Crossing gate monitoring device and crossing gate monitoring method

Abstract

To provide a crossing gate monitoring device that provides an accurate status of the crossing gate.SOLUTION: A crossing gate monitoring device 10 comprises a detection device 12 that detects appearance information on monitored region BR including an arm bracket 22 of a crossing gate 20, and a determination device 11b that determines a status of the crossing gate based on the appearance information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker monitoring device and a circuit breaker monitoring method for providing information on the state of a circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] As an abnormality monitoring device, it is disclosed to detect an abnormality of a circuit breaker based on an image portion corresponding to a predetermined marker color on a disconnector rod in a captured image (Patent Document 1).

[0003] As a level crossing monitoring device, it is disclosed to determine whether or not a disconnector rod is imaged for each unit pixel in a disconnector rod region where the disconnector rod of a determination target image is imaged, and to detect the occurrence of an abnormality of the disconnector rod based on a portion where it is determined that the disconnector rod is not imaged in the blocked state (Patent Document 2).

[0004] In the devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since only the disconnector rod is extracted from the image to detect an abnormality, if there is a breakage in the disconnector rod, a situation that does not match the state of the circuit breaker may occur.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object thereof is to provide a circuit breaker monitoring device and a circuit breaker monitoring method that provide an accurate circuit breaker state.

[0007] To achieve the above object, a circuit breaker monitoring device according to the present invention includes a detection device that detects appearance information about a monitoring region including a link portion of a circuit breaker, and a determination device that determines a circuit breaker state based on the appearance information.

[0008] In the above circuit breaker monitoring device, by detecting the appearance information including the toggle link part directly connected to the driving source of the circuit breaker, the actual circuit breaker state can be determined regardless of the state of the breaker bar.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the circuit breaker monitoring method according to the present invention detects appearance information about a monitoring area including the toggle link part of the circuit breaker by a detection device, and determines the circuit breaker state based on the appearance information by a determination device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] 〔First Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, an example of the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the circuit breaker monitoring method using the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a level crossing GC incorporating the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 according to the present embodiment and the surrounding road RA.

[0012] The information providing system 100 incorporating the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 supports traffic at the level crossing GC by transmitting information regarding the circuit breaker state (circuit breaker information), specifically information regarding the level crossing situation, to an external OS. The information providing system 100 is communicable with the external OS by, for example, wireless communication. The external OS is, for example, a vehicle VE, or a train, a moving body, a management device, etc. not shown in the figure. Specifically, the vehicle VE is an autonomous vehicle described later, and the vehicle device 60 mounted on the autonomous vehicle acquires the circuit breaker state or circuit breaker information. By providing the circuit breaker information to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle can safely pass through the level crossing. The moving body as the external OS may be a manually driven automobile other than the autonomous vehicle (for example, a commercial vehicle such as a bus or a general vehicle), a bicycle, or a pedestrian, etc. In that case, the circuit breaker information is acquired by application software or an in-vehicle device mounted on a car navigation device or a portable terminal, etc. The management device as the external OS is installed, for example, in a management center etc. separated from the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 described later, and comprehensively manages the information providing system 100.

