EP1720789A2

EP1720789A2 - Method and device for automatic checking of availability of a technical device in or on a building

Info

Publication number: EP1720789A2
Application number: EP05706551A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lutz Richter; Kilian Schuster; Paul Friedli
Original assignee: Inventio AG
Current assignee: Inventio AG
Priority date: 2004-03-05
Filing date: 2005-03-04
Publication date: 2006-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-04
Also published as: CA2557723C; CA2557723A1; US7370732B2; NO20051180L; EP1720789B1; TWI334850B; MXPA05002393A; ZA200501470B; US7665581B2; WO2005085112A2; JP2005247583A; WO2005085112A3; AU2005201010B2; CN1663903A; CN100515901C; US20070174065A1; BRPI0500803B1; CA2499299A1; BRPI0500803A; SG114788A1

Abstract

The method serves for the automatic checking of the availability of a technical device (1), arranged in or on a building, by carrying out at least one repeatable process with the steps (S1-S11). Determinations are made of at least one first estimated value (NS(i, t)), for the frequency of running the process in a first time period and/or a second estimated value (NS(i, t+Δt)), for the frequency of running the process in a second time period. A measured value (Nm(i, t)), for the frequency of running the process, is determined for the first time period and the measured value compared with at least one of the estimated values (NS(i, t), NS(i, t+Δt)). When the measured value (Nm(, t)) is less than the relevant estimated value (Ns (i, t), NS(i, t+Δt)), by a given amount (NS(i, t)-Nmin(I, t), ΔNs), at least one test of the technical device is carried out, during which test at least one reaction (R) of the technical device (1) is recorded and compared with a set reaction (Rs), whereby the reaction (R) must match the set reaction (RS) for the technical device (1) to be available.

Description

Method and device for automatically checking the availability of a technical device in or on a building

The invention relates to a method for automatically checking the availability of a technical device in or on a building according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device for automatically checking the availability of a technical device according to the preamble of claim 7.

In buildings or in the vicinity of buildings, a number of (building) technical facilities are usually installed, which carry out at least one repeatable process in normal operation several times in order to meet different needs of users of the respective building, e.g. elevators, alarm and signaling systems to ward off dangers due to burglary or fire or smoke or water, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, office equipment, communication systems, etc. In the case of an elevator system, for example, the travel of a cabin is a repeatable process. Repeatable processes can be defined accordingly in other technical facilities.

It is in the interest of a building user that all technical

The facilities in the building are in a condition that ensures the highest possible level of availability. Since malfunctions can impair the availability of the technical facilities and possibly reduce comfort or even pose a safety risk, it is of interest to identify malfunctions of the respective technical facility as early as possible and to determine their causes.

In order to avoid interruptions in operation as much as possible, technical facilities may be subjected to maintenance more or less frequently. Maintenance usually involves performing a diagnosis, by means of which it is determined whether the technical device in operation fulfills all of the intended functions as expected. In the context of such a diagnosis, a test of the technical device is often carried out. A control of the technical device can be given a suitable command and a reaction of the technical device can then be registered and compared with a target reaction. The target reaction is the reaction that the respective command initiates, provided the technical device behaves as intended according to its specification. Shows the confirmation copy Diagnosis of a difference between the target response and the response actually registered following the command indicates a malfunction.

According to EP 1378477 A1, technical devices in buildings can be checked with a monitoring system by transmitting certain status information of the controls of the technical devices to be monitored to a monitoring center via a communication network. The status information received in the monitoring center does not allow any reliable conclusions to be drawn as to whether the respective technical device is currently available or not. If, for example, the technical device is only used intermittently in normal operation or if the control of the technical device itself should have a defect, an impairment of the availability of the technical device is not recognized easily or only after a delay.

The present invention addresses the disadvantages mentioned. The invention has for its object to provide a method for automatically checking the availability of a technical device, which is suitable to determine an impairment of the availability of the technical device as quickly and reliably as possible during any period, especially during normal operation. The invention is also intended to provide a device which is suitable for carrying out such a method.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1 and a device with the features of claim 7. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the method and the device according to the invention.

In the method according to the invention, an automatic check of the availability of a technical device is realized in that, under certain conditions, at least one test of the technical device is carried out, in which test at least one reaction of the technical device is registered and compared with a target reaction. In a step of the method, a measured value for the frequency of the execution of the process is determined for a first period. The test is only carried out if the measured value is less than a predetermined value by a predetermined amount, which is either equal to a first estimated value for the

Frequency of the process for the first period or a second Estimation of the frequency of the operation for a second period is set. If the registered reaction matches the target reaction, then it can be assumed that the technical equipment is available. If the registered reaction does not match the target reaction, it can be assumed that the technical equipment is not available.

The method has the advantage that tests of the respective technical device only have to be carried out if certain easily ascertainable measured values deviate from certain target values.

In this context, the term "frequency of the process" is understood to mean any quantitative measure which characterizes how often the process can be registered in a specific period of time. Alternatively, it is also possible to derive the abovementioned frequency from a length of a time interval which extends from a predetermined point in time to a point in time at which the process is observed again, the abovementioned frequency being determined as the reciprocal value of the time interval could be.

The invention is based on the fact that the current execution of a process in a technical facility is usually proof that it is available. A reason to check the availability of the technical facility by means of a test is seen only in exceptional cases during operation:

- if the frequency of the operation measured in operation is lower than expected in a certain period of time (in this case there could be a malfunction) or

- if, based on a certain first time period, the frequency of the operation is expected to increase by a predetermined amount in a second (later) time period (in this case, it is checked whether the technical equipment is available before the expected increase in the frequency of the operation) In order to be able to restore the availability of the technical equipment in good time before the ascent, if necessary, if the technical equipment is not available).

An estimated value for the frequency of the execution of the process carried out by the technical device can, for example, be determined for a predetermined period of time by first registering the respective processes of the process and the times at which the respective process begins. In a further step, it can be determined on the basis of plausible assumptions regarding a future development of the frequency of the course of the process from the times already registered, which frequency of the course of the process can be expected for the predetermined period. In this context, this expected frequency should be regarded as the above-mentioned estimate.

