EP1720789B1 - Method and device for automatically testing the availability of an elevator - Google Patents

Description

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 the building, a number of (building) technical facilities are usually installed that carry out at least one repeatable process several times in normal operation in order to satisfy the various needs of users of the respective building, for example elevators, alarm and reporting systems to ward off dangers due to break-ins 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 journey of a car is a repeatable process in this sense. Likewise, repeatable processes can be defined for other technical facilities.

It is in the interest of a user of a building that all the technical equipment of the building is in a state that guarantees him the highest possible degree of availability. Since malfunctions can impair the availability of the technical equipment and possibly cause a reduction in comfort or even pose a security risk, it is of interest that malfunctions in the respective technical equipment are recognized as early as possible and their causes are determined.

In order to avoid interruptions in operation as much as possible, technical equipment may be subject to maintenance more or less frequently. A part of maintenance is usually the implementation of a diagnosis, by means of which it is determined whether the technical device fulfills all the intended functions as expected during operation. A test of the technical device is often carried out as part of such a diagnosis. A suitable command can be given to a controller of the technical device 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 causes, provided that the technical device behaves as intended in accordance with its specification. Show the Diagnosis of a difference between the target reaction and the reaction actually registered following the command, this indicates a malfunction.

Technical facilities in buildings can according to EP 1378477 A1 be controlled with a monitoring system in that certain status information of the controls of the technical equipment to be monitored is transmitted 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, impairment of the availability of the technical device is not recognized immediately or only after a delay.

U.S. 4,568,909 describes a system for remote monitoring of an elevator installation. With this system, selected parameters are to be monitored and their statuses assessed in order to assess the performance of the elevator system and to recognize whether defined alarm statuses exist. A signal processor receives and stores values of measured parameters and compares them with previous values of the parameters to determine whether any of these parameters has changed state. If so, the current value of the changed parameter is tested in conjunction with the current values of the other parameters in order to detect an alarm situation.

The present invention addresses the disadvantages mentioned. The invention is based on the object of creating a method for automatically checking the availability of a technical device which is suitable for determining an impairment of the availability of the technical device during any period of time as quickly and reliably as possible, in particular during normal operation. Furthermore, the invention is intended to provide a device which is suitable for carrying out such a method.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 7. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention 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 implemented in that at least one test of the technical device is carried out under certain conditions, in which test at least one reaction of the technical device is registered and compared with a target reaction. In one step of the method, a measured value is determined for the frequency of the course of the process for a first period of time. The test is only carried out if the measured value is lower by a predetermined amount than a predetermined value, which is either equal to a first estimated value for the frequency of the course of the process for the first period of time or equal to a second The estimate of the frequency with which the task expires is set for a second period of time. If the registered reaction matches the target reaction, it can be assumed that the technical facility is available. If the registered reaction does not match the target reaction, it can be assumed that the technical facility 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 setpoint values.

In this context, the term “frequency of the course of the process” should be understood to mean any quantitative measure that characterizes how often the process can be registered in a certain period of time. Alternatively, it is also possible to derive the stated frequency from a length of a time interval that extends from a specified point in time to a point in time at which the process is observed again, the stated frequency being determined as the reciprocal value of the time interval could be.

• wenn die im Betrieb gemessene Häufigkeit des Vorgangs in einem bestimmten Zeitraum geringer ist als erwartet (in diesem Fall könnte ein Betriebsstörung vorliegen) oder
• wenn, ausgehend von einem bestimmten ersten Zeitraum, ein Anstieg der Häufigkeit des Vorgangs in einem zweiten (späteren) Zeitraum um ein vorgegebenes Mass erwartet wird (in diesem Fall wird vor dem erwarteten Anstieg der Häufigkeit des Vorgangs überprüft, ob die technische Einrichtung verfügbar ist, um gegebenenfalls - falls die technische Einrichtung nicht verfügbar sein sollte - rechtzeitig vor dem Anstieg mittels geeigneter Massnahmen die Verfügbarkeit der technischen Einrichtung wiederherstellen zu können).

The invention assumes 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 only seen in exceptional cases in two cases:

• if the frequency of the process measured in the company 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 period, an increase in the frequency of the process is expected in a second (later) period by a predetermined amount (in this case, before the expected increase in the frequency of the process, a check is made to determine whether the technical facility is available, in order to be able to restore the availability of the technical facility in good time before the ascent by means of suitable measures if the technical facility is not available).

An estimated value for the frequency of the sequence 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 of the process begins before this period. In a further step, based on plausible assumptions with regard to a future development of the frequency of the course of the process from the times already registered, it can be determined which frequency of the course of the process can be expected for the predetermined period of time. In this context, this expected frequency should be regarded as the estimate given above.

The frequency of the course 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 applicable, the expected behavior the user of the building and the influence of the users on the frequency of the operation. Within the scope of the invention, a usage model can be suitably selected depending on the situation.

1. (i) gleich dem ersten Schätzwert ist, falls sich der erste Schätzwert und der Messwert um nicht mehr als einen vorgegebenen Betrag unterscheiden oder
2. (ii) kleiner als der erste Schätzwert ist, falls der Messwert um mehr als der vorgegebene Betrag kleiner ist als der erste Schätzwert oder
3. (iii) grösser als der erste Schätzwert ist, falls der Messwert um mehr als der vorgegebene Betrag grösser ist als der erste Schätzwert.

One embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the following method steps: a first estimated value for the frequency of the course of the process and a measured value for the frequency of the course of the process are each determined for a first period and a second estimated value for the frequency of the course of the process for a second period following the first period is set to a value that

1. (i) is equal to the first estimated value if the first estimated value and the measured value do not differ by more than a predetermined amount, or
2. (ii) is smaller than the first estimated value if the measured value is smaller than the first estimated value by more than the predetermined amount or
3. (iii) is greater than the first estimated value if the measured value is greater than the first estimated value by more than the specified amount.