[0013] In the example of FIG. 1, the level crossing GC is arranged in the area where the road RA and the railway line RD intersect. The barrier monitoring device 10 is installed within the level crossing GC or on the road RA around the level crossing GC. In the example of FIG. 1, the vehicle VE is traveling on the road RA in the direction of the arrow AR towards the railway line RD.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for overall explanation of the information providing system 100 and the barrier monitoring device 10. FIG. 2 shows the movement or position of the barrier rod 21 and the brace 22 of the barrier 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the information providing system 100 and the barrier monitoring device 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the barrier 20 includes a barrier rod 21, a brace 22, and a barrier body 23. The barrier 20 prevents entry of vehicles VE, pedestrians, etc. into the level crossing GC by lowering the barrier rod 21. The barrier body 23 houses a level crossing control device, a motor, etc. (not shown) inside the housing. The brace 22 rotatably holds one end of the barrier rod 21.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the information providing system 100 includes a circuit breaker monitoring device 10. The circuit breaker monitoring device 10 externally monitors the circuit breaker state in the monitoring area BR. The monitoring area BR is an area for monitoring the operation of the circuit breaker 20 (only the tie bar portion 22, or the breaker bar 21 and the tie bar portion 22). In the present embodiment, the circuit breaker state is the state of the level crossing GC within the monitoring area BR, specifically, any one of open, blocked, breaker bar in operation, and circuit breaker abnormality. Open means the state where the breaker bar 21 is raised and at the raised position (non-blocked position) P1. Blocked means the state where the breaker bar 21 is lowered and at the lowered position (blocked position) P3. Breaker bar in operation means the state where the breaker bar 21 is at the transition position P2 between the raised position P1 and the lowered position P3. In FIG. 2, there is one transition position P2, but actually, there may be a plurality of transition positions P2 between the raised position P1 and the lowered position P3. Circuit breaker abnormality means a state where the breaker bar 21 is damaged, or a state where the breaker bar 21 or the tie bar portion 22 does not operate normally, etc. The monitoring area BR has a predetermined area CR arranged at the raised position P1, the lowered position P3, and the transition position P2 of the breaker bar 21. Each predetermined area CR has a range set along the shapes of the breaker bar 21 and the tie bar portion 22 at the raised position P1, the lowered position P3, and the transition position P2. At the raised position P1, the lowered position P3, and the transition position P2, the range of the predetermined area CR may change according to the shapes of the breaker bar 21 and the tie bar portion 22. The predetermined area CR is set by the determination device 11b of the control device 11 described later. The predetermined area CR may be set in advance according to the position of the monitoring area BR, or may be set in real time following the movement of the breaker bar 21 and the tie bar portion 22. In any case, the predetermined area CR is linked to the position information of the monitoring area BR.

[0017] The circuit breaker monitoring device 10 includes a control device 11, a detection device 12, a communication device 13, and a storage device 14. The circuit breaker monitoring device 10 is arranged at a position near the road RA where the circuit breaker 20 can be monitored.

[0018] The control device 11 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, reads out a computer program and data recorded in a storage device 14 (an auxiliary storage device 14b described later, see FIG. 3), and executes predetermined information processing (specifically, various processes executed by the disconnector monitoring device 10). The control device 11 controls the operations of the detection device 12, the communication device 13, the storage device 14, and the like. The control device 11 has a processing device 11a and a determination device 11b. The control device 11 realizes the processing device 11a and the determination device 11b by reading out and executing a computer program from the storage device 14, specifically, the auxiliary storage device 14b.

[0019] The processing device 11a analyzes external information such as image data acquired by the detection device 12. The external information is image data or point cloud data including the appearances of the disconnector rod 21 and the brace 22 acquired by the detection device 12, or the like obtained by analyzing these. The external information, which is the analyzed image information, is output to the determination device 11b. Note that the processing device 11a may be omitted, and the detection device 12 may be responsible for analyzing external information and the like.

[0020] The determination device 11b determines the state of the breaker based on the appearance information obtained by the processing in the processing device 11a. The breaker state is the state of the cutoff rod 21 (cutoff rod state) and the state of the toggle part 22 (toggle part state) obtained from the appearance information (image, point cloud) in the monitoring area BR detected by the detection device 12. The appearance information determined by the determination device 11b may be only an image, only a point cloud, or both an image and a point cloud. The determination device 11b determines the breaker state as a crossing situation based on the results of determining the cutoff rod state and the toggle part state from the appearance information. The determination device 11b determines the breaker state, for example, based on the consistency or conformity between the cutoff rod state and the toggle part state. Thereby, the determination device 11b can accurately determine the breaker state. Here, the cutoff rod state means that the cutoff rod 21 is in any of the raised position P1, the lowered position P3, lowering, raising, and cutoff rod abnormality. The toggle part state means that the toggle part 22 is in any of the raised position P1, the lowered position P3, lowering, and raising. Lowering and raising correspond to during the operation of the cutoff rod and mean that it is at any transition position P2 between the raised position P1 and the lowered position P3 and is moving. The cutoff rod abnormality is included in the breaker abnormality.

