Remote management system and method for object
By using the LPWA communication standard and path selection mechanism, the problems of wireless communication constraints and excessive energy consumption are solved, enabling reliable monitoring of the object's state and suppression of energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies for monitoring the status of multiple objects via wireless communication suffer from limitations in wireless communication and excessive energy consumption, especially in long-distance or unstable environments, making it difficult to efficiently and reliably grasp the status of objects.
Using the LPWA communication standard, communication between sensors and transceiver terminals and relay equipment selects either a direct or roundabout path to ensure that the communication strength reaches the baseline value, avoiding the limitations of wireless communication, and data is transmitted through battery-powered sensors and terminals.
It effectively suppresses battery and fuel consumption while avoiding the limitations of wireless communication, ensuring reliable monitoring of the object's status and reducing energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN122070702A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a remote management system and method for objects, and more specifically, to a remote management system and method for objects that, when monitoring the status of multiple objects such as fenders via wireless communication, can more reliably monitor the status of each object while avoiding the limitations of wireless communication, and can suppress energy consumption in the monitoring process of monitoring the status of each object. Background Technology
[0002] Various monitoring systems have been proposed in the industry that acquire detection data from pressure sensors installed inside the inflatable fender using wireless communication devices, and monitor the status of the inflatable fender based on the acquired detection data (internal pressure information) (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). These monitoring systems use power from batteries installed in the fender to operate the pressure sensors and for wireless communication. Since the batteries installed in the fender cannot be replaced frequently, it is necessary to suppress battery power consumption. However, suppressing battery power consumption and reducing the frequency of wireless communication and data acquisition would hinder the accurate monitoring of the fender's status.
[0003] Typically, multiple fenders are deployed in an area. Therefore, the communication distance between the wireless communication device and fenders located at greater distances is considerable, potentially leading to communication failure or excessive battery consumption due to wireless communication. Thus, to ensure stable wireless communication, the wireless communication device needs to be moved closer to each fender. However, moving the ship carrying the wireless communication device to approach multiple fenders on a marine facility, for example, consumes fuel. This increases energy consumption, including batteries and fuel, to reliably monitor the status of fenders deployed over a wider area. Furthermore, wireless communication is subject to various constraints (legal limitations). This problem of increased energy consumption and wireless communication constraints is not limited to inflatable fenders; it also arises when monitoring shipboard hoses or belt conveyor systems. Therefore, special measures are needed to reliably monitor the status of objects while avoiding wireless communication constraints, thereby reducing energy consumption during the monitoring process.
[0004] Existing technical documents
[0005] Patent documents
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-175298
[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-266365 Summary of the Invention
[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve
[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a remote management system and method for objects, which, when monitoring the status of multiple objects such as fenders via wireless communication, can more reliably monitor the status of each object while avoiding the limitations of wireless communication, and can suppress energy consumption in the monitoring process of monitoring the status of each object.
[0010] Solution for solving the problem
[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the remote management system for objects of the present invention includes sensors and transceiver terminals installed at the objects, and relay devices connected to a communication network. The transceiver terminals and the relay devices communicate based on a defined LPWA (Low-Power Interface). The remote management system for the objects uses a Wide-Area (WLA) communication standard. The sensors and transceivers operate on batteries. Detection data indicating the state of the objects detected by the sensors is transmitted to a relay device via the transceiver device, and then to the communication network via the relay device. Management indicators based on the detection data are displayed on a specific device connected to the communication network. The remote management system for the objects is characterized by having sensors and transceivers installed at multiple locations on the objects. The path for transmitting detection data from each transceiver device to the relay device is configured as follows: if the communication strength between each transceiver device and the relay device is above a preset benchmark value, a direct path from each transceiver device to the relay device is selected; if the communication strength is below the benchmark value, a detour path is selected from those with at least one other transceiver device between each transceiver device and the relay device.
