Utility pole monitoring system

Abstract

We provide a utility pole monitoring system that allows for accurate monitoring of the condition of utility poles with a simple configuration. [Solution] The utility pole monitoring system S comprises an attachment 1 that is attached to a utility pole P and has a weight sensor 11 that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data, and a monitoring server 100 that receives the weight data of the utility pole from the weight sensor and monitors the status of the utility pole based on the weight data. The attachment 1 is attached to each of several utility poles P1 to P4 located in close proximity. The monitoring server 100 receives the weight data of each of the utility poles P1 to P4 located in close proximity, determines whether a given utility pole is in an abnormal state based on the weight data of each utility pole, and outputs the determination result.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a utility pole monitoring system, and particularly relates to a utility pole monitoring system that monitors the state of a utility pole using a weight sensor. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a utility pole monitoring system in which a tilt detector such as a tilt sensor is attached to a utility pole, and an abnormality of the utility pole is monitored based on tilt data of the utility pole obtained from the tilt sensor. For example, when large-scale wire breakage occurs due to a typhoon or a traffic accident, it is important to quickly identify which utility pole at which location is damaged using the utility pole monitoring system and carry out restoration work.

[0003] According to Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is disclosed a monitoring system including: a tilt detection communication terminal (tilt sensor module) attached to a utility pole; and a monitoring center (monitoring server) that receives tilt data of the utility pole from the tilt detection communication terminal and monitors for an abnormality of the utility pole. The above system makes it possible to monitor abnormal conditions such as when an electric wire vibrates due to strong wind and pulls the utility pole, based on the tilt degree of the utility pole. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Utility Model Registration No. 3161534 [[Patent Document 2]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-004387 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] Incidentally, in utility pole monitoring systems such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there was a need for accurate detection of abnormal conditions not only due to the tilting of utility poles, but also when power lines connected to the utility poles are severed, or when heavy objects become caught on the utility poles. Furthermore, there was a need for a system that could monitor the abnormal condition of utility poles with a simple configuration and low cost, without requiring the installation of complex detection devices. While tilt sensors can detect abnormal conditions such as a tilted utility pole, they have difficulty detecting abnormal conditions such as severed power lines or debris attached to power lines.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles (normal state, abnormal state) with a simple configuration. Another object of the present invention is to provide a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of a utility pole based on the condition of other nearby utility poles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problems are solved by the utility pole monitoring system of the present invention, which is a utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a utility pole, comprising: an attachment attached to the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; and a monitoring server that receives the weight data of the utility pole from the weight sensor and monitors the condition of the utility pole based on the weight data, wherein the attachment is attached to each of a plurality of utility poles located in close proximity, and the monitoring server receives the weight data of each of the utility poles located in close proximity, determines whether a predetermined utility pole among the plurality of utility poles is in an abnormal state based on the weight data of each of the utility poles, and outputs the determination result. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles with a simple configuration. More specifically, the above-mentioned utility pole monitoring system involves equipping multiple nearby utility poles with weight sensors (attachments with weight sensors), and a monitoring server determines the abnormal condition of a utility pole based on the weight data of each nearby pole. In this way, by using multiple weight sensors to understand the weight changes of each nearby utility pole, the system can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles with a simple configuration.

[0008] In this case, the attachment includes a first attachment attached to a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor for measuring the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and having a second weight sensor for measuring the weight of the second utility pole; and a third attachment attached to a third utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and on the opposite side from the second utility pole, and having a third weight sensor for measuring the weight of the third utility pole. The monitoring server may determine whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on first weight data indicating the weight of the first utility pole, second weight data indicating the weight of the second utility pole, and third weight data indicating the weight of the third utility pole. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can accurately monitor the condition of the first utility pole based on its weight (weight change) in comparison with the weight (weight change) of the adjacent second and third utility poles.

[0009] In this case, the attachment includes a fourth attachment that is located close to the first utility pole and attached to a fourth utility pole different from the second and third utility poles, and has a fourth weight sensor for measuring the weight of the fourth utility pole. The monitoring server may acquire the weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the multiple utility poles as needed, and determine whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on the weight changes of the first, second, and third utility poles, using the weight of the fourth utility pole as a reference. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can accurately monitor the condition of the first utility pole based on its weight, comparing it with the weights of the adjacent second and third utility poles, using the weight (weight change) of the nearby fourth utility pole as a reference.

