Monitoring system and monitoring method

Abstract

The monitoring system includes a vibration power generation unit that generates power from vibration generated by an action of a monitoring object, a detection unit that detects a prescribed voltage of a capacitor charged by the power generation, and a determination unit that determines the action of the monitoring object corresponding to a prescribed charge-discharge pattern in a case where the prescribed charge-discharge pattern appears in a charge-discharge pattern of the capacitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to surveillance systems and surveillance methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a technique was known of mounting a vibration power generation device, which includes a vibration power generation element, on an object and monitoring the movement of the object.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a system for managing the open and closed state of a key, which generates electricity by generating vibrations when the key is inserted into the keyhole and turned, determines the open or closed state of the key based on voltage changes, and uses the electricity generated by vibration in data transmission.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an anomaly detection system for railway bridges, which involves installing vibration-generating elements on the support structure and detecting anomalies by identifying vibrations during abnormal events. Specifically, it discloses setting the resonant frequency of the vibration-generating elements to the frequency of an abnormal event, identifying an anomaly when the power generation increases. Furthermore, it discloses installing multiple vibration-generating elements on the support structure and identifying the location of the anomaly by comparing the power generation status of each element.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-218734

[0008] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2016 / 194375 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In manufacturing plants and other production facilities, monitoring the operational status of production equipment is essential for efficient production. Therefore, various sensors are needed. However, installing sensors on existing equipment often presents challenges due to wiring difficulties. Furthermore, selecting the right sensors is itself challenging without a certain level of knowledge or experience.

[0011] This disclosure was made in view of the following problem, and its purpose is to provide a monitoring system and monitoring method for monitoring the actions of a monitored object.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] One aspect of the monitoring system of the present invention includes: a vibration power generation unit that generates electricity based on vibrations generated by the action of a monitored object; a detection unit that detects a predetermined voltage of a capacitor charged by the power generation; and a determination unit that, if a predetermined charging and discharging mode occurs in the charging and discharging mode of the capacitor, determines the action of the monitored object corresponding to the predetermined charging and discharging mode.

[0014] Additionally, one aspect of the monitoring method of the present invention includes: an acquisition step of acquiring a charging and discharging pattern of a capacitor charged based on vibrations generated by the action of a monitored object; and a determination step of determining, if a predetermined charging and discharging pattern appears in the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor, determining the action of the monitored object corresponding to the predetermined charging and discharging pattern.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, a surveillance system and a surveillance method are provided for monitoring the actions of a monitored object. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the outline of a monitoring system according to one implementation.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a monitoring device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating another structural example of a monitoring device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4A This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4B This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5A This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5B This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6A This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6BThis is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7A This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7B This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the measurement results of the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a monitoring method for one implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0031] (System Overview)

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the general outline of a monitoring system according to one embodiment. Here, an example of this monitoring system being applied to production equipment in a factory is described.

[0033] The monitoring system 100 includes a monitoring device 101 with a vibration power generation device and an information processing device 102. In this embodiment, the production equipment 103 is the object of monitoring. In the production equipment 103, material supplied from a material tank 110 is ejected into an oven 112 via an ejection device 111 to form a shape. The material tank 110 is connected to a vacuum pump 113, a stirring motor 114, and a temperature controller 115. The temperature controller 115 operates using a heat transfer fluid. In addition, the ejection device 111 has a cylinder, which is actuated by pressure applied by a hydraulic unit 116. The oven 112 allows for the loading and unloading of materials by opening and closing a door 117 (also called an oven door). In this embodiment, as an example, the monitoring device 101 is installed in the hydraulic unit 116, and the vibration power generation device in the monitoring device 101 generates electricity through vibrations generated within the production equipment 103. The vibration power generation device is not limited to the hydraulic unit 116, and can generate electricity through vibrations generated by various devices within the production equipment 103, such as the material tank 110, the ejector 111, the oven 112, the vacuum pump 113, the stirring motor 114, the thermostat 115, and the door 117 of the oven 112. Furthermore, the monitoring device 101 is not limited to being installed in the hydraulic unit 116, but can also be installed in other devices within the production equipment 103. The control panel 120 monitors the status of the production equipment 103 and performs various controls.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a monitoring device according to one embodiment.

[0035] The monitoring device 101 includes a vibration power generation device 200 comprising a vibration power generation element 201, a charging circuit 202 and a capacitor 203, a voltage detection circuit 204 and a wireless module 205.