The frequency of the process and the future development of this frequency can be described in the context of a usage model, i.e. on the basis of a theoretical model that describes the way in which the technical device is used in normal operation and, if necessary, records the expected behavior of the building users and the influence of the users on the frequency of the process. Within the scope of the invention, a usage model can be suitably selected depending on the situation.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the method steps mentioned below: a first estimated value for the frequency of the sequence of the

The process and a measured value for the frequency of the course of the process are each determined for a first period of time and a second estimate for the frequency of the process

Expiration of the process for a second period following the first period is set to a value that

(i) is equal to the first estimated value if the first estimated value and the measured value differ by no more than a predetermined amount or (ii) is smaller than the first estimated value if the measured value is more than the predetermined value

Amount is less than the first estimate or

(iii) is greater than the first estimated value if the measured value is more than the predetermined one

Amount is greater than the first estimate.

These process steps can be carried out iteratively. In a first repetition of the method steps, a measured value for the frequency of use can first be determined for the second period. Then, according to one of the above-mentioned method steps (i), (ii) or (iii), an estimated value can be determined for a further period following the second period, etc. This embodiment of the method according to the invention has several advantages. Steps (i), (ii) and (iii) above can be implemented, for example, in the form of a mathematical function, which in each case assigns an estimated value for a later period to an estimated value and a measured value for the frequency of the process running for a predetermined period. Such a mathematical function can be selected appropriately for the purposes of the method according to the invention according to various criteria. On the one hand, the mathematical function defines a regulation of how an estimated value for the frequency of the course of the process required during the implementation of the method is to be calculated from measured values for the frequency of the process sequence. The iteration of the aforementioned method steps therefore enables the method according to the invention to be carried out in such a way that each estimated value that must be known at a specific point in time during the implementation of the method is calculated successively from measured values for the frequency of the process using the mathematical function may have been determined earlier. Since the measured values for the frequency of the course of the process can change in the course of time in the operation of the technical device, the estimated values for the frequency of the course of the process determined using the mathematical function can also change as a function of time. When the method is carried out, the respective estimated values for the frequency of the sequence of the process are therefore kept in

Adjusted dependency of measured values for the frequency of the process. This adjustment helps to keep the number of tests as low as possible while the method is being carried out.

In order to carry out the described methods for automatically checking the availability of a technical device in or on a building, a device is suitable according to the invention, which comprises:

a command generator with which a given command for executing at least one test of the technical device can be given to a control of the technical device, the test being selected such that a target reaction of the technical device can be registered when the technical device is available,

a registration device for registering a reaction of the technical device following the command and a device for comparing the reaction with the target reaction a device for determining and / or storing a first estimated value for the frequency of the procedure for a first period and / or for determining and / or storing a second estimate for the frequency of the procedure for a second period, a measuring device to determine a measure of the frequency of the process for the first period, and

a control device for controlling the command generator in such a way that the command is given when the measured value is less than one of the estimated values by a predetermined amount.

The device according to the invention can be installed in the vicinity of the technical device in or on the building and can be equipped via a communication link for transmitting predetermined information to a monitoring center (for example to a remote monitoring center). If necessary, e.g. If the reaction does not match the target reaction, the device according to the invention can automatically establish the communication connection to the monitoring center, for example via a wired or wireless telephone or data network. If the situation arises that the technical equipment becomes unavailable, remedial action can be taken automatically in this way. In this way, a technical device can be permanently monitored from a monitoring center without a permanent communication connection between the technical device and the monitoring center having to be established.

The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention offer further advantages:

- The time for a test is derived from observations during the operation of the technical device. Signs of malfunctions are therefore quickly recognized. In this way it can be achieved that the number of tests is kept low.

- The estimated values mentioned can be determined from measured values. The estimated values can therefore be continuously adjusted during operation of the technical device to take account of changed conditions. The method can be carried out in such a way that the estimated values are continuously adjusted during operation. This adjustment also helps to keep the number of tests low. The device according to the invention can generally be retrofitted in or on a building without difficulty. The latter is favored by the fact that controls of technical devices generally have suitable interfaces via which suitable commands for executing a test of the technical device can be transmitted to the control, and that the processes and reactions of the technical device carried out by the technical device Device can usually be registered with simple measuring means, for example by registering a change in a state of a drive and / or a power supply and / or a sensor and / or a light source and / or a status display of the technical device or a registration of signals to control the technical equipment.

p facn i to illustrate the above concept. Use of the elevator is considered a "repeatable process" in the sense of the invention. In this context, use is to be understood to mean any elevator service that benefits a user, such as a car call, a floor call, a travel command and / or a command to open or close a door. In this case, a “frequency of use”, ie the number of times the elevator is used per unit of time, can be considered as a measure of the “frequency of the process”.

For an elevator in a publicly accessible building, a usage model could be obtained, for example, on the basis of a statistical analysis of usage. A statistical analysis can, for example, show that the frequency of use is expected to follow certain trends depending on a number of measurable quantities, for example as a function of time over the course of a day, from day to day or from week to week, due to user habits or others Influencing factors (opening times, vacation days, weather, etc.). Such a statistical analysis usually leads to plausible assumptions regarding the temporal development of the frequency of use if the uses are subject to framework conditions during a sequence of time intervals which are more or less the same for each time interval. Under this condition, the temporal course of the frequency of use should be essentially the same for each time interval, so that there are characteristic temporal fluctuations in the frequency of use in one of the Repeat time intervals in the following time interval in essentially the same way. Under certain circumstances it can be expected that the course of the frequency of use in a time interval is correlated with the course of time of the frequency of use in one or more of the preceding time intervals. The latter can lead to the trend in usage frequency showing recognizable trends over a majority of the time intervals. In addition, predictable events can influence the course of usage frequency. Events in which a certain number of people take part can influence the frequency of use in a characteristic way during a defined period of time. For example, it can be expected that the frequency of use will increase sharply at the beginning or end of such events and then decrease again, the extent of the increase depending on the number of people taking part.

A command to execute at least one test of the elevator installation can include, for example, a car call, a floor call and / or a travel command. Car calls, floor calls and / or travel commands can be generated in conventional elevators using relatively simple means. This is often possible without using detailed information about the structure of an elevator control. The target reaction can include, for example, the following processes: opening and closing a floor door of the elevator installation and / or opening and closing a car door and / or moving a car from a predetermined floor to another predetermined floor. Such operations

SfässenWttels Sensorenl ^'the sipdt orineffii vorhahden in en usual elevator systems

The invention is particularly applicable for checking the availability of technical facilities such as heating systems, air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, refrigerators, freezers and other household appliances, lighting systems, communication systems, information systems, reporting and alarm systems, devices for data or information processing, systems for data acquisition, Systems for access control in buildings, u. Ä., provided that these facilities perform at least one repeatable process.

