JP2020050517A - Congestion detection system for escalator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a congestion detection system that can accurately detect congestion at an escalator descent point.SOLUTION: A congestion detection system 100 includes a detection device 1 and a control device 2. The detection device 1 detects a person at a first point and a second point located in front of and behind an escalator in the direction of travel Dg at a descent point of the escalator. The control device 2 determines whether there is congestion at the descent point on the basis of the detection results of the detection device 1. The control device 2 obtains a first elapsed time T1 that has elapsed while the detection device 1 has detected the same person at the first point, by a first acquisition processing unit 21, and obtains a second elapsed time T2 that has elapsed while the detection device 1 has detected another same person at the second point by a second acquisition processing unit 22. Then, a determination processing unit 24 determines whether the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2 are both longer than a predetermined time, and once determining that both are longer than the predetermined time, it determines that there is congestion at the descent point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for detecting congestion generated at an escalator landing.

  The escalator transports the user on the step to the exit by moving the step from the entrance to the exit. In the escalator, the user is prohibited from running backward toward the entrance, and cannot stop moving to the exit by his own intention. For this reason, when congestion occurs at the exit of the escalator, the user is forced to move to the exit, but cannot get off the escalator, and may be at risk of falling.

  Therefore, a technique for determining the situation of the user near the exit is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. In Patent Literature 1, a detection unit that detects a user on a step, a detection unit that detects a user who gets off a step from a step, and a detection unit that detects a user who gets off a step, are provided on an escalator. Based on these detection results, the situation (congestion, etc.) of the user near the exit is determined.

Japanese Patent No. 5963251

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 detects a user only at one point at a landing. For this reason, even if a person simply stops at the point regardless of the congestion, there is a risk that the detection of the person may result in an erroneous determination that congestion has occurred.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a congestion detection system that can accurately detect congestion that has occurred at an escalator landing.

  An escalator congestion detection system according to the present invention includes a detection device and a control device. The detection device detects a person at a first point and a second point located before and after in an advancing direction at a landing of an escalator. The control device determines, based on the detection result of the detection device, whether congestion has occurred in the landing area. Specifically, the control device includes a first acquisition processing unit, a second acquisition processing unit, and a determination processing unit. The first acquisition processing unit acquires a first elapsed time that has elapsed while the detection device has detected the same person at the first point. The second acquisition processing unit acquires a second elapsed time that has elapsed while the detection device has detected another same person at the second point. Then, at the time of determining whether or not congestion has occurred at the landing, the determination processing unit determines whether or not both the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time at that time are equal to or longer than a predetermined time. , It is determined that congestion has occurred at the landing area based on the determination that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

  When a person stops at only one of the two points located before and after in the advancing direction, it is highly likely that the person simply stops at the landing regardless of congestion. On the other hand, when a person stops at any of the above two points, there is a high possibility that the person stops due to the congestion that has occurred at the landing. According to the congestion detection system, it is determined whether a person is stopped at any of the two points (the first point and the second point) by two elapsed times (the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time). ) And a predetermined time.

  In the congestion detection system, the detection device may include a first range sensor and a second range sensor. The first range sensor scans the first point in the horizontal direction, and outputs distance data obtained by measuring distances at a plurality of points on the scanning path. The second range sensor scans the second point in the horizontal direction and outputs distance data obtained by measuring distances at a plurality of points on the scanning path.

  In this configuration, based on the distance data output by the first range sensor, the first acquisition processing unit determines whether the detection state of the person at the first point is the ON state in which the person is detected, or It is determined whether the state is the OFF state in which the ON state has not been detected, and based on the time change of the detection state obtained by the determination, the time elapsed from the transition from the OFF state to the ON state remains in the ON state for the first elapsed time. It may be obtained as time. In addition, the second acquisition processing unit may be configured to detect whether a person is detected at the second point in an ON state in which a person is detected or to detect a person based on the distance data output by the second range sensor. It is determined whether or not the switch is in the off state, and based on the time change of the detection state obtained by the determination, the time elapsed from the transition from the off state to the on state as the on state remains as the second elapsed time. May be acquired. Then, at the time of determining whether or not congestion has occurred at the landing, the determination processing unit determines the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time at that time from the first acquisition processing unit and the second acquisition processing unit, respectively. It is also possible to determine whether or not the acquired time is longer than a predetermined time.

