to an embodiment.
[0073] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an enlarged view of Figure 1 each showing preferred details of the elevator and the method.Figure 3 illustrates preferred details of a stationary member of Figure 1 as a front view.
[0074] Figure 4 illustrates preferred details of the elevator of Figure 1, in particular a rope wheel, ropes and a stationary member, as viewed in thickness direction of the row at the point of the stationary member. Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged view of detail j of Figure 4.
[0075] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of detail h of Figure 4.
[0076] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate preferred details of the structure of the ropes.
[0077] Detailed description
[0078] Figures 1 illustrates an elevator 1 according to an embodiment. The elevator 1 comprises an elevator car 3 and ropes 2 connected to the elevator car 3. The elevator 1 a rope wheel arrangement comprising one or more cambered rope wheels 4,6 around which the ropes 2 pass as a row.
[0079] The ropes 2 are furthermore arranged to pass as a row via a monitoring area A. The row is formed by plurality of ropes 2 positioned side by side, the row having a thickness direction t and width direction w.
[0080] The elevator comprises a monitoring equipment 50 comprising an imaging device 51 mounted stationary at the monitoring area A. The imaging device 51 is a camera or video recorder, having an imaging zone Z, and it is configured to capture images or video from the imaging zone Z.
[0081] The elevator further comprises a stationary member 52 mounted stationary at the monitoring area A, as illustrated in Figure 3. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the stationary member 52 is in particular a plate. The stationary member 52 comprises stationary features 53,53'. Said stationary features 53;53' are within the imaging zone Z of the imaging device 51 and the ropes 2 pass via the imagingzone Z of the imaging device 51. Said stationary features 53,53' comprise in particular plurality of stationary features 53;53' spaced apart in width direction w of the row. In Figure 3, first kind of stationary features 53, as well as second kind of stationary features 53' are shown. Said first kind of stationary features 53 are well usable as threshold markings and / or as reference markings, and said second kind of stationary features 53' are well usable as reference markings.
[0082] The monitoring equipment 50 is configured to capture during movement of the ropes 2 images or video from the imaging zone Z with the imaging device 51 and thereby of the ropes 2 and of the stationary features 53;53' of the one or more stationary members 52. The movement is illustrated in Figure 2 by arrows a.
[0083] Providing a stationary member 52 with said stationary features 53;53' within the imaging zone Z of the imaging device 51 is advantageous, because this facilitates using the stationary features 53;53' as threshold positions or reference positions in monitoring of position of the ropes 2 by aid of the images or video captured with the imaging device 51. The monitoring equipment 50 is further configured to monitor relative position of the ropes 2 and the one or more stationary features 53;53' using the images or video captured with the imaging device 51. By the relative position it is in particular meant the position of ropes 2 relative to the one or more stationary features 53;53'. The monitoring equipment 50 is in particular configured to monitor said relative position in width direction w of the row. I.e. said relative position is in particular widthdirectional w relative position. The position of each rope 2 can be compared with the position of the stationary features 53; 53'.
[0084] In an embodiment of the method, the method comprises monitoring position of ropes 2 of the elevator 1. The method comprises capturing during movement of the ropes 2 images or video from the imaging zone Z with the imaging device 51 and thereby of the ropes 2 and of thestationary features 53;53' of the one or more stationary members 52. The method further comprises monitoring relative position of the ropes 2 and the stationary features 53;53' using the images or video captured with the imaging device 51. The aforementioned relative position of the ropes 2 is in particular relative position in width direction w of the row. That is, said relative position is in particular width-directional w relative position.
[0085] In the method and elevator, said the stationary features 53,53' and the imaging device 51 stay / are configured to stay stationary during the capturing.
[0086] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the elevator 1 is a counterweighted elevator, and the ropes 2 are connected on a first side of said rope wheel arrangement to the elevator car 3 and on a second side of said rope wheel arrangement to a counterweight 7. The ropes 2 suspend the car 3 and counterweight 7 on opposite sides of the rope wheel arrangement.
[0087] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the rope wheel arrangement comprises a drive wheel 4 rotatable by a motor 5 and a non-driven rope wheel 6, and the ropes 2 are belts passing around the drive wheel 4 such that the wide side [i.e. the side facing in thickness direction t of the rope 2 and / or the row] of each rope 2 rests against a crowning shape 4a of the drive wheel 4. Each said crowning shapes 4a particularly has an arcuate convex shape.
