JP2019121223A - Sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

To save electric power required for wireless communication of infrastructure facility information.SOLUTION: An acquisition unit 1111 sequentially acquires detection data representing the temperature which a temperature sensor 113 continuously detects. A memory unit 1112 sequentially stores the detection data acquired by the acquisition unit 1111. A detection unit 1113 detects approach or passage of a moving entity on the basis of a variance quantity per unit time of the temperature which is represented by the detection data stored in the memory unit 1112. When approach of the moving entity is detected by the detection unit 1113, a regulator 117 initiates power supply to a communication module 114 under the control of a control unit 1114. When passage of the moving entity is detected by the detection unit 1113, the regulator terminates the power supply to the communication module 114. During a period during which the power supply from the regulator 117 is under way, the communication module 114 wirelessly transmits the detection data, which is stored in the memory unit 1112, to equipment mounted in the moving entity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for wirelessly transmitting information detected by a sensor.

  Most of the maintenance work on infrastructure equipment requires workers to go to the site for visual inspection and the like. For example, in the connection part of the feeder (feed cable compression connection part) which is a power line for supplying power to the overhead wire of the electric railway, the resistance value increases due to corrosion or contact failure as the deterioration progresses, and the temperature at the time of power supply To rise. Workers visually observe the change of the color of the thermo label attached to the feeder connection by utilizing the property. As described above, when workers need to go to the site for maintenance of infrastructure facilities, it is difficult to make maintenance work more efficient.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is a patent document disclosing a technology related to maintenance of infrastructure equipment. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for transmitting data indicating the state of a connection portion of a feeder wire measured by a sensor from a wireless tag to a reader mounted on a railway vehicle.

JP, 2017-49894, A

  A sensor that detects the condition of infrastructure equipment may be installed at a difficult place for supplying power. In that case, information indicating the state of the infrastructure equipment detected by the sensor (hereinafter referred to as “infrastructure equipment information” in the present application) is wirelessly transmitted by the power of the battery. In order to reduce the time and effort of battery replacement, it is necessary to reduce the power required to transmit infrastructure equipment information.

  In view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for reducing the power required for wireless communication of infrastructure equipment information.

  In order to solve the problems described above, the present invention is a sensor system that wirelessly transmits infrastructure equipment information detected by a detection sensor to a mobile, and detects the approach of the mobile by the proximity sensor, and detects the approach of the mobile. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor system that wirelessly transmits the infrastructure facility information according to the detection.

  According to the sensor system of the first aspect, unnecessary wireless communication of the infrastructure facility information is not performed until the moving object approaches, and power consumption is saved.

  In the sensor system according to the first aspect, as a second aspect, a configuration is adopted in which power supply to a communication module that wirelessly transmits the infrastructure information is started according to the detection of the approach of the moving object by the approach sensor. May be

  According to the sensor system of the second aspect, the communication module does not waste power and the power consumption is saved until the moving object approaches.

  In the sensor system of the second aspect, a configuration is employed as a third aspect, in which passage of the moving body is detected by the proximity sensor, and power supply to the communication module is terminated in response to detection of passage of the moving body. It may be done.

  According to the sensor system of the third aspect, after the moving object passes, the communication module does not waste power, and power consumption is saved.

  In the sensor system according to the first to third aspects, the approach sensor may be a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a feeder that supplies electric power to a train, as a fourth aspect.

  According to the sensor system of the fourth aspect, the approach of the moving object is detected by the temperature sensor.

  In the sensor system of the fourth aspect, a configuration may be adopted as a fifth aspect in which the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the connection portion of the feeder and the detection sensor is the temperature sensor.

  The sensor system according to the fifth aspect is realized with a simple configuration as compared to the case of using a proximity sensor different from the detection sensor because the temperature sensor doubles as the proximity sensor and the detection sensor.

  In the sensor system of the first to third aspects, a configuration may be adopted as a sixth aspect, in which the proximity sensor is a magnetic sensor that measures magnetism generated by a feeder that supplies electric power to a train.