  According to the above configuration, when the time has elapsed while the detection state of the person at the first point is in the ON state, it can be determined that the same person is stopped at the first point during that time. Further, when the time has elapsed while the detection state of the person at the second point is in the ON state, it can be determined that another same person is stopped at the second point during that time. Then, such a temporal change in the detection state can be easily obtained by using the range finder.

  In the congestion detection system, the first acquisition processing unit calculates the height of the person from the distance data output by the first range sensor and determines whether the height of the person is equal to or greater than a first threshold. Thus, it may be determined whether the detection state of the person at the first point is the ON state or the OFF state. In addition, the second acquisition processing unit calculates the height of the person from the distance data output by the second range sensor, and determines whether the height of the person is equal to or greater than the second threshold, thereby obtaining a second value. It may be determined whether the detection state of the person at the two points is the ON state or the OFF state. According to this configuration, a value corresponding to the average height of a person is used as the first threshold and the second threshold, and the value is compared with the calculated height of the person. It is possible to accurately determine the detection state of the person.

  In the congestion detection system, the first acquisition processing unit may acquire, as the first elapsed time, a time elapsed in a state where the detection device detects the same two persons in the lateral direction at the first point. Further, the second acquisition processing unit may acquire, as the second elapsed time, a time elapsed in a state where the detection device has detected another same two persons in the lateral direction at the second point. This congestion detection system can be applied to an escalator where it is assumed that two users will ride in one step.

  Even if a person stops at one of the two lanes on the left and right (the right passage and the left passage) at the disembarkation point, if the remaining lanes are free, the user may use that lane. Because it can be used to get off the escalator, it is unlikely to be exposed to dangers such as falling. On the other hand, in any of the two lanes, if a person stops at two points (first point and second point) located before and after in the traveling direction, the user cannot get off the escalator. It is likely to be exposed to dangers such as falls. According to the above configuration, whether or not a person stops at both the first point and the second point in any of the two lanes is determined by two elapsed times (a first elapsed time and a second elapsed time). It can be determined by comparison with a predetermined time. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the congestion that has occurred at the landing, as distinguished from the case where a person is stopped only in one lane.

  Another congestion detection system according to the present invention includes a detection device and a control device. The detection device detects a person at a first point and a second point located before and after in an advancing direction at a landing of an escalator. The control device determines, based on the detection result of the detection device, whether congestion has occurred in the landing area. Specifically, the control device includes an acquisition processing unit and a determination processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires an elapsed time that has elapsed with the detection device detecting the same person at the first point and the detection device detecting another same person at the second point. Then, at the time of determining whether or not congestion has occurred at the landing, the determination processing unit determines whether or not the elapsed time at that time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and determines that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Thus, it is determined that congestion has occurred at the landing.

  According to the congestion detection system, whether one of the two points (the first point and the second point) located before and after in the traveling direction is stopped or not is determined by comparing one elapsed time with a predetermined time. Can be determined by

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the congestion produced at the landing of an escalator can be detected accurately.

It is the conceptual diagram which showed the structure of the congestion detection system which concerns on embodiment, and showed the landing of the escalator to which the congestion detection system was applied from the traveling direction. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the landing of the escalator seen from the lateral direction. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the time change of the detection state when the user who got down from the escalator is passing the getting off place smoothly. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the time change of the detection state at the time of congestion in a landing. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the time change of the detection state when a person simply stops at the 1st point. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a determination process performed by the congestion detection system. It is a key map showing composition of a congestion detection system concerning a 1st modification. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a determination process according to a first modification. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the landing of the escalator to which the congestion detection system which concerns on the 2nd modification was applied viewed from the traveling direction. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the time change of the detection state at the time of congestion in a landing. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a temporal change in a detection state when a person stops at one lane at a first point. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the landing of the escalator to which the congestion detection system which concerns on the 3rd modification applied was seen from the lateral direction.