[0036] The vibration power generation element 201 generates electricity through ambient sound and vibration. For example, the vibration power generation element 201 includes a fixed electrode and a movable electrode. The movable electrode vibrates relative to the fixed electrode in response to the sound and vibration of the monitored object, thereby generating electricity. The vibration power generation element 201 is set to maximize its power generation in accordance with the dominant frequency of the monitored object, and is configured to generate even greater power at specific frequencies. The dominant frequency refers to the frequency at which the system generates its maximum amplitude due to input acceleration, etc., and here it represents the frequency at which the monitored object system generates its maximum amplitude. For example, the vibration power generation element 201 can accommodate various frequencies by adjusting the beam and the counterweight of the movable part. The vibration power generation element 201 can use electret-type power generation elements, piezoelectric-type power generation elements, electromagnetic induction-type power generation elements, or magnetostrictive-type power generation elements, etc.

[0037] The charging circuit 202 converts the AC voltage output from the vibration power generation element 201 into DC voltage via a diode to charge the capacitor 203. The capacitor 203 is connected in parallel with a resistor. When the power generation caused by the vibration power generation element 201 stops, the charging voltage decreases due to the resistor (i.e., discharges). The resistance value of the resistor and the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor 203 are set considering factors such as the duration of vibration and the amount of power generated.

[0038] The voltage detection circuit 204 detects the charging voltage of the capacitor 203. The voltage detection circuit 204 is configured to detect a specified voltage of the capacitor 203, and when the specified voltage is detected, it outputs the detection information to the wireless module 205.

[0039] The wireless module 205 converts the detection information detected by the voltage detection circuit 204 into a digital signal (A / D conversion) and transmits it to the information processing device 102 via wireless communication. Alternatively, if the voltage detection circuit 204 performs A / D conversion and converts the detection information into a digital signal, the wireless module 205 may not be required to perform A / D conversion. (That is, A / D conversion can be performed in the voltage detection circuit 204, and voltage detection processing can be performed on the digitally converted information.)

[0040] Based on detection information received from the wireless module 205, the information processing device 102 matches the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor 203 with pre-stored predetermined charging and discharging patterns. If a predetermined charging and discharging pattern appears in the charging and discharging patterns of the capacitor 203, the device determines the action of the monitored object corresponding to that predetermined charging and discharging pattern. The charging and discharging pattern represents the voltage change over time. The predetermined charging and discharging patterns include various charging and discharging patterns corresponding to multiple actions of the monitored object. By determining the charging and discharging pattern generated in the capacitor 203, the action of the monitored object can be determined. Furthermore, the predetermined charging and discharging patterns include charging and discharging patterns generated by combinations of multiple actions of the monitored object. When determining the action of the monitored object, the information processing device 102 notifies the device of the determined action. The information processing device 102 can display the determined action on a display device, notify a predetermined notification destination, or send a predetermined signal.

[0041] Figure 2 In the example, the monitoring device 101 retrieves the necessary information through the voltage detection circuit 204 and transmits the retrieved information through the wireless module 205, thus making it suitable for power-saving operation of the monitoring device 101.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating another structural example of a monitoring device according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3The monitoring device 101 includes a vibration power generation device 200 comprising a vibration power generation element 201, a charging circuit 202 and a capacitor 203, a wireless module 205 and a power supply 207. Figure 3 The monitoring device 101 and Figure 2 Compared to the monitoring device 101, the information processing device 102 does not have a voltage detection circuit 204.

[0044] exist Figure 3 In the monitoring device 101, voltage detection processing of capacitor 203 is not performed. The wireless module 205 acquires raw information related to the voltage of capacitor 203, converts the analog raw information into a digital signal via A / D conversion, and sends it to the information processing device 102 (i.e., the voltage detection circuit) at any time. Power supply 207 provides power to drive the wireless module 205. Figure 3 In the monitoring device 101, a power supply 207 is provided because the power consumption of the wireless module 205 increases.

[0045] Figure 3 The information processing device 102 can detect a specified voltage through a voltage detection circuit and perform complex data processing on the received raw information (e.g., filtering, generation of charge / discharge modes, etc.). Furthermore, Figure 3 The wireless module 205 performs A / D conversion on the raw information and transmits it continuously, thus enabling communication with... Figure 2 Compared to the monitoring device 101, the power consumption is higher, but this structure allows for the determination of the monitored object's actions using a prescribed charging and discharging pattern. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The text describes the case where the information processing device 102 has a voltage detection circuit, but it can also be implemented via software to detect a specified voltage value based on the received information. Software-based voltage detection processing can be achieved by the processor executing a program stored in the storage device of the information processing device 102.

[0046] <Verification Experiment>

[0047] The following describes the results of a verification experiment conducted by actually installing the vibration power generation device 200 on the hydraulic unit 116 of the production equipment 103.

[0048] In this verification experiment, it was confirmed that the vibration power generation device 200 of the hydraulic unit 116 installed in the production equipment 103 can generate electricity to the specified capacitor voltage of the capacitor 203 through actions such as opening and closing of the oven door (door 117), cylinder action of the ejection device 111, and power on / off of the hydraulic unit 116.