  According to the sensor system of the sixth aspect, the approach of the moving body is detected by the magnetic sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figure which showed the whole structure of the radio | wireless communications system which employ | adopted the sensor system which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the sensor system which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which showed the state which the sensor system which concerns on one Embodiment was attached to the feeder wire compression connection part. The block diagram showing the functional composition of the sensor system concerning one embodiment. The figure which showed the flow of the process which the sensor system which concerns on one Embodiment performs. The block diagram showing the functional composition of the sensor system concerning a modification.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a sensor system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an entire configuration of a wireless communication system 1 adopting a sensor system 11. The wireless communication system 1 includes one or more sensor systems 11 and an on-vehicle unit 12. The sensor system 11 is attached to each of the feeder compression connection 3 connecting the plurality of feeders 2 to each other, and detects the temperature of the feeder compression connection 3. The on-vehicle unit 12 is mounted on a train 5 (an example of a moving body) traveling on the track 4.

  In order for workers at a railway management company to use data indicating an temperature detected by the sensor system 11 (an example of infrastructure equipment information, hereinafter referred to as “detection data”), access is possible from a terminal device used by the workers It is necessary to transmit detection data to a suitable server device or the like. However, in the area where the sensor system 11 is installed, connection to a wide area network such as a mobile communication network is not always possible.

  Therefore, in the wireless communication system 1, when the train 5 approaches the sensor system 11, the sensor system 11 wirelessly transmits detection data to the on-vehicle unit 12. A communication standard suitable for wireless communication between the sensor system 11 and the on-vehicle unit 12 is, for example, a low power wide area (LPWA) network standard such as LoRaWAN, but is not limited thereto.

  The feeder line 2 is extended between the columns provided along the line 4 and is a wire for feeding power supplied from the substation to the trolley wire. The train 5 is electrically driven and receives power supply from the trolley wire via the pantograph.

  FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the hardware configuration of the sensor system 11. As shown in FIG. The sensor system 11 includes a processor 111, a memory 112, a temperature sensor 113, a communication module 114, an antenna 115, a battery 116, and a regulator 117.

  The processor 111 controls the operation of each part of the sensor system 11 by performing data processing in accordance with the program stored in the memory 112. The memory 112 stores a program executed by the processor 111, data generated by the processor 111, detection data indicating a temperature detected by the temperature sensor 113, and the like.

  The temperature sensor 113 detects the temperature of the feeder cable compression connection 3 and outputs detection data indicating the detected temperature. The communication module 114 wirelessly communicates with the on-vehicle unit 12 via the antenna 115.

  The regulator 117 stabilizes the voltage and current of the power supplied from the battery 116. Power stabilized in voltage and current by the regulator 117 is supplied to the processor 111, the memory 112, the temperature sensor 113, and the communication module 114.

  Among the components of the sensor system 11, the communication module 114 has the largest amount of power consumption. Therefore, in order to extend the life of the battery 116, the regulator 117 does not supply power to the communication module 114 except under a control of the processor 111 except for a period in which the detection data can be transmitted to the on-vehicle unit 12.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing the sensor system 11 attached to the feeder compression connection 3. The feeder cable compression connection 3 connects the feeder cable 2 extending in the left direction and the feeder cable 2 extending in the right direction in FIG. 3 to each other.

  The sensor system 11 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a control unit 101, which is a unitized component other than the temperature sensor 113 of the sensor system 11, and two control units 101 disposed outside the control unit 101 and connected by a cable 102. The temperature sensor 113 of FIG. The cable 102 serves as a power line for supplying power to the temperature sensor 113 and a communication line for transmitting detection data from the temperature sensor 113 to the control unit 101.