[1] Configuration of Congestion Detection System An embodiment will be described in which the congestion detection system of the present invention is applied to an escalator in which one user is assumed to ride in one step. Note that the congestion detection system of the present invention can be applied to an escalator in which two or more users are supposed to ride in one step, and the form thereof will be described later as a modification.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a congestion detection system 100 according to an embodiment, and showing a landing 101 of an escalator to which the congestion detection system 100 is applied, viewed from a traveling direction Dg. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the landing 101 of the escalator viewed from the lateral direction Dh. Here, the traveling direction Dg is a direction in which the user proceeds when getting off the escalator. The lateral direction Dh is a horizontal direction and a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction Dg (that is, the width direction of the escalator).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the congestion detection system 100 includes a detection device 1 and a control device 2. In this embodiment, the congestion detection system 100 is applied to an escalator that transports a user from a lower floor to an upper floor, and detects congestion that has occurred on the upper floor, which is the exit 101. The congestion detection system 100 described below can also be applied to a case where congestion that occurs on the lower floor, which is the exit 101, is detected in an escalator that transports a user from an upper floor to a lower floor.

  The detection device 1 detects a person at a first point P1 and a second point P2 (see FIG. 2) located before and after in the advancing direction Dg at the landing 101. Specifically, the detection device 1 includes a first range measurement sensor 11 and a second range measurement sensor 12 disposed at a position above the landing 101 (a position higher than the height of a person). The first range sensor 11 is a uniaxial scanning range sensor that scans the first point P1 in the horizontal direction Dh, and calculates distance data d1 obtained by measuring distances at a plurality of points on a scanning path. Output. The second range sensor 12 is a uniaxial scanning type range sensor that scans the second point P2 in the horizontal direction Dh, and outputs distance data d2 obtained by measuring a distance at a plurality of points on a scanning path. .

  In the present embodiment, the first range measurement sensor 11 and the second range measurement sensor 12 are provided on the horizontal bar 102B extending in the horizontal direction Dh from the pole 102A, and thus are arranged at positions shifted in the horizontal direction Dh. (See FIG. 1). The first range sensor 11 and the second range sensor 12 may be provided on the ceiling of the landing 101 or the like. Further, the first range measurement sensor 11 and the second range measurement sensor 12 are not limited to being arranged at positions shifted in the lateral direction Dh, but may be arranged at positions shifted in the traveling direction Dg. In any case, the first range sensor 11 is arranged toward the first point P1 so that the first point P1 can be scanned in the horizontal direction Dh, and the second range sensor 12 moves horizontally across the second point P2. It is arranged toward the second point P2 so that it can scan in the direction Dh (see FIG. 2).

  The control device 2 determines whether or not the landing 101 is congested based on the detection result of the detection device 1 (congestion detection processing). Here, the control device 2 may be a control device for controlling the driving of the escalator, or may be a control device different from the control device.

  Specifically, the control device 2 includes a first acquisition processing unit 21, a second acquisition processing unit 22, and a determination processing unit 24 as a configuration for executing the congestion detection process (see FIG. 1). . These processing units may be configured by hardware by constructing a circuit in the control device 2 or cause a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer provided in the control device 2 to execute a program. Alternatively, it may be constituted by software. Then, such a program may be stored in a readable state on a storage medium (for example, a flash memory or the like), or may be stored on a storage device (not shown) included in the congestion detection system 100.

  The first acquisition processing unit 21 acquires a first elapsed time T1 at which the detection device 1 (the first range sensor 11 in the present embodiment) has detected the same person at the first point P1 (second time). 1 acquisition process). The second acquisition processing unit 22 acquires a second elapsed time T2 at which the detection device 1 (in the present embodiment, the second range sensor 12) has detected another same person at the second point P2. (Second acquisition process). Then, at the time Tj at which it is determined whether or not the congestion is occurring at the landing 101, the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2 at the time Tj are both equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts. It is determined whether or not there is any traffic, and it is determined that congestion has occurred at the landing 101 based on the determination that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (determination process). The predetermined time Ts is determined, for example, as follows. When congestion occurs at the landing 101, a time during which a person stops at the same point is estimated, and a predetermined time Ts is determined based on the time (for example, so as to be equal to or longer than the time). Hereinafter, the details of these processes will be specifically described.

[2] Control processing executed by the congestion detection system (congestion detection processing)
[2-1] First acquisition processing and second acquisition processing <First acquisition processing>
Based on the distance data d1 output from the first range sensor 11, the first acquisition processing unit 21 determines whether the detection state of the person at the first point P1 is an ON state in which a person is detected, or It is determined whether or not the switch is in an off state in which is not detected. Specifically, the first acquisition processing unit 21 calculates the height h1 (including the height of the head, shoulders, and the like) of the person at each position in the horizontal direction Dh at the first point P1 from the distance data d1. At each position in the horizontal direction Dh, it is determined whether or not the height h1 of the person is equal to or greater than a first threshold hs1.

