Monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To provide a new technology for monitoring cables to more appropriately prevent cable theft, etc. [Solution] A monitoring system for a cable inserted into a buried pipe, comprising: The monitoring system comprises a plurality of tracking devices installed at predetermined intervals on the cable to form a bus or star network, and a monitoring device located at the root of the network; The tracking device an antenna unit that has a resonant frequency where λ / 2 is equal to or less than the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a square buried pipe, and that emits omnidirectional radio waves; a relay communication unit that performs relay communication from downstream to upstream by receiving identification information from the other tracking devices via the antenna unit and transmitting the received identification information and its own identification information; The monitoring device a generation unit that generates a network configuration based on the identification information acquired through the relay communication; Surveillance system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are techniques for preventing theft of solar cell modules in photovoltaic power generation.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for tracking a solar cell module by wireless communication even if the module is stolen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-114150 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Long cables used in power plants can be cut and partially stolen. However, the technology in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the possibility of the cable being cut and partially stolen, and is therefore not suitable for preventing cable theft.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object to be achieved is to provide a new technology for monitoring cables to more appropriately prevent theft of cables, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A monitoring system for a cable inserted into a buried pipe, comprising: The monitoring system comprises a plurality of tracking devices installed at predetermined intervals on the cable to form a bus or star network, and a monitoring device located at the root of the network; The tracking device an antenna unit that has a resonant frequency where λ / 2 is equal to or less than the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a square buried pipe, and that emits omnidirectional radio waves; a relay communication unit that performs relay communication from downstream to upstream by receiving identification information from the other tracking devices via the antenna unit and transmitting the received identification information and its own identification information; The monitoring device a generation unit that generates a network configuration based on the identification information acquired through the relay communication; Surveillance system.

[0008] [9] A monitoring method performed by a monitoring system for a cable inserted into a buried pipe, comprising: The monitoring system comprises a plurality of tracking devices installed at predetermined intervals on the cable to form a bus or star network, and a monitoring device located at the root of the network; The tracking device: a radiation step of radiating omnidirectional radio waves at a resonant frequency where λ / 2 is equal to or less than the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of the long side of a rectangular cross section of a rectangular buried pipe; a relay communication step of receiving identification information from the other tracking devices and transmitting the received identification information and the tracking device's own identification information, thereby performing relay communication from downstream to upstream; The monitoring device a generating step of generating a network configuration based on the identification information acquired through the relay communication; Monitoring method.

[0009] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to monitor and manage the cable while reducing the attenuation of the radio waves from the tracking device stored in the buried pipe together with the cable.

[0010] [2] The antenna unit radiates a circularly polarized wave. [1] The monitoring system according to the present invention.

[0011] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the attenuation of the radio waves from the tracking device.

[0012] [3] The tracking device is a mode switching unit that has a vibration sensor, and transitions from a free space mode to a sleep mode when the vibration sensor does not detect vibration for a certain period of time, and transitions from the sleep mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration; the relay communication unit transmits its own identification information at regular intervals in the free space mode, and further transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the transmission intervals in the free space mode in the sleep mode, and further performs the relay communication at least in the sleep mode; [1] or [2]. The monitoring system according to [1] or [2].

[0013] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to monitor and manage the cable while suppressing the decrease in battery power of the tracking device.

[0014] [4] The sleep mode has at least a first stage sleep mode and a second stage sleep mode, the mode switching unit transitions from the first sleep mode to the second sleep mode when no identification information is received from the other tracking device for a certain period of time, the relay communication unit transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the first sleep mode in the second sleep mode. [3] The monitoring system according to the present invention.

[0015] With this configuration, it is possible to periodically transmit identification information and further to monitor and manage the cable while suppressing the battery consumption of the tracking device.

[0016] [5] The mode switching unit transitions from the sleep mode to the submerged mode when it does not receive identification information from the other tracking devices for a certain period of time, and transitions from the submerged mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration, the relay communication unit transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the sleep mode in the submerged mode, and does not perform the relay communication in the submerged mode; [3] or [4].

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to monitor and manage the cable while suppressing the loss of battery power when the tracking device is submerged in water.

[0018] [6] The sleep mode has at least a first stage sleep mode and a second stage sleep mode; the mode switching unit transitions from the sleep mode to the submerged mode when it does not receive identification information from the other tracking devices for a certain period of time, and transitions from the submerged mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration, the relay communication unit transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the first stage sleep mode in the second stage sleep mode, and further transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the submerged mode in the sleep mode, and further does not perform the relay communication in the submerged mode. [3] The monitoring system according to the present invention.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to periodically transmit identification information and further to monitor and manage the cable while suppressing battery loss in the event that the tracking device is submerged in water.

[0020] [7] The relay communication unit transmits relay count information that can determine the number of relay communications when transmitting the identification information of the own device and the identification information received from the other tracking devices, the generation unit generates a network configuration including an installation order of the tracking devices based on the identification information and the relay count information. A monitoring system according to any one of [1] to [6].

[0021] By configuring in this way, it is possible to automatically generate a network configuration including the order of the tracking devices installed on the buried cables.