[0012] The remote management method for objects of the present invention involves setting sensors and transceivers at the objects. A relay device connected to a communication network communicates with the transceivers based on a specified LPWA communication standard. The sensors and transceivers are powered by batteries. The sensors perform detection, and the detection data representing the state of the objects is transmitted from the transceivers to the relay device via the transceivers, and then to the communication network via the relay device. Management indicators based on the detection data are displayed on a specific device connected to the communication network. The remote management method for objects is characterized by setting the sensors and transceivers at multiple locations on the objects. Regarding the path for transmitting the detection data from each transceiver to the relay device, if the communication strength between each transceiver and the relay device is above a preset benchmark value, a direct path from each transceiver to the relay device is selected; if the communication strength is below the benchmark value, a detour path is selected from those with at least one other transceiver between each transceiver and the relay device.
[0013] Invention Effects
[0014] According to the present invention, since the transceiver terminals located at each object communicate with the relay device connected to the communication network based on a prescribed LPWA communication standard, and the detection data detected by the sensors located at each object is transmitted to the relay device via the transceiver terminals, the limitations of wireless communication between the transceiver terminals and the relay device can be avoided. Furthermore, the path for transmitting the detection data from each transceiver terminal to the relay device is selected based on the communication strength between the two, choosing either a direct path or a detour path, thus suppressing the power consumption of the batteries located in each object. Since the necessity for the relay device to move closer to each transceiver terminal to ensure stable wireless communication with the relay device is reduced, fuel consumption for this approach movement is also suppressed. Therefore, energy consumption in the process of monitoring the state of each object can be suppressed, and the state of each object can be monitored more reliably. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall overview of a remote management system for an object.
[0016] Figure 2 This is an illustration showing, from a top-down perspective, an example of fender material fastened to the shoreline.
[0017] Figure 3This is an illustrative example illustrating the transmission of data via a direct path between a transceiver terminal and a relay device located within the fender. Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the state of the detection data detected by the sensor.
[0018] Figure 4 This is an illustrative example of transmitting data via a circuitous path between a transceiver terminal and a relay device located within the fender. Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the state of the detection data detected by the sensor.
[0019] Figure 5 This is an illustration of a hose pipeline made up of multiple ship hoses connected together, presented from a top-down perspective.
[0020] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a belt conveyor device with a support mechanism, shown from a top-down perspective.
[0021] Figure 7 This is illustrated using a cross-sectional perspective. Figure 6 An explanatory diagram of a belt conveyor device. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The remote management system and method for the object of the present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiments.
[0023] Figure 1 The implementation of the remote management system 1 (hereinafter referred to as System 1) for the illustrated object uses wireless communication to monitor the status of the inflatable fenders 9 (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E). Therefore, the object managed by System 1 is the inflatable fender 9 (hereinafter referred to as fender 9).
[0024] The fender 9 is a hollow rubber body with an embedded reinforcing layer, and can be made of various known specifications that are internally sealed with gas (air). The fender 9 has a metal cap 10a at one axial end, on which a communication port or valve is provided. Sometimes the metal cap 10a is also provided at both axial ends of the fender 9.
[0025] The system 1 includes sensors 2 and transceiver terminals 3 installed at each of the fenders 9, and relay equipment 5A connected to the communication network 7. Since the sensors 2 and transceiver terminals 3 operate via batteries 4, each of the fenders 9 contains a battery 4. The batteries 4 can be of various known specifications, such as lithium batteries. Examples of the communication network 7 include the Internet, an internal LAN (Local Area Network), or a specific type of LAN. In this embodiment, the server 5B is communicatively connected to the communication network 7.
[0026] Each transceiver terminal 3 communicates with the relay device 5A based on a specified LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication standard. Examples of LPWA include unlicensed frequency bands such as LoRa WAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), Sigfox, WI-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network), ELTRES, and ZETA, as well as licensed frequency bands such as NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things), LTE-M (LTE Machine-to-Machine), and LTE Cat.1. In this embodiment, the communication between each transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A is based on an unlicensed frequency band LPWA communication standard, and is particularly preferably based on the LoRa WAN communication standard. The communication between the relay device 5A and the communication network 7 is, for example, based on the aforementioned licensed frequency band LPWA communication standard.
