Detection device and detection method

Abstract

This detection device is provided with: a signal output unit that outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to a target line; a measurement unit that receives, from the target line, a response signal including a signal obtained by reflecting the measurement signal, and measures at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the received response signal; and a detection unit that calculates an evaluation value on the basis of a measurement result of the measurement unit, and detects a change in the degree of curvature of the target line on the basis of a time change in the calculated evaluation value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device and a detection method.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2022-11591, filed on January 28, 2022, and all the disclosures thereof are incorporated herein. Background Art

[0003] Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-305478) discloses the following cable disconnection detection device. That is, the cable disconnection detection device comprises: a cable, which is composed of a plurality of electric wires, an electric shielding layer covering the plurality of electric wires, and a sheath covering the electric shielding layer; a disconnection detection line, which is provided in the electric shielding layer and is composed of a conductor and an insulating layer around the conductor; a voltage source, which is electrically connected to the conductor; a first detector, which is electrically connected to the conductor; and a second detector, which is electrically connected to the electric shielding layer.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-305478 Summary of the invention

[0007] The detection device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a signal output unit that outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to an object line; a measurement unit that receives a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the object line, and measures at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the received response signal; and a detection unit that calculates an evaluation value based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, and detects a change in the degree of curvature of the object line based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value.

[0008] The detection method disclosed in the present invention is a detection method in a detection device, comprising the following steps: outputting a measurement signal having a frequency component to an object line; receiving a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the object line, and measuring at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the received response signal; and calculating an evaluation value based on the measurement results of at least one of the amplitude and the phase, and detecting a change in the degree of curvature of the object line based on the calculated time change of the evaluation value.

[0009] One method of the present disclosure can be implemented not only as a detection device having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute corresponding characteristic processing steps, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the detection device, or as a system including a detection device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a relay device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.18 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.19 : is a diagram showing a simulation result of the phase difference pd calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 20 It is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.21 1 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the absolute value Arc of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 22 It is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.23 This is a flowchart that defines an example of an operation procedure when the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure performs detection processing.

[0033] Fig.24 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a relay device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Currently, a technique for predicting disconnection of a transmission line is proposed.

[0035] [Technical Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure]

[0036] There is a need for a technology that surpasses the technology described in Patent Document 1 and can confirm the state of a transmission line, such as the degree of bending of the transmission line, with a simple configuration.

[0037] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection device and a detection method capable of checking the state of a transmission line with a simple configuration.

[0038] [Effects of the present disclosure]

[0039] According to the present disclosure, the state of the transmission line can be checked with a simple configuration.

[0040] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0041] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

[0042] (1) A detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a signal output unit that outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to a target line; a measurement unit that receives a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the target line and measures at least one of an amplitude and a phase of the received response signal; and a detection unit that calculates an evaluation value based on a measurement result of the measurement unit and detects a change in the degree of curvature of the target line based on a temporal change of the calculated evaluation value.

[0043] In this way, by outputting a measurement signal having a frequency component to the target line, calculating an evaluation value based on the measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the response signal received from the target line, and detecting the change in the bending degree of the target line based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value, it is possible to detect the change in the bending degree of the transmission line as the target line or the transmission line provided along the target line without requiring a bending sensor or the like. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the state of the transmission line with a simple configuration.

[0044] (2) In the above (1), the detection unit may detect a change in a flexion angle of the target line.

[0045] With such a configuration, a change in the degree of bending of the transmission line can be quantitatively detected as a change in the flexion angle, thereby enabling the state of the transmission line to be confirmed in more detail.

[0046] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the detection unit may detect a change in curvature of the target line.

[0047] With such a configuration, a change in the degree of curvature of the transmission line can be quantitatively detected as a change in curvature, thereby confirming the state of the transmission line in more detail.

[0048] (4) In any of the above (1) to (3), the object line may be a transmission line, and the detection unit may calculate at least one of a phase difference between the measurement signal and the response signal, a reflection coefficient which is a ratio of the amplitude of the response signal to the amplitude of the measurement signal, an impedance of the transmission line, and a resistance of the transmission line as the evaluation value.

[0049] With such a configuration, compared with a configuration in which, for example, the DC resistance value of the transmission line is calculated as an evaluation value, it is possible to more accurately detect a change in the degree of curvature of the transmission line based on an evaluation value that changes more significantly in accordance with a change in the cross-sectional shape or the like accompanying the bending of the transmission line. In addition, the evaluation value can be calculated based on a measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and the phase of a response signal received from the transmission line, for example, by outputting a measurement signal from the terminal to the matched communication transmission line, and thus, it is possible to detect a change in the degree of curvature of the transmission line without requiring a detection line that is different from the transmission line.

[0050] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (3), the target line may be a transmission line, and the detection unit may calculate the reactance of the transmission line as the evaluation value.

[0051] The reactance value changes more significantly according to the change of the cross-sectional shape or the like accompanying the bending of the transmission line, and therefore, with such a configuration, the degree of bending of the transmission line can be detected more accurately. In addition, the evaluation value can be calculated based on the measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and phase of the response signal received from the transmission line by outputting a measurement signal from the terminal to the matched communication transmission line, for example, and therefore, the change of the degree of bending of the transmission line can be detected without the need for a detection line different from the transmission line.

[0052] (6) In any of the above (1) to (3), the object line may be a detection line arranged along the transmission line, and the detection unit may calculate at least one of the capacitance of the detection line, the inductance of the detection line, and the characteristic impedance of the detection line as the evaluation value.

[0053] With this configuration, compared with a configuration in which, for example, the DC resistance value of the detection line is calculated as an evaluation value, changes in the degree of bending of the transmission line can be detected more accurately based on an evaluation value that changes more significantly in accordance with changes in the cross-sectional shape of the detection line due to bending.

[0054] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the detection unit may count the number of times the target line is bent based on a detection result of a change in the degree of bending of the target line.

[0055] With such a configuration, for example, the count value of the number of bends can be used as an indicator of the degree of fatigue degradation of the transmission line to determine when to replace the transmission line.

[0056] (8) In the above (7), when the count value of the number of bends exceeds a predetermined value, the detection unit may perform a predetermined notification process.

[0057] With such a configuration, it is possible to urge the user to replace the transmission line before the transmission line is broken due to fatigue deterioration, for example.

[0058] (9) In any one of the above (1) to (8), the detection unit may store a detection result of a change in the degree of curvature of the target line in a storage unit.

[0059] With such a configuration, for example, the cause of the bending of the transmission line can be analyzed using the detection result of the degree of bending of the transmission line.

[0060] (10) The detection method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure is a detection method in a detection device, comprising the following steps: outputting a measurement signal having a frequency component to an object line; receiving a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the object line, and measuring at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the received response signal; and calculating an evaluation value based on the measurement results of at least one of the amplitude and the phase, and detecting a change in the degree of curvature of the object line based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value.

[0061] In this way, by outputting a measurement signal having a frequency component to the target line, calculating an evaluation value based on the measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the response signal received from the target line, and detecting the change in the bending degree of the target line based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value, the method can detect the change in the bending degree of the transmission line as the target line or the transmission line provided along the target line without requiring a bending sensor, etc. Therefore, the state of the transmission line can be confirmed with a simple configuration.

[0062] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts in the accompanying drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0063] [Composition and basic movements]

[0064] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The communication system 301 includes a relay device 101 and a plurality of communication devices 111 .

[0065] The relay device 101 is connected to each communication device 111 one-to-one via a transmission line 10 for communication. In more detail, the transmission line 10 includes a cable portion and a connector portion provided at a first end and a second end of the cable portion, respectively. The connector portion provided at the first end of the cable portion is connected to the relay device 101. The connector portion provided at the second end of the cable portion is connected to the communication device 111. The transmission line 10 is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable.

[0066] The communication system 301 is mounted on a vehicle, for example. In this case, the communication device 111 is, for example, an on-vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit). In addition, the communication system 301 can also be used for, for example, a home network or factory automation.

[0067] The relay device 101 can communicate with the communication device 111. For example, the relay device 101 performs a relay process of relaying information exchanged between a plurality of communication devices 111 connected to different transmission lines 10. In addition, the relay device 101 functions as a detection device and performs a detection process of detecting the degree of bending of the transmission line 10.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the transmission line 10 is shown.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 , the transmission line 10 includes two core wires 1 and a sheath 2. The space between the core wire 1 and the sheath 2 may also be filled with an insulator. For example, one of the two core wires 1 is a signal wire and the other is a ground wire. For example, the transmission line 10 is a parallel wire. That is, the two core wires 1 are arranged parallel to each other. Hereinafter, the length direction of the transmission line 10 is set as the Y direction, the arrangement direction of the core wires 1 in the cross section of the transmission line 10 is set as the Z direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction is set as the X direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the transmission line 10 may include one or three or more core wires 1 , or may be a twisted pair of wires formed by twisting a plurality of core wires 1 .

