Ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system and remote monitoring and control method therefor

Abstract

To monitor corona discharge in real time, detect issues such as insulation degradation in electrical equipment at an early stage, prevent accidents before they occur, and contribute to power DX, predictive maintenance, planned maintenance, and labor savings and efficiency improvements in operation and maintenance.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system is provided with an ultraviolet camera 2 for monitoring the discharge state of high-voltage electrical equipment 10 installed remotely from a control device 4, which analyzes visualized image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera 2 to identify corona discharge locations on the high-voltage electrical equipment 10. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system is also provided with an electrical warning display control unit 4A that compares the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the identified corona discharge location with a preset threshold value and displays a warning indicating the degradation state of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 on a display unit 402, and monitors the discharge degradation state of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 in real-time 24 hours a day.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system and a remote monitoring and control method for the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system, in which image information captured by an ultraviolet camera is monitored on the side of a remote management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Air, which is treated as an insulator, has a limit to its dielectric strength, and it is known that under standard conditions of a temperature of 20°C and an atmospheric pressure of 1,013.25 hPa, when the potential gradient reaches a peak value of approximately 30 kV / cm and an effective value of 21.1 kV / cm, the air loses its insulating power and discharge begins from the surface of the wire.

[0003] This phenomenon is called corona discharge, and in electrical equipment, deterioration or contamination of insulation can cause corona discharge.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that corona discharge can cause power loss, radio interference, and communication problems, and can also lead to corrosion of electrical wires.

[0005] Furthermore, radio interference interferes with radio waves used for wireless communication, and communication interference is known to cause inductive interference in nearby communication lines.

[0006] The applicant has obtained a patent (Patent Document 1 below) relating to an ultraviolet camera that solves the above-mentioned problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7442848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] By using the ultraviolet camera, it is possible to clearly see on the display screen the occurrence of "corona discharges" from insulating parts, metal surfaces, etc. in high-voltage electrical equipment due to the natural environment, deterioration over time, poor maintenance, etc.

[0009] On the other hand, the insulators on high-voltage steel towers, which are high-voltage power facilities, are installed at a considerable height above the ground, so the inspector must get close to the insulators to be monitored by using a crane to move to the inspection position or by climbing stairs to set them up themselves.

[0010] Although ultraviolet cameras have a zoom function, in order to capture accurate images, it is necessary to patrol the high-voltage equipment to be monitored by approaching it closely while checking that the camera is at a certain distance, which is usually more direct than farsightedness.

[0011] On the other hand, with the declining birthrate and aging population, there is an increasing shortage of workers to monitor and inspect high-voltage equipment in the future. As the number of inspections increases due to the aging of equipment, there is a limit to the number of inspections that can be performed with an appropriate equipment inspection patrol schedule, and improvements in this area are urgently needed.

[0012] In particular, given that corona discharges can cause power loss, interference with radio waves and communications, and even large-scale power outages, it is advisable to inspect and monitor high-voltage equipment on a 24-hour basis.

[0013] In particular, if high-voltage equipment is suddenly damaged due to weather changes, such as lightning strikes, at night, it may be impossible to respond quickly, which could cause disruptions to the power supply.

[0014] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system and a remote monitoring and control method for an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system that can monitor corona discharges in real time, detect defects such as insulation deterioration in electrical equipment at an early stage, prevent accidents before they occur, and contribute to power digitalization, predictive maintenance, planned maintenance, and labor-saving and efficient operation and maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises the following configuration.

[0016] The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system of the present invention is an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system in which an ultraviolet camera that captures images of high-voltage electrical equipment communicates with a management device that acquires image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the ultraviolet camera comprises: a positioning means that freely positions the lens of the ultraviolet camera, which is attached to a pan head, by rotating or moving it up and down to match the orientation of the lens to the part of the high-voltage electrical equipment to be monitored; an image processing means that combines ultraviolet image information captured by the ultraviolet camera with visible light image information to generate visualized image information; and a transmission means that transmits the visualized image information generated by the image processing means to the management device, and the management device comprises: a warning display control means that analyzes the visualized image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera to identify corona discharge points in the high-voltage electrical equipment, and compares the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the identified corona discharge points with a preset threshold value to display a warning on a display unit indicating the deterioration state of the high-voltage electrical equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, a management device remote from high-voltage electrical equipment can monitor corona discharges occurring in the equipment in real time, detect defects such as insulation deterioration in the equipment at an early stage, prevent accidents before they occur, and contribute to the digital transformation of electricity, predictive maintenance, planned maintenance, and labor-saving and efficient operation and maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite visible image displayed on the display unit of the management device shown in FIG. 3; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control operation screen of the camera platform shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 13] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 14]4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on a display unit included in the management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing in the ultraviolet camera according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing and monitoring processing in the management device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultraviolet camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure on the ultraviolet camera side shown in FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] <System configuration description> [First embodiment] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to this embodiment.