[0010] In this case, the monitoring server may acquire weight data from the weight sensors installed on each of the multiple utility poles, calculate the weight change of each utility pole, and determine that the first utility pole is leaning towards the second utility pole when the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, and the weight of the third utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the first utility pole. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can accurately determine whether the first utility pole is leaning towards the second utility pole.

[0011] In this case, the monitoring server may acquire weight data from the weight sensors installed on each of the multiple utility poles, calculate the weight change of each utility pole, and determine that an abnormal condition exists in which the power lines connected by the first and second utility poles are severed when the weight of the first utility pole decreases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole increases more than the weight change of the third utility pole. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can accurately determine that the power lines connected by the first and second utility poles are severed and are in an abnormal state.

[0012] In this case, when the monitoring server determines that the power lines connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole are in an abnormal state of being severed, it is preferable to increase the frequency of acquiring the weight data from the weight sensors installed on the first utility pole and / or the second utility pole, and to acquire the weight data as needed. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can quickly detect further anomalies after the power lines are cut by increasing the frequency of acquiring weight data for the first (second) utility pole when the power lines are severed. For example, after an electric wire is cut, if a foreign object gets caught on the cut wire, it creates a considerably dangerous situation. Furthermore, if power is still supplied to the wire, the situation becomes extremely dangerous. Therefore, after an electric wire is cut, it is important to increase the frequency of acquiring weight data of the corresponding utility poles, identify utility poles in more dangerous conditions, and prioritize their restoration.

[0013] At this time, the monitoring server preferably acquires the weight data as needed from the weight sensors installed on each of the plurality of utility poles, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, and determines that an abnormal state where a heavy object is caught on the electric wire connected between the first utility pole and the second utility pole when the weight of the first utility pole changes and increases more greatly relative to the weight change of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole also changes and increases more greatly relative to the weight change of the third utility pole. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can accurately determine the abnormal state where a heavy object is caught on the electric wire connected between the first utility pole and the second utility pole. [Advantageous Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the utility pole monitoring system of the present invention, it is possible to accurately monitor the state (normal state or abnormal state) of a utility pole with a simple configuration. Furthermore, it is possible to accurately monitor the state of a utility pole based on the state of other adjacent utility poles. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the utility pole monitoring system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a utility pole, an electric wire, and an attachment with a weight sensor. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a utility pole, an electric wire, and an attachment with a weight sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the utility pole monitoring system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining the functions of the monitoring server. [Figure 6]It is a diagram showing that the utility pole is in a "normal state". [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an "abnormal state" where the first utility pole is tilted. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an "abnormal state" where the electric wire between the first utility pole and the second utility pole is broken. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an "abnormal state" where flying debris is caught on a broken electric wire. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an "abnormal state" where a heavy object is caught on the electric wire between the first utility pole and the third utility pole. [Figure 11] It is a processing flow diagram showing a utility pole monitoring method using the utility pole monitoring system.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 11. The present embodiment relates to a "utility pole monitoring system" that enables accurate monitoring of the state (normal state, abnormal state) of a utility pole with a simple configuration using a weight sensor.

[0017] <Overview of Utility Pole Monitoring System> As shown in FIG. 1, the utility pole monitoring system S is a monitoring system for quickly detecting an abnormal state of utility poles and electric wires when the utility poles or electric wires are damaged due to typhoons, traffic accidents or other causes, so as to facilitate restoration of the affected utility poles and electric wires. More specifically, the utility pole monitoring system S is a system that acquires weight data of a utility pole P at any time using a weight sensor 30, determines whether a predetermined utility pole P is in an abnormal state based on the weight (weight change) of the utility pole P, and outputs the determination result.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the utility pole monitoring system S comprises: an attachment 1 attached to the utility pole P, the attachment having a weight sensor 30 that measures the weight of the utility pole P and acquires weight data; and a monitoring server 100 that receives the weight data of the utility pole P from the weight sensor 30 and monitors the state of the utility pole P based on the weight data. First, I will explain the utility pole P, and then I will explain the weight sensor attachment 1 and the monitoring server 100.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, utility poles P are poles that support power lines W that transmit electricity and electrical signals while they are suspended in the air, and are installed so as to rise from the ground. The utility pole P comprises a main pole body Pa that extends upward while being partially buried in the ground, and a support Pb that is fixed to the upper part of the main pole body Pa and extends horizontally from the main pole body Pa. The support Pb is a member that supports multiple electric wires W, for example, by supporting the electric wires W via electric wire support members Pc (insulators). The support Pb can also support various linear members other than electric wires W, such as communication lines. An attachment 1, which has a weight sensor 30, is fixed to the upper part of the utility pole P.

