JP5321702B2 - RFID built-in cable system, manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for easily identifying cables having RFID tags built-in in an inexpensive manner on a long-term basis at the site without requiring installation constructors or users to write information in the RFID tags. <P>SOLUTION: In manufacturing a cable having RFIDs built-in, unique IDs of the RFIDs are to be automatically read out to record their order. When cable disconnection occurs, the unique IDs of RFIDs, which are built-in the closest positions to both ends of the cable respectively, are to be read out so that unique ID arrangement information of all of the RFIDs included in the disconnected cable can be recorded on a paper medium or an electronic information medium. Thus, by storing record information concerning arrangement of all of the RFID tags included in the cable in an information storage device, it is possible to surely identify the cable on a long-term basis. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to cable identification, and more particularly to an RFID built-in cable system that incorporates an RFID tag and has information about the arrangement of the RFID in an information storage device, a manufacturing method thereof, a usage method thereof, and an RFID reader.

  RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which has been rapidly developed in recent years, is a radio wave transmitter / transmitter called a reader / writer that reads and writes information in a contactless manner with a tag having an information storage device. is there. Unlike contact methods such as barcodes and magnetic cards, it is not easily affected by surface conditions such as dirt, and it is easy to perform reading operations because it is only necessary to place or pass tags within the communication range of the reader / writer. The tag has a characteristic that the amount of information that can be recorded is larger than that of the barcode, such as having a unique ID for each tag. Therefore, the application range of RFID is expanding as an effective storage element.

  By the way, the structure, material, and specifications of cables laid in plants, railways, etc. are determined in consideration of applications such as power supply, signal detection, equipment control, the relationship between ambient environmental conditions and service life, costs, etc. ing. However, since the types of cables that are often used are determined to some extent, the appearances are all similar. Therefore, when trying to identify each of a plurality of cables, it is often difficult to determine only by the difference in appearance.

  Therefore, various ideas have been conceived for making the identification of the cable more reliable by printing or pasting a symbol on the surface of the cable or attaching a tag or the like. For example, it is possible to specify the type of cable by printing symbols on the surface at regular intervals at the cable manufacturing stage, and furthermore, by attaching a tag that contains information such as the cable number and cable landing point, each cable can be identified. Can be identified.

  However, the method of printing on the front surface has a problem that it becomes difficult to read as a result of rubbing or smearing when laying around. There is a risk that the tag will also fall off, and the tag itself will require more effort than printing, so if you try to attach the tag at regular intervals to make cable identification easier, The cost increases as the length increases.

  Thus, for example, [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-21158 discloses a method of resonating with a predetermined radio wave in a cable storage space in order to reliably identify a cable at a low cost over a long period of time. It has been proposed to provide an information element for recording member and name information.

  [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-139535 proposes that two or more information storage elements are connected by a communication line or the like wired along the longitudinal direction.

  However, there is still room for improvement in that it is necessary to record names and the like on information elements whose number increases in proportion to the length of the cable.

JP 7-2111158 A JP 2004-139535 A

  Here, when writing information to the RFID tag, the communication distance is generally shorter and the communication time is longer than when reading information. Further, since the information written in the tag is recorded in the random access memory, it is likely to deteriorate compared to the ID unique to the tag recorded in the read-only memory, that is, slightly inferior in terms of the record holding ability.

  In view of the above-described points, the present invention is an RFID tag that accurately identifies a cable over a long period of time without a work for a construction worker or user to write information to the RFID tag with a cable incorporating an RFID tag. It is an object of the present invention to provide a built-in cable system, a manufacturing method thereof, and a manufacturing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a non-contact type transmitter / receiver for transmitting and receiving radio waves and a RFID built-in cable including an RFID having a responder incorporating a storage device storing a unique ID therein. in the fabrication method of the system, by introducing RFID to the structure of the internal cable, wherein the RFID sheath was coated introduced cable, after the coating, the RFID of the built cable internal structure and between the sheath A unique ID in the storage device is acquired, an information storage device in which all the acquired unique IDs are stored is created, and a unique ID in the RFID storage device is acquired when winding the cable. at a predetermined position calculated from the position and the take-up speed, and printing the symbol on the sheath surface of the cable, and take-characterized Rukoto the cable after the printing Than is.