[0022] [8] The antenna unit has a configuration in which signals having a relative phase difference of 90 degrees are input to two feeding points, or a configuration in which two diagonally opposite corners of a substantially rectangular patch are cut off. A monitoring system according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0023] With this configuration, an antenna that emits circularly polarized radio waves can be realized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, a new technique for monitoring cables can be provided to more appropriately prevent theft of cables and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an anti-theft system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic image diagram of cable management in a power plant according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional components according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 shows an example of a data configuration stored in a storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not a tracking device is present in a power plant according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows an embodiment of a tracking device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 shows an example of the installation of a tracking device in proximity to a cable according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic image diagram of cable management in a power plant according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 shows an example of an antenna according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a process for generating a network configuration according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a mode transition process of the tracking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an example of a state transition diagram relating to modes of a tracking device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following description of the anti-theft system of the present invention is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown, however the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0027] For example, although the configuration, operation, etc. of the anti-theft system are described in this embodiment, the same effects can be achieved by the executed method (steps), device, computer program, etc. The program in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or the program may be started on an external computer to perform its functions on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0028] In addition, in this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In this embodiment, "information" is represented by, for example, the physical value of a signal value representing voltage or current, the high or low value of a signal value as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculation can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0029] A circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. That is, it includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0030] <System Overview in First Embodiment> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an anti-theft system in embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the anti-theft system 0 includes an anti-theft device 1, a tracking device 2, and a user terminal 3. The anti-theft device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 3 via a network NW. The anti-theft device 1 operates as a server, and the user terminal 3 operates as a client terminal.

[0031] The anti-theft device 1 receives identification information and the like from the tracking device 2. The anti-theft device 1 also determines whether or not the tracking device 2 is present in the power plant based on the received identification information and the like. Furthermore, the anti-theft device 1 notifies the user terminal 3 of the result of the determination based on the result.

[0032] A general-purpose server computer, a personal computer, or the like can be used as the anti-theft device 1. It is also possible to configure the anti-theft device 1 using multiple computers. Alternatively, the anti-theft device 1 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0033] The tracking device 2 is a device that transmits identification information etc. for identifying itself (an identification number for uniquely specifying the tracking device 2, such as a tracking device ID) and its own location information. The identification information etc. transmitted by the tracking device 2 is received by the anti-theft device 1 and tracking devices 2 other than the tracking device 2 that transmitted the identification information. In addition, the tracking device 2 periodically transmits its own location information (GPS information).

[0034] The tracking device 2 is an antenna, and may be a pattern antenna, a chip antenna, a patch antenna, etc. In order to transmit radio waves over a long distance, it is preferable that the tracking device 2 is a pattern antenna.

[0035] The tracking device 2 includes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit (chip or module) that transmits information. Alternatively, the tracking device 2 may include a ZigBee (registered trademark) unit (chip or module) that transmits information.

[0036] The tracking device 2 may also include a GPS (registered trademark) unit (chip or module), which may transmit information. The tracking device 2 may also include an LTE (registered trademark) unit (chip or module), which may transmit information.

[0037] The user terminal 3 receives information from the anti-theft device 1 and the tracking device 2. The user terminal 3 may be a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. There may be one or more user terminals 3.

[0038] A plurality of tracking devices 2 are installed in close proximity on a cable 4 (one long cable).

[0039] The anti-theft device 1 and / or the user terminal 3 can make the tracking device 2 sound a sound via a specific input. For example, a sound is made to sound from the tracking device 2 in response to an instruction input from the anti-theft device 1 and / or the user terminal 3. The ability of the anti-theft device 1 and / or the user terminal 3 to make the tracking device 2 sound a sound can prove that the tracking device 2 belongs to the person who can make the sound sound.

[0040] Furthermore, the anti-theft device 1 and / or the user terminal 3 can identify the location of the stolen tracking device 2 by receiving the location information of the tracking device 2. Since a thief is likely to steal the tracking device 2 along with the cable 4 without realizing the presence of the tracking device 2, the location of the thief of the cable 4 can be identified from the location of the tracking device 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the network NW is an IP (Internet Protocol) network, but there is no limitation on the type of communication protocol, and there is also no limitation on the type and scale of the network.

[0042] <Hardware configuration> 2 is a hardware configuration diagram. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the information processing device 10 (theft prevention device 1, monitoring device 1000) has a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103, which are used to perform the functions of each unit and each process.

[0043] The control unit 101 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the overall operation and processing of the information processing device 10 by executing the anti-theft program of the present invention, an OS (Operating System), browser software, and other applications.

[0044] The storage unit 102 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or the like, and stores the anti-theft program according to the present invention and data used when the control unit 101 executes processing based on the program. The control unit 101 executes processing based on the anti-theft program stored in the storage unit 102, thereby realizing the functional configuration described below.

[0045] The communication unit 103 controls communication with the network NW, and performs input necessary for operating the information processing device 10 and output related to the operation results.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the terminal device 9 (user terminal 3) has a control unit 91, a storage unit 92, a communication unit 93, an input unit 94, and an output unit 95, and is used to perform the functions of each unit and each process.

[0047] The control unit 91 of the terminal device 9 includes one or more processors such as a CPU, and controls the overall operation and processing of the terminal device 9. The storage unit 92 of the terminal device 9 is an HDD, SSD, ROM, RAM, or the like, and stores the above-mentioned applications and data used when the control unit 91 executes processing based on a program.

[0048] A communication unit 93 of the terminal device 9 controls communication with the network NW. An input unit 94 of the terminal device 9 is a mouse, keyboard, etc., and inputs operation requests from the user / provider to the control unit 91. An output unit 95 of the terminal device 9 is a display, etc., and displays the results of processing by the control unit 91, etc.

[0049] <Schematic image diagram of embodiment 1> Fig. 3 is a schematic image diagram of cable management at a power plant in embodiment 1. A power plant 5 has a plurality of cables 4, and a tracking device 2 (2a to 2u) is installed close to each cable 4. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of tracking devices 2 are installed close to the cables at predetermined intervals.

[0050] Since there is a high possibility that thieves will cut the cables of a power plant to steal them, by installing tracking devices 2 at predetermined intervals close to the cables 4 as shown in Figure 3, there is a high possibility that thieves will steal the tracking devices 2 along with the cut cables 4.