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an attachment 1 having a weight sensor 30 is attached to each of the first utility pole P1, second utility pole P2, third utility pole P3, and fourth utility pole P4. In other words, the weight sensor 30 makes it possible to measure the weight data of each of the four utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4. A second utility pole P2 is installed adjacent to the first utility pole P1. A third utility pole P3 is installed adjacent to the first utility pole P1, but on the opposite side from the second utility pole P2. The fourth utility pole P4 is located in a position close to the first utility pole P1, but not adjacent to the first utility pole P1, and is adjacent to the third utility pole P3.

[0021] Attachment 1 is a fitting (utility pole fitting) that can be detachably attached to a utility pole P, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and is attached, for example, by wrapping it around the upper part of the utility pole body Pa. Attachment 1 is installed with the sensor module 20 in contact with the utility pole body Pa and support Pb, enabling the measurement of the weight of the utility pole P. Attachment 1 comprises a strip-shaped metal fitting body 10 that can be wrapped around the utility pole body Pa, and a sensor module 20 attached to the metal fitting body 10 for measuring the weight of the utility pole.

[0022] The sensor module 20 continuously acquires weight data of the utility pole P through the weight sensor 30 and transmits the obtained weight data to the monitoring server 100 as it occurs. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sensor module 20 mainly consists of a weight sensor 30 that detects the weight of the utility pole P and acquires weight data, a wireless communication unit 40 that receives the weight data and transmits it wirelessly to the outside, a control unit 50 that processes the weight data obtained by the weight sensor 30 and transmits it to the wireless communication unit 40, and a power supply unit 60 that supplies power.

[0023] The weight sensor 30 is a weight measuring device (weight detector) that measures the weight of the utility pole P, and continuously measures the weight of the utility pole P. By accumulating weight data of the utility pole P, it is possible to determine whether the condition of the utility pole P is "normal" or "abnormal". The wireless communication unit 40 connects to an external computer (monitoring server 100) using wireless communication technology and transmits and receives data signals. The control unit 50 is equivalent to a microcomputer and is a control controller that comprehensively performs electrical control. The power supply unit 60 is composed of, for example, a circuit that supplies low voltage power. While the weight of utility pole P can also be calculated using a pressure sensor in addition to a weight sensor, a weight sensor is preferable because it allows for weight measurement at a lower cost.

[0024] "Measuring the weight of utility pole P" is a broad concept that includes measuring the weight of the entire utility pole P, as well as measuring the weight of parts of the utility pole P. Furthermore, if power lines W are connected to utility pole P, it means measuring the total weight of the utility pole P itself plus the weight of the power lines W connected to and acting on the utility pole P. In this embodiment, the weight sensor 30 is located below the support Pb of the utility pole P and measures the total weight of "the support Pb and the wire support member Pc of the utility pole P itself" and "the weight of the wire W connected to the utility pole P (the weight of the wire W when one side of the wire W is supported)". Thus, "measuring the weight of utility pole P" includes measuring the weight of utility pole P and the power lines W connected to it. For example, the "weight of the first utility pole P1" shown in Figure 6 represents the total weight of the support Pb and wire support member Pc of the first utility pole P, plus the weight of the wire W attached to the first utility pole P, and is "30 kg".

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, attachment 1 includes a first attachment 1A having a first weight sensor 30A, a second attachment 1B having a second weight sensor 30B, a third attachment 1C having a third weight sensor 30C, and a fourth attachment 1D having a fourth weight sensor 30D. Attachment 1A is attached to the first utility pole P1, attachment 2B is attached to the second utility pole P2, attachment 3C is attached to the third utility pole P3, and attachment 4D is attached to the fourth utility pole P4. Attachment 1 may be attached to each of the three utility poles P, or to each of the five or more utility poles P. Alternatively, Attachment 1 may be attached to two utility poles P.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the monitoring server 100 is a computer having a CPU (processor), storage devices (ROM, RAM, HDD), and a communication interface (communication IF), and is connected to the weight sensors 30 (30A to 30D) in a communicative manner. The monitoring server 100 determines the state of a predetermined utility pole P based on the weight of each utility pole P1 to P4 measured by each weight sensor 30A to 30D, and outputs the determination result. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 monitors the state of the first utility pole P1 based on its weight, comparing it with the weights of the adjacent second utility pole P2 and third utility pole P3, using the weight (weight change) of the nearby fourth utility pole P4 as a reference. It then determines whether the first utility pole P1 is in a "normal state" or an "abnormal state" and outputs the determination result. The monitoring server 100 should output the above judgment results (judgment result data) by displaying them on a screen or by sending them to an external communication terminal.