[0021] Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are conceptual diagrams for explaining the determination of the cutoff rod state and the toggle part state. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are views of the breaker 20 from the side, that is, the front side. Note that the appearance information detected by the detection device 12 is not limited to the front-view image data of the breaker 20, and other direction image data such as from an obliquely upward direction, an obliquely left-right direction, etc. may be used as long as the appearance of the breaker 20 is observable.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the determination device 11b detects the positions and angles of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22. The positions and angles of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 are determined, for example, with reference to the center or tip of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 in the appearance information. The positions of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 are classified into the raised position P1, the lowered position P3, or the transition position P2 (see FIG. 2). The angle of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 is set to, for example, 0° with reference to the lowered position P3 with the minimum value, the angle of the raised position P1 with the maximum value is, for example, 90° with respect to the lowered position P3, and the angle of the transition position P2 is, for example, more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the lowered position P3. The angles of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 are not limited to 0° or more and 90° or less, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0023] Note that the positions and angles of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 may be detected based on a predetermined region CR including the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22. In this case, the predetermined region CR is preset according to the positions and angles of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22. The determination device 11b extracts the predetermined region CR to which the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 in the appearance information apply from the plurality of preset predetermined regions CR, and sets the positions and angles of the extracted predetermined region CR as the positions and angles of the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22.

[0024] The determination device 11b determines the state of the link part based on the position and angle of the link part 22 and the position of the predetermined region CR, and determines the state of the blocking rod based on the position and angle of the blocking rod 21 and the position of the predetermined region CR. The determination device 11b can accurately determine the state of the link part and the state of the blocking rod by grasping the positions and the like of the link part 22 and the blocking rod 21.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4(B), when the blocking rod 21 is out of the predetermined region CR of the monitoring region BR, the determination device 11b determines that there is an abnormality in the blocking rod. Thereby, breakage of the blocking rod 21 can be grasped. When the state of the link part or the state of the blocking rod has been the same state for a predetermined time or more, the determination device 11b determines that there is an abnormality in the blocking machine because the blocking rod 21 and the link part 22 are not operating normally. Thereby, an abnormality in the control system of the blocking machine 20 can be grasped.

[0026] The determination device 11b determines, according to a predetermined determination criterion, corresponding to the circuit breaker state as (1) crossable, (2) non-crossable, and (3) non-crossable and circuit breaker abnormal. Thereby, it is possible to simply determine the circuit breaker state.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the determination result of the determination device 11b and the circuit breaker state (circuit breaker information). As shown in FIG. 5, when the link state and the cutoff lever state are consistent and open, the determination device 11b determines as (1) crossable corresponding to the circuit breaker state. When the link state and the cutoff lever state are consistent and in the cutoff or cutoff lever operation, the determination device 11b determines as (2) non-crossable corresponding to the circuit breaker state. When the link state and the cutoff lever state are inconsistent, the determination device 11b determines as (3) non-crossable and circuit breaker abnormal corresponding to the circuit breaker state.

[0028] In the above, the display or expression of the circuit breaker state (circuit breaker information) can be changed as appropriate. For example, when the circuit breaker state is displayed on the display of an external OS, it may be expressed in a color corresponding to the determination result. Specifically, it is green in the case of (1) crossable, red in the case of (2) non-crossable, and red with an additional note of circuit breaker abnormal in the case of (3) non-crossable and circuit breaker abnormal.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 3, the detection device 12 detects appearance information about the monitoring area BR shown in FIG. 2. By the detection device 12, the state of the circuit breaker 20 can be grasped from the appearance, and in addition to the operations of the cutoff lever 21 and the link 22, image data and the like that can also determine the presence or absence of breakage of the cutoff lever 21 can be obtained. The detection of the circuit breaker state by the detection device 12 means the acquisition of image data and the like for the determination of the circuit breaker state. However, when the detection device 12 performs analysis processing on the image data, it may also perform the determination of the circuit breaker state as a part of the determination device 11b.

[0030] The detection device 12 is, for example, an imaging device such as a camera or a sensor such as LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), and photographs or measures the monitoring area BR.

