JP7722895B2 - Passenger conveyor inspection device and passenger conveyor inspection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to technology that assists in the inspection of passenger conveyors.

When replacing passenger conveyor steps during maintenance work, the steps are removed and reinstalled by removing and reinstalling the bolts that secure the steps to the chain (step fixing bolts). The main inspection checks include checking for step fixing bolts that have not been tightened, as well as rust on the steps, distortion of the steps, dirt on the steps, damage to the steps, and abnormal noises from the steps. Traditionally, these inspections are carried out visually. After each inspection, the work manager enters the results of the check into an inspection record sheet, and based on the inspection record sheet, identifies the location of any steps that are found to be abnormal and require reinspection. However, as the number of units and models to be maintained increases, the risk of inspection defects tends to increase.

Recently, a passenger conveyor anomaly detection system has been disclosed that identifies the location of steps where an abnormality is detected during passenger conveyor operation and issues an alarm (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-099314

With the technology described in Patent Document 1, if a step abnormality is detected, the abnormal step position is identified from the reference step position and an alert is issued, allowing maintenance personnel to identify the abnormality for each step. However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for maintenance personnel to determine the extent of the abnormality or where the abnormality is located.

The present invention was developed with the above points in mind, and aims to propose a passenger conveyor inspection device that allows maintenance personnel to properly identify abnormalities in all steps.

To solve this problem, the present invention provides a passenger conveyor inspection device for inspecting a passenger conveyor having multiple steps that rotate, and includes: a detection unit that detects abnormalities related to each of the multiple steps based on sensor information acquired by a sensor during a predetermined period in which the multiple steps rotate at least once; a generation unit that identifies a step in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit based on images of each of the multiple steps captured by an imaging device during the predetermined period, and generates inspection result information in which anomaly information indicating the abnormality is associated with step information indicating the step in which the abnormality was detected, among arrangement information in which step information indicating each of the multiple steps is arranged; and an output unit that outputs the inspection result information generated by the generation unit.

In the above configuration, abnormality information indicating detected abnormalities is output in association with the placement information. This allows, for example, maintenance personnel to check the relative positions of abnormalities across all steps and accurately grasp the extent of the abnormalities and their locations.

This invention makes it possible to realize a highly convenient passenger conveyor inspection device.

1 is a diagram showing an example of a passenger conveyor inspection system according to a first embodiment. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a passenger conveyor inspection system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the photographing terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an additional confirmation process according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of step arrangement information and inspection result information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference step according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inspection record information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection screen according to the first embodiment.

(I) First Embodiment One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below, although the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

The passenger conveyor inspection system of this embodiment is a system that inspects for abnormalities related to steps in a passenger conveyor that has multiple steps that can be connected to a circulating chain. Here, an abnormality is an abnormality that requires inspection, and includes abnormalities that affect the operation of the passenger conveyor and abnormalities that do not affect the operation of the passenger conveyor. Abnormalities include improper fastening of the step fixing bolts that secure each step to the chain, rust on each step, distortion on each step, dirt on each step, breakage on each step, and abnormal noise from each step. For example, this passenger conveyor inspection system assigns identification numbers to images showing steps extracted from images captured by a photographing terminal, generates a step layout map showing the overall connection relationship of the steps, and outputs the inspection results for each step in association with the step layout map.

With the above configuration, maintenance personnel such as workers and work managers can check the inspection locations and inspection order based on the step layout map.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description and drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and some omissions and simplifications have been made as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

In the following description, identical elements in the drawings will be given the same numbers and their descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, when describing similar elements without distinguishing between them, the common portion (excluding the branch number) of the reference number including the branch number will be used, and when describing similar elements with distinction between them, the reference number including the branch number may be used. For example, when describing an inspection status image without any particular distinction between them, it may be written as "inspection status image 1102," and when describing individual inspection status images with distinction between them, it may be written as "inspection status image 1102-1," "inspection status image 1102-2," etc.

The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. used in this specification are used to identify components and do not necessarily limit the number or order. Furthermore, numbers used to identify components are used in different contexts, and numbers used in one context do not necessarily indicate the same configuration in another context. Furthermore, this does not prevent a component identified by a certain number from also serving the function of a component identified by another number.

Figure 1 shows an example of a passenger conveyor inspection system 100. The passenger conveyor inspection system 100 will be explained using Figures 1 to 3 as appropriate. Note that the passenger conveyor may be an escalator, a moving walkway, etc., and the following explanation will use an escalator 110 as an example of a passenger conveyor.

