Hose with indicator

Abstract

To provide a hose with an indicator capable of determining the state of deterioration of the hose regardless of how the hose has been used.SOLUTION: A hose (30) with an indicator 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 an indicator (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. The indicator has a plurality of color patterns (33) made up of colors having sensitivity to deterioration factors, and is attached to an outer surface of the hose body in such a way that the color patterns are always visible when the hose is viewed from at least two directions.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. 13). Deterioration of the rubber part may not be easily noticeable 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 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

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a temperature sensor for sequentially detecting the temperature of the fluid on the hose. Since the hose is used outdoors as well, 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 perspective of cost. Here, Patent Document 2 discloses an indicator that enables the deterioration state of an object to be determined with high accuracy. However, the indicator needs to be attached to a place with good visibility. If the object is a tire, for example, visibility can be ensured by attaching it to the bottom of the groove. However, depending on how the hose is used, the visibility of which part is good or bad varies. For example, when a certain side surface of the hose is arranged facing a wall, if an indicator is attached to that side surface, it may not be possible to determine the deterioration state.

[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 regardless of the usage state of the hose.

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, 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, The indicator has a plurality of color patterns composed of colors sensitive to deterioration factors, and is attached to the outer surface of the hose body so that the color patterns are visible from each direction when the hose is viewed from at least two directions. With this configuration, it becomes possible to determine the deterioration state regardless of the usage state of the hose.

[0007] (2) As an embodiment of the present disclosure, in (1), The indicator is spirally attached to the outer surface of the hose body. With this configuration, a hose with an indicator in which the color pattern can be visually recognized from each of a plurality of directions can be easily manufactured.

[0008] (3) As one embodiment of the present disclosure, in (1), The indicator is attached in the circumferential direction at a plurality of positions on the hose body. With this configuration, since the color pattern can be visually recognized from each of a plurality of directions at any one of the plurality of positions, even when a part becomes unrecognizable due to dirt or the like, the deterioration state can be determined from the remaining color pattern.

[0009] (4) As one embodiment of the present disclosure, in any one of (1) to (3), The color pattern is applied to different positions with a plurality of colors having different sensitivities to deterioration factors. With this configuration, it is possible to determine composite deterioration for a plurality of deterioration factors of the hose.

[0010] (5) As one embodiment of the present disclosure, in any one of (1) to (4), The color pattern is configured to include a plurality of color components that exhibit different changes with respect to one deterioration factor. 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.

[0011] (6) As one embodiment of the present disclosure, in any one of (1) to (5), 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.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a hose with an indicator that can determine the deterioration state regardless of the usage state of the hose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a hose 30 with an indicator 31 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (see FIG. 2) will be described. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description 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.

[0015] 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 as an 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The degradation state determination device 10 may constitute a degradation 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.

[0018] 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 degradation state of the hose 30 is determined. The terminal device 50 may image the indicator 31 attached to the hose 30 by the imaging function and transmit the obtained image to the degradation 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 degradation state determination result from the degradation state determination device 10 via the network 40 and display it to the user by the 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.

[0019] 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 the print data from the degradation state determination device 10 via the network 40 and the server 60 and executes printing for creating the indicator 31. Here, the print data is indicator data including data of the identifier 32 and the color pattern 33.

[0020] The server 60 is, for example, a computer different from the degradation state determination device 10. The server 60 is installed, for example, in a location different from the degradation state determination device 10. In addition to relaying the indicator data to the printing device 51, the server 60 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.

[0021] 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 change in the color 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.

[0022] 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 the 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 it is not limited to the two-dimensional code as long as the indicator 31 can be individually identified. Further, the color pattern 33 is composed of a color having sensitivity to deterioration factors. In the present embodiment, the color pattern 33 is configured by applying a plurality of colors at different positions. Also, in the present embodiment, the color pattern 33 is arranged in a checkered pattern, but it is not limited to such an arrangement. Based on the change in the color of the color pattern 33, the deterioration state determination device 10 determines the deterioration state of the hose 30. The selection of the color used for the color pattern 33 and the like will be described later.

[0023] Here, the deterioration state determination system 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the printing device 51 is connected to the network 40 via the server 60, but 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 configured by the deterioration state determination device 10, the terminal device 50, and the printing device 51, omitting the server 60.