In addition, the RFID built-in cable system manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a non-contact type transmitter / receiver for transmitting and receiving radio waves and an RFID having a responder with a built-in storage device storing a unique ID. In an RFID built-in cable system manufacturing apparatus, an RFID tag introducing machine that introduces RFID into a structure inside the cable, a sheath manufacturing machine that coats a sheath on the cable into which the RFID is introduced, and a structure inside the cable after the covering An RFID reader for acquiring a unique ID in the RFID storage device built between the body and the sheath, an information storage device for storing all the acquired unique IDs, and a unique ID in the RFID storage device At a predetermined position calculated from the ID acquisition position and the winding speed of the cable storage drum for winding the cable, A printing device for printing symbols sheath surface of the table, a said cable storage drum, the storage drum is characterized in winding the after printing cable.

The RFID built-in cable system of the present invention is a non-contact type transmitter / receiver for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and a RFID built-in cable having an RFID having a responder incorporating a storage device storing a unique ID. In the system, the RFID is built in between a structure inside the cable and a sheath covering the cable, an information storage device storing all the unique IDs of the RFID in the cable after the covering , and each RFID in the cable A symbol is printed on the surface of the sheath at a position corresponding to the above, and the printed cable is wound up .

  According to the present invention, an RFID built-in cable system for accurately identifying a cable over a long period of time without a work for a laying worker or user to write information into the RFID tag with a cable incorporating an RFID tag, and its production It is possible to provide a method and a manufacturing apparatus.

It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary of this invention method. An example of data stored in a server in the present invention. An example of data stored in a server in the present invention. The schematic diagram of the cable of this invention. Sectional drawing of the cable of this invention. The block diagram of the manufacturing apparatus of the cable of this invention. The block diagram of the cutting device of the cable of this invention. The block diagram of the facility method of the cable of this invention. The display content of the information equipment at the time of the cable installation of this invention. The block diagram of the inspection and removal method of the cable of this invention. Information displayed on the information device at the time of inspection and removal of the cable of the present invention. 4 shows an antenna configuration example of the RFID reader of the present invention.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of an RFID built-in cable system and its method according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

  First, an RFID tag is introduced into the cable manufacturing line (step 111), and then the unique ID of the introduced RFID tag is read in order (step 112).

  A configuration example of a cable including an RFID tag used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, in order to introduce the RFID tag into the cable to be manufactured, first, before the manufacturing process of the sheath 42 in the outermost layer of the cable performed in the final stage of cable manufacturing, the RFID tag is attached to the structure inside the cable. 41 is pasted. For example, the RFID tag 41 is pasted directly on the core insulating resin layer 43 of the core wire (conductive wire) 44, or is pasted on a structure that fixes the shape of the bundle of core wires 44 shown in FIG. Or the like. Next, the internal structure to which the RFID tag is attached is passed through the manufacturing process of the sheath 42, and finally a cable having the RFID tag inside the sheath 42 is obtained.

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag 41 from falling off the cable, and at the same time, there is an advantage that the RFID function can be secured over a long period of time by mitigating external impacts and thermal effects applied to the RFID tag 41. In addition, when the RFID tag is inserted into the sheath 42, there is a risk that cracks and the like may occur in the sheath starting from that portion. However, in the present method in which the RFID tag is inserted inside the sheath, such a problem does not occur.

  FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional configuration example of the cable of the present invention.