As shown in Figure 1, the escalator 110 comprises an escalator body 111, an escalator guide section 112 to which handrails and other components are attached, steps 113 connected to a rotating body such as a chain, and a control panel 114 that controls the rotating body.

Here, inspection of the fasteners (step fixing bolts and washers) that secure the step 113 to the rotating body is carried out by taking advantage of the property that the step 113 is visible when folded back. More specifically, a photographing terminal 117 is installed in the inspection opening (first inspection hatch) at the lower boarding/alighting section 115 of the escalator 110 or the inspection opening (second inspection hatch) at the upper boarding/alighting section 116 of the escalator 110, and photographs of the fasteners are taken by the photographing terminal 117.

Figure 2 shows an example of a fixing device (step fixing bolt 201 and red washer 202).

The first state 210 shows the red washer 202 before the step fixing bolt 201 has been completely tightened. In the first state 210, the three tongues of the red washer 202 are parallel to the x and y directions (e.g., horizontal), and the surface is metallic in color. In contrast, the second state 220 shows the red washer 202 after the step fixing bolt 201 has been completely tightened. A maintenance worker bends one of the three tongues of the red washer 202 in a direction parallel to the z direction (e.g., vertical), thereby revealing the red color 203 painted on the back surface of the red washer 202.

In this embodiment, since the bent tongue of the red washer 202 (indicated by the red color 203) confirms that the step fixing bolt 201 is properly installed, it is preferable that the bent tongue be the tongue that is most easily visible to maintenance personnel. Here, the washer inserted into the step fixing bolt 201 is not limited to the red washer 202. For example, the back surface of the washer may be a predetermined color (e.g., green, a color not found in the components of the step 113). Also, for example, the number of washer tongues (bent portions) is not limited to three, but may be one, or two or more. Also, for example, the red washer 202 may not be provided. In this case, for example, part or all of the step fixing bolt 201 is colored a predetermined color (e.g., red).

Figure 3 shows an example image (image 300) of a fixture (step fixing bolt 201 and red washer 202) captured by the imaging terminal 117.

Since step 113 is fixed with two step fixing bolts 201, one on the left and one on the right, image 300 includes fixture image 301 corresponding to the fixture on the left side of step 113 (left side of the drawing), and fixture image 302 corresponding to the fixture on the right side of step 113 (right side of the drawing).

It is possible to photograph two fixing devices using one photographing terminal 117, but depending on the performance of the photographing terminal 117, if it is difficult for the camera of one photographing terminal 117 to capture two fixing devices on a single screen (same angle of view) due to viewing angle issues, it is also possible to photograph the left and right fixing devices simultaneously using two photographing terminals 117.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the passenger conveyor inspection system 100. As shown in Figure 4, the passenger conveyor inspection system 100 includes a photographing terminal 117 and a storage device 400. The photographing terminal 117 and the storage device 400 are communicatively connected via a network 401.

The photographing terminal 117 is an example of a passenger conveyor inspection device. The photographing terminal 117 may be a smartphone, tablet terminal, laptop computer, etc. equipped with imaging functions, information processing functions, and display functions, or may be realized by combining an imaging means such as a digital camera or digital video camera, an information processing means such as a processor, and a display means such as a display. For example, the photographing terminal 117 includes a processor 410, a main memory device 420, an auxiliary memory device 430, an input device 440, an output device 450, a communication device 460, and an imaging device 470.

The storage device 400 is a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or the like that stores data. The storage device 400 may be included in the imaging terminal 117, may be connected to the imaging terminal 117 without going through the network 401, or may not be provided at all. If the storage device 400 is not provided, the data is stored in the auxiliary storage device 430.

The processor 410 is a device that performs arithmetic processing. The processor 410 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chip, etc. The main memory device 420 is a device that stores programs, data, etc. The main memory device 420 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. ROM is, for example, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM), mask ROM (Mask Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable ROM), etc. RAM is, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 430 may be a HDD, flash memory, optical storage device, etc. Optical storage devices may be CDs (Compact Discs) or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). Programs, data, etc. stored in the auxiliary storage device 430 are loaded into the main storage device 420 as needed. The input device 440 is a user interface for inputting various types of information. Examples of the input device 440 include devices that accept information from the user (keyboards, mice, card readers, touch panels, etc.) and sensors that acquire external information. Examples of sensors include cameras, sound sensors (vibration sensors), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), magnetic sensors, acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, and gyro sensors. The output device 450 is a user interface that outputs various types of information (display output, audio output, print output, etc.). Examples of the output device 450 include a display device that visualizes various types of information, an audio output device (speaker), a printer, etc. Display devices include LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), graphics cards, etc.