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 be determined for the second time period. Subsequently, 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. The above steps (i), (ii) and (iii) can be implemented, for example, in the form of a mathematical function that assigns an estimated value and a measured value for the frequency of the course of the process for a given period of time to an estimated value for a later period of time. Such a mathematical function can be suitably selected according to various criteria for the purposes of the method according to the invention. On the one hand, the mathematical function defines a rule as to how an estimated value required when carrying out the method for the frequency of the course of the process is to be calculated from measured values for the frequency of the course of the process. The iteration of the above-mentioned 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 certain point in time while the method is being carried out is successively calculated from measured values for the frequency of the operation using the mathematical function that were determined at an earlier point in time. Since the measured values for the frequency of the course of the process can change over time during the operation of the technical device, the estimated values for the frequency of the course of the process determined by means of 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 course of the process are therefore continuously adapted as a function of measured values for the frequency of the course of the process. This adaptation helps to keep the number of tests as low as possible while the method is being carried out.

• einen Befehlsgeber, mit dem an eine Steuerung der technischen Einrichtung ein vorgegebener Befehl zum Ausführen mindestens eines Tests der technischen Einrichtung gegeben werden kann, wobei der Test so gewählt ist, dass bei Verfügbarkeit der technischen Einrichtung eine Soll-Reaktion der technischen Einrichtung registrierbar ist,
• eine Registrierungsvorrichtung zur Registrierung einer auf den Befehl folgenden Reaktion der technischen Einrichtung und
• eine Vorrichtung zum Vergleichen der Reaktion mit der Soll-Reaktion
• eine Einrichtung zur Ermittlung und/oder Speicherung eines ersten Schätzwerts für die Häufigkeit des Ablaufs des Vorgangs für einen ersten Zeitraum und/oder zur Ermittlung und/oder Speicherung eines zweiten Schätzwerts für die Häufigkeit des Ablaufs des Vorgangs für einen zweiten Zeitraum,
• eine Messvorrichtung zur Ermittlung eines Messwerts für die Häufigkeit des Ablaufs des Vorgangs für den ersten Zeitraum, und
• eine Steuervorrichtung zum Steuern des Befehlsgebers derart, dass der Befehl gegeben wird, wenn der Messwert um ein vorgegebenes Mass geringer ist als einer der Schätzwerte.

In order to carry out the described method 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 predetermined 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 so that, if the technical device is available, a target reaction of the technical device can be registered,
• a registration device for registering a reaction of the technical device following the command and
• a device for comparing the reaction with the desired reaction
• a device for determining and / or storing a first estimated value for the frequency of the course of the process for a first period and / or for determining and / or storing a second estimated value for the frequency of the course of the process for a second period of time,
• a measuring device for determining a measured value for the frequency of the course of the process for the first period of time, 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 facility in or on the building and can be equipped via a communication link to transmit 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 link to the monitoring center, for example via a wired or wireless telephone or data network. If the situation arises that the technical facility is not available, a remedy can be automatically provided in this way. In this way, a technical device can be permanently monitored from a monitoring center without a permanent communication link having to be established between the technical device and the monitoring center.

• Der Zeitpunkt für einen Test wird abgeleitet aus Beobachtungen während des Betriebs der technischen Einrichtung. Anzeichen für Betriebsstörungen werden deshalb schnell erkannt. Auf diese Weise kann erreicht werden, dass die Zahl der Tests gering gehalten wird.
• Die genannten Schätzwerte können aus Messwerten bestimmt werden. Die Schätzwerte können deshalb während des Betriebs der technischen Einrichtung ständig angepasst werden, um geänderten Bedingungen Rechnung zu tragen. Das Verfahren kann so durchgeführt werden, dass die Schätzwerte im Betrieb kontinuierlich angepasst werden. Diese Anpassung trägt ebenfalls dazu bei, dass die Zahl der Tests gering gehalten werden kann.
• Die erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung kann in der Regel ohne Schwierigkeiten in bzw. an einem Gebäude nachgerüstet werden. Letzteres wird durch den Umstand begünstigt, dass Steuerungen technischer Einrichtungen in der Regel über geeignete Schnittstellen verfügen, über die geeignete Befehle zur Ausführung eines Tests der technischen Einrichtung an die Steuerung übermittelt werden können, und dass die von der technischen Einrichtung ausgeführten Vorgänge und Reaktionen der technischen Einrichtung in der Regel mit einfachen messtechnischen Mitteln registriert werden können, beispielsweise mittels einer Registrierung einer Änderung eines Zustands eines Antriebs und/oder einer Stromversorgung und/oder eines Sensors und/oder einer Lichtquelle und/oder einer Statusanzeige der technischen Einrichtung oder einer Registrierung von Signalen zur Steuerung der technischen Einrichtung.

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

• The point in time for a test is derived from observations made during the operation of the technical facility. Signs of malfunctions are therefore quickly recognized. In this way it can be achieved that the number of tests is kept low.
• The mentioned estimated values can be determined from measured values. The estimated values can therefore be continuously adjusted during the operation of the technical facility in order to take changed conditions into account. The method can be carried out in such a way that the estimated values are continuously adapted during operation. This adaptation 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 usually have suitable interfaces via which suitable commands for executing a test of the technical device can be transmitted to the controller, and that the processes and reactions carried out by the technical device of the technical Device can usually be registered with simple metrological 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.

In the following, an elevator installation with at least one elevator is considered as a representative example of a technical device in or on a building in order to illustrate the above concept. Use of the elevator is regarded as a "repeatable process" in the context of the invention. In this context, use is to be understood as any service of the elevator 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", i.e. the number of times the elevator is used per unit of time, can be considered as a measure of the "frequency of the course of the process" within the meaning of the invention.

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 show, for example, that the frequency of use follows certain trends, as expected, depending on a number of measurable variables, 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, holidays, weather, etc.). Such a statistical analysis usually leads to plausible assumptions with regard to the development of the frequency of use over time if the uses during a sequence of time intervals are subject to framework conditions which are more or less the same for each time interval. Under this prerequisite, the temporal course of the frequency of use should be essentially the same for each time interval, so that characteristic temporal fluctuations in the frequency of use occur in one of the Repeat time intervals in the following time interval in essentially the same manner. 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 the frequency of use over time in one or more of the preceding time intervals. The latter can lead to the course of the frequency of use showing recognizable trends over a majority of the time intervals. In addition, events that can be planned can influence the course of the frequency of use. 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 at the end of such events and then decrease again, the extent of the increase depending on the number of people participating.

A command for carrying out 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 with 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 landing door of the elevator system and / or opening and closing a car door and / or moving a car from a predetermined floor to another predetermined floor. Such processes can be detected relatively easily by means of sensors that are already present in conventional elevator systems.