[0024] Hereinafter, the details of the components of the deterioration state determination device 10 will be described. The communication unit 11 includes 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.

[0025] The storage unit 12 is one or more memories. The memory is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited thereto and can be any memory. The storage unit 12 is, for example, built into the degradation state determination device 10, but can also be configured to be externally accessed by the degradation state determination device 10 via an arbitrary interface.

[0026] The storage unit 12 stores various data used in various calculations executed by the control unit 13. Further, the storage unit 12 may store the results and intermediate data of various calculations executed by the control unit 13.

[0027] In the present 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 positions of the respective colors, the types of the patterns of the color arrangements (checkerboard pattern as an example), 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.

[0028] The control unit 13 is one or more processors. The processor is, 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.

[0029] Here, the degradation state determination device 10 may have the following software configuration. One or more programs used to control 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 the data acquisition unit 131, the color change database generation unit 132, the degradation determination model generation unit 133, the color selection unit 134, the identifier extraction unit 135, the color component extraction unit 136, the degradation determination unit 137, and the determination result output unit 138.

[0030] The data acquisition unit 131 acquires the experimental data and the image of the indicator 31 described later via the network 40 and the communication unit 11.

[0031] 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 degradation factor information from the experimental data and generating data indicating the relationship between the color change and the amount of the degradation factor.

[0032] The deterioration determination model generation unit 133 generates a 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 deterioration factors as 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.

[0033] The color selection unit 134 selects the color used for the indicator 31 so that the amount of deterioration factors 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 specify the amount of deterioration factors in the deterioration state determination executed by the deterioration determination unit 137.

[0036] The deterioration determination unit 137 determines 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, using the deterioration determination model 122. Specifically, the deterioration determination unit 137 estimates (calculates) the amount of deterioration factors affected by the usage environment of the hose 30 by comparing the color components extracted from the image of the indicator 31 with the data in the color change database 121. Then, the deterioration determination unit 137 inputs the estimated amount of deterioration factors into the deterioration determination model 122, and determines the output indicator of the deterioration state of the hose 30 as the determination result.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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, based on the determination result such as the predicted service life years, the user can immediately replace the hose 30 or create a replacement plan.

[0039] 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.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the first process included in the deterioration state determination method.

[0041] 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, which is character information. The information on the deterioration factor indicates the amount of the experimentally applied deterioration factor, 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%.

[0042] 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, an application installed on the communication terminal may associate an image of the experimental indicator and information on the deterioration factor, and transmit it to the deterioration state determination device 10 as experimental data.

[0043] The color change database generation unit 132 extracts color information and deterioration factor information from the experimental data (step S2).

[0044] The color change database generation unit 132 generates data indicating the relationship between the color change and the amount of the degradation factor, and associates them to generate the color change database 121 (step S3).

[0045] 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, the time left under the conditions, the ink of the color used, and the color components (R, G, B) of the color used. The ink is indicated by, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, etc. Further, the color components are indicated in gradations of 0 to 255 for each of red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

[0046] In the example of FIG. 5, it can be seen from the first and second columns of the color change database 121 that when cyan with G = 255 and B = 255 as color components is left for 10 hours in an environment with a temperature of 80°C and oxygen of 20%, G fades to 238 and B fades to 228. Thus, the color change database 121 shows the relationship between the color change and the amount of the degradation 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 degradation factor that caused the fading by searching for the data in the color change database 121 showing the same change in color components.

[0047] The degradation determination model generation unit 133 generates the degradation determination model 122 (step S4). As described above, the degradation determination model 122 is a model that takes the amount of the degradation factor as an input and outputs an index of the degradation state of the hose 30. By generating the degradation determination model 122 in addition to the color change database 121, it becomes possible to output an index of the degradation state of the hose 30 from the fading of the color pattern 33 of the indicator 31, using the estimated amount of the degradation factor as an intermediate parameter.

[0048] 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 in which 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 through the inside of 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.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a 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.

[0050] 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. By the identifier 32, each of the indicators 31 can be specified, and it becomes possible to grasp the initial state and perform individual management. The color selection unit 134 may use, for example, a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier).

