Hose with indicators

Abstract

To provide a hose with indicators capable of highly accurately determining the state of deterioration of the hose.SOLUTION: A hose (30) with indicators is provided, comprising a hose body (30a) made of rubber and designed to form a fluid flow path therein, metal hose fittings (30b) made of metal and designed to be connected to respective ends of the hose body, and indicators (31) from which color components are extracted by a deterioration state determination device equipped with a deterioration determination model for determining the state of deterioration of the hose body and a color change database. A first indicator (31a) is attached to an outer surface of the hose body and a second indicator (31b) is attached to an outer surface of one of the metal hose fittings. In the determination of the state of deterioration of the hose body, a color component extracted from the first indicator is compared with a color component of the second indicator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hose with an indicator.

Background Art

[0002] A hose is a flexible tube used for transporting fluids and transmitting pressure, and is used in various applications. A rubber hose mainly composed of a rubber material is widely used (see FIG. 10). Deterioration of the rubber part may not be easily visible from the appearance, and it is particularly difficult to grasp the deterioration of the rubber on the inner surface close to the fluid flow path. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of dividing the temperature data of a fluid detected by a temperature sensor into a plurality of temperature ranges, calculating the thermal aging life of the inner rubber based on the representative temperature in each temperature range as a temperature condition and the correlation with each representative temperature, and determining the degree of deterioration of the inner rubber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the method of Patent Document 1 requires a temperature sensor for sequentially detecting the temperature of the fluid to be provided on the hose. Since the hose is also used outdoors, etc., a high-precision and highly durable temperature sensor capable of accurately measuring the temperature even in an outdoor environment is required. However, attaching such a temperature sensor to the hose is difficult especially from the viewpoint of cost. Therefore, different methods for determining the deterioration state of the hose are required.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a hose with an indicator capable of determining the deterioration state with high accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The hose with an indicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hose body made of rubber that forms a fluid flow path inside, a fitting made of metal connected to an end of the hose body, and an indicator whose color components are extracted by a deterioration state determination device including a deterioration determination model and a color change database for determining the deterioration state of the hose body. A first indicator is attached to an outer surface of the hose body, and a second indicator is attached to an outer surface of the fitting. In determining the deterioration state of the hose body, the color components extracted from the first indicator are compared with the color components of the second indicator. With this configuration, it becomes possible to determine the deterioration state of the hose with an indicator with high accuracy.

[0007] (2) As an embodiment of the present disclosure, in (1), the indicator has a color pattern and an identifier in which a plurality of colors with different sensitivities to deterioration factors are applied at different positions. With this configuration, it is possible to determine complex deterioration for a plurality of deterioration factors of the hose.

[0008] (3) As an embodiment of the present disclosure, in (2), the color pattern is configured to include a plurality of color components that exhibit different changes with respect to one of the deterioration factors. With this configuration, the estimation accuracy of the amount of the deterioration factor is improved, and the deterioration state of the hose can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0009] (4) As an embodiment of the present disclosure, in (2) or (3), the deterioration factor includes at least one of heat, oxygen, water, ultraviolet rays, and ozone. With this configuration, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of a hose used outdoors. [Effect of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a hose with an indicator capable of determining a deterioration state with high accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a hose 30 with an indicator 31 (see FIG. 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The indicator 31 is used to determine the deterioration state of the hose 30, which is the object to which the indicator 31 is attached, by the deterioration state determination device 10 (see FIG. 1). First, the deterioration state determination device 10 will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the deterioration state determination device 10. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the deterioration state determination system 1 including the deterioration state determination device 10 of FIG. 1. The deterioration state determination device 10 is a device that determines the deterioration state of an object based on the color of an indicator 31 attached to the object that is the target of deterioration state determination. In this embodiment, the object is the hose 30. Also, the hose 30 is a rubber hose. The deterioration state of the hose 30 determined by the deterioration state determination device 10 may be used, for example, to present the predicted service life to the user, a message prompting replacement, etc. The deterioration of the hose 30 includes things that are difficult to tell from the appearance (such as hardening in one example), but can be determined with high accuracy by the deterioration state determination device 10. Here, the user is the user of the hose 30.

[0014] The deterioration state determination device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The control unit 13 includes a data acquisition unit 131, a color change database generation unit 132, a deterioration determination model generation unit 133, a color selection unit 134, an identifier extraction unit 135, a color component extraction unit 136, a deterioration determination unit 137, and a determination result output unit 138. The deterioration state determination device 10 may be a computer such as a server computer as a hardware configuration. Details of the components of the deterioration state determination device 10 will be described later.