[0088] The elevator 1, in particular said rope wheel arrangement, is preferably such that it comprises one or more cambered rope wheels 4,6 around which the ropes 2 pass. In this context the contactless monitoring provided by the monitoring equipment is specifically advantageous, because in this context structural abnormalities in the structure of an individual rope 2 can change its behavior on the cambered wheel and in particular how the cambered wheel positions the rope in width directionof the row. There will be changes in said behavior due to structural changes, which behavior when starting to appear in great scale and / or in a specific location of the rope 2, can be recognized as being abnormal and predetermined actions can be triggered. The predetermined actions can comprise different actions depending on how grave the abnormal behaviour is.
[0089] A preferred embodiment of the stationary member 52 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 illustrates the stationary member 52 as such and Figure 4 illustrates it in use. The imaging device 51 is not shown. Figure 4 illustrates by broken line the borders of the imaging zone Z, and the features positioned in Figure 4 within the borders are within the imaging zone Z.
[0090] In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the stationary member 52 comprises plurality of stationary features 53 spaced apart in width direction w of the row and positioned within the imaging zone Z of the imaging device 51 and the ropes 2 pass via the imaging zone Z of the imaging device 51.
[0091] In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the plurality of stationary features 53 comprise a pair pl-p6 of stationary features 53 per each rope 2, each rope 2 being between different one of the pairs pl-p6 as viewed from the perspective of and / or by the imaging device 51.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary features 53 are painted elongated lines provided on the stationary member 52 or elongated grooves provided on the stationary member 52. Said elongated lines or grooves are parallel to the ropes 2. Alternatively, the stationary features 53 could be any shapes having elongated linear edges parallel to the ropes 2, such as openings or slits having elongated linear edges parallel to the ropes 2. Alternatively, the stationary features 53 the one or more stationary features (53) are or comprise one or more pieces of tape attached on a plate 52. Also, it is an alternative that the stationaryfeatures 53 could be formed as a combination of one or more of the aforementioned kinds of stationary features.
[0093] For facilitating guidance by crowning, in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the ropes 2 are preferably belts. The width of the rope 2 is then greater than its thickness the width / thickness ratio of the rope 2 being preferably greater than 2.
[0094] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of portion d of Figure 4 showing ropes 2 on the rope wheel 4. The drive wheel 4 comprises crowning shapes 4a adjacent each other, one rope 2 being placed to rest against each of them. The non-driven rope wheel 6 of Figure 1 can also be provided for guiding the ropes by crowning.
[0095] Preferably, although not necessarily, the monitoring of the relative position of the ropes 2 is facilitated by aid of projecting light on the ropes 2 within the imaging zone Z during the capturing. Figures 2a, 2b and 4 illustrate a light beam b projected.
[0096] This is preferably implemented in the elevator 1 such that the elevator 1 comprises one or more light sources 61 comprised in the monitoring equipment 50 configured to project light, preferably a light pattern P, on the row of ropes 2 and / or on each rope 2 within the imaging zone Z during the capturing.
[0097] This is preferably implemented in the method such that the method comprises projecting with one or more light sources 61 comprised in the monitoring equipment 50 light, preferably a light pattern P, on the row of ropes 2 and / or on each rope 2 within the imaging zone Z during the capturing.
[0098] Said light is preferably laser light, infrared light or light from a led device. Said one or more light sources 61 are the laser light emitters, infrared light emitters or leds [light emitting diodes], respectively.Projecting of the light is not necessary, but preferable, since this generally helps recognizing shapes in the images / video and accuracy of detecting relative positions. The projection of particularly patterns P facilitates even further these aspects, because the pattern P is something known in advance and can be given such shape that it is easy to recognize in the images / video as well as such that it brings forward the desired features of the ropes 2 easily, such as in particular the edges of the ropes 2.
[0099] Projecting of the light is not necessary particularly because in images / video relative position can be monitored even without such projecting. For instance, ambient light can produce lighting needed for capturing images and / or video such that features within the zone Z are visible in the images and / or video.