  If the first acquisition processing unit 21 determines that “the threshold value is equal to or more than the first threshold hs1 (Yes)”, the first detection processing unit 21 determines that the detection state of the person is the ON state. On the other hand, if the first acquisition processing unit 21 determines that “the threshold value is not equal to or more than the first threshold value hs1 (No)”, the first detection unit 21 determines that the detection state of the person is the off state. At this time, a value corresponding to the average height of a person is used as the first threshold value hs1, and the value is compared with the calculated height h1 of the person, so that the detection state of the person at the first point P1 can be accurately determined. You will be able to make better decisions.

  The first acquisition processing unit 21 can obtain a temporal change in the detection state of the person at the first point P1 by repeatedly executing the above determination in a short cycle. FIGS. 3 to 5 are conceptual diagrams showing the time change of the detection state for each situation of the landing 101, and the portions determined to be in the ON state are indicated by hatching. Here, FIG. 3 shows a time change of the detection state when the user who got off the escalator is passing through the getting off place 101 smoothly. FIG. 4 shows a time change of the detection state when the landing 101 is congested. FIG. 5 shows a change over time in the detection state when a person simply stops at the first point P1. Note that FIGS. 3 to 5 also show temporal changes in the detection state of a person at a second point P2 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the user is successfully passing the landing 101, the time during which the same person is being detected is shortened, and places that are determined to be in the on state appear intermittently. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when a person stops at the first point P1, the time during which the same person is detected becomes longer, and therefore, a portion that is determined to be in the ON state for a long period of time. Appears continuously. Therefore, when the time has elapsed while the detection state of the person at the first point P1 is in the ON state, it can be determined that the same person is stopped at the first point P1 during that time. Then, such a temporal change in the detection state can be easily obtained by using the first range measurement sensor 11. The same can be said for the detection state of a person at a second point P2 described later.

  Then, the first acquisition processing unit 21 obtains the time change of the detection state, and based on the time change, calculates the time that has elapsed in the on state from the time Ta1 when the detection state transitioned from the off state to the on state. It is acquired as one elapsed time T1 (see FIG. 4 or FIG. 5). On the other hand, the first elapsed time T1 acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 21 when the detection state is determined to be the off state is set to a time shorter than the predetermined time Ts (for example, zero).

<Second acquisition process>
The second acquisition processing unit 22 determines whether the detection state of the person at the second point P2 is the ON state in which the person is detected, or the person based on the distance data d2 output by the second range sensor 12. It is determined whether or not the switch is in an off state in which is not detected. Specifically, the second acquisition processing unit 22 calculates the height h2 (including the height of the head, shoulders, and the like) of the person at each position in the horizontal direction Dh at the second point P2 from the distance data d2. At each position in the lateral direction Dh, it is determined whether or not the height h2 of the person is equal to or greater than a second threshold value hs2. Here, the second threshold value hs2 may be the same value as the first threshold value hs1, or may be a different value.

  When the second acquisition processing unit 22 determines that “the threshold value is equal to or more than the second threshold value hs2 (Yes)”, the second detection unit 22 determines that the detection state of the person is the ON state. On the other hand, when the second acquisition processing unit 22 determines that “the threshold value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value hs2 (No)”, the second detection processing unit 22 determines that the detection state of the person is the off state. At this time, a value corresponding to the average height of the person is used as the second threshold value hs2, and the value is compared with the calculated height h2 of the person, so that the detection state of the person at the second point P2 can be accurately determined. You will be able to make better decisions.

  The second acquisition processing unit 22 can obtain a temporal change in the detection state of the person at the second point P2 by repeatedly executing the above determination in a short cycle (see FIGS. 3 to 5). Then, the second acquisition processing unit 22 obtains the time change of the detection state, and based on the time change, calculates the time elapsed from the time Ta2 when the detection state shifts from the off state to the on state to the on state. It is acquired as two elapsed times T2 (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, the second elapsed time T2 acquired by the second acquisition processing unit 22 when the detection state is determined to be the off state is set to a time shorter than the predetermined time Ts (for example, zero).

[2-2] Judgment Processing The judgment processing unit 24 uses the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2 acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22, respectively, to congest the landing 101. It is determined whether or not an error has occurred.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the determination process. The determination process is started, for example, when the escalator shifts from a stopped state (including a standby state) to an operating state. When the determination process is started, first, at the time Tj at which it is determined whether or not the congestion has occurred in the landing 101, the first elapse time T1 and the second elapse time T2 at the time Tj are determined. Are acquired from the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22, respectively (Step S11 in FIG. 6).