[0015] The deterioration state determination device 10 may constitute a deterioration state determination system 1 together with at least one of a terminal device 50, a printing device 51, and a server 60 connected by a network 40. The network 40 is, for example, the Internet. Also, the network 40 may be configured to include a LAN (Local Area Network) in part, for example.

[0016] The terminal device 50 is a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, for example, but is not limited to such a mobile terminal as long as it is a device having an imaging function and a display function. The terminal device 50 is used by a user when, for example, the deterioration state of the hose 30 is determined. The terminal device 50 may image the indicator 31 attached to the hose 30 by means of an imaging function and transmit the obtained image to the deterioration state determination device 10 via the network 40. The imaging function is realized by, for example, a camera provided in the terminal device 50. Also, the terminal device 50 may acquire the deterioration state determination result from the deterioration state determination device 10 via the network 40 and display it to the user by means of a display function. The display function is realized by, for example, a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided in the terminal device 50. Here, the terminal device 50 may be provided with a touch panel display integrated with a touch sensor that detects contact by the user and specifies the contact position.

[0017] The printing device 51 is, for example, a color inkjet printer, but is not limited to a color inkjet printer as long as it is a device capable of printing a plurality of color components. The printing device 51 is used to print an identifier 32 and a color pattern 33 (see FIG. 3) described later on a printing medium such as paper, film (film-like resin), or rubber when creating the indicator 31 attached to the hose 30. In the present embodiment, the printing device 51 acquires printing data from the deterioration state determination device 10 via the network 40 and the server 60 and executes printing for creating the indicator 31. Here, the printing data is indicator data including data of the identifier 32 and the color pattern 33.

[0018] The server 60 is, for example, a computer separate from the degradation state determination device 10. The server 60 is installed, for example, in a location separate from the degradation state determination device 10. In addition to relaying indicator data to the printing device 51, it may manage data such as the manufacturing, sales, or replacement history of the hose 30. The server 60 may be, for example, a computer of a sales store that sells the hose 30, or a computer at a manufacturing site that manufactures the hose 30.

[0019] Here, an outline of the degradation state determination method executed by the degradation state determination device 10 will be described. Generally, it is known that printed matter printed by a color inkjet printer or the like fades due to the aging of the ink. Even in the same environment, the degree of fading varies depending on the color of the ink. Also, even for the same printed matter, the degree of fading varies depending on differences in degradation factors (such as heat, ultraviolet rays, etc.) in the environment. In the present embodiment, for example, when the hose 30 is replaced, an indicator 31 is attached to the new hose 30. Thereafter, the degradation state determination device 10 acquires an image of the indicator 31 and calculates the amount of degradation factors in the environment in which the hose 30 was used from the color change of the indicator 31. Then, the degradation state determination device 10 determines the degradation state of the hose 30 based on the calculated amount of degradation factors.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the indicator 31 according to the present embodiment. The indicator 31 has an identifier 32 and a color pattern 33 printed on a print medium. The indicator 31 can be inexpensively created by printing with the printing device 51. In the present embodiment, the identifier 32 is a two-dimensional code, but is not limited to a two-dimensional code as long as the indicator 31 can be individually identified. Also, the color pattern 33 is a pattern formed by applying a plurality of colors at different positions. In the present embodiment, the color pattern 33 is arranged in a checkered pattern, but is not limited to such an arrangement. Based on the color change of the color pattern 33, the degradation state determination device 10 determines the degradation state of the hose 30. The selection of the colors used in the color pattern 33 and the like will be described later.

[0021] Also, although only one indicator 31 is shown in FIG. 2, there are a plurality of indicators 31 in this embodiment. The position where the indicator 31 is attached will be described later.

[0022] Here, the deterioration state determination system 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the printing device 51 is connected to the network 40 via the server 60. However, for example, the printing device 51 may be directly connected to the network 40. In such a case, the deterioration state determination system 1 may be composed of the deterioration state determination device 10, the terminal device 50, and the printing device 51, omitting the server 60.

[0023] Hereinafter, the details of the components of the deterioration state determination device 10 will be described. The communication unit 11 is configured to include one or more communication modules connected to the network 40. The communication unit 11 may include, for example, a communication module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 11 may include, for example, a communication module corresponding to a wired or wireless LAN standard.