[0021] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes the ultraviolet camera main body, and shows the state in which an ultraviolet camera 2 is attached to a pan head 3. The pan head 3 is equipped with a first positioning motor that rotates and positions the ultraviolet camera based on camera position information remotely instructed from a management device 4, and a second positioning motor that moves the camera lens of the ultraviolet camera 2 up and down to position the camera based on camera position information remotely instructed from the management device 4.

[0022] The pan head 3 may be fixed to a fixed mechanism (not shown), such as a vertical pole mechanism, or may be freely attached to an elevator mechanism that moves up and down, and may be positioned by moving up and down vertically from the ground.

[0023] Reference numeral 10 denotes high-voltage electrical equipment, such as a transmission tower. The pan head 3 is equipped with a positioning unit 101 that rotates and moves up and down to freely position the lens of the attached ultraviolet camera 2 in accordance with the location of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 to be monitored.

[0024] The positioning unit 101 includes a rotation motor that rotates the ultraviolet camera 2 relative to a plane and an up-down swing motor that moves the lens direction of the ultraviolet camera 2 up and down relative to the ground, and is configured to be able to remotely adjust the lens position of the ultraviolet camera 2 by sending step signals to the rotation motor and the up-down swing motor based on imaging instruction information remotely instructed from the management device 4. The ultraviolet camera 2 includes the hardware resources shown in FIG.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system shown in FIG.

[0026] In the imaging device 21 shown in Figure 3, which is composed of a first imaging unit 25 and a second imaging unit 26, reference numeral 11 denotes a beam splitter that guides incident light, when photographing electrical equipment, along optical paths that separate it into visible light 11a and ultraviolet light 11b. Reference numeral 12 denotes a visible light lens that focuses the visible light 11a onto a first visible light CCD image sensor 13. Note that the power supply unit, which consists of a rechargeable lithium battery, is omitted from the imaging device 21.

[0027] Reference numeral 16 denotes an ultraviolet lens that transmits ultraviolet light 11b from around 230 nm, and then focuses the transmitted ultraviolet light 11b via a UV bandpass filter (UV filter) 17 onto an MCP / UV-type second ultraviolet CCD image sensor 18. The UV bandpass filter 17 has the function of passing ultraviolet light in the 200-400 nm wavelength band, which is the ultraviolet waveband of corona discharge locations on electrical equipment. This allows for the extraction of an ultraviolet image in the ultraviolet waveband of the desired corona discharge location, even when affected by ultraviolet light in the atmosphere. The spectral range of the UV bandpass filter 17 is 240-280 nm. The focusing lens employs a dual lens, with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, allowing for quick switching between wide-angle and localized imaging.

[0028] The incident lens of the ultraviolet camera 2 constituting the imaging device 21 shown in this embodiment is composed of multiple focusing lens groups, and the multiple focusing lens groups are composed of a first lens group that focuses on the wide-angle side and a second lens group that focuses on the telephoto side, and the focal position is configured to be switchable between the wide-angle side and the telephoto side.

[0029] Furthermore, by using the image synthesis unit 14 to synthesize the first image data 22 of the electrical equipment, which is condensed as visible light 11a as described below, with the second image data 23, which is an ultraviolet image, it is possible to generate third image data in which an image identifying the location of corona discharge is superimposed on an image of the electrical equipment that can be seen normally, by simply taking a normal photograph of the electrical equipment.

[0030] The generated third image data is transmitted to a management device 4 installed in a remote location via a network NET, and is configured to be displayed on a display unit 402 or stored in an internal memory or an external memory (including an SD memory and a USB memory) described later, thereby enabling data aggregation and data analysis.

[0031] This allows corona discharge image data of electrical equipment stored in an external memory (described later) and image data of the electrical equipment to be stored on an annual basis in association with date, time, and weather (temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction), thereby creating a management data resource that is useful for the maintenance and management of the same type of electrical equipment, and can also be reflected in the design of electrical equipment that is less susceptible to corona discharge.