  Thereafter, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether the first elapsed time T1 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Step S12 in FIG. 6), and when it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Yes). Determines whether the second elapsed time T2 is also equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (step S13 in FIG. 6). When determining that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Yes) in step S13, the determination processing unit 24 determines that congestion has occurred in the landing 101 based on this determination. On the other hand, when the determination processing unit 24 determines in step S12 or S13 that "it is not longer than the predetermined time Ts (No)", the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether to terminate the determination processing. Then, the determination processing unit 24 repeatedly executes the processing from step S11 (determination as to whether or not the congestion has occurred at the exit 101) until it is determined in step S15 that the processing should be terminated (Yes). In the process, for example, when the escalator shifts from the operation state to the stop state, the determination processing unit 24 determines that “should be terminated (Yes)” in step S15, and terminates the determination processing.

  When the person stops at only one of the two points (the first point P1 and the second point P2) located before and after in the alighting place 101 in the traveling direction Dg, the person simply stops regardless of the congestion. It is highly likely that they have just stopped. On the other hand, when a person stops at any of the above two points, there is a high possibility that the person stops due to the congestion that has occurred at the landing 101.

  Therefore, in steps S12 and S13, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether or not both the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2 are equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts, and determines that both are equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts. Based on the determination, it is determined that the landing 101 is congested. Accordingly, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether the person is stopped at any of the first point P1 and the second point P2 by two elapsed times (a first elapsed time T1 and a second elapsed time T2). It can be determined by comparison with the time Ts. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, congestion occurs at the landing 101, and places determined to be in the ON state at both the first point P1 and the second point P2 appear continuously for a long period of time. Only when the same person is detected (that is, when the same person is detected for a longer time), the determination processing unit 24 determines that the congestion is occurring in the landing 101. Thereby, the congestion that has occurred in the landing 101 is detected.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, at least one of the first point P1 and the second point P2 has an intermittent on-state or an off-state (i.e., the When the person is passing the getting-off site 101 smoothly or when the person is simply stopping at the first point P1, the determination processing unit 24 determines that congestion does not occur in the getting-off site 101. That is, even if a person simply stops at the first point P1, congestion is not erroneously detected.

  As described above, whether or not a person stops at both the first point P1 and the second point P2 is determined by comparing the two elapsed times (the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2) with the predetermined time Ts. Thus, the congestion that has occurred at the landing 101 can be detected with high accuracy.

  If the determination processing unit 24 determines in step S13 that “the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Yes)” (that is, if it is determined that congestion is occurring at the landing 101), the response processing to cope with the congestion The process is executed (Step S14 in FIG. 6), and thereafter, the process proceeds to Step S15. The corresponding process includes a process of decelerating the escalator, a process of stopping the escalator after deceleration, and a process of eliminating congestion (for example, a warning process or a notification process for urging a person at the exit 101 to move). And so on. Further, as a corresponding process, a regulating device may be provided at the entrance of the escalator, and a process of prohibiting entry into the escalator may be performed by the regulating device. As described above, when the congestion that occurs in the landing 101 is detected, the corresponding process is executed, so that the safety of the escalator can be improved.

[3] Modification Example [3-1] First Modification Example FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a congestion detection system 100 according to a first modification. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control device 2 includes, in place of the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22, one acquisition processing unit 23 that performs the following acquisition processing. May be included.

  The acquisition processing unit 23 determines the first time based on the time change of the detection state at the first point P1 obtained from the distance data d1 and the time change of the detection state at the second point P2 obtained from the distance data d2. At the point P1 and the second point P2, the time elapsed from the time Tc when the detection state shifts from the OFF state to the ON state (see FIG. 4) in the ON state is acquired as the elapsed time T3. That is, the acquisition processing unit 23 detects that the detection device 1 (in the present modification, the first range sensor 11) detects the same person at the first point P1, and detects the detection device 1 (in this modification, at the second point P2). , The time elapsed while the second range sensor 12) detects another same person as the elapsed time T3. On the other hand, when the acquisition processing unit 23 determines that the detection state is the off state in at least one of the first point P1 and the second point P2, the elapsed time T3 acquired by the acquisition processing unit 23 at the time of the determination. Is set to a time smaller than the predetermined time Ts (for example, zero).