[0051] Furthermore, the power plant 5 has an anti-theft device 1 for managing the theft of the multiple cables. The anti-theft device 1 uses information received from the tracking device 2 to determine whether the tracking device 2 has been stolen along with the cables 4. Because the range over which the tracking device 2 can transmit information is limited, if the tracking device 2 is taken away from the anti-theft device 1 (for example, outside the power plant), information from the tracking device 2 will cease to be received.

[0052] Since a thief is likely to steal the tracking device 2 along with the cut cable 4, the anti-theft device 1 can determine whether the cable 4 has been stolen by determining whether it has stopped receiving information from a certain tracking device 2.

[0053] When the cable 4 (the cable 4 on which the tracking device 2 is installed) leaves the power plant 5, a terminal such as a smartphone present in the infrastructure network of the world (for example, outside the power plant 5) is responsible for uploading (transmitting) the identification information and / or transfer identification information of the tracking device 2 onto the cloud network.

[0054] Specifically, the identification information sent by the tracking device 2 is received by a terminal such as a smartphone on the infrastructure network, and the smartphone etc. adds location information and uploads (transmits) that information (identification information, transfer identification information, location information, etc.) to the cloud network.

[0055] If a smartphone on the network has downloaded a dedicated app or program, it may receive information transmitted by the tracking device 2. Also, even if a smartphone on the network has not downloaded a dedicated app or program, it may still receive information transmitted by the tracking device 2.

[0056] In this way, no matter where in Japan the tracking device 2 attached to the stolen cable moves, the location of the tracking device 2 can be tracked using location information from a smartphone or other device located near the tracking device 2.

[0057] The anti-theft device 1 receives information (identification information, forwarding identification information, location information, etc.) transmitted by a terminal such as a smartphone on the infrastructure network. The notification unit 13 may transmit the information to the user terminal 3. In this way, the owner of the user terminal 3 can track the location of the tracking device 2.

[0058] The tracking device 2 transmits its own identification information, and further transmits identification information received from tracking devices other than itself as forwarded identification information. The tracking device 2 transmits the identification information and / or forwarded identification information periodically (for example, once at a predetermined time).

[0059] Information transmitted by a tracking device 2 is received by other tracking devices 2 that are within the range of the information. For example, information transmitted by tracking device 2a may be received by tracking devices 2h and 2o that are installed on other cables.

[0060] A tracking device 2 may receive information only from a neighboring tracking device 2 installed on the same cable. For example, a tracking device 2 may receive information only from a tracking device 2 that is farther away from the anti-theft device 1 than itself (for example, tracking device 2a if tracking device 2b).

[0061] Alternatively, a tracking device 2 may receive information from a non-adjacent tracking device 2 installed on the same cable. For example, tracking device 2d may receive information from tracking device 2a.

[0062] The power plant in this embodiment is a solar power plant. The cables (electric wires) of solar power plants are often stolen because they are made of copper wires or the like and sell for a high price. To prevent theft, a tracking device 2 is installed in close proximity to the cable 4.

[0063] <Functional components> As shown in FIG. 4, the anti-theft device 1 includes a receiving unit 11, a determining unit 12, a notifying unit 13, and a storage unit .

[0064] The arrangement of these functional components is one example, and it is also possible to configure the anti-theft system 0 by implementing these functional components on multiple computers. For example, part of the functional configuration of the anti-theft device 1 may be arranged in the tracking device 2, the user terminal 3, and one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the anti-theft device 1. Similarly, part of the functional configuration of the tracking device 2 may be arranged in one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the anti-theft device 1, the user terminal 3, and the tracking device 2. Furthermore, part of the functional configuration of the user terminal 3 may be arranged in one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the anti-theft device 1, the tracking device 2, and the user terminal 3.

[0065] <Data Structure in Embodiment 1> 5 shows an example of the data configuration stored in the storage unit in embodiment 1. The storage unit 14 of the anti-theft device 1 stores power plant information, cable information, tracking device information, and the like.

[0066] The arrangement of each piece of data is an example, and some or all of the data stored in the memory unit of the anti-theft device 1 may be stored in one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the tracking device 2, the user terminal 3, and the anti-theft device 1. Similarly, some or all of the data stored in the memory unit of the tracking device 2 may be stored in one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the anti-theft device 1, the user terminal 3, and the tracking device 2. Furthermore, some or all of the data stored in the memory unit of the user terminal 3 may be stored in one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the anti-theft device 1, the tracking device 2, and the user terminal 3.

[0067] The power plant information is information about the power plant, and is managed by the power plant ID, as shown in FIG. 5(a). The power plant information includes the power plant name and the power plant address, as shown in FIG. 5(a). The power plant information may also include the cable ID of the cable 4 used at the power plant and the tracking device ID of the tracking device 2. In addition, if the power plant is divided into areas, etc., the power plant information may also include information about the areas.

[0068] The cable information is information about the cables used in the power plant, and is managed by cable ID as shown in Fig. 5(b). The cable information includes the ID of the power plant where the cable is used. Furthermore, if the power plant is divided into areas, the cable information may also include information about the area where the cable is used.

[0069] The tracking device information is information about a tracking device installed close to a cable, and is managed by a tracking device ID, as shown in FIG. 5(c). The tracking device information includes the ID of the cable on which the tracking device is installed. If the tracking device that transmits the identification information is predetermined for each tracking device, the tracking device information may include the tracking device ID of the destination. If the tracking device that receives the identification information is predetermined for each tracking device, the tracking device information may include the tracking device ID of the receiver.

[0070] <Processing Flowchart in First Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not a tracking device is installed in a power plant according to the first embodiment.

[0071] <Registering various information> In step S601, a manager or the like who manages the cable 4 of the power plant 5 registers various information (FIGS. 5(a) to (c)) such as information relating to the tracking device to be installed on the cable 4 in advance.