The invention is particularly applicable to checking the availability of technical equipment 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, etc., provided that these facilities carry out at least one repeatable process.

In the case of a heating system, a heating element (for example a burner) gives off certain amounts of thermal energy with interruptions in time. In this example, for example, an activation of the heating element (for example a burning process of a burner) or the control of a pump for hot water or the control of a valve for regulating a hot water flow 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 estimated values. 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 (for example, if the last activation of the heating element was an unexpectedly long period of 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 in a suitable manner in order 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 regulating valve or an actuator is brought into different positions as required. Activation of the drive motor or actuation of the valve or the generation of a control signal for controlling the drive motor or the valve or the actuator can be viewed as a repeatable process within the meaning of the invention. As a test of the devices mentioned, for example, a target value (temperature, humidity) that is to be implemented by the respective device could be changed and it could be checked whether the said process is repeated after the change or whether a control of the device reacts as expected .

In the case of communication systems (for example telephones, networks for data transmission), specific 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 viewed as a repeatable process within the meaning 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 field of information systems which reproduce information on request from users. 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 viewed here as a repeatable process within the meaning of the invention Multimedia data by means of a corresponding playback device. As a test of the respective information system, for example, a simulation of a request for specific 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 usually have the task of generating a message (for example by sending certain information to a certain address or to a certain addressee) or a message under certain conditions (for example in the event of fire, smoke, break-ins or water ingress) Generate alarm. The generation of a message or the triggering of an alarm or the metrological recording of the variables monitored by the reporting or alarm system (for example, the detection of a fire by means of a temperature or thermal radiation measurement, the measurement, can be viewed as a repeatable process in the sense of the invention changes in the state of motion detectors for the detection of intrusions, the measurement of a liquid level in rooms or smoke detection). As a test of the respective reporting or alarm system, for example, a simulation of conditions that force the reporting or alarm system to generate a predetermined message or to generate a predetermined alarm can be performed, for example by means of suitable control signals that are sent to a control unit of the Message or alarm system can be sent.

In 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 viewed as a repeatable process within the meaning of the invention. As a test of the lighting system, for example, the light sources of the system can be switched on on a trial basis (by activating appropriate switches) or the light intensity of light sources can be varied (for example by activating 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, for example printers, photocopiers or scanners, usually carry out individual orders, which are processed manually or can be initiated by a controller, for example printing, copying or. Scan jobs. The processing of an order can be viewed as a repeatable process within the meaning of the invention. As a test of the respective device, a command for processing a specified job can be given to a controller of the device by means of an automatic control. You can then check whether the device is executing the order as expected.

Systems for data recording (e.g. systems for recording working hours or the presence of people) or systems for access control in buildings must record certain information from time to time (e.g. reading personal data from data carriers, recording biometric data, recording image information) and possibly evaluate. In this case, the acquisition and processing of information can be viewed as a repeatable process within the meaning 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. You can then check whether the system is processing the test information as expected.

Fig. 1

eine Aufzugsanlage mit zwei Aufzügen und einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum automatischen Überprüfen der Verfügbarkeit der Aufzugsanlage;

Fig. 2

die erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung gemäss Fig. 1 im Detail;

Fig. 3

ein Verlauf von Schätzwerten und Messwerten für eine Benutzungsfrequenz eines Aufzugs als Funktion der Zeit für verschiedene Zeiträume;

Fig. 4

Flussdiagramm für eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens, welches anwendbar ist auf die Schätzwerte bzw. Messwerte gemäss Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

Flussdiagramm für eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens.

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

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

the inventive device according to Fig. 1 in detail;

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

Flow diagram for an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which can be applied to the estimated values or measured values according to FIG Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

Flow chart for a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

The Fig. 1 shows an elevator system 1 with two elevators 1.1 and 1.2 of the same design 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 and 2.2 is provided for each of the elevators 1.1 and 1.2. On each floor 3.x there are two shaft doors 4. x (x = 1-6).

The elevator 1.1 comprises: a car 5.1 with a car door 6.1 on a side facing the floors 3.x, a counterweight 7.1, a support means 8.1 for the car 5.1 and the counterweight 7.1, a drive 10.1 with a drive pulley for the support means 8.1 and a Elevator control 15.1. The car 5.1 and the counterweight 7.1 are each connected to one another via the suspension element 8.1, the suspension element 8.1 wrapping around the drive pulley of the drive 10.1. Activation of the drive 10.1 causes a rotation of the traction sheave and thus a counter-rotating 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 controller 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 support means 8.2 for the car 5.2 and the counterweight 7.2, a drive 10.2 with a drive pulley for the support means 8.2 and a Elevator control 15.2. The car 5.2 and the counterweight 7.2 are each connected to one another via the suspension element 8.2, the suspension element 8.2 wrapping around the drive pulley of the drive 10.2. Activation of the drive 10.2 causes the traction sheave to rotate and thus an upward or downward movement of the car 5.2 and the counterweight 7.2 in opposite directions. 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.
The elevators 1.1 and 1.2 can each be controlled independently of one another by the elevator controller 15.1 or 15.2. 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.

• Einrichtungen 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6 zur Überwachung und zur Registrierung einer Betätigung der Schachttüren 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6,
• Einrichtungen 22.1 bzw. 22.2 zur Überwachung der Kabinentüren 6.1 bzw. 6.2 und zur Registrierung einer Betätigung der Kabinentüren 6.1 bzw. 6.2,
• eine im Schacht 2.1 angeordnete Codierung 23.1 für eine Position der Kabine 5.1 und eine an der Kabine 5.1 angeordnete Einrichtung 24.1 zum Lesen der Codierung 23.1 und zur Erfassung der Position der Kabine 5.1,
• eine im Schacht 2.2 angeordnete Codierung 23.2 für eine Position der Kabine 5.2 und eine an der Kabine 5.2 angeordnete Einrichtung 24.2 zum Lesen der Codierung 23.2 und zur Erfassung der Position der Kabine 5.2,
• Einrichtungen 25.1 bzw. 25.2 zur Registrierung eines Zustands des Antriebs 10.1 bzw. 10.2 und zur Registrierung einer Änderung eines Zustands des Antriebs 10.1 bzw. 10.2 (ein Zustand eines Antriebs kann beispielsweise durch einen Stromfluss im jeweiligen Antrieb oder eine Geschwindigkeit oder eine Beschleunigung von Komponenten, die bei einer Aktivierung des jeweiligen Antriebs bewegt werden, charakterisiert werden),
• Einrichtungen 26.1 bzw. 26.2 zum Registrieren einer Betätigung einer Bremse des Aufzugs 1.1 bzw. 1.2,
• Einrichtungen 27.1 bzw. 27.2 zum Registrieren von Signalen der Aufzugssteuerung 15.1 bzw. 15.2 (zur Steuerung der Aufzugsanlage),
• Einrichtungen 28.1 bzw. 28.2 um Registrieren von Personen im Umfeld der Aufzugsanlage 1 bzw. der Aufzüge 1.1 und 1.2 (beispielsweise Bewegungsmelder, Kameras, Lichtschranken etc.).