[0051] The color selection unit 134 selects a color to be used for the indicator 31 so as to be able to specify the amount of the deterioration factor (step S12). As described above, the degree of fading varies depending on the deterioration factor 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 factor 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 the 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 fading in yellow and significant fading in magenta, 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 the deterioration factor 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 position where each color is arranged may be managed by coordinates.

[0052] Also, for control correction described later, the color selection unit 134 selects a color having a color component that is difficult to fade and includes it in the indicator data.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 a color position. For a newly created indicator 31, the identifier 32 and the color position information 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The data acquisition unit 131 receives, for example, the image data of the indicator 31 photographed by the terminal device 50 during maintenance (step S21).

[0059] The identifier extraction unit 135 extracts the identifier 32 from the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 131 (step S22).

[0060] The degradation determination unit 137 specifies the indicator 31 based on the identifier 32 extracted by the identifier extraction unit 135. The degradation determination unit 137 reads the indicator database 123 (step S23) and acquires data such as the initial state data of the color of the specified indicator 31.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 and change within 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.

[0063] The color component extraction unit 136 specifies the application positions of all the inks (colors) that the color pattern 33 has based on the data in the indicator database 123 (step S26). For example, the positions are specified for cyan, magenta, yellow, and mixed colors of at least some of these included in the color pattern 33.

[0064] The color component extraction unit 136 extracts the color component values of each ink whose position has been specified (step S27). For example, when a plurality of color patterns 33 are included as in the example of FIG. 3, an average value may be used as the color component value of each ink. Further, when there is some dirt adhering, etc., the color component values of each ink may be extracted using only the color pattern 33 in the area where no dirt adheres. Although the degradation determination may be performed using the extracted color component values of each ink themselves, in the present embodiment, the degradation determination is performed using the difference from the initial state. Therefore, the color component extraction unit 136 calculates the change of the color component values of each ink from the initial state using the data in the indicator database 123.

[0065] 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 that in step S14 of the second process except that the initial value flag is "0".

[0066] The degradation determination unit 137 reads out the color change database 121. Further, the degradation determination unit 137 reads out the degradation determination model 122 (step S29).

[0067] The degradation determination unit 137 performs a degradation determination of the hose 30 based on the color change database 121 and the color components extracted from the image using the degradation determination model 122 (step S30).

[0068] First, the deterioration 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 deterioration factors that the hose 30 has received from the environment. For example, when cyan with an initial state of G = 253 and B = 253 has faded (changed) to G = 236 and B = 226, the deterioration determination unit 137 calculates the color component change as G = 17 and B = 27. Based on the color change database 121, the deterioration determination unit 137 extracts data corresponding to such a color component change, and may estimate that the amount of deterioration factors is "left in an environment of 80°C and 20% oxygen for 10 hours". The deterioration determination unit 137 may perform the estimation by a known method such as regression analysis using the data constituting the color change database 121.

[0069] In addition, the deterioration determination unit 137 may calculate the color component changes for a plurality of color components showing different changes for one deterioration factor, and specify the amount of the deterioration 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 and 20% oxygen for 10 hours", the R of magenta changes from 255 to 220. The deterioration determination unit 137 can improve the estimation accuracy of the amount of deterioration factors, and as a result, determine the deterioration state of the hose 30 with higher accuracy by calculating and comparing the change in the R of magenta in addition to the cyan in the above example.

[0070] The deterioration determination unit 137 inputs the amount of deterioration factors into the deterioration determination model 122, and calculates an index of the deterioration state of the hose 30. The deterioration determination unit 137 may calculate indices of the deterioration states of a plurality of hoses 30 including the service life.

[0071] The determination result output unit 138 outputs the determination result by the deterioration determination unit 137 (step S31).

[0072] 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.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a hose 30 with an 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. 13 is a perspective view illustrating 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 diagram of FIG. 13. 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 diagram of FIG. 13 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.