  The control unit 101 and the two temperature sensors 113 are fixed to the feeder wire compression connection 3 by means of a fixing bracket 103.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sensor system 11. However, in FIG. 4, the antenna 115 and the battery 116 are not shown. The processor 111 functions as an acquisition unit 1111, a detection unit 1113, and a control unit 1114 by executing a program. The memory 112 also functions as a storage unit 1112 under the control of the processor 111.

  The acquisition unit 1111 acquires detection data from the temperature sensor 113. The detection data is an example of infrastructure equipment information which is information on the status of the infrastructure equipment. In the present embodiment, the degree of deterioration of the feeder compression connection 3 is indicated by the temperature of the detection data feeder connection 3. The storage unit 1112 sequentially stores detection data continuously acquired by the acquisition unit 1111.

  The detection unit 1113 detects the approach and passage of the train 5 based on the amount of change in temperature of the feeder wire compression connection unit 3 indicated by the detection data arranged in time series stored in the storage unit 1112.

  When the train 5 approaches the sensor system 11, the power supply to the train 5 is performed, and the temperature of the wire compression connection 3 rises with the power supply. Therefore, the detection unit 1113 determines that the train 5 is approaching when the temperature rise amount of the feeder compression connection unit 3 per predetermined time becomes equal to or more than a predetermined threshold.

  In addition, when the train 5 passes the sensor system 11, the supply of power to the train 5 is not performed, and the temperature of the wire compression connection 3 which has been increased with the supply of power is decreased. Therefore, the detection unit 1113 determines that the train 5 has passed when the amount of decrease in the temperature of the feeder compression connection 3 per predetermined time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. When detecting the approach or passing of the train 5, the detection unit 1113 notifies the control unit 1114 to that effect.

  As described above, the temperature sensor 113 in this embodiment has a role as a detection sensor that generates detection data indicating the degree of deterioration of the feeder compression connection 3 which is the infrastructure equipment information, and data indicating the approach and passage of the train 5 Act as a proximity sensor to generate

  The control unit 1114 instructs the regulator 117 to supply power to the communication module 114 when receiving notification that the approach of the train 5 has been detected from the detection unit 1113, and then the control module 1114 stores the information in the memory 112 in the communication module 114. It instructs sending of unsent detection data. The communication module 114 starts operation by power supply from the regulator 117, reads detection data from the memory 112 according to an instruction of the control unit 1114, and wirelessly transmits the read detection data.

  Further, when the control unit 1114 receives a notification from the detection unit 1113 that the passage of the train 5 has been detected, the control unit 1114 instructs the regulator 117 to end the power supply to the communication module 114. The communication module 114, which has stopped supplying power from the regulator 117, does nothing until the next train 5 approaches.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of processing performed by the sensor system 11. The process according to the flow of FIG. 5 is performed, for example, at each elapse of a predetermined time.

  First, the detection unit 1113 reads detection data within a period of the latest predetermined time length from the memory 112 (step S101). Subsequently, the detection unit 1113 determines whether the approach detection flag is “1” indicating a state in which the approach of the train 5 is detected (step S102). Immediately after the sensor system 11 is activated, the approach detection flag is set to “0”, which indicates a state in which the approach of the train 5 is not detected.

  In step S102, when the approach detection flag is “0” (step S102; No), the detection unit 1113 indicates that the increase amount of the temperature of the feeder wire compression connection unit 3 per unit time indicated by the detection data read in step S101. It is determined whether it is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value for temperature rise (step S201).

  In step S201, when the increase amount per unit time of the temperature of feeder cable connection 3 is less than the predetermined threshold value for the temperature increase (step S201; No), sensor system 11 ends the process according to the flow of FIG. Do.

  In step S201, when the increase amount per unit time of the temperature of feeder line connection 3 is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value for the temperature increase (step S201; Yes), controller 1114 determines that train 5 is approaching. The determination is made, and the approach detection flag is set to "1" (step S202). Thereafter, the control unit 1114 instructs the regulator 117 to start power supply to the communication module 114. The regulator 117 starts power supply to the communication module 114 according to the instruction of the control unit 1114 (step S203).