The elevator system 1 has - as in the Fig. 1 and 2 is indicated - via a number of devices that are intended to record various operating states of 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 registering an actuation of the landing doors 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6,
• Devices 22.1 or 22.2 for monitoring the car doors 6.1 or 6.2 and for registering an actuation of the car doors 6.1 or 6.2,
• a coding 23.1 arranged in the shaft 2.1 for a position of the car 5.1 and a device 24.1 arranged on the car 5.1 for reading the coding 23.1 and for detecting the position of the car 5.1,
• a coding 23.2 arranged in the shaft 2.2 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 or 25.2 for registering a state of the drive 10.1 or 10.2 and for registering a change in a state of the drive 10.1 or 10.2 (a state of a drive can for example be caused by a current flow in the respective drive or a speed or 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 system),
• Devices 28.1 and 28.2 to register 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, at least one of the doors is usually 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 generated by one of the elevator controls 15.1 or 15.2. In addition, there is a use usually the presence of at least one person in the vicinity of the elevator system 1.

When using one of the elevators 1.1 or 1.2, therefore, changes in operating conditions usually occur that are associated 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 status. Use of one of the elevators 1.1 or 1.2 can accordingly be registered with the aid of one of the above-mentioned devices. The signals from these devices can be detected by the elevator controls 15.1 or 15.2 via communication links 17.1 or 17.2, as in FIG Fig. 2 is indicated.

Fig. 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 essentially constructed in the same way.

• eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle 31.1 für eine Kommunikation mit den Einrichtungen 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1 über eine Kommunikationsverbindung 41.1,
• eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle 32.1 für eine Kommunikation mit der Aufzugssteuerung 15.1,
• einen Speicher M11 für ein Programm zum Überprüfen der Verfügbarkeit des Aufzugs 1.1 (im Folgenden "P1.1" genannt),
• einen Speicher M12 für Schätzwerte für eine Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.1,
• einen Speicher M13 für Messwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.1,
• einen Speicher M14 für Daten.

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.

1. a) Unter der Kontrolle des Programms P1.1 kann der Prozessor P1 Signale der Einrichtungen 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1 auswerten.
2. b) Die Auswertung der Signale gemäss a) ermöglicht die Registrierung von Benutzungen des Aufzugs 1.1 und die Ermittlung von Messwerten für die Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.1. Der Prozessor P1 bildet demnach zusammen mit mindestens einer der Einrichtungen gemäss a) und dem Speicher M11 eine Messvorrichtung für die Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.1. Die Messwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz können als Funktion der Zeit registriert werden. Die Messwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz können im Speicher M13 abgelegt werden.
3. c) Unter der Kontrolle des Programms P1.1 kann der Prozessor P1 Befehle geben, die über die Kommunikationsverbindung 42.1 an die Aufzugssteuerung 15.1 übermittelt werden, beispielsweise einen Befehl zum Ausführen eines Tests des Aufzugs 1.1. Der Prozessor P1 bildet demnach zusammen mit dem Speicher M11 einen Befehlsgeber für die Aufzugssteuerung 15.1.
4. d) Unter der Kontrolle des Programms P1.1 kann der Prozessor P1 die Signale der Einrichtungen 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1 registrieren und auswerten, die unmittelbar auf den jeweiligen Befehl gemäss c) folgen. Die Signale charakterisieren eine Reaktion des Aufzugs 1.1 auf den jeweiligen Befehl. Der Prozessor P1 bildet demnach zusammen mit mindestens einer der vorstehend genannten Einrichtungen und dem Speicher M11 eine Registrierungsvorrichtung für Reaktionen des Aufzugs 1.1.
5. e) Im Speicher M14 können beispielsweise Daten gespeichert werden, die alle möglichen Soll-Reaktionen des Aufzugs 1.1 spezifizieren und jeweils den Befehlen zugeordnet sind, die an die Aufzugssteuerung gegeben werden können und die jeweiligen Soll-Reaktionen hervorrufen. Unter der Kontrolle des Programms P1.1 kann der Prozessor P1 für den gemäss d) an die Aufzugssteuerung gegebenen Befehl die entsprechende Soll-Reaktion ermitteln und eine gemäss d) registrierte Reaktion vergleichen mit der Soll-Reaktion. Der Prozessor P1 bildet demnach zusammen mit den Speichern M11 und M14 eine Einrichtung zum Vergleichen einer Reaktion mit einer Soll-Reaktion.
6. f) Im Speicher M12 können Schätzwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.1 abgelegt werden. Schätzwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz für einen bestimmten Zeitraum können unter Kontrolle des Programms P1.1 beispielsweise aus Messwerten für die Benutzungsfrequenz nach Verfahren bestimmt werden, die im Folgenden erläutert werden. Zur Bestimmung von Schätzwerten für die Benutzungsfrequenz können auch Signale der Einrichtungen 28.1 bzw. 28.2 herangezogen werden. Signale dieser Einrichtungen geben Auskunft über die Anzahl von Personen, die sich der Aufzugsanlage nähern oder sich von der Aufzugsanlage entfernen oder sich in einem Bereich an der Aufzugsanlage aufhalten. Ändert sich Anzahl der von den Einrichtungen 28.1 bzw. 28.2 registrierten Personen, so ist zu erwarten, dass sich im Verlauf der Zeit auch die Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs ändern wird. Registrieren die Einrichtungen 28.1 bzw. 28.2 eine bestimmte Anzahl von Personen, die sich der Aufzugsanlage 1 nähern, so ist zu erwarten, dass die Benutzungsfrequenz ansteigen wird. Ist in diesem Fall beispielsweise ein Messwert für die Benutzungsfrequenz für einen ersten Zeitraum bekannt, so kann ein Schätzwert der Benutzungsfrequenz für einen späteren Zeitraum aus dem Messwert und der Anzahl der registrierten Personen berechnet werden. Die Anzahl der registrierten Personen legt in diesem Fall eine obere Grenze für die Benutzungsfrequenz im zweiten Zeitraum fest.
7. g) Unter der Kontrolle des Programms P1.1 kann der Prozessor P1 Schätzwerte und Messwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz vergleichen und in Abhängigkeit von einem Ergebnis des Vergleichs entscheiden, ob und gegebenenfalls wann ein Befehl zum Ausführen eines Tests des Aufzugs 1.1 gemäss c) gegeben werden soll.

