JP7709945B2 - Remote worker monitoring system and remote worker monitoring method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a remote worker monitoring system and a remote worker monitoring method.

In an elevator, a main rope is hung from a hoist installed at the top or bottom of the elevator shaft, and a car is hung from one end of the main rope, and a counterweight is hung from the other end. The elevator is configured so that the car and counterweight rise and fall in the elevator shaft in a bucket-like fashion by driving the hoist to wind up the main rope.

For example, an elevator has equipment located at the top of the elevator shaft and a control panel located at the bottom. During elevator maintenance work, workers may get on the car to perform work on these devices and control panels. When getting on the car, workers must wear a safety rope, and a wearable camera must be used to record their usage history. It is difficult for anyone other than the worker to know what work the worker is actually performing when working on the car (hereinafter referred to as "work on the car"). For this reason, managers regularly check the footage from the wearable cameras of workers to check for unsafe work behavior. However, having managers regularly check the footage places a burden on the manager and is an issue.

Patent Document 1 describes how camera images of workers on-site are displayed on a management terminal in a remote location. Patent Document 1 also describes how managers can share camera images of workers to prevent errors and omissions in the work process and improve work quality, as well as visualize unsafe elements at the work site to avoid danger and carry out effective training.

JP 2022-042303 A

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a manager to constantly monitor camera images of workers, which means that there is a possibility that unsafe behavior occurring at the work site will not be identified until later if the manager is not present. Furthermore, constant monitoring of camera images of workers requires the manager to be highly skilled and physically strong, so there is a possibility that unsafe behavior will be overlooked due to distraction from long periods of monitoring.

The present invention was made in consideration of the current state of the prior art, and aims to reduce the burden on managers during inspection work inside an elevator hoistway by allowing them to partially monitor dangerous work that requires monitoring limited to the hoistway.

In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention is a remote worker monitoring system that monitors images captured by a camera worn by a worker while working in an elevator, and includes an on-car switch that is provided on top of the car and is turned on before the worker operates the car while on the car, an elevator device that controls the operation of the elevator, and a management terminal used by a manager who manages the workers.
The management terminal has an elevator operation permission unit that outputs an operation permission signal to the elevator device when the manager permits the worker to operate the car after the switch on the car is turned on, a camera operation unit that can output a command to remotely operate a camera worn by the worker, and a video confirmation unit that displays images captured by the camera. When the elevator operation permission unit outputs the operation permission signal to the elevator device, the camera operation unit outputs a command to the camera to start recording, and the video confirmation unit displays the image transmitted from the camera.

According to at least one aspect of the present invention, when inspection work is performed inside an elevator hoistway, the manager does not need to constantly monitor the elevator inspection work, thereby reducing the burden on the manager.
Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of an elevator. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the overall configuration of a remote worker monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of a management terminal screen (1) and (2) in the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing examples (3) and (4) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of management terminal screens (5) to (7) in the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of each device constituting a remote worker monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer provided in each device other than a camera that constitutes the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that constitutes a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the actions of a worker in the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an action of an administrator in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of a procedure of a remote worker monitoring process by the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing examples of management terminal screens (1) to (3) in a remote worker monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram showing examples (4) and (5) of a management terminal screen in a remote worker monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of management terminal screens (6) to (8) in a remote worker monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of a procedure of a remote worker monitoring process by a remote worker monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Below, examples of modes for implementing the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the attached drawings, identical components or components having substantially the same functions will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, when there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, they may be described with the same reference numerals but different subscripts. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

First Embodiment
[General configuration of elevator]
First, an elevator will be described as an example of a lift that is the subject of work performed by a worker.
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of an elevator. In Fig. 1, the elevator 1 is an example of an elevator that is a target (work site) where a worker 20 who performs work such as inspection performs work based on a work plan.

The elevator 1 is composed of a car 2, a hoistway 3 along which the car 2 ascends and descends, a motor 5 that drives a rope 4, a control panel 6 for the motor 5, a counterweight 7 connected to the car 2 by the rope 4, a pit 9, and landing doors 10. The pit 9 is located under the elevator and is a space where the car 2 stops and where a buffer 8 for the counterweight 7 is installed. The elevator 1 also includes top equipment 11 such as a thimble rod and a rope tension variation detector (not shown) that is provided at the top of the hoistway 3, and an above-the-car operation panel 12 that is provided above the car 2 (in the ceiling). The elevator 1 may be considered to include one or more pulleys (not shown).

By operating the car-mounted operation panel 12, an operator can operate the car 2 while standing on top of it. The signals output by the car-mounted operation panel 12 based on the operator's operation are input to an elevator device 21 disposed inside the elevator 1 (e.g., at the top of the hoistway 3). The elevator device 21 controls the operation of the elevator 1 (car 2) according to commands from the car-mounted operation panel 12 and commands from the responsible sales office management terminal 23 (see Figure 2).

In this specification, the car may be simply referred to as the "car," such as the car-mounted operation panel 12 that is operated by the worker 20 on top of the car 2 to operate the car 2. For example, in the following description, the operation switch provided on the car-mounted operation panel 12 is referred to as the "car-mounted switch."

[Overall configuration of remote worker monitoring system]
Next, the overall configuration of the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the overall configuration of the remote worker monitoring system according to this embodiment. The remote worker monitoring system 100 shown in Fig. 2 is, as an example, composed of an elevator device 21, an elevator control system 22, a sales office management terminal 23, a camera 25, a data management server 24, and a worker terminal 26. These devices, terminals, and cameras are communicatively connected to each other via a network. It does not matter whether the network is the same communication network or two or more different communication networks.

The worker 20 wears a camera 25 for capturing video of the work situation. The camera 25 is composed of a terminal having a function for capturing (taking pictures of) video and a function for saving the captured video as image data. For example, the camera 25 is a wearable camera or a smartphone with a camera function, and can be attached to the head (e.g., a helmet) of the worker 20. The camera 25 can wirelessly communicate with the responsible sales office management terminal 23 by registering ID (Identification) information (hereinafter "camera ID") for identifying the camera 25 in the responsible sales office management terminal 23.