[0024] The storage unit 12 is one or more memories. The memory is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc., but is not limited thereto and can be any memory. The storage unit 12 is, for example, built into the deterioration state determination device 10, but can also be configured to be externally accessed by the deterioration state determination device 10 via an arbitrary interface.

[0025] The storage unit 12 stores various data used in various calculations executed by the control unit 13. Also, the storage unit 12 may store the results and intermediate data of various calculations executed by the control unit 13.

[0026] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 includes a color change database 121, a degradation determination model 122, and an indicator database 123. The color change database 121 is configured to include data indicating the relationship between the color change of the indicator 31 and the amount of the degradation factor that degrades the hose 30. The degradation determination model 122 is a model for determining the degradation state of the hose 30 from the amount of the degradation factor. The degradation determination model 122 may be, for example, a mathematical model that inputs the amount of the degradation factor and outputs the predicted service life, or may be generated by machine learning or the like. The indicator database 123 is configured to include data associating the identifier 32 of the indicator 31 with the information of the color pattern 33. The information of the color pattern 33 includes the colors used, the color components that make up each color, and the like. Further, the information of the color pattern 33 may include the position of each color, the type of the pattern of the color arrangement (e.g., a checkered pattern), and the like. Further, the information of the color pattern 33 may include the initial state of each color in gradation for each color component. Here, the initial state is the state at the time of creation of the indicator 31.

[0027] The control unit 13 is one or more processors. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto and can be any processor. The control unit 13 controls the overall operation of the degradation state determination device 10.

[0028] Here, the degradation state determination device 10 may have the following software configuration. One or more programs used for controlling the operation of the degradation state determination device 10 are stored in the storage unit 12. When the program stored in the storage unit 12 is read by the processor of the control unit 13, the control unit 13 functions as each functional unit. That is, by the program, the control unit 13 functions as a data acquisition unit 131, a color change database generation unit 132, a degradation determination model generation unit 133, a color selection unit 134, an identifier extraction unit 135, a color component extraction unit 136, a degradation determination unit 137, and a determination result output unit 138.

[0029] The data acquisition unit 131 acquires the experimental data and the image of the indicator 31, which will be described later, via the network 40 and the communication unit 11.

[0030] The color change database generation unit 132 generates the color change database 121 and stores the generated color change database 121 in the storage unit 12. The color change database generation unit 132 can generate the color change database 121 by extracting color information and deterioration factor information from the experimental data and generating data indicating the relationship between the color change and the amount of the deterioration factor.

[0031] The deterioration determination model generation unit 133 generates the deterioration determination model 122 and stores the generated deterioration determination model 122 in the storage unit 12. The deterioration determination model 122 is a model that takes the amount of the deterioration factor as an input and outputs an index of the deterioration state of the hose 30. The index of the deterioration state of the hose 30 is, for example, an index related to durability such as the service life, but is not limited thereto. The deterioration determination model generation unit 133 may acquire performance data indicating the actual deterioration state of the hose 30 that can be acquired via the network 40 and the communication unit 11, and generate the deterioration determination model 122 based on the performance data. The performance data may be, for example, data obtained from an experiment showing the deterioration state when a specific deterioration factor is given to the hose 30 in a specific amount. As a specific example, the performance data may indicate the actual service life of the hose 30 when a specific type of new hose 30 is left for 10 to 10,000 hours in an environment of 20 to 80°C and 20 to 80% oxygen. The deterioration determination model generation unit 133 may generate the deterioration determination model 122 by machine learning using the performance data as learning data.

[0032] The color selection unit 134 selects the color used for the indicator 31 so that the amount of the deterioration factor can be specified in the deterioration state determination executed by the deterioration determination unit 137. Then, the color selection unit 134 outputs indicator data (printing data) so that the color pattern 33 including the selected color is printed by the printing device 51.

[0033] The identifier extraction unit 135 extracts the identifier 32 from the image of the indicator 31 acquired by the data acquisition unit 131. The identifier 32 extracted by the identifier extraction unit 135 is used to identify the indicator 31 in the deterioration state determination executed by the deterioration determination unit 137.

[0034] The color component extraction unit 136 extracts the color components of the colors included in the color pattern 33 from the image of the indicator 31 acquired by the data acquisition unit 131. The color components extracted by the color component extraction unit 136 are used to identify the amount of deterioration factors in the deterioration state determination executed by the deterioration determination unit 137.