[0027] The condition of utility pole P is explained in detail below. Figure 6 shows that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state". Figure 7 shows that the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" due to being tilted. Figure 8 shows an "abnormal condition" where the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is severed. Figure 9 shows an "abnormal situation (more urgent situation)" where a flying object has become caught on a severed power line W. Figure 10 shows an "abnormal condition" where a heavy object is caught in the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3.

[0028] <Control by monitoring server> As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring server 100, in terms of its functionality, mainly consists of a storage unit 101 for temporarily storing various programs and data, a communication unit 102, a determination unit 103, and an output unit 104. These are composed of a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, HDD, communication interface, and various programs. The memory unit 101 stores the "utility pole monitoring program," "judgment data (judgment master data)" for determining the state (abnormal state) of utility pole P, and "deterioration correction data" for correcting the deterioration of the weight sensor 30. The "judgment data" is master data that associates weight changes of utility poles P (multiple utility poles P) with predetermined abnormal conditions, and is centrally managed in the storage unit 101.

[0029] The communication unit 102 continuously receives weight data from the weight sensor 30. The determination unit 103 acquires the weight data received by the communication unit 102 and, while referring to the "determination data," determines the state of the utility pole P (normal state, abnormal state) based on the weight data. The output unit 104 outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit 103.

[0030] In this manner, the monitoring server 100 refers to the "judgment data" and, based on the weight changes of the utility poles P1 to P4 obtained from each weight sensor 30A to 30D, determines whether a given utility pole P is in an abnormal state and outputs the judgment result. This allows for quick identification of any abnormalities in utility poles P and power lines W when damage occurs, enabling restoration work to be carried out on both poles P and power lines W. Specifically, the "normal state" and "abnormal state" of utility pole P are as follows:

[0031] <<Normal condition of utility poles>> Figure 6 shows that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state". Weight sensors 30A to 30D are installed on each of the utility poles P1 to P4, acquiring weight data in real time and transmitting it to the monitoring server 100. According to the example in Figure 6, the weight of each utility pole P1 to P4 is "30 kg". The monitoring server 100 determines that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state" when the weight of the utility poles P1 to P4 obtained by the weight sensors 30A to 30D does not change (does not change much), that is, when there is no weight change (almost no change). For example, if the "degree of change" between the weight of utility pole P at a predetermined time (weight data) and the weight of utility pole P at the next time is within ±2%, preferably within ±1%, then it is appropriate to determine that utility pole P is in a "normal state". Furthermore, if the weight sensor 30 is used for a long period of time, it will deteriorate over time. Therefore, it is recommended to perform deterioration correction by multiplying it by a deterioration coefficient that takes into account the deterioration of the weight sensor 30 over time, referring to the "deterioration correction data" described later.

[0032] <<Abnormal condition: A utility pole is leaning>> Figure 7 shows an "abnormal condition" in which the first utility pole P1 is tilted toward the second utility pole P2 as a result of being pulled toward the second utility pole P2. According to the example in Figure 7, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "31 kg", "27 kg", "34 kg", and "30 kg", respectively. This means that when the first utility pole P1 tilts, the wire W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 slackens, causing the weight of the first utility pole P1 to change slightly (or remain unchanged), the weight of the second utility pole P2 to decrease, and the weight of the third utility pole P3 to increase. The weight of the fourth utility pole remains unchanged (or hardly changes).

[0033] At this time, the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the multiple utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is leaning towards the second utility pole P2 because, in addition to the weight change of the first utility pole P1 (30kg ⇒ 31kg), the weight of the second utility pole P2 has changed and decreased more significantly (30kg ⇒ 27kg), and the weight of the third utility pole P3 has changed and increased more significantly (30kg ⇒ 34kg). In other words, the monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" due to tilting, and outputs the result of that determination.