[0031] The communication device 13 transmits, by wireless communication, the determination result of the determination device 11b to an external OS, specifically, to the vehicle VE as a breaker state (breaker information). Thereby, the breaker state can be provided to the external OS. The breaker monitoring device 10 of the present embodiment can provide the breaker state information without using existing railway signal equipment, and can assist in safe crossing at the level crossing GC. The communication device 13 performs digital data communication with a vehicle VE existing in a predetermined communication zone via a communication network NT while identifying a counterpart device. The communication network NT uses, for example, a wireless communication method of the 700 MHz band advanced road traffic system, a communication method using a mobile communication line typified by 5G or 4G LTE, a medium-range wireless communication method typified by wireless LAN, a narrow-range wireless communication method such as DSRC, a spot communication method such as a beacon using light or radio waves, or a short-range wireless communication method such as BLE to enable communication. The communication device 13 can adopt any one or a combination of the above communication methods. The communication by the communication device 13 may be a broadcast or a response to a request from the vehicle VE. Further, the communication device 13 may be a wired communication as well as a wireless communication.

[0032] The storage device 14 has a main storage device 14a and an auxiliary storage device 14b. The main storage device 14a includes a memory device such as a DRAM, and temporarily records data necessary for the control device 11 to execute arithmetic processing. The auxiliary storage device 14b is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-temporary storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and records a computer program and data for the control device 11 to execute various information processes described later. The auxiliary storage device 14b records appearance information and data such as determination results. Note that the computer program and the above data may be provided by being recorded on a storage medium other than the auxiliary storage device 14b.

[0033] The vehicle VE to be supported by the information providing system 100 is, for example, an autonomous vehicle. The vehicle VE has a vehicle device 60 for performing autonomous driving. The vehicle device 60 has a user terminal device UT and an engine control device ET. The user terminal device UT has a function as a drive control system of the vehicle VE, and also has a function of providing information to the driver or passenger of the vehicle VE and receiving commands from the driver or passenger. The user terminal device UT has an arithmetic processing device 61, a communication device 62, and an interface 63. The arithmetic processing device 61 controls various operations of the vehicle device 60. The arithmetic processing device 61 transmits information such as vehicle ID, position, speed, and time to the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 via the communication device 62, and receives information such as the circuit breaker state from the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 as a receiving device RC that particularly receives information from the circuit breaker monitoring device 10. The arithmetic processing device 61 performs various controls for performing autonomous driving based on the received circuit breaker state and the like. Further, the arithmetic processing device 61 outputs to the interface 63 such as a display the determination result of whether it is possible to cross the level crossing GC based on the circuit breaker information and the like.

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a series of operation examples regarding the determination of the link state and the breaker rod state in the determination device 11b will be described.

[0035] (Link state detection) FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the determination of the link state. Hereinafter, the determination result of the determination device 11b is recorded in the storage device 14 at any time.

[0036] The control device 11 receives the input of the appearance information (image information) acquired by the detection device 12 and processed by the processing device 11a (step S11).

[0037] Next, the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, detects the position and angle of the link 22 from the appearance information obtained in step S11 (step S12). In this case, the determination device 11b can set a predetermined area CR to which the link 22 can be fitted, and also considers whether the link 22 exists within the predetermined area CR.

[0038] When the position and angle of the locking part 22 are at the rising position P1 as the determination device 11b, the control device 11 determines that the locking part state is at the rising position P1 (step S14) (Y in step S13).

[0039] When the position and angle of the locking part 22 are not at the rising position P1 (N in step S13) and are at the descending position P3 as the determination device 11b, the control device 11 determines that the locking part state is at the descending position P3 (step S16) (Y in step S15).

[0040] When the position and angle of the locking part 22 are not at the rising position P1 and the descending position P3 (N in step S13, N in step S15) and the previous position was at the rising position P1 as the determination device 11b, the control device 11 determines that the locking part state is in the process of descending (step S18) (Y in step S17). When the locking part state is in the process of descending, the locking part 22 is at the transition position P2. Here, the previous position is the position in the previous appearance information of the currently determined appearance information. The previous position is read from the storage device 14, specifically, the auxiliary storage device 14b. When there is no previous appearance information, the determination device 11b makes a determination considering the initial position at the start of determination, that is, the determination start position (for example, the rising position P1 or the descending position P3), etc. Specifically, when the determination start position is the rising position P1, the determination device 11b sets the previous position as the rising position P1. Also, when the previous position or a position before that is the transition position P2, it is determined whether the state before the transition position P2 or a state before that (that is, the most recent state or the state obtained last) is the rising position P1.