The communication device 460 is a communication interface that communicates with other devices via a communication medium. Examples of the communication device 460 include a NIC (Network Interface Card), a wireless communication module, a USB (Universal Serial Interface) module, and a serial communication module. The communication device 460 can also function as an input device that receives information from other devices (e.g., sensors) that are communicatively connected. The communication device 460 can also function as an output device that transmits information to other devices that are communicatively connected. The imaging device 470 includes an imaging lens, an imaging element, and the like, and converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electrical signal using the imaging element. The imaging device 470 is composed of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like.

Here, the functions of the photographing terminal 117 (detection unit 421, generation unit 422, input unit 423, output unit 424, drive unit 425, etc.) may be realized, for example, by the processor 410 reading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 430 into the main storage device 420 and executing it (software), or may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated circuit, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Note that one function of the photographing terminal 117 may be divided into multiple functions, or multiple functions may be combined into one function. Furthermore, some of the functions of the photographing terminal 117 may be provided as separate functions, or may be included in other functions. Furthermore, some of the functions of the photographing terminal 117 may be realized by another computer capable of communicating with the photographing terminal 117.

The detection unit 421 detects abnormalities related to each step 113 based on information acquired by the input device 440, for example, during a predetermined period in which each step 113 has driven at least one revolution. The generation unit 422 identifies steps 113 in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit 421, for example, based on images captured by the imaging device 470 during the predetermined period, and generates inspection result information in which abnormality information indicating the abnormality is associated with step information indicating the step 113 in which an abnormality has been detected, among the step arrangement information in which step information indicating each step 113 is arranged. The input unit 423, for example, inputs implementation information indicating that measures have been taken to address the abnormality related to the step 113. The output unit 424, for example, outputs the inspection result information generated by the generation unit 422. The drive unit 425, for example, drives steps 113 in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit 421 sequentially to the inspection hatch, based on the inspection result information generated by the generation unit 422.

Figure 5 shows an example of the processing flow of the imaging terminal 117. The storage device 400 connected to the imaging terminal 117 includes a maintenance DB 500. The maintenance DB 500 stores information indicating the plan for the inspection work (work plan information), inspection record information (for example, information that accumulates inspection result information 509 indicating the results of the inspection), etc.

The detection unit 421 performs processing related to image capture by the imaging device 470 to acquire video 501. The detection unit 421 performs image processing on the video 501 to acquire still images 502. The detection unit 421 performs subsequent processing on the acquired still images 502 in order.

The detection unit 421 extracts an image showing a fastener from the still image 502 (a fastening inspection image 503 used to determine whether the fastening state of the fastener is good or bad). The detection unit 421 also determines whether a step 113 has been detected from the still image 502 (step determination 504). If the detection unit 421 detects a step 113, it extracts (detects) the red color 203 of the red washer 202 from the fastening inspection image 503 showing the fastener for securing the step 113, and determines whether the fastening state of the step fixing bolt 201 is good or bad (red determination 505). For example, the detection unit 421 determines that a step fixing bolt 201 in which red color 203 is detected is properly installed (pass 506), and determines that a step fixing bolt 201 in which red color 203 is not detected is not properly installed (fail 507).

When the detection unit 421 detects a step 113, the generation unit 422 assigns an identification number to the still image 502 that shows the step 113 and generates step placement information 508. The generation unit 422 then records the pass/fail judgment results made by the detection unit 421 in the step placement information 508 for each step 113, and generates inspection result information 509. The detection unit 421 also detects any abnormalities related to steps 113 other than fixture abnormalities and records these in the step placement information 508 for each step 113. In other words, in addition to the pass/fail judgment results, the inspection result information 509 also records information on other check items during the inspection of step 113, such as rust, distortion, dirt, damage, and abnormal noise of step 113. The detection (inspection) of abnormalities related to step 113 will be described later using Figures 6 and 7. The step placement information 508 and inspection result information 509 will be described later using Figure 8.

In response to the maintenance worker's operation of the input device 440, the input unit 423 inputs an inspection instruction to inspect step 113 where an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit 421, or inputs implementation information indicating that the detection unit 421 has taken action to address the abnormality. The output unit 424 outputs inspection result information 509 to the output device 450, overlays the inspection result information 509 on an image of the actual escalator showing the escalator 110 and outputs the same to the output device 450, or stores the inspection result information 509 in the maintenance DB 500. When an inspection instruction is input by the input unit 423, the drive unit 425 instructs the escalator 110 (control panel 114) to move the step 113 in a circular motion to a position where the abnormality detected by the detection unit 421 can be inspected.

Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the process (inspection process) for inspecting the escalator 110. The inspection process is described below.

In S601, the photographing terminal 117 marks the start position of the inspection. For example, the photographing terminal 117 sets step 113, where photographing begins, as the reference step, and marks it so that the reference step can be identified when photographing. Marking methods include marking step 113 with an easily peelable sticker, a pen that can erase marks, or using a scratch or other mark that can identify step 113. The reference step will be described later using Figure 9.

In S602, the imaging terminal 117 begins capturing images based on an instruction from the maintenance worker to start capturing images. For example, the maintenance worker sets the optimal imaging conditions for the imaging terminal 117, such as the camera's field of view angle, resolution, frame rate, and focus, for capturing images of the fixture and related check items, and presses the recording start button on the imaging terminal 117.

In S603, the maintenance worker operates the control panel 114, the maintenance worker terminal (not shown), or the imaging terminal 117 to rotate the escalator 110 approximately one revolution while the imaging terminal 117 is taking images.

In S604, the imaging terminal 117 ends imaging based on an instruction from the maintenance worker to end imaging. For example, the maintenance worker starts the rotation of the escalator 110 starting from the reference step, and when the maintenance worker confirms that the reference step is again displayed on the imaging screen, presses the recording end button on the imaging terminal 117. Note that the imaging terminal 117 may automatically end imaging based on the detection of the reference step.

The photographing terminal 117 stores the photographed video 501 in the auxiliary storage device 430. The photographing terminal 117 also acquires sound in addition to the video 501, and stores the sound data of the acquired sound in the auxiliary storage device 430.

In S605, the photographing terminal 117 acquires still images 502. For example, the photographing terminal 117 divides the video 501 of one rotation of the escalator 110 into still images 502. If the video 501 is shot at 30 frames per second, 1,800 still images 502 can be obtained by shooting for one minute.

In S606, the photographing terminal 117 extracts a still image 502 (fastening inspection image 503) showing the fasteners present between steps 113 through image processing. One method for extracting the fastening inspection image 503 is to detect it using differential information between the still image 502 and a pre-prepared reference image (e.g., a still image showing the step fixing bolt 201 and/or a still image not showing the step fixing bolt 201).

In S607, the photographing terminal 117 generates step placement information 508. For example, the photographing terminal 117 sequentially assigns an identification number to each still image 502 (step image) that shows a step 113 as it extracts it, and confirms that identification numbers have been assigned to all steps 113 in one revolution. The photographing terminal 117 then generates step placement information 508 that indicates the connection relationship for each step 113, with the reference step as the starting position. Note that methods for extracting step images include, for example, detecting them using difference information between the still image 502 and a pre-prepared reference image (a still image showing the step 113 and/or a still image not showing the step 113), or detecting them using the breaks in the demarcation of the step 113.

In addition, the step placement information 508 may be provided for each model of escalator 110 and stored in the auxiliary storage device 430 before the inspection process.

In S608, the photographing terminal 117 detects an abnormality related to the step 113. For example, the photographing terminal 117 determines whether the step fixing bolt 201 has been left tightened based on the detection of the red washer 202. As described above, the red washer 202 is bent by the maintenance worker after the step fixing bolt 201 has been tightened as proof that the inspection has been confirmed, so it is possible to determine whether the step fixing bolt 201 has been left tightened by detecting the red washer 202.

In this embodiment, the photographing terminal 117 determines that the tightening work was performed normally for step fixing bolts 201 for which a red washer 202 could be detected, and determines that there was an abnormality in the tightening work for some reason for step fixing bolts 201 for which a red washer 202 could not be detected. For example, if the photographing terminal 117 determines that there was an abnormality in the tightening work at a specific step 113 based on the fastening inspection image 503, it generates inspection result information 509 that associates abnormality information indicating that there was an abnormality in the tightening work at that step 113 with the step information indicating that step 113 in the step arrangement information 508.

Furthermore, for example, the photographing terminal 117 detects abnormalities such as rust on the step 113, distortion on the step 113, dirt on the step 113, and damage to the step 113 (scratches on the step 113, cracks on the step 113) from the step image. More specifically, the photographing terminal 117 detects rust on the step 113, distortion on the step 113, dirt on the step 113, and damage to the step 113 by calculating the difference between the step image (still image 502) of the step 113 photographed during inspection and a still image of a normal step 113 prepared in advance that is free of rust, distortion, dirt, and damage. For example, if the photographing terminal 117 detects rust on the step 113, distortion on the step 113, dirt on the step 113, or damage to the step 113 based on a specified step image, it generates inspection result information 509 in which abnormality information indicating the presence of rust, distortion, dirt, or damage on the step 113 is associated with the step information indicating the step 113 in the step arrangement information 508.