In the case of a heating system, a heating element (for example a burner) releases certain amounts of thermal energy at intervals. In this example, activation of the heating element (for example a burner burning process) or actuating a pump for hot water or actuating a valve for regulating a hot water flow can, for example, as repeatable process. To monitor the heating system, the frequency of activation of the heating element or the frequency of activation of the pump or valve can be measured and compared with corresponding estimates. As a test of the heating system, for example when the heating element is switched off, the target temperature to be achieved by the heating system can be increased briefly (if, for example, the heating element was last activated an unexpectedly long time ago). As a target reaction, the heating system would have to start a new heating cycle of the heating element (if the heating system is available) or control the pump or valve appropriately to increase the hot water flow.

In the case of air conditioning systems, ventilation systems and refrigerators and freezers, for example, compressors are operated discontinuously by means of a drive motor or a flow is controlled by a control valve or an actuator is moved to different positions as required. An activation of the drive motor or an actuation of the valve or the generation of a control signal for controlling the

Drive motor or the valve or the actuator can be regarded as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention. As a test of the devices mentioned, for example, a target value (temperature, air humidity) that is to be realized by the respective device could be changed and it can be checked whether the named process is repeated after the change or a control of the device reacts as expected ,

In the case of communication systems (for example telephone, networks for data transmission), certain services (establishment of communication connections, transmission of certain information or data) are usually requested by individual users from time to time. In this example, the execution of a service can be regarded as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention. As a test of the respective communication system, for example, a simulation of a demand for a specific service can be carried out, for example by means of suitable control signals that can be sent to a control unit of the communication system.

Further applications of the invention can be implemented in the area of information systems which display information when requested by users. For example, the provision of certain information by the information system, for example the reproduction of information on a display device or the presentation of, can be regarded as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention Multimedia data using a corresponding playback device. As a test of the respective information system, for example, a simulation of a demand for certain information can be carried out, for example by means of suitable control signals that can be sent to a control unit of the information system.

Reporting and alarm systems generally have the task of generating a message under certain conditions (e.g. in the case of fire, smoke, intrusions or water ingress) (e.g. by sending certain information to a certain address or to a certain one

Addressees) or generate an alarm. As a repeatable process in the sense of the invention, the generation of a message or the triggering of an alarm can be considered here, or the measurement-related detection of the variables monitored by the signaling or alarm system (for example the detection of a fire by means of a temperature or heat radiation measurement, the measurement of

Changes in the status of motion detectors for the detection of intrusions, the measurement of a liquid level in rooms or smoke detection) can be viewed. As a test of the respective signaling or alarm system, for example, a simulation of conditions that force the signaling or alarm system to generate a predetermined message or to generate a predetermined alarm can be carried out, for example by means of suitable control signals that are sent to a control unit of the Notification or alarm system can be sent.

In the case of a lighting system with one or more light sources (for example on traffic routes, in or on buildings or in stairwells), the switching on and / or off of light sources generally correlates with the presence of people and with the respective time of day. In this case, for example, switching on a light source can be regarded as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention. As a test of the lighting system, for example, the system's light sources can be switched on on a trial basis (by activating corresponding switches) or the

Light intensity of light sources can be varied (for example by controlling a control unit of the lighting system). The switching on and / or off of the light sources can be controlled with light, voltage or current sensors.

Devices for data or information processing, such as printers, photocopiers or scanners, usually carry out individual jobs, which are processed manually or can be initiated by a controller, for example print, copy or scan jobs. The processing of an order can be regarded as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention. As a test of the respective device, an automatic control command can be used to give a command to process a specified job to a control of the device. It can then be checked whether the device executes the job as expected.

Systems for data acquisition (e.g. systems for recording working hours or the presence of people) or systems for access control in buildings have to collect certain information from time to time (e.g. reading personal data from data carriers, capturing biometric data, capturing image information) and, if applicable evaluate. In this case, the acquisition and processing of information can be regarded as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention. As a test of the respective system, that interface of the system which is provided for the acquisition of information can be offered test information in a suitable format for further processing. It can then be checked whether the system processes the test information as expected.

In the following, the invention is explained in principle on the basis of two exemplary embodiments from elevator construction and is shown in the drawing. Show it:

1 shows an elevator system with two elevators and a device according to the invention for automatically checking the availability of the elevator system;

FIG. 2 shows the device according to the invention according to FIG. 1 in detail;

3 shows a course of estimated values and measured values for a frequency of use of an elevator as a function of time for different time periods;

4 shows a flow diagram for an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is applicable to the estimated values or measured values according to FIG. 3;

5 shows a flow diagram for a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. 1 shows an elevator system 1 with two elevators 1.1 and 1.2 of the same type in connection with a device 30 according to the invention for automatically checking the availability of the elevator system 1. This is installed in a building with six floors 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6. A shaft 2.1 or 2.2 is provided for each of the elevators 1.1 or 1.2. There are two landing doors 4.x (x = 1-6) on each floor 3.x.

The elevator 1.1 comprises: a cabin 5.1 with a cabin door 6.1 on a side facing the floors 3.x, a counterweight 7.1, a suspension element 8.1 for the cabin 5.1 and the counterweight 7.1, a drive 10.1 with a traction sheave for the suspension element 8.1 and one Elevator control 15.1. The cabin 5.1 and the counterweight 7.1 are each connected to one another via the suspension means 8.1, the suspension means 8.1 wrapping around the traction sheave of the drive 10.1. Activation of the drive 10.1 causes a rotation of the traction sheave and thus an opposite movement of the car 5.1 and the counterweight 7.1 upwards or downwards. To control the elevator 1.1 during operation, signals can be transmitted between the elevator control 15.1 and various controllable components of the elevator 1.1 via a communication link 16.1.

Correspondingly, the elevator 1.2 comprises a car 5.2 with a car door 6.2 on a side facing the floors 3.x, a counterweight 7.2, a suspension element 8.2 for the cabin 5.2 and the counterweight 7.2, a drive 10.2 with a traction sheave for the suspension element 8.2 and one Elevator control 15.2. The cabin 5.2 and the counterweight 7.2 are each connected to one another via the suspension means 8.2, the suspension means 8.2 wrapping around the traction sheave of the drive 10.2. Activation of the drive 10.2 causes a rotation of the traction sheave and thus an opposite movement of the cabin 5.2 and the counterweight 7.2 upwards or downwards. To control the elevator 1.2 during operation, signals can be transmitted between the elevator controller 15.2 and various controllable components of the elevator 1.2 via a communication link 16.2.