  This cross-sectional configuration shows the relationship between the RFID tag and the central portion of the core wire, and the configuration of FIG. 5A has a core wire insulating resin layer 53 covering the core wire (conductive wire) 54. Six wires are arranged around the shape-retaining insulating resin wires 56, and these are covered with the core bundle covering material 55. And the RFID tag 51 is stuck on this core wire bundle covering material 55, and the sheath 52 covers the outside. Accordingly, the distance from the outermost layer of the sheath to the RFID tag is made as short as possible to facilitate communication between the reader that reads the information of the RFID tag and the RFID tag.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 5B, unlike the case of FIG. 5A, a core wire 54 is disposed instead of the shape-retaining insulating resin wire 56 at the center of the cable, and the shape-retaining insulating resin wire 56 is disposed outside. Is arranged. As a result, by making the distance from the RFID tag 51 and the metal in the center of the core 54 to the RFID tag as long as possible, it is possible to prevent radio waves from interfering as much as possible when reading information from the RFID tag by radio waves. ing.

  Next, the process (step 113) of storing the unique ID and array information of all RFID tags included in the wound cable of FIG. 1 in the server will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a cable manufacturing system used in the present invention and its manufacturing process.

  A core wire 62 is taken out from the core wire drum 61, and an RFID tag is attached to the core wire 62 by an RFID tag introducing machine 63. Thereafter, the sheath is coated on the core wire to which the RFID tag is attached by the sheath manufacturing machine, and the cable including the RFID tag is completed. An RFID reader 66 having an antenna 65 reads the data of the unique ID for the cable 10 sent to the cable storage drum 71. This unique ID data is sent to a computer 67 such as a personal computer and then stored in the server 69 via a communication path 68 such as the Internet. As a result, the server 69 stores the unique ID and arrangement information of all RFID tags in the cable. This server 69 is a device for recording information relating to manufactured cables, and is managed by a cable manufacturer. This makes it possible to search for manufacturing history information such as which lot of which manufacturing line by using the unique ID of the RFID tag as a key when there is an inquiry about the manufacturing time from the cable user.

  Further, the RFID tag data of all the RFID tags in the cable stored in the server 69 can be transferred to an electronic information medium 72 such as paper, magnetic tape, memory or CD as necessary.

  When the cable is wound, a symbol is printed on the cable sheath by the printing device 70 at a predetermined position calculated from the installation position of the leader and the winding speed. Thereby, the approximate position where the RFID tag is contained can be indicated. The information to be printed may be related to the cable type or the unique ID of the RFID tag. By looking at the printed symbol, the type of cable, the approximate position of the RFID tag, and the unique ID can be read. become.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of RFID tag data stored in the server 69. For each control number arbitrarily set by the cable manufacturer, all RFIDs included in each cable, together with specification data such as cable type code, date of manufacture, production line, lot No., outer diameter, cable length, etc. It has a unique ID and sequence information of the tag, and if it has already been shipped, it records the shipping date and shipping destination together. Of course, data other than the items listed here, for example, data such as electrical characteristics can be added to the management items.

  Therefore, when shipping the cable, the RFID tag data of all the RFID tags included in the cable is linked to the actual cable and provided by a paper medium or the electronic information medium 72, so that the user can use the unique ID of the RFID tag as a clue. It is possible to inquire of the cable manufacturer about information on the cable used. In addition, the user can manage and identify individual cables using the unique ID of the RFID tag included in each cable.

  What is important here is that it is not necessary for the cable manufacturer or the laying operator to write any information on the tag. That is, the unique ID of the RFID tag assigned so that there is no same thing as one is read at the time of cable manufacture, and stored in the server as RFID tag array information for each cable, so that the RFID tag from any RFID tag in the cable Enables individual identification.

  Next, when the cable is taken out from the cable storage drum 71 shown in FIG. 6 and cut, the RFID tag closest to both ends of the cut cable is read to check the RFID contained in the cut cable (step 114). The process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The cable 10 is taken out from the cable storage drum 71 and cut by the cable cutting machine 74. Then, the unique ID of the RFID tag closest to both ends of the cut cable 10 is read by the RFID reader 66 having the antenna 65, and the data of the unique ID of the tag is sent to the server 69 via the computer 67 such as a personal computer and the communication path 68. The RFID tag data stored in is inquired.