The program P1.1 can run under the control of the processor P1. The program P1.1 controls various processes:

1. 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.
2. 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 thus 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 memory M13.
3. 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, together with the memory M11, therefore forms a command generator for the elevator control 15.1.
4. 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 are directly related to the respective Follow the command according to c). The signals characterize a reaction of the elevator 1.1 to the respective command. The processor P1, together with at least one of the aforementioned devices and the memory M11, accordingly forms a registration device for reactions of the elevator 1.1.
5. e) In the memory M14, for example, data can be stored which specify all possible target reactions of the elevator 1.1 and are each 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 nominal reaction for the command given to the elevator control according to d) and compare a reaction registered according to d) with the nominal reaction. The processor P1, together with the memories M11 and M14, accordingly forms a device for comparing a reaction with a desired reaction.
6. f) Estimated values for the frequency of use of the elevator 1.1 can be stored in the memory M12. Estimated values for the frequency of use for a certain period of time can be determined under the control of the program P1.1, for example from measured values for the frequency of use, according to methods that are explained below. Signals from devices 28.1 and 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 leaving the elevator system move away or stay in an area of the elevator system. If the number of persons registered by the devices 28.1 or 28.2 changes, it is to be expected that the frequency of use of the elevator will also change over the course of time. If the devices 28.1 or 28.2 register a certain number of people who are approaching the elevator installation 1, it is to be expected that the frequency of use will increase. If in this case, for example, a measured value for the frequency of use is known for a first period, an estimated value 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.
7. 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, depending on a result of the comparison, decide whether and, if so, when a command to carry out a test of the elevator 1.1 according to c) should be given .

• eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle 31.2 für eine Kommunikation mit den Einrichtungen 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 22.2, 24.2, 25.2, 26.2, 27.2, 28.2 über eine Kommunikationsverbindung 41.2,
• eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle 32.2 für eine Kommunikation mit der Aufzugssteuerung 15.2,
• einen Speicher M21 für ein Programm zum Überprüfen der Verfügbarkeit des Aufzugs 1.2 (im Folgenden " Programm P1.2 " genannt),
• einen Speicher M22 für Schätzwerte für eine Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.2 ,
• einen Speicher M23 für Messwerte für die Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.2,
• einen Speicher M24 für Daten.

Analogous to the structure of the device 30.1, the device 30.2 comprises a processor P2 and various components with which the processor P2 can exchange data during operation:

• a communication interface 31.2 for communication with the 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 referred to as "program P1.2"),
• 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 under the control of the processor P2
expire. The program P1.1 and the program P1.2 are equivalent. The statements on program P1.1 according to 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 functions of the memories M11, M12, M13, M14.

The processors P1 and P2 can be connected to one another via a communication link 35, as in FIG Fig. 2 is indicated. Data can be exchanged between the processors P1 and P2 via the communication link 35. This is useful if elevators 1.1 and 1.2 are operated as an elevator group with a 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 carrying out a test to the elevator control 15.1 or 15.2: for example a car call, a floor call and / or a travel command. Correspondingly, different target reactions of the elevator 1.1 or 1.2 are taken into account: opening and closing a shaft door of the elevator system and / or opening and closing a car door and / or moving a car from a predetermined floor to another predetermined floor.

As in Fig. 2 is indicated, the 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 out.

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

Procedure A.

Method A is explained with the aid of an example for an automatic check of the availability of the elevator 1.1 with the aid of the device 30.1.

• Es wird davon ausgegangen, dass der Aufzug 1.1 in einer Folge von aufeinander folgenden Zeiträumen ΔT(i) mit jeweils gleicher Dauer t_e(i)-t₀(i) benutzt wird. Der Index i (i≥1) kennzeichnet die jeweiligen Zeitintervalle, t₀(i) bezeichnet den Zeitpunkt des Beginns des Zeitraums AT(i) und t_e(i) bezeichnet den Zeitpunkt des Endes des Zeitraums ΔT(i).
• Es wird angenommen, dass alle Benutzungen unter Bedingungen stattfinden, die sich nach Beginn jedes einzelnen der Zeiträume AT(i) auf ähnliche Weise wiederholen. Unter dieser Voraussetzung ist zu erwarten, dass eine Benutzungsfrequenz des Aufzugs 1.1 in jedem der Zeiträume ΔT(i) - abgesehen von statistischen Schwankungen - denselben zeitlichen Verlauf (bezogen auf den Beginn des jeweiligen Zeitraums) zeigt. Der Einfachheit halber wird angenommen, dass das Ende eines Zeitraums mit dem Beginn des unmittelbar folgenden Zeitraums zusammenfällt, d.h. t_e(i) = t₀(i+1).