[0041] The control device 11, as a determination device 11b, determines that the state of the latch part 22 is rising (step S19) when the position and angle of the latch part 22 are not at the rising position P1 and the lowering position P3 (N in step S13, N in step S15), and the previous position is not the rising position P1 (N in step S17). When the state of the latch part is rising, the latch part 22 is at the transition position P2. Similarly in this step, when there is no previous appearance information, the determination device 11b makes a determination considering the initial position at the start of determination, that is, the determination start position and the like. Further, when the previous position or a position before that is the transition position P2, it is determined whether the state before the transition position P2 or a state before that (that is, the most recent state) is the rising position P1.

[0042] After the determination of the state of the latch part as above, the process returns to the start.

[0043] (Detection of the state of the cutoff rod) FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the determination of the state of the cutoff rod. Hereinafter, the determination result of the determination device 11b is recorded in the storage device 14 at any time.

[0044] The control device 11 receives the input of the appearance information (image information) acquired by the detection device 12 and processed by the processing device 11a (step S21).

[0045] Next, the control device 11, as a determination device 11b, detects the position and angle of the cutoff rod 21 from the appearance information obtained in step S21 (step S22). In this case, the determination device 11b can set a predetermined region CR to which the cutoff rod 21 can be fitted, and also determines whether the cutoff rod 21 exists within the predetermined region CR (step S31).

[0046] When the position and angle of the cutoff rod 21 are within the predetermined region CR and at the rising position P1 (Y in step S31, Y in step S23), the control device 11, as a determination device 11b, determines that the state of the cutoff rod is at the rising position P1 (step S24).

[0047] When the position and angle of the cutoff rod 21 are not within the predetermined region CR (N in step S31), the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, determines that the state of the cutoff rod is an abnormal cutoff rod because the cutoff rod 21 has deviated from the predetermined region CR and is damaged (step S32).

[0048] When the position and angle of the cutoff rod 21 do not exist at the ascending position P1 (N in step S23) and exist at the descending position P3 (Y in step S25), the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, determines that the state of the cutoff rod is at the descending position P3 (step S26).

[0049] When the position and angle of the cutoff rod 21 do not exist at the ascending position P1 and the descending position P3 (N in step S23, N in step S25) and the previous position was at the ascending position P1 (Y in step S27), the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, determines that the cutoff rod is in the process of descending (step S28). When the cutoff rod is in the process of descending, the cutoff rod 21 exists at the transition position P2. The previous position is read from the storage device 14, specifically, the auxiliary storage device 14b. The determination device 11b makes a determination considering the initial position at the start of determination, i.e., the determination start position, etc., when there is no previous appearance information. Also, when the previous position is the transition position P2, it is determined whether the state before the transition position P2 was the ascending position P1.

[0050] When the position and angle of the cutoff rod 21 do not exist at the ascending position P1 and the descending position P3 (N in step S23, N in step S25) and the previous position is not at the ascending position P1 (N in step S27), the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, determines that the cutoff rod is in the process of ascending (step S29). When the cutoff rod is in the process of ascending, the cutoff rod 21 exists at the transition position P2. Similarly in this step, the determination device 11b makes a determination considering the initial position at the start of determination, i.e., the determination start position, etc., when there is no previous appearance information. Also, when the previous position is the transition position P2, it is determined whether the state before the transition position P2 was the ascending position P1.

[0051] After the determination of the above cutoff rod state, the process returns to the start.

[0052] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of a series of operations in the information providing system 100 and the circuit breaker monitoring device 10, that is, a circuit breaker monitoring method, will be described. The circuit breaker 20 changes the position of the cutoff lever 21 according to the operation of the motor at a predetermined timing based on train detection information and the like.