  Next, the unique ID and arrangement information of the RFID tag included in each cut cable are stored in the database of the server 69 together with the cable management number (step 115). As a result, the RFID tag included in the cable after cutting is recognized from which number of unique ID to what number of unique IDs among the RFID tags included in the cable before cutting. , By sending to the server 69 and storing it, the server type 69 includes the cable type code, date of manufacture, production line, lot No., outer diameter, unique ID of all RFID tags contained in the cut cable, and arrangement information thereof. It can be stored in the database inside.

  Moreover, in the operation | work which cut | disconnects this cable, you may construct | assemble the fully automatic system which reads the RFID tag of the vicinity simultaneously with cable cutting, and transmits the read unique ID information automatically to a server.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of RFID tag data of an RFID tag stored in the server 69. For the cable shortened by cutting, the data such as the cable length, the unique ID of the RFID tag included in the cable and the array information is updated. For cables that require new individual management due to cutting, a new management number is assigned and the information on the cable before cutting shown in FIG. The data after cutting such as the unique ID of the tag and the array information are stored.

  Next, when installing the cut cable, the unique ID of the RFID tag included in the cable is read and databased together with the landing point information (step 116). Here, in the database, the unique ID of the RFID tag included in each cable installed in the facility, the arrangement information of those RFID tags, and the information regarding the cable arrival and departure points are recorded in association with each other.

  Next, I will explain the work and process of removing the cable after installing the facility. First, the RFID tag included in the cable to be identified is read by the RFID reader 66 (step 117). Then, the cable connection status is confirmed in the database (step 118). When any RFID tag included in any installed cable is read, individual identification information such as cable management number is specified from the database using the unique ID as a key, and the connection status of the cable is output. It can be confirmed.

  Thereby, if the target cable is being connected, it cannot be removed (step 119), and if it is not used, it can be determined that it can be removed (step 120). As a result, even if there is a cable that has been installed in the past, the accuracy of individual identification is low, so it is not possible to remove the cable unless multiple confirmations are made, which requires considerable time, labor, and cost. However, according to the system of the present invention, improvement of these problems can be realized.

  In the above embodiment, the effect of reliably identifying a cable to be removed from a large number of cables has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to the determination of whether or not the cable can be removed, and the individual identification of the cable can be reliably performed. As such, it can be used for various purposes.

  Next, the Example which equips a building with the cable of this invention is shown.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which a cable is installed in a building facility such as a power plant. In this example of the facility, the cable 10 is connected between the central control room 90 and the area B92. When installing the cable 10, the individual unique ID information of the RFID tag of the cable 10 is read by the RFID reader 66, and this individual ID information is stored in the server 69 via the communication path 68 such as the Internet. Inquire at The database stored in the server 69 makes an inquiry to the design database of the server 102 of the CAD system 100 in which the design drawing of the entire plant is stored via the communication path 68, so that the starting point of the cable 10 is determined. In addition to determining which end point the cable is connected to, it also inquires and stores the map data of the cable facility.

  First, as a process corresponding to step 116 in FIG. 1, a method of laying the cable 10 connecting the central control room 90 and the area B92 will be described. Here, the cable is often laid so that both ends are extended after being carried to the center of the laying path in a state where both ends are folded. Therefore, the unique ID of the RFID tag near the center of the cable 10 is inquired to the database of the server 69 via the communication path 68. Thereby, the unique ID of the RFID tag included in each cable provided in the facility, the arrangement information of those RFID tags, and the information related to the cable arrival and departure points are recorded in the database in association with each other. Then, the design database of the server 102 is inquired via the communication path 68, and position information for carrying the cable 10 with both ends folded is obtained from the map data of the cable laying. At this time, the unique ID of the RFID tag near the center of the cable 10 is read by the RFID reader 66, and the position where the cable 10 is carried is specified while reading the unique ID of the branch point tag by the RFID tag arranged at the branch point. May be.