In S609, the photographing terminal 117 determines whether abnormality detection has been performed for all steps 113. If the photographing terminal 117 determines that abnormality detection has been performed for all steps 113, it proceeds to S610. If the photographing terminal 117 determines that abnormality detection has not been performed for all steps 113 (there are unprocessed steps 113), it proceeds to S608.

Furthermore, in addition to or instead of detecting the abnormality described above, the photographing terminal 117 may detect abnormal sounds related to the step 113 based on the still image 502 and sound data. For example, if the photographing terminal 117 detects an abnormal sound based on the difference between sound data of the step 113 acquired during inspection and normal sound data generated when the step 113 rotates normally, it identifies the step 113 to which the abnormal sound was closest based on the still image 502 and determines that the abnormal sound is related to the identified step 113. If the photographing terminal 117 detects an abnormal sound from the step 113, it generates inspection result information 509 in which abnormality information indicating the presence of an abnormal sound from the step 113 is associated with the step information indicating the step 113 in the step arrangement information 508.

At S610, the additional confirmation process is performed. The additional confirmation process will be described later using Figure 7.

In S611, the photographing terminal 117 stores the inspection record information, including some or all of the inspection result information 509 when the additional confirmation process was performed, in the maintenance DB 500, and then ends the inspection process. The inspection record information will be described later using Figure 10.

Figure 7 shows an example of the additional confirmation process.

In S701, the photographing terminal 117 displays an inspection screen on the output device 450. For example, the photographing terminal 117 generates an inspection screen to assist in identifying and responding to abnormalities based on the inspection result information 509 and the two-dimensional and three-dimensional design information of the actual escalator 110. The inspection screen will be described later with reference to Figure 11.

In S702, the maintenance worker aligns the position of the step 113 with the position of the actual step image on the inspection screen. For example, to align the reference step of the escalator 110 with the shooting position, the maintenance worker moves the step 113 of the escalator 110 in a circular motion, stops the reference step at the shooting position, and then inputs that the position has been aligned via the inspection screen (for example, by pressing the SET button 1111 described below).

In S703, the photographing terminal 117 stops the step 113 in which an abnormality was detected at the photographing position. For example, when an input to confirm the abnormality is received via the inspection screen (for example, the NEXT button 1116 described below is pressed), the photographing terminal 117 moves the step 113 in a circular motion in a predetermined direction and stops the step 113 in which an abnormality was detected at the photographing position. Note that if the photographing terminal 117 detects the reference step again (when the reference step has gone around once), it ends the additional confirmation process.

In S704, the maintenance technician checks whether there is an abnormality in the fixing device; more specifically, from the shooting position, the technician visually checks the bending state of the red washer 202 and whether the step fixing bolt 201 is loose. If it is confirmed that there is no abnormality in the fixing device, processing in S705 is performed; if it is confirmed that there is an abnormality in the fixing device, processing in S707 is performed.

In S705, the maintenance technician checks for any abnormalities such as rust, distortion, dirt, damage, or abnormal noises detected in step 113, and determines whether or not to take action to address the abnormality. If it is determined that action should be taken to address the abnormality, processing in S706 is performed; if it is determined that action should not be taken to address the abnormality, processing in S709 is performed.

In S706, the maintenance technician performs work to address the abnormality. For example, if a component in step 113 is found to have scratches, cracks, or the like, the maintenance technician replaces that component, or if an abnormal noise is detected in step 113, the maintenance technician performs acoustic analysis and replaces a component in the drive system. The maintenance technician may also use the imaging terminal 117 to send a notification message indicating that work to address the abnormality is required to the maintenance technician terminals held by other maintenance technicians (information sharing).

In S707, the maintenance technician retightens the step fixing bolt 201 and visually checks the fastening state of the step fixing bolt 201. Additionally, as a double check, the photographing terminal 117 may detect the red washer 202.

In S708, the photographing terminal 117 updates the inspection result information 509. For example, if a maintenance worker inputs implementation information indicating that an abnormality has been addressed, such as by replacing a part in step 113, the photographing terminal 117 deletes the abnormality information indicating the abnormality that is associated with the step information indicating that step 113. Also, for example, if a maintenance worker inputs implementation information indicating that a step fixing bolt 201 has been retightened, the photographing terminal 117 deletes the abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the tightening work that is associated with the step information indicating the step 113 fastened by that step fixing bolt 201.