With regard to the uses of the elevator 1.1, a usage model is assumed that 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) each with the same duration t _e (i) -t ₀ (i). The index i (i≥1) denotes the respective time intervals, t ₀ (i) denotes the point in time at the beginning of the period AT (i) and t _e (i) denotes the point in time at the end of the period ΔT (i).
• It is assumed that all uses take place under conditions which repeat in a similar manner after the beginning of each one of the time periods AT (i). Given this prerequisite, it is to be expected that a frequency of use of the elevator 1.1 in each of the time periods ΔT (i) - apart from statistical fluctuations - shows the same course over time (based on the beginning of the respective period). For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the end of a period coincides with the start 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 consecutive days - due to opening times, the habits of the visitors, etc. - according to the same regularities as a function of time. The number of users may still be subject to fluctuations from day to day 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 previous 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 time period ΔT (i = 1). The index identifies 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.

mit d= (t _e (i) - t₀(i))/m und j=1,..,m.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 subdivided into a predetermined number of, for example, m sub-intervals δT (i, j) of equal length d, where δT (i, j) is defined as a period $$\mathrm{\delta }\mathrm{T}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{j}\right):{\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}\right)+\left(\mathrm{j}-1\right)\mathrm{d}\le \mathrm{t}\le {\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}\right)+\mathrm{j}\mathrm{d}$$

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

für t₀(i) + (j-1) d ≤t ≤ t₀(i) + j dN (i, j) denotes the number of uses that are registered in the sub-interval δT (i, j). The measured value N _m (i, t) for the frequency of use is now defined according to $${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{m}}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{t}\right)=\mathrm{N}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{j}\right)/\mathrm{d}$$

for t ₀ (i) + (j-1) d ≤t ≤ t ₀ (i) + jd

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

Method A provides for an estimated value N _S (i, t) for the frequency of use for a certain 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.

wobei Δ(i) = t₀(i+1) - t₀(i) die Zeitspanne zwischen dem Beginn des Zeitraums ΔT(i+1) und dem Beginn des Zeitraums ΔT(i) angibt. Im vorliegenden Fall wird t₀(i+1) = t_e(i) angenommen, d.h. Δ(i) = t_e(i) - t₀(i) = t_e(i+1) - t₀(i+1) entspricht der Dauer der Zeiträume ΔT(i) bzw. ΔT(i+1).Estimated values N _S can for example be determined iteratively according to the recursion formula (based on i = 1): $${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S.}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1,\mathrm{t}\right)={\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S.}}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{t}-\mathrm{\Delta }\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right)+\left[{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{m}}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{t}-\mathrm{\Delta }\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right)-{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S.}}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{t}-\mathrm{\Delta }\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right)\right]/\mathrm{\lambda }=\mathrm{F.}\left(\mathrm{i},\mathrm{t},\mathrm{\lambda }\right)$$

where Δ (i) = t ₀ (i + 1) - t ₀ (i) indicates the time span between the beginning of the time period ΔT (i + 1) and the beginning of the time 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 _e (i + 1) - t ₀ (i + 1) corresponds to the duration of the periods of time ΔT (i) or ΔT (i +) 1).

The left side of the recursion formula defines estimated values of the frequency of use as a function of time for the time period ΔT (i + 1). The right-hand side takes into account estimated values and measured values for the frequency of use as a function of time for the period of time ΔT (i). The term Δ (i) on the right-hand 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. by Δ (i) , is postponed and that the procedure is based on the assumption that the frequency of use should have a similar course as a function of time in all periods - with reference to the beginning of the respective period (apart from statistical fluctuations that can occur over several consecutive periods ).

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 frequency of use measured for a period of time ΔT (i) is equal to the estimated value for the frequency of use for the following period of time ΔT (i + 1). In the limit λ → ∞, however, it follows that 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 would be independent of the index i, ie identical for all time 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) compared to estimated values of the frequency of use for the time periods ΔT (k) k ≤i influences the estimated value for the frequency of use N _S (i + 1, t) for the following time period ΔT (i + 1).

In other words: Using an iteration according to the recursion formula F (i, t, λ), the estimated values for the frequency of use for consecutive periods of time can be adapted to current trends that change in the time dependency of the measured values for the frequency of use over several consecutive periods of time Show ΔT (k) with k ≤i.

The above iteration can be started with starting values for N _S (i = 1, t), which can be chosen as desired. With a repeated application of the iteration according to the function N _S (i + 1, t) = F (i, t, λ), the estimated values calculated in this way for the frequency of use converge more or less quickly to realistic values that correspond to a statistical expected value for the frequency of use correspond 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 on the basis of the method A during the operation of the elevator 1.1. 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 on the use of the elevator 1.1.

The above parameter λ can additionally be optimized according to the criterion that the device 30.1 gives as few commands as possible for carrying out a test of the elevator 1.1 during operation on the basis of method A. It goes without saying that instead of the iteration according to the function N _S (i + 1, t) = F (i, t, λ), other statistical methods can also be used in order to obtain realistic estimated values for the frequency of use.

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

The diagrams represent 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. These data are recorded, managed and analyzed during the execution of the P1.1 program.

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 _min (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 _min (i + 1, t) for the frequency of use.

The time axes of the diagrams are divided into 24 hours. 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 in the time between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. According to the course of the curves N _S (i, t) and N _S ( i + 1, t) between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the morning, at noon and in the evening, temporary peak values of the frequency of use are expected.

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 p.m. during the period AT (i) Fig. 3 it is assumed that the measured values N _m just above 3 p.m. assume the value 0. In the time between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., measured values for N _m have accordingly been recorded, but no use of the elevator 1.1 has been registered. _{No measured values N m} have yet been recorded for the time from 4 p.m. in the period ΔT (i).

Fig. 4 represents the steps of method A in the form of a flowchart with method steps S1-12.

The device 30.1 is initialized in method step S1: 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 sequence of program P1.1 is started. Then continue with S2.

In method step S2, the period of time ΔT (i) is set with t ₀ (i) t t _e (i), 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 time 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 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) stored in memory M13. From the measured values N _m (i, t) and estimated values N _S (k, t) with k i, estimated values N _S (i + 1, t) can be calculated, 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 time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i) t t _e (i) has been reached. If so, the process continues with step S6 (path +). If not, the process continues with step S4 (path -).

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

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 in FIG Fig. 3 is indicated. 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 method step S8 is continued (path +). If not, method step S4 is continued (path -).

In method step S8, a command to carry out a test of the elevator 1.1 is given to the elevator control 15.1 (at time t _T ). It is then continued with method step S9.

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

Subsequently, in method step S10, the reaction R is compared with a target reaction R _S. If the reaction R agrees 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 agree with 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 proceedings are then interrupted. When the elevator 1.1 is available again, 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 time period Δt, ie (Nm (t) <N _S (t +) Δt) - ΔN _S ). If an increase of more than ΔN _{S is} expected, a command to carry out 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 in Fig. 3 is indicated, a command to carry out 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 _T (1) can be traced back 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 is available.