[0027] Sensor 2 has a detection unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The detection unit acquires detection data M representing the state of the fender 9. The acquired detection data M is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit controls the operation of sensor 2 (such as the timing of acquiring detection data M). Examples of detection data M include internal pressure data, internal temperature data, position data, and acceleration data acting on the fender 9.
[0028] Therefore, as sensors 2 installed at the fender 9, examples include pressure sensors that detect the internal pressure of the fender 9, temperature sensors that detect the internal temperature, position sensors such as GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers that detect the position of the fender 9, and acceleration sensors that detect the acceleration (external force) acting on the fender 9. The various detection data M of the internal pressure data, internal temperature data, position data, and acceleration data represent the internal pressure state, temperature state, position state, and external force load state of the fender 9. One or more of these sensors 2 can be installed at the fender 9. Sensors 2 can adopt various known specifications.
[0029] In this embodiment, sensor 2 is mounted on the metal cover 10a, but it can also be mounted in other desired locations. For example, sensor 2 can be mounted on the inner surface of the wall of the fender 9, or it can be embedded in the wall.
[0030] Each transceiver terminal 3 can use various known specifications capable of communicating with the relay device 5A using the LPWA communication standard based on an unlicensed frequency band. In this embodiment, the battery 4 is configured adjacent to the transceiver terminal 3, and the transceiver terminal 3 and battery 4 are connected via a substrate circuit. The sensor 2 is connected to the battery 4 via a wire. By placing the sensor 2 and transceiver terminal 3 in close proximity and configuring the battery 4 adjacent to both, the length of the wire can be minimized.
[0031] The relay device 5A has the function of connecting each transceiver terminal 3 to the server 5B via the communication network 7. Therefore, the relay device 5A can use various known gateway devices capable of connecting the communication network 7 to the communication network based on the LPWA communication standard in unlicensed frequency bands.
[0032] Specific devices 6 (6a, 6b, 6c), such as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones, communicate with the communication network 7. Server 5B is configured in an office or similar facility responsible for managing the fender 9, but may also use a cloud server on the communication network 7. Specific devices 6 can access server 5B via the communication network 7, for example, by entering a preset password.
[0033] In system 1, sensors 2 installed on each fender 9 acquire detection data M at preset intervals (e.g., every 1 hour, every 12 hours, every 24 hours, etc.) or at preset times. The timing (interval) at which each sensor 2 acquires detection data M is set to a desired timing. After acquiring detection data M, it is sequentially transmitted to relay device 5A via radio waves W sent from transceiver terminal 3. The detection data M transmitted to relay device 5A is sequentially transmitted from relay device 5A via communication network 7, input to server 5B, and stored. The detection data M, along with the identification information of the sensor 2 that detected the detection data M, is transmitted together, and the identification information of sensor 2 is also input to server 5B.
[0034] Increasing the frequency at which sensor 2 acquires detection data M and transmits it to relay device 5A at shorter intervals results in higher power consumption for battery 4, but ensures the acquisition of the latest detection data M. Conversely, decreasing the frequency at which sensor 2 acquires detection data M and transmits it to relay device 5A at longer intervals suppresses power consumption for battery 4, but prevents the acquisition of the latest detection data M. Therefore, the appropriate timing for each sensor 2 to acquire detection data M should be determined based on the object being managed.
[0035] In server 5B, based on the input detection data M, the management index Mi for the fender 9 is calculated and stored. Server 5B pre-stores the inherent information and identification information of each sensor 2, and also specifies the fender 9 on which each sensor 2 is installed. The product specifications, manufacturing history, and configuration location information of the fender 9 are also stored in server 5B. In server 5B, the management index Mi of the fender 9 is stored in association with various information about the fender 9. Therefore, when server 5B is accessed, the configuration location of each fender 9, the configuration start time, and the management index Mi of the fender 9 at a certain point in time can be obtained.