[0035] The deterioration determination unit 137 uses the deterioration determination model 122 to determine the deterioration state of the hose 30 based on the color components extracted from the image of the indicator 31 by the color change database 121 and the color component extraction unit 136. Specifically, the deterioration determination unit 137 compares the color components extracted from the image of the indicator 31 with the data in the color change database 121 to estimate (calculate) the amount of deterioration factors affected by the usage environment of the hose 30. Then, the deterioration determination unit 137 inputs the estimated amount of deterioration factors into the deterioration determination model 122, and determines the output index of the deterioration state of the hose 30 as the determination result.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the deterioration determination unit 137 calculates the color component change by comparing the color components extracted from the image of the indicator 31 with the initial state. The deterioration determination unit 137 can obtain the initial state of the color components of the indicator 31 from the indicator database 123. The deterioration determination unit 137 estimates the amount of deterioration factors by comparing the color component change with the data in the color change database 121. In the present embodiment, by obtaining the color component change by comparing with the initial state, even if there are individual differences (for example, printing variations) at the time of manufacturing the indicator 31, the color change can be accurately obtained, so that the deterioration state of the hose 30 can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0037] The determination result output unit 138 outputs the determination result of the deterioration state determination executed by the deterioration determination unit 137. The determination result output by the determination result output unit 138 is displayed on the display of the terminal device 50 or the like. For example, the user can immediately replace the hose 30 or create a replacement plan based on the determination result such as the predicted service life.

[0038] Hereinafter, the deterioration state determination method executed by the deterioration state determination device 10 will be described with reference to a flowchart or the like. The deterioration state determination method includes a first process, a second process, and a third process. The first process is a process for generating the color change database 121 and the deterioration determination model 122, and is executed before the second process and the third process. The second process is a process for causing the indicator 31 attached to the hose 30 to be created (printed by the printing device 51), and is executed before the third process. The third process is a process for acquiring an image of the indicator 31 attached to the hose 30 and determining the deterioration state of the hose 30.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the first process included in the deterioration state determination method.

[0040] The data acquisition unit 131 receives experimental data (step S1). The experimental data is data obtained by experimentally applying a deterioration factor to an experimental indicator created by the printing device 51 in the same manner as the indicator 31 to fade the color. Similar to the color pattern 33 of the indicator 31, the experimental indicator has a pattern in which a plurality of colors are arranged. The experimental data includes color information and deterioration factor information. The experimental data may include an image of the photographed experimental indicator and information on the deterioration factor that is character information. The information on the deterioration factor indicates the amount of the deterioration factor experimentally applied, and may be information such as leaving it for 20 hours in an environment where the temperature is 20°C and the oxygen is 20%.

[0041] The experimental data may be transmitted to the deterioration state determination device 10 by, for example, a communication terminal used by an experimenter. The communication terminal may have the same configuration as the terminal device 50. For example, the image of the experimental indicator and the information on the deterioration factor may be associated by an application installed in the communication terminal and transmitted to the deterioration state determination device 10 as experimental data.

[0042] The color change database generation unit 132 extracts color information and deterioration factor information from the experimental data (step S2).

[0043] The color change database generation unit 132 generates data indicating the relationship between the color change and the amount of the deterioration factor, and associates them to generate the color change database 121 (step S3).

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the color change database 121. In the example of FIG. 5, the color change database 121 is composed of a data group associating temperature, oxygen, time left under conditions, ink of the color used, and color components (R, G, B) of the color used. The ink is indicated by, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, etc. Also, the color components are indicated in gradations of 0 to 255 for each of red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

[0045] In the example of FIG. 5, it can be seen from the first and second columns of the color change database 121 that cyan with G = 255 and B = 255 as color components fades to G = 238 and B = 228 when left in an environment of 80°C and 20% oxygen for 10 hours. Thus, the color change database 121 shows the relationship between the color change and the amount of the deterioration factor. Using such a relationship, when there is a color change (fading) in the color pattern 33 of the indicator 31, it becomes possible to estimate the amount of the deterioration factor that caused the fading by searching for the data in the color change database 121 showing the same color component change.

[0046] The deterioration determination model generation unit 133 generates a deterioration determination model 122 (step S4). As described above, the deterioration determination model 122 is a model that takes the amount of deterioration factors as input and outputs an index of the deterioration state of the hose 30. By generating the deterioration determination model 122 in addition to the color change database 121, it becomes possible to output an index of the deterioration state of the hose 30 from the fading of the color pattern 33 of the indicator 31, using the estimated amount of deterioration factors as an intermediate parameter.