[0100] The method, in particular said monitoring 200, preferably comprises analyzing 201 the images or video captured with the imaging device 51 and detecting 202 if position of any of the ropes 2, in particular in one or more captured images or in a captured video, relative to the one or more stationary features 53 fulfills one or more predetermined criteria.
[0101] Preferably, said one or more criteria include that
[0102] a rope 2 or a light pattern projected on a rope 2 has reached, in one or more captured images or in a captured video, a stationary feature 53, in particular a stationary feature 53 associated with the rope 2 in question, said a stationary feature 53 associated with the rope 2 in question preferably being one of the pairs pl-p6; or
[0103] a distance [preferably more specifically a value of distance] between the rope 2 or a light pattern projected on a rope 2 and a stationary feature 53;53', preferably in particular a stationary feature 53 associated with the rope 2 in question, has reached, in one or more captured images or in a captured video, a thresholddistance value, wherein said distance value is a momentary distance [value] or an average distance [value], said stationary feature 53 associated with the rope 2 in question preferably being one of the pairs pl-p6.
[0104] In the first alternative mentioned above, it can be considered that the stationary feature(s) 53 serve(s) as threshold marking(s), and in the second alternative mentioned above, it can be considered that the stationary feature(s) 53;53' serve(s) as reference marking(s).
[0105] The distance mentioned above is preferably more specifically a distance value, i.e. a value of distance, which is above indicated by brackets due to its preferred nature.
[0106] Preferably, said analyzing 201 comprises recognizing 201a in the captured images or in the captured video patterns P, such as patterns P of the light projected on said ropes 2, and analyzing 201b one or more characteristics of the recognized patterns P, such as preferably positions of the recognized patterns P in width direction w of the row relative to the one or more stationary features 53;53'. Said recognizing 201a is preferably performed with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system 10.
[0107] Preferably, the method preferably comprises identifying 204 the rope 2 the[relative] position of which is detected to fulfill said one or more criteria, and registering identification information associated with the identified rope in a memory of the control system 10. Thus, a service person can later focus attention on the correct rope 2.
[0108] Preferably, the method comprises performing 300 one or more predetermined actions if said one or more predetermined criteria are fulfilled, said one or more predetermined actions preferably comprising one or more of sending an alarm signal, sending a service call, stopping transport operation of the elevator, preventing car movement of the elevator.Possibly, the method comprises storing 200a in a memory of an elevator control system 10 data for later processing.
[0109] The method, in particular the analyzing 201, may then comprise [later] analyzing the the aforementioned data stored for later processing. In such a case this [later] analyzing and preferably also the detecting 202 can in particular be performed by a person or by the elevator control system 10, e.g. by a computer of the elevator control system 10 by using an algorithm programmed to perform the [later] analyzing and / or the detecting 202. Then the analyzing 201 can be performed as a postanalysis of the data for later processing.
[0110] The data stored for later processing is preferably images or video captured. Thus, this data can later be viewed. Each image or each part of the video stored then preferably shows a value of car position prevailing at the moment of capturing of the image or the part of video; or a value of some other parameter directly proportional with car position prevailing at the moment of capturing of the image or the part of video. Thus, this data can later be viewed and checked as well as used for finding the portion of rope 2 where abnormal displacement has occurred. The data can additionally or alternatively be data indicating numerically position of each individual ropes 2 in width direction w of the row relative to the one or more stationary features 53 associated with the individual rope 2 in function of car position or in function of some other parameter directly proportional with car position. Thus, this data can later be viewed and checked as well as used for finding the portion of of rope 2 where abnormal displacement has occurred.