[0053] The control device 11 of the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 operates the detection device 12 to acquire an image of the monitoring area BR (step S51). The image data acquired by the detection device 12 is analyzed by the processing device 11a and output to the determination device 11b as appearance information.

[0054] Next, the control device 11 determines the state of the link part as the determination device 11b by the above steps S11 to S19 (step S52).

[0055] Next, the control device 11 determines the state of the cutoff lever as the determination device 11b by the above steps S21 to S32 (step S53).

[0056] Note that step S52 may be performed after step S53, or steps S52 and S53 may be performed in parallel.

[0057] When there is an information request regarding the circuit breaker state from the vehicle VE or the like (Y in step S54), the control device 11 determines the consistency or conformity between the state of the link part and the state of the cutoff lever as the determination device 11b (step S55). When there is consistency between the state of the link part and the state of the cutoff lever (Y in step S55) and the state of the link part and the state of the cutoff lever are the same within a predetermined time (Y in step S56), the control device 11 determines the circuit breaker state as open, cutoff, or cutoff lever in operation corresponding to the state of the link part and the state of the cutoff lever as the determination device 11b (step S57).

[0058] When the control device 11 serves as a determination device 11b and there is no consistency between the state of the locking part and the state of the blocking rod (N in step S55), when the state of the locking part and the state of the blocking rod are the same for a predetermined time or more, or when the state of the locking part and the state of the blocking rod are not the same within a predetermined time (N in step S56), it determines that there is an abnormality in the blocking machine as the state of the blocking machine (step S58).

[0059] The determination result in step S57 or S58 is, for example, the one with any of the information of (1) crossable, (2) non-crossable, (3) non-crossable and blocking machine abnormal added, and corresponds to the state of the blocking machine (blocking machine information). Note that the state of the blocking machine (blocking machine information) may be expressed in a color corresponding to the determination result. Specifically, it is set to green in the case of crossable, red in the case of non-crossable, and red with an additional note of blocking machine abnormal in the case of non-crossable and blocking machine abnormal. Note that for the corresponding abnormalities such as blocking rod abnormal and locking part abnormal, the blocking machine abnormal may be additionally noted.

[0060] Next, the control device 11 transmits the state of the blocking machine (blocking machine information) to the external OS (step S59). Specifically, the control device 11 transmits the determination result of step S57 or S58 as the state of the blocking machine to the external OS, specifically, to the vehicle VE via the communication device 13. The arithmetic processing device 61 of the vehicle VE receives the information regarding the state of the blocking machine from the blocking machine monitoring device 10 via the communication device 62 and outputs the information to the interface 63. For example, any of (1) crossable, (2) non-crossable, (3) non-crossable and blocking machine abnormal is displayed on the interface 63 as the state of the blocking machine. Note that the state of the blocking machine may be displayed in a color corresponding to the determination result. After step S59, the process returns to the start.

[0061] In the blocking machine monitoring device 10 and the blocking machine monitoring method described above, by detecting the external appearance information including the locking part 22 directly connected to the drive source of the blocking machine 20, the actual state of the blocking machine can be determined regardless of the state of the blocking rod 21.

[0062] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and the like, an example of the circuit breaker monitoring device according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, descriptions of the same matters as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 monitors a predetermined region CR that includes only the link part 22 in the monitoring region BR. In the circuit breaker monitoring device 10, the control device 11 determines the circuit breaker state only based on the appearance information of the link part 22, that is, the state of the link part, as the determination device 11b.

[0064] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an example of a series of operation examples in the information providing system 100 and the circuit breaker monitoring device 10, that is, a circuit breaker monitoring method, will be described.

[0065] The control device 11 of the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 operates the detection device 12 to acquire an image of the monitoring region BR (step S51). The image data acquired by the detection device 12 is analyzed by the processing device 11a and output to the determination device 11b as appearance information.

[0066] Next, the control device 11 determines the state of the link part as the determination device 11b according to steps S11 to S19 shown in FIG. 6 (step S52).

[0067] When there is an information request regarding the circuit breaker state from the vehicle VE or the like (Y in step S54), and the state of the link part is the same within a predetermined time (Y in step S56), the control device 11 determines the circuit breaker state as open, closed, or the breaker bar is operating as the determination device 11b (step S57).