[0032] An image processing unit 19 includes an image processor 19A and a RAM 19B. After the image processor 19A performs image processing based on either MCP or UV, the image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 19B. The processed image data stored in the RAM 19B is then output to the image synthesis unit 14, which performs synthesis processing in memory while registering the image data corresponding to visible light and the image data corresponding to ultraviolet light. The image synthesis unit 14 outputs the synthesized image data to a remote management device 4 via a communication network NET.

[0033] Here, the multiplication microchannel plate (MCP) of the image processing unit 19 performs image processing to convert invisible vacuum ultraviolet light into visible phosphor light that can be easily detected by a photodiode array (PDA) or a charge-coupled device (CCD).

[0034] The image processing unit 19 can generate image data that identifies corona discharge locations that occur due to scratches, stains, or unevenness on the surface of an object (including parts of electrical equipment) that are difficult to recognize in the visible light range.

[0035] The image synthesis unit 14 superimposes the first image data 22 output from the first visualization CCD image sensor 13 and the second image data 23 corresponding to the UV image image processed by the image processing unit 19 for ultraviolet light 11b with the images aligned, to generate third image data showing the inspection results identifying the discharge location.

[0036] Specifically, the image synthesis unit 14 executes a first image processing for performing a predetermined machine learning image registration process on the visible image data and the ultraviolet image data, and a second image processing for performing a predetermined machine learning image registration process on the visible image data and the ultraviolet image data. Furthermore, the image synthesis unit 14 executes specific image processing including a noise reduction process on the ultraviolet image data.

[0037] As a result, even if high-voltage electrical equipment 10 exposed to natural ultraviolet rays is photographed with ultraviolet camera 2 during the day, an operator can monitor the image, which allows identification of corona discharge locations, in real time 24 hours a day on display unit 402 of management device 4 in a remote location, as shown in Figure 3.

[0038] A management device 4 receives the third image data generated by the image synthesis unit 14 of the ultraviolet camera 2 via the network NET, and then displays the data on a display unit 402 .

[0039] Furthermore, a wireless communication function device may be further connected between the image synthesis unit 14 and the management device 4, so that workers can check the inspection image data in real time 24 hours a day on a display unit 402 as an external display device installed at a management office located remotely via wireless LAN (WIFI).

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite visible image displayed on the display unit 402 of the management device 4 shown in FIG.

[0041] In FIG. 4, 121-4-1 indicates the range to be captured, and a corona discharge region 121-4-3 is displayed on the image of the high-voltage electrical equipment in a composite imaging area 121-4-2 secured in the center.

[0042] In this example, after the image synthesis unit 14 synthesizes the first image data 22 corresponding to the visible light image shown in Figure 3 and the second image data 23 corresponding to the ultraviolet image shown in Figure 3, the display unit 402 of the management device 4 displays the third image data (corresponding to visualized image information in which a discharge point image that visualizes the discharge point of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 is reflected on the external image of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10).

[0043] The third image data particularly shows a case where a part of an electrical facility, for example, an insulator string provided on a transmission tower shown in FIG. 1, is captured as a subject.

[0044] In this system, the management device 4 is equipped with an electrical warning display control unit 4A as shown in Figure 3, and analyzes the image information of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 captured by the ultraviolet camera 2 to identify the corona discharge points of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10, and performs a warning display process in which the number of ultraviolet photons discharging from the identified corona discharge points is compared with a preset warning threshold value to display gradually different warning levels on the display unit 402.

[0045] In this case, the electrical warning display control unit 4A of the management device 4 configures the warning thresholds to include a first threshold indicating that the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged is at a first level, a second threshold indicating that the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged exceeds the first level but is less than the dangerous level, and a third threshold indicating that the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged exceeds the second level and is at a dangerous level.

[0046] The electrical warning display control unit 4A of the management device 4 executes a process for displaying different warning levels in different colors on the display unit 402, and displays the ultraviolet photon count icon in red on the screen shown in Fig. 1 if it is determined that the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 is at a dangerously deteriorated level, and displays the ultraviolet photon count icon in green if the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 is at a normal level. Here, the management device 4 may be configured to enable settings to change the display mode (for example, graphic, blinking) of the ultraviolet photon count icons 451, 452 in case some monitors cannot see the colors themselves.

[0047] The electric warning display control unit 4A of the management device 4 may have a threshold setting function for setting a threshold that is further subdivided into a second threshold (the number of ultraviolet photons is 1 to 500 or less) and a third threshold (the number of ultraviolet photons is 501 to 5000 or less). This allows the management device 4 to display different warning levels on the display unit 402 using different colors.