  Following step S203, the control unit 1114 instructs the communication module 114 to transmit all the detection data stored in the memory 112. The communication module 114 reads all the detection data stored in the memory 112 according to the instruction of the control unit 1114, and transmits the detection data to the on-vehicle unit 12 (step S204). When the transmission of the detection data is completed, the communication module 114 notifies the control unit 1114 to that effect.

  Subsequently, the control unit 1114 determines whether transmission of the detection data in step S204 is successful (step S205). If the transmission of the detection data fails (Step S205; No), the sensor system 11 ends the process according to the flow of FIG.

  If the transmission of the detection data is successful (step S205; Yes), the control unit 1114 deletes the transmitted detection data from the memory 112 (step S206). Thereafter, the sensor system 11 ends the process according to the flow of FIG.

  In step S102, when the approach detection flag is “1” (step S102; Yes), the detection unit 1113 indicates that the amount of decrease per unit time of the temperature of the feeder compression connection 3 indicated by the detection data read in step S101. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold for temperature drop (step S301).

  In step S301, when the amount of decrease per unit time of the temperature of feeder cable connection 3 is less than the predetermined threshold for temperature decrease (step S301; No), sensor system 11 ends the process according to the flow of FIG. Do.

  In step S301, when the amount of decrease per unit time of the temperature of feeder line connection 3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value for temperature decrease (step S301; Yes), controller 1114 determines that train 5 has passed. The approach detection flag is set to "0" (step S302). Thereafter, the control unit 1114 instructs the regulator 117 to terminate the power supply to the communication module 114. The regulator 117 ends the power supply to the communication module 114 according to the instruction of the control unit 1114 (step S303). Thereafter, the sensor system 11 ends the process according to the flow of FIG.

  The sensor system 11 repeats the process according to the flow of FIG. 5, for example, every time a predetermined time elapses to detect the approach of the train 5 and then to the power to the communication module 114 only until the passage of the train 5 is detected. Supply is performed, and power supply to the communication module 114 is not performed in other periods. As a result, wasteful power consumption by the communication module 114 is prevented during a period when the communication module 114 can not communicate with the on-vehicle unit 12.

The on-vehicle unit 12 that has received the detection data transmitted from the sensor system 11 is transported by the train 5 and collected, for example, by a worker at a station. Thereafter, the operator judges the degree of deterioration of the feeder compression connection 3 based on the detection data. For example, if the maximum value of the temperature of the feeder wire compression connecting portion 3 while the train 5 is traveling in the vicinity is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the worker may change the degree of degradation of the feeder wire compression connecting portion 3 to a degree requiring replacement. I judge that there is.
[Modification]

  The above-described wireless communication system 1 is an embodiment of the present invention, and can be variously modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The following shows examples of such modifications. In addition, 2 or more of the embodiment mentioned above and the modification shown below may be combined suitably.

(1) In the sensor system 11 described above, detection of the approach and passing of the train 5 is performed based on detection data indicating the temperature of the feeder compression connection 3 detected by the temperature sensor 113. Instead of or in addition to this, the approach and passing of the train 5 may be detected based on detection data indicating a physical quantity other than the temperature of the feeder compression connection 3.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a sensor system 21 according to an example of this modification. In FIG. 6, the same components as the components included in the sensor system 11 are denoted by the reference numerals used in FIG. The sensor system 21 includes a magnetic sensor 211 instead of the temperature sensor 113 included in the sensor system 11 as an approach sensor for detecting approach and passing of the train 5. The magnetic sensor 211 is attached to the feeder compression connection 3 or feeder 2.

  Although the sensor system 21 includes the temperature sensor 113, the temperature sensor 113 does not play a role as an approach sensor for detecting the approach and the passage of the train 5, and the infrastructure equipment (in this case, the feeder compression connection portion) It plays only a role as a detection sensor for detecting infrastructure equipment information indicating the state of 3).