The responsible office management terminal 23 can remotely operate the camera 25 with the registered camera ID according to the instructions of the manager A. For example, the responsible office management terminal 23 outputs a command to the camera 25 to take an image (take a photo) or start recording, and receives and displays an image of the site situation taken by the camera 25. The responsible office management terminal 23 can also remotely control the operation (running, stopping, etc.) of the elevator 1 in the responsible office. Furthermore, the responsible office management terminal 23 can decide whether or not to permit the worker 20 to operate the elevator 1. The responsible office management terminal 23 displays a management terminal screen that enables the above-mentioned manager A to check the site situation, remotely operate the camera 25, and decide whether or not to permit operation on the car 2 (see Figures 3 to 5 described below).

The elevator device 21 is a control device for controlling the operation of the car 2. The elevator device 21 is in constant communication with the elevator control system 22, and transmits information (elevator information) about the state of the elevator 1, such as the operating state of the elevator 1 and the state of the car switch 12a, to the elevator control system 22.

The elevator control system 22 receives elevator information from the elevator device 21 and is able to grasp the status of the elevator 1 in various buildings, such as the operating status of the elevator 1 and the status of the car switch 12a. Furthermore, a work plan for the elevator 1 by the worker 20 is registered in the elevator control system 22 using the worker terminal 26. The elevator control system 22 then transmits the elevator information and work plan for the elevator 1 to the responsible sales office management terminal 23 connected via a network. Furthermore, when the elevator control system 22 receives failure information or an operation permission signal from an elevator 1 in the area under the jurisdiction of the responsible sales office, it immediately issues a report to the responsible sales office management terminal 23.

The data management server 24 is a server for recording and managing video footage (recorded data) captured by the camera 25 worn by the worker 20. The data management server 24 manages video footage (recorded data) for each elevator in a building, linking it to a work plan. For example, a work plan may register the "site name" of the work target, the elevator's "identification information," the "worker's name," the "scheduled date and time of work," and the "work content." One example of elevator identification information is the "serial number," or a combination of the "site name" and "unit number." When there is only one elevator at the site (facility), only the "site name" may be used.

The worker terminal 26 is a terminal incorporating application software (hereinafter referred to as a "work app") that is used by the worker 20 when working. The worker 20 operates the work app to register work plans and report work progress. A smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like can be used as the worker terminal 26.

[Administrative terminal screen]
Here, the management terminal screen displayed on the display device of the sales office management terminal 23 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing examples (1) and (2) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system 100. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing examples (3) and (4) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing examples (5) to (7) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment.

Figure 3 shows management terminal screens 110a and 110b as examples of management terminal screens (1) and (2) displayed on the sales office management terminal 23. The management terminal screen displays the following items for each building in the form of a list: "site name," "serial number," "unit number," "work content," "worker name," "camera ID," "elevator status," and "camera operation."

The "site name" is the name of the site registered in the work plan or the name of the site where the worker will perform the work. An example of the site name is the name of the building in which the elevator is installed.
The "serial number" is a number that the elevator manufacturer assigns to each elevator in order to manage the elevators they manufacture. The serial number is an example of identification information for uniquely identifying an elevator. Note that an elevator can be identified if the "site name" and "unit number" are known, as shown in Figure 3, so a serial number is not necessary.
"Elevator number" is identification information for identifying an elevator when there are multiple elevators within the same site (facility).

"Work content" is information that indicates the content of work to be performed by the worker 20, such as inspection, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of parts.
"Worker name" is information that indicates the name of the worker 20. The worker name may be any information that can identify the worker, and may be an identifier such as an employee code.
"Camera ID" is identification information of the camera 25 used by the worker 20 to take pictures.

"Elevator status" is information that indicates the current status of the elevator device 21. For example, on the management terminal screens 110a and 110b, "maintenance operation", "stopped", "normal operation", and "car switch on" are displayed as the "elevator status".
"Camera operation" is information that indicates the operation content for the camera 25 or the current state of the camera 25. For example, on the management terminal screens 110b and 110d, "image capture button" and "taking a picture" are displayed as "camera operation." As shown in Fig. 4, the image capture button may be displayed as a pop-up on the management terminal screen.

In the example of Figure 3, the "Elevator Status" of the corresponding elevator (unit) is highlighted so that the elevator (unit) that the worker 20 needs to monitor can be identified. Here, a portion of the record for the corresponding elevator (unit) ("Elevator Status") is highlighted with a bold line, but the entire record may also be highlighted.

The control terminal screen 110a is an example of the control terminal screen before the car-mounted switch 12a (see FIG. 6) provided on the car-mounted operation panel 12 is turned on. The operation mode of the elevator 1 is in the maintenance operation mode by remote control by the operator 20 or the responsible sales office control terminal 23.

The management terminal screen 110b is an example of a management terminal screen that displays "Cage switch on" which indicates that the cage switch 12a has been turned on, and an image capture button 111 that allows manager A to remotely operate the camera 25 to capture an image. Note that a "Start recording" button for starting recording may also be displayed when performing real-time distribution by the camera 25, which will be described later.

FIG. 4 shows management terminal screens 110c and 110d as management terminal screen examples (3) and (4) displayed on the sales office management terminal 23.
The management terminal screen 110c is an example in which a car on-site situation photo display window 112 that displays an image (photo) of the situation on the car 2 taken by the camera 25, and a car operation permission window 113 operated by the manager A are displayed as pop-ups on the management terminal screen. The car operation permission window 113 displays a car operation permission button ("YES" button) that is selected when the worker 20 is permitted to operate the car 2, and a car operation disallowance button ("NO" button) that is selected when the operation of the car 2 is not permitted. The image for checking the situation on the car 2 may be a video.

The management terminal screen 110d is an example of a management terminal screen in which a real-time car status distribution window 114 is displayed as a pop-up. The real-time car status distribution window 114 displays a camera image (video) capturing the situation on the car 2, which is distributed in real time from a camera 25 worn by a worker 20. During real-time distribution, the display content of "Camera operation" switches to "Recording".

FIG. 5 shows management terminal screens 110e to 110g as management terminal screen examples (5) to (7) displayed on the sales office management terminal 23.
The management terminal screen 110e is an example of the management terminal screen 110d that displays "car switch restored," which indicates that the car switch 12a has been restored (turned off).