[0071] In the core wire 1, a plurality of base wires 3 are bundled. More specifically, the core wire 1 has a plurality of base wires 3 and an insulating layer 4 covering the plurality of base wires 3. The plurality of base wires 3 in the core wire 1 are mutually conductive in the cable portion of the transmission line 10. In addition, the plurality of base wires 3 in the core wire 1 may be, for example, coated with an enamel resin or the like and insulated from each other in the cable portion of the transmission line 10.

[0072] For example, the outer diameter of the transmission line 10 is 3.8 mm, the outer diameter of the core wire 1 is 1.45 mm, the outer diameter of the base line 3 is 0.19 mm, the outer diameter of the bundle of the base lines 3 in the core wires 1 is 0.95 mm, and the distance between the two core wires 1 is 0.5 mm.

[0073] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 , the state where the transmission line 10 is bent in the XY plane is shown. Figure 3 , the transmission line 10 is sometimes laid in a bent state in the communication system 301. In addition, when the communication system 301 is used, the transmission line 10 may be bent in the XY plane or the YZ plane, for example, due to the application of external force. Hereinafter, the bending angle θ of the transmission line 10 in the XY plane is referred to as the bending angle θxy, and the bending angle θ of the transmission line 10 in the YZ plane is referred to as the bending angle θyz. The bending angle θ is an example of the bending angle of the transmission line 10.

[0074] [Relay device]

[0075] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a relay device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The relay device 101 includes a relay unit 11, a plurality of detection processing units 21, and a plurality of communication ports 16. The detection processing unit 21 includes a signal output unit 12, a measuring unit 13, a detection unit 14, and a storage unit 15. A part or all of the relay unit 11, the signal output unit 12, the measuring unit 13, and the detection unit 14 are implemented, for example, by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The storage unit 15 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the above-mentioned processing circuit. The communication port 16 is, for example, a connector or a terminal. A connector portion of the transmission line 10 is connected to each communication port 16.

[0076] For example, the end portion of the transmission line 10 on the communication device 111 side is impedance matched. In addition, the end portion of the transmission line 10 does not need to be impedance matched accurately.

[0077] The relay device 101 outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to the transmission line 10, and receives a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the transmission line 10. The relay device 101 measures the amplitude and phase of the received response signal, and calculates an evaluation value EV based on the measurement result. In addition, the relay device 101 detects a change in the degree of curvature of the transmission line 10 based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value EV. The transmission line 10 is an example of a target line. The details of the processing in the relay device 101 will be described later.

[0078] <Relay Department>

[0079] The relay unit 11 performs a relay process of frames between the relay communication devices 111. More specifically, the relay unit 11 transmits a frame received from a certain communication device 111 via the corresponding transmission line 10 and the corresponding communication port 16 to another communication device 111 via the corresponding communication port 16 and the corresponding transmission line 10 according to the destination information such as the destination IP address, MAC address and message ID of the frame. That is, the relay unit 11 transmits and receives communication signals including frames with the communication device 111 via the communication port 16 and the transmission line 10.

[0080] <Detection Processing Department>

[0081] For example, the relay device 101 includes the same number of detection processing units 21 as the number of communication ports 16. More specifically, the detection processing unit 21 is provided corresponding to the communication port 16, and performs a detection process for detecting a change in the degree of bending of the transmission line 10 connected to the corresponding communication port 16. The detection process of one detection processing unit 21 in the relay device 101 is described as a representative. In addition, the transmission line 10 that is the detection target of the detection processing unit 21 is also referred to as a "target transmission line".

[0082] (Signal output section)

[0083] The signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to the target transmission line. More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs an AC signal, a pulse signal, or a swept frequency signal as the measurement signal to the target transmission line.

[0084] The signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal of a frequency band different from the frequency band of the communication signal transmitted and received via the target transmission line by the relay unit 11 to the target transmission line via the corresponding communication port 16. That is, the relay device 101 frequency-division multiplexes the communication signal and the measurement signal.

[0085] More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs the measurement signal to the target transmission line via the corresponding communication port 16 during the detection period T1 which is a period when the power of the relay device 101 is turned on, for example.

[0086] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a digital signal Ds1 having N samples obtained by digitally converting a sine wave of one cycle. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0087] The signal output unit 12 repeatedly uses N digital signals Ds1 corresponding to one cycle of the sine wave in the storage unit 15 during the detection period T1, and continuously outputs the measurement signal to the target transmission line. In more detail, the signal output unit 12 includes a DA (Digital to Analog) converter. The signal output unit 12 obtains the digital signal Ds1 from the storage unit 15 at the output timing according to the cycle of the action clock of the DA converter, and outputs the measurement signal generated by analog conversion of the digital signal Ds1 using the DA converter to the target transmission line via the communication port 16. In addition, the signal output unit 12 outputs the digital signal Ds1 obtained from the storage unit 15 at the output timing to the detection unit 14 and the measurement unit 13.

[0088] The signal output unit 12 may include a signal generating unit such as a DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) and output the sine wave generated by the signal generating unit to the target transmission line via the communication port 16 .

[0089] (Measurement Department)

[0090] The measuring unit 13 receives a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the target transmission line, and measures the amplitude and phase of the received response signal. For example, the measuring unit 13 receives a response signal from the target transmission line via the corresponding communication port 16, and the response signal includes the measurement signal output by the signal output unit 12 and a signal after the measurement signal is reflected, that is, a reflection signal.

[0091] More specifically, the measurement unit 13 receives a response signal from the target transmission line via the corresponding communication port 16 during the detection period T1 .

[0092] The measuring unit 13 includes an AD (Analog to Digital) converter, and generates a digital signal Ds2 at each sampling timing by sampling the response signal received from the target transmission line using the AD converter during the detection period T1.

[0093] For example, each time the measuring unit 13 generates the digital signal Ds2 , it subtracts the component of the digital signal Ds1 received from the signal output unit 12 from the generated digital signal Ds2 , thereby generating the digital signal Ds3 indicating the reflected signal.

[0094] The measuring unit 13 generates amplitude data Ds3a and phase data Ds3p based on the generated digital signal Ds3, and outputs the generated amplitude data Ds3a and phase data Ds3p to the detecting unit 14, wherein the amplitude data Ds3a represents the amplitude of the reflected signal and the phase data Ds3p represents the phase of the reflected signal.

[0095] (Detection Department)

[0096] The detection unit 14 calculates the evaluation value EV based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 13 , and detects the change in the degree of curvature of the target transmission line based on the temporal change of the calculated evaluation value EV.

[0097] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a transmission line used in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section in a state where the transmission line 10 is bent in the XY plane. Figure 6 : is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section in a state where the transmission line 10 is bent in the YZ plane.

[0098] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 When the degree of bending in the XY plane or the YZ plane changes, the spacing between the center positions of adjacent core wires 1, the cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the core wire 1, and the cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the baseline 3 change, thereby changing the electrical characteristics of the transmission line 10.

[0099] The detection unit 14 detects a change in the degree of bending of the target transmission line based on a temporal change in the electrical characteristics of the target transmission line.

[0100] (Test Example 1)

[0101] (1)Buckling angle

[0102] The detection unit 14 calculates the reactance X of the target transmission line as the evaluation value EV. Based on the calculated reactance X, the detection unit 14 detects a change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line.

[0103] More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal to the target transmission line, and outputs a digital signal Ds1 corresponding to the output measurement signal to the detection unit 14 .

[0104] The detector 14 receives the digital signal Ds1 from the signal output unit 12 and generates amplitude data Ds1a indicating the amplitude of the measurement signal based on the received digital signal Ds1. For example, the detector 14 calculates a value obtained by dividing the amplitude data Ds3a received from the measurement unit 13 by the generated amplitude data Ds1a for each period of the measurement signal.

[0105] The detection unit 14 calculates the reflection coefficient rc from the value of each cycle of the measurement signal. Furthermore, the detection unit 14 calculates the impedance Z according to the following equation (1).

[0106]

[0107] Here, Zout is the output impedance of the relay device 101. For example, the output impedance Zout is stored in the storage unit 15 in advance.

[0108] When calculating the reflection coefficient rc, the detection unit 14 acquires the output impedance Zout from the storage unit 15 and calculates the impedance Z according to the equation (1). Furthermore, the detection unit 14 acquires the reactance X which is the imaginary part of the impedance Z.

