TWI895617B - Position measurement system for worker - Google Patents

Abstract

A position measurement system for a worker is provided which is unlikely to lower workability of work in a building provided with an elevator. A position measurement system (21) includes a measurement unit (28), an estimation unit (30), a compensation unit (31), and a calculation unit (32). The measurement unit (28) measures a position of a worker in a height direction based on a reference atmospheric pressure in a position of a reference atmospheric pressure measuring unit (22) and a target atmospheric pressure to be measured at the position of the worker. The estimation unit (30) estimates the position of the worker in the height direction when an event of an elevator (1) is detected. The compensation unit (31) converts the reference atmospheric pressure or the target atmospheric pressure so as to compensate an estimated altitude difference between the reference atmospheric pressure measuring unit (22) and the worker with respect to a time point when the position of the worker in the height direction is estimated. The calculation unit (32) calculates an offset value to be used for correction of the reference atmospheric pressure or the target atmospheric pressure in the measurement unit (28) based on differences in the reference atmospheric pressure and the target atmospheric pressure which are converted by the compensation unit (31).

Description

Operator position measurement system

This disclosure relates to a worker position measurement system.

Patent documents 1-10 disclose examples of a position measurement system for a mobile object. The position measurement system of Patent document 1 measures the height position of the mobile object based on information from a portable air pressure sensor carried by the mobile object and a reference air pressure sensor located at a known height. In the position measurement system, the pressure difference between the portable air pressure sensor and the reference air pressure sensor is compensated using an offset value. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-117818 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-251830 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-229204 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-245027 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-165521 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-169481 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-168502 [Patent Document 8] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-172419 [Patent Document 9] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-111643 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-144981

[Identify the problem the invention aims to solve]

However, the position measurement system of Patent Document 1 obtains the offset value by using RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) and other means, only when the moving object is near the reference pressure sensor and the moving object and the reference pressure sensor are at the same height. Therefore, if this position measurement system is used to measure the position of workers in buildings equipped with elevators, workers must stand near the reference pressure sensor before starting work. This can reduce the work efficiency of the work.

This disclosure addresses this problem. It provides a worker position measurement system that is less likely to reduce the work efficiency of workers in buildings equipped with elevators. [Means for Solving the Problem]

The present disclosure relates to a worker position measurement system comprising: a measuring unit for measuring the height position of a worker based on a reference pressure measuring unit located in a building equipped with an elevator and a target pressure of the worker's position measurement; an estimating unit for estimating the height position of the worker when an elevator event is detected; and a compensating unit for estimating the height position of the worker when an elevator event is detected. When the estimation unit estimates the worker's altitude position, it converts at least one of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure to compensate for the height difference between the position of the reference air pressure measuring unit and the worker's position estimated by the estimation unit. Furthermore, the calculation unit calculates an offset value based on the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure converted by the compensation unit, and uses it to correct the at least one of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure in the measurement unit. [Effects of the Invention]

According to the position measurement system disclosed herein, the work efficiency of operations in buildings equipped with elevators will not be easily reduced.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding parts will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and any description will be simplified or omitted where appropriate. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments; any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Implementation 1. Figure 1 is a structural diagram of elevator 1 according to Implementation 1.

For example, elevator 1 is suitable for use in a building with multiple floors. The building has a hoistway 2 for elevator 1. Hoistway 2 is a long space that spans multiple floors in the vertical direction. A recess 3 is provided at the lower end of hoistway 2. Recess 3 is located below the ground level of the lowest floor. Each floor has a boarding area 4 for elevator 1. Boarding areas 4 are adjacent to hoistway 2. Boarding doors 5 are provided at boarding areas 4 on each floor. Boarding doors 5 are doors that separate hoistway 2 from boarding areas 4. Elevator 1 includes a crane 6, a main cable 7, a cabin 8, a counterweight 9, and a control panel 10.

The crane 6 is, for example, installed above or below the hoistway 2. For example, if the machinery room of the elevator 1 is located above the hoistway 2, the crane 6 can be installed in the machinery room. The crane 6 includes a motor that generates a driving force and a pulley that rotates with the driving force generated by the motor.

The main cable 7 is wound around the pulley of the crane 6. On one side of the pulley, the main cable 7 supports the weight of the cabin 8. On the other side of the pulley, the main cable 7 supports the weight of the counterweight hammer 9. The main cable 7 is moved by the driving force generated by the crane 6 motor, thereby being reeled in and out of the crane 6 pulley.