  Next, when one end of the cable 10 is extended and the cable 10 approaches the branch point, the unique ID information of the branch point tag B96 indicating the branch point arranged at the branch point is read by the RFID reader 66 and the cable The unique ID information of the RFID is also read. As a result, the position information from the branch point tag B96 and the individual information of the cable are referred to the database of the server 69, so that the map information of the cable facility and the direction of the facility are inquired from the position information. The route and facility direction are displayed on an information device 98 such as a PDA. Thereby, the information of the exact construction direction of a cable can be provided to a facility installer.

  Even if the position information from the branch point tag B96 is not automatically input by the RFID reader, the position information of the branch point is input from the information device 98, so that the map information of the cable facility can be inquired from this position information. It is also possible to display the map information, cable facility route, and facility direction on an information device 98 such as a PDA.

  FIG. 9 shows a display example of the information device 98 of FIG.

  On the display screen 108 of the information device 98, the cable facility route 110 where the branched cable is installed is displayed together with the facility direction information 106, and further, branch point information 100 indicating which branch is being displayed. In addition, direction information 104 indicating which area each route is directed to is also shown. Then, the cable 10 that performs the facility is read by the RFID reader 66, and the area where the cable 10 should be directed to the cable facility route 110 is displayed together with the cable data 103 from the unique ID information of the cable. As information of the cable data 103, RFID tag data, which is various information corresponding to the above-described unique ID, is displayed, and the facility direction of the cable 10 is displayed. Thereby, the facility direction information of the cable can be provided to the cable facility installer without error.

  Next, the Example which inspects the cable of this invention installed in the building, and also withdraws is shown.

  FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which a cable is installed in a building facility such as a power plant.

  In the example of this facility, the cable 12 is provided between the central control room 90 and the area A91. As a process corresponding to step 118 in FIG. 1, the individual ID information of the RFID tag provided in the cable 12 is read by the RFID reader 66, and the individual unique ID information is read via the communication path 68 such as the Internet. Query the database stored in The database stored in the server 69 is inquired via the communication path 68 to the design database 102 (not shown) of the server 102 of the CAD system 100 in which the design drawing of the entire plant is stored. 12 is connected between the equipment in the central control room 90 and the equipment in the area A91, and returns data indicating that this cable is currently used. As a result, it is indicated whether the cable can be removed or cannot be removed, and the operator is informed of the inspection result of the cable and whether or not the cable can be removed.

  FIG. 11 shows a display example of the information device 98 of FIG.

  On the display screen 110 of the information device 98, the cable facility route 110 of the cable 12 being installed is displayed together with the facility direction information 106, and further, branch point information 114 indicating which branch is being displayed, Information indicating in which area each route is directed is also shown. Then, the cable 12 for performing the facility is read by the RFID reader 66, and the cable data indicates that the cable 12 is connected between the central control room 90 and the area A91 with respect to the cable facility route 110 from the unique ID information of the cable. 103 is displayed. As the information of the cable data 103, RFID tag data, which is various information corresponding to the above-mentioned unique ID, is displayed, and whether the cable 12 is in use or can be removed. Provide information.

  Next, a structural example of the shape of the antenna 65 used in the RFID reader 66 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this antenna 65, half-cylindrical casings 80a and 80b are connected by a hinge 84. When an RFID tag is detected, the cable 10 is put into a cylindrical shape combining the half-cylindrical casings 80a and 80b. It is like that. In addition, antennas 82a and 82b are provided in a spiral shape inside the semi-cylindrical casings 80a and 80b, and one end thereof is connected to the ground on the back surface of the semi-cylindrical casings 80a and 80b via a through hole 86. ing. By configuring the antenna with such a shape, in the circular cable 10, it is not possible to determine at which position the RFID tag is arranged, but the RFID tag can be located at any position in the cable. Information from the antenna of the tag can be detected efficiently. In addition, by making the length of the antennas 82a and 82b along the cable 10 longer than the interval between the RFID tags contained in the cable 10, the radio waves of the RFID tag can be reliably transmitted no matter how the cable 10 is sandwiched. It becomes possible to detect.