[0109] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 Shown in the Figure 5 The simulation result of reactance X, namely reactance Xxy, calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 500 mm and a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm in the XY plane outputs a measurement signal is shown. Figure 7 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measured signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the reactance [Ω]. Figure 7 The difference DXxy45 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xxy_zero from the reactance Xxy_45, the difference DXxy90 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xxy_zero from the reactance Xxy_90, the difference DXxy135 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xxy_zero from the reactance Xxy_135, and the difference DXxy180 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xxy_zero from the reactance Xxy_180 are shown. Here, the reactance Xxy_zero is the reactance Xxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 0 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xxy_45 is the reactance Xxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xxy_90 is the reactance Xxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 90 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xxy_135 is the reactance Xxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 135 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xxy_180 is the reactance Xxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees.

[0110] refer to Figure 7, the differences DXxy180, DXxy135, DXxy90, and DXxy45 are from large to small, and are all positive values. That is, the reactance Xxy_180 when the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees, the reactance Xxy_135 when the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees, the reactance Xxy_90 when the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees, the reactance Xxy_45 when the flexion angle θxy is 45 degrees, and the reactance Xxy_zero when the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees are from large to small.

[0111] According to reference Figure 7 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the flexion angle θxy can be detected based on the reactance X.

[0112] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SX1 of the reactance X. The reference value SX1 is preset based on the reactance X calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line whose flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value SX1 may be preset based on a plurality of reactances X calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are respectively output to the target transmission line whose flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees.

[0113] For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the reactance X at a calculation timing according to a predetermined calculation cycle Cm. The calculation cycle Cm is set to a value shorter than the cycle of the bending assumed in the target transmission line, for example, a value equivalent to the cycle of the measurement signal. Whenever the reactance X is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value SX1 from the storage unit 15, and calculates the difference DX1 obtained by subtracting the reference value SX1 from the reactance X.

[0114] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The storage unit 15 stores a determination table TX1 indicating a correspondence relationship between the difference DX1 calculated by the detection unit 14 and the flexion angle θxy.

[0115] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference DX1 and the determination table TX1 in the storage unit 15. More specifically, when the difference DX1 is less than the threshold value ThX11, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX11 and less than the threshold value ThX12, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 45 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX12 and less than the threshold value ThX13, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX13 and less than the threshold value ThX14, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX14, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees.

[0116] For example, the threshold values ​​ThX11, ThX12, ThX13, and ThX14 are set in advance based on the reactances Xxy_zero, Xxy_45, Xxy_90, Xxy_135, and Xxy_180.

[0117] For example, each time the difference DX1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 accumulates the calculated difference DX1 in the storage unit 15, thereby generating time series data TSD1 of the difference DX1. In addition, for example, the detection unit 14 stores the detection result of the change in the bending degree of the target transmission line in the storage unit 15. More specifically, each time the difference DX1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference DX1 and the determination table TX1, and accumulates the detected flexion angle θxy in the storage unit 15, thereby generating time series data TSDxy of the flexion angle θxy.

[0118] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 Shown in the Figure 6 The simulation result of reactance X, namely reactance Xyz, calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 500 mm and a curvature radius Rc of the curved portion of 10 mm outputs a measurement signal is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measured signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the reactance [Ω]. Fig. 9The difference DXyz45 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xyz_zero from the reactance Xyz_45, the difference DXyz90 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xyz_zero from the reactance Xyz_90, the difference DXyz135 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xyz_zero from the reactance Xyz_135, and the difference DXyz180 obtained by subtracting the reactance Xyz_zero from the reactance Xyz_180 are shown. Here, the reactance Xyz_zero is the reactance Xyz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 0 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xyz_45 is the reactance Xyz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 45 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xyz_90 is the reactance Xyz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 90 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xyz_135 is the reactance Xyz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 135 degrees. In addition, the reactance Xyz_180 is the reactance Xyz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 180 degrees.

[0119] refer to Fig. 9 , the differences DXyz45, DXyz90, DXyz135, and DXyz180 are from large to small, and are all negative values. That is, the reactance Xxy_zero when the flexion angle θyz is 0 degrees, the reactance Xyz_45 when the flexion angle θyz is 45 degrees, the reactance Xyz_90 when the flexion angle θyz is 90 degrees, the reactance Xyz_135 when the flexion angle θyz is 135 degrees, and the reactance Xyz_180 when the flexion angle θyz is 180 degrees are from large to small.

[0120] According to reference Fig. 9 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the flexion angle θyz can be detected based on the reactance X.

[0121] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SX2 of the reactance X. The reference value SX2 is preset based on the reactance X calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line with a flexion angle θyz of 0 degrees. In addition, the reference value SX2 may be preset based on a plurality of reactances X calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are respectively output to the target transmission line with a flexion angle θyz of 0 degrees. The reference value SX2 may be the same value as the reference value SX1 described above, or may be a different value.

[0122] Every time the reactance X is calculated, the detection unit 14 acquires the reference value SX2 from the storage unit 15 and calculates a difference DX2 obtained by subtracting the reference value SX2 from the reactance X.

[0123] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 The storage unit 15 stores a determination table TX2 indicating a correspondence relationship between the difference DX2 calculated by the detection unit 14 and the flexion angle θyz.

[0124] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θyz based on the calculated difference DX2 and the determination table TX2 in the storage unit 15. More specifically, when the difference DX2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX21, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 0 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX22 and less than the threshold value ThX21, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 45 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX23 and less than the threshold value ThX22, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 90 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThX24 and less than the threshold value ThX23, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 135 degrees. In addition, when the difference DX2 is less than the threshold value ThX24, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 180 degrees.

[0125] For example, the threshold values ​​ThX21, ThX22, ThX23, and ThX24 are set in advance based on the reactances Xyz_zero, Xyz_45, Xyz_90, Xyz_135, and Xyz_180.

[0126] For example, each time the difference DX2 is calculated, the detection unit 14 accumulates the calculated difference DX2 in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSD2 of the difference DX2. Also, for example, each time the difference DX2 is calculated, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θyz based on the calculated difference DX2 and the determination table TX2, and accumulates the detected flexion angle θyz in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSDyz of the flexion angle θyz.

[0127] (2) Curvature

[0128] For example, the detection unit 14 detects a change in the curvature of the target transmission line based on the reactance X. Here, the curvature of the target transmission line is the inverse of the curvature radius Rc.

[0129] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 Shows Figure 5 The simulation result of the reactance X calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 1000 mm bent on the XY plane outputs a measurement signal is shown. Fig.11 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measured signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the reactance [Ω]. Fig.11 The reactance Xxy45_R10 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm, and the reactance Xxy45_R20 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 20 mm are shown.

[0130] refer to Fig.11 When the bending angle θxy is 45 degrees, the reactance Xxy45_R10 when the radius of curvature Rc is 10 mm is different from the reactance Xxy45_R20 when the radius of curvature Rc is 20 mm.

[0131] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of reactance X calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 Show as Figure 5 The simulation result of the reactance X calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 1000 mm bent on the XY plane outputs a measurement signal is shown. Fig.12 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measured signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the reactance [Ω]. Fig.12 The reactance Xxy180_R10 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm, and the reactance Xxy180_R20 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 20 mm are shown.

[0132] refer to Fig.12 When the bending angle θxy is 180 degrees, the reactance Xxy180_R10 when the radius of curvature Rc is 10 mm is different from the reactance Xxy180_R20 when the radius of curvature Rc is 20 mm.

[0133] According to reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the curvature radius Rc and the curvature of the target transmission line can be detected based on the reactance X.

[0134] For example, it is possible to estimate which of the bending angle θ and the curvature of the target transmission line is likely to change based on the initial installation state of the target transmission line in the communication system 301. The detection unit 14 detects at least one of the change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line and the change in the curvature of the target transmission line based on the information indicating the initial installation state of the target transmission line and the reactance X.

[0135] (Test Example 2)

[0136] (1)Buckling angle

[0137] The detection unit 14 calculates the resistance R of the target transmission line as the evaluation value EV. Based on the calculated resistance R, the detection unit 14 detects a change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line.

[0138] More specifically, the detection unit 14 calculates the impedance Z by performing the processing described in the detection example 1. Then, the detection unit 14 acquires the resistance R which is the real part of the impedance Z.

[0139] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 Shown in the Figure 5 The simulation result of the resistance R, namely the resistance Rxy, calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 500 mm and a curvature radius Rc of the curved portion of 10 mm outputs a measurement signal is shown in FIG. Fig.13 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measurement signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the resistance [Ω]. Fig.13 The difference DRxy45 obtained by subtracting the resistance Rxy_zero from the resistance Rxy_45, the difference DRxy90 obtained by subtracting the resistance Rxy_zero from the resistance Rxy_90, the difference DRxy135 obtained by subtracting the resistance Rxy_zero from the resistance Rxy_135, and the difference DRxy180 obtained by subtracting the resistance Rxy_zero from the resistance Rxy_180 are shown. Here, the resistance Rxy_zero is the resistance Rxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 0 degrees. In addition, the resistance Rxy_45 is the resistance Rxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees. In addition, the resistance Rxy_90 is the resistance Rxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 90 degrees. The resistance Rxy_135 is the resistance Rxy calculated by the detector 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 135 degrees. The resistance Rxy_180 is the resistance Rxy calculated by the detector 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees.