Elevators 1.1 and 1.2 can be controlled independently of one another by elevator controls 15.1 and 15.2, respectively. In addition, a communication link 18 is provided between the elevator controls 15.1 and 15.2. If necessary, signals can be sent via the communication link 18 be exchanged between the elevator controls 15.1 and 15.2 in order to be able to operate the elevators 1.1 and 1.2 as an elevator group with a group control.

The elevator installation 1 has - as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2 - a number of devices which are intended for different operating states of the

To register the elevator system and, if necessary, to register changes in operating states:

- Devices 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6 for monitoring and for registering actuation of the shaft doors 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, - Devices 22.1 and 22.2 for monitoring the cabin doors 6.1 and 6.2 and for Registration of an actuation of the cabin doors 6.1 or 6.2, a code 23.1 arranged in the slot 2.1 for a position of the cabin 5.1 and a device 24.1 arranged on the cabin 5.1 for reading the code 23.1 and for detecting the position of the cabin 5.1, one in the slot 2.2 arranged coding 23.2 for a position of the car 5.2 and a device 24.2 arranged on the car 5.2 for reading the coding 23.2 and for detecting the position of the car 5.2, devices 25.1 and 25.2 for registering a state of the drive 10.1 and 10.2 and for Registration of a change in a state of the drive 10.1 or 10.2 (a state of a drive can be caused, for example, by a current flow in the respective drive b or a speed or an acceleration of components which are moved when the respective drive is activated), devices 26.1 or 26.2 for registering an actuation of a brake of the elevator 1.1 or 1.2, devices 27.1 or 27.2 for registering Signals from the elevator control 15.1 or 15.2 (for controlling the elevator installation),

- Devices 28.1 or 28.2 for registering people in the vicinity of the elevator system 1 or the elevators 1.1 and 1.2 (for example motion detectors, cameras, light barriers, etc.).

When using one of the elevators 1.1 or 1.2, as a rule, at least one of the doors is moved and / or the position of one of the cabins 5.1 or 5.2 is changed and / or a state of one of the drives 10.1 or 10.2 is changed and / or at least one Signal of one of the elevator controls 15.1 and 15.2 generated. In addition, use as a rule, the presence of at least one person in the vicinity of the elevator system 1 in advance.

When using one of the elevators 1.1 and 1.2, therefore, changes in operating conditions generally occur that occur with at least one of the devices

21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 22.2, 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.2, 26.1, 26.2, 27.1,

27.2, 28.1, 28.2 can be recorded. These devices provide signals that characterize the respective operating state. Use of one of the elevators 1.1 and 1.2 can therefore be registered with the help of one of the above-mentioned devices. The signals from these devices can be obtained from the

Elevator controls 15.1 and 15.2 are detected via communication links 17.1 and 17.2, as indicated in FIG. 2.

2 shows details of the device 30. This comprises a device 30.1 for checking the availability of the elevator 1.1 and a device 30.2 for checking the availability of the elevator 1.2. The devices 30.1 and 30.2 are constructed essentially the same.

The device 30.1 comprises a processor P1 and various components with which the processor P1 can exchange data during operation: a communication interface 31.1 for communication with the devices 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1 , 27.1, 28.1 via a communication link 41.1,

a communication interface 32.1 for communication with the elevator control 15.1,

a memory M11 for a program for checking the availability of the elevator 1.1 (hereinafter referred to as "P1.1"), a memory M12 for estimated values for a frequency of use of the elevator 1.1,

a memory M13 for measured values for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1, a memory M14 for data.

The program P1.1 can run under the control of the processor P1. The program P1.1 controls various processes: a) Under the control of the program P1.1, the processor P1 can evaluate signals from the devices 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1 , b) The evaluation of the signals according to a) enables the registration of uses of the elevator 1.1 and the determination of measured values for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1. The processor P1 accordingly forms, together with at least one of the devices according to a) and the memory M11, a measuring device for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1. The measured values for the frequency of use can be registered as a function of time. The measured values for the frequency of use can be stored in the memory M13. c) Under the control of the program P1.1, the processor P1 can issue commands which are transmitted to the elevator control 15.1 via the communication link 42.1, for example a command to carry out a test of the elevator 1.1. The processor P1 accordingly forms, together with the memory M11, a command generator for the elevator control 15.1. d) Under the control of the program P1.1, the processor P1 can register and evaluate the signals of the devices 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1, which directly affect the respective Follow command according to c). The signals characterize a reaction of the elevator 1.1 to the respective command. The processor P1 accordingly forms, together with at least one of the above-mentioned devices and the memory M11, a registration device for reactions of the elevator 1.1. e) For example, data can be stored in the memory M14 which specifies all possible target reactions of the elevator 1.1 and which are respectively assigned to the commands which can be given to the elevator control and which cause the respective target reactions. Under the control of the program P1.1, the processor P1 can determine the corresponding target response for the command given to the elevator control according to d) and compare a response registered according to d) with the target response. The processor P1 accordingly forms, together with the memories M11 and M14, a device for comparing a reaction with a target reaction, f) Estimates for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1 can be stored in the memory M12. Estimates for the frequency of use for a certain period of time can be determined under control of the program P1.1, for example, from measured values for the frequency of use according to methods which are explained below. Signals from devices 28.1 or 28.2 can also be used to determine estimated values for the frequency of use. Signals from these devices provide information about the number of people approaching the elevator system or coming from the elevator system away or stay in an area on the elevator system. If the number of persons registered by the devices 28.1 or 28.2 changes, it can be expected that the frequency of use of the elevator will also change over time. If the devices 28.1 or 28.2 register a certain number of people approaching the elevator installation 1, it can be expected that the frequency of use will increase. In this case, for example, if a measured value for the frequency of use is known for a first period, an estimate of the frequency of use for a later period can be calculated from the measured value and the number of registered persons. In this case, the number of registered persons sets an upper limit for the frequency of use in the second period, g) Under the control of the program P1.1, the processor P1 can compare estimated values and measured values for the frequency of use and decide depending on a result of the comparison whether and, if so, when a command to carry out a test of elevator 1.1 according to c) should be given.