[0072] <Receiving identification information, etc.> In step S602, the receiving unit 11 receives identification information for identifying the tracking device 2 (an identification number for uniquely specifying the tracking device 2, for example, a tracking device ID, etc.) from the tracking device 2. The tracking device 2 transmits the identification information for identifying itself. The tracking device 2 may transmit the identification information periodically.

[0073] The receiving unit 11 receives the identification information and the forwarding identification information transmitted by the tracking device 2. The tracking device 2 forwards the identification information received from a tracking device 2 other than itself as the forwarding identification information. The tracking device 2 forwards the forwarding identification information to the tracking device 2 other than itself and / or the anti-theft device 1.

[0074] If the tracking device 2 is close to the cable, the electric current flowing through the copper wire will prevent radio waves from traveling, making it impossible to transmit information farther. In other words, there is a limit to the range over which the tracking device 2 can transmit information.

[0075] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, when there is one anti-theft device 1 in a power plant 5, there is a possibility that the receiving unit 11 will not be able to receive the identification information transmitted by a tracking device 2 that is far from the anti-theft device 1. For example, in Figure 3, there is a possibility that the receiving unit 11 will only receive the identification information transmitted by tracking devices 2g, 2n, 2u, etc. that are close to the anti-theft device 1.

[0076] The tracking devices 2 are installed at predetermined intervals (intervals at which information can be transmitted to other tracking devices 2). For example, other tracking devices 2 are installed within a range from which the tracking device 2 can transmit information. In this way, when the tracking device 2 transmits information, even if the anti-theft device 1 cannot receive the transmitted information, the other tracking devices 2 can receive the transmitted identification information and / or forwarded identification information.

[0077] For example, in Fig. 3, tracking device 2a transmits its own identification information to tracking device 2b. Furthermore, tracking device 2b transmits its own identification information to tracking device 2c, and transmits the identification information received from tracking device 2a to tracking device 2c as forwarding identification information. Then, tracking device 2c transmits its own identification information to tracking device 2d, and transmits the forwarding identification information (identification information of tracking devices 2a and 2b) received from tracking device 2b to tracking device 2d.

[0078] By repeating this process, the identification information of the tracking devices 2a to 2f is transmitted to the tracking device 2g that can transmit information to the anti-theft device 1, and the receiving unit 11 can receive the identification information of the tracking devices 2a to 2g.

[0079] The tracking device 2 transmits the identification information and / or the forwarding identification information to the tracking device 2 installed on the same cable 4. The tracking device 2 may also transmit the identification information and / or the forwarding identification information to other tracking devices 2 that exist within a range where the tracking device 2 can transmit information. For example, in FIG. 3, the tracking device 2a may transmit its own identification information to the tracking device 2h, etc.

[0080] The tracking device 2 may receive identification information and / or forwarding identification information from a predetermined tracking device 2, or may transmit identification information and / or forwarding identification information to a predetermined tracking device 2. In addition, the tracking device 2 may receive all identification information and / or forwarding identification information transmitted by other tracking devices 2, and transmit all received information.

[0081] The receiving unit 11 receives the identification information and / or the forwarding identification information from a specific tracking device 2. For example, the receiving unit 11 receives the identification information and / or the forwarding identification information from a tracking device 2 that can transmit information to the anti-theft device 1. Alternatively, the receiving unit 11 may receive the identification information and / or the forwarding identification information from a predetermined tracking device 2.

[0082] <Determining Identification Information> In step S603, the determination unit 12 determines the identification information stored in the storage unit 14, the identification information received by the receiving unit 11, and the transfer identification information received by the receiving unit 11. The storage unit 14 stores in advance the identification information (for example, tracking device ID, etc.) of the tracking device 2 present in the power plant 5.

[0083] As a result, the determination unit 12 determines the identification information stored in the memory unit 14, the identification information received by the receiving unit 11, and the forwarded identification information received by the receiving unit 11, and determines whether all tracking devices 2 are present in the power plant 5. In other words, the determination unit 12 determines whether all identification information stored in the memory unit 14 has been received, and determines whether all tracking devices 2 are present in the power plant 5.

[0084] <Notification of the judgment result> In step S604, the notification unit 13 notifies the result of the determination by the determination unit 12. The notification unit 13 may also notify identification information that has not been received. For example, the memory unit 14 stores the identification information of the tracking device 2 in association with the position of the tracking device 2 in the power plant and / or the position of the cable on which the tracking device 2 is installed (for example, the distance on the cable from the anti-theft device 1), thereby enabling the notification unit 13 to notify the location of the stolen tracking device 2.

[0085] In addition, the notification unit 13 may display a construction drawing of the power plant 5 (for example, a drawing that visualizes the positions of the tracking devices 2 and cables 4 in the power plant, as shown in FIG. 3), and visualize on the construction drawing which tracking devices have not received identification information. In this way, it is possible to visualize which tracking devices 2 have been stolen in the power plant.

[0086] If the user terminal 3 has not received all of the identification information stored in the memory unit 14, the notification unit 13 notifies the user terminal 3 that the information has not been received. By storing the contact information (email address, etc.) of the notification destination in the memory unit 14, the notification unit 13 can notify the contact information. For example, the notification unit 13 notifies the user terminal 3 that the cable 4 may have been stolen together with the tracking device 2.

[0087] <Example of an embodiment of the tracking device 2> FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a tracking device according to the present invention. In order to transmit identification information and location information over a long distance, it is preferable that the tracking device 2 is large. On the other hand, if the tracking device 2 is large, it is more likely that a thief will notice the presence of the tracking device 2. By making the shape of the tracking device 2 elongated, it is possible to make it difficult for a thief to notice even when it is close to the cable 4.