[0068] When the state of the link part is the same for a predetermined time or more, or the state of the link part is not the same within a predetermined time (N in step S56), the control device 11 determines that the circuit breaker is abnormal as the determination device 11b (step S58).

[0069] The determination result in step S57 or S58 is, for example, any one of (1) crossable, (2) non-crossable, and (3) non-crossable and breaker abnormality, and corresponds to the breaker state (breaker information).

[0070] Next, the control device 11 transmits the breaker state (breaker information) to the external OS (step S59). After step S59, the process returns to the start.

[0071] 〔Third Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of the breaker monitoring device according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, descriptions of the same matters as those in the first embodiment and the like are omitted.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a predetermined area CR in the monitoring area BR shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, mainly the predetermined area CR of the breaker rod 21 is shown. In the present embodiment, the predetermined area CR is divided into a plurality of sub-areas SR. In this case, it is possible to more easily determine the breakage of the breaker rod 21. Further, the breaker monitoring device 10 can be applied to the monitoring of the breaker 20 having various types of breaker rods 21. For example, when the breaker rod 21 is long, it may bend even during normal times. By dividing the sub-areas SR along the shape of the breaker rod 21 and determining the breaker rod state for each sub-area SR, it is possible to perform a determination corresponding to the shape of the breaker rod 21.

[0073] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12 and the like, an example of the breaker monitoring device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, descriptions of the same matters as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the breaker monitoring device 10 does not have the communication device 13. That is, the breaker monitoring device 10 of the present embodiment does not communicate with the outside as an information providing system like the breaker monitoring device 10 of the first embodiment. Note that the breaker monitoring device 10 may have an output device 15 instead of the communication device 13.

[0075] The output device 15 is, for example, a speaker, a lamp, a display, etc., and outputs the determination result of the determination device 11b by sound, display, etc.

[0076] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, an example of a series of operations in the circuit breaker monitoring device 10, that is, a circuit breaker monitoring method, will be described.

[0077] The control device 11 of the circuit breaker monitoring device 10 operates the detection device 12 to acquire an image of the monitoring area BR (step S51). The image data acquired by the detection device 12 is analyzed and processed by the processing device 11a and output to the determination device 11b as appearance information.

[0078] Next, the control device 11 determines the state of the link part as the determination device 11b according to steps S11 to S19 shown in FIG. 6 (step S52).

[0079] Next, the control device 11 determines the state of the breaker bar as the determination device 11b according to steps S21 to S32 shown in FIG. 7 (step S53).

[0080] Note that step S52 may be performed after step S53, or steps S52 and S53 may be performed in parallel.

[0081] When the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, determines that there is consistency between the state of the link part and the state of the breaker bar (Y in step S55) and the state of the link part and the state of the breaker bar are the same within a predetermined time (Y in step S56), the control device 11 determines that the circuit breaker state is open, closed, or the breaker bar is operating corresponding to the state of the link part and the state of the breaker bar (step S57).

[0082] When the control device 11, as the determination device 11b, determines that there is no consistency between the state of the link part and the state of the breaker bar (N in step S55), or the state of the link part and the state of the breaker bar are the same for a predetermined time or more, or the state of the link part and the state of the breaker bar are not the same within a predetermined time (N in step S56), the control device 11 determines that the circuit breaker is abnormal as the circuit breaker state (step S58).

[0083] In this embodiment, information regarding crossability need not be added to the determination result in step S57 or S58. When the breaker monitoring device 10 has the output device 15, the control device 11 operates the output device 15 to output the determination result in step S57 or S58.

[0084] After step S57 or S58, the process returns to the start.

[0085] Note that also in this embodiment, the breaker monitoring device 10 may determine the breaker state based only on the state of the toggle part as in the second embodiment.

[0086] [Others] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the shape of the road RA etc. is an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various shapes and structures.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the determination criteria for the breaker state can be changed as appropriate.

[0089] In the above embodiment, when the determination device 11b determines a breaker abnormality, it may notify a management center (not shown).