A second test at time t _T (2) can be traced back to method step S7. In this case, shortly after the frequency of use fell sharply below the minimum value N _min (i, t) around 3 p.m., a check was carried out to determine whether elevator 1.1 was available. The result is negative: the frequency of use N _m (t) remains _{equal to 0 for t> t T} (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 time period ΔT (i) according to the iteration N _S (i + 1, t) = F (i, t, λ). For t> t _T (2) + Δ (i), N _S (i + 1, t) = N _S (i, t - Δ (i)) was set, since no corresponding measured values of the frequency of use in the period of time ΔT for this area (i) were registered (N _m (t) = 0 for t> t _T (2) in the period ΔT (i), see above).

Obviously, for the estimated values N _S (i + 1, t) for the time period ΔT (i + 1), values are obtained that are greater, equal to or smaller than the respective estimated values N _S (i, t) for the time period ΔT (i) are, depending on whether the measured values N _m (i, t) are greater than, equal to or less 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 when the elevator 1.1 is not used or is only used little, for example during the night.

Procedure B

The method B is explained using an example of an automatic check of the availability of the elevator 1.1 with the aid of the device 30.1.

1. 1) auf einer Beobachtung des Betriebs des Aufzugs 1.1 und gegebenenfalls auf der Registrierung von Benutzungen des Aufzugs 1.1 (sofern vorhanden) und einer Bestimmung des jeweiligen Zeitpunkts t_B einer Benutzung mit Hilfe der Vorrichtung 30.1,
2. 2) auf einer Bestimmung des Zeitabstands zweier aufeinander folgender Benutzungen und
3. 3) auf einer Schätzung des Zeitpunkts, bis zu dem nach der zuletzt registrierten Benutzung die nächste Benutzung zu erwarten ist.

Procedure B is based on the following measures:

1. 1) on an observation of the operation of the elevator 1.1 and, if necessary, on the registration of uses of the elevator 1.1 (if available) and a determination of the respective time t _{B of} a use with the aid of the device 30.1,
2. 2) on a determination of the time interval between two successive uses and
3. 3) on an estimate of the point in time up to which the next use can be 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 value of this estimated time interval corresponds to an estimated value for 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 determined up to the point in time estimated in measure 3), it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is not available. According to method B, under this condition the device 30.1 issues a command to carry out a test to the elevator control 15.1 and checks whether the elevator 1.1 shows a reaction corresponding to the expectations.

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

The device 30.1 is initialized in method step S20: the processor P1 sets an internal counter i to i = 1 and an internal clock to the time t = t ₀ (i). The sequence of program P1.1 is started. It then continues with method step S21. In method step S21, a time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i) t t _e (i) is established. The reciprocal value of the duration can be viewed as an estimate N _S (i) for the frequency of use for the time 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 specified as desired, especially since the device does not have any data regarding the uses of the elevator 1.1 at the beginning of the method. The above variable 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 being used in the time period ΔT (i). If the elevator is not used by the end of this period, ie before time t _e (i), method step S24 is continued. If use takes place up to point in time t _e (i), point in time t _B of use is registered and continued with method step S30.

In method step S24, a command to carry out a test of the elevator 1.1 is given to the elevator control 15.1 (at time t _T ). It is then continued with method step S25.

In method step S25, a reaction R of the elevator 1.1 is registered.

Subsequently, in method step S26, the reaction R is compared with a target reaction R _S. If the reaction R does not agree with the target reaction R _S , it can be assumed that the elevator 1.1 is not available. In this case, method step S27 can be continued (path -). If the reaction R agrees 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 proceedings are then interrupted. When the elevator 1.1 is available again, the method can be continued with method step S20.

$${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)+1/\left[\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S}}\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right]$$

Anschliessend kann das Verfahren mit Verfahrensschritt S33 fortgesetzt werden. Method step S28: According to method step 26, there is a reason for the assumption that the estimated value Ns (i) for the frequency of use is too large compared 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 a factor of a <1 smaller than the above value N _S (i). This assumption is checked in a subsequent iteration step. First, the beginning and end of a time period ΔT (i + 1) following the time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i + 1) t t _e (i + 1) are defined. The beginning of the period of time ΔT (i + 1) is set to the point in time t _{T of} the test according to method step S24, the end of the period of time ΔT (i + 1) is determined according to the assumption that a realistic value for the frequency of use is given by the quantity " a N _S (i) "is given: $${\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{T}}$$

$${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)+1/\left[\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S.}}\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right]$$

The method can then be continued with method step S33.

In method step S30 , it is checked whether the time t _B of use lies in a time interval of duration δt at the end of the period ΔT (i), ie it is checked whether the condition t _e (i) - δt _{t B t e} (i) is fulfilled. If so, the method continues with method step S31 (path +). If not, the process continues with step S32 (path -). The duration δt can be changed as a function of the duration of the time period ΔT (i), for example in such a way that δt is always smaller 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.

$${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)+1/{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S}}\left(\mathrm{i}\right)$$

Anschliessend kann das Verfahren mit Verfahrensschritt S33 fortgesetzt werden.In method step S31 it is assumed that the estimated value N _S (i) specified in method step S21 for the frequency of use 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 time period ΔT (i + 1) following the time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i + 1) t t _e (i + 1) are defined. The beginning of the time period ΔT (i + 1) is set to the point in time t _{B of} the last registered use according to method step S22, the end of the time period ΔT (i + 1) is determined according to the assumption that a realistic value for the frequency of use is determined by the Quantity N _S (i) is given: $${\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{B.}}$$

$${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)+1/{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S.}}\left(\mathrm{i}\right)$$

The method can then be continued with method step S33.

$${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)+1/\left[\mathrm{b}{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S}}\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right]$$

Anschliessend kann das Verfahren mit Verfahrensschritt S33 fortgesetzt werden.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 time period ΔT (i + 1) following the time period ΔT (i) with t ₀ (i + 1) t t _e (i + 1) are defined. The beginning of the time period ΔT (i + 1) is set to the point in time t _{B of} the last registered use according to method step S22, the end of the time period ΔT (i + 1) is determined according to the assumption that a realistic value for the frequency of use is determined by the Quantity "b N _S (i)" is given with b> 1: $${\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{B.}}$$

$${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)={\mathrm{t}}_0\left(\mathrm{i}+1\right)+1/\left[\mathrm{b}{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{S.}}\left(\mathrm{i}\right)\right]$$

The method can then be continued with method step S33.

In method step S33, the index i is increased by 1. The preceding steps are then repeated from method step S21.