[0088] Figure 7(a) is a front view of an embodiment of the tracking device 2. The tracking device 2 in Figure 7(a) is a patch antenna, and is composed of a substrate (including a dielectric) P71, copper foil (a copper portion for frequency adjustment) P72, and an impedance adjustment portion P73. The substrate P71 is rectangular (oblong) and is composed of two pairs of opposing sides, with the non-opposing sides having different lengths. By making one of the two pairs of opposing sides longer and the other shorter, it can be made inconspicuous even when installed on a cable.

[0089] The impedance adjustment unit adjusts the impedance so that the resonance point of the tracking device does not change, thereby realizing stable characteristics of the tracking device 2 that are less susceptible to external factors.

[0090] The length of the substrate P71 in FIG. 7(a) is, for example, λ / 2 in the longitudinal direction and λ / 8 in the lateral direction. The length of the substrate P71 in FIG. 7(a) is not limited to this. The length of the substrate P71 in FIG. 7(a) is preferably λ / (4×√(ε0)) (ε0: dielectric constant) in the longitudinal direction and 10 to 20 millimeters in the lateral direction. The length in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least twice the length in the lateral direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the thickness of the substrate P71 in FIG. 7(a) is λ / 51 or λ / 38. The thickness of the substrate P71 in FIG. 7(a) is not limited to this. The thickness of the substrate P71 in FIG. 7(a) is preferably λ / 245 to λ / 24 millimeters. The tracking device 2 in FIG. 7(a) is a flat rectangular body (flat rectangular plate). λ is the wavelength of the antenna used, and the optimal length and thickness vary depending on λ.

[0092] The tracking device 2 shown in Figure 7(a) has little change in radiation characteristics even when equipped with multiple (e.g., two) power supply units (e.g., button batteries, etc.). Also, the tracking device 2 shown in Figure 7(a) has little change in radiation characteristics even when installed close to the sheath (cover) of an electric wire (copper wire). Furthermore, the tracking device 2 shown in Figure 7(a) has little change in radiation characteristics even when equipped with a high-frequency electronic circuit, etc. on the back side.

[0093] The substrate P71 may be made up of one layer (one sheet) or multiple layers (for example, 2 to 5 layers, etc.). Furthermore, the tracking device 2 may include a battery (for example, a button battery, etc.). The number of batteries included in the tracking device 2 is not limited, and may be one or multiple (for example, 2 to 5, etc.). Furthermore, the tracking device 2 may be equipped with a high-frequency electronic circuit, etc. (for example, an RF-ID circuit) on the back surface.

[0094] Figure 8 shows an example of the installation of a tracking device close to a cable according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cable 4. The cable 4 is made up of multiple copper wires (electric wires) 6 and a sheath (cover) that holds them together.

[0095] In a solar power plant, as shown in FIG. 8, multiple (e.g., three) cables 4 are laid together. The tracking device 2 only needs to be close to the cables 4, and various installation methods are possible. For example, the tracking device 2 is installed between multiple (e.g., two) cables, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(e). When the tracking device 2 is installed (from the outside) after the cables 4 have been installed, installation methods such as those shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(e) are considered. This simplifies installation after the cables 4 have been installed.

[0096] 8(f) and 8(g), the tracking device 2 may be placed between two cables 4. This reduces the possibility that a thief will notice the tracking device 2.

[0097] 8(h) and 8(i), the tracking device 2 may be installed at the center of three cables 4. This reduces the possibility that a thief will notice the tracking device 2.

[0098] The tracking device 2 in Figures 8(a) and (b) shows the side of the tracking device 2 when viewed from the direction of the arrow in Figure 7(a). The shape of the side when viewed from the direction of the arrow in Figure 7(a) is not limited, and may be a side like the tracking device 2 in Figures 8(c) to (e) (for example, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, etc.).

[0099] The tracking device 2 is fixed with tape (for example, waterproof tape) or string of the same color as the cable 4.

[0100] The tracking device 2 may have any shape. By making the tracking device 2 elongated as shown in FIG. 7(a), it is possible to reduce the possibility that a thief will notice the tracking device 2 attached to the cable 4. The more elongated the tracking device 2, the easier it is to install it close to the cable 4. Furthermore, the more elongated the tracking device 2, the easier it is to secure it to the cable 4 with tape or the like.

[0101] <Monitoring system in embodiment 2> Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a cable buried underground. The buried pipe is a pipe through which the cable is inserted and buried underground. The buried pipe may be a bellows-shaped pipe or the like, and may be made of resin, concrete, or the like. The buried pipe may also be a metal pipe.

[0102] 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring system in embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 9, the monitoring system 100 includes a monitoring device 1000, a tracking device 200, and a user terminal 3.

[0103] The monitoring device 1000 receives identification information and the like from the tracking device 200. Based on the information received from the tracking device 200, the monitoring device 1000 generates a network configuration (configuration of the position and order (arrangement) in which each tracking device 200 is installed on the cable) and displays the network configuration on a user terminal. The monitoring device 1000 may also display a construction drawing of the power plant cable including the network configuration of the tracking device 200.

[0104] The monitoring device 1000 displays the location information and network configuration of the tracking device 200 on the user terminal 3. The monitoring device 1000 may also include the same configuration as the anti-theft device 1, and may have the same functions and perform the same processing.

[0105] The tracking device 200 is a device that transmits identification information etc. for identifying itself (an identification number for uniquely specifying the tracking device 2, for example, a tracking device ID etc.) and its own location information. The identification information etc. transmitted by the tracking device 200 is received by the monitoring device 1000 or a tracking device 200 other than the tracking device 200 that transmitted the identification information. The tracking device 200 may include the same configuration as the tracking device 2, and may have the same functions and perform the same processing.