[0048] Furthermore, the management device 4 has a function of performing a process of notifying the registered monitor of the different warning levels displayed on the display unit 402, for example, by email to the person in charge.

[0049] Furthermore, the management device 4 is provided with a storage unit 4B that stores the fluctuation state of the number of discharging ultraviolet photons that is analyzed in association with the identification information assigned to the high-voltage electrical equipment 10, and has the function of creating a report together with a chart showing the fluctuation state of the number of discharging ultraviolet photons stored in the storage unit 4B.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of the control operation screen of the camera platform 3 shown in Figure 1, on which the operator of the management device 4 gives instructions remotely. In this example, the operation panel screen is designed as a disc-shaped panel, adopting a rotating user interface with a fresh feel.

[0051] In Figure 5, the operator operates a pointing device or the like to point the robot 404-1 in eight directions (up and down, left and right, upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right), and when the intended position is directly above, the operator presses the stop button, thereby finalizing the rotation position and orientation of the ultraviolet camera 2. The lower portion of the control operation screen is configured to allow the horizontal speed and vertical speed to be input using numbers within a fixed range (1 to 10), for example, so that the camera platform 3 can be freely controlled at the set speed. In the figure, the numbers within the fixed range (1 to 10) are displayed so that the corresponding speed value can be distinguished from the other numbers, but it is also possible to display only the selected speed value.

[0052] 6 to 14 are diagrams showing examples of user interfaces provided by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system and displayed on the display unit 402 provided in the management device 4 shown in FIG.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a list of equipment managed by the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system, and basic settings (equipment IP address, email address) that can be set. The camera control interface is also configured to allow input of the number of ultraviolet photons, distance, display color, and ultraviolet gain.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows an example of the equipment management screen, in which the name, equipment IP address, connection status, number of ultraviolet photons, email address, and channel allocation setting tabs are arranged.

[0055] By operating this screen, the person in charge can register the equipment information of the ultraviolet camera 2 newly installed in a remote location.

[0056] Figures 8 to 14 show an example of a multi-video setting screen in the ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system, and are configured so that one to nine locations of high-voltage electrical equipment 10 can be monitored simultaneously by selecting full screen (see Figure 9), four screens (see Figure 10), or nine screens (see Figure 11). When the images captured by the ultraviolet camera 2 are displayed in real time, the visible images stored in the external memory can be edited and played back, and the desired images can be extracted. In this case, the multiple monitoring locations confirmed by the worker can be displayed on four or nine screens, allowing multiple high-voltage electrical equipment 10 captured by multiple ultraviolet cameras 2 to be monitored simultaneously.

[0057] [Image processing on the UV camera 2 side] [Overlaying corona discharge image and background image] 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing in the ultraviolet camera 2 according to this embodiment. Note that (1) to (15) indicate each step, which is realized by the image processor 19A shown in FIG. 3 executing an image processing program stored in the ROM.

[0058] First, the image processor 19A determines whether the image capture mode selected by the management device 4 is a still image mode or a moving image mode (1).

[0059] If it is determined that the still image mode (first photographing mode) has been selected, the image processor 19A allocates a first work memory in the RAM 19B (2) and proceeds to step (4).

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the management device 4 has selected the video mode (second shooting mode), the image processor 19A allocates a second work memory in the RAM 19B (3) and proceeds to step (4).

[0061] Next, after confirming that the image capture start button on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 402 of the management device 4 has been pressed (4), the optical path is split depending on whether the light entering the beam splitter 11 shown in FIG. 1 is incident light (visible light 11a) or ultraviolet light 11b (5). If the split light is visible light 11a, the image processor 19A executes a first optical system process (6) to pass the visible light 11a through the first optical system, and reads the color image data by forming an image on the first visible light CCD image sensor 13 (7).

[0062] Specifically, the image processor 19A converts color image data based on the visible light 11a into a predetermined amount of grayscale, and then the image processor 19A performs binarization processing by adaptive threshold processing.

[0063] Next, the image processor 19A performs a predetermined color space conversion process, and then generates the binarized image data on the RAM 19B as first image data 22 based on the visible light 11a (8).

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the light beam entering the beam splitter 11 shown in FIG. 3 is ultraviolet light 11b, the process proceeds to step (9).