[0036] The detection data M can be directly stored as the management indicator Mi, or the management indicator Mi can be used to replace the detection data M, or, in addition to the detection data M, data values obtained by processing the detection data M can also be used as the management indicator Mi. For example, the difference between the detected internal pressure data M and the reference internal pressure data, the difference between the detected temperature data M and the reference temperature data, the difference between the detected position data M and the reference position data, and the difference between the detected acceleration data M and the reference acceleration data can also be used as the management indicator Mi. The reference internal pressure data, reference temperature data, reference position data, and reference acceleration data are preset to the data when the fender 9 is in a normal state. Therefore, the greater the difference between the detection data M and these reference data, the more likely it is that the fender 9 is in an abnormal state.
[0037] Users or administrators of the fender 9, or the person in charge of the manufacturer of the fender 9, can access the server 5B through a specific device 6, and the management indicators Mi stored on the server 5B will be displayed on the specific device 6. By referring to the management indicators Mi displayed on the monitor of the specific device 6, the internal pressure status, temperature status, position status, and external load status of each fender 9 can be monitored.
[0038] Next, an example of the steps for using system 1 to remotely manage fender material 9 will be described.
[0039] like Figure 2 As illustrated, multiple fenders 9 are fastened to the quay wall 11 by connecting ropes 10b. Therefore, multiple fenders 9 are deployed over a wide area. The relay equipment 5A is fixedly positioned at a designated location in the office building in the harbor, but can also be mounted on mobile vehicles 8 such as cars or drones.
[0040] If the relay device 5A is fixed in a specified position, there are also fenders 9 that are configured very far away from the relay device 5A (for example, at a location hundreds of meters away). Therefore, when the detection data M detected by the sensor 2 installed on the fender 9 is sent from the transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A, there is a situation where the communication distance between the transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A becomes too large.
[0041] When the transceiver terminal 3 sends detection data M to the relay device 5A via radio wave W, if it cannot send the detection data M (transmission failure), it will repeatedly attempt to send it until it can. Therefore, if the communication distance between the transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A is too large, the power consumption of the battery 4 will increase due to the communication between the two, or communication may fail. In weather conditions such as wind and rain that cause unstable wireless communication, even if the communication distance between the two is relatively short, the power consumption of the battery 4 may increase due to the wireless communication between the two, or communication may fail. If the relay device 5A is mounted on the mobile body 8 and placed close to each fender 9 to ensure stable wireless communication between the two, the movement of the mobile body 8 will consume fuel.
[0042] Therefore, in system 1, the communication path for the detection data M from each transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A is set as follows: if the communication strength S between each transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A is above a preset reference value Sc, a direct path Rd is selected; if the communication strength S is less than the reference value Sc, a detour path Rb is selected. The communication strength S refers to the intensity of the radio wave W received by the relay device 5A when the detection data M is transmitted to the relay device 5A using radio waves W from each transceiver terminal 3.
[0043] Regarding the reference value Sc, for example, by varying the distance between the transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A to different levels, the communication strength S can be changed in advance, thereby determining the strength of the radio wave W that the relay device 5A cannot stably receive the detection data M. The upper limit of this determined radio wave W strength is predetermined as the reference value Sc. The strength of the radio wave W at the reference value Sc represents a level where communication is barely possible. Furthermore, when transmitting the detection data M to the relay device 5A using the radio wave W from the transceiver terminal 3, if the strength of the radio wave W received by the relay device 5A is less than the reference value Sc (unable to receive), a detour path Rb is selected instead of repeatedly transmitting the radio wave W.
[0044] The aforementioned baseline value Sc can also be converted into distance, and replaced with the maximum value of the interval distance between the transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A, which allows the relay device 5A to consistently and stably receive the detection data M. Therefore, it can also be set as follows: for transceiver terminals 3 with an interval distance greater than the baseline value (baseline value of distance) Sc from the relay device 5A, a detour path Rb is selected; for transceiver terminals 3 with an interval distance less than the baseline value (baseline value of distance) Sc from the relay device 5A, a direct path Rd is selected.