The cabin 8 is a device that moves in the vertical direction of the hoistway 2 to transport users of the elevator 1 between multiple floors. The balancing hammer 9 is a device used to balance the weight applied by the crane 6 pulley on both sides between the cabin 8. The cabin 8 and the balancing hammer 9 are linked to the movement of the main cable 7 and move in opposite directions in the vertical direction of the hoistway 2. The cabin 8 includes a cabin door 11, a scale 12, a cabin camera 13, and a cabin device 14. When the cabin 8 stops at any floor, the cabin door 11 is linked to the passenger door 5 on that floor to open and close, allowing users to enter and exit the interior of the cabin 8. The scale 12 is a device for measuring the accumulated weight and can measure the accumulated weight caused by users, etc., traveling in cabin 8. The cabin camera 13 is a device for capturing images. For example, the cabin camera 13 is located inside cabin 8. In this case, the cabin camera 13 captures images of the interior of cabin 8. Alternatively, the cabin camera 13 may be located above or below the exterior of cabin 8. In this case, the cabin camera 13 captures images from above or below the exterior of cabin 8. The cabin 8 may also include multiple cabin cameras 13. The cabin device 14 is located above the exterior of cabin 8. The cabin device 14 includes a manual operation switch. The manual operation switch is used to switch between automatic and manual operation. Automatic operation is the normal operating mode of elevator 1. Manual operation is the operating mode used when elevator 1 is undergoing maintenance or inspection. For example, the manual operation switch is operated by an operator performing maintenance or inspection.

The control panel 10 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator 1. For example, the control panel 10 is located above or below the hoistway 2. For example, if the machinery room of the elevator 1 is located above the hoistway 2, the control panel 10 can also be located in the machinery room. The operations of the elevator 1 controlled by the control panel 10 include, for example, the movement of the car 8 and the opening and closing of the car door 11. The control panel 10 is connected to the crane 6 and the car 8 to output control signals for the elevator 1 and obtain information on the status of the elevator 1.

Elevator 1 utilizes a remote monitoring device 15. Remote monitoring device 15 is used to remotely monitor the status of elevator 1. Remote monitoring device 15 is connected to control panel 10 to collect information on the status of elevator 1. The information collected by remote monitoring device 15 is transmitted to central management device 17 via a communication network 16, such as the internet or telephone lines. Central management device 17 collects and manages information on the status of elevator 1. Central management device 17 is, for example, located at a location such as an information center.

In a building equipped with an elevator 1, an operator performs maintenance work such as maintenance and inspection of the elevator 1. The operator holds a portable terminal 18. In this example, the operator stores the portable terminal 18 in the chest pocket of the work clothes he wears. The portable terminal 18 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone. The portable terminal 18 is connected to the communication network 16 via a wireless communication function. The portable terminal 18 includes an object air pressure measuring unit 19 and a positioning unit 20. The object air pressure measuring unit 19 is a part for measuring the air pressure at the location of the portable terminal 18, that is, a part for measuring the object air pressure. The positioning unit 20 is used to obtain the position of the portable terminal 18 on the map. For example, the positioning unit 20 obtains the position on the map through a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

The elevator 1 utilizes a position measurement system 21. The position measurement system 21 is a system for measuring the position of workers working in the building where the elevator 1 is installed. The position measurement system 21 is, for example, a system including one or more devices that perform information processing. The device is, for example, a portable device or an installed device such as a server device. Part or all of the information processing-related functions of the position measurement system 21 can be mounted on one or more devices installed in the building where the elevator 1 is installed. Alternatively, part or all of the information processing-related functions of the position measurement system 21 can be implemented by storing the information in one or more devices installed outside the building, or storing the information in a cloud server, or using processing resources. Some or all of the information processing functions of the position measurement system 21 may be installed in devices related to the elevator 1, such as the remote monitoring device 15 and the central management device 17. Some or all of the information processing functions of the position measurement system 21 may also be installed in work devices such as the portable terminal 18 carried by the operator. In this example, the main information processing functions of the position measurement system 21 are installed in the portable terminal 18 carried by the operator.

The position measurement system 21 includes a reference air pressure measuring unit 22. The reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is installed in the building where the elevator 1 is installed. The reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is fixedly installed at any location in the building. In this example, the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is installed in the groove 3 of the elevator path 2. The reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is used to measure the air pressure at the location where the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is installed, that is, the part that measures the reference air pressure. The reference air pressure measured by the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is transmitted to the portable terminal 18 via the remote monitoring device 15 and the communication network 16, for example. The reference air pressure measuring unit 22 may also be equipped with a thermometer to measure the temperature at the location where the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is installed.

The position measurement system 21 measures the worker's altitude position based on the reference air pressure measured by the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 and the target air pressure measured by the target air pressure measurement unit 19 of the worker's portable terminal 18. The reference air pressure measurement unit 22 and the target air pressure measurement unit 19 may deviate from the actual air pressure due to sensor deterioration. Therefore, the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure may cause an offset. Furthermore, the offset may change over time due to sensor deterioration. Therefore, the position measurement system 21 updates the offset as the worker performs work.