[0140] refer to Fig.13, the differences DRxy180, DRxy135, DRxy90, and DRxy45 are from large to small, and are all positive values. That is, the resistance Rxy_180 when the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees, the resistance Rxy_135 when the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees, the resistance Rxy_90 when the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees, the resistance Rxy_45 when the flexion angle θxy is 45 degrees, and the resistance Rxy_zero when the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees are from large to small.

[0141] According to reference Fig.13 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the flexion angle θxy can be detected based on the resistance R.

[0142] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SR1 of the resistance R. The reference value SR1 is preset based on the resistance R calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line whose flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value SR1 may be preset based on a plurality of resistances R calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are respectively output to the target transmission line whose flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees.

[0143] For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the reactance X at the calculation timing according to the calculation cycle Cm. Every time the resistance R is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value SR1 from the storage unit 15 and calculates the difference DR1 obtained by subtracting the reference value SR1 from the resistance R.

[0144] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 The storage unit 15 stores a determination table TR1 indicating a correspondence relationship between the difference DR1 calculated by the detection unit 14 and the flexion angle θxy.

[0145] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference DR1 and the determination table TR1 in the storage unit 15. More specifically, when the difference DR1 is less than the threshold value ThR11, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR11 and less than the threshold value ThR12, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 45 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR12 and less than the threshold value ThR13, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR13 and less than the threshold value ThR14, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR14, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees.

[0146] For example, the threshold values ​​ThR11, ThR12, ThR13, and ThR14 are preset according to the above-mentioned resistors Rxy_zero, Rxy_45, Rxy_90, Rxy_135, and Rxy_180.

[0147] For example, each time the difference DR1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 accumulates the calculated difference DR1 in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSD1 of the difference DR1. Also, for example, each time the difference DR1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference DR1 and the determination table TR1, and accumulates the detected flexion angle θxy in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSDxy of the flexion angle θxy.

[0148] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.15 Shown in the Figure 6 The simulation result of the resistance R, namely the resistance Ryz, calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 500 mm and a curvature radius Rc of the curved portion of 10 mm outputs a measurement signal is shown in FIG. Fig.15 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measurement signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the resistance [Ω]. Fig.15 The difference DRyz45 obtained by subtracting the resistance Ryz_zero from the resistance Ryz_45, the difference DRyz90 obtained by subtracting the resistance Ryz_zero from the resistance Ryz_90, the difference DRyz135 obtained by subtracting the resistance Ryz_zero from the resistance Ryz_135, and the difference DRyz180 obtained by subtracting the resistance Ryz_zero from the resistance Ryz_180 are shown. Here, the resistance Ryz_zero is the resistance Ryz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 0 degrees. In addition, the resistance Ryz_45 is the resistance Ryz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 45 degrees. In addition, the resistance Ryz_90 is the resistance Ryz calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θyz of 90 degrees. The resistance Ryz_135 is the resistance Ryz calculated by the detector 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 at a flexion angle θyz of 135 degrees. The resistance Ryz_180 is the resistance Ryz calculated by the detector 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 at a flexion angle θyz of 180 degrees.

[0149] refer to Fig.15, the differences DRyz45, DRyz90, DRyz135, and DRyz180 are from large to small, and are all negative values. That is, the resistance Rxy_zero when the flexion angle θyz is 0 degrees, the resistance Ryz_45 when the flexion angle θyz is 45 degrees, the resistance Ryz_90 when the flexion angle θyz is 90 degrees, the resistance Ryz_135 when the flexion angle θyz is 135 degrees, and the resistance Ryz_180 when the flexion angle θyz is 180 degrees are from large to small.

[0150] According to reference Fig.15 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the flexion angle θyz can be detected based on the resistance R.

[0151] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SR2 of the resistance R. The reference value SR2 is preset based on the resistance R calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line with a flexion angle θyz of 0 degrees. In addition, the reference value SR2 may be preset based on a plurality of resistances R calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are respectively output to the target transmission line with a flexion angle θyz of 0 degrees. The reference value SR2 may be the same value as the reference value SR1 described above, or may be a different value.

[0152] Every time the resistance R is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value SR2 from the storage unit 15 and calculates a difference DR2 obtained by subtracting the reference value SR2 from the resistance R.

[0153] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16 The storage unit 15 stores a determination table TR2 indicating a correspondence relationship between the difference DR2 calculated by the detection unit 14 and the flexion angle θyz.

[0154] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θyz based on the calculated difference DR2 and the determination table TR2 in the storage unit 15. More specifically, when the difference DR2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR21, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 0 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR22 and less than the threshold value ThR21, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 45 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR23 and less than the threshold value ThR22, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 90 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ThR24 and less than the threshold value ThR23, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 135 degrees. In addition, when the difference DR2 is less than the threshold value ThR24, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θyz is 180 degrees.

[0155] For example, the threshold values ​​ThR21, ThR22, ThR23, and ThR24 are set in advance according to the above-mentioned resistors Ryz_zero, Ryz_45, Ryz_90, Ryz_135, and Ryz_180.

[0156] For example, each time the difference DR2 is calculated, the detection unit 14 accumulates the calculated difference DR2 in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSD2 of the difference DR2. Also, for example, each time the difference DR2 is calculated, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θyz based on the calculated difference DR2 and the determination table TR2, and accumulates the detected flexion angle θyz in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSDyz of the flexion angle θyz.

[0157] (2) Curvature

[0158] For example, the detection unit 14 detects a change in the curvature of the target transmission line based on the resistance R.

[0159] Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 Shows Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a simulation result of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 1000 mm bent on the XY plane outputs a measurement signal. Fig.17 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measurement signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the resistance [Ω]. Fig.17 The resistance Rxy45_R10 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm, and the resistance Rxy45_R20 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 20 mm are shown.

[0160] refer to Fig.17 When the bending angle θxy is 45 degrees, the resistance Rxy45_R10 when the curvature radius Rc is 10 mm is different from the resistance Rxy45_R20 when the curvature radius Rc is 20 mm.

[0161] Fig.18 1 is a diagram showing simulation results of the resistance R calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.18 Shows Figure 5 The simulation result of the reactance X calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10 with a length of 1000 mm bent on the XY plane outputs a measurement signal is shown. Fig.18In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measurement signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the resistance [Ω]. Fig.18 The resistance Rxy180_R10 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm, and the resistance Rxy180_R20 calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 having a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees and a curvature radius Rc of 20 mm are shown.

[0162] refer to Fig.18 When the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees, the resistance Rxy180_R10 when the curvature radius Rc is 10 mm is different from the resistance Rxy180_R20 when the curvature radius Rc is 20 mm.

[0163] According to reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the curvature radius Rc and the curvature of the target transmission line can be detected based on the resistance R.

[0164] For example, the detection unit 14 detects at least one of a change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line and a change in the curvature of the target transmission line based on information indicating the initial installation state of the target transmission line and the resistance R.

[0165] (Test Example 3)

[0166] (1)Buckling angle

[0167] The detection unit 14 calculates the phase difference between the measurement signal and the response signal as the evaluation value EV. As an example, the detection unit 14 calculates the phase difference pd between the measurement signal output to the target transmission line and the reflected signal included in the response signal. The detection unit 14 detects the bending angle θ of the target transmission line based on the calculated phase difference pd.

[0168] More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal to the target transmission line, and outputs a digital signal Ds1 corresponding to the output measurement signal to the detection unit 14 .

[0169] The detector 14 receives the digital signal Ds1 from the signal output unit 12 and generates phase data Ds1p indicating the phase of the measurement signal based on the received digital signal Ds1. For example, the detector 14 calculates the difference between the phase data Ds3p received from the measurement unit 13 and the calculated phase data Ds1p for each cycle of the measurement signal.

[0170] The detection unit 14 calculates the phase difference pd based on the difference in each cycle of the measurement signal.