[0065] Next, if the light beam entering the beam splitter 11 shown in Figure 3 is ultraviolet light 11b, after second optical system processing (9), the ultraviolet image is formed on the second ultraviolet CCD image sensor 18. Next, the image processor 19A reads out the ultraviolet image data formed on the second ultraviolet CCD image sensor 18 (10), and performs predetermined image processing to generate second image data 23 (11).

[0066] In step (11), the image processor 19A performs a first image process to perform a predetermined wavelet transform process on the ultraviolet image data (second image data 23), and then stores the result in the RAM 19B.

[0067] In addition, the image processing processor 19A generates binary image data by performing adaptive threshold processing on the grayscale image, and after adding the binary image data to a pre-established image class (consecutive frame length N), if it determines that the length is greater than N, it deletes the first frame and stores the binary image data of the latest class in RAM 19B.

[0068] Next, the image processor 19A performs a composite image process (12) to superimpose the pixel positions of the first image data 22 based on the visible light 11a and the second image data 23 based on the ultraviolet light 11b, which are expanded in the RAM 19B.

[0069] In step (12), the image processing processor 19A executes a second image processing step in which a predetermined machine learning image registration process is performed on the ultraviolet image data (second image data 23) that has undergone a predetermined wavelet transformation process and the first image data 22 based on the visible light 11a expanded in the RAM 19B.

[0070] Next, the image processor 19A generates visualized image information corresponding to the third image data on the RAM 19B through a composite image process (corresponding to the third image processing step) that superimposes the pixel positions of the first image data 22 based on visible light 11a and the second image data 23 based on ultraviolet light 11b (13), and then the image processor 19A loads the third image data into the output buffer 19C (14).

[0071] Then, the image processor 19A outputs the third image data written in the output buffer 19C to the management device 4 via the network NET (15), and the process ends.

[0072] [Warning display control example] 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing and monitoring processing in the management device 4 according to this embodiment. Note that (21) to (27) indicate each step, and each step is realized by executing a control program stored in a CPU (not shown) included in the electrical warning display control unit 4A of the management device 4 shown in FIG.

[0073] First, when the management device 4 receives the composite visible image information processed by the ultraviolet camera 2 via the network NET (21), it displays the deteriorated discharged areas on the display unit 402 as shown in FIG. 2 (22).

[0074] Next, the electric warning display control unit 4A analyzes the received composite visible image information and calculates the number of ultraviolet photons (23). Next, the electric warning display control unit 4A determines whether the calculated number of ultraviolet photons exceeds a first threshold value stored in advance (24), and if it determines that the number does not exceed the first threshold value, it lights up the first icon 451 (27) and ends the process.

[0075] As a result, the first icon 451 is displayed in green so that it can be understood that the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 being remotely monitored is not currently deteriorating.

[0076] In this embodiment, the image synthesis unit 14 of the electric warning display control unit 4A performs binarization processing on the ultraviolet image obtained, and then performs mathematical filtering processing and noise processing on the ultraviolet image to extract image quantification parameters of the discharge location.The CPU provided in the electric warning display control unit 4A then compares the number of extracted pixels proportional to the number of ultraviolet photons or the discharge intensity with a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a third threshold value, which will be described later, to thereby execute control to light up a first icon 451 or a second icon 452, which identifies the discharge status of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 as an indicator.

[0077] This allows a supervisor operating the management device 4 at a remote location to recognize the discharge status of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 as an indicator simply by performing simple monitoring by visually checking the lighting status of the first icon 451 or the second icon 452 on the screen showing the monitoring image displayed on the display unit 402.

[0078] On the other hand, if the electric warning display control unit 4A determines in step (24) that the calculated number of ultraviolet photons exceeds the first threshold value stored in advance, the electric warning display control unit 4A determines whether the calculated number of ultraviolet photons exceeds the second threshold value stored in advance (25), and if it determines that the calculated number of ultraviolet photons does not exceed the second threshold value, it lights up the first icon 451 (27) and ends the processing.

[0079] On the other hand, if the electric warning display control unit 4A determines that the calculated number of ultraviolet photons exceeds the second threshold value stored in advance, it lights up the second icon 452 (26) and ends the process.

[0080] As a result, the second icon 452 is displayed in red so that it can be understood that the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 being remotely monitored is currently deteriorating.

[0081] In this embodiment, on the display unit 402 of the management device 4 installed in a remote location, a corona discharge image identifying the discharge location is superimposed on the image of the electrical equipment shown in Figure 2, and a first icon 451 or a second icon 452 indicating the deterioration level is displayed, so that a monitoring person working on the management device 4 can take prompt action by visually checking the icons on the display unit 402.