The management terminal screen 110f is an example in which an on-car status display window 115 that displays a photo (still image) of the situation on top of the car 2 taken by the camera 25, and an on-car status confirmation window 116 operated by the manager A are displayed as pop-ups on the management terminal screen. The on-car status display window 115 displays an image (still image) cut out from a video taken by the camera 25. The on-car status confirmation window 116 also displays an "OK" button that is selected when the manager A judges that there is no problem with the situation on top of the car 2, and an "NG" button that is selected when the manager A judges that there is a problem with the situation on top of the car 2.

The management terminal screen 110g is an example in which "Stopped" is displayed, indicating that the "car operation permission" has been cancelled by the return of the car-top switch 12a and the elevator device 21 is in a stopped state, and "Recording stopped" is displayed in "Camera operation." When the "car operation permission" is cancelled, the worker 20 will no longer be able to operate the car 2 while in the car 2.

[Internal configuration of each device in the remote worker monitoring system]
Next, the internal configuration of each device constituting the remote worker monitoring system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of each device constituting the remote worker monitoring system 100.

(camera)
The camera 25 includes an image capturing unit 31 , an operation unit 32 , a communication unit 33 , and an ID information unit 34 .
The photographing unit 31 photographs (acquires) an image of a work target of the worker 20. For example, the photographing unit 31 uses an image sensor that obtains image data by converting light captured via an optical lens into an electrical signal.

The operation unit 32 is a user interface that generates operation signals according to input operations by the worker 20 and outputs them to the image capture unit 31, etc., and is configured using push buttons such as a shutter button and a touch panel. The operation unit 32 also has a function of generating operation signals based on commands from the camera operation unit 62 of the responsible sales office management terminal 23 and outputting them to the image capture unit 31. This allows the responsible sales office management terminal 23 to remotely operate the camera 25.

The communication unit 33 is an interface that communicates with the sales office management terminal 23 and the data management server 24 via the network. The communication unit 33 transmits the image captured by the image capture unit 31 together with the camera ID to the sales office management terminal 23 and the data management server 24.

The ID information unit 34 stores the ID information (camera ID) of the camera 25. The camera ID stored in the ID information unit 34 is transmitted to the sales office management terminal 23.

(Elevator equipment)
The elevator device 21 includes an operation control unit 41 , an on-car switch determination unit 42 , and a status information notification unit 43 .
The operation control unit 41 controls the operation of the car 2 of the elevator 1 based on a car call, a destination floor registration, etc. When the operation control unit 41 receives a signal to turn on the car switch 12a from the car on-top operation panel 12 and also receives an operation permission signal from the elevator operation permission unit 64 of the sales office management terminal 23, it controls the operation of the car 2 based on the operation of the car on-top operation panel 12 by the operator 20.

The car-top switch determination unit 42 determines whether the operation control unit 41 has detected the on-state (ON state) of the car-top switch 12a based on the signal received from the car-top operation panel 12. The signal that the car-top switch determination unit 42 receives from the operation control unit 2 may be a signal that maintains the waveform of the signal output from the car-top operation panel 12, or may be a signal that has been processed in some way.

The status information notification unit 43 receives the judgment result of the car-top switch judgment unit 42 and notifies the elevator control system 22 of information indicating the state (on or off) of the car-top switch 12a. The status information notification unit 43 also notifies the elevator control system 22 of information indicating the operating state of the elevator 1. In a broad sense, the information indicating the state of the car-top switch 12a can also be said to be information indicating the operating state of the elevator 1.

(Elevator control system)
The elevator control system 22 includes an elevator information management unit 51, a status transmission unit 52, and a work plan database 53.
The elevator information management unit 51 manages information related to the elevators 1 installed throughout Japan. The elevator information management unit 51 receives information indicating the state of the car switch 12a and the operating state of the elevator 1 from the state information notification unit 43 of the elevator device 21 provided in each elevator 1. The elevator information management unit 51 also accepts work plans of the workers 20 registered using the worker terminals 26, and stores the work plans in the work plan database 53.

The status transmission unit 52 transmits information about the elevator 1, such as malfunctions, to the responsible sales office management terminal 23. The information transmitted here is the current status of the elevator 1.

The work plan database 53 is a database that stores the work plans of the workers 20 registered using the worker terminal 26, etc.

(Sales office management terminal)
The sales office management terminal 23 in charge includes an elevator information management unit 61 , a camera operation unit 62 , a video confirmation unit 63 , an elevator operation permission unit 64 , a camera ID management unit 65 , and a work plan database 66 .

The elevator information management unit 61, unlike the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22, manages information about the elevator 1 under the jurisdiction of the responsible sales office. The elevator information management unit 61 receives and manages information about the elevator 1 transmitted by the status transmission unit 52 of the elevator control system 22. The elevator information management unit 61 also receives the work plan of the worker 20 from the responsible sales office management terminal 23, and stores the work plan in the work plan database 66.

The camera operation unit 62 is a block equipped with a user interface screen for remotely operating the camera 25 worn by the worker 20. The camera operation unit 62 outputs commands for remotely operating the on-site camera 25 based on instructions from the manager A (see FIG. 2). The ID information of the camera 25 to be operated is obtained from the camera ID management unit 65.

The video confirmation unit 63 is a block that allows the manager A to check the state of the work site where the worker 20 is working, and displays the image captured by the camera 25 (hereinafter also referred to as the "camera image") output from the communication unit 33 of the camera 25 on the management terminal screen. The camera image is a photograph or a video. The video confirmation unit 63 also cuts out an image from the video captured by the camera 25, and displays the cut-out image (still image) on the management terminal screen.

The elevator operation permission unit 64 is a block equipped with a user interface screen that is operated (e.g., pressed) when the car switch 12a is turned on and the manager A confirms that there are no problems from the image displayed on the image confirmation unit 63. For example, the elevator operation permission unit 64 corresponds to the car operation permission window 113 displayed on the management terminal screen. The elevator operation permission unit 64 transmits an operation permission signal to the operation control unit 41 of the elevator device 21 of the elevator to be permitted.

The camera ID management unit 65 manages the ID information (camera ID) of the camera 25. For example, the camera ID management unit 65 acquires the camera ID from the ID information unit 34 of the camera 25, and provides the camera ID to the camera operation unit 62 and the management unit 72 of the data management server 24.