[0106] <Schematic image diagram of embodiment 2> Fig. 10 is a schematic image diagram of cable management in a power plant in embodiment 2. There are multiple cables C1, C2, ... in the power plant, and tracking devices 200 (200a to 200j) are installed close to each cable. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, multiple tracking devices 200 are installed close to the cables at predetermined intervals.

[0107] A plurality of tracking devices 200 form a bus or star network. The tracking devices 200 perform relay communication (described later) between tracking devices installed on the same cable.

[0108] For example, tracking devices 200a-200e installed on cable C1 perform relay communication with each other, but do not perform relay communication with tracking devices 200f-200j installed on cable C2. Because each cable is housed in an underground pipe and buried underground, tracking devices installed on different cables do not communicate with each other.

[0109] The tracking device 200 transmits the received information (e.g., identification information) via relay communication to the monitoring device 1000 located at the root of the network. Specifically, the tracking device 200 installed at the end of the cable and close to the monitoring device 1000 transmits the information to the monitoring device 1000.

[0110] In addition, the cables C1, C2, ... of the power plant are stored in buried pipes P1, P2, ... respectively, and buried underground. The tracking device 200 located near the cables inserted into the buried pipes is also stored in the buried pipe together with the cables and buried underground.

[0111] The buried pipe may be a circular buried pipe or a rectangular buried pipe. The cross section of the buried pipe may be other than a circular or rectangular shape. The cables C1 and C2 may be composed of a single cable or multiple cables (e.g., three cables).

[0112] <Functional components> 9, the monitoring device 1000 includes a receiving unit 1001, a generating unit 1002, a display processing unit 1003, and a storage unit 1004. The arrangement of these functional components is an example, and it is also possible to configure the monitoring system 100 by implementing these functional components on multiple computers. For example, some of the functional components of the monitoring device 1000 may be arranged in one or more devices configured to be able to communicate with the tracking device 200, the user terminal 3, and the monitoring device 1000.

[0113] The tracking device 200 includes a relay communication unit 2021, a mode switching unit 202, and a vibration determination unit 203. Furthermore, the tracking device 200 includes an antenna unit that emits omnidirectional radio waves. The antenna unit may emit linearly polarized waves or circularly polarized waves.

[0114] By having the antenna unit emit circularly polarized waves, there are advantages such as improved diffraction characteristics (circularly polarized waves rotate in phase with the time axis, so attenuation is smaller than linearly polarized waves), improved scattering characteristics (even when circularly polarized waves hit an outer wall, the amount of radiation loss due to scattering is small), improved propagation loss (the difference does not change within a metal pipe of the specified size), improved attenuation characteristics (circularly polarized waves and linearly polarized waves are equivalent), improved polarization effects (reflection characteristics) (circularly polarized waves change due to rotation on the time axis, so they have good reflection), improved frequency characteristics (in the 2400 MHz band, they are equivalent because they have a strong tendency to travel in a straight line), etc. Therefore, since circularly polarized waves are more advantageous than linearly polarized waves in terms of usage conditions, it is possible to consider using circularly polarized waves.

[0115] <Example of Antenna in Embodiment 2> 11A and 11B show examples of a normal patch antenna and an antenna according to embodiment 2. Fig. 11A shows the normal patch antenna, and Fig. 11B shows the example of an antenna according to embodiment 2.

[0116] An omnidirectional antenna can be realized by making the lengths W and L of the patch Pa in Fig. 11(a) the same. Also, as shown in Fig. 11(b), an antenna that radiates circularly polarized waves can be realized by cutting off two corners of a substantially rectangular patch (the substantially rectangular portion surrounded by the dashed line) that face each other in the opposing line direction.

[0117] In addition, an antenna that radiates circularly polarized waves can be realized by shifting the phase by 90 degrees along the pattern length or by shifting the feed points by 90 degrees (configuring the input of signals with a relative phase difference of 90 degrees to the two feed points). For example, as shown in Figure 11(c), an antenna that radiates circularly polarized waves can be realized by shifting the feed points by 90 degrees (λ / 4).

[0118] The resonant frequency of the antenna is adjusted to λ / 2 of the frequency used. λ is calculated from the speed of light (a constant) and frequency, so the resonant frequency of the antenna can be calculated from the speed of light and the frequency used by the antenna.

[0119] For example, the frequency used by the antenna may be 2400 MHz to 2500 MHz. A buried pipe buried underground can be considered a metal pipe. Therefore, the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a rectangular buried pipe must be equal to or greater than λ / 2 of the wavelength of the frequency used. Therefore, the resonant frequency must be such that λ / 2 is equal to or less than the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a rectangular buried pipe.

[0120] Radio wave attenuation can be reduced by making the diameter of a buried circular pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a buried rectangular pipe greater than λ / 2. For example, if the antenna's operating frequency is 2400 MHz, the diameter of the buried circular pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a buried rectangular pipe should be 62.5 mm or more, and if the antenna's operating frequency is 2500 MHz, the diameter of the buried circular pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a buried rectangular pipe should be 60.0 mm or more.

[0121] <Flowchart of network configuration generation process> FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process for generating a network configuration in the second embodiment.

[0122] <Start of relay communication> In step S1201, the relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 (starting node) serving as the origin transmits its own identification information. The relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 installed at the end of the cable starts transmitting its own identification information. For example, when the tracking device 200 is powered on, the relay communication unit 201 starts transmission.

[0123] The relay communication unit 201 may start relay communication after all tracking devices 200 have been installed on the cable or after the tracking devices 200 have been powered on. The tracking devices 200 have a vibration sensor, and the relay communication unit 201 may start relay communication, for example, when the vibration sensor does not detect any vibration for a certain period of time. While the tracking devices 200 are being installed on the cable, artificial vibrations are applied due to the installation work, but after installation is complete, the tracking devices are buried underground and no vibrations occur.