In S709, the photographing terminal 117 determines whether all abnormality checks have been performed (whether the process has ended). If the photographing terminal 117 determines that all abnormality checks have been performed, it ends the additional check process. If it determines that all abnormality checks have not been performed (there are unconfirmed abnormalities), it proceeds to S703.

Figure 8 shows an example of step placement information 508 (step placement map 810) and an example of inspection result information 509 (inspection result map 820).

In the step layout map 810, step frames 811 are arranged to indicate the connections between the steps 113 of the escalator 110. More specifically, the step layout map 810 is divided into a front side 812 made up of step frames 811 indicating steps 113 where users can get on and off, and a back side 813 made up of step frames 811 indicating steps 113 where users cannot get on or off. In S607 above, the step frame 811 indicating the reference step is defined as the reference step frame 814, and identification numbers ("1", "2", "3", ...) are assigned sequentially starting from the reference step.

Furthermore, if an abnormality related to step 113 is detected in S608, an inspection result map 820 is generated based on the step layout map 810. Anomaly information is associated with step boxes 811 indicating steps 113 where an abnormality was detected, according to the importance of the inspection. For example, a first color 821 (e.g., "red," indicating an emergency) is added to step boxes 811 indicating steps 113 in an emergency-level state requiring immediate inspection and response, while a second color 822 (e.g., "yellow," indicating a warning) is added to step boxes 811 indicating steps 113 in a warning-level state with a lower urgency. A third color (e.g., "blue," indicating normal) may be added to step boxes 811 indicating steps 113 in a normal-level state where no abnormality has been detected, and a fourth color (e.g., "green," indicating caution) may be added to step boxes 811 indicating steps 113 in a caution-level state. In addition to or instead of colors, the abnormality information may include a number or identification code indicating the inspection status, a message indicating the type or nature of the abnormality, or the like.

Figure 9 shows an example of a reference step (reference step 900).

As shown in FIG. 9 , a yellow-painted demarcation 902 is provided on the tread 901 of step 113. For example, step 113 is defined as the reference step 900 if there is a mark 903 such as noticeable dirt or dirt on the tread 901, or a mark 904 such as peeling paint or dirt on the demarcation 902. The mark may also be, for example, a mark 905 in a color (e.g., red) different from the color of the demarcation 902, permanently painted on an inconspicuous end of the demarcation 902. The mark may also be, for example, a mark written with an erasable pen or a sticker that can be easily attached and removed, which may be used temporarily for inspection.

Figure 10 shows an example of inspection record information (inspection record table 1000).

As shown in Figure 10, the inspection record sheet 1000 includes the following basic inspection information: a number 1001 that identifies the inspection of the escalator 110, the model 1002 of the escalator 110, the installation location 1003 of the escalator 110, the inspection date 1004, and the type of work 1005.

Red washer 1006 contains information indicating the results of a pass/fail judgment on the fastening state of step fixing bolt 201 after inspection of step 113, as well as the captured image (fastening inspection image 503) actually used for the pass/fail judgment. Rust 1007 contains information on the results of the rust inspection on tread 901 of step 113. Distortion 1008 contains information on the results of the distortion inspection on step 113. Demarcation 1009 contains information indicating the results of the inspection on dirt and damage to demarcation 902. Dust 1010 contains information indicating the results of the inspection on dirt and dust on step 113 and the dirt and dust inspection between steps 113. Abnormal noise 1011 contains information indicating the results of the inspection on abnormal noise when a specific step 113 makes an abnormal noise while the escalator 110 is rotating. Notes 1012 records anything the maintenance technician notices during the inspection in addition to the inspection items.

Information relating to abnormalities in each step 113 of the inspection record sheet 1000 is not shown, but can be referenced via each step frame 811 on the inspection result map 820. In addition, the tightness of the bolts securing the components in each step 113 is also listed as an inspection item, and it is expected that the number of inspection items will be increased as necessary, with safety inspections being the top priority.

Figure 11 shows an example of an inspection screen (inspection screen 1100). The inspection screen 1100 is displayed on the photography terminal 117.

The inspection screen 1100 includes an actual escalator image 1101 showing the escalator 110, an inspection status image 1102 showing the inspection status of each step 113 of the escalator 110, and a group of buttons for instructing the rotation of the escalator 110. The group of buttons includes a SET button 1111, an UP button 1112, a DOWN button 1113, a STOP button 1114, a MOVE button 1115, a NEXT button 1116, etc.

Here, if an abnormality related to step 113 is detected, the inspection status image 1102 includes at least one of the following: a color-coded display of the importance of the inspection, a display of the actual captured image in which the abnormality was detected, and a display of the status of step 113 (inspection results).