[0082] More specifically, a worker monitoring the situation using the management device 4 at a remote location can monitor the deterioration level by simply checking the screen displayed on the display unit 402 of the management device 4 while visually checking in real time the corona discharge image that identifies the discharge location superimposed on the image of the electrical equipment shown in Figure 2.

[0083] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, a management device 4 remote from the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 monitors in real time the corona discharge occurring in the high-voltage electrical equipment 10, detects defects such as insulation deterioration of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 at an early stage, prevents accidents before they occur, and contributes to labor-saving and efficient power digitalization, predictive maintenance, planned maintenance, and operational maintenance.

[0084] Second Embodiment In the above embodiment, a case where basic image processing is performed on the management device 4 side has been described, but it is also possible to configure the management device 4, which is remote from the high-voltage electrical equipment 10, to acquire visualized image information that has been subjected to composite image processing from the ultraviolet camera 2, and have the electrical warning display control unit 4A analyze the visualized visualized image information to identify the corona discharge points of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10, compare the number of ultraviolet photons discharging from the identified corona discharge points with a preset threshold value, and display a warning of the deterioration state of the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 on the display unit 402.

[0085] FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the ultraviolet camera 2 according to this embodiment, and the same components as those shown in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted.

[0086] The difference from the configuration in Figure 3 is that the image processing unit 19 and image synthesis unit 14 are provided on the management device 4 side, and the communication unit 27 of the ultraviolet camera 2 transmits visualized image information generated by synthesizing the first image data 22 and the second image data 23 to the management device 4 connected to the network NET.

[0087] Fig. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management device 4 according to this embodiment, and the same components as those shown in Fig. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. The difference from the configuration in Fig. 3 is that the functions of the image processing unit 19 and the image synthesis unit 14 are provided on the management device 4 side as shown in Fig. 18.

[0088] In FIG. 18, 4A-6 denotes a communication unit that outputs the first image data 22 and the second image data 23 transmitted from the ultraviolet camera 2 via the network NET to an input interface (input I / F) 4A-1.

[0089] 4A is an electric warning display control unit that directly outputs the first imaging information (visible light image) received by the input interface (input I / F) 4A-1 to the image synthesis unit 4A-3, and outputs the second imaging information (ultraviolet light information) to the image processing unit 4A-2.

[0090] The image synthesis unit 4A-3 outputs the synthesized visible image information via the output unit 4A-5 to the display unit 402. 4A-4 is an external memory that stores and manages the first image data 22 by linking it to date and time data via a predetermined interface, and is configured to be able to read it out as needed for analysis and processing.

[0091] It is assumed that the image synthesis process and visualized image process can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0092] [Image processing on the UV camera 2 side] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure on the side of the ultraviolet camera 2 shown in Fig. 1. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU provided in the ultraviolet camera 2 shown in Fig. 2 executing an image processing program stored in the ROM.

[0093] Here, the maintenance manager turns on the power of the ultraviolet camera 2 main body on the operation screen of the management device 4, waits for it to transition to standby mode, and when it becomes possible to take pictures, sets the shooting mode. Here, the shooting mode can be selectively set to two types: a still image mode for taking still pictures, and a video mode. Then, the image processor 19A determines whether the selected shooting mode is the still image mode or the video mode (1).

[0094] If it is determined that the still image mode (first photographing mode) has been selected, the image processor 19A allocates a first work memory in the RAM 19B (2) and proceeds to step (4).

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the moving image mode (second shooting mode) has been selected, the image processor 19A allocates a second work memory in the RAM 19B (3) and proceeds to step (4).

[0096] Next, when the CPU of the ultraviolet camera 2 confirms that the image capture start button has been pressed in response to an instruction from the management device 4 (4), the light path is split depending on whether the light entering the beam splitter 11 shown in Figure 3 is incident light (visible light 11a) or ultraviolet light 11b (5). If the split light is visible light 11a, the image processor 19A executes first optical system processing to pass the visible light 11a through the first optical system (6), and reads the color image data by forming an image on the first visible light CCD image sensor 13 (7).

[0097] Specifically, the image processor 19A converts color image data based on the visible light 11a into a predetermined amount of grayscale, and then the image processor 19A performs binarization processing by adaptive threshold processing.

[0098] Next, the image processor 19A generates the binarized image data on the RAM 19B as first image data 22 based on the visible light 11a (8).