[0171] Fig.19: is a diagram showing a simulation result of the phase difference pd calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.19 Shown in the Figure 5 The simulation result of the phase difference pd, i.e., the phase difference pdxy, calculated by the detection unit 14 when the transmission line 10, which is bent in the XY plane and has a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm, outputs a measurement signal is shown. Fig.19 In the figure, the horizontal axis is the frequency of the measurement signal [MHz], and the vertical axis is the phase difference [degrees]. Fig.19 The difference Dpdxy45 obtained by subtracting the phase difference pdxy_zero from the phase difference pdxy_45, the difference Dpdxy90 obtained by subtracting the phase difference pdxy_zero from the phase difference pdxy_90, the difference Dpdxy135 obtained by subtracting the phase difference pdxy_zero from the phase difference pdxy_135, and the difference Dpdxy180 obtained by subtracting the phase difference pdxy_zero from the phase difference pdxy_180 are shown. Here, the phase difference pdxy_zero is the phase difference pdxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a bending angle θxy of 0 degrees. In addition, the phase difference pdxy_45 is the phase difference pdxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a bending angle θxy of 45 degrees. In addition, the phase difference pdxy_90 is the phase difference pdxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 90 degrees. In addition, the phase difference pdxy_135 is the phase difference pdxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 135 degrees. In addition, the phase difference pdxy_180 is the phase difference pdxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees.

[0172] refer to Fig.19 For example, when the frequency of the measurement signal is 25 MHz, the differences Dpdxy45, Dpdxy90, Dpdxy180, and Dpdxy135 are from large to small, the difference Dpdxy45 is a positive value, and the differences Dpdxy90, Dpdxy180, and Dpdxy135 are negative values. That is, the phase difference pdxy_45 when the flexion angle θxy is 45 degrees, the phase difference pdxy_zero when the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees, the phase difference pdxy_90 when the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees, the phase difference pdxy_180 when the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees, and the phase difference pdxy_135 when the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees are from large to small.

[0173] According to reference Fig.19As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the bending angle θxy of the target transmission line can be detected based on the phase difference pd.

[0174] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value Spd1 of the phase difference pd. The reference value Spd1 is preset based on the phase difference pd calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line with a flexion angle θxy of 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value Spd1 may be preset based on a plurality of phase differences pd calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are respectively output to the target transmission line with a flexion angle θxy of 0 degrees.

[0175] For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the phase difference pd at the calculation timing according to the calculation cycle Cm. Every time the phase difference pd is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value Spd1 from the storage unit 15 and calculates the difference Dpd1 obtained by subtracting the reference value Spd1 from the phase difference pd.

[0176] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 The storage unit 15 stores a determination table Tpd1 indicating a correspondence relationship between the difference Dpd1 calculated by the detection unit 14 and the flexion angle θxy.

[0177] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the bending angle θxy of the target transmission line based on the calculated difference Dpd1 and the determination table Tpd1 in the storage unit 15. More specifically, when the difference Dpd1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thp11, the detection unit 14 determines that the bending angle θxy is 45 degrees. In addition, when the difference Dpd1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thp12 and less than the threshold value Thp11, the detection unit 14 determines that the bending angle θxy is 0 degrees. In addition, when the difference Dpd1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thp13 and less than the threshold value Thp12, the detection unit 14 determines that the bending angle θxy is 90 degrees. In addition, when the difference Dpd1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thp14 and less than the threshold value Thp13, the detection unit 14 determines that the bending angle θxy is 180 degrees. In addition, when the difference Dpd1 is less than the threshold value Thp14, the detection unit 14 determines that the bending angle θxy is 135 degrees.

[0178] For example, the threshold values ​​Thp11, Thp12, Thp13, and Thp14 are set in advance based on the above-mentioned phase differences pdxy_zero, pdxy_45, pdxy_90, pdxy_135, and pdxy_180.

[0179] For example, each time the difference Dpd1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 accumulates the calculated difference Dpd1 in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSD1 of the difference Dpd1. Also, for example, each time the difference Dpd1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference Dpd1 and the determination table TDpd1, and accumulates the detected flexion angle θxy in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSDxy of the flexion angle θxy.

[0180] For example, the detection unit 14 further detects the flexion angle θyz and creates the time series data TSDyz based on the phase difference pd, similarly to the above-described detection examples 1 and 2.

[0181] Furthermore, for example, the detection unit 14 detects at least one of a change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line and a change in the curvature of the target transmission line based on information indicating the initial installation state of the target transmission line and the phase difference pd.

[0182] (Test Example 4)

[0183] (1)Buckling angle

[0184] The detection unit 14 calculates the reflection coefficient, which is the ratio of the amplitude of the response signal to the measurement signal, as the evaluation value EV. As an example, the detection unit 14 calculates the reflection coefficient rc, which is the ratio of the amplitude of the reflection signal included in the response signal to the measurement signal. The detection unit 14 detects the change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line based on the calculated reflection coefficient rc.

[0185] More specifically, the detection unit 14 calculates the absolute value Arc of the reflection coefficient rc by performing the processing described in the detection example 1.

[0186] Fig.21 1 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the absolute value Arc of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.21 Shown in the Figure 5 The simulation result is shown in FIG. 1 , when the transmission line 10, which is bent in the XY plane and has a curvature radius Rc of 10 mm, outputs a measurement signal, and the absolute value Arc of the reflection coefficient rc, i.e., the absolute value Arcxy, is calculated by the detection unit 14. Fig.21 In the graph, the horizontal axis is the frequency [MHz] of the measurement signal, and the vertical axis is the absolute value of the reflection coefficient. Fig.21The difference Drcxy45 obtained by subtracting the absolute value Arcxy_zero from the absolute value Arcxy_45, the difference Drcxy90 obtained by subtracting the absolute value Arcxy_zero from the absolute value Arcxy_90, the difference Drcxy135 obtained by subtracting the absolute value Arcxy_zero from the absolute value Arcxy_135, and the difference Drcxy180 obtained by subtracting the absolute value Arcxy_zero from the absolute value Arcxy_180 are shown. Here, the absolute value Arcxy_zero is the absolute value Arcxy of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 0 degrees. In addition, the absolute value Arcxy_45 is the absolute value Arcxy of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 45 degrees. In addition, the absolute value Arcxy_90 is the absolute value Arcxy of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 90 degrees. In addition, the absolute value Arcxy_135 is the absolute value Arcxy of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 135 degrees. In addition, the absolute value Arcxy_180 is the absolute value Arcxy of the reflection coefficient rc calculated by the detection unit 14 when the measurement signal is output to the transmission line 10 with a flexion angle θxy of 180 degrees.

[0187] refer to Fig.21 For example, when the frequency of the measurement signal is 30 MHz, the differences Drcxy180, Drcxy135, Drcxy90, and Drcxy45 are from large to small and are all positive values. That is, the absolute value Arcxy_180 when the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees, the absolute value Arcxy_135 when the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees, the absolute value Arcxy_90 when the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees, the absolute value Arcxy_45 when the flexion angle θ is 45 degrees, and the absolute value Arcxy_zero when the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees are from large to small.

[0188] According to reference Fig.21 As can be seen from the simulation results described above, the bending angle θxy of the target transmission line can be detected from the absolute value Arcxy of the reflection coefficient rc.

[0189] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value Src1 of the reflection coefficient rc. The reference value Src1 is preset based on the absolute value Arcxy calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line whose flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees. In addition, the reference value Src1 may be preset based on a plurality of absolute values ​​Arcxy calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are respectively output to the target transmission line whose flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees.

[0190] For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the reflection coefficient rc and the absolute value Arc at the calculation timing according to the calculation cycle Cm. Every time the absolute value Arc is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value Src1 from the storage unit 15 and calculates the difference Drc1 obtained by subtracting the reference value Src1 from the absolute value Arc.

[0191] Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table stored in a storage unit in the detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 22 The storage unit 15 stores a determination table Trc1 indicating a correspondence relationship between the difference Drc1 calculated by the detection unit 14 and the flexion angle θxy.

[0192] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference Drc1 and the determination table Trc1 in the storage unit 15. More specifically, when the difference Drc1 is less than the threshold value Thr11, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 0 degrees. In addition, when the difference Drc1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thr11 and less than the threshold value Thr12, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 45 degrees. In addition, when the difference Drc1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thr12 and less than the threshold value Thr13, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 90 degrees. In addition, when the difference Drc1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thr13 and less than the threshold value Thr14, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 135 degrees. In addition, when the difference Drc1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value Thr14, the detection unit 14 determines that the flexion angle θxy is 180 degrees.

[0193] For example, the threshold values ​​Thr11, Thr12, Thr13, and Thr14 are set in advance based on the absolute values ​​Arcxy_zero, Arcxy_45, Arcxy_90, Arcxy_135, and Arcxy_180.

[0194] For example, each time the difference Drc1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 accumulates the calculated difference Drc1 in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSD1 of the difference Drc1. Also, for example, each time the difference Drc1 is calculated, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θxy based on the calculated difference Drc1 and the determination table Trc1, and accumulates the detected flexion angle θxy in the storage unit 15, thereby generating the time series data TSDxy of the flexion angle θxy.