  The magnetic sensor 211 has a Hall element, and the Hall element outputs a signal having an amplitude according to the magnetic flux density. When the train 5 approaches and power is supplied from the feeder 2 to the train 5, the current flowing through the feeder 2 increases and the magnetic flux density also increases. In addition, when the train 5 passes and power supply from the feeder 2 to the train 5 ends, the current flowing through the feeder 2 decreases and the magnetic flux density also decreases.

  Data indicating the magnetic flux density continuously detected by the magnetic sensor 211 (hereinafter, referred to as “magnetic flux density data”) is sequentially acquired by the acquisition unit 1111 and stored in the storage unit 1112. The control unit 1114 detects the approach of the train 5 based on the amount of increase per unit time of the magnetic flux density indicated by the magnetic flux density data stored in the storage unit 1112. Further, the control unit 1114 detects the passage of the train 5 based on the amount of decrease per unit time of the magnetic flux density indicated by the magnetic flux density data stored in the storage unit 1112.

  As described above, in the sensor system 21, the magnetic sensor 211 is used as the proximity sensor. As an approach sensor, in addition to a temperature sensor employed in the sensor system 11 and a magnetic sensor employed in the sensor system 21, an acoustic microphone for detecting a sound that increases with the approach of the train 5, and an approach for the train 5 A vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the line 4 that increases along with it, a light sensor that detects that the light is blocked by the train 5 when the train 5 passes a predetermined position, or the like may be adopted.

(2) Although the infrastructure equipment to be observed in the above-described sensor system 11 is the feeder compression connection portion 3, various other infrastructure equipment may be selected as the observation object. Further, the infrastructure equipment information is not limited to the information indicating the temperature, and various information such as humidity, sound, vibration, and distortion may be selected as the infrastructure equipment information as long as the information indicates the state of the infrastructure equipment to be observed. .

(3) In the above-described sensor system 11, the mobile unit for transporting the on-vehicle unit 12 is the train 5, but a mobile unit of a type other than the train, such as a car, an aircraft (eg, drone), or a ship The on-vehicle unit 12 may be transported by the However, depending on the type of mobile object, the type of proximity sensor needs to be selected appropriately.

(4) The sensor system 11 described above detects the approach and passage of the train 5 by comparing the amount of change in temperature of the feeder cable compression connection 3 with a threshold. Instead of the amount of change in the measured physical quantity, the approach and passing of the train may be detected based on the absolute value of the measured physical quantity.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Radio | wireless communications system, 2 ... electric wire, 3 ... electric wire compression connection part, 4 ... track, 5 ... train, 11 ... sensor system, 12 ... on-vehicle unit, 21 ... sensor system, 101 ... control unit, 102 ... Cable, 103: Fixing bracket, 111: Processor, 112: Memory, 113: Temperature sensor, 114: Communication module, 115: Antenna, 116: Battery, 117: Regulator, 211: Magnetic sensor, 1111: Acquisition unit, 1112: Memory Unit 1113: Detection unit 1114: Control unit

Claims (6)

  A sensor system for wirelessly transmitting infrastructure equipment information detected by a detection sensor to a mobile body, wherein the proximity sensor detects the approach of the mobile body and wirelessly transmits the infrastructure equipment information according to the detection of the proximity of the mobile body system. The sensor system according to claim 1, wherein power supply to a communication module that wirelessly transmits the infrastructure facility information is started in response to the detection of the approach of the moving object by the approach sensor. The sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the proximity sensor detects the passage of the mobile body, and ends the power supply to the communication module in response to the detection of the passage of the mobile body. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximity sensor is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a feeder that supplies electric power to a train. The sensor system according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor measures a temperature of a connection portion of the feeder wire, and the detection sensor is the temperature sensor. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximity sensor is a magnetic sensor that measures magnetism generated by a feeder that supplies electric power to a train.

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