  Using the elapsed time T3 acquired by the acquisition processing unit 23, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether or not congestion has occurred in the landing 101.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the determination process in the first modification. When the determination process is started, the determination processing unit 24 first obtains the elapsed time T3 at the time Tj from the obtaining processing unit 23 at the time Tj at which it is determined whether or not the congestion is occurring at the landing 101. (Step S21 in FIG. 8).

  Thereafter, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether the elapsed time T3 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Step S22 in FIG. 8). Then, when the determination processing unit 24 determines in step S22 that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Yes), the determination processing unit 24 determines that congestion has occurred in the landing 101 based on this determination. On the other hand, when the determination processing unit 24 determines in step S22 that “it is not longer than the predetermined time Ts (No)”, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether to terminate the determination process. Then, the determination processing unit 24 repeatedly executes the processing from step S21 (determination as to whether or not the congestion is occurring at the exit 101) until it is determined in step S24 that the processing should be terminated (Yes). In the process, for example, when the escalator shifts from the operation state to the stop state, the determination processing unit 24 determines that “it should be terminated (Yes)” in step S24 and ends the determination processing.

  Accordingly, the determination processing unit 24 can determine whether or not a person is stopped at both the first point P1 and the second point P2 by comparing one elapsed time T3 with the predetermined time Ts. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect congestion that has occurred in the landing 101.

  If the determination processing unit 24 determines that “the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Ts (Yes)” in step S22 (that is, if it is determined that congestion is occurring at the landing 101), the determination processing unit 24 takes measures to cope with the congestion. The process is executed (Step S23 in FIG. 6). In step S23, a process similar to the corresponding process performed in step S14 of FIG. 6 can be performed. Thereby, the safety of the escalator can be improved.

[3-2] Second Modification The congestion detection system 100 can be applied to an escalator in which it is assumed that two users will ride in one step by modifying as follows. The configuration of the congestion detection system 100 described below can also be applied to an escalator in which three or more users are assumed to ride in one step.

<Configuration of congestion detection system>
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a landing 101 of an escalator to which the congestion detection system 100 according to the second modification is applied, as viewed from a traveling direction Dg. As shown in FIG. 9, the first range sensor 11 scans in the lateral direction Dh at the first point P1 so as to cross any of the two left and right lanes (the right passage and the left passage). The second range sensor 12 scans in the lateral direction Dh at the second point P2 so as to cross any of the two left and right lanes (the right passage and the left passage).

  Then, the first acquisition processing unit 21 determines the time elapsed in the horizontal direction Dh at the first point P1 with the detection device 1 (in the present modification, the first range sensor 11) detecting the same two persons. It is acquired as the first elapsed time T1. The second acquisition processing unit 22 determines the time elapsed in the lateral direction Dh at the second point P2 in the state where the detection device 1 (in the present modification, the second range sensor 12) detects another same two persons. It is acquired as the second elapsed time T2. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

<Control processing executed by the congestion detection system>
(First acquisition process)
The first acquisition processing unit 21 can obtain a temporal change in the detection state of the person at the first point P1, based on the distance data d1 output from the first range sensor 11, as in the above embodiment. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are conceptual diagrams showing the time change of the detection state for each situation of the landing 101, and the portions determined to be in the ON state are indicated by hatching. Here, FIG. 10 shows a time change of the detection state when the congestion occurs in the landing 101. FIG. 11 shows a temporal change in the detection state when a person stops at one lane at the first point P1. Note that FIGS. 10 and 11 also show a temporal change in a detection state of a person at a second point P2 described later.

  Then, the first acquisition processing unit 21 obtains the time change of the detection state, and based on the time change, starts the time Tb1 at which the detection state shifts from the off state to the on state at two separated positions in the horizontal direction Dh. The time elapsed in the on state is acquired as the first elapsed time T1 (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state is off at any point in the horizontal direction Dh, or if it is determined that the detection state is on only at one point in the horizontal direction Dh, the determination is made at that time. The first elapsed time T1 acquired by the 1 acquisition processing unit 21 is set to a time shorter than the predetermined time Ts (for example, zero).