[0045] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the direct path Rd is the following transmission path: when transmitting detection data M from transceiver terminal 3 to relay device 5A, the detection data M is transmitted directly without passing through transceiver terminals 3 located at other fenders 9. The communication distance between the transceiver terminals 3 located at fenders 9A, 9B, and 9C and relay device 5A is relatively short, as these fenders 9A, 9B, and 9C are positioned relatively close to relay device 5A. Therefore, the radio wave W transmitting detection data M from the transceiver terminals 3 located at these fenders 9A, 9B, and 9C has a communication strength S in relay device 5A that is above the reference value Sc, thus the direct path Rd is selected. That is, the detection data M is transmitted directly from the transceiver terminals 3 located at fenders 9A, 9B, and 9C to relay device 5A.
[0046] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the detour path Rb is a transmission path as follows: when transmitting detection data M from transceiver terminal 3 to relay device 5A, the detection data M is transmitted via transceiver terminal 3 located at at least one other fender 9 between its transceiver terminal 3 and relay device 5A. The communication distance between the transceiver terminal 3 located at fender 9D, 9E and relay device 5A is relatively long, as the fender 9D, 9E are positioned relatively far from relay device 5A. Therefore, the communication strength S of the radio wave W transmitting detection data M from the transceiver terminal 3 located at these fender 9D, 9E in relay device 5A is less than the reference value Sc, thus the detour path Rb is selected. That is, the detection data M transmitted from the transceiver terminal 3 located at the fender 9D is transmitted to relay device 5A via transceiver terminal 3 located at one or more other fender 9.
[0047] Regarding the detour path Rb, for example, from the transceiver terminal 3, which is the starting point of the detour path Rb, to the relay device 5A, which is the ending point, the other transceiver terminals 3 constituting the detour path Rb are connected sequentially with straight lines as transit points, and the total length AL of each straight line is calculated. Then, the detour path Rb is selected in order of increasing total length AL. However, the transit point before the relay device 5A is set as the transceiver terminal 3 located at the fender 9 (9A, 9B, 9C) where the communication distance to the relay device 5A is short and a direct path Rd can be formed.
[0048] by Figure 4 Taking the case of transceiver terminal 3 located at the starting point 9E of the fender 9 as an example, we will discuss the detour path Rb from the starting point to the relay equipment 5A, and the results are as follows. First, since the transceiver terminal 3 that can form a direct path Rd with the relay equipment 5A is located at the fender 9A, 9B, and 9C, the transceiver terminal 3 located at any of these fender 9A to 9C becomes the transit point before the relay equipment 5A.
[0049] Furthermore, the transit points are transceiver terminals 3 located at fenders 9D, 9C, 9B, and 9A, respectively. Thus, the detour path Rb has three possible paths: the path using transceiver terminals 3 at fenders 9D and 9C as transit points sequentially (first path); the path using transceiver terminals 3 at fenders 9D, 9C, and 9B as transit points sequentially (second path); and the path using transceiver terminals 3 at fenders 9D, 9C, 9B, and 9A as transit points sequentially (third path). Comparing the total length AL of each of the first to third paths, the first path is the shortest, and the third path is the longest. Therefore, the priority order of the detour path Rb is the first path, the second path, and the third path.
[0050] Furthermore, when sending detection data M from the transceiver terminal 3 (the starting point) to the relay device 5A, the system prioritizes the shorter total length AL of the detour path Rb, attempting to send data sequentially starting with the higher priority detour path Rb. If the detection data M can be successfully sent from the transceiver terminal 3 located at the fender 9E to the relay device 5A via the first priority detour path Rb (the first path), the transmission of detection data M is complete. If the detection data M cannot be sent to the relay device 5A via the first priority detour path Rb, the system attempts the second priority detour path Rb (the second path). If the detection data M can be successfully sent to the relay device 5A via the second priority detour path Rb, the transmission of detection data M is complete. This process of attempting to send detection data M in descending order of detour path Rb priority continues until the detection data M can be successfully sent to the relay device 5A.
[0051] Figure 4 In the case of transmitting detection data M from the transceiver terminal 3 located at the fender 9D as the starting point to the relay device 5A, the most preferred route is the detour path Rb that takes the transceiver terminal 3 located at the fender 9C as the transit point and transmits the data from the transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A. By setting the route to prioritize the detour path Rb with the shorter total length AL, it is beneficial to suppress the power consumption of each battery 4.