For example, the update of the offset is performed when the operator starts working. When the operator starts working, the work report is transmitted to the system for managing the work status. For example, the update of the offset is driven by the transmission of such a work report. Alternatively, the update of the offset can be driven by the arrival of the operator at the building. For example, the arrival of the operator at the building is detected by comparing the position obtained by the positioning unit 20 of the portable terminal 18 held by the operator and the location information of the building. For example, the location information of the building can be pre-stored in the portable terminal 18 by the system for managing the work status. Alternatively, the update of the offset can be driven by the rise of a control signal set in advance in the elevator 1.

FIG2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a position measurement system 21 according to embodiment 1.

The position measurement system 21 includes a first storage unit 23 , a second storage unit 24 , a third storage unit 25 , a first memory unit 26 , an input unit 27 , a measurement unit 28 , and a bias update unit 29 .

The first storage unit 23, the second storage unit 24, and the third storage unit 25 each store and store information. In this example, the information stored in the first storage unit 23, the second storage unit 24, and the third storage unit 25 includes information about the time at which the information was acquired. The first memory unit 26 stores information. Part or all of the first storage unit 23, the second storage unit 24, the third storage unit 25, and the first memory unit 26 can be implemented on the same hardware or distributed across multiple hardware devices.

The first storage unit 23 stores information acquired by the elevator 1. This information includes control signals generated by the elevator's control panel 10, measurement signals acquired by sensors installed in the elevator 1, detection signals generated by switches installed in the elevator 1, and image signals captured by a camera 13 installed in the elevator's cabin. For example, the first storage unit 23 is incorporated into the remote monitoring device 15.

The second storage unit 24 stores the reference air pressure information measured by the reference air pressure measuring unit 22. The second storage unit 24 is mounted on the remote monitoring device 15, for example.

The third storage unit 25 stores information on the target air pressure measured by the target air pressure measuring unit 19 of the portable terminal 18 held by the operator. For example, the third storage unit 25 is mounted on the portable terminal 18.

The first memory unit 26 stores basic information about the elevator 1 and the building in which the elevator 1 is installed. For example, the basic information includes inherent information about the elevator 1 and the building that does not change during the work of the operator. For example, the basic information includes the height position of the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 installed in the building. For example, the basic information includes information on the ground height of each floor in the building. For example, the basic information includes the height of the elevator car 8 itself, that is, the height from the ground of the car 8 to the top of the outside. For example, the basic information includes location information of the building, etc. The first memory unit 26 is mounted on the remote monitoring device 15.

The input unit 27 is a part that accepts inputs from workers and the like. For example, the input unit 27 accepts a signal indicating the start or end of a work in a building. For example, the input unit 27 accepts a signal indicating the start or end of updating the offset of the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure. For example, the input unit 27 accepts a signal indicating the start or end of measuring the position of the worker performing the work. Some or all of these start and end signals may be common signals. For example, the input unit 27 is mounted on the portable terminal 18 held by the worker. In this case, the input unit 27 accepts inputs through an interface such as a touch panel of the portable terminal 18. Alternatively, the input unit 27 may receive a signal from a processing device or other device of the portable terminal 18 as input.

For example, the input unit 27 may also receive information such as the required accuracy for measuring the position of the operator. The required accuracy, for example, specifies the range of numerical values that can be tolerated for the error in the operator's position. Alternatively, the required accuracy may be specified using multiple levels, such as "high," "medium," and "low." In this case, the numerical range corresponding to each level is pre-set in the position measurement system 21. The required accuracy, for example, is specified by the operator when the offset is updated. Alternatively, the settings specified in the required accuracy may be pre-stored in the portable terminal 18, etc.

The offset update unit 29 is used to update the offset difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure. For example, when the input unit 27 receives a signal to start the offset update, the offset update unit 29 begins the update process. Alternatively, the offset update unit 29 may wait until the necessary information for the offset update is accumulated after the operation begins, and then begin the update process. The offset update unit 29 is mounted on the portable terminal 18 carried by the operator. The offset update unit 29 includes an estimation unit 30, a compensation unit 31, and a calculation unit 32.

The estimation unit 30 is a part that estimates the height direction position of the operator when an event of the elevator 1 is detected. The event of the elevator 1 is detected based on the information obtained by the elevator 1. In this example, the event of the elevator 1 is detected by the information accumulated in the first accumulation unit 23. Here, the estimation unit 30 evaluates the estimation accuracy when estimating the position of the operator. In this example, the estimation unit 30 uses multiple segments, such as "high", "medium", and "low" to evaluate the estimation accuracy. When estimating the position of the operator, the estimation unit 30 memorizes the estimated position of the operator and the evaluated estimation accuracy. Assuming that the estimation unit 30 does not detect an event that can estimate the position of the operator, it will not be able to estimate the position of the operator at that moment. The estimation unit 30 estimates the height position of the worker based on the type of the detected event, etc., as follows.