The work plan database 66 is a database that stores the work plans of the workers 20 received from the elevator control system 22.
The sales office management terminal 23 extracts the work plan corresponding to the camera ID received from the camera 25 from the work plan database 66 and transmits it to the data management server 24 .

(Data management server)
The data management server 24 includes a recording unit 71 and a management unit 72 .
The recording unit 71 records the images (recorded data) captured by the camera 25 sent from the communication unit 33 of the camera 25 in association with the work plan having the matching camera ID.

The management unit 72 manages the images (recorded data) recorded by the recording unit 71 based on the work plan received from the sales office management terminal 23.

(Worker terminal)
The worker terminal 26 includes a registration unit 81 and an output unit 82 .
The registration unit 81 is a block having a user interface screen for the worker 20 to register a work plan in the elevator control system 22. In addition, the worker 20 can use the registration unit 81 to register the worker's name and ID information (camera ID) of the camera to be used in the sales office management terminal 23 in charge.

The output unit 82 outputs a registration screen for the worker 20 to register the worker name, camera ID, and work plan. The output unit 82 also outputs the permission/denial selection result of the manager A in the car operation permission window 113 (Fig. 4) and the confirmation result of the car status confirmation window 116 (Fig. 5) received from the responsible sales office management terminal 23. The output method is not limited to image display, and may be audio output, or an output combining an image or audio with vibration.

The elevator control system 22 and the responsible office management terminal 23 may share information at any time, and the work plan, worker name, and camera ID may be registered in either the elevator control system 22 or the responsible office management terminal 23, so that information is shared (registered in both). The functions of the worker terminal 26 described above may also be stored in the camera 25. Alternatively, the worker terminal 26 may be equipped with the functions of the camera 25.

[Hardware configuration of each device in the remote worker monitoring system]
Next, the hardware configuration of the elevator device 21, elevator control system 22, sales office management terminal 23, data management server 24, camera 25, and computer 120 provided in the remote worker monitoring system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

(Equipment other than cameras)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computers provided in each device other than the camera 25 constituting the remote worker monitoring system 100. As shown in FIG.

The calculator 120 is an example of hardware used as a computer that enables each device to work together to operate as the remote worker monitoring system 100. Each device realizes the remote worker monitoring system 100 (remote worker monitoring method) in which the functional blocks of each device shown in FIG. 6 work together by each calculator 120 (computer) executing a program.

The computer 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, each of which is connected to a bus. The computer 120 further includes a display device 124, an input device 125, a non-volatile storage 126, and a network interface 127.

The CPU 121 (an example of a control unit) reads out from the ROM 122 the program code of the software that realizes each function according to this embodiment, loads it into the RAM 123, and executes it. Variables, parameters, etc. that arise during the calculation processing of the CPU 121 are temporarily written to the RAM 123, and these variables, parameters, etc. are read out by the CPU 121 as appropriate. The functions of each functional block in each device are realized by the CPU 121 executing the program code read out from the ROM 122. However, other processors such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU 121.

The display device 124 is a monitor such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a GUI screen, the results of processing performed by the CPU 121, etc. The input device 125 generates an operation signal according to an input operation by the user, and outputs it to the CPU 121. The input device 125 may be, for example, a mouse or a keyboard, and the user can operate the input device 125 to input information and instructions. The display device 124 and the input device 125 may be integrated into a touch panel.

The non-volatile storage 126 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a non-volatile memory. In addition to an operating system (OS) and various parameters, this non-volatile storage 126 may also store programs for causing the computer 120 to function. The ROM 122 and the non-volatile storage 126 store programs and data necessary for the CPU 121 to operate, and are used as an example of a computer-readable non-transient storage medium that stores a program executed by the computer 120.

For example, a network interface card (NIC) is used for the network interface 127, and various data can be transmitted and received between devices via a local area network (LAN) or dedicated line connected to a terminal of the NIC. For example, the status information notification unit 43 of the elevator device 21 and the status transmission unit 52 of the elevator control system 22 are configured using the network interface 127.

The blocks of the computer 120 may be selected according to the functions and intended use of each of the above-mentioned devices. For example, if the elevator device 21 and the data management server 24 do not require display and input functions, the display device 124 and the input device 125 can be deleted.

(camera)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 130 included in the camera 25. As shown in FIG.
The calculator 130 is an example of hardware used as a computer. The calculator 130 (computer) executes a program, whereby the functional blocks of the camera 25 shown in FIG.

The computer 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, and a RAM 133, each of which is connected to a bus. The computer 130 further includes a display device 134, an input device 135, a non-volatile storage 136, a network interface 137, and an image sensor CA.

The CPU 13 (an example of a control unit) 1, ROM 132, RAM 133, display device 134, input device 135, non-volatile storage 136, and network interface 137 have the same functions as the blocks of the same names provided in the computer 120 described above.

The image sensor CA is a device that obtains image data by converting input light into an electrical signal. The photographing unit 31 is composed of the image sensor CA.

The elevator control system 22, the sales office management terminal 23, the worker terminal 26, and the camera 25 may be equipped with an audio output unit.

[Worker behavior]
Next, the actions of the worker 20 when working on the car 2 of the elevator 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the behavior of the worker 20 in this embodiment, i.e., an example of the procedure for working on the car 2. First, the worker 20 makes a plan for work such as inspection using a work app on the worker terminal 26, and registers it in the work plan database 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 via the elevator control system 22. When making a work plan, the worker 20 transmits the ID information held in the ID information unit 34 of the camera 25 together with the worker's name to the responsible office management terminal 23, and registers it in the camera ID management unit 65 of the responsible office management terminal 23 (S1). There are various possible methods for making a work plan using a work app, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, the worker 20 moves to the site that is the subject of the work plan, and prepares the camera 25 to be used at the site. The worker 20 puts the camera 25 on his head (helmet) (S2). After the worker 20 has put on the camera 25, he turns on the power of the camera 25 (S3). The worker 20 also switches the target elevator to maintenance operation mode (see, for example, the management terminal screen 110a (upper part of Figure 3)). Manager A may remotely switch the target elevator to maintenance operation mode using the sales office management terminal 23 in charge.

Next, the worker 20 moves to the front of the landing door 10 of the elevator 1 on which the work is to be performed, and unlocks the landing door 10 (S4). For example, the landing door 10 on the reference floor or the landing door 10 on a floor close to the pit 9 is unlocked.