[0052] According to the aforementioned system 1, since the transceiver terminals 3 located at each fender 9 communicate with the relay device 5A based on the unlicensed LPWA communication standard, a highly flexible communication path network that avoids legal restrictions on wireless communication can be constructed between them. Furthermore, the path for sending each detection data M from each transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A can be selected as either a direct path Rd or a detour path Rb based on the communication strength S between them. Therefore, repeated useless communication failures are avoided, and the power consumption of the batteries 4 located in each fender 9 can be suppressed. Since the necessity of mounting the relay device 5A on the mobile body 8 and moving it closer to each transceiver terminal 3 (fender 9) to ensure stable wireless communication with the relay device 5A is reduced, fuel consumption accompanying the movement of the mobile body 8 is also suppressed. As a result, energy consumption in the monitoring process of the state of each fender 9 can be suppressed, and the state of each fender 9 can be monitored more reliably.
[0053] Since the vessel fastened to the quay wall 11 also carries multiple fenders 9, the aforementioned system 1 can also be used when it is necessary to monitor the status of these fenders 9. Furthermore, the aforementioned system 1 can also be used when it is necessary to monitor the status of multiple fenders 9 fastened to offshore facilities. In this case, in order to mount the relay equipment 5A onto the vessel, which is a moving body 8, and move it closer to each fender 9, the fuel consumption accompanying the movement would become excessive, since the moving body 8 is a vessel. Therefore, in this case, by using system 1, the fuel consumption of the moving body 8 can be minimized, thus greatly benefiting the suppression of energy consumption in the monitoring process for monitoring the status of each fender 9.
[0054] System 1 requires sensors 2 and transceiver terminals 3, as well as relay equipment 5A, to be installed on each fender 9. Therefore, System 1 can be easily applied by equipping existing fender 9 with these required components. Thus, System 1 can be used to accurately and reliably monitor the status of multiple fender 9s already installed on quay walls 11, ships, etc. Of course, System 1 can also be applied to new fender 9s by equipping them with the aforementioned required components. The installation of sensors 2 and transceiver terminals 3 on new fender 9s can be carried out more smoothly in the fender 9 manufacturing plant and storage area.
[0055] If the communication between each transceiver terminal 3 and the relay device 5A is based on the LoRa WAN communication standard, then the communication between the two can be carried out with great freedom without legal constraints. Therefore, for example, these settings can be easily changed by issuing instructions from a specific device 6a of the management personnel to each transceiver terminal 3 to change the timing of acquiring the detection data M detected by the sensor 2, or to change the frequency at which the detection data M is sent from the transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A.
[0056] When transmitting detection data M from transceiver terminal 3 to relay equipment 5A, it is preferable to use a modulation method suitable for the operating environment of the object being managed (fender 9) for the transmitted radio wave W. Examples of modulation methods include CSS (Chirp Spread Spectrum) and FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum). If CSS is used as the modulation method, electromagnetic interference will be very small, and the radio wave W will be difficult to eavesdrop on; therefore, it is considered suitable for wireless communication in a maritime environment.
[0057] Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment of System 1, multiple marine hoses 12 (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, ...) constituting a flexible pipeline extending in a floating state at sea are the objects of management. Each marine hose 12 is a hollow rubber body with an embedded reinforcing layer, and various known specifications can be used. Each marine hose 12 has flanges 13a at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and adjacent marine hoses 12 are connected to each other by opposing flanges 13a.
[0058] Each ship has 12 sensors 2 and transceiver terminals 3 installed on its hoses.
[0059] The relay device 5A is sometimes fixedly installed in a designated location in an office building in the harbor, but in this embodiment it is mounted on a ship, which is a mobile body 8. The sensor 2 is installed inside or on the surface of the ship's hose 12. The transceiver terminal 3 is installed on the surface of the ship's hose 12 near the flange 13a. Examples of sensors 2 installed on the ship's hose 12 include pressure sensors that detect the internal pressure of the ship's hose 12 as detection data M, temperature sensors that detect the internal temperature, position sensors such as GPS receivers that detect the position of the ship's hose 12, and acceleration sensors that detect the acceleration (external force) acting on the ship's hose 12.