[0099] On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the light entering the beam splitter 11 shown in FIG. 1 is ultraviolet light 11b, the process proceeds to step (9).

[0100] 3 is ultraviolet light 11b, a second optical system process is performed (9), and then an ultraviolet image is formed on the second ultraviolet CCD image sensor 18 (10). Next, the image processor 19A reads out the ultraviolet image data formed on the second ultraviolet CCD image sensor 18, and performs predetermined image processing to generate second image data 23 (11).

[0101] In step (11), the image processor 19A performs a first image process to perform a predetermined wavelet transform process on the ultraviolet image data (second image data 23), and then stores the result in the RAM 19B.

[0102] In addition, the image processing processor 19A generates binary image data by performing adaptive threshold processing on the grayscale image, and after adding the binary image data to a pre-established image class (consecutive frame length N), if it determines that the length is greater than N, it deletes the first frame and stores the binary image data of the latest class in RAM 19B.

[0103] Next, the ultraviolet camera 2 transmits the first and second image data 22, 23 to the management device 4 via the network NET (12), and the process ends.

[0104] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, a high-performance ultraviolet camera 2 equipped with an image synthesis processing function for capturing images of high-voltage electrical equipment 10 performs composite image processing of visible light 11a and ultraviolet light 11b, and transmits the synthesized image and visualized image information to a remote management device 4. This makes it possible to operate one ultraviolet camera 2 from a remote location to freely monitor multiple discharge points within the base of high-voltage electrical equipment 10 to be monitored, and to monitor the deterioration state of high-voltage electrical equipment 10 in real time with good visibility based on the amount of ultraviolet photons being discharged. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The products in this system utilize a corona discharge detection camera, allowing for remote operation in real time, displaying the location of discharges on a computer, and can also be configured as a remote monitoring and control system with video playback, editing functions, and automatic warning functions.

[0106] Furthermore, the management device 4 is configured to compare the number of ultraviolet photons of corona discharge measured from ultraviolet rays 11b with first to third thresholds for issuing multiple warnings, and if it determines that any of the thresholds is exceeded, activate an automatic warning function, thereby reducing the number of monitoring personnel at the management device 4 and reducing labor costs for constantly monitoring the high-voltage electrical equipment 10.

[0107] Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the management device 4 to freely and variably set the warning threshold value depending on the high-voltage electrical equipment 10 measured by the management device 4.

[0108] This will make it possible to expand the scope of application beyond the power industry to include discharge-related equipment.

[0109] The system can also be configured with an automatic warning function that allows warning notification emails to be set in advance, and a notification function that automatically sends warning emails to a set email address.

[0110] In this case, it is possible to adopt a control in which notification emails are set in advance separately for caution level and warning level, and notifications are automatically sent to set email addresses according to the respective deterioration levels.

[0111] More specifically, the email content will be structured to include a text document and automatically taken photos, allowing the monitoring manager to check the content of the notification email and clearly notify the detected location by visualizing the corona discharge on the equipment from the photos.

[0112] This reduces the burden on the monitoring administrator and makes it possible to determine whether the monitoring method is effective anytime, anywhere.

[0113] In addition, in the notification process, detailed information on text documents, equipment, and the date and time of the occurrence is stored in an external memory installed in the system, and a photo image of the discharge location is sent as a warning email to a pre-set email address, allowing the monitoring manager to clearly indicate the location where corona discharge was detected and take prompt action.

[0114] Furthermore, the system may be configured to incorporate a decision node for determining whether the automatic warning function is enabled. Note that the automatic warning function must be enabled in advance, and if it is disabled, it must be reset.

[0115] (1) An ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system in which an ultraviolet camera that captures images of high-voltage electrical equipment communicates with a management device that acquires image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the ultraviolet camera comprises: a positioning means that freely positions the lens of the ultraviolet camera attached to a pan head by rotating or moving it up and down to match the orientation of the lens to the part of the high-voltage electrical equipment to be monitored; an image processing means that combines ultraviolet image information captured by the ultraviolet camera with visible light image information to generate visualized image information; and a transmission means that transmits the visualized image information generated by the image processing means to the management device, wherein the management device comprises: a warning display control means that analyzes the visualized image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera to identify corona discharge points in the high-voltage electrical equipment, compares the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the identified corona discharge points with a preset threshold value, and displays a warning on a display unit indicating the deterioration state of the high-voltage electrical equipment.

[0116] (2) The thresholds are characterized by comprising a first threshold at which the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged indicates a first level, a second threshold at which the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged exceeds the first level, and a third threshold at which the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged exceeds the second level.