The estimation unit 30 detects the cabin 8 being switched to manual operation by the manual operation switch on the cabin device 14 as an event. When the cabin 8 is switched to manual operation by the cabin device 14 for maintenance work, etc., the estimation unit 30 estimates with high accuracy that the worker is located above the exterior of the cabin 8. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position with high accuracy based on the cabin 8's vertical position, the cabin 8's height, and the height from the worker's feet to the chest pocket of their work uniform.

Here, the height position of the cabin 8 is determined based on the control signal from the control panel 10 stored in the first storage unit 23 and the basic information stored in the first memory unit 26. The height of the cabin 8 itself is determined based on the basic information stored in the first memory unit 26. The height of the worker's breast pocket is determined by a parameter pre-set in the estimation unit 30. This parameter can be set to a different value for each worker or a fixed average value.

Furthermore, the estimation unit 30 detects the worker's presence inside cabin 8 as an event using images from the cabin camera 13. When the worker is inside cabin 8, the worker's height position is estimated with high accuracy. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position with high accuracy based on the cabin 8's height position and the height from the worker's feet to the chest pocket of their work uniform.

Furthermore, the estimation unit 30 detects as an event when the opening and closing time of the cabin door 11 of the cabin 8 is shorter than a preset time. If the opening and closing time of the cabin door 11 is shorter, it is estimated that the worker has not entered or exited the cabin 8. In this case, the worker is estimated to be inside the cabin 8. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position with medium accuracy based on the height of the cabin 8 and the height from the worker's feet to the chest pocket of their work uniform.

Furthermore, the estimation unit 30 detects the opening of a floor where the boarding door 5 is not stopped in the cabin 8 as an event. When the boarding door 5 opens on that floor, it is estimated that the worker is performing the work of opening the boarding door 5 on that floor. At this point, the worker is estimated to be located at the boarding area 4. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position with medium accuracy based on the height of the floor and the height from the worker's feet to the chest pocket of their work clothes.

Furthermore, the estimation unit 30 detects that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the lowest-level boarding door 5 opened, if the carriage 8 has not stopped at the lowest level. If the carriage 8 has not stopped at the lowest level, the operator is estimated to have moved from the lowest-level boarding area 4 to the pit 3 after the boarding door 5 opened. It is then estimated that the operator was working in the pit 3 for a certain period of time. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the operator's position with medium accuracy based on the height of the pit 3 floor and the height from the operator's feet to the chest pocket of their work uniform.

Here, the height of the ground of the building floor and the height of the ground of the recess 3 are acquired based on the basic information stored in the first memory unit 26 .

Furthermore, the estimation unit 30 detects a change in the load weight measured by the scale 12 of cabin 8 after the boarding door 5 opens on the floor above the cabin 8's resting position as an event. When the load weight on the scale 12 changes after the boarding door 5 opens on this floor, the estimation unit 30 accurately estimates that the worker is sitting outside cabin 8. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position with high accuracy based on the height position of cabin 8, the height of cabin 8 itself, and the height from the worker's feet to the chest pocket of their work uniform.

The compensation unit 31 is a part that compensates for the height difference between the position of the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 and the estimated position of the worker at the moment when the estimation unit 30 is able to estimate the position of the worker. In this example, the compensation unit 31 converts the measured value of the reference air pressure at that moment and the height difference between the estimated position of the worker into the air pressure at the worker's position. For example, the compensation unit 31 converts the reference air pressure at the moment t to satisfy the following mathematical formula (1). Here, the height _Hest (t) [m] represents the estimated height direction of the worker at the moment t. The temperature _Tref (t) [℃] represents the temperature at the position where the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is configured at the moment t. Air pressure _Pref (t)[hPa] represents the reference air pressure value measured by the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 at time t. Air pressure _Pc (t)[hPa] represents the reference air pressure converted by the compensation unit 31. represents the reference air pressure value measured by the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 at time t.

[Mathematical formula 1]

Furthermore, the compensation unit 31 may also convert the measured value of the target air pressure to the air pressure at the location of the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 to compensate for the altitude difference. Alternatively, the compensation unit 31 may convert the measured values of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure to the air pressure at a position intermediate between the location of the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 and the estimated position of the worker to compensate for the altitude difference.

The calculation unit 32 is used to calculate the offset value used to measure the height position of the worker. For example, the calculation unit 32 uses the air pressure value compensated for the height difference by the compensation unit 31 to calculate the difference δ(t) [hPa] between the reference air pressure at time t and the target air pressure, as shown in the following mathematical formula (2). Here, the air pressure P _w (t) [hPa] represents the measured value of the target air pressure measured by the target air pressure measurement unit 19 at time t.