[0111] Preferably, the method comprises driving 70 the elevator 1, in particular by rotating a drive wheel 4 around which the ropes 2 pass, such that the ropes 2 move as a row via the monitoring area A thereby causing the aforementioned movement of the ropes 2 during which the capturing is to take place.Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a preferred structure of the rope 2. In this case, the rope 2 comprises plurality of load bearing members 2a adjacent each other in width direction w of the rope 2, which is also the width direction w of the row of ropes 2. Alternatively, the rope 2 could comprise a single larger [wider] load bearing member 2a. Each load bearing member 2a is an elongated member extending parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope 2 as a structure that continues unbroken throughout the length of the rope 2. The load bearing members 2a are embedded in a coating 2b. The load bearing members 2a are adjacent to each other in width direction w of the rope 2 and isolated from each other by the coating 2b. The coating 2b is preferably made of material comprising polymer, such as of rubber or polyurethane or silicone, for example. In the preferred embodiment, the load bearing members 2a are made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers or alternatively some other fibers [e.g. glass fibers], embedded in a matrix, which matrix comprises polymer material. Said polymer material is preferably epoxy. This kind of composite material structure can get damage, wear or degradation or internal structures or surface structures of the rope can cause displacement, which may need to be reacted to before the issue develops worse. By early reacting, developing of the structural issue of the rope 2 into a dangereous level can be prevented and / or developing of the displacement issue of the rope 2 into a dangerous level can be prevented.
[0112] The stationary member 52 is preferably is in particular a plate. It is preferably, although not necessarily, background member disposed on the opposite side [thickness directional side] of the row of ropes 2 than the imaging device 51. The plate 52 has preferably a planar portion 52c within the zone Z on which planar portion 52c the stationary features 53 are provided, the plane of which planar portion is parallel to the plane of the row of ropes 2. The plate 52 has moreover a first edge portion 52a and second edge portion 52b, which are the opposite edge portions ofthe plate 52 in in longitudinal direction of the ropes 2. Said edge portions are preferably bent away from the plane of the planar portion, in particular such that these edges extend in inclined angle outwards from the row of ropes 2. The edge portions being bent this way facilitates that they will not form a risk of contacting the ropes 2, even though the planar portion is close to the ropes 2. Such a contact would risk cutting of the ropes 2. The stationary member 52 and the imaging device 51 are each preferably fixed to its place with a bracket [not shown].
[0113] In the preferred embodiment, the method is computer-implemented. The control system 10 of the elevator comprises one or more computers, the control system 10 being configured to perform one or more of the steps of the method defined in any of the preceding claims, preferably at least the steps 201,202 and 300, possibly all of the steps of the method. Generally preferably, the elevator and method the rope guidance is provided by crowning shape of a rope wheel. However, this is not necessary since at least some of the advantages can be achievable also in context of other kind of rope guidance.
[0114] Generally preferably, although not necessarily, the ropes are belts, and most preferably the ropes are belts comprising one or more load bearing members made of composite material. However, at least some of the advantages can be achievable also with other kind of rope structure, such as with belts comprising other kind of load bearing members e.g. metal cords.
[0115] Generally, the ropes 2 of the row extend preferably on the same plane [as illustrated] or at least substantially on the same plane, in particular when within the monitoring area A. However, perfect alignment to be on the same plane is not necessary, since some variation of position of rope in thickness direction t of the row would not disturb operation of the solution considerably. However, the ropes 2 should be side by side as viewed in thickness direction t of the row, and preferably moreover suchthat the ropes 2 are a distance apart from each other as viewed in width direction w of the row. Thus, their width directional position can be monitored effectively by monitoring equipment 50.
[0116] Generally, the rope wheel arrangement comprising rope wheels 4,6 could alternatively comprise some other number of rope wheels than what is illustrated, such as only one rope wheel 4 or additional rope wheels in addition to those illustrated, for example.
[0117] Generally, the elevator control system 10 is considered broadly. In particular, the elevator control system 10 can comprise local units and / or remote units for performing tasks of the elevator control system 10. Said local units and / or remote units can comprise one or more computers or computer systems. Said local units and / or remote units can comprise one or more memory units for storing data, such as car position data and / or computer programs for performing tasks of the elevator control system 10. Said memory units can comprise a local memory, a cloud memory, or a remote memory, accessible in wired or wireless manner, for instance. In addition to said stationary features 53; 53', which serve as threshold markings or reference markings, the stationary member 52 can comprise one or more horizontally oriented lines k. In Figure 3, there are two lines k aligned and horizontal. Such a line or lines k is / are to be adjusted to be horizontal in the installation of the stationary member 52. Such a line or lines k is / are preferably also utilized in positioning of the imaging device 51 and / or the more light sources 61. The stationary member 52 can comprise a center marking c, which can be also utilized in positioning of the imaging device 51 and / or the more light sources 61.