For example, inspection status image 1102-1 indicates that there is an abnormality in the demarcation of step 113. Inspection status image 1102-2 indicates that there is an abnormality in the fixture of step 113. Inspection status image 1102-3 indicates that there is a damage abnormality in step 113.

When inspecting using the photographing terminal 117, first, to synchronize the reference step with the actual step image in the escalator actual image 1101, the maintenance worker moves the reference step circularly to the photographing position and then presses the SET button 1111. Then, after an abnormality is detected, the maintenance worker presses the NEXT button 1116 to move the step 113 in which the abnormality was detected circularly to the photographing position, checks the step 113, implements measures to address the abnormality as necessary, and inputs the results.

In addition, maintenance personnel can use the actual escalator image 1101 to identify steps 113 that require inspection or re-inspection, and then circulate the steps 113 of the escalator 110 to a safe position where they can be removed. For such circulating movement, the UP button 1112 or DOWN button 1113 is selected depending on the direction of rotation, and the step 113 is rotated using the MOVE button 1115. Once the step 113 has been moved to the desired position, the circulating movement of the step 113 is stopped using the STOP button 1114.

When multiple maintenance personnel work together, they may share the inspection screen 1100, or maintenance personnel A may provide necessary information and instructions to maintenance personnel B.

This embodiment provides appropriate assistance for passenger conveyor inspections.

(II) Supplementary Notes The above-described embodiment includes, for example, the following contents.

In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a passenger conveyor inspection device, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be widely applied to a variety of other systems, devices, methods, and programs.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, part or all of the program may be installed from a program source into a device such as a computer that implements the photography terminal. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server connected via a network or a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., a non-transitory recording medium). Furthermore, in the above description, two or more programs may be implemented as one program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be combined into one table.

Furthermore, the screens shown and described in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and any design may be used as long as the information received is the same.

Furthermore, the screens shown and described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and any design may be used as long as the information presented is the same.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the output of information is not limited to display on a display. The output of information may be audio output from a speaker, output to a file, printed on paper or the like using a printing device, projected onto a screen or the like using a projector, or in other forms.

In addition, in the above description, information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in a storage device such as memory, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or in a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

The above-described embodiment has the following characteristic configurations, for example:

(1)
A passenger conveyor inspection device (e.g., an imaging terminal 117) for inspecting a passenger conveyor (e.g., an escalator 110) having a plurality of steps (e.g., step 113) that are driven in a circular motion includes a detection unit (e.g., a detection unit 421, a circuit) that detects abnormalities (e.g., rust, distortion, dirt, damage, and abnormal sounds) related to each of the plurality of steps based on sensor information acquired by sensors (e.g., an imaging device 470, an input device 440, and a sensor that can communicate with the imaging terminal 117) during a predetermined period in which the plurality of steps are driven at least once, and a detection unit (e.g., a detection unit 421, a circuit) that detects abnormalities (e.g., rust, distortion, dirt, damage, and abnormal sounds) related to each of the plurality of steps based on images (e.g., a video 501 and a still image 502) taken by the imaging device (e.g., the imaging device 470) during the predetermined period. and generates inspection result information (e.g., inspection result information 509, inspection result map 820) in which anomaly information (e.g., a first color 821, a second color 822, a number or identification code indicating the inspection status, a word indicating the type or content of the anomaly) indicating the anomaly is associated with step information indicating the step in which the anomaly was detected among arrangement information (e.g., step arrangement information 508, step arrangement map 810) in which step information indicating each of the plurality of steps (e.g., step information indicating step 113, step frame 811) is arranged, and an output unit (e.g., output unit 424, circuit) that outputs the inspection result information generated by the generation unit.

In the above configuration, abnormality information indicating detected abnormalities is output in association with the placement information. This allows, for example, maintenance personnel to check the relative positions of abnormalities across all steps and accurately grasp the extent of the abnormalities and their locations.

(2)
The passenger conveyor inspection device is equipped with an input unit (e.g., input unit 423, circuit) that can input information, and the generation unit deletes the abnormality information indicating the abnormality that is associated with the step information indicating the specified step based on implementation information indicating that a response to the abnormality related to the specified step input by the input unit has been implemented (e.g., see S708).

With the above configuration, for example, a maintenance technician can input implementation information indicating that a response has been taken to a detected abnormality, which will delete the abnormality information indicating that abnormality. This allows the technician to easily check for unaddressed abnormalities and obtain inspection result information as inspection record information.

(3)
The output unit displays an image showing the passenger conveyor (e.g., actual escalator image 1101 showing escalator 110) on a display (e.g., output device 450), and if the detection unit detects an abnormality related to a specified step, it superimposes an image showing the abnormality (e.g., inspection status image 1102) on the image showing the specified step (e.g., actual step image) and displays it on the display (e.g., see Figure 11).