[0047] Here, the items in the color change database 121 are not limited to the example in FIG. 5. For example, the deterioration factors may include at least one of heat, oxygen, water, ultraviolet rays, and ozone. By including these deterioration factors that can be assumed in an outdoor environment, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the hose 30 used outdoors. Here, regarding heat, it is not limited to that related to the temperature (such as air temperature) of the environment where the hose 30 is used, but includes that related to the temperature of the internal fluid passing through the fluid flow path of the hose 30. For example, when a high-temperature fluid flows inside the hose 30, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the hose 30 including not only deterioration caused by the outside air but also deterioration caused by the fluid.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the second process included in the deterioration state determination method. The second process is executed after the first process. The second process is executed, for example, at the timing of replacing the hose 30 with a new one.

[0049] The color selection unit 134 generates an identifier 32 printed on the indicator 31 (step S11). The identifier 32 is used to associate the information of the indicator 31 and the color pattern 33 in the indicator database 123. With the identifier 32, each of the indicators 31 can be identified, enabling the grasp of the initial state and individual management. The color selection unit 134 may use, for example, a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier).

[0050] The color selection unit 134 selects the color to be used for the indicator 31 so as to be able to specify the amount of deterioration factors (step S12). As described above, the degree of discoloration varies depending on the deterioration factors in the environment and the color of the ink. The color selection unit 134 may first select a color that varies greatly (a color with high sensitivity) depending on the deterioration factors assumed in the usage environment of the hose 30. For example, when high temperature (a temperature of 80° C. as an example) is assumed as a deterioration factor, the color selection unit 134 may select a color that fades greatly due to high temperature (magenta as an example). The color selection unit 134 may further select a color for comparison. For example, the color selection unit 134 may select a color (yellow as an example) that fades only due to high temperature in the presence of oxygen for comparison. For example, in the deterioration state determination, when there is no discoloration in yellow and magenta has faded greatly, it is possible to more accurately specify that the deterioration factor is high temperature rather than oxygen. Here, the color selection unit 134 refers to the color change database 121 in the selection of colors. The color selection unit 134 also specifies the color components of the selected color based on the data in the color change database 121 so as to accurately specify the amount of deterioration factors in the deterioration state determination. The color selection unit 134 specifies, for example, magenta with R being 255 and B being 255. Further, the color selection unit 134 also determines the arrangement of each color in the color pattern 33. The positions where each color is arranged may be managed by coordinates.

[0051] Also, for control correction described later, the color selection unit 134 selects a color having a color component that is difficult to change due to discoloration and includes it in the indicator data.

[0052] In this embodiment, the color selection unit 134 selects a plurality of colors that can identify the same deterioration factor, and generates indicator data so that each of the plurality of colors that can identify the same deterioration factor is applied to a different position on the indicator 31. By configuring the color pattern 33 in this way, even when a part of the indicator 31 becomes unidentifiable due to dirt or the like after being attached to the hose 30, the deterioration factor can be identified from the remaining colors. As in the example of FIG. 3, the color selection unit 134 may generate indicator data so that the plurality of color patterns 33 are in different positions.

[0053] The color selection unit 134 outputs indicator data including the data of the identifier 32 and the color pattern 33 (step S13). The printing device 51 acquires the indicator data from the deterioration state determination device 10 as print data via the network 40 and the server 60, and creates the indicator 31 by printing. The created indicator 31 is attached to the hose 30. In this embodiment, the created indicator 31 is imaged by the terminal device 50, and the image is transmitted to the deterioration state determination device 10 as indicating the initial state of the indicator 31.

[0054] The color selection unit 134 updates the indicator database 123 (step S14). That is, the information of the indicator data output by the color selection unit 134 is added to the indicator database 123. The information regarding the created indicator 31 is managed by the indicator database 123.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the indicator database 123. In the example of FIG. 7, the indicator database 123 is composed of a data group associating an identifier 32 (ID), a shooting date and time, an initial value flag, ink, color components (R, G, B), and the position of the color. For the newly created indicator 31, the identifier 32 and the information on the position of the color are extracted from the indicator data, the initial value flag is set to "1", and the data is added. As described above, the image of the created indicator 31 is transmitted from the terminal device 50 to the deterioration state determination device 10. The shooting date and time, ink, and color components of this image are extracted and added to the data of the newly created indicator 31. Here, the extraction of the ink and color components may be executed by the color component extraction unit 136, and the color selection unit 134 may acquire the execution result of the color component extraction unit 136. In the indicator database 123, the data with the initial value flag set to "1" includes the initial color state of the indicator 31 having the identifier 32. Here, the data with the initial value flag set to "0" includes the color state after the indicator 31 having the identifier 32 is attached to the hose 30, and is added to the indicator database 123 by the third process.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the third process included in the deterioration state determination method. The third process is executed after the second process. The third process is executed, for example, at the timing when maintenance of the hose 30 is performed. Therefore, the third process may be executed multiple times.