[0118] In installing phase of the stationary member 52 of Figures 3 and 4, the position of the stationary member 52 cam be adjusted such that the stationary features 53 are aligned with the ridge bottoms of cambered rope wheel 4,6, wherein the ridge bottoms extend between adjacentcrowning shapes 4a each having an arcuate convex shape. For the adjustment, a plumb wire can be utilized.
[0119] When the one or more light sources 61 are utilized to project light on the ropes 2 within the imaging zone Z during the capturing, it may be advantageous that the monitoring equipment comprises a filter arranged to filter light arriving to the imaging device 51, which filter is particularly arranged to allow through the light of wavelength range including the wavelength of the one or more light sources 61 and block light having wavelength outside said range. This filters away from the images / video captured irrelevant information, and this makes analysis of the images / video captured easier, simpler and more efficient, Thereby for instance an algorithm used therefore can be made lighter and more efficient.
[0120] The method may further comprise recognizing 201aa in the captured images or in the captured video, respectively, the stationary features 53;53'. Said recognizing is preferably performed with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system 10. Thereby, the monitoring of the rope position relative to the one or more stationary features 53;53' is facilitated since the position of the stationary features 53;53' in the images / video is obtained. In particular, this gives an efficient way for the control system 10 to obtain the positions of the stationary features 53;53' by aid of an image recognition software. A person may see and recognize the stationary features 53;53' visually. However, the recognizing 201aa may provide an advantageous aid also for this kind of case where a person is to perform the analyzing 201 and detecting 202, e.g. by further enhancing the outlines of the stationary features 53;53' and / or adding reference lines in the captured images / video.
[0121] Correspondingly, when the method is as explained above, the control system 10 is preferably configured to recognize 201aa, in the capturedimages or in the captured video, the stationary features 53;53'. The control system 10 is configured to perform this recognizing 201aa with an image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system 10.
[0122] The method may further comprise determining, based on the result of the aforementioned recognizing 201aa, reference position data indicating positions of the stationary features 53;53', and storing the reference position data in a memory of the control system 10, the reference position data preferably comprising [at least] reference position values indicating positions of the stationary features 53;53'. The storing need not be done continuously, but it can be done e.g. during installation process when taking the monitoring equipment 50 into use, or occasionally during elevator lifetime as a calibration process, or possibly intermittently as desired, for instance. Storing of the reference position data facilitates that the result of said recognizing 201aa can be utilized also later and said recognizing 201aa need not be continuously repeated. This may be advantageous, because the stationary features 53; 53' do not move considerably during the elevator use.
[0123] Generally, in the preferred embodiments described and illustrated, the ropes 2 monitored are hoisting ropes. However, alternatively, the ropes 2 monitored could be compensation ropes of the elevator. In such a case, the ropes would be monitored in corresponding manner but the cambered rope wheels would be rope wheels mounted in the pit i.e. the bottom end of a hoistway.
[0124] Generally, the condition monitoring solution disclosed is advantageous in particular with ropes having load bearing members made of fiber reinforced composite, because this kind of ropes are costly to replace and unnecessary replacements are to be avoided, and because this kind of ropes may need to be locally inspected carefully so as to determine whether or not there are internal structural issues that would require ropereplacement. However, at least some of the advantages of the condition monitoring solution disclosed can be achieved also with other kind of ropes.
[0125] Generally, the car position such as a car position value is easily obtainable in elevators. However, instead of the car position and / or the car position value, some other parameter could be utilized, which parameter is directly proportional with car position and / or the value of which is directly proportional with car position value, respectively.
[0126] Generally, it is preferable that the ropes pass via a machine room, and and said monitoring area A is inside the machine room. Thus, sensitive components of the monitoring equipment are in an isolated and safe space as well as easily accessible to be adjusted and serviced. The machine room is preferably a room above, the hoistway H and can be separated from the hoistway H by a floor extending between them. The drive wheel 4 and / or the rope wheel 6 are preferably located also inside the machine room. Thereby the monitoring area A can be in close proximity to a position where abnormal rope displacement is likely visible, e.g. if caused by structural anomaly of the rope when it passes around the rope wheel 4,6.