[Mathematical formula 2]

The calculation unit 32 averages the calculated pressure differences δ(t) for a plurality of times when the estimation unit 30 successfully estimates the worker's position. For example, the calculation unit 32 calculates the offset value δ _avg [hPa] by performing the averaging process described below.

For example, the calculation unit 32 averages the pressure differences for a plurality of time points included in a calculation period set by the calculation unit 32. For example, the calculation period is a pre-set period that includes the current time. The calculation period may also be a period looking back from the current time. The length of the calculation period is, for example, a pre-set parameter. More specifically, for example, if the calculation period is 10 minutes, the calculation unit 32 averages the pressure differences δ(t) calculated for a plurality of time points from 10 minutes ago to the current time point when the estimation unit 30 successfully estimated the worker's position.

Alternatively, for example, the calculation unit 32 may average the pressure difference for a number of time points corresponding to an integration time set in the calculation unit 32. The integration time period may be, for example, a pre-set parameter. More specifically, if the integration time period is 10 minutes, the calculation unit 32 averages the pressure difference δ(t) calculated for the most recent multiple time points corresponding to 10 minutes after the estimation unit 30 successfully estimated the worker's position.

The range of time periods used by calculation unit 32 for averaging can also be adjusted based on the required accuracy. For example, when the required accuracy is input as "High," calculation unit 32 can set the calculation period or integration time to be longer than when the required accuracy is input as "Medium." This increases the number of time points used for averaging, thereby suppressing fluctuations in offset values caused by noise and other factors. Alternatively, the required accuracy can directly specify the length of the calculation or integration time.

Furthermore, the calculation unit 32 may select events for averaging based on the required accuracy. For example, if the required accuracy is input as "high," the calculation unit 32 uses events with "high" estimation accuracy and information at the time of the worker's estimated position to perform averaging. Alternatively, if the required accuracy is input as "medium," the calculation unit 32 uses events with "medium" or higher estimation accuracy, i.e., "high" or "medium," and uses information at the time of the worker's estimated position to perform averaging.

The measuring unit 28 is a part for measuring the height position of the worker. The measuring unit 28 measures the position of the worker based on information on the reference air pressure and the target air pressure stored in the second storage unit 24 and the third storage unit 25, as well as the offset of the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure. For example, when the input unit 27 receives a signal to start position measurement, the measuring unit 28 starts the measurement process. The measuring unit 28 is, for example, mounted on the portable terminal 18 held by the worker. The measuring unit 28 uses the offset value δ _avg updated by the offset update unit 29 to measure the height position H(τ) [hPa] of the worker at time τ, for example, as shown in the following mathematical formula (3). Here, time τ is the time when the operator performs the operation, regardless of whether an event occurs in elevator 1.

[Mathematical formula 3]

Furthermore, before the offset update unit 29 completes updating the offset value δ _avg , or before the offset value δ _avg is updated, the measurement unit 28 may use a pre-set offset value to measure the worker's position. Alternatively, the measurement unit 28 may use the previously updated offset value to measure the worker's position within the same building.

FIG3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a position measurement system 21 according to a variation of embodiment 1.

Positioning system 21 includes a first storage unit 23, a second storage unit 24, a third storage unit 25, a first memory unit 26, a second memory unit 33, an input unit 27, a measurement unit 28, and a bias update unit 29. Positioning system 21 is connected to positioning system 21a via communication network 16. Positioning system 21a is adapted for use with elevators located in nearby buildings. For example, the nearby buildings are pre-defined buildings, including basic information stored in first memory unit 26.

The second memory unit 33 is a unit for storing information. The first storage unit 23, the second storage unit 24, the third storage unit 25, the first memory unit 26, and part or all of the second memory unit 33 can be implemented on the same hardware or distributed across multiple hardware devices.

The second memory unit 33 stores information regarding operations performed on the elevator 1. For example, this information includes information such as the operation plan. Furthermore, this information may include information regarding the characteristics of the operation itself, such as the sequence of the operation steps. Furthermore, this information may include information such as a history of past operations. For example, the second memory unit 33 is incorporated into the central management device 17 or a system for managing operation status.

In this example, the estimation unit 30 uses the information about operations stored in the second memory unit 33 to detect events in the elevator 1. For example, if the estimation unit 30 detects that the car 8 is not stopped at the lowest level, and that the lowest level boarding door 5 opens, then performs operations according to a pre-set sequence, it will be considered an event. It then estimates that the worker is performing the operation in the pit 3 until a certain amount of time has passed. Therefore, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position with medium accuracy based on the height of the pit 3 floor and the height from the worker's feet to the chest pocket of their work uniform.

Furthermore, the measurement unit 28 obtains the offset value calculated by the position measurement system 21a of the nearby building via the communication network 16. Before the offset update unit 29 completes updating the offset value _δavg , or if the offset value _δavg has not been updated, the measurement unit 28 uses the offset value obtained via the communication network 16 to measure the worker's position.