[0057] The data acquisition unit 131 receives, for example, the image data of the indicator 31 captured by the terminal device 50 during maintenance (step S21).

[0058] The identifier extraction unit 135 extracts the identifier 32 from the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 131 (step S22).

[0059] The deterioration determination unit 137 identifies the indicator 31 based on the identifier 32 extracted by the identifier extraction unit 135. The deterioration determination unit 137 reads the indicator database 123 (step S23) and acquires data such as the initial state data of the color of the identified indicator 31.

[0060] The color component extraction unit 136 performs shading correction on the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 131 (step S24). The shading correction corrects the difference in light amount within the color pattern 33 caused by the shooting environment.

[0061] The color component extraction unit 136 performs control correction (step S25). The control correction is performed to accurately measure the change from the initial state of the color of the indicator 31. The color component extraction unit 136 extracts a color component (for example, the G component of cyan) that is less likely to fade in the color pattern 33 and adjusts its gradation to the initial state. By this process, the light amount can be adjusted to match the image of the indicator 31 at the time of creation.

[0062] The color component extraction unit 136 identifies the application positions of all inks (colors) that the color pattern 33 has based on the data in the indicator database 123 (step S26). For example, the positions are identified for cyan, magenta, yellow, and mixed colors of at least a part of these included in the color pattern 33.

[0063] The color component extraction unit 136 extracts the color component values of each ink for which the position has been specified (step S27). For example, when a plurality of color patterns 33 are included as in the example of FIG. 3, the average value may be used as the color component value of each ink. Further, when there is dirt adhesion or the like in part, the color component values of each ink may be extracted using only the color pattern 33 in the region where there is no dirt adhesion. Although the deterioration determination may be performed using the extracted color component values of each ink themselves, in the present embodiment, the deterioration determination is performed using the difference from the initial state. Therefore, the color component extraction unit 136 calculates the change of the color component value of each ink from the initial state using the data in the indicator database 123.

[0064] Here, the color component extraction unit 136 updates the indicator database 123 in the same manner as in step S14 of the second process (step S28). The configuration of the data added to the indicator database 123 is the same as in the case of step S14 of the second process except that the initial value flag is "0".

[0065] The deterioration determination unit 137 reads out the color change database 121. Further, the deterioration determination unit 137 reads out the deterioration determination model 122 (step S29).

[0066] The deterioration determination unit 137 performs a deterioration determination of the hose 30 based on the color change database 121 and the color components extracted from the image using the deterioration determination model 122 (step S30).

[0067] First, the degradation determination unit 137 extracts data corresponding to the change from the initial state of the color component values from the color change database 121, and estimates the amount of degradation factors that the hose 30 has received from the environment. For example, when cyan with an initial state color component of G = 253 and B = 253 has faded (changed) to G = 236 and B = 226, the degradation determination unit 137 calculates the color component change as G = 17 and B = 27. Based on the color change database 121, the degradation determination unit 137 extracts data corresponding to such a color component change, and may estimate that the amount of degradation factors is "left in an environment of 80 °C temperature and 20% oxygen for 10 hours". The degradation determination unit 137 may perform the estimation by a known method such as regression analysis using the data constituting the color change database 121.

[0068] Also, the degradation determination unit 137 may calculate the color component changes for a plurality of color components showing different changes for one degradation factor, and specify the amount of the degradation factor from the plurality of color component changes. For example, assume that the color change database 121 includes data that when left in an environment of "80 °C temperature and 20% oxygen for 10 hours", the R of magenta changes from 255 to 220. The degradation determination unit 137 can, for example, in addition to the cyan in the above example, calculate and compare the change in the R of magenta, thereby improving the estimation accuracy of the amount of degradation factors, and as a result, determining the degradation state of the hose 30 with higher accuracy.