Analogous to the structure of device 30.1, device 30.2 includes a processor P2 and various components with which processor P2 can exchange data during operation: a communication interface 31.2 for communication with devices 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.2, 24.2, 25.2, 26.2, 27.2, 28.2 via a communication link 41.2, a communication interface 32.2 for communication with the elevator control 15.2, - a memory M21 for a program for checking the availability of the elevator 1.2 (hereinafter "program P1.2" called),

a memory M22 for estimated values for a frequency of use of the elevator 1.2, a memory M23 for measured values for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.2,

a memory M24 for data.

The program P1.2 can run under the control of the processor P2. The P1.1 program and the P1.2 program are equivalent. The statements regarding program P1.1 in accordance with points a) -g) above apply accordingly to program P1.2, the functions of communication interfaces 31.2 and 32.2 of device 30.2 corresponding to the respective functions of communication interfaces 31.1 and 32.1 of device 30.1 , The functions of the memories M21, M22, M23, M24 of the device 30.2 correspond to the respective function of the memories M11, M12, M13, M14.

The processors P1 and P2 can be connected to one another via a communication link 35, as indicated in FIG. 2. Data can be exchanged between processors P1 and P2 via communication link 35. This is useful if elevators 1.1 and 1.2 are operated as a group of lifts with group control. The devices 30.1 and 30.2 can also be operated independently of one another.

The program P1.1 or P1.2 can give several different commands for executing a test to the elevator control 15.1 or 15.2: for example a car call, a floor call and / or a travel command. Accordingly, various target reactions of the elevator 1.1 or 1.2 are taken into account: opening and closing a shaft door of the elevator installation and / or opening and closing a car door and / or a journey of a car from a predetermined floor to another predetermined floor.

As indicated in FIG. 2, processors P1 and P2 are connected to a communication interface 33 for communication with a monitoring center 50 via a communication link 43. Should it be determined during operation of the devices 30.1 or 30.2 that one of the elevators 1.1 or 1.2 is not available, the processors P1 or P2 can communicate predetermined information to the monitoring center 50 via the communication link 43 in order to respond to this situation to point.

Two variants of the method according to the invention for automatically checking the availability of an elevator system are described below using the example of the elevator system 1.

Procedure A

Method A is explained using an example of an automatic check of the availability of elevator 1.1 using device 30.1. With regard to the uses of the elevator 1.1, a usage model is assumed which is based on the following assumptions:

It is assumed that the elevator 1.1 is used in a sequence of successive time periods ΔT (i) with the same duration t _e (i) - t ₀ (i). The index i (i--l) denotes the respective time intervals, t ₀ (i) denotes the time of the beginning of the period ΔT (i) and t _θ (i) denotes the time of the end of the period ΔT (i). It is assumed that all uses take place under conditions that are repeated in a similar manner after the beginning of each of the periods ΔT (i). Under this condition, it can be expected that a frequency of use of the elevator 1.1 will show the same temporal course (with reference to the start of the respective period) in each of the time periods ΔT (i) - apart from statistical fluctuations. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the end of a period coincides with the beginning of the immediately following period, ie t _e (i) = t ₀ (i + 1).

Such a usage model is realistic, for example, for an elevator system in a public building. The number of visitors to such a building and thus the number of users of the elevator system fluctuates on successive days - due to opening times, the habits of the visitors, etc. -in each case according to the same laws as a function of time. The number of users may be subject to day-to-day fluctuations that follow long-term trends, for example due to seasonal influences.

Under the above conditions, it can be assumed that an estimated value for the frequency of use for a certain period of time ΔT (n) can be obtained from measured values for the frequency of use for one or more earlier periods of time ΔT (i) with i <n using statistical methods.

According to method A, measured values for the frequency of use are determined as follows.

A sequence of uses of the elevator 1.1 is assumed, which take place at times t _B (k) after the beginning of the period ΔT (i = 1). The index marks the individual uses. For times t> t ₀ (i), the uses of the elevator 1.1 and the respective time t _B (k) of a use are registered by means of the device 30.1.

For times t> t ₀ (i), measured values N _m (i, t) for a frequency of use of the elevator 1.1 are determined as follows. Each time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i) <t <t _e (i) is each divided into a predetermined number of, for example, m subintervals δT (i, j) of the same length d, where δT (ij) is defined as the time period

δT (i, j): t ₀ (i) + (j-1) d <t <t ₀ (i) + jd

with d = (t _e (i) - t ₀ (i)) / m and j = 1, .., m.

N (i, j) denotes the number of uses that are registered in the partial intervals δT (ij). The measured value N _m (i, t) for the frequency of use is now defined in accordance with

N _m (i, t) = N (i, j) / d for t ₀ (i) + (j-1) d <t ≤ t ₀ (i) + jd

The measured value N _m (i, t) of the usage frequency is accordingly determined as the quotient of the number of uses registered during the time interval δT (ij) and the duration of the time interval δT (ij).

Method A provides for an estimate N _s (i, t) for the frequency of use for a specific period of time ΔT (i) from measured values for the frequency of use for the periods of time ΔT (k) preceding the period of time ΔT (i) with k <i determine.

Estimated values N _s can, for example, be determined iteratively according to the recursion formula (starting from i = 1):

N _s (i + 1, t) = N _s (i, t - Δ (i)) + [N _m (i, t - Δ (i)) - N _s (i, t -Δ (i))] / λ = F (i, t, λ)

where Δ (i) = t ₀ (i + 1) - t ₀ (i) indicates the period between the beginning of the period ΔT (i + 1) and the beginning of the period ΔT (i). In the present case, t ₀ (i + 1) = t _e (i) assumed, ie Δ (i) = t _e (i) - t ₀ (i) = t _θ (i + 1) - t ₀ (i + 1) corresponds to the duration of the periods ΔT (i) or ΔT (i + 1).

The left side of the recursion formula defines estimates of the frequency of use as a function of time for the period ΔT (i + 1). The right side takes into account estimates and measurements for the frequency of use as a function of time for the period ΔT (i). The term Δ (i) on the right side of the recursion formula takes into account that the beginning of the period ΔT (i + 1) compared to the beginning of the period ΔT (i) by the duration of the period ΔT (i), i.e. is shifted by Δ (i), and that the method is based on the assumption that the frequency of use in all periods - with reference to the beginning of the respective period - should have a similar course as a function of time (apart from statistical fluctuations that occur over several successive periods can occur).