[0124] The relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 serving as the origin transmits information indicating that it is the origin node together with its own identification information. For example, the relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 serving as the origin transmits its own identification information linked to HopTrace[0] (information indicating that the tracking device itself is the origin node).

[0125] The tracking device 200 that starts transmitting the identification information is the tracking device farthest from the monitoring device 1000 of the two tracking devices 200 installed at the end of the cable. The position farthest from the monitoring device 1000 at the end of the cable is referred to as downstream, and the position closer to the monitoring device 1000 at the end of the cable is referred to as upstream.

[0126] 10, tracking devices 200a and 200f are downstream tracking devices (starting nodes) that are the origins of cables C1 and C2, respectively. Tracking devices 200e and 200j are upstream tracking devices. For example, tracking device 200b is a downstream tracking device 200 of tracking devices 200c and 200d.

[0127] <Implementation of relay communication> In step S1202, the relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 (relay node) that has received the identification information from another tracking device 200 transmits its own identification information together with the received identification information. When transmitting its own identification information and the identification information received from another tracking device 200, the relay communication unit 201 also transmits relay count information that can determine how many times relay communication has been performed.

[0128] The relay communication unit 201 receives identification information from other tracking devices 200 via the antenna unit, and transmits the received identification information and its own identification information, thereby performing relay (hopping) communication from downstream to upstream. The relay communication unit 201 of a tracking device 200 receives identification information from a tracking device 200 downstream of its own device.

[0129] For example, the tracking device 200 may be installed at a distance such that it can communicate only with the adjacent tracking device 200. In this way, the relay communication unit 201 can relay only information received from the adjacent tracking device 200.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, the relay communication unit 201 does not relay information including its own device's identification information. In this way, the relay communication unit 201 does not relay information received from upstream.

[0131] Also, for example, the relay communication unit 201 may relay the information with the largest amount of data among the received information. In this way, the relay communication unit 201 can relay only the information received from the adjacent tracking device 200.

[0132] The relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 that receives identification information from other tracking devices 200 transmits all of the received identification information of the other tracking devices 200 (transmits identification information for each received HopTrace[n] (n = 0, 1, 2, ...)).

[0133] The relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 that receives identification information from another tracking device 200 links its own identification information to HopTrace[n+1] (relay count information (information indicating which relay node the tracking device is) that can determine the number of relay communications)) and transmits it.

[0134] In addition, the relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 may be pre-configured to perform relay communication when it receives identification information from a tracking device 200 downstream of itself (for example, it may be configured for each tracking device to perform relay communication when it receives information including specific identification information).

[0135] The relay communication unit 201 of the tracking device 200 installed at the end of the cable and close to the monitoring device 1000 transmits information to the monitoring device 1000.

[0136] <Generate network configuration> In step S1203, the generation unit 1002 of the monitoring device 1000 generates a network configuration based on the identification information acquired through relay communication. The receiving unit 1001 of the monitoring device 1000 receives information (e.g., identification information, relay count information, etc.) from the tracking device 200 through relay communication and stores it in the storage unit 1004. Furthermore, the generation unit 1002 generates a network configuration including the installation order of the tracking devices 200 (e.g., the installation order from downstream on the cable, etc.) based on the identification information and relay count information acquired through relay communication.

[0137] The generation unit 1002 generates a network configuration (for example, a configuration indicating which tracking devices with which identification information are installed on the cable and in what order) based on the identification information received by the receiving unit 1001, information indicating that it is the originating node, and information indicating which relay node it is.

[0138] The display processing unit 1003 performs display processing of the network configuration generated by the generation unit 1002. The display processing unit 1003 may display, on the user terminal 3, as the network configuration, a construction drawing of the power plant cable including the identification information of the tracking devices 200 and their arrangement on the cable.

[0139] <Flowchart of tracking device mode transition process> FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a mode transition process of the tracking device in the second embodiment.

[0140] <Transition from free space mode to sleep mode> In step S1301, the mode switching unit 202 of the tracking device 200 has a vibration sensor, and when the vibration sensor does not detect vibration for a certain period of time, the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the free space mode to the sleep mode. Also, when the vibration sensor detects vibration, the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the sleep mode to the free space mode.

[0141] In the free space mode, the relay communication unit 201 transmits beacon information at predetermined (constant) intervals of seconds (for example, every second, etc.) (for example, transmits a signal within a radio radius of several meters to several tens of meters). Even in the free space mode, the tracking device 200 may be able to receive information.

[0142] In free space mode, the tracking device 200 transmits its own identification information to an unspecified number of smartphones, etc., and the identification information transmitted by the tracking device 200 is received by a terminal such as a smartphone on the infrastructure network, and the smartphone, etc. adds location information and uploads (transmits) the information (e.g., identification information, location information, etc.) to the cloud network.

[0143] In this way, if a cable on which a tracking device 200 is installed is stolen, the location information of the cable can be identified based on the location information provided by a smartphone or the like that has received the identification information of the tracking device 200.

[0144] Therefore, when the tracking device 200 is buried underground and not stolen, it does not need to be in free space mode, and the mode switching unit 202 transitions the tracking device 200 itself to sleep mode. When the tracking device 200 is buried underground, the tracking device 200 is not basically subjected to vibrations. Therefore, the mode switching unit 202 transitions from free space mode to sleep mode when the vibration sensor does not detect vibrations for a certain period of time.

[0145] On the other hand, if the cable is stolen, the tracking device 200 will be subjected to vibrations, and the mode switching unit 202 will transition from the sleep mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibrations.