[0060] The steps for remotely managing the ship hose 12 using system 1 are the same as those for the fender 9 described above. If the fluid flowing in the ship hose 12 leaks from the flow path of the ship hose 12, the internal pressure data and internal temperature data, which are used as detection data M, will change (abnormal). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether there is a leak of fluid flowing in the ship hose 12 from the flow path of the ship hose 12 based on the management index Mi based on the internal pressure data and internal temperature data.
[0061] The hose pipeline formed by the ship's flexible hose 12 is very long (e.g., over 1 km). Therefore, when transmitting detection data M from each transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A via wireless communication, the direct path Rd and the detour path Rb can be appropriately selected, which is very effective in suppressing the power consumption of the battery 4. For example, by moving the relay device 5A to the vicinity of one end of the hose pipeline and fixing it in a fixed state, and using the detour path Rb, the detection data M can be reliably transmitted from each transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A. That is, the detection data M can also be reliably transmitted from the transceiver terminal 3 located at the other end of the pipeline to the relay device 5A, which is fixed in a fixed state near one end of the pipeline.
[0062] Furthermore, in order for the mobile body (ship) 8 carrying relay equipment 5A to move closer to the ship hose 12 floating at sea to ensure stable wireless communication between the transceiver terminal 3 and the relay equipment 5A, the mobile body 8 consumes corresponding fuel. Therefore, by applying system 1 to suppress the movement of the mobile body 8, the fuel consumption of the mobile body 8 can be reduced. As a result, it is even more beneficial to suppress energy consumption in the monitoring process of monitoring the status of each fender 9. When the relay equipment 5A moves, it is preferable to pre-set the position of the relay equipment 5A (mobile body 8) when sending detection data M from each transceiver terminal 3 to the relay equipment 5A.
[0063] Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment of system 1, multiple belt support mechanisms 15 (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, ...) of the belt conveyor device 14 forming an extended conveyor belt line are the objects to be managed. The belt support mechanisms 15 are arranged at intervals in the belt length direction.
[0064] like Figure 7 As illustrated, each belt support mechanism 15 has multiple support rollers 16 for mounting the conveyor belt 17. Three support rollers 16 arranged side-by-side in the belt width direction support the conveyor belt 17 in a downwardly projecting bowl shape. Various known specifications can be used for the belt support mechanism 15. The transported item is placed on the conveyor belt 17 and transported to its destination.
[0065] Sensors 2 and transceiver terminals 3 are installed on each of the support mechanisms 15. The relay equipment 5A is fixedly installed in a designated location such as a management office, but can also be mounted on a vehicle, drone, or other mobile device 8. Sensors 2 are installed on support rollers 16. Transceiver terminals 3 are mounted on the frame of the support mechanism 15 together with the battery 4. Examples of sensors 2 installed on the support mechanism 15 include pressure sensors such as force sensors that detect pressure acting on the support rollers 16, and temperature sensors that detect the temperature of the support rollers 16. For example, sensors 2 can be installed on one support roller 16 at the center of the belt width direction, rather than on all support rollers 16.
[0066] The pressure and temperature data M detected by sensor 2 represent the load and temperature states of the transported object relative to the belt support mechanism 15 on which sensor 2 is installed, and therefore can be considered as representing the load and temperature states of the transported object relative to the conveyor belt 17 on the belt support mechanism 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, the load state of the transported object relative to the conveyor belt 17 can be determined based on the management index Mi based on the pressure data M. Furthermore, the temperature state of the transported object relative to the conveyor belt 17 can be determined based on the management index Mi based on the temperature data M.