The function F (i, t, λ) contains a parameter λ, which can be selected appropriately for optimization purposes and determined empirically. For λ = 1, for example, F (i, t, λ) = N _m (i, t-Δ (i)). In this case, it is assumed that the usage frequency measured for a period of time ΔT (i) is equal to the estimated value for the usage frequency for the following period of time ΔT (i + 1). In the borderline case λ → ∞, however, follows F (i, t, λ) = N _s (i, t- Δ (i)) = N _s (i + 1, t-Δ (i)). In this case, the estimated values for the

Frequency of use regardless of index i, ie identical for all periods ΔT (i). In this case, the measured values N _m (i, t) for the frequency of use have no influence on the size of the corresponding estimated values. The parameter λ in the function F (i, t, λ) accordingly determines the weighting with which a measured value N _m (i, t) for a time interval ΔT (i) in comparison with estimated values of the usage frequency for the periods ΔT (k) k <i influences the estimated value for the frequency of use N _s (i + 1, t) for the following period ΔT (i + 1).

In other words: by means of an iteration according to the recursion formula F (i, t, λ), the estimated values for the frequency of use for successive periods can be adapted to current trends, which change in the time dependence of the measured values for the frequency of use over the course of several successive periods Show ΔT (k) with k ≤i. The above iteration can be started with start values for N _s (i = 1, t), which can be chosen as desired. When the iteration is repeated according to the function N _s (i + 1, t) = F (i, t, λ), the estimated values for the frequency of use thus calculated converge more or less quickly against realistic values, which are a statistical expected value for the frequency of use according to a statistical analysis of uses of the elevator 1.1. The speed of convergence depends on the choice of the parameter λ. The parameter λ accordingly determines, among other things, how quickly the device 30.1 can determine realistic statistical data for uses of the elevator 1.1 during operation of the elevator 1.1 on the basis of method A. In the course of the convergence of the iteration, the device 30.1 thus goes through a "learning phase" during which it can collect and evaluate data about uses of the elevator 1.1.

The above parameter λ can additionally be optimized according to the criterion that the device 30.1 in operation based on the method A as few as possible

There are commands to perform a test of the elevator 1.1 It goes without saying that instead of the iteration according to the function Ns (i + 1, t) = F (i, t, λ), other statistical methods can also be used in order to obtain realistic estimates for the frequency of use.

Method A is explained below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 shows (arranged one above the other) two diagrams each as a function of time t. The upper diagram is assigned to the period ΔT (i) and the lower diagram to the period ΔT (i + 1). The end of the period ΔT (i) coincides with the beginning of the period ΔT (i + 1), ie t _Θ (i) = t ₀ (i + 1).

The diagrams show data for estimated values N _s and measured values N _m and minimum values N _min , which are stored in the memories M12, M13 and M14. This data is recorded, managed and analyzed when the P1.1 program is run.

The upper diagram in FIG. 3 shows an estimated value N _s (i, t) for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1, a corresponding measured value N _m (i, t) for the frequency of use and a minimum value N _m ι _n (i, t) for the frequency of use. The lower diagram in FIG. 3 shows an estimated value N _s (i + 1, t) for the _{frequency of} use of the elevator 1.1 and a minimum value N _miπ (i + 1, t) for the _{frequency of} use. The time axes of the diagrams are divided into 24 hours each. The diagrams indicate, by way of example, that elevator 1.1 is generally only used between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. The estimated values N _s (i, t) and N _s (i + 1, t) are equal to 0 between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. According to the course of the curves N _s (i, t) and N _s ( Between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., peak values of the frequency of use are temporarily expected in the morning, at noon and in the evening.

The diagrams in FIG. 3 represent the estimated values N _s , measured values N _m and minimum values N _min for a point in time at 4:00 p.m. during the period ΔT (i). According to FIG. 3, it is assumed that the measured values N _{m are} just above 3:00 p.m. assume the value 0. Measured values for N _{m were} therefore recorded between 3 and 4 p.m., but no uses of the elevator 1.1 were registered. For the time from 4 p.m. in the period ΔT (i), no measured values N _m have yet been recorded.

4 shows the steps of method A in the form of a flow chart with method steps S1-12.

In method step S1, the device 30.1 is initialized: the processor P1 sets an internal counter i to i = 1 and an internal clock to the time t = t ₀ (i), ie the beginning of the period ΔT (i). The program P1.1 is started. Then continue with S2.

In method step S2, the time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i) <t t t _e (i) is determined, in which the availability of the elevator 1.1 is to be checked. Then continue with S3.

In method step S3, the estimated values N _s (i, t) for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1 for the period ΔT (i) are loaded from the memory M12 into the processor P1.

In method step S4, uses of the elevator 1.1 or the respective point in time t _B (k) of each use (index k) are registered and measured values N _m (i, t) for the frequency of use are determined as a function of time during the period ΔT (i) and stored in memory M13. Estimated values N _s (i + 1, t) can be calculated from the measured values N _m (i, t) and estimated values N _s (k, t) with k <i, for example according to the above iteration N _s (i + 1, t ) = F (i, t, λ), and then stored in memory M12. Method steps S5, S7 and S12 run parallel to method step S4.

In method step S5, the processor P1 checks whether the end of the period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i) <t <t _e (i) has been reached. If so, then proceed to step S6 (path +). If no, then proceed to step S4 (path -).

In method step S6, the index i is increased by 1. The previous steps from S2 are then repeated.

In method step S7 it is checked whether the measured value N _m (i, t) for the frequency of use of the elevator falls below the minimum value N _min (i, t). N _min (i, t) is a predetermined amount less than the respective estimated value N _s (i + 1, t), as indicated in FIG. 3. If the measured value N _m (i, t) for the _{frequency of} use of the elevator _{falls below} the minimum value N _min (i, t), then step S8 continues (path +). If not, then proceed to step S4 (path -).

In method step S8, a command to execute a test of the elevator 1.1 is given to the elevator control 15.1 (at the time t _τ ). The method is then continued with step S9.

In step S9, a reaction R of the elevator 1.1 is registered.

Then, in step S10, the reaction R is compared with a target reaction R _s . If the reaction R coincides with the target reaction R _s , it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is available. In this case you can continue with S4 (path +). If the reaction R does not match the target reaction R _s , it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is not available. In this case you can continue with S11 (path -).