(Second acquisition process)
The second acquisition processing unit 22 can obtain a temporal change in the detection state of the person at the second point P2 based on the distance data d2 output from the second range sensor 12 as in the above embodiment ( 10 and 11). Then, the second acquisition processing unit 22 obtains the time change of the detection state, and based on the time change, starts the time Tb2 at which the detection state shifts from the off state to the on state at two separated places in the horizontal direction Dh. The time elapsed in the on state is acquired as the second elapsed time T2 (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state is off at any point in the horizontal direction Dh, or if it is determined that the detection state is on only at one point in the horizontal direction Dh, the determination is made at that time. The second elapsed time T2 acquired by the 2 acquisition processing unit 22 is set to a time shorter than the predetermined time Ts (for example, zero).

(Judgment process)
The determination processing unit 24 determines whether or not congestion has occurred in the landing 101 in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

  Even if a person stops at one of the two lanes on the left and right (the right passage and the left passage) at the landing 101, if the remaining lanes are free, the user may use the lane. Because it is possible to get off the escalator by using, it is unlikely to be exposed to danger such as falling. On the other hand, in any of the two lanes, when a person stops at two points (the first point P1 and the second point P2) located before and after in the traveling direction Dg, the user gets off the escalator. Because it is not possible, it is likely to be exposed to dangers such as falling.

  Therefore, the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22 define the time that the detection state has been in the ON state at the two separated locations in the horizontal direction Dh as the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2, respectively. The acquired and determined processing unit 24 determines whether the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2 are both equal to or longer than a predetermined time Ts (Steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 6). Based on the above determination, it is determined that the landing 101 is congested. Accordingly, the determination processing unit 24 determines whether or not the person has stopped at both the first point P1 and the second point P2 in any of the two lanes by two elapsed times (the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2). The determination can be made by comparing the elapsed time T2) with the predetermined time Ts. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the congestion that has occurred at the landing 101, as distinguished from a case where a person is stopped only in one lane.

[3-3] Third Modified Example FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a landing 101 of an escalator to which a congestion detection system 100 according to a third modified example is applied, as viewed from a lateral direction Dh. As shown in FIG. 12, the detection device 1 may include a uniaxial scanning type range sensor 13 that scans in the traveling direction Dg, instead of the first range sensor 11 and the second range sensor 12. Good. The range measurement sensor 13 is disposed at a position above the landing 101 (a position higher than the height of a person), and scans in the traveling direction Dg to thereby obtain a plurality of sensors on a scanning path passing through the first point P1 and the second point P2. The distance data d3 obtained by measuring the distance at the point is output.

  In the present modified example, the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22 obtain a time change in the detection state of the person at the first point P1 and the second point P2, respectively, based on the distance data d3. Can be. Then, the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22 acquire the first elapsed time T1 and the second elapsed time T2 based on each time change while obtaining the time change of the detection state. In this case, the determination processing unit 24 can determine whether or not congestion has occurred in the landing 101 in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

  In the present modification, the control device 2 may include one acquisition processing unit 23 that performs the following acquisition processing, instead of the first acquisition processing unit 21 and the second acquisition processing unit 22 ( (See FIG. 7). The acquisition processing unit 23 calculates the height h3 (including the height of the head, shoulders, and the like) of the person at each position in the lateral direction Dh from the distance data d3, and calculates the height of the person at each position in the traveling direction Dg. It is determined whether or not h3 is equal to or greater than a threshold hs3. Then, when the acquisition processing unit 23 determines that “the threshold value is equal to or more than the threshold hs3 (Yes)”, the determination unit 23 determines that the detection state of the person is the ON state based on the determination. On the other hand, if the acquisition processing unit 23 determines that “the threshold value is not equal to or more than the threshold value hs3 (No)”, the determination unit 23 determines that the detection state of the person is the off state. At this time, a value corresponding to the average height of the person is used as the threshold hs3.

  The acquisition processing unit 23 can obtain a temporal change in the detection state of the person at each position in the traveling direction Dg by repeatedly performing the above determination in a short cycle. Then, the acquisition processing unit 23 obtains the time change of the detection state and, based on the time change, changes the detection state at two points (first point P1 and second point P2) located before and after in the traveling direction Dg. The time elapsed from the time Tc when the state is shifted from the OFF state to the ON state, the time elapsed in the ON state is acquired as the elapsed time T3. In this case, the determination processing unit 24 can determine whether or not congestion has occurred in the landing 101 in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[3-4] Other Modifications The detection device 1 is not limited to the case where a person is detected by a one-axis scanning type range measurement sensor like the first range measurement sensor 11 and the second range measurement sensor 12 described above. As long as it can output a detection result that can be used to determine whether or not a person has stopped, a two-axis scanning type range sensor may be used to detect a person, or another sensor may be used to detect a person. You may.