[0195] For example, the detection unit 14 further detects the flexion angle θyz and creates the time series data TSDxy based on the reflection coefficient rc, similarly to the above-described detection examples 1 and 2.

[0196] Furthermore, for example, the detection unit 14 detects at least one of a change in the bending angle θ of the target transmission line and a change in the curvature of the target transmission line based on information indicating the initial installation state of the target transmission line and the reflection coefficient rc.

[0197] (Test Example 5)

[0198] (1)Buckling angle

[0199] The detection unit 14 calculates the impedance Z of the target transmission line as the evaluation value EV. Based on the calculated impedance Z, the detection unit 14 detects a change in the bending angle θ and a change in the curvature of the target transmission line.

[0200] More specifically, the detection unit 14 calculates the impedance Z by performing the processing described in the first detection example.

[0201] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SZ of the impedance Z. The reference value SZ is preset based on the impedance Z calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target transmission line whose flexion angles θxy, θyz are 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value SZ may be preset based on a plurality of impedances Z calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are output to the target transmission line whose flexion angles θxy, θyz are 0 degrees.

[0202] For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the impedance Z at the calculation timing according to the calculation cycle Cm. Every time the impedance Z is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value SZ from the storage unit 15 and calculates the difference DZ obtained by subtracting the reference value SZ from the impedance Z.

[0203] For example, the detection unit 14 detects the flexion angles θxy and θyz and the curvature of the target transmission line based on the calculated difference DZ, and generates time series data TSDxy and TSDyz.

[0204] For example, the storage unit 15 stores type information indicating the type of evaluation value EV to be used when performing detection processing on the target transmission line. The detection unit 14 calculates the evaluation value EV of the type indicated by the type information in the storage unit 15, and detects the change in the degree of curvature of the target transmission line based on the calculated evaluation value EV. That is, the detection unit 14 performs any one of the above-mentioned detection examples 1 to 5 according to the type information in the storage unit 15, thereby detecting the change in the degree of curvature of the target transmission line.

[0205] In addition, the detection unit 14 may also be configured to calculate a plurality of evaluation values ​​EV and perform a comprehensive evaluation on the calculated plurality of evaluation values ​​EV, thereby detecting the change in the degree of curvature of the target transmission line. More specifically, for example, the detection unit 14 uses the detection result with the most significant change in the degree of curvature among the detection results based on the plurality of evaluation values ​​EV. Alternatively, the detection unit 14 uses the average value of the changes in the degree of curvature based on the plurality of evaluation values ​​EV.

[0206] (Bending count)

[0207] For example, the detection unit 14 counts the number of bending times NB of the target transmission line based on the detection result of the change in the bending degree of the target transmission line. As an example, the detection unit 14 counts the number of times the target transmission line is bent at a bending angle θ greater than a specified value, that is, the number of bending times NB. More specifically, when the detection unit 14 detects the peak value of the difference D in the time series data TSD1, the detection unit 14 detects the bending angle θ corresponding to the peak value based on the detected peak value and the determination table in the storage unit 15. When the bending angle θ corresponding to the peak value is greater than the specified value, the detection unit 14 adds the count value Vcnt of the number of bending times NB.

[0208] For example, the detection unit 14 weights the count value of the number of bending times NB according to the magnitude of the flexion angle θ. More specifically, when at least one of the flexion angle θxy corresponding to the peak and the flexion angle θyz corresponding to the peak is greater than or equal to the angle θ1, the detection unit 14 adds "1" to the count value Vcnt of the number of bending times NB. In addition, when at least one of the flexion angle θxy corresponding to the peak and the flexion angle θyz corresponding to the peak is greater than or equal to the angle θ2, the detection unit 14 adds "2" to the count value Vcnt of the number of bending times NB. Here, the angle θ2 is greater than the angle θ1.

[0209] Alternatively, the detection unit 14 counts a plurality of bending numbers NB individually according to the magnitude of the flexion angle θ. More specifically, when at least one of the flexion angle θxy corresponding to the peak and the flexion angle θyz corresponding to the peak is greater than or equal to the angle θ1 and less than the angle θ2, the detection unit 14 adds "1" to the count value Vcnt of the bending number NBθ1 as the bending number NB. Furthermore, when at least one of the flexion angle θxy corresponding to the peak and the flexion angle θyz corresponding to the peak is greater than or equal to the angle θ2, the detection unit 14 adds "1" to the count value Vcnt of the bending number NBθ2 as the bending number NB.

[0210] When the count value Vcnt of the number of bends NB exceeds the threshold value Thwrn, the detection unit 14 performs a predetermined notification process. More specifically, when the count value Vcnt of the number of bends NB exceeds the threshold value Thwrn, as a notification process, the detection unit 14 notifies the user of the counting result, for example, via a communication unit and a communication device 111 (not shown). The detection unit 14 updates the threshold value Thwrn each time the notification process is performed. More specifically, when the notification process is performed, the detection unit 14 updates the threshold value Thwrn to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the count value Vcnt when the notification process is performed.

[0211] [Flow of Action]

[0212] Fig.23 This is a flowchart that defines an example of an operation procedure when the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure performs detection processing.

[0213] refer to Fig.23 First, for example, when the relay device 101 is powered on, the relay device 101 starts outputting a measurement signal and receiving a response signal (step S102).

[0214] Next, the relay device 101 waits for the calculation timing of the evaluation value EV ("No" in step S104), and when the calculation timing arrives ("Yes" in step S104), the amplitude and phase of the response signal are measured. More specifically, the relay device 101 generates amplitude data Ds3a indicating the amplitude of the reflected signal included in the response signal and phase data Ds3p indicating the phase of the reflected signal (step S106).

[0215] Next, the relay device 101 calculates the evaluation value EV based on the amplitude data Ds1a indicating the amplitude of the measurement signal, the phase data Ds1p indicating the phase of the measurement signal, the amplitude data Ds3a, and the phase data Ds3p (step S108).

[0216] Next, the relay device 101 calculates a difference D between the calculated evaluation value EV and a reference value S of the evaluation value EV (step S110 ).

[0217] Next, the relay device 101 updates the time series data TSD1 in the storage unit 15 based on the calculated difference D (step S112 ).

[0218] Next, the relay device 101 repeatedly performs the processing from step S104 to step S112 until the peak of the difference D in the timing data TSD1 is detected ("No" in step S114). When the peak of the difference D is detected ("Yes" in step S114), the flexion angle θxy corresponding to the peak is detected based on the detected peak and the judgment table in the storage unit 15 (step S116).

[0219] Next, the relay device 101 stores the detection result of the flexion angle θxy in the storage unit 15 (step S118 ).

[0220] Next, when the flexion angle θxy is smaller than the predetermined value (No in step S120 ), the relay device 101 repeats the processing from step S104 to step S118 .

[0221] On the other hand, when the flexion angle θxy is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the relay device 101 adds the count value Vcnt of the number of bending times NB (step S122 ).

[0222] Next, when the count value Vcnt after the addition is less than or equal to the threshold value Thwrn (No in step S124), the relay device 101 repeats the processing from step S104 to step S122.

[0223] On the other hand, when the count value Vcnt after addition exceeds the threshold value Thwrn ("Yes" in step S124), the relay device 101 performs a notification process to notify the user of the counting result. Furthermore, the relay device 101 updates the threshold value Thwrn to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the current count value Vcnt (step S126).

[0224] Next, the relay device 101 repeats the processing from step S104 to step S126.

[0225] Furthermore, in step S116 , the relay device 101 may detect at least one of the flexion angle θxy and the curvature of the target transmission line in addition to or instead of the flexion angle θxy.

[0226] In addition, the communication system 301 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the relay device 101 is connected to the communication device 111 one-to-one via the transmission line 10, but is not limited thereto. The relay device 101 may also be connected to multiple communication devices 111 one-to-many via the bus-type transmission line 10.

[0227] In addition, the communication system 301 involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the relay device 101 performs detection processing, but is not limited to this. It can also be configured such that the detection processing is performed by a device different from the relay device 101 in the communication system 301. Specifically, for example, it can also be configured such that the communication device 111 functions as a detection device and performs detection processing.

[0228] In addition, the relay device 101 involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal of a frequency band different from the frequency band of the communication signal transmitted and received by the relay unit 11 via the target transmission line to the target transmission line during the detection period T1 during which the power of the relay device 101 is turned on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to configure such that the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal of a frequency band including a part or all of the frequency band of the communication signal to the target transmission line during the period during which the power of the relay device 101 is turned on and the relay processing is not performed by the relay unit 11.