[0034] Furthermore, even if the first utility pole P1 is slightly tilted, if there is no (or virtually no) change in the weight distribution of the first utility pole P1 to the third utility pole P3 over time, the first utility pole P1 can continue to be used, and therefore the monitoring server 100 may determine that the first utility pole P1 is in a "minor abnormal state (normal state)". On the other hand, if the first utility pole P1 tilts so much towards the second utility pole P2 that there is no slack in the wire W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, the first utility pole P1 may collapse. If the first utility pole P1 tilts to the point where there is a risk of collapse, that is, if the weight change of the first utility pole P1 to the third utility pole P3 is large, the monitoring server 100 may determine that the first utility pole P1 is in an "urgent abnormal state".

[0035] <<Correction of weight data based on other utility poles (correction for sensor degradation)>> To more accurately determine the condition of the first utility pole P1, it is advisable to not only use the "past weight data of the first utility pole P1" as a reference, but also to use the "current weight data of the fourth utility pole P4," which is functioning normally in the same environment, as a reference, and to perform weight data correction (sensor degradation correction). When correcting weight data, it is advisable to consider "weight sensor degradation." Regarding "weight sensor degradation," by using the "weight data" of other weight sensors 30D as a reference and correcting the "weight data" of weight sensors 30A to 30C, it is possible to calculate the weight (weight change) of weight sensor 30 while considering its degradation over time. For example, it is advisable to calculate the standard deviation of similar data from weight sensors subjected to the same load as a group, and then correct the weight (weight data) by multiplying it by a "sensor degradation coefficient" based on the standard deviation. The storage unit 101 of the monitoring server 100 stores "degradation correction data" for performing degradation correction of the weight sensor 30, and it is desirable that this data be updated as needed.

[0036] In other words, the monitoring server 100 should determine whether the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" based on the weight changes of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3, using the weight (weight change) of the fourth utility pole P4 as a reference. According to Figure 7, the weight of utility pole P4, which is not adjacent to the first utility pole P1, has not changed (30kg ⇒ 30kg). However, if the weight of utility pole P4 has changed slightly due to sensor degradation (e.g., 30kg ⇒ 29.5kg), it is advisable to consider this slight change (0.5kg) and correct the weight (weight change) of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3 for degradation. The condition of utility pole P1 should then be determined based on the weight change after degradation correction. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 should refer to the "degradation correction data" to calculate the weight change after correction and determine the condition of utility pole P1 based on that weight change. Furthermore, the process of correcting the weight changes of the first to third utility poles P1 to P3 based on the weight data of the fourth utility pole P4 can also be used for subsequent judgment processes.

[0037] <<Abnormal condition: power lines have been cut>> Figure 8 shows an "abnormal condition" where the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is severed. Such an "abnormal condition" is difficult to detect using only the tilt data obtained from the tilt sensor. According to the example in Figure 8, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "17kg", "15kg", "32kg", and "30kg", respectively. This means that, with the power line W completely severed, the weight of the first utility pole P1 (17kg) and the second utility pole P2 (15kg) decreased to about half of their normal weight of 30kg (and also to about half of the weight of the fourth utility pole P4, which was 30kg), while the weight of the third utility pole P3 increased slightly (from 30kg to 32kg).

[0038] At this time, the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the multiple utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that the above-mentioned power line W has been cut when, in addition to the weight change of the third utility pole P3 (30kg ⇒ 32kg), the weight of the first utility pole has changed and decreased more significantly (30kg ⇒ 17kg), and the weight of the second utility pole P2 has changed and increased more significantly (30kg ⇒ 15kg). In other words, the monitoring server 100 determines that the power line W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is in an "abnormal state" due to a break in the wire, and outputs the determination result. The monitoring server 100 may also determine that the above-mentioned power line W has been cut based on the weight changes of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3 relative to the weight data (30 kg) of the fourth utility pole P4.

[0039] <<Debris caught in severed power lines: "Emergency situation">> Figure 9 shows an "abnormal condition" where an object has become caught in the severed power line W. It is difficult to detect such "abnormal conditions" using tilt sensors or similar devices. According to the example in Figure 9, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "22kg", "15kg", "32kg", and "30kg", respectively. This means that after the power line W has been completely severed, flying debris has become caught on the power line W due to wind and rain. In this state, if the power line W is wet from puddles or other sources and power is still being supplied, it means that the situation is extremely dangerous. In situations like this, it is necessary to increase the monitoring frequency, for example, to every 10 minutes, rather than monitoring the utility pole P every hour. Furthermore, upon quickly confirming any unstable weight changes after the power line W has been cut, the monitoring server 100 should notify the workers to prioritize the restoration work on the utility pole P.