[0127] Generally, as mentioned, the imaging device 51 can be for example a camera or a video recorder. Then the imaging device 51 can be an edge device. Then it may be equipped with a computing means providing it some computing capabilities. The computing means can be then connected to a cloud for instance. Here, the computing means and the cloud are considered to be part of the elevator control system 10.
[0128] Generally, the monitoring area A is preferably close to a cambered rope wheel [in Figures the wheel 4], preferably in particular such that the distance d, as measured along the path of the ropes 2, between a contact point with a rim of a cambered rope wheel 4 and an edge of the zone Z is shorter than 2 meters, most preferably non-zero so as to enablepositioning of the one or more stationary members 52 on the opposite side of the imaging device 51. In Figures, the distance d is non-zero which gives room for components on both thickness directional sides of the row. The distance d could in principle be zero, whereby the monitoring would be performed on a portion of rope resting against the cambered rope wheel. However, in this case the one or more stationary members 52 and the imaging device 51 would need to be on the same thickness directional side of the row. The one or more stationary members 52 would then be positioned in thickness direction t between the row of ropes 2 and the imaging device 51. Short distance d facilitates that the monitoring is directed to rope portion close to the rope wheel on which a structural anomaly can cause an abnormal displacement. Thereby, an abnormal displacement is easily visible. Thereby, the portion requiring attention / inspection can also be easily localized and the inspection can be simply focused to the rope portion containing the structural anomaly that possibly caused the abnormal displacement when on the rope wheel.
[0129] As mentioned, each rope 2 is between different one of the pairs pl-p6 as viewed from the perspective of and / or by the imaging device 51. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, there are pairs next to each other which share a stationary feature. For instance, in Figure 4, the rightmost stationary feature of the pair p2 is the leftmost stationary feature 53 of the pair p3. However, in general this sharing is not necessary, because one or more of the pairs, e.g. every pair, can alternatively be separate from the other pairs. Then there may be a gap between the pairs are next to each other. Thus, the positions of the stationary features 53 of a pair associated with each rope 2 can be freely chosen independently of the positions of the stationary features 53 of other pairs.
[0130] As described earlier above, the one or more stationary features 53 and / or 53' comprised in the one or more stationary members 52 can be utilizedas reference markings. One way to use features 53 and / or 53' as reference markings, is that the one or more stationary features 53 and / or 53', preferably in particular at least two [53' in Figure 3] of them, which two are spaced apart in width direction w of the row, are used in conversion of pixels in the images and / or video captured by the imaging device 51 to units of length, such as preferably to meters, centimeters, millimeters or inches, most preferably millimeters. The conversion is performed in the method preferably in particular by the elevator control system 10. This conversion facilitates getting a reliable measured value for a parameter dependent on position of a rope 2, such as the distance between the rope 2 or a light pattern projected on a rope 2 and a stationary feature 53;53' as described earlier. When said one or more stationary features 53 and / or 53' are utilized as reference markings in this way, the method comprises preferably a step of converting pixels in the images and / or video captured by the imaging device 51 to units of length by aid of said one or more stationary features 53,53'. Preferably, this is implemented such that there are at least two stationary features 53' comprised in the one or more stationary members 52, which two stationary features 53;53' are spaced apart in width direction w of the row, and the distance [in the units of length; e.g. millimeters] between which features 53' is known by the elevator control system 10, such as obtained or obtainable by it from a user or stored in a memory of the elevator control system 10. An image recognition software, in particular running on a computer of the control system 10, can be configured to recognize said two stationary features 53;53' in an image or video, count the pixels between them and calculate a value in the units of length; e.g. millimeters] for one pixel.
[0131] Generally, in the examples the one or more stationary features 53;53' have been shown present simultaneously. However, simultaneous presence of these is not necessary. At least some of the advantages and / or technical effects can be achieved when only the one or morestationary features 53 are present and the one or more stationary features 53' are either omitted or not-utilized. Likewise, at least some of the advantages and / or technical effects can be achieved when only the one or more stationary features 53' are present and the one or more stationary features 53 are either omitted or not-utilized.
[0132] Generally, in the examples there are shown plurality of stationary features 53;53'. However, at least some of the advantages and / or technical effects can be achieved when only stationary feature 53;53' is present and utilized for monitoring the relative position.
[0133] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.