[0229] In addition, the relay device 101 involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured as follows: the measuring unit 13 receives a response signal from the target transmission line via the corresponding communication port 16, and the response signal includes the measurement signal output by the signal output unit 12 and the signal after the measurement signal is reflected, that is, the reflection signal, but it is not limited to this. It can also be configured as follows: the measuring unit 13 receives a response signal that does not include the measurement signal. That is, it can also be configured as follows: the measuring unit 13 receives the reflection signal as the response signal. In more detail, for example, the signal output unit 12 outputs the measurement signal to the target transmission line via the directional coupler and the communication port 16. The measuring unit 13 receives a response signal that does not include the measurement signal from the target transmission line via the communication port 16 and the directional coupler.

[0230] In addition, the relay device 101 involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the measuring unit 13 generates the digital signal Ds3 representing the reflection signal by subtracting the component of the digital signal Ds1 from the digital signal Ds2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The measuring unit 13 may also be configured such that the measuring unit 13 receives the measurement signal from the signal output unit 12, subtracts the component of the measurement signal from the received response signal, generates the analog signal representing the reflection signal, and generates the digital signal Ds3 by performing digital conversion on the generated analog signal.

[0231] In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the relay device 101 is configured such that the detector 14 detects changes in the flexion angle θ, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detector 14 may detect changes in the flexion level indicating the degree of bending of the target transmission line instead of detecting changes in the flexion angle θ.

[0232] In addition, the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the detection unit 14 stores the detection results of the change in the flexion angle θ and the change in the curvature of the target transmission line in the storage unit 15, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The detection unit 14 may also be configured such that the detection unit 14 does not store the detection results in the storage unit 15.

[0233] In addition, the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the detection unit 14 generates the time series data TSD1, TSD2, TSDxy, and TSDyz, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The detection unit 14 may count the number of bends NB without generating the time series data TSD1, TSD2, TSDxy, and TSDyz.

[0234] In addition, the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the detection unit 14 counts the number of bends NB, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be configured such that the detection unit 14 does not count the number of bends NB.

[0235] In addition, the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the detection unit 14 performs notification processing when the count value of the number of bends NB exceeds a predetermined value, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the detection unit 14 may be configured not to perform notification processing.

[0236] However, it is desirable to have a technology that can confirm the state of the transmission line 10 with a simple structure. More specifically, the transmission line 10 may be fatigue-degraded or broken due to bending. In addition, the transmission line 10 may be bent at a bending angle or curvature that exceeds the bending resistance of the transmission line 10, or may be bent for an inappropriate purpose. In order to take appropriate measures such as issuing a warning to the user when the transmission line 10 is not used normally and safely, it is desirable to have a technology that can confirm the state of the transmission line 10.

[0237] For example, there is currently known a technology that uses TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) to detect the characteristics of the transmission line 10. When using such a technology to detect changes in the characteristics of the transmission line 10 and attempting to confirm the state of the transmission line 10 based on the detection results, in order to accurately detect changes in the characteristics of the transmission line 10, it is necessary to output a rising pulse to the transmission line 10 with high reproducibility, resulting in a need for a high-performance pulse signal generator.

[0238] In addition, when using a network analyzer to measure characteristics such as S parameters of the transmission line 10 and attempting to confirm the state of the transmission line 10 based on the measurement results, in order to obtain sufficient detection accuracy, it is necessary to use expensive and complex measuring equipment, and the measuring equipment needs to be calibrated for each measurement.

[0239] On the other hand, in the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to the transmission line 10. The measurement unit 13 receives a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the transmission line 10, and measures at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the received response signal. The detection unit 14 calculates an evaluation value EV based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 13, and detects a change in the degree of curvature of the transmission line 10 based on a temporal change in the calculated evaluation value EV.

[0240] In this way, by outputting a measurement signal having a frequency component to the transmission line 10, calculating the evaluation value EV based on the measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the response signal received from the transmission line 10, and detecting the change in the bending degree of the transmission line 10 based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value EV, the change in the bending degree of the transmission line 10 can be detected without requiring a detection line and a bending sensor that are different from the transmission line 10. Therefore, the state of the transmission line 10 can be confirmed with a simple configuration.

[0241] Next, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described using the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0242] <Second embodiment>

[0243] Compared with the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment, the present embodiment relates to a relay device 102 that detects a change in the degree of bending of the detection wire 20. Except for the following contents, the relay device 102 is the same as the relay device 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0244] Fig.24 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a relay device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.24 Compared with the relay device 101, the relay device 102 further includes a plurality of detection ports 17. More specifically, the relay device 102 includes the same number of detection ports 17 as the number of communication ports 16. A connector portion serving as a first end of a detection line 20 is connected to each detection port 17.

[0245] The detection line 20 is disposed along the transmission line 10. The detection line 20 may be disposed along the transmission line 10 in a region from the first end to the second end of the transmission line 10 or in a portion of the region from the first end to the second end of the transmission line 10.

[0246] For example, the detection line 20 is provided inside the sheath 2 of the transmission line 10. Alternatively, the detection line 20 is bundled with the transmission line 10. In this case, for example, the detection line 20 is a dedicated line not used for communication.

[0247] The second end of the detection line 20 on the opposite side of the first end is open, or connected to a ground node, or connected to a ground node via a terminal circuit. The ground node can be a node in the return path of the signal, or a node in the chassis of a structure such as a vehicle provided with the communication system 301. The terminal circuit is, for example, a resistor having a resistance value corresponding to the characteristic impedance of the detection line 20, which is used to match the terminal of the detection line 20. In addition, the terminal circuit may not be a circuit that accurately matches the terminal of the detection line 20. In the following, the detection line 20 whose second end is open is also referred to as an "open detection line". In addition, the detection line 20 whose second end is connected to the ground node is also referred to as a "short detection line". In addition, the detection line 20 whose second end is connected to the ground node via a terminal circuit is also referred to as a "matching detection line".

[0248] When the communication system 301 is used, the detection line 20 may bend in the XY plane or the YZ plane together with the transmission line 10 due to the application of external force. Hereinafter, the bending angle θd of the detection line 20 in the XY plane is referred to as the bending angle θdxy, and the bending angle θd of the detection line 20 in the YZ plane is referred to as the bending angle θdyz. The bending angle θd is an example of the bending angle of the detection line 20.

[0249] The relay device 102 outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to the detection line 20, and receives a response signal including a signal after the measurement signal is reflected from the detection line 20. The relay device 102 measures the amplitude and phase of the received response signal, and calculates an evaluation value EV based on the measurement result. Moreover, the relay device 102 detects a change in the degree of bending of the detection line 20 based on the time change of the calculated evaluation value EV. As described above, the detection line 20 is arranged along the transmission line 10 and bends together with the transmission line 10. Therefore, by detecting the change in the degree of bending of the detection line 20, the state of the transmission line 10 can be confirmed. The detection line 20 is an example of an object line.

[0250] For example, the relay device 102 includes the same number of detection processing units 21 as the number of detection ports 17. More specifically, the detection processing units 21 are provided corresponding to the detection ports 17, and perform detection processing for detecting changes in the degree of bending of the detection line 20 connected to the corresponding detection port 17. The detection processing of one detection processing unit 21 in the relay device 102 is described below as a representative. In addition, the detection line 20 that is the detection object of the detection processing unit 21 is also referred to as a "target detection line".

[0251] (Test Example 6)

[0252] The detection unit 14 calculates the capacitance C of the target detection line as the evaluation value EV. For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the capacitance C of the open detection line. The detection unit 14 detects the bending angle θd of the target detection line and the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated capacitance C.

[0253] More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal to the open detection line as the target detection line, and outputs a digital signal Ds1 corresponding to the output measurement signal to the detection unit 14 .

[0254] The detection unit 14 receives the digital signal Ds1 from the signal output unit 12 , and calculates the impedance Z by performing the processing described in the detection example 1 based on the received digital signal Ds1 .

[0255] Hereinafter, the impedance Z of the open detection line is referred to as impedance Zop. The impedance Zop is represented by the following equation (2).

[0256]

[0257] Here, G is the conductance of the object detection line. j is an imaginary unit. ω is the angular velocity [rad / sec].

[0258] When the impedance Zop is calculated, the detection section 14 acquires the capacitance C from the imaginary part of the impedance Zop.

[0259] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SC of the capacitance C. The reference value SC is preset based on the capacitance C calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the target detection line in which the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz are 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value SC may be preset based on a plurality of capacitances C calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are output to the target detection line in which the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz are 0 degrees.

[0260] Every time the capacitance C is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value SC from the storage unit 15 and calculates a difference DC obtained by subtracting the reference value SC from the capacitance C.

[0261] For example, the detection unit 14 detects changes in the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz and changes in the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated difference DC.