Next, the worker 20 climbs onto the car 2 (in the ceiling) and turns on the car-top switch 12a on the car-top operation panel 12 installed on the car 2 (S5). When the car-top switch 12a is turned on, "car-top switch turned on" is displayed in the "elevator status" section of the management terminal screen of the responsible sales office management terminal 23. After turning on the car-top switch 12a, the worker 20 looks into the ceiling of the car 2 and the elevator shaft 3 to take pictures.

When manager A, who operates the sales office management terminal 23 in charge, permits operation on the car 2 using the elevator operation permission unit 64 based on an image (photograph) taken by the camera 25, the elevator device 21 receives an operation permission signal and operation on the car 2 becomes possible. The worker 20 checks the display content of the output unit 82 of the worker terminal 26 that he or she carries to confirm that operation on the car has been permitted. The camera 25 may output an audio signal to allow the worker 20 to confirm that operation on the car has been permitted.

Then, based on the work plan, the worker 20 starts real-time broadcasting from the camera 25 (i.e., the head-mounted camera) that corresponds to the camera ID registered in association with the work plan. The camera 25 starts broadcasting the camera image in response to a command to start recording sent from the sales office management terminal 23 in charge. After that, the worker 20 starts work such as inspection on the elevator 2 (S6).

To perform the intended work, the worker 20 operates the car 2 using the car-mounted operation panel 12 while standing on top of the car 2 (S7). The worker 20 performs the planned work in the elevator 3 and finishes the work on the car 2 (S8).

Next, the worker 20 turns off (restores) the car-top switch 12a after completing the work (S9). This prevents the worker 20 from operating the car 2 while on the car 2.

Next, after manager A checks the situation above car 2 (above the ceiling) using the video confirmation unit 63 of the responsible office management terminal 23, worker 20 receives a notification from manager A on the worker terminal 26 that there are no problems with the situation above the car (S10). In parallel with the notification that there are no problems with the situation above the car, camera 25 receives a command to stop recording from the responsible office management terminal 23, and recording by camera 25 stops (filming ends). The notification that there are no problems with the situation above the car may also be received by camera 25.

The worker 20 gets off the car 2 and closes the landing door 10 that was used to enter and exit the car 2 (S11). Then, the worker 20 leaves the site where the work was performed based on the work plan (S12). After step S12 is completed, the series of actions for the worker 20 to perform the work is completed.

[Administrator Actions]
Next, the actions of a manager A of a responsible sales office who remotely manages the work of the workers 20 (particularly the work on the car 2) will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the actions of the administrator A in this embodiment.
When the work plan is registered in the sales office management terminal 23, the management application software enables the work plan to be output at the sales office management terminal 23. The manager A of the sales office in charge checks the work plan registered by the worker 20 and the camera ID linked to the work plan at the sales office management terminal 23, and approves the work plan if there are no problems (S21).

When worker 20 turns on car switch 12a of elevator 1 at a registered site based on the work plan, elevator device 21 notifies elevator control system 22 that car switch 12a has been turned on. Then, status information of elevator 1 is sent from status transmission unit 52 of elevator control system 22 to responsible sales office management terminal 23, and manager A confirms that the responsible sales office management terminal 23 has received a turn-on signal for car switch 12a from the site registered in the work plan (S22).

Manager A can recognize that a worker 20 is on top of the car 2 by checking the display of "switch on car" on the management terminal screen (see, for example, management terminal screen 110b in the lower part of Figure 3). The switch 12a on top of the car has the role of notifying the presence of the worker 20 on top of the car 2 and of requesting permission to operate the car 2 while on the car 2.

Next, manager A presses the image capture button 111 on the management terminal screen to remotely operate the camera 25 worn by the worker 20 on the car 2, and captures an image of the situation on the car 2 (S23). The camera 25 transmits the captured image (photograph) to the responsible office management terminal 23.

Next, manager A checks the image captured by camera 25 on the management terminal screen, and if he determines that there is no problem with the condition on the car before the work, he presses the car operation permission button ("YES" button) in the car operation permission window 113 displayed on the management terminal screen (see, for example, management terminal screen 110c in the upper part of Figure 4) (S24). Manager A does not press the car operation permission button until worker 20 is ready to start work on car 2.

Cases where work is not ready to start on the car 2 include, for example, when the worker 20 is not ready to climb onto the car 2 (the car stop switch on the car operation panel 12 has not been turned on, etc.) or when an object unrelated to work has been placed on the car 2. If the manager A determines that there is a problem with the situation on the car before work begins, he or she presses the car operation disallowance button (the "NO" button) to notify the worker 20 that there is a problem with the situation on the car, and remotely instructs them to take action.

Next, manager A checks the work status of worker 20 in real time using images captured by camera 25 (see, for example, management terminal screen 110d in the lower part of Figure 4) (S25).

After completing work on the car 2, the worker 20 resets (shuts off) the car switch 12a. When the car switch 12a resets, the elevator device 21 transmits a reset signal for the car switch 12a to the elevator control system 22, and the responsible office management terminal 23 receives the reset signal for the car switch 12a from the status transmission unit 52 of the elevator control system 22. Then, on the responsible office management terminal 23, "Cab switch reset" is displayed in "Elevator status" on the management terminal screen (see, for example, the management terminal screen 110e in the upper part of Figure 5). At this time, for example, an image capture button 111 (not shown) is displayed in "Camera operation" on the management terminal screen.

Next, the manager A presses the image capture button 111 on the management terminal screen to remotely operate the camera 25 worn by the worker 20 on the car 2 to capture an image of the situation above the car 2 (above the ceiling) (S26). The operation of the camera 25 by the manager A here is to extract an image (still image) from the video captured by the camera 25.

Next, manager A checks the image (still image) cut out from the video captured by camera 25 on the management terminal screen (see, for example, management terminal screen 110f in the middle of Figure 5). If manager A determines from the management terminal screen that there is no problem with the car's on-board status after the work, manager A presses the "OK" button in the car's on-board status confirmation window 116 displayed on the management terminal screen, and notifies worker terminal 26 of worker 20 that there is no problem with the car's on-board status. A notification that there is no problem with the car's on-board status may be sent to camera 25.