Next, an example of updating the offset value will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates an example of updating the offset value of the position measurement system 21 according to Embodiment 1.

Upon arriving at the building where elevator 1 is installed, the operator begins work on the building, such as maintenance work on elevator 1. At this point, the first, second, and third storage units 23, 24, and 25 begin accumulating acquired information. Subsequently, the offset update unit 29 begins updating the offset. During this time, the operator does not need to be near the reference air pressure measurement unit 22.

When the cabin camera 13 detects a worker sitting inside cabin 8, the estimation unit 30 of the offset update unit 29 estimates the worker's altitude position based on information about the cabin 8's position. The compensation unit 31 converts the reference air pressure _Pref measured by the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 into the air pressure _Pc , which is the estimated position of the worker by the estimation unit 30. The calculation unit 32 calculates the offset value δavg based on the time-varying difference δ between the target air pressure _Pw measured by the target air pressure measurement unit 19 and the air pressure _Pc compensated for _altitude differences.

The calculated offset value δ _avg is used to measure the position of the worker in the measuring unit 28.

Next, an example of the operation of the position measurement system 21 will be described using Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are flow charts showing an example of the operation of the position measurement system 21 according to Embodiment 1.

Figure 5 shows an example of processing for information accumulation.

In step S11, the position measurement system 21 detects the start of a worker's work. For example, the start of work is detected by the worker's transmission of a work report. Alternatively, the start of work can be detected by the worker's arrival at a building or by the rise of a pre-set control signal. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the position measurement system 21 accumulates the acquired information. The first accumulation unit 23 accumulates the information acquired in the elevator 1. Furthermore, the second accumulation unit 24 accumulates the reference pressure information measured by the reference pressure measurement unit 22. Furthermore, the third accumulation unit 25 accumulates the target pressure information measured by the target pressure measurement unit 19. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the position measurement system 21 detects the completion of the operator's work. For example, the completion of the work is detected by the operator transmitting a completion report. Alternatively, the completion of the work can be detected by the operator's departure from the building or by the decrease of a pre-set control signal. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the first storage unit 23, the second storage unit 24, and the third storage unit 25 of the position measurement system 21 stop accumulating the acquired information. The position measurement system 21 then completes the information accumulation process.

Figure 6 shows an example of the offset update process.

Furthermore, the process in Figure 6 can be performed after the information accumulation process in Figure 5, or simultaneously with that process. The process in Figure 6 can also be performed multiple times during an operator's work. The process in Figure 6 can also be performed sequentially throughout an operator's work. In this example, the process in Figure 6 begins when the detection operator begins their work.

In step S21, the input unit 27 receives an input of the required accuracy. Thereafter, the position measurement system 21 proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the estimation unit 30 reads the information acquired by the elevator 1 from the first storage unit 23. If the first storage unit 23 has already partially read the information stored in it, the estimation unit 30 reads the remaining information from the first storage unit 23. If the position measurement system 21 includes a second storage unit 33, the estimation unit 30 also reads the operation information stored in the second storage unit 33. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the estimation unit 30 detects an event in elevator 1 based on the read information. The estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's position at the time of the elevator 1 event detection. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the offset update unit 29 determines whether the information required for updating the offset corresponding to the input required accuracy has been accumulated. Examples of information required for updating the offset include information acquired during the calculation period or information on a number of time points corresponding to the integration time. If the determination is yes, the position measurement system 21 proceeds to step S25. If not, the position measurement system 21 proceeds to step S22.

In step S25, the compensation unit 31 reads the reference air pressure information stored in the second storage unit 24 and the target air pressure information stored in the third storage unit 25. Furthermore, the compensation unit 31 may omit reading this information at times when the estimation unit 30 is unable to estimate the worker's position. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the compensation unit 31 compensates for the height difference between the worker's position estimated by the estimation unit 30 and the position of the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 based on the read air pressure information. The position measurement system 21 then proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the calculation unit 32 calculates the previously detected pressure difference δ at each moment for averaging based on the air pressure information obtained by the compensation unit 31 for altitude difference compensation. The calculation unit 32 averages the pressure difference δ calculated for each moment to update the offset value δ _avg used by the measurement unit 28. The position measurement system 21 then completes the offset update process.

As described above, the position measurement system 21 according to embodiment 1 includes a measuring unit 28, an estimating unit 30, a compensating unit 31, and a calculating unit 32. The measuring unit 28 measures the worker's height position based on the reference air pressure at the position of the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 and the target air pressure of the worker's position measurement. The reference air pressure measuring unit 22 is installed in the building where the elevator 1 is installed. The reference air pressure is measured by the reference air pressure measuring unit 22. When an event in the elevator 1 is detected, the estimating unit 30 estimates the worker's height position. The compensation unit 31 converts at least one of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure at the time when the estimation unit 30 can estimate the worker's height position, thereby compensating for the difference between the position of the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 and the worker's height estimated by the estimation unit 30. The calculation unit 32 calculates an offset value based on the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure converted by the compensation unit 31, and uses it to correct at least one of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure for the measurement unit 28.