[0049] In this verification experiment, the relationship between the power generation of the vibration power generation device 200 and the capacitor voltage was confirmed. Under conditions where the vibration power generation device 200 can generate power sufficiently and stably, the capacitor voltage of the vibration power generation device 200 is constant at 3.3V. On the other hand, under conditions where the vibration power generation device 200 cannot generate power sufficiently, the capacitor voltage of the vibration power generation device 200 is less than 3.3V.

[0050] In addition, the vibration power generation device 200 is set to make the resonant frequency consistent with about 230Hz, and the power generation is maximized when the acceleration is about 0.15G.

[0051] First, let me briefly explain the results of this verification experiment regarding the above actions.

[0052] (Opening and closing of the oven door)

[0053] When the oven door is closed, the capacitor voltage rises sharply to 3.3V.

[0054] (The cylinder of the ejection device is activated)

[0055] When the ejection device 111 performs cylinder operation, the capacitor voltage experiences a sharp rise and fall.

[0056] (Hydraulic power supply)

[0057] When the power supply to the hydraulic unit 116 changes from off to on, the capacitor voltage rises sharply from 0V to 3.3V.

[0058] (The oven door opening and closing mechanism and the cylinder of the spray device are not functioning.)

[0059] When the oven door is not opened or closed for a long time and the cylinder of the spray device does not operate, the capacitor voltage may sometimes drop (equivalent to Scope_15 and Scope_23 in Table 1 below).

[0060] Next, this verification experiment will be described in more detail.

[0061] For each operating state shown in Table 1 below, the vibration frequency and capacitor voltage of the vibration generator 200 are measured.

[0062] [Table 1]

[0063] Figure 4A Scope_3 have none - Figure 4B Scope_6 have none - Figure 5A Scope_8 have none - Figure 5B Scope_11 have have - Figure 6A Scope_3 none have - Figure 6B Scope_11 none have - Figure 7A Scope_13 none There is (continuous) - Figure 7B Scope_13 none There is (continuous) - Scope_15 none none - Figure 8 Scope_9 none none OFF→ON Scope_23 none none -

[0064] Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B The figures show the measurement results of the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 200 and the capacitor voltage related to the opening and closing of the oven door. As shown in the figure, the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor voltage decreases when the oven door is closed, and then increases sharply. Figure 4A The shown Scope_3 and Figure 4B The Scope_6 shown indicates data when there is no cylinder actuation of the ejection device 111 and no power on / off operation of the hydraulic unit 116. Additionally, in Figure 4A The reason for the voltage rise between 25s and 40s in the curve shown is unknown.

[0065] Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The figures show the measurement results of the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 200 and the capacitor voltage related to the opening and closing of the oven door. As shown in the figure, the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor voltage decreases when the oven door is closed, and then increases sharply. Figure 5A The Scope_8 shown represents data under the condition that there is no cylinder action of the ejection device 111 and no power on / off action of the hydraulic unit 116. Figure 5B The Scope_11 shown represents data under the condition that, in addition to the opening and closing of the oven door, there is also the cylinder action of the ejector device 111, but no power on / off action of the hydraulic unit 116. That is, Figure 5B This indicates the charging and discharging mode generated by a combination of multiple actions (the opening and closing of the oven door and the cylinder action of the ejection device 111).

[0066] Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B The measurement results show the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 200 and the capacitor voltage related to the cylinder action of the ejection device 111. As shown in the figure, the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor voltage represents a sharp rise and fall. Figure 6A The shown Scope_3 and Figure 6B The Scope_11 shown represents data under conditions where there is no opening or closing of the oven door and no power on / off of the hydraulic unit 116.

[0067] Figure 7A as well as Figure 7B The measurement results show the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 200 and the capacitor voltage related to the cylinder action (continuous action) of the ejection device 111. As shown in the figure, the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor voltage indicates that there are continuous sharp rises and falls. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The Scope_13 shown represents data under conditions where there is no opening or closing of the oven door and no power on / off of the hydraulic unit 116.

[0068] Figure 8This indicates the measurement results of the vibration frequency of the vibration generator 200 and the capacitor voltage when the power supply to the hydraulic unit 116 changes from off to on, without the opening and closing of the oven door or the operation of the cylinder of the spray device 111. As shown in the figure, the charging and discharging mode of the capacitor voltage indicates a sharp increase from 0V. Figure 8 The charging and discharging modes of Scope_19 shown are similar to... Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The difference lies in the shorter time it takes for the voltage to rise compared to the charging and discharging modes. This is because the vibration generated when the power to the hydraulic unit 116 is turned on causes the vibration generator 200 to produce a greater acceleration than the vibration generated by the opening and closing of the oven door.