[0117] (3) The management device is characterized by comprising a threshold setting means for setting thresholds that are further subdivided from the second threshold and the third threshold.

[0118] (4) The display unit is characterized in that different deterioration levels are displayed in different colors.

[0119] (5) The management device is characterized in that it notifies a registered monitor of the different deterioration levels displayed on the display unit via the specified communication medium.

[0120] (6) The management device is characterized by having a storage means for storing the fluctuation state of the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged, which is analyzed in association with identification information assigned to the high-voltage electrical equipment.

[0121] (7) The management device is characterized by comprising a creating means for creating a report together with a chart showing the fluctuation state of the number of discharging ultraviolet photons stored in the storage means.

[0122] (8) The stop position of the camera platform is characterized in that it can be adjusted vertically relative to the ground plane.

[0123] (9) A remote monitoring control method for an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring control system in which an ultraviolet camera that captures images of high-voltage electrical equipment communicates with a management device that acquires image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera via a predetermined communication medium comprises: a positioning step in which the ultraviolet camera is attached to a pan head and is freely positioned by rotating or moving the lens of the ultraviolet camera in an up-and-down direction to match the location of the high-voltage electrical equipment to be monitored; an image processing step in which ultraviolet image information captured by the ultraviolet camera is combined with visible light image information to generate visualized image information; and a transmission step in which the visualized image information generated in the image processing step is transmitted to the management device; and the management device comprises: a warning display control step in which the management device analyzes the visualized image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera to identify corona discharge locations of the high-voltage electrical equipment, compares the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the identified corona discharge location with a preset threshold value, and displays a warning of the deterioration state of the high-voltage electrical equipment on a display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 2. Ultraviolet camera 3 Panhead 4 Management device NET Network

Claims

1. An ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system in which an ultraviolet camera that captures images of high-voltage electrical equipment communicates with a management device that acquires image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera via a predetermined communication medium, The ultraviolet camera a positioning means for freely positioning the lens of the ultraviolet camera attached to a pan head by rotating or vertically moving the lens in accordance with the location of the high-voltage electrical equipment to be monitored; an image processing means for synthesizing ultraviolet image information captured by the ultraviolet camera and visible light image information to generate visualized image information; a transmitting means for transmitting the visualized image information generated by the image processing means to the management device; Equipped with The management device a warning display control means for analyzing the visualized image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera to identify corona discharge points in the high-voltage electrical equipment, and for comparing the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the identified corona discharge points with a preset threshold value to display a warning of the deterioration state of the high-voltage electrical equipment on a display unit; An ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system comprising:

2. 2. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system of claim 1, wherein the thresholds are composed of a first threshold at which the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged indicates a first level, a second threshold at which the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged exceeds the first level, and a third threshold at which the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged exceeds the second level.

3. The management device 3. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to claim 2, further comprising a threshold setting means for setting thresholds that are further subdivided from the second threshold and the third threshold.

4. 2. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays different deterioration levels in different colors.

5. The management device 2. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein a registered monitor is notified of the different deterioration levels displayed on the display unit via the specified communication medium.

6. The management device The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means for storing the fluctuation state of the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged, which is analyzed in association with the identification information assigned to the high-voltage electrical equipment.

7. The management device 2. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to claim 1, further comprising a creating means for creating a report together with a chart showing the fluctuation state of the number of ultraviolet photons being discharged and stored in the storage means.

8. 2. The ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the stop position of the platform is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the ground plane.

9. A remote monitoring and control method for an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system in which an ultraviolet camera that captures images of high-voltage electrical equipment communicates with a management device that acquires image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: The ultraviolet camera a positioning step of freely positioning the lens of the ultraviolet camera attached to a pan head by rotating or vertically moving the lens in accordance with the location of the high-voltage electrical equipment to be monitored; an image processing step of synthesizing ultraviolet image information captured by the ultraviolet camera and visible light image information to generate visualized image information; a transmitting step of transmitting the visualized image information generated in the image processing step to the management device, The management device a warning display control step of analyzing the visualized image information transmitted from the ultraviolet camera to identify a corona discharge point in the high-voltage electrical equipment, and comparing the number of ultraviolet photons discharged from the identified corona discharge point with a preset threshold value to display a warning of the deterioration state of the high-voltage electrical equipment on a display unit; A remote monitoring and control method for an ultraviolet camera remote monitoring and control system, comprising:

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