Cases where there is a problem with the condition above the car after work has been completed include, for example, when the inspection light is left on while work is being performed on the car 2, or when the handrails for work are still assembled in the case of a machine room-less elevator 1. If manager A determines that there is a problem with the condition above the car after work has been completed, he or she presses the "NG" button to notify worker 20 that there is a problem with the condition above the car, and remotely instructs the worker to take action.

In addition, in parallel with the notification that there is no problem with the car's condition, the responsible sales office management terminal 23 sends a command to the camera 25 to stop recording, and the camera 25 stops recording (S27). After step S27 is completed, the series of actions for remotely monitoring the work of the worker 20 is completed.

[Remote worker monitoring processing by remote worker monitoring system]
Next, a remote worker monitoring process performed by the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of the procedure of a remote worker monitoring process by the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment.
As a premise, worker 20 creates a work plan using worker terminal 26 and registers the work plan in elevator control system 22 (S51), and the registered work plan is transmitted to responsible office management terminal 23. In elevator control system 22, elevator information management unit 51 accepts registration of the work plan created by worker 20 from registration unit 81 of worker terminal 26 and stores the work plan in work plan database 53. In addition, elevator information management unit 51 transmits the work plan to elevator information management unit 61 of responsible office management terminal 23. Elevator information management unit 61 stores the work plan transmitted from elevator information management unit 51 in work plan database 66.

The worker 20 also uses the registration unit 81 of the worker terminal 26 to register the worker's name and the camera ID of the camera 25 to be used in the camera ID management unit 55 of the sales office management terminal 23 in charge (S61). Note that the above-mentioned steps S51 and S61 may be performed in any order.

Next, when the car switch determination unit 42 of the elevator device 21 at the site (elevator 1 to be worked on) based on the work plan detects that the car switch 12a has been turned on, the status information notification unit 43 of the elevator device 21 issues a car switch 12a turn-on signal to the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22 (S41).

Next, based on the work plan, the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22 sends a signal to turn on the car switch 12a to the elevator information management unit 61 of the sales office management terminal 23 in charge of the registered site (S52).

Next, when the elevator information management unit 61 of the responsible office management terminal 23 receives a signal to turn on the car switch 12a from the elevator control system 22, the video confirmation unit 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 displays "Car switch turned on" in "Elevator status" on the management terminal screen. The video confirmation unit 53 also displays the image capture button 111 (see the lower part of Figure 3) in "Camera operation" on the management terminal screen.

Next, when the camera operation unit 52 of the responsible office management terminal 23 detects that the image capture button 111 has been pressed, it remotely operates the camera 25 worn by the worker 20 at the site based on the work plan (S62), and uses the camera 25 to capture an image of the situation on the car 2 (S31). The responsible office management terminal 23 is assumed to have previously grasped the correspondence between the camera ID of the camera 25 and the connection information (IP address, MAC address, email address, message account, etc.) of the worker terminal 26 or the camera 25. The camera 25 is also assumed to have grasped the connection information of the responsible office management terminal 23.

Next, the camera 25 transmits an image (photograph) of the situation on the car 2 to the responsible office management terminal 23 via the communication unit 33. At this time, the camera 25 transmits at least its own camera ID along with the image (photograph). The video confirmation unit 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 then displays it in the car situation photo display window 112 (see the upper part of Figure 4) on the management terminal screen (S63).

When an image of the situation on the car 2 is displayed on the management terminal screen of the responsible office management terminal 23, the elevator operation permission unit 54 displays the car operation permission button ("YES" button) and the car operation disallowance button ("NO" button) of the car operation permission window 113 on the management terminal screen (S64). That is, the elevator operation permission unit 54 enables the operation of the car operation permission button and the car operation disallowance button. If the camera image acquired in step S31 indicates that there is no problem with the situation on the car before the work, Manager A presses the car operation permission button.

Next, when the elevator operation permission unit 55 of the responsible office management terminal 23 detects that the car operation permission button has been pressed, it sends an operation permission signal to the elevator device 21. This allows the worker 20 to operate the car 2 of the elevator 1 at the site while standing on top of it (S42). Furthermore, when the camera operation unit 62 of the responsible office management terminal 23 detects that the car operation permission button has been pressed, it remotely operates the camera 25 worn by the worker 20 based on the work plan to start recording (S32).

After the worker 20 performs the work on the car 2 (steps S6 to S8 in FIG. 9), the car switch 12a is reset (shut off). When the car switch determination unit 42 of the elevator device 21 detects that the car switch 12a has been reset, the status information notification unit 43 of the elevator device 21 issues a reset signal for the car switch 12a to the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22 (S43).

Next, based on the work plan, the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22 sends a return signal for the car switch 12a to the elevator information management unit 61 of the sales office management terminal 23 in charge of the registered site (S53).

Next, when the elevator information management unit 61 of the responsible office management terminal 23 receives a return signal for the car top switch 12a from the elevator control system 22, the video confirmation unit 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 displays "Car top switch return" in "Elevator status" on the management terminal screen. The video confirmation unit 53 also displays the image capture button 111 (see the lower part of Figure 3) in "Camera operation" on the management terminal screen.

Next, when the camera operation unit 52 of the sales office management terminal 23 detects that the image capture button 111 has been pressed, it remotely operates the camera 25 worn by the worker 20 at the site based on the work plan (S65), and the camera 25 captures a still image of the situation inside the car 2 (S33). In this embodiment, the camera 25 extracts an image (still image) from the captured video and outputs it.

Then, the camera 25 transmits an image (still image) of the situation on the car 2 to the responsible office management terminal 23 via the communication unit 33. The video confirmation unit 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 then displays it in the car on-site status display window 115 (see middle part of Figure 5) on the management terminal screen (S66). Furthermore, the video confirmation unit 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 displays the image of the situation on the car 2 on the management terminal screen, and also displays the car on-site status confirmation window 116 (see middle part of Figure 5) on the management terminal screen.

If the camera image acquired in step S33 indicates that there are no problems with the car's condition after the work is completed, manager A presses the "OK" button in the car's condition confirmation window 116. When the video confirmation unit 53 of the sales office management terminal 23 detects that the "OK" button has been pressed, it notifies the worker terminal 26 (or camera 25) that there are no problems with the car's condition after the work is completed (S67).