Claims
Claims1. A method for monitoring position of ropes (2) of an elevator (1), which elevator (1) comprisesan elevator car (3);ropes (2) connected to the elevator car (3), the ropes (2) being arranged to pass as a row wherein the row is formed by plurality of ropes (2) positioned side by side, the row having a thickness direction (t) and width direction (w);a monitoring equipment (50) comprisingan imaging device (51), which is preferably a camera or video recorder, having an imaging zone (Z), and configured to capture images or video from the imaging zone (Z);one or more stationary members (52), comprising one or more stationary features (53; 53');wherein said one or more stationary features (53;53') are within the imaging zone (Z) of the imaging device (51) and the ropes (2) pass via the imaging zone (Z) of the imaging device (51);whereinthe method comprisescapturing (100) during movement of the ropes (2) images or video from the imaging zone (Z) with the imaging device (51) and thereby of the ropes (2) and of the one or more stationary features (53;53') of the one or more stationary members (52); and monitoring (200) relative position of the ropes (2) in width direction (w) of the row and the one or more stationary features (53;53') using the images or video captured with the imaging device (51).
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more stationary features (53;53') comprise plurality of stationary features (53;53') spaced apart in width direction (w) of the row.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of stationary features (53) comprise a pair (pl-p6) of stationary features (53) per each rope (2), each rope (2) being between different one of the pairs (pl-p6) as viewed from the perspective of and / or by the imaging device (51).
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator (1) comprises one or more cambered rope wheels (4,6) around which the ropes (2) pass5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stationary features (53) are threshold markings indicating threshold positions of ropes (2) in the width direction (w).
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein- the one or more stationary features (53;53') are or comprise one or more elongated grooves parallel to the ropes (2); and / or- the one or more stationary features (53;53') are or comprise one or more elongated lines parallel to the ropes (2); and / or - the one or more stationary features (53;53') are or comprise one or more structures having elongated linear edge(s) parallel to the ropes, such as opening(s) or slit(s) having elongated linear edge(s) parallel to the ropes (2); and / or- the one or more stationary features (53;53') are or comprise series [plural form] of sub features wherein each series is elongated and parallel to the ropes (2), the series possibly being a series on several spots, holes or short lines, or other sub features positioned in line; and / or- the one or more stationary features (53;53') are one or more painted markings; and / or- the one or more stationary features (53;53') are or comprise one or more pieces of tape.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises projecting (80) a light pattern (P) on the row of ropes and / or on each rope (2).
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method, in particular said monitoring (200), comprises, in particular by an elevator control system (10), analyzing (201) the images or video captured with the imaging device (51) and detecting (202) if position of any of the ropes (2), in particular in one or more captured images or in a captured video, relative to the one or more stationary features (53;53') fulfills one or more predetermined criteria.
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more criteria include thata rope (2) or a light pattern projected on a rope (2) has reached, in one or more captured images or in a captured video, a stationary feature (53), in particular a stationary feature (53) associated with the rope (2) in question, said stationary feature (53) associated with the rope (2) in question preferably being one of the pairs (pl-p6); ora distance [value] between the rope (2) or a light pattern projected on a rope (2) and a stationary feature (53; 53'), preferably in particular a stationary feature (53) associated with the rope (2) in question, has reached, in one or more captured images or in a captured video, a threshold distance value, whereinsaid distance [value] is a momentary distance [value] or an average distance [value], said stationary feature (53) associated with the rope (2) in question preferably being one of the pairs (pipe).
10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said analyzing (201) preferably comprises recognizing (201a), in the captured images or in the captured video, patterns (P), such as patterns of light projected on said ropes (2), and analyzing (201b) one or more characteristics of the recognized patterns (P), such as preferably positions of the recognized patterns (P) in width direction (w) of the row relative to the one or more stationary features (53; 53').
11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises performing (300), in particular by an elevator control system (10), one or more predetermined actions if said one or more predetermined criteria are fulfilled, said one or more predetermined actions preferably comprising one or more of sending an alarm signal, sending a service call, stopping transport operation of the elevator, preventing car movement of the elevator.