[0090] In the above embodiment, the range of the monitoring area BR can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the case of FIG. 9, the monitoring area BR may be narrowed to a range including the predetermined areas CR at the respective positions P1 to P3 of the toggle part 22.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the breaker monitoring device 10 may periodically provide the breaker state to an external OS. In this case, in FIGS. 8 and 10, the information request from the vehicle VE can be omitted.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the barrier monitoring device 10 is not limited to monitoring the barrier 20 of the level crossing GC. For example, it can be applied to monitoring various barriers, such as barriers installed at the gates of parking lots, toll booths on highways, and barriers installed for traffic control purposes along with other traffic facilities (including temporary ones). In the case of a parking lot barrier, it is possible to prevent the vehicle VE from entering the gate during the opening and closing operation or when the barrier is closed.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the barrier monitoring method using the barrier monitoring device 10 mainly described an example of providing information for traffic support. However, it is not limited to this and can be applied to various monitoring applications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10…Barrier monitoring device, 11…Control device, 11a…Processing device, 11b…Judgment device, 12…Detection device, 13…Communication device, 14…Storage device, 15…Output device, 20…Barrier, 21…Barrier rod, 22…Linkage part, 23…Barrier body, 60…Vehicle device, 100…Information providing system, BR…Monitoring area, CR…Predetermined area, GC…Level crossing, NT…Communication network, OS…External, P1…Raised position, P2…Transition position, P3…Lowered position, RA…Road, RC…Receiving device, RD…Track, SR…Sub-area, UT…User terminal device, VE…Vehicle

Claims

1. A detection device that detects appearance information about a monitoring area including the toggle link part of a circuit breaker, A determination device that determines the state of the circuit breaker based on the appearance information, and A circuit breaker monitoring device.

2. The state of the circuit breaker is any one of open, closed, during toggle link operation, and circuit breaker abnormality, The determination device determines the state of the circuit breaker based on the state of the toggle link part and the result of determining either the state of the toggle link part or the state of the breaker bar from the appearance information, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. The determination device determines the state of the circuit breaker based on the consistency between the state of the toggle link part and the state of the breaker bar, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 2.

4. The state of the toggle link part is any one of the raised position, the lowered position, lowering, and raising, The state of the breaker bar is any one of the raised position, the lowered position, lowering, raising, and breaker bar abnormality, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 2.

5. When the breaker bar is out of a predetermined area of the monitoring area, the determination device determines that there is a breaker bar abnormality, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 4.

6. When the state of the toggle link part or the state of the breaker bar has been the same state for a predetermined time or more, the determination device determines that there is a circuit breaker abnormality, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 2.

7. When the state of the toggle link part and the state of the breaker bar are consistent and open, the determination device determines that it is possible to cross corresponding to the state of the circuit breaker. When the state of the toggle link part and the state of the breaker bar are consistent and closed or during toggle link operation, the determination device determines that it is not possible to cross corresponding to the state of the circuit breaker. When the state of the toggle link part and the state of the breaker bar are not consistent, the determination device determines that it is not possible to cross and there is a circuit breaker abnormality corresponding to the state of the circuit breaker, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 2.

8. The monitoring area has a predetermined area arranged at the raised position, the lowered position of the breaker bar, and the transition position between the raised position and the lowered position, The determination device determines the state of the toggle link part based on the position and angle of the toggle link part and the position of the predetermined area, and determines the state of the breaker bar based on the position and angle of the breaker bar and the position of the predetermined area, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to claim 2.

9. The predetermined area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas, The circuit breaker monitoring device according to any one of claims 5 and 8.

10. The detection device detects appearance information about a monitoring area including the toggle link part of the circuit breaker, A circuit breaker monitoring method for determining the circuit breaker state based on the appearance information by a determination device. Circuit breaker monitoring method.

11. The circuit breaker state is any one of open, shut off, during the operation of the breaker rod, and circuit breaker abnormality, The circuit breaker state is determined by the determination device based on the result of determining either the state of the toggle link part or both the state of the toggle link part and the state of the breaker rod from the appearance information. The circuit breaker monitoring method according to claim 10.

12. The circuit breaker state is determined by the determination device based on the consistency between the state of the toggle link part and the state of the breaker rod. The circuit breaker monitoring method according to claim 11.

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