When the "OK" button in the car status confirmation window 116 is pressed, the sales office management terminal 23 notifies the user that there are no problems with the car status and simultaneously sends a command to stop recording to the camera 25, and ends recording by the camera 25 via remote control (S34).

The camera 25 transmits the recorded data to the data management server 24. The data management server 24 then records and manages the recorded data received from the camera 25 in association with the work plan and camera ID. The work plan and camera ID are saved in the data management server 24 at the time they are registered in the sales office management terminal 23 (e.g., steps S51 and S61). When the camera 25 finishes recording, the recorded data is stored in an area of the data management server 24 where the work plan and camera ID information are saved.

In this embodiment, the responsible office management terminal 23 receives a return signal from the car switch 12a, and then the manager A remotely operates the camera 25 worn by the on-site worker 20. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, after the responsible office management terminal 23 receives a return signal from the car switch 12a, the video confirmation unit 53 of the responsible office management terminal 23 may extract a still image from the video (recorded data) transmitted from the camera 25 and display it in the car status display window 115.

In this embodiment, the responsible office management device 23 acquires information (status information) and work plans related to the elevator 1 from the elevator control system 22, but this is not limited to the example. For example, a configuration in which the responsible office management device 23 acquires information and work plans related to the elevator 1 without going through the elevator control system 22 is also conceivable.

As described above, the remote worker monitoring system of this embodiment is a remote worker monitoring system that monitors images captured by a camera worn by a worker while working in an elevator, and includes an on-car switch that is provided on top of the car and is turned on before the worker operates the car while on the car, an elevator device that controls the operation of the elevator, and a management terminal used by a manager who manages the workers.
The management terminal has an elevator operation permission unit that outputs an operation permission signal to the elevator device when the manager permits the worker to operate the car after the switch on the car is turned on, a camera operation unit that can output a command to remotely operate a camera worn by the worker, and a video confirmation unit that displays images captured by the camera. The camera operation unit is configured to output a command to start recording to the camera when the elevator operation permission unit outputs the operation permission signal to the elevator device, and the video confirmation unit is configured to display the image transmitted from the camera.

According to this embodiment of the above configuration, when inspecting the inside of the elevator hoistway, the manager remotely operates the worker's camera in response to the on-screen switch information, so there is no need for the manager to constantly monitor the elevator inspection work, reducing the manager's burden. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, dangerous work is not left to the worker, and permission to operate the elevator can be given with the manager's confirmation, making it possible to provide dual safety management of on-site work by the manager and the worker.

In addition, in the remote worker monitoring system according to this embodiment, the camera operation unit outputs a command to take a photo with the camera at the instruction of the manager after the switch on the car is turned on and before the worker on the car starts working, and the video confirmation unit is configured to display the photo taken by the camera.

In addition, in the remote worker monitoring system according to this embodiment, the elevator operation permission unit is configured to prevent the worker from operating the car after the switch on the car is turned on if the administrator has not confirmed permission to operate the car.

The remote worker monitoring system according to this embodiment is also configured to manage the worker's performance of work included in a work plan using images linked to the work plan and the camera's identification information.

Second Embodiment
In the unlikely event that the elevator 1 or the like breaks down or an abnormality occurs, immediate recovery work and investigation of the cause are necessary. Therefore, as a second embodiment, an example of a case where unplanned work occurs at a site where a work plan is not registered will be described. The configuration of the remote worker monitoring system according to this embodiment is basically the same as that of the remote worker monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

[Administrative terminal screen]
The control terminal screen displayed on the display device of the responsible sales office control terminal 23 when an abnormality occurs in the elevator 1 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14.
Fig. 12 is a diagram showing examples (1) to (3) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing examples (4) and (5) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing examples (6) to (8) of a management terminal screen in the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment.

In FIG. 12, management terminal screens 140x, 140a, and 140b are shown as management terminal screen examples (1) to (3) displayed on the sales office management terminal 23. The management terminal screens 140a and 140b correspond to the management terminal screens 110a and 110b in FIG. 3.

The management terminal screen 140x is an example of a management terminal screen when an abnormality occurs at a site (e.g., an elevator) for which no work plan has been created. "Abnormality occurred" is displayed in the "Elevator status" of the record related to the elevator in question. Since there is no work plan for this elevator, unlike Figure 3, the "Work content", "Worker name", and "Camera ID" are blank. For example, the operation control unit 41 of the elevator device 21 detects equipment failures and abnormalities by analyzing detection signals from sensors (not shown) installed in various locations on the elevator 1. The results of the detection of failures and abnormalities are notified to the responsible sales office management terminal 23 as elevator information.

The management terminal screen 140a is an example of the management terminal screen before the car-mounted switch 12a (see FIG. 6) provided on the car-mounted operation panel 12 is turned on. When the worker 20 dispatched to the site inputs the minimum amount of information into the worker terminal 26, the information is displayed in "Work content," "Worker name," and "Camera ID."

The management terminal screen 140b is an example of a management terminal screen that displays "Turn on car switch" and the image capture button 111.

Figure 13 shows management terminal screens 140c and 140d as management terminal screen examples (4) and (5) displayed on the sales office management terminal 23. Management terminal screens 140c and 140d correspond to management terminal screens 110c and 110d in Figure 3.

The management terminal screen 140c is an example in which the car status photo display window 112 and the car operation permission window 113 are displayed as pop-ups on the management terminal screen.

The management terminal screen 140d is an example of a management terminal screen in which the car status real-time distribution window 114 is displayed as a pop-up. The "Camera operation" display content changes to "Shooting."

In FIG. 14, management terminal screens 140e to 140g are shown as management terminal screen examples (6) to (8) displayed on the sales office management terminal 23. The management terminal screens 140e to 140g correspond to the management terminal screens 110e to 110g in FIG. 3.

The management terminal screen 140e is an example of the management terminal screen 140d displaying "Restore car-mounted switch."

The management terminal screen 140f is an example in which the car status display window 115 and the car status confirmation window 116 are displayed as pop-ups on the management terminal screen.

The management terminal screen 140g is an example that displays "Stopped," which indicates that "Car operation permission" has been cancelled and the elevator device 21 is stopped, and "Recording stopped" in "Camera operation."