[0067] The steps for remotely managing the support mechanism 15 (conveyor belt 17) using system 1 are the same as those for the fender 9 described above. In this embodiment, since pressure data M acting on each support roller 16 arranged in the width direction of the belt can be obtained, the magnitude of the difference in each pressure data M can be determined. Normally, the conveyed material is placed in the central part of the width direction of the conveyor belt 17, so the pressure data M of the support roller 16 arranged in the central part of the width direction is greater than the pressure data M of the support roller 16 arranged at the ends of the width direction. However, if the conveyor belt 17 deviates, the balance of the pressure data M of each support roller 16 is disrupted, causing, for example, the pressure data M of the support roller 16 arranged at one end of the width direction of the belt to become higher than usual. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the conveyor belt 17 is deviating based on the magnitude of the difference in the pressure data M of each support roller 16.
[0068] The conveyor belt of the belt conveyor device 14 is sometimes very long (e.g., more than 1 km). Therefore, when transmitting detection data M from each transceiver terminal 3 to the relay device 5A via wireless communication, the direct path Rd and the detour path Rb can be appropriately selected, which is very effective in suppressing the power consumption of the battery 4. In this embodiment, the same remote management as in the case of the ship hose 12 described above can be performed, thereby achieving the same effect.
[0069] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0070] 1: Remote Management System
[0071] 2: Sensors
[0072] 3: Transceiver terminal
[0073] 4: Battery
[0074] 5A: Relay equipment
[0075] 5B: Server
[0076] 6 (6a, 6b, 6c): Specific equipment
[0077] 7: Communication Network
[0078] 8: Moving objects
[0079] 9 (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E): Inflatable fender material (object)
[0080] 10a: Metal cap
[0081] 10b: Connecting ropes
[0082] 11: Shore wall
[0083] 12 (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D): Marine hoses (object)
[0084] 13: Flange
[0085] 14: Belt Conveyor Device
[0086] 15 (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D): With support mechanism (object)
[0087] 16: Support roller
[0088] 17: Conveyor Belt
[0089] W: Radio waves.
Claims
1. A remote management system for an object, the remote management system comprising sensors and transceiver terminals installed at the object, and relay equipment connected to a communication network, wherein the transceiver terminals and the relay equipment communicate based on a specified LPWA communication standard. The sensor and the transceiver terminal operate via batteries. Detection data indicating the state of the object detected by the sensor is transmitted to the relay device via the transceiver terminal, and then to the communication network via the relay device. The management indicators based on the detection data are displayed on a specific device connected to the communication network. in, The sensors and transceivers are respectively installed at multiple of the aforementioned objects. The path for sending the detection data from each transceiver terminal to the relay device is set as follows: when the communication strength between each transceiver terminal and the relay device is above a preset benchmark value, a direct path from each transceiver terminal to the relay device is selected; when the communication strength is below the benchmark value, a detour path is selected from the detour paths where there is at least one other transceiver terminal between each transceiver terminal and the relay device.
2. The remote management system for objects according to claim 1, wherein, Regarding the detour path, from the transceiver terminal that is the starting point of the detour path to the relay device that is the ending point, the other transceivers that constitute the detour path are connected in sequence with straight lines as transit points. Furthermore, the transit point in front of the relay device is set as the transceiver terminal located at the fender that can form the direct path. The total length of each of the straight lines is calculated, and they are selected in order of increasing total length.
3. The remote management system for objects according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The object is fender material, marine hose, or a belt support mechanism constituting a belt conveyor device.
4. A method for remote management of an object, wherein the method involves installing sensors and transceiver terminals at the object, and a relay device connected to a communication network communicates with the transceiver terminals based on a specified LPWA communication standard. The sensor and transceiver terminal are powered by a battery. The sensor performs detection, and the detection data indicating the state of the object is transmitted through the transceiver terminal to the relay device, and then through the relay device to the communication network. The management indicators based on the detection data are then displayed on a specific device connected to the communication network. in, The sensor and the transceiver terminal are respectively installed at multiple of the aforementioned objects. Regarding the path for sending the detection data from each transceiver terminal to the relay device, if the communication strength between each transceiver terminal and the relay device is above a preset benchmark value, a direct path from each transceiver terminal to the relay device is selected; if the communication strength is below the benchmark value, a detour path is selected from the detour paths where at least one other transceiver terminal exists between each transceiver terminal and the relay device.