[0069] As explained above, this verification experiment confirmed that the vibration power generation device 200 of the hydraulic unit 116 installed in the production equipment 103 can generate electricity to the specified capacitor voltage of the capacitor 203 through actions such as opening and closing the oven door (door 117), the cylinder action of the ejection device 111, and the power supply switching on / off of the hydraulic unit 116. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the capacitor's charging and discharging mode corresponds to the mode of each action.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the charging and discharging patterns of the capacitor described above are pre-stored in the information processing device 102 in association with the operation of the corresponding monitored object. Furthermore, if a predetermined charging and discharging pattern appears among the charging and discharging patterns of the capacitor generated by the operation of the monitored object, the operation of the monitored object corresponding to the predetermined charging and discharging pattern is determined. In this way, the operation of the monitored object can be monitored.

[0071] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a monitoring method in one implementation.

[0072] First, in step S901, the monitoring system 100 acquires the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor 203, which is charged based on the vibration generated by the operation of the production equipment 103 being monitored. That is, a predetermined voltage is detected by the voltage detection circuit 204.

[0073] Next, in step S902, the monitoring system 100 determines whether a predetermined charging / discharging mode has occurred in the capacitor's charging / discharging mode. That is, the information processing device 102 determines whether a predetermined charging / discharging mode has occurred in the capacitor's charging / discharging mode based on the detection information from the voltage detection circuit 204. If the predetermined charging / discharging mode has occurred, the process proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if the predetermined charging / discharging mode has not occurred, the process returns to step S901 and repeats the process.

[0074] In step S903, the monitoring system 100 determines the action corresponding to the specified charge / discharge mode. The monitoring system 100 then notifies the determined action.

[0075] Thus, the monitoring system 100, which includes a monitoring device 101 and an information processing device 102, is able to monitor the actions of the monitored object.

[0076] The implementation method described above achieves the following effects.

[0077] (1) Since the vibration power generation device is used as a monitoring device like a sensor, there is no need to supply power to the sensor. In addition, since multiple actions are associated with the charging and discharging modes of the capacitor, it is possible to monitor more actions with a single vibration power generation device.

[0078] (2) Even if a monitoring device is subsequently installed on existing equipment, no wiring is required, making setup easy. Furthermore, since no sensor selection is required, setup is easy even for those with limited knowledge and experience.

[0079] (3) By setting a voltage detection circuit for the vibration generator in the monitoring device, the amount of information sent by the wireless module can be reduced, thus enabling power-saving drive.

[0080] (4) On the other hand, by placing the voltage detection circuit in the information processing device instead of the monitoring device, complex data processing such as filtering can be performed.

[0081] Symbol Explanation

[0082] 100: Surveillance System

[0083] 101: Monitoring device

[0084] 102: Information processing device

[0085] 200: Vibration power generation device

[0086] 201: Vibration-generating element

[0087] 202: Charging circuit

[0088] 203: Capacitor

[0089] 204: Voltage Detection Circuit

[0090] 205: Wireless Module

Claims

1. A monitoring system, characterized in that, have: A vibration power generation unit that generates electricity based on the vibrations produced by the movement of the monitored object; A detection unit that detects a specified voltage in a capacitor that has been charged by the power generation; as well as The determining unit matches the charging and discharging pattern of the capacitor with a pre-stored predetermined charging and discharging pattern. If the predetermined charging and discharging pattern appears in the capacitor's charging and discharging patterns, it determines the type of action of the monitored object corresponding to the predetermined charging and discharging pattern. The specified charging and discharging mode is a pattern of voltage change of the capacitor over time, which includes charging and discharging modes corresponding to the types of multiple actions of the monitored object.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specified charging and discharging modes include those generated by a combination of multiple actions of the monitored object.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The specified charging and discharging mode is pre-stored in the determining unit.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a notification unit that notifies the identified monitored object of its actions.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless communication unit, which transmits the information detected by the detection unit to the determining unit via wireless communication.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless transmission unit that transmits information related to the voltage of the capacitor to the detection unit via wireless communication.

7. A monitoring method, characterized in that, include: The acquisition step is to acquire the charging and discharging patterns of capacitors that are charged based on the vibrations generated by the movements of the monitored object. as well as The determination step involves matching the charging and discharging mode of the capacitor with a pre-stored predetermined charging and discharging mode. If the predetermined charging and discharging mode appears in the charging and discharging mode of the capacitor, the type of action of the monitored object corresponding to the predetermined charging and discharging mode is determined. The predetermined charging and discharging mode is a pattern of voltage change of the capacitor over time that includes charging and discharging modes corresponding to multiple types of actions of the monitored object.

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