In method step S11, it is communicated to the monitoring center 50 that the elevator 1.1 is not available. The process is then interrupted. If elevator 1.1 is available again, then the method can be continued with method step S1. In method step S12, it is checked whether it is to be expected that - starting from a point in time t - an increase in the frequency of use by more than a predetermined amount ΔN _{S is} expected within a period of time Δt, ie (N _m (t) <N _s (t + Δt) - ΔN _S ). If an increase of more than ΔN _{S is} expected, a command to execute a test according to method step S8 is given as a precaution (path +). If the latter is not the case, S4 is continued (path -).

As indicated in FIG. 3, a command to execute a test was given to the elevator control 15.1 once in each of the method steps S7 and S12. A first test at time t _τ (1) is due to method step S12. In this case, shortly before a sharp increase in the frequency of use in the morning, it was successfully checked that the elevator was available.

A second test at time t _T (2) is due to method step S7. In this case, shortly after a sharp drop in the frequency of use below the minimum value N _min (i, t) around 3 p.m., it was checked whether elevator 1.1 is available. The result is negative: the usage frequency N _m (t) remains 0 for t> t _τ (2) because the elevator 1.1 is not available.

The values for N _s (i + 1, t) for the frequency of use and the minimum value N _min (i + 1, t) in the lower diagram of FIG. 3 are calculated from the values N _s (i, t) and N _m ( i, t) for the period ΔT (i) according to the iteration N _s (i + 1, t) = F (i, t, λ). For t> t _τ (2) + Δ (i), N _s (i + 1, t) = N _s (i, t - Δ (i)) was set because there were no corresponding measured values for the frequency of use in the period ΔT for this area (i) were registered (N _m (t) = 0 for t> t _τ (2) in the period ΔT (i), see above).

Obviously, the estimated values N _s (i + 1, t) for the period ΔT (i + 1) each have values that are greater than or equal to or smaller than the respective estimated values N _s (i, t) for the period ΔT (i) are, depending on whether the measured values N _m (i, t) are greater than or equal to or smaller than the corresponding estimated values N _s (i, t) (assuming λ> 0).

The method A can be organized in such a way that the test according to method step S8 is not carried out in a predetermined time interval, for example if the elevator 1.1 is not used or is used only little, for example during a night. Procedure B

Method B is explained using an example of an automatic check of the availability of elevator 1.1 using device 30.1.

Method B is based on the following measures:

1) on an observation of the operation of the elevator 1.1 and, if appropriate, on the registration of uses of the elevator 1.1 (if present) and a determination of the respective point in time t _B of use using the device 30.1,

2) on a determination of the time interval between two successive uses and

3) on an estimate of the point in time at which the next use is expected after the last registered use.

Measure 3) corresponds to the estimation of a time interval between the last registered use and the next expected use. The reciprocal of this estimated time interval corresponds to an estimate of the frequency of use for a period immediately following the last registered use.

When carrying out method B, the above measures 1) -3) are carried out one after the other and then repeated. If no further use of the elevator 1.1 is found by the time estimated in measure 3), it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is not available. According to method B, under this condition, device 30.1 issues a command to carry out a test to elevator control 15.1 and checks whether elevator 1.1 shows a reaction which corresponds to expectations.

5 shows the steps of method B in the form of a flow chart with method steps S20-S33.

In method step S20, the device 30.1 is initialized: the processor P1 sets an internal counter i to i = 1 and an internal clock to the time t = t ₀ (i). The program P1.1 is started. The method is then continued with step S21. In step S21, a time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i) <t <t _e (i) is defined. The reciprocal of the duration can be viewed as an estimate N _s (i) for the frequency of use for the period ΔT (i), ie N _s (i) = 1 / [t _e (i) - t ₀ (i)]. When the method (i = 1) is initialized according to method step S20, the time period ΔT (i) can be predetermined as desired, especially since the device does not have any data regarding the use of the elevator 1.1 at the beginning of the method. The above size N _s (i) can therefore show any large deviations from measured values for the frequency of use at the beginning of the method.

In the following method step S22, it is checked whether the elevator is used in the period ΔT (i). If the elevator is not used until the end of this period, ie before the time t _e (i), method step S24 continues. If use takes place up to the time t _e (i), the time t _{B of} the use is registered and continued with method step S30.

In method step S24, a command to execute a test of the elevator 1.1 is given to the elevator control 15.1 (at the time t _τ ). The method is then continued with step S25.

A reaction R of the elevator 1.1 is registered in method step S25.

Then in step S26, the reaction R is compared with a target reaction R _s . If the reaction R does not match the target reaction R _s , it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is not available. In this case, it can continue with method step S27 (path -). If the reaction R coincides with the target reaction R _s , it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is available. In this case it can be assumed that the estimated value N _s (i) defined according to method step S21 is too large compared to the frequency of use in real operation. The method can be continued with method step S28 (path +).

In method step S27, it is communicated to the monitoring center 50 that the elevator 1.1 is not available. The process is then interrupted. If elevator 1.1 is available again, then the method can be continued with method step S20. Method step S28: According to method step 26, there is a reason to assume that the estimated value N _s (i) for the frequency of use is too high in comparison to the frequency of use of the elevator in real operation. It is assumed that a realistic estimate for the frequency of use would be smaller by a factor a <1 than the above value N _s (i). This assumption is checked in a subsequent iteration step. First, the beginning and end of a period of time ΔT (i + 1) following the period of time ΔT (i) are determined with t ₀ (i + 1) <t <t _e (i + 1). The beginning of the time period ΔT (i + 1) is set to the time t _{τ of} the test according to method step S24, the end of the time period ΔT (i + 1) is determined on the assumption that a realistic value for the frequency of use by the size " a N _s (i) "is given: to (i + 1) = t _τ te (i + 1) = to (i + 1) + 1 / [a N _s (i)] The method can then be carried out with method step S33 be continued.

In method step S30 it is checked whether the point in time t _{B of} the use in a

Time interval of the duration δt is at the end of the period ΔT (i), ie it is checked whether the condition t ₈ (i) - δt <t _B <t _Θ (i) is fulfilled. If so, the method continues with method step S31 (path +). If no, then proceed to step S32 (path -). The duration δt can be changed depending on the duration of the time period ΔT (i), for example in such a way that δt is always less than a certain fraction of the difference t _e (i) - t ₀ (i). In the course of the iteration, this leads to a dynamic adaptation of the method to changed conditions, for example if the frequency of use of the elevator varies greatly over time.