With the above configuration, for example, maintenance personnel can identify abnormalities related to the steps in relation to the actual passenger conveyor, allowing inspections to be carried out quickly.

(4)
The photographing device is installed at an inspection hatch (e.g., a first inspection hatch, a second inspection hatch) of the passenger conveyor, and the passenger conveyor inspection device is equipped with a drive unit (e.g., drive unit 425, circuit) that can sequentially drive steps in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit to the inspection hatch based on the inspection result information.

With the above configuration, for example, a step in which an abnormality is detected is moved to the inspection hatch, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly carry out an inspection.

(5)
When the detection unit detects an abnormality related to a specified step, the generation unit associates importance information indicating the importance of inspection for the abnormality (e.g., emergency response level, warning level, caution level, normal level) with step information indicating the specified step.

With the above configuration, step information is associated with importance information indicating the importance of the inspection, allowing maintenance personnel, for example, to carry out inspections taking importance into account.

Furthermore, the above-described configuration may be modified, rearranged, combined, or omitted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It should be understood that items included in a list in the format "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the format "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

421...Detection unit, 422...Generation unit, 423...Input unit, 424...Output unit, 425...Driver unit.

Claims (5)

A passenger conveyor inspection device for inspecting a passenger conveyor having a plurality of circularly driven steps,
a detection unit that detects an abnormality related to each of the plurality of steps based on sensor information acquired by a sensor during a predetermined period in which the plurality of steps are driven at least once;
a generation unit that identifies a step in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit based on images of each of the plurality of steps taken by an imaging device during the predetermined period, and generates an inspection result map in which anomaly information indicating the abnormality is associated with step information indicating the step in which the abnormality has been detected in a step layout map in which step information indicating each of the plurality of steps is arranged; and
an output unit that outputs the inspection result map generated by the generation unit;
Equipped with
when the detection unit detects an abnormality related to a predetermined step, the generation unit associates importance information indicating the importance of an inspection for the abnormality with step information indicating the predetermined step;
the step layout map indicates a connection relationship of step information of steps provided on the passenger conveyor;
For each step, the step information includes information indicating a front side where a user can get on and off and a back side where a user cannot get on and off,
In the inspection result map, the anomaly information is associated with step information of the predetermined step in which the anomaly was detected, among step information on the front side and the back side of each step shown in the step layout map, according to the importance represented by the importance information associated with the step information.
Passenger conveyor inspection device. An input unit capable of inputting information,
the generation unit deletes the anomaly information indicating the anomaly that is associated with the step information indicating the predetermined step, based on implementation information indicating that a response to the anomaly related to the predetermined step has been implemented, which is input by the input unit.
2. The passenger conveyor inspection device according to claim 1. the output unit displays an image showing the passenger conveyor on a display, and when the detection unit detects an abnormality related to a predetermined step, displays an image showing the abnormality superimposed on the image showing the predetermined step on the display.
3. The passenger conveyor inspection device according to claim 2. the photographing device is installed at an inspection hatch of the passenger conveyor,
A drive unit is provided that can sequentially drive steps in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit to the inspection hatch based on the inspection result map .
3. The passenger conveyor inspection device according to claim 2. 1. A passenger conveyor inspection method for inspecting a passenger conveyor having a plurality of circularly driven steps, comprising:
a detection unit detecting an abnormality related to each of the plurality of steps based on sensor information acquired by a sensor during a predetermined period in which the plurality of steps are driven at least once;
a generation unit identifies a step in which an abnormality has been detected by the detection unit based on images of each of the plurality of steps taken by an imaging device during the predetermined period, and generates an inspection result map in which anomaly information indicating the abnormality is associated with step information indicating the step in which the abnormality has been detected in a step arrangement map in which step information indicating each of the plurality of steps is arranged;
an output unit that outputs the inspection result map generated by the generation unit;
Including,
when the detection unit detects an abnormality related to a predetermined step, the generation unit associates importance information indicating the importance of an inspection for the abnormality with step information indicating the predetermined step;
the step layout map indicates a connection relationship of step information of steps provided on the passenger conveyor;
For each step, the step information includes information indicating a front side where a user can get on and off and a back side where a user cannot get on and off,
In the inspection result map, the anomaly information is associated with step information of the predetermined step in which the anomaly was detected, among step information on the front side and the back side of each step shown in the step layout map, according to the importance represented by the importance information associated with the step information.
Passenger conveyor inspection method.