  In the above-described embodiment, the target cable is an electric cable having a conductor. However, the cable can also be used for a cable such as an optical fiber, and the unique ID information of the RFID tag is also used. It is also possible to use an RFID tag that can be additionally written and rewritten instead of an RFID tag that cannot be additionally written and rewritten.

  In the above-described example, the configuration in which various data based on the unique ID of the RFID tag is stored in the database of the server 69 via the communication path is not limited to this configuration, but the database information is stored in the electronic information medium 72. By storing it, it is possible to transplant it to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer having the function of an individual RFID reader.

  According to the present invention, a cable with a built-in RFID tag can be used when a cable is installed, a cable is withdrawn or repaired without a construction worker or user writing information to the RFID tag. It is possible to provide a system for accurately identifying a cable over a long period of time, a manufacturing method thereof, a usage method thereof, and an RFID reader.

  10, 12 ... Cable, 72 ... Electronic information medium, 86 ... Through hole.

Claims (6)

In a method of manufacturing a cable system with a built-in RFID including a RFID having a transponder with a built-in storage device that stores and stores a unique ID and a transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives radio waves in a non-contact type,
Introduce RFID into the structure inside the cable,
Cover the cable in which the RFID is introduced with a sheath,
After the covering , obtain a unique ID in the RFID storage device built in between the structure inside the cable and the sheath;
Create an information storage device that stores all of the acquired unique IDs ,
When winding the cable, a symbol is printed on the sheath surface of the cable at a predetermined position calculated from a position for acquiring a unique ID in the RFID storage device and a winding speed;
Manufacturing method of the RFID-incorporated cable system characterized Rukoto preparative winding the cables after the printing. In the manufacturing method of the cable system with built-in RFID in claim 1,
The information stored in the information storage device is included in the cable together with at least one of the data types of cable type symbol, manufacturing date, manufacturing line, lot No., outer diameter, and cable length. A method of manufacturing a cable system with a built-in RFID, characterized by storing a unique ID of RFID and array information. In the manufacturing apparatus of the RFID built-in cable system, the RFID having a transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives radio waves in a non-contact type and a responder including a storage device that stores a unique ID is provided in the cable
RFID tag introduction machine for introducing RFID into the structure inside the cable;
A sheath manufacturing machine for covering the cable with the RFID introduced with a sheath;
An RFID reader for acquiring a unique ID in the RFID storage device built between the structure inside the cable after the coating and the sheath;
An information storage device storing all the acquired unique IDs;
A printing device for printing a symbol on the sheath surface of the cable at a predetermined position calculated from a position for acquiring a unique ID in the RFID storage device and a winding speed of a cable storage drum for winding the cable;
An apparatus for manufacturing a cable system with a built-in RFID, wherein the storage drum winds up a cable after printing. In an RFID built-in cable system including an RFID having a non-contact type transmitter / receiver for transmitting and receiving radio waves and a responder with a built-in storage device storing a unique ID,
The RFID is embedded between a structure inside the cable and a sheath covering the cable,
An information storage device that stores all the unique IDs of RFIDs in the cable after coating, and a symbol printed on the sheath surface at a position corresponding to each RFID in the cable,
An RFID built-in cable system, wherein the printed cable is wound up. In the RFID built-in cable system according to claim 4,
The information stored in the information storage device is included in the cable together with at least one of the data types of cable type symbol, manufacturing date, manufacturing line, lot No., outer diameter, and cable length. An RFID built-in cable system characterized by storing a unique ID of RFID and array information. In the RFID built-in cable of the RFID built-in cable system, the RFID has a non-contact type transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives radio waves and a responder that includes a storage device that stores a unique ID .
The RFID is embedded between a structure inside the cable and a sheath covering the cable,
The total number of unique IDs of RFID in the cable after the coating is stored in an information storage device provided outside the cable,
When winding the cable, a symbol is printed on the sheath surface of the cable at a predetermined position calculated from a position for acquiring a unique ID in the RFID storage device and a winding speed;
An RFID built-in cable, wherein the printed cable is wound up.