In step S31 it is assumed that the estimated value N _s (i) for the frequency of use specified in step S21 corresponds to the frequency of use of the elevator in real operation. This assumption is checked in the next iteration step. First, the beginning and end of a period of time ΔT (i + 1) following the period of time ΔT (i) are determined with t ₀ (i + 1) <t <t _e (i + 1). The beginning of the period ΔT (i + 1) is set to the time t _{B of} the last registered use in accordance with method step S22, the end of the period ΔT (i + 1) is determined on the assumption that a realistic value for the frequency of use is determined by the Great N _s (i) is given: t ₀ (i + 1) = t _B t _e (i + 1) = to (i + 1) + 1 / Ns (i) The method can then be continued with method step S33.

In method step S32, it is assumed that the estimated value N _s (i) for the frequency of use is too small compared to the frequency of use of the elevator in real operation. This assumption is checked in the next iteration step. First, the beginning and end of a period of time ΔT (i + 1) following the period of time ΔT (i) are determined with t ₀ (i + 1) <t <t _Θ (i + 1). The beginning of the period ΔT (i + 1) is set to the time t _{B of} the last registered use in accordance with method step S22, the end of the period ΔT (i + 1) is determined on the assumption that a realistic value for the frequency of use is determined by the Large "b N _s (i)" with b> 1 is given: to (i + 1) = t _B t _e (i + 1) = to (i + 1) + 1 / [b N _s (i)] The method can then be continued with method step S33.

In method step S33, the index i is increased by 1. Subsequently, the previous steps from step S21 are repeated.

With a suitable choice of the parameters δt, a and b, the quantity N _s (i) converges more or less quickly against the frequency of use of the elevator in real operation when the method steps S21 to S33 are used repeatedly. Rapid changes in the frequency of use as a function of time can be quickly recognized when the process steps S21-S32 are carried out. A test in accordance with method step S24 is only initiated if an expected next use is unexpectedly long (method step S22).

Another advantage of method B can be seen in the fact that processor P1 only has to take a small amount of data into account in each iteration step: During an iteration step, only three different points in time have to be taken into account (start and end of the period ΔT (i) according to method step S21 and the time t _{B of} the last use In addition, unlike method A, no statistical data for uses over long periods of time need to be recorded and stored, therefore less memory space is required to carry out method B (this relates to memories M12, M13, M22 and M23 In addition, the processor requires less computing time Method B can be organized in such a way that the test according to method step S24 is not carried out in a predetermined time interval, for example if elevator 1.1 is not used or is used only little, for example during one night.

Claims

claims

1. A method for automatically checking the availability of a technical device (1) in or on a building, the technical device (1) performing at least one repeatable process, which method comprises: at least one test of the technical device (1) is carried out, in which test at least one reaction (R) of the technical device (1) is registered and compared with a target reaction (R _s ), wherein if the technical device (1) is available, the reaction (R) with the target reaction (R _s ), characterized in that a measured value (N _m (i, t)) for the frequency of the sequence of the process is determined for a first period of time and the test is then carried out when the measured value (N _m (i, t) ) by a predetermined amount (N _s (i, t) - N _min (i, t), ΔN _S ) is less than a predetermined value, which is either equal to a first estimated value (N _s (i, t)) for the frequency the course of the operation for which he most period or equal to a second estimate (N _s (i, t + Δt)) for the frequency of the execution of the process for a second period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that if the reaction (R) does not match the target reaction (R _s ) - a predetermined information is communicated, for example to a monitoring center (50).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each reaction (R) and / or each process is registered by means of a registration of a change in a state of a drive (10.1, 10.2) and / or a power supply and / or a sensor and / or a light source of the technical device (1) and / or a registration of signals for controlling the technical device (1).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that a duration of a time interval is predetermined and a number of processes of the process, which are registered during the time interval, is determined and the measured value is calculated from the number and the duration.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that a number of processes of the process is predetermined and a duration of a time interval in which these processes are registered is determined and the measured value is calculated from the number and the duration.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the first estimate (N _s (i, t)) and the measured value (N _m (i, t)) for the first period (ΔT (i)) determined and the second estimate (N _s (i + 1, t)) for the second period (ΔT (i + 1)) is set to a value (i) equal to the first estimate if the first estimate and distinguish the measured value by no more than a predetermined amount or (ii) is less than the first estimated value if the measured value is more than the predetermined amount smaller than the first estimated value or (iii) larger than the first estimated value if the measured value is greater than the first estimate by more than the predetermined amount.

7. Device (30, 30.1, 30.2) for automatically checking the availability of a technical device (1) in or on a building, which technical device (1) comprises a controller (15.1, 15.2) and carries out at least one repeatable process, which device (30, 30.1, 30.2) comprises: a command generator (P1, P2) with which a predetermined command for executing at least one test of the technical device (1) can be given to the controller (15.1, 15.2), the test being selected in this way is that if the technical device (1) is available, a target reaction (R _s ) of the device (1) can be registered, a registration device (21.x, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1) for registering a the command following reaction (R) of the technical device (1) and a device for comparing the reaction (R) with the target reaction (R _s ), characterized in that the device comprises: a device (P1, M12; P2, M 22) for determining and / or storing a first estimated value (N _s (i, t)) for the frequency of the execution of the process for a first period and / or for determining and / or storing a second Estimated value (N _s (i, t + Δt)) for the frequency of the procedure for a second period of time, a measuring device (P1, M13; P2, M23) for determining a measured value (N _m (i, t)) for the Frequency of execution of the process for the first period of time, and a control device (M11, M21) for controlling the command generator (P1, P2) such that the command is given when the measured value (N _m (i, t)) is a predetermined one Mass (N _s (i, t) - N _min (i, t), ΔN _S ) is less than one of the estimated values (N _s (i, t), N _s (i, t + Δt)).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the registration device and / or the measuring device comprises: a device (21.1, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1) for registering a change in a state of a drive (10.1, 10.2) and / or a power supply and / or a sensor and / or a light source and / or a status display of the technical device (1) and / or a device (27.1, 27.2) for registering signals for controlling the technical device (1).

9. Device according to one of claims 7-8, characterized in that a communication link (43) is provided for transmitting predetermined information to a monitoring center (50) in the event that the reaction does not match the target reaction