[0262] (Test Example 7)

[0263] The detection unit 14 calculates the inductance L of the target detection line as the evaluation value EV. For example, the detection unit 14 calculates the inductance L of the short-circuit detection line. The detection unit 14 detects the flexion angle θd and the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated inductance L.

[0264] More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal to the short-circuit detection line as the target detection line, and outputs a digital signal Ds1 corresponding to the output measurement signal to the detection unit 14 .

[0265] The detection unit 14 receives the digital signal Ds1 from the signal output unit 12 , and calculates the impedance Z by performing the processing described in the detection example 1 based on the received digital signal Ds1 .

[0266] Hereinafter, the impedance Z of the short-circuit detection line is referred to as impedance Zst. The impedance Zst is represented by the following equation (3).

[0267] Zst=R+jL(3)

[0268] Here, R is the DC resistance [Ω] per unit length of the target detection line.

[0269] When the impedance Zst is calculated, the detection unit 14 acquires the inductance L from the imaginary part of the impedance Zst.

[0270] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SL of the inductance L. The reference value SL is preset based on the inductance L calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the object detection line in which the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz are 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value SL may be preset based on a plurality of inductances L calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are output to the object detection line in which the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz are 0 degrees.

[0271] Every time the inductance L is calculated, the detection unit 14 obtains the reference value SL from the storage unit 15 and calculates the difference DL obtained by subtracting the reference value SL from the inductance L.

[0272] For example, the detection unit 14 detects changes in the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz and changes in the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated difference DL.

[0273] (Test Example 8)

[0274] The detection unit 14 calculates the characteristic impedance Zc of the target detection line as the evaluation value EV. The detection unit 14 detects a change in the bending angle θd of the target detection line based on the calculated characteristic impedance Zc.

[0275] More specifically, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal to the target detection line in a state where the second end of the target detection line is open, and outputs a digital signal Ds1 corresponding to the output measurement signal to the detection unit 14 .

[0276] The detection unit 14 receives the digital signal Ds1 from the signal output unit 12 , and performs the processing described in the detection example 6 based on the received digital signal Ds1 to calculate the impedance Zop.

[0277] Next, the signal output unit 12 outputs a measurement signal to the target detection line in a state where the second end of the target detection line is connected to the ground node, and outputs a digital signal Ds1 corresponding to the output measurement signal to the detection unit 14 .

[0278] The detection unit 14 receives the digital signal Ds1 from the signal output unit 12, and calculates the impedance Zst by performing the processing described in the detection example 7 based on the received digital signal Ds1. Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may calculate the impedance Zst first and then calculate the impedance Zop.

[0279] Then, the detection unit 14 calculates the characteristic impedance Zc according to the following equation (4).

[0280]

[0281] For example, the storage unit 15 stores a reference value SZc of the characteristic impedance Zc. The reference value SZc is preset based on the characteristic impedance Zc calculated by the detection unit 14 when a measurement signal of a specific frequency is output to the object detection line at which the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz are 0 degrees. Alternatively, the reference value SZc may be preset based on a plurality of characteristic impedances Zc calculated by the detection unit 14 for each frequency of the measurement signal when measurement signals of a plurality of specific frequencies are output to the object detection line at which the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz are 0 degrees.

[0282] Every time the characteristic impedance Zc is calculated, the detection unit 14 acquires the reference value SZc from the storage unit 15 and calculates a difference DZc obtained by subtracting the reference value SZc from the characteristic impedance Zc.

[0283] For example, the detection unit 14 detects changes in the flexion angles θdxy and θdyz and changes in the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated difference DZc.

[0284] Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may calculate the reactance X of the matching detection line, the open detection line, or the short detection line, and detect changes in the flexion angle θd and the curvature of the detection line 20 based on the calculated reactance X.

[0285] Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may calculate the resistance R of the matching detection line, the open detection line, or the short detection line, and detect changes in the flexion angle θd and the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated resistance R.

[0286] Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may calculate a phase difference pd between a measurement signal output to a matching detection line, an open detection line, or a short detection line and a reflection signal included in a response signal, and detect changes in the flexion angle θd and changes in the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated phase difference pd.

[0287] Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may calculate a reflection coefficient rc of a measurement signal output to a matching detection line, an open detection line, or a short detection line and a reflection signal included in a response signal, and detect changes in the flexion angle θd and changes in the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated reflection coefficient rc.

[0288] Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may calculate the impedance Z of the matching detection line, the open detection line, or the short detection line, and detect changes in the flexion angle θd and the curvature of the target detection line based on the calculated impedance Z.

[0289] The above embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0290] Each process (function) of the above-mentioned embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. In addition to the above-mentioned one or more processors, the above-mentioned processing circuit can also be composed of an integrated circuit composed of a combination of one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits. The above-mentioned one or more memories store programs (commands) that enable the above-mentioned one or more processors to perform the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned one or more processors can perform the above-mentioned processes according to the above-mentioned programs read from the above-mentioned one or more memories, or they can perform the above-mentioned processes according to logic circuits pre-designed to perform the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned processor can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit: Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit: Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor: Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array: Field Programmable Gate Array) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and other various processors suitable for computer control. In addition, the above-mentioned multiple processors that are physically separated can also cooperate with each other to perform the above-mentioned processes. For example, the processors mounted on physically separated computers can cooperate with each other to perform the above-mentioned processing via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet. The program can be installed from an external server device to the memory via the network, or can be circulated in a state of being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a semiconductor memory, and installed from the recording medium to the memory.

[0291] The above description includes the following additional features.

[0292] [Supplement 1] A detection device comprising:

[0293] A signal output unit that outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to the target line;

[0294] a measuring unit that receives a response signal including a signal obtained by reflecting the measurement signal from the target line, and measures at least one of an amplitude and a phase of the received response signal; and

[0295] a detection unit that calculates an evaluation value based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, and detects a change in the curvature of the object line based on a temporal change of the calculated evaluation value,

[0296] The detection unit detects a change in the flexion angle of the target wire, and counts the number of times the target wire is bent based on the detection result of the change in the flexion angle.

[0297] The detection unit weights the count value of the number of bending times according to the magnitude of the flexion angle.

[0298] [Supplementary Note 2] A detection device having a processing circuit,

[0299] The processing circuit

[0300] Outputs a measurement signal with frequency components to the target line.

[0301] receiving a response signal including a signal obtained by reflecting the measurement signal from the target line, and measuring at least one of an amplitude and a phase of the received response signal,

[0302] An evaluation value is calculated based on a measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and the phase, and a change in the degree of curvature of the target line is detected based on a temporal change of the calculated evaluation value.

[0303] Description of Reference Numerals

[0304] 1 core wire; 2 sheath; 3 base line; 4 insulation layer; 10 transmission line; 20 detection line; 11 relay unit; 12 signal output unit; 13 measurement unit; 14 detection unit; 15 storage unit; 16 communication port; 17 detection port; 21 detection processing unit; 101, 102 relay devices; 111 communication device; 301 communication system; TX1, TX2, TR1, TR2, Tpd1, Trc1 determination table.

Claims

1. A detection device, comprising: A signal output unit that outputs a measurement signal having a frequency component to the target line; a measuring unit that receives a response signal including a signal obtained by reflecting the measurement signal from the target line, and measures at least one of an amplitude and a phase of the received response signal; and The detection unit calculates an evaluation value based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, and detects a change in the curvature of the target line based on a temporal change of the calculated evaluation value.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The detection unit detects a change in the flexion angle of the target wire.

3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection unit detects a change in curvature of the target line.

4. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The object line is a transmission line, The detection unit calculates at least one of a phase difference between the measurement signal and the response signal, a reflection coefficient which is a ratio of an amplitude of the response signal to the measurement signal, an impedance of the transmission line, and a resistance of the transmission line as the evaluation value.

5. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The object line is a transmission line, The detection unit calculates the reactance of the transmission line as the evaluation value.

6. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The object line is a detection line arranged along the transmission line, The detection unit calculates at least any one of a capacitance of the detection line, an inductance of the detection line, and a characteristic impedance of the detection line as the evaluation value.

7. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The detection unit counts the number of times the target line is bent based on a detection result of a change in the degree of bending of the target line.

8. The detection device according to claim 7, wherein: When the count value of the number of bends exceeds a predetermined value, the detection unit performs a predetermined notification process.

9. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The detection unit stores a detection result of a change in the degree of curvature of the target line in a storage unit.

10. A detection method is a detection method in a detection device, comprising the following steps: outputting a measurement signal having a frequency component to the object line; receiving a response signal including a signal obtained by reflecting the measurement signal from the target line, and measuring at least one of an amplitude and a phase of the received response signal; and An evaluation value is calculated based on a measurement result of at least one of the amplitude and the phase, and a change in the degree of curvature of the target line is detected based on a temporal change of the calculated evaluation value.

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