[0040] At this time, the monitoring server 100 determines that the power line W connected by the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is in an "abnormal state" where it has been cut, and increases the frequency of acquiring weight data from the weight sensor 30 installed on the first utility pole P1 (second utility pole P2), thereby acquiring weight data as it occurs. Then, if the weight of the first utility pole P1 (second utility pole P2) fluctuates significantly more than normal, the monitoring server 100 determines that an object has become caught on the severed power line W and outputs (notifies) that it is an "urgent abnormal condition". Specifically, the monitoring server 100 determines that an "urgent abnormal condition" has occurred, where a flying object has become entangled in the power line W connected to the first utility pole P1, when it notices a significant increase in the weight of the first utility pole P1 (17kg ⇒ 22kg) while the weights of the other utility poles P2, P3, and P4 remain unchanged (or hardly change). It then outputs this determination result.

[0041] <<Abnormal situation: Heavy object caught on power line>> Figure 10 shows an "abnormal condition" where a heavy object is caught in the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3. It is difficult to detect such "abnormal conditions" using tilt sensors or similar devices. According to the example in Figure 10, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "36kg", "32kg", "36kg", and "32kg", respectively. This means that a heavy object got caught in the power line W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, causing a significant increase in the weight of the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, while the weight of the second utility pole P2 and the fourth utility pole P4 increased only slightly. Such "abnormal conditions" are frequently observed in accidents, for example, when heavy objects such as cranes, temporary scaffolding for construction, or trees fall and get caught. In the "abnormal condition" described above, a change occurs in the total weight of the adjacent utility poles P1 to P4, thus demonstrating the advantage of equipping each of the multiple utility poles P with a weight sensor 30.

[0042] At this time, the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the multiple utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that a heavy object has become entangled in the power line W when it observes that the weight of the first power pole P1 has changed and increased more significantly (30kg to 36kg) than the weight change of the second power pole P2 (30kg to 32kg), and that the weight of the third power pole P3 has also changed and increased more significantly (30kg to 36kg).

[0043] As described above, the utility pole monitoring system S uses multiple weight sensors 30 to continuously monitor the weight of nearby utility poles P, thereby accurately identifying various "abnormal conditions" of utility poles P. Furthermore, when a designated utility pole P is determined to be in an "abnormal condition," the frequency of monitoring the weight of the utility pole P is increased, allowing for the identification of utility poles P in more dangerous conditions and their restoration to be prioritized.

[0044] <Monitoring and control of utility poles by a monitoring server (utility pole monitoring method)> Next, the process of utility pole monitoring and control (utility pole monitoring program) by the utility pole monitoring system S will be explained based on Figure 11. The above program is executed upon receiving operational instructions from the monitor and will run repeatedly until it receives a stop command from the monitor.

[0045] In the processing flow shown in Figure 11, the process begins with step 1 (S1), in which the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change for each utility pole. Furthermore, the monitoring server 100 may acquire "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30C installed on utility poles P1 to P3 as needed. In other words, it is not necessary to acquire the "weight data" of the fourth utility pole P4 when determining the state of the first utility pole P1.

[0046] In step 2, the monitoring server 100 determines the state of the first utility pole P1 (normal state, abnormal state) based on the weight changes of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3, using the weight of the fourth utility pole P4 as a reference. In step 3, the monitoring server 100 outputs the result of its determination.

[0047] If, in step 4, the monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is in a predetermined "abnormal state" (step 4: Yes), proceed to step 5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first utility pole P1 is not in an "abnormal state" (Step 4: No), proceed to Step 6.

[0048] In step 5, when the monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state," it increases the frequency of acquiring weight data from the first weight sensor 30A installed on the first utility pole P1, and acquires this weight data as needed. This allows for quick detection of any further dangerous conditions at utility pole P1, enabling priority restoration of utility pole P1.

[0049] In step 6, if the monitoring server 100 completes processing of the utility pole monitoring program due to an operation by the monitor (step 6: Yes), the process shown in Figure 11 is terminated. On the other hand, if the utility pole monitoring program has not finished processing, return to step 1.

[0050] The utility pole monitoring method using the above-described utility pole monitoring system S allows for accurate monitoring of the status of utility poles P (normal state, abnormal state) with a simple configuration. Specifically, by using the weight sensor 30, the status of utility pole P can be monitored with greater accuracy based on the status of other nearby utility poles P.