With a suitable choice of the parameters δt, a and b, the variable N _S (i) converges more or less quickly to the frequency of use of the elevator in real operation when the method steps S21 to S33 are repeated. Rapid changes in the frequency of use as a function of time can be recognized quickly during the process steps S21-S32. A test according to method step S24 is only initiated if an expected next use does not take place for an unexpectedly long time (method step S22).

Another advantage of method B is that processor P1 only needs to take into account a small amount of data for each iteration step: During an iteration step, only three different points in time need to be taken into account (start and end of period ΔT (i) according to method step S21 and the point in time t _{B of} the last use. Furthermore, in contrast to method A, no statistical data need to be recorded and stored for uses over long periods of time. To carry out method B, therefore, less storage space is required (this applies to memories M12, M13, M22 and M23 In addition, the processor requires less computing time. The 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 when the elevator 1.1 is not used or is only used little, e.g. during a night .

Claims (9)

1. A method for automatically checking the availability of a technical apparatus (1) in or on a building, wherein the technical apparatus (1) carries out at least one repeatable process, which method comprises:

   carrying out at least one test of the technical apparatus (1) in which test at least one reaction (R) of the technical apparatus (1) is registered and compared with a target reaction (R_S), wherein upon availability of the technical apparatus (1), the reaction (R) corresponds with the target reaction (R_S),

   characterized in that

   a measured value (N_m(i,t)) for the frequency of the execution of the process is determined for a first time period (ΔT(i)) by a processor (P1) and stored in a first memory (M13), wherein the frequency of the execution of the process indicates how often the process can be registered in the first time period (ΔT(i)) and

   the test is carried out only if

   the measured value (N_m(i,t)) is lower by a predetermined value (N_S(i,t) - N_min(i,t), ΔN_S) than a predetermined value which is set either equal to a first estimated value (N_S(i,t)) for the frequency of the execution of the process for the first time period (ΔT(i)) or equal to a second estimated value (N_S(i,t + Δt)) for the frequency of the executions of the process for a second time period (ΔT(i + 1), wherein the first estimated value (N_S(i,t)) and the second estimated value (N_S(i,t + Δt)) are loaded into the processor (P1) from a second memory (M12), wherein the first and second estimated values (N_S(i,t), N_S(i,t + Δt)) for the respective time period (ΔT(i), ΔT(i + 1)) are determined by the processor (P1) in each case by registering, prior to this time period (ΔT(i), ΔT(i + 1)), the respective executions of the process and times at which the respective execution of the process begins, and by determining, by means of predetermined assumptions with respect to a future development of the frequency of the execution of the process, from the times already registered, which frequency of the execution of the process can be expected for the time period (ΔT(i), ΔT(i + 1)).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that
   if the reaction (R) does not correspond with the target reaction (R_S) - 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 of state of a drive (10.1, 10.2) and/or of a power supply and/or of a sensor and/or of a light source of the technical apparatus (1)

   - and/or a registration of signals for controlling the technical apparatus (1).
4. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a duration of a time interval is predetermined and a number of executions 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 to 3, characterized in that a number of executions of the process is predetermined and a duration of a time interval in which these executions are registered is determined, and the measured value is calculated from the number and the duration.
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first estimated value (N_S(i,t)) and the measured value (N_m(i,t)) are determined for the first time period (ΔT(i)) and the second estimated value (N_S(i + 1,t)) for the second time period (ΔT(i + 1)) is set to a value which is

   (i) equal to the first estimated value if the first estimated value and the measured value do not differ by more than a predetermined amount, or

   (ii) smaller than the first estimated value if the measured value is smaller than the first estimated value by more than the predetermined amount; or

   (iii) greater than the first estimated value if the measured value is greater than the first estimated value by more than the predetermined amount.
7. A device (30, 30.1, 30.2) for automatically checking the availability of a technical apparatus (1) in or on a building,
   which technical apparatus (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 processor (P1, P2) with which a predetermined command for carrying out at least one test of the technical apparatus (1) can be given to the controller (15.1, 15.2), wherein the test is selected in such a manner that upon availability of the technical apparatus (1), a target reaction (R_S) of the apparatus (1) can be registered,

   a registration device (21.x, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1) for registering a reaction (R) of the technical apparatus (1) following the command, and

   a device for comparing the reaction (R) with the target reaction (R_S),

   characterized in that

   the device includes:

   an apparatus (P1, M12; P2, M22) 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 time period (ΔT(i)) and/or for determining and/or storing a second estimated value (Ns(i,t + Δt)) for the frequency of the execution of the process for a second time period (ΔT(i + 1)), a measuring device (P1, M13; P2, M23) for determining a measured value (N_m(i,t)) for the frequency of the execution of the process for the first time period (ΔT(i)),

   wherein the measured value (N_m(i,t)) is stored in a first memory (M13) of the apparatus (P1, M12; P2, M22), and wherein the frequency of the execution of the process indicates how often the process can be registered in the first time period (ΔT(i)),

   wherein the first estimated value (N_S(i,t)) and the second estimated (N_S(i,t + Δt)) are stored in a second memory (M12) of the apparatus (P1, M12; P2, M22), wherein the apparatus (P1, M12; P2, M22) determines the first and second estimated values (N_S(i,t), N_S(i,t + Δt)) for the respective time period (ΔT(i), ΔT(i + 1)) by registering, prior to this time period (ΔT(i), ΔT(i + 1)), the respective executions of the process and times at which the respective execution of the process begins, and by determining, by means of predetermined assumptions with respect to a future development of the frequency of the execution of the process, from the times already registered, which frequency of the execution of the process can be expected for the period (ΔT(i), ΔT(i + 1)),

   and

   a control device (M11, M21) for controlling the command processor (P1, P2) in such a manner that the command is given when the measured value (N_m(i,t)) is lower than one of the estimated values (N_S(i,t), N_S(i,t + Δt)) by a predetermined value (Ns(i,t) - N_min(i,t), ΔN_S).
8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the registration device and/or the measuring device comprise(s):

   an apparatus (21.1, 22.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 27.1, 28.1) for registering a change of 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 state display of the technical apparatus (1) and/or

   an apparatus (27.1, 27.2) for registering signals for controlling the technical apparatus (1).
9. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that a communication link (43) is provided for transmitting predetermined information to a monitoring center (50) in case the response does not correspond with the target response.

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