[0069] The degradation determination unit 137 inputs the amount of degradation factors into the degradation determination model 122, and calculates an index of the degradation state of the hose 30. The degradation determination unit 137 may calculate indices of the degradation states of a plurality of hoses 30 including the service life.

[0070] The determination result output unit 138 outputs the determination result by the degradation determination unit 137 (step S31).

[0071] Here, in the above-described embodiment, the indicator 31 is created when the hose 30 is replaced and is immediately attached to the new hose 30. However, the indicator 31 may be attached to the hose 30 after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was created. Further, the indicator 31 may be attached during the manufacturing process of the hose 30. That is, the hose 30 with the indicator 31 attached may be manufactured. Even in the distribution of such a hose 30, it is possible to upload an image of the initial state of the indicator 31 and an image at the time of determining the deterioration state to the deterioration state determination device 10 using, for example, the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 in this case may be a device owned by a user who wants to know the deterioration state, a seller or a manufacturer of the hose 30. From the upload of the image of the indicator 31 to the display of the determination result by the deterioration state determination device 10 may be executed by an application installed in the terminal device 50.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the hose 30 with the indicator 31 according to the present embodiment. The hose 30 includes a hose body 30a, a base fitting 30b, and an indicator 31. The hose body 30a is made of rubber that forms a fluid flow path inside. The rubber may be composed of a plurality of layers. FIG. 10 is a perspective view exemplifying the laminated structure of the hose body 30a. The hose 30 is, for example, a hydraulic hose and may have a structure as shown in the upper figure of FIG. 10. The hose 30 may have a structure in which, for example, a rubber inner surface rubber layer (inner tube rubber) filled with hydraulic oil, a reinforcing layer for withstanding the pressure of the hydraulic oil, and an outer surface rubber layer (outer cover rubber) for preventing the reinforcing layer and the inner surface rubber layer from being damaged are laminated. Here, the reinforcing layer may be composed of, for example, brass-plated wire, but is not limited to a specific material. Further, the hose 30 may have a structure as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 10 as another example. In this example, the hose 30 has a structure in which an inner surface rubber layer, a plurality of intermediate rubber layers and a reinforcing layer laminated on the outer peripheral side of the inner surface rubber layer, and an outer surface rubber layer are laminated.

[0073] The fitting 30b is connected to the end(s) (one or both ends) of the hose body 30a and is made of metal. The types of rubber and metal are not limited and may be selected according to, for example, the properties of the fluid passing through the inside of the hose 30. The indicator 31 has its color components extracted by the deterioration state determination device 10 having the above-described deterioration determination model 122 and the color change database 121 in order to determine the deterioration state of the hose body 30a. The indicator 31 has a color pattern 33 and an identifier 32 in which a plurality of colors with different sensitivities to deterioration factors are applied at different positions. With such a color pattern 33, it is possible to determine composite deterioration for a plurality of deterioration factors of the hose 30.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, there are a plurality of indicators 31. A first indicator 31a is attached to the outer surface of the hose body 30a, and a second indicator 31b is attached to the outer surface of the fitting 30b. Each of the first indicator 31a and the second indicator 31b may be one or a plurality. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which two first indicators 31a are attached to the hose body 30a and one second indicator 31b is attached to the fitting 30b.

[0075] As described above, the deterioration determination unit 137 calculates the color component change by comparing the color components extracted from the image of the indicator 31 with the initial state. In the present embodiment, in determining the deterioration state of the hose body 30a, the deterioration determination unit 137 further compares the color components extracted from the first indicator 31a with the color components of the second indicator 31b. Here, even if the first indicator 31a and the second indicator 31b have the same color pattern 33, their changes are considered to be different. For example, since the base fitting 30b is made of metal, the temperature of the internal fluid passing through the fluid flow path is likely to be transmitted to the external surface. On the other hand, since the hose body 30a is composed of a rubber layer, the temperature of the internal fluid passing through the fluid flow path is less likely to be transmitted to the external surface. Therefore, for the color of the ink whose fading degree varies depending on the temperature, it is considered that the color components extracted by the first indicator 31a and the second indicator 31b are different. The deterioration determination unit 137 compares the color components, identifies the deterioration factor that causes a difference between the first indicator 31a and the second indicator 31b, and may determine that the deterioration factor is greatly affected by the internal fluid passing through the fluid flow path. Then, the deterioration determination unit 137 may perform correction to increase the amount of such a deterioration factor, for example, and recalculate the deterioration state index of the plurality of hoses 30 including the service life. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the deterioration state of the hose 30 with the indicator 31 attached thereto with high accuracy.