[Remote worker monitoring processing by remote worker monitoring system]
Next, a remote worker monitoring process performed by the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 15 is a sequence chart showing an example of the procedure of remote worker monitoring processing by the remote worker monitoring system 100 according to the second embodiment. Unlike the processing of Figure 11, Figure 15 shows an example of the procedure of remote worker monitoring processing when a work plan cannot be made and unplanned work occurs. Figure 15 differs from Figure 11 in that step S51 for registering a work plan is deleted, and steps S52, S53, and S34 are changed to steps S52A, S53A, and S34A, respectively. Below, Figure 15 will be described, focusing on the parts that differ from Figure 11.

In step S41, an abnormality occurs in elevator 1 that is not in the work plan (for example, the management terminal screen 140x in the upper part of FIG. 12), and the worker 20 turns on the car switch 12a of elevator 1 to perform unplanned work on the car 2. When the car switch determination unit 42 of the elevator device 21 detects that the car switch 12a has been turned on, the status information notification unit 43 of the elevator device 21 issues a turn-on signal for the car switch 12a to the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22.

Next, in step S52A, the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22 issues a signal to close the car switch 12a to the elevator information management unit 61 of the sales office management terminal 23 in charge of the site where there is no work plan (where unplanned work is being performed) (for example, the management terminal screen 140a in the middle of Figure 12).

Next, in step S62, when the camera operation unit 52 of the sales office management terminal 23 detects that the image capture button 111 has been pressed, it remotely operates the camera 25 worn by the worker 20 at the site based on the camera ID provided by the worker 20.

In addition, in step S53A, the elevator information management unit 51 of the elevator control system 22 sends a return signal for the car switch 12a to the elevator information management unit 61 of the sales office management terminal 23 in charge of the site where there is no work plan (where unplanned work is performed).

In addition, in step S34A, when the "OK" button in the car status confirmation window 116 is pressed, the sales office management terminal 23 notifies the customer that there are no problems with the car status and simultaneously sends a command to the camera 25 to stop recording, and ends the recording of the camera 25 by remote control.

The camera 25 transmits the recorded data to the data management server 24. The data management server 24 then records and manages the recorded data received from the camera 25 in association with the camera ID. The camera ID is saved in the data management server 24 at the time it is registered in the sales office management terminal 23 (e.g., step S61). Then, when the camera 25 finishes recording, the recorded data is stored in an area in the data management server 24 where the camera ID information is saved.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other applications and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiments are described in detail and specifically to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those that include all of the components described. In addition, it is also possible to add, replace, or delete other components from part of the configuration of each embodiment.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, etc. may be realized in part or in whole in hardware, for example by designing them as integrated circuits. As the hardware, a broad processor device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) may be used.

In this specification, the processing steps describing chronological processing include not only processing that is performed chronologically in the order described, but also processing that is not necessarily performed chronologically but is performed in parallel or individually (for example, processing by objects). Furthermore, the processing order of the processing steps describing chronological processing may be changed as long as it does not affect the processing results.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

1...Elevator, 2...Car, 3...Hoistway, 12...Cage-mounted operation panel, 12a...Cage-mounted switch, 20...Worker, 21...Elevator equipment, 22...Elevator control system, 23...Responsible sales office management terminal, 24...Data management server, 25...Camera, 26...Worker terminal, 31...Photographing unit, 32...Operation unit, 33...Communication unit, 34...ID information unit, 41...Operation control unit, 42...Cage-mounted switch determination unit, 43...Status information notification unit, 51...Elevator information management unit, 52...Status transmission unit, 53...Work plan database, 61...Elevator information management unit, 62...Camera operation unit, 63...Video confirmation unit, 64...Elevator operation permission unit, 65...Camera ID management unit, 66...Work plan database, 71...Recording unit, 72...Management unit, 81...Registration unit, 82...Output unit, 100...Remote worker monitoring system, 110a-110g...Management terminal screen, 111...Image capture button, 112...Cage status photo display window, 113...Cage operation permission window, 114...Cage status real-time distribution window, 115...Cage status display window, 116...Cage status confirmation window, 120, 130...Computer, 140a-140g, 140x...Management terminal screen, 141...Image capture button, 142...Cage status photo display window, 143...Cage operation permission window, 144...Cage status real-time distribution window, 145...Cage status display window, 146...Cage status confirmation window, A...Administrator

Claims (5)

A remote worker monitoring system for monitoring images taken by a camera worn by a worker during elevator work,
an on-car switch provided on a car and turned on before the worker operates the car while standing on the car;
An elevator device for controlling the operation of the elevator;
a management terminal used by a manager who manages the workers;
The management terminal includes:
an elevator operation permission unit that outputs an operation permission signal to the elevator device when the manager permits the operator to operate the elevator car after the car-mounted switch is turned on;
a camera operation unit capable of outputting a command for remotely operating the camera worn by the worker;
A video confirmation unit that displays an image captured by the camera,
a camera operation unit that outputs a command to the camera to start recording when the elevator operation permission unit outputs the operation permission signal to the elevator device, and the video confirmation unit displays the image transmitted from the camera. the camera operation unit outputs a command to take a picture with the camera in response to an instruction from the manager after the car switch is turned on and before the worker on the car starts work;
The remote worker monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the video confirmation unit displays a photograph taken by the camera. 2. The remote operator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the elevator operation permission unit prevents the operator from operating the elevator after the switch on the elevator is turned on if the administrator has not confirmed permission to operate the elevator. The remote worker monitoring system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a work plan for the work and an image linked to identification information of the camera, the image being used to manage the worker's performance of the work included in the work plan. A remote worker monitoring method using a remote worker monitoring system that monitors images captured by a camera worn by a worker during elevator work, comprising:
The remote worker monitoring system includes an on-car switch that is provided on a car and is turned on before the worker operates the car while on the car;
An elevator device for controlling the operation of the elevator;
a management terminal used by a manager who manages the workers;
The management terminal includes:
an elevator operation permission unit that outputs an operation permission signal to the elevator device when the manager permits the operator to operate the elevator car after the car-mounted switch is turned on;
a camera operation unit capable of outputting a command for remotely operating the camera worn by the worker;
A video confirmation unit that displays an image captured by the camera,
the camera operation unit outputs a command to start recording to the camera when the elevator operation permission unit outputs the operation permission signal to the elevator device,
The video confirmation unit displays the image transmitted from the camera.