With this structure, the measured air pressure value is converted to compensate for altitude differences based on the estimated worker position of the elevator 1 during detected events. The resulting air pressure compensation process is then used to update the offset value. Consequently, workers no longer need to stand near the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 before starting work, minimizing the impact on work efficiency in buildings equipped with elevators 1. Furthermore, since there's no need to change the work sequence to update the offset value, errors caused by changes in the work sequence and omissions in the update sequence can be prevented. Furthermore, the reference air pressure measurement unit 22 can be located in an inaccessible location. Furthermore, depending on the placement of the reference air pressure measuring unit 22, there is a high possibility that the heights of the portable terminal 18 and the reference air pressure measuring unit 22 may differ. Even in this case, by updating the offset value, the worker's position can be measured with greater accuracy without compromising the worker's work efficiency.

In addition, when a signal change of the elevator 1 that can correspond to a work process of the operation is detected as an event of the elevator 1, the estimation unit 30 estimates the height direction position of the operator with reference to the position estimation information corresponding to the signal change. Here, the position estimation information is information set in advance corresponding to each signal change. The signal change includes a change in the value of a signal indicating the state of the elevator 1, etc., or a change in the presence or absence of a signal. For example, a signal change that can correspond to a work process is a signal change that can correspond to the location where the work process is performed and the source of the signal. For example, a signal change that can correspond to a work process includes a signal change indicating that the elevator car 8 has become manually operated. At this time, the position estimation information is the position of the car 8. Another example of a signal change that can correspond to a work process includes a signal change indicating that the opening and closing time of the car door 11 of the elevator car 8 is shorter than the preset time. In this case, the estimated position information is the position of the car 8. Another example of a signal change that can correspond to a work process includes a signal change indicating that the boarding door 5 starts at a floor where the elevator car 8 has not stopped among multiple floors. In this case, the estimated position information is the position of the floor.

In other words, when manual operation of elevator car 8 is detected as an elevator 1 event, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's height position based on the position of the car 8. Also, when the opening and closing time of car door 11 of elevator car 8 is detected as shorter than a preset time, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's height position based on the position of the car 8. Also, when the opening of passenger door 5 on a floor where elevator car 8 is not stopped is detected as an elevator 1 event, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's height position based on the position of the floor.

Furthermore, when an event in the elevator 1 is detected as a worker within the camera's image capture range based on the image captured by the cabin camera 13 installed in the cabin 8, the estimation unit 30 estimates the worker's height position based on the image captured by the cabin camera 13. For example, the image captured by the cabin camera 13 is the interior of the cabin 8. In this case, the estimation unit 30 estimates the height position of the worker within the cabin 8 based on the position of the cabin 8 in which the cabin camera 13 is installed. Alternatively, for example, the image captured by the cabin camera 13 is above the exterior of the cabin 8. At this time, the estimation unit 30 estimates the height position of the worker located above the exterior of the cabin 8 based on the position of the cabin camera 13. Alternatively, the range captured by the cabin camera 13 may be, for example, the exterior of the cabin 8. At this time, the estimation unit 30 estimates the height position of the worker located in the pit 3 or the like below the exterior of the cabin 8 based on the position of the cabin camera 13.

With this structure, during maintenance work, etc., the operator's position is estimated using information obtained from elevator 1. Therefore, the operator does not need to move to a specific height to update the offset value, which minimizes the loss of work efficiency. Furthermore, the operator does not need to remain at a specific height to update the offset value, which minimizes the loss of work efficiency.

Furthermore, the calculation unit 32 calculates the offset value based on the average value of the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure converted by the compensation unit 31 at a plurality of time points.

This structure suppresses fluctuations in the offset value caused by noise, etc. Since the worker does not need to be at the same height at multiple points in time, the offset value can be obtained, further improving the accuracy of the worker's position measurement without compromising work efficiency.

The calculation unit 32 also adjusts the range of multiple time points for calculating the average value based on the required accuracy of the measurement unit 28's measurement of the worker's height position. The calculation unit 32 also selects the events used to calculate the average value based on the required accuracy of the measurement unit 28's measurement of the worker's height position.

With this structure, the offset value can be updated according to the required accuracy. For example, if the required accuracy is medium, the offset value can be updated in a shorter time than when a high accuracy is required.

Next, an example of the hardware structure of position measurement system 21 will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the main components of position measurement system 21 according to Embodiment 1.

Each function of the position measurement system 21 can be implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. In addition to the processor 100a and the memory 100b, the processing circuit can also include at least one dedicated hardware 200 as an alternative.