[0051] <Other> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a weight sensor 30 is installed on each utility pole P, but this is not particularly limited. For example, when determining the state of the first utility pole P1 among the utility poles P1 to P4 located in close proximity, the weight sensor 30 may be installed only on the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3, or it may be installed only on the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2. Alternatively, the weight sensor 30 may be installed only on the first utility pole P1, and the monitoring server 100 may determine the state of the first utility pole P1 based on the weight (weight change) obtained only from the first utility pole P1.

[0052] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, weight sensors 30 are attached to adjacent utility poles P1, P2, and P3, but this is not particularly limited. For example, weight sensors 30 could be attached to each utility pole P that is in close proximity but not adjacent, and the "abnormal state" of a given utility pole P could be determined based on the weight data obtained from these weight sensors 30. More specifically, weight sensors 30 could be attached to groups of utility poles P, skipping one pole at a time, or weight sensors 30 could be concentrated on groups of utility poles P located in areas prone to earthquakes or on steep slopes.

[0053] The above embodiments mainly described the utility pole monitoring system according to the present invention. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included. In particular, the embodiments described above are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] S Utility Pole Monitoring System 1 Attachment 1A First Attachment 1B Second Attachment 1C Third Attachment 1D 4th Attachment 10 Metal fittings 20 Sensor Modules 30 Weight Sensors 30A First Weight Sensor 30B Second Weight Sensor 30C Third Weight Sensor 30D 4th Weight Sensor 40 Wireless Communication Section 50 Control Unit 60 Power supply section 100 monitoring servers 101 Storage section 102 Communications Department 103 Judgment section 104 Output section P utility pole Pa utility pole body Pb support PC wire support member (insulator) P1 First utility pole (utility pole) P2 Second utility pole P3 Third utility pole P4 4th utility pole W electric wire

Claims

1. A utility pole monitoring system that monitors the condition of utility poles, An attachment that is mounted on the utility pole and has a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data, The system includes a monitoring server that receives weight data of the utility pole from the weight sensor and monitors the status of the utility pole based on the weight data, The attachment is mounted on each of the multiple utility poles located in close proximity to each other. The utility pole monitoring system is characterized in that the monitoring server receives the weight data of each of the utility poles located in close proximity, determines whether a predetermined utility pole among the plurality of utility poles is in an abnormal state based on the weight data of each of the utility poles, and outputs the determination result.

2. The aforementioned attachment is A first attachment is attached to a first utility pole and has a first weight sensor for measuring the weight of the first utility pole, A second attachment is mounted on a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and has a second weight sensor for measuring the weight of the second utility pole. The system includes a third attachment which is attached to a third utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and on the opposite side from the second utility pole, and which has a third weight sensor for measuring the weight of the third utility pole, The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring server determines whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on first weight data indicating the weight of the first utility pole, second weight data indicating the weight of the second utility pole, and third weight data indicating the weight of the third utility pole.

3. The attachment includes a fourth attachment which is located close to the first utility pole and is attached to a fourth utility pole different from the second and third utility poles, and which has a fourth weight sensor for measuring the weight of the fourth utility pole. The aforementioned monitoring server, Weight data is acquired from the weight sensors installed on each of the multiple utility poles as needed. The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that it determines whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on the weight changes of the first utility pole, the second utility pole, and the third utility pole, using the weight of the fourth utility pole as a reference.

4. The aforementioned monitoring server, Weight data is acquired from the weight sensors installed on each of the multiple utility poles, and the weight change of each utility pole is calculated. The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, and the weight of the third utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, it is determined that the first utility pole is leaning towards the second utility pole.

5. The aforementioned monitoring server, Weight data is acquired from the weight sensors installed on each of the multiple utility poles, and the weight change of each utility pole is calculated. The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the weight of the first utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, it is determined that an abnormal condition exists in which the power lines connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole are severed.

6. The aforementioned monitoring server, When it is determined that the power lines connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole are in an abnormal state of being severed, The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that the frequency of acquiring the weight data from the weight sensors provided on the first utility pole and / or the second utility pole is increased, and the weight data is acquired as needed.

7. The aforementioned monitoring server, Weight data is acquired from the weight sensors installed on each of the multiple utility poles, and the weight change of each utility pole is calculated. The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the weight of the first utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, it is determined that an abnormal condition has occurred in which a heavy object has become caught on the power lines connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole.

Images