  The description of the above embodiment is illustrative in all aspects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Reference Signs List 1 detection device 2 control device 11 first range sensor 12 second range sensor 13 range sensor 21 first acquisition processing unit 22 second acquisition processing unit 23 acquisition processing unit 24 judgment processing unit Dg traveling direction Dh lateral direction P1 1 point P2 2nd point T1 1st elapsed time T2 2nd elapsed time T3 elapsed time Ts predetermined time Tj, Ta1, Ta2, Tb1, Tb2, Tc time point d1, d2, d3 distance data h1, h2, h3 person's height hs1 first threshold hs2 second threshold hs3 threshold 100 congestion detection system 101 landing 102A pole 102B horizontal bar

Claims (5)

A detection device that detects a person at a first point and a second point located in front and behind in the traveling direction at a landing of an escalator;
Based on the detection result of the detection device, a control device that determines whether congestion has occurred in the landing,
With
The control device includes:
A first acquisition processing unit that acquires a first elapsed time that has elapsed while the detection device has detected the same person at the first point;
A second acquisition processing unit that acquires a second elapsed time that has elapsed while the detection device has detected another same person at the second point;
At the time of determining whether or not congestion has occurred at the landing, it is determined whether or not both the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time at that time are equal to or longer than a predetermined time. By judging that it is longer than the time, to determine that congestion has occurred in the landing, a determination processing unit,
Escalator congestion detection system, including The detection device,
A first range sensor that scans the first point in the horizontal direction and outputs distance data obtained by measuring distances at a plurality of points on a scanning path;
A second range sensor that scans the second point in the horizontal direction and outputs distance data obtained by measuring distances at a plurality of points on a scanning path;
Including
The first acquisition processing unit may be configured to determine whether a detection state of a person at the first point is an ON state in which a person is detected, based on the distance data output by the first range sensor, or It is determined whether or not the off state has not been detected, based on the time change of the detection state obtained by the determination, based on the time from the transition from the off state to the on state, the time elapsed in the on state Acquired as the first elapsed time,
The second acquisition processing unit may be configured to determine whether a detection state of a person at the second point is an ON state in which a person is detected, based on the distance data output by the second ranging sensor, or It is determined whether or not the off state has not been detected, based on the time change of the detection state obtained by the determination, based on the time from the transition from the off state to the on state, the time elapsed in the on state Acquired as the second elapsed time,
The determination processing unit determines the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time at that time at the time of determining whether or not congestion has occurred at the landing and the first acquisition processing unit and the second elapsed time, respectively. The escalator congestion detection system according to claim 1, wherein the escalator congestion detection system according to claim 1, wherein the escalator congestion detection system acquires from the acquisition processing unit and determines whether all of the elapsed times are equal to or longer than the predetermined time. The first acquisition processing unit calculates the height of a person from the distance data output by the first range sensor, and determines whether the height of the person is equal to or greater than a first threshold. Determine whether the detection state of the person at the first point is the ON state or the OFF state,
The second acquisition processing unit calculates a height of a person from the distance data output by the second range sensor, and determines whether the height of the person is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The escalator congestion detection system according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether the detection state of the person at the second point is the on state or the off state. The first acquisition processing unit acquires, as the first elapsed time, a time elapsed in a state where the detection device has detected the same two persons in the lateral direction at the first point,
The said 2nd acquisition process part acquires the time which passed in the state which the said detection apparatus detected another same two persons in the horizontal direction at the said 2nd point as said 2nd elapsed time. The escalator congestion detection system according to any one of the above. A detection device that detects a person at a first point and a second point located in front and behind in the traveling direction at a landing of an escalator;
Based on the detection result of the detection device, a control device that determines whether congestion has occurred in the landing,
With
The control device includes:
An acquisition processing unit that detects the same person at the first point, and acquires an elapsed time that has elapsed while the detection device has detected another same person at the second point;
At the time of determining whether or not congestion has occurred at the landing, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time at that time is a predetermined time or more, and by determining that the predetermined time or more, the A judgment processing unit for judging that the place is congested;
Escalator congestion detection system, including

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