12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises storing (200a) in a memory of an elevator control system (10) data for later processing, the data for later processing preferably being images or video captured, each image or each part of the video preferably showingvalue of car position prevailing at the moment of capturing of the image or the part of video; orvalue of some other parameter directly proportional with car position prevailing at the moment of capturing of the image or the part of video;and / orthe data for later processing indicating numerically position of each individual ropes (2) in width direction (w) of the row relative to the one or more stationary features (53; 53') associated with the individual rope (2) in function of car position or in function of some other parameter directly proportional with car position.
13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises driving (70) the elevator (1), in particular by rotating a drive wheel (4) around which the ropes (2) pass, such that the ropes (2) move as a row via the monitoring area (A).
14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein method further comprises recognizing (201aa) in the captured images or in the captured video, respectively, the stationary features (53;53').
15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more stationary features (53 and / or 53'), preferably in particular at least two (53') of them, which are spaced apart in width direction (w) of the row, are used in the method, in particular by the elevator control system, for conversion of pixels in the images and / or video captured by the imaging device (51) to units of length.
16. An elevator comprisingan elevator car (3);ropes (2) connected to the elevator car (3), the ropes (2) being arranged to pass as a row wherein the row is formed by plurality of ropes (2) positioned side by side, the row having a thickness direction (t) and width direction (w);a monitoring equipment (50) comprisingan imaging device (51), which is preferably a camera or video recorder, having an imaging zone (Z), and configured to capture images or video from the imaging zone (Z);one or more stationary members (52), comprising one or more stationary features (53; 53');wherein said stationary features (53;53') are within the imaging zone (Z) of the imaging device (51) and the ropes (2) pass via the imaging zone (Z) of the imaging device (51);whereinthe monitoring equipment (50) is configured to capture during movement of the ropes (2) images or video from the imaging zone (Z) with the imaging device (51) and thereby of the ropes (2) and of the stationary features (53;53') of the one or more stationary members (52); andthe monitoring equipment (50) is further configured to monitor relative position of the ropes (2) and the one or more stationary features (53;53') using the images or video captured with the imaging device (51).
17. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator comprises a control system (10) comprising one or more computers.
18. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator, in particular said control system (10) is configured to analyze (201) the images or video captured with theimaging device (51) and to detect (202) if position of any of the ropes (2), in particular in one or more captured images or in a captured video, relative to the one or more stationary features (53;53') fulfills one or more predetermined criteria.
19. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator, in particular said control system (10) is configured to perform one or more predetermined actions if said one or more predetermined criteria are fulfilled, said one or more predetermined actions preferably comprising one or more of sending an alarm signal, sending a service call, stopping transport operation of the elevator, preventing car movement of the elevator.
20. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator, in particular said control system (10) is configured to recognize in the captured images or in the captured video patterns (P), such as patterns of light projected on said ropes (2), and to analyze (201b) one or more characteristics of the recognized patterns (P), such as preferably positions of the recognized patterns (P) in width direction (w) of the row relative to the one or more stationary features (53; 53').
21. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more stationary members (52) and the imaging device (51) are mounted stationary.
22. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator (1) comprises one or more light sources (61) comprised in the monitoring equipment (50) configured to projectlight, preferably a light pattern (P), on the row of ropes (2) and / or on each rope (2) within the imaging zone (Z) during the capturing.
23. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stationary features (53;53') and the imaging device (51) stay I are configured to stay stationary during the capturing (100).
24. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein ropes (2) are belts and the one or more wheels (4,6) around which the ropes (2) pass comprise a drive wheel (4) rotatable by a motor (5) and / or a non-driven rope wheel (6), the ropes (2) passing around the drive wheel (4) and / or the nondriven rope wheel (6) such that the wide side of each rope (2) rests against a crowning shape (4a) of the drive wheel (4) and / or a crowning shape of the non-driven rope wheel (6).
25. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the ropes (2) comprise one or more load-bearing members (2a) made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers or alternatively some other fibers, embedded in a matrix, which matrix comprises polymer material.
26. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (10) of the elevator (1) is configured to perform one or more of the steps of the method defined in any of the preceding claims, preferably the aforementioned analyzing (201) and / or the aforementioned detecting (202) and / or the aforementioned performing (300), possibly all of the steps of the method.
27. An elevator or a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (10) is configured to recognize (201aa), in the captured images or in the captured video, the stationary features (53; 53').