[0076] For example, the color pattern 33 of the first indicator 31a and the second indicator 31b may include a color (magenta as an example) that fades significantly at high temperatures and a color (yellow as an example) that fades only at high temperatures in the presence of oxygen. When the deterioration determination unit 137 determines that, for example, the second indicator 31b has a significant fade in magenta compared to the first indicator 31a, even though there is no difference in yellow, it can be determined that the second indicator 31b is greatly affected by the high-temperature fluid. Then, assuming that the deterioration of the rubber on the inner surface close to the fluid flow path of the hose 30 has progressed, correction may be made to increase the amount of a specific deterioration factor (heat in this example), and the deterioration state index may be recalculated.

[0077] Further, the deterioration determination unit 137 may perform deterioration determination of two different parts by comparing the first indicator 31a and the second indicator 31b. That is, the deterioration determination unit 137 may determine the deterioration state of the rubber on the main external surface side based on the color component of the first indicator 31a. Further, the deterioration determination unit 137 may determine the deterioration state of the rubber on the inner surface close to the fluid flow path based on the color component of the second indicator 31b. At this time, the determination of the deterioration state of the rubber on the inner surface may be obtained by recalculation with correction for increasing or decreasing the above specific deterioration factor based on the determination of the deterioration state of the rubber on the external surface side. In this case, deterioration determination of two different parts can be performed by efficient calculation.

[0078] Here, there may be a plurality of second indicators 31b attached to the fitting 30b, and each of the plurality of second indicators 31b may be attached to a different position of the hose 30. The external surface of the fitting 30b may be soiled when touched by the user during work. At this time, even if some of the second indicators 31b are soiled to the extent that they cannot be identified, the change in the color of the color pattern 33 can be grasped by the remaining second indicators 31b.

[0079] As described above, the hose 30 with the indicator 31 according to the present embodiment enables the deterioration state of the hose 30 to be determined with high accuracy by comparing the color component extracted from the first indicator 31a with the color component of the second indicator 31b.

[0080] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of components or steps can be combined into one or divided. The embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executed by a processor included in a device or a storage medium recording the program. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] In the color component extraction step of the above embodiment, the image of the indicator 31 used for extracting the color component is not limited to the image captured by irradiating visible light. For example, the image data of the indicator 31 may be an image captured by irradiating non-visible light such as UV (ultraviolet) light. In the captured image irradiated with non-visible light, the change (sensitivity) of the color with respect to a specific deterioration factor may be larger than that in the case of irradiating visible light. Therefore, when examining in detail the influence of a specific deterioration factor, the captured image irradiated with non-visible light may be used. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations

[0082] Towards the realization of a sustainable society, the SDGs have been proposed. One embodiment of the present disclosure can be a technology that contributes to "No. 9 Build the foundation of industry and technological innovation" and the like.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0083] 1 Deterioration state determination system 10 Deterioration state determination device 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 30 Hose 30a Hose body 30b Fitting 31 Indicator 31a First indicator 31b Second indicator 32 Identifier 33 Color pattern 40 Network 50 Terminal device 51 Printing device 60 Server 121 Color change database 122 Degradation determination model 123 Indicator database 131 Data acquisition unit 132 Color change database generation unit 133 Degradation determination model generation unit 134 Color selection unit 135 Identifier extraction unit 136 Color component extraction unit 137 Degradation determination unit 138 Determination result output unit

Claims

1. A hose body made of rubber that forms a fluid flow path inside; A fitting made of metal, connected to the end of the hose body; An indicator from which color components are extracted by a deterioration state determination device including a deterioration determination model and a color change database for determining the deterioration state of the hose body. The hose with indicators is provided with a first indicator on the outer surface of the hose body and a second indicator on the outer surface of the fitting, and in determining the deterioration state of the hose body, the color components extracted from the first indicator are compared with the color components of the second indicator.

2. The indicator has a color pattern and an identifier in which a plurality of colors with different sensitivities to deterioration factors are applied at different positions. The hose with indicators according to Claim 1.

3. The color pattern of the hose with indicators according to Claim 2 is configured to include a plurality of color components that exhibit different changes with respect to one of the deterioration factors.

4. The hose with indicators according to any one of Claims 2 or 3, wherein the deterioration factor includes at least one of heat, oxygen, water, ultraviolet rays, and ozone.

Images