[0074] 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 hose 30. The indicator 31 has its color components extracted by the deterioration state determination device 10 including 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 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 the combined deterioration for a plurality of deterioration factors of the hose 30.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 9, there is one indicator 31, but there may be a plurality (see FIG. 12). The indicator 31 has a plurality of color patterns 33 and is attached to the outer surface of the hose body 30a such that the color pattern 33 is visible from each direction when the hose 30 is viewed from at least two directions. Here, the at least two directions are directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hose 30. As described above, depending on how the hose 30 is used, the visibility of which part is good or bad varies. For example, when a certain side surface of the hose 30 is arranged facing a wall, if the indicator 31 is attached only to that side surface, the deterioration state cannot be determined. The hose 30 with the indicator 31 according to the present embodiment can view the color pattern 33 from another direction when the color pattern 33 is not visible from one direction, so it is possible to determine the deterioration state regardless of the usage state of the hose 30.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the color patterns 33 of the indicator 31. In FIG. 10, the length of the indicator 31 that wraps around the outer circumference of the hose body 30a is shown as "L". The indicator 31 is configured by arranging N color patterns 33 within the length "L". N is an integer of 2 or more. At this time, when the hose 30 is viewed from N directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the color patterns 33 are visible from each direction. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of the hose body 30a, showing the case where N is 4. As shown in FIG. 11, when the user views the hose 30 from above, the color pattern 33-1 is visible. Also, when the user views the hose 30 from the right, the color pattern 33-2 is visible. Also, when the user views the hose 30 from below, the color pattern 33-3 is visible. Also, when the user views the hose 30 from the left, the color pattern 33-4 is visible. For example, when the hose 30 is used such that the left direction faces the wall of the building, the user can photograph any one of the color patterns 33-1 to 33-3 from other directions using the terminal device 50. Here, although not shown in FIG. 10, the indicator 31 is configured by arranging N identifiers 32 in the same manner as the color pattern 33.

[0077] As in the example of FIG. 9, the indicator 31 may be attached spirally to the outer surface of the hose body 30a, for example. At this time, the hose 30 with the indicator 31 is manufactured by winding one strip-shaped indicator 31 around a part of the hose body 30a. The hose 30 with the indicator 31 from which the color pattern 33 can be visually recognized from each of a plurality of directions can be easily manufactured. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the indicator 31 may be attached in the circumferential direction at a plurality of positions of the hose body 30a. The circumferential direction is the direction along the circumference in the cross section of the hose body 30a as shown in FIG. 11. Further, the plurality of positions are discrete positions provided at a predetermined interval from the adjacent ones in the longitudinal direction of the hose 30. The predetermined interval may be a constant interval or a non-constant (varying) interval. At this time, the color pattern 33 is visually recognized from each of a plurality of directions at a plurality of positions. Therefore, even when a part becomes unrecognizable due to dirt or the like, the deterioration state can be determined from the remaining color pattern 33.

[0078] Further, the color pattern 33 may be configured to include a plurality of color components that exhibit different changes for one deterioration factor. As described above, the estimation accuracy of the amount of the deterioration factor is improved, and the deterioration state of the hose 30 can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0079] As described above, since the color pattern 33 can be visually recognized from each of a plurality of directions in the hose 30 with the indicator 31 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine the deterioration state regardless of the usage state of the hose 30.

[0080] 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, etc., can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of components or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. 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 color with respect to a specific deterioration factor may be greater 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", etc.

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 32 Identifier 33 Color pattern 40 Network 50 Terminal device 51 Printing device 60 Server 121 Color change database 122 Deterioration determination model 123 Indicator database 131 Data acquisition unit 132 Color change database generation unit 133 Deterioration determination model generation unit 134 Color selection unit 135 Identifier extraction unit 136 Color component extraction unit 137 Deterioration 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 degradation state determination device including a degradation determination model and a color change database for determining the degradation state of the hose body. The indicator has a plurality of color patterns composed of colors sensitive to degradation factors, and is attached to the outer surface of the hose body so that the color patterns are visible from each direction when the hose is viewed from at least two directions. Hose with indicator.

2. The indicator is attached spirally to the outer surface of the hose body. The hose with indicator according to claim 1.

3. The indicator is attached circumferentially at a plurality of positions on the hose body. The hose with indicator according to claim 1.

4. In the color pattern, a plurality of colors with different sensitivities to degradation factors are applied at different positions. The hose with indicator according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The color pattern is configured to include a plurality of color components indicating different changes with respect to one degradation factor. The hose with indicator according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The degradation factor includes at least one of heat, oxygen, water, ultraviolet rays, and ozone. The hose with indicator according to claim 1 or 2.

Images