When the processing circuit includes processor 100a and memory 100b, the various functions of position measurement system 21 are implemented using software, firmware, or a combination of software and hardware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. This program is stored in memory 100b. Processor 100a implements the various functions of position measurement system 21 by reading and executing the program stored in memory 100b.

Processor 100a is also known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. Memory 100b is comprised of, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

When the processing circuit includes dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is, for example, implemented by a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

Each function of the position measurement system 21 can be implemented separately using a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the position measurement system 21 can be implemented collectively using a processing circuit. Each function of the position measurement system 21 can be partially implemented by dedicated hardware 200 and partially implemented by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit implements each function of the position measurement system 21 using dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. [Industrial Availability]

The position measurement system disclosed herein can be applied to buildings equipped with elevators to measure the positions of workers performing work.

1: Elevator 2: Hoistway 3: Recess 4: Boarding area 5: Boarding door 6: Crane 7: Main cable 8: Cabin 9: Balance hammer 10: Control panel 11: Cabin door 12: Scale 13: Cabin camera 14: Cabin device 15: Remote monitoring device 16: Communication network 17: Central management device 18: Portable terminal 19: Target air pressure measurement unit 20: Positioning unit 21 21a: Position measurement system 22: Reference air pressure measurement unit 23: First storage unit 24: Second storage unit 25: Third storage unit 26: First memory unit 27: Input unit 28: Measurement unit 29: Bias update unit 30: Estimation unit 31: Compensation unit 32: Calculation unit 33: Second memory unit 100a: Processor 100b: Memory 200: Dedicated hardware P _c : Air pressure P _w : Air pressure P _ref : Reference air pressure S11~S14: Steps S21~S27: Step δ: Difference between reference air pressure and target air pressure

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an elevator structure according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a position measurement system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a position measurement system according to a variation of Embodiment 1. Figure 4 illustrates an example of updating an offset value in the position measurement system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the position measurement system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the position measurement system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a hardware diagram illustrating the main components of the position measurement system according to Embodiment 1.

10: Control Panel 13: Cabin Camera 19: Target Air Pressure Measurement Unit 21: Position Measurement System 22: Reference Air Pressure Measurement Unit 23: First Accumulation Unit 24: Second Accumulation Unit 25: Third Accumulation Unit 26: First Memory Unit 27: Input Unit 28: Measurement Unit 29: Bias Update Unit 30: Estimation Unit 31: Compensation Unit 32: Calculation Unit

Claims (10)

A worker position measurement system comprises: a measuring unit that measures the height position of a worker based on a reference air pressure at the position of a reference air pressure measuring unit located in a building equipped with an elevator and a target air pressure at the position of a worker working in the building; an estimating unit that estimates the height position of the worker when an elevator event is detected; a compensating unit that, when the estimating unit is able to estimate the height position of the worker, converts at least one of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure to compensate for the height difference between the position of the reference air pressure measuring unit and the position of the worker estimated by the estimating unit; and The calculation unit calculates an offset value based on the difference between the reference air pressure converted by the compensation unit and the target air pressure, and uses it to correct at least one of the reference air pressure and the target air pressure in the measurement unit. The worker position measurement system of claim 1, wherein: When a signal change in an elevator corresponding to a work step is detected as the event, the estimation unit estimates the worker's height position by referring to pre-set position estimation information corresponding to the signal change. The worker position measurement system of claim 2, wherein: When manual operation of the elevator car is detected as the event based on the signal change, the estimation unit estimates the height position of the worker based on the position of the car, i.e., the position estimation information. In the worker position measurement system of claim 2 or 3, when the event is detected as a shorter opening and closing time of a car door of an elevator car than a preset time based on the signal change, the estimation unit estimates the height position of the worker based on the car position, i.e., the position estimation information. In the worker position measurement system of claim 2 or 3, when, based on the signal change, the opening of a passenger door on a floor where the elevator car is not stopped among a plurality of floors is detected as the event, the estimation unit estimates the height position of the worker based on the position of the floor, i.e., the position estimation information. In the worker position measurement system of claim 2 or 3, when the estimation unit estimates the worker's height position, a predetermined estimation accuracy corresponding to the position estimation information is evaluated. The worker position measurement system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the event is detected as the worker being within the camera's field of view, the estimation unit estimates the worker's height position based on the camera's field of view. The operator position measurement system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the offset value based on an average value of the difference between the reference air pressure and the target air pressure converted by the compensation unit at a plurality of time points. The worker position measurement system of claim 8, wherein the calculation unit adjusts the range of the plurality of time points for calculating the average value based on the required accuracy of the measurement unit's measurement of the worker's height position. The worker position measurement system of claim 8, wherein the calculation unit selects the event for calculating the average value based on the required accuracy of the measurement unit's measurement of the worker's height position.