[0146] If the tracking device 200 is buried underground, it is not generally subjected to vibrations, but if an earthquake occurs, it may be subjected to vibrations and the vibration sensor may detect the vibrations. Therefore, the tracking device 200 needs to determine whether the vibrations detected by the vibration sensor are due to human movement (vibrations caused by theft of the cable) or due to an earthquake.

[0147] The vibration determination unit 203 of the tracking device 200 determines whether the vibration is due to human movement or earthquake based on the acceleration and frequency value. If the vibration is due to human movement, it is considered that the tracking device 200 is subjected to multiple vibrations continuously for several minutes.

[0148] Therefore, when the vibration sensor detects vibrations multiple times (for example, a predetermined number of times) within a few minutes (for example, a predetermined period of time), the vibration determination unit 203 determines that the vibrations are caused by human movement. The mode switching unit 202 may transition from the sleep mode to the free space mode based on the determination result of the vibration determination unit 203.

[0149] <Start of relay communication> In step S1302, the relay communication unit 201 performs relay communication when the tracking device 200 is in sleep mode. The relay communication unit 201 transmits its own identification information at regular intervals in the free space mode, and further transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the transmission interval in the free space mode in the sleep mode, and further performs relay communication at least in the sleep mode.

[0150] The relay communication unit 201 transmits its own identification information at regular (predetermined) intervals (for example, every second, such as every second) in free space mode, and transmits its identification information at intervals longer than the transmission interval in free space mode (for example, every minute, such as every 10 minutes, or every hour, every 4 hours, etc.) in sleep mode.

[0151] When the tracking device 200 is in the sleep mode, it transmits identification information at intervals longer than the transmission interval in the free space mode, so that keeping the tracking device 200 in the sleep mode can reduce battery consumption more than keeping it in the free space mode.

[0152] <Radio wave reception determination> In step S1303, the relay communication unit 201 determines whether identification information is received from another tracking device via the antenna unit. Tracking devices 200 installed on cables buried underground are often submerged. When submerged, the relay communication unit 201 cannot receive radio waves.

[0153] Even when the tracking device 200 is submerged, transmitting radio waves for relay communication consumes the battery of the tracking device 200. When the tracking device 200 is submerged, battery consumption can be reduced by lengthening the interval at which the relay communication unit 201 transmits the identification information.

[0154] <Transition from sleep mode to submerged mode> If the relay communication unit 201 does not receive identification information (radio waves) from another tracking device 200 for a certain period of time (step S1303: Yes), the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the sleep mode to the submerged mode in step S1304. For example, if the relay communication unit 201 has not received identification information from another tracking device 200 a predetermined number of times (for example, if it has not received radio waves six times), the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the sleep mode to the submerged mode.

[0155] In the submerged mode, relay communication unit 201 transmits identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which identification information is transmitted in the sleep mode (for example, at time intervals longer than in the sleep mode, such as every six hours, or at intervals of days, such as every day). Furthermore, relay communication unit 201 may or may not perform relay communication in the submerged mode.

[0156] The mode switching unit 202 transitions the tracking device 200 from the submerged mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration (for example, artificial vibration, vibration due to an earthquake, etc.). When the vibration determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the vibration sensor is artificial vibration, the mode switching unit 202 transitions the tracking device 200 from the submerged mode to the free space mode.

[0157] Once the tracking device 200 has transitioned to the submerged mode, it will not transition from the submerged mode to another mode (for example, free space mode, etc.) unless the vibration sensor detects vibration. The tracking device 200 may be configured to transition from the submerged mode to another mode (for example, free space mode, etc.) only when the vibration determination unit 203 determines that vibration is due to an earthquake.

[0158] When the tracking device 200 is in the submerged mode, it transmits identification information at intervals longer than the transmission intervals in the free space mode or the sleep mode, so that keeping the tracking device 200 in the submerged mode can reduce battery consumption more than keeping it in the free space mode or the sleep mode.

[0159] Furthermore, if the relay communication unit 201 is configured not to perform relay communication when the tracking device 200 is in submerged mode, it is possible to reduce the amount of information data to be transmitted, thereby reducing battery consumption of the tracking device 200.

[0160] When the relay communication unit 201 performs relay communication in the submerged mode, for example, the relay communication unit 201 may have a measurement sensor and relay information measured by the measurement sensor. For example, the measurement sensor may acquire measurement data such as the remaining battery level and temperature of the tracking device 200, and the relay communication unit 201 may relay the measurement data. The relay communication unit 201 may also relay information measured by the measurement sensor in the sleep mode.

[0161] The relay communication unit 201 relays the remaining battery power of the tracking device 200 and transmits the information to the monitoring device 1000, and the display processing unit 1003 can display the remaining battery power of the tracking device 200 on the user terminal 3. In this way, the user can check the remaining battery power of the tracking device 200.

[0162] If the relay communication unit 201 periodically receives identification information from another tracking device 200 (step S1303: No), in step S1304, the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the sleep mode to the free space mode.

[0163] <State transition diagram regarding modes of the tracking device in the second embodiment> FIG. 14 is an example of a state transition diagram relating to the modes of the tracking device in the second embodiment.

[0164] The sleep mode may have multiple stages (for example, two stages or three stages), and for example, it is conceivable to have three stages of sleep mode as shown in Fig. 14. When the mode switching unit 202 does not receive identification information from another tracking device 200 for a certain period of time in the first stage sleep mode (sleep mode 1 in Fig. 14), the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the first stage sleep mode to the second stage sleep mode (sleep mode 2 in Fig. 14).

[0165] In the second sleep mode, the relay communication unit 201 transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the first sleep mode. For example, the relay communication unit 201 transmits the identification information every 10 minutes in sleep mode 1, and transmits the identification information every hour in sleep mode 2.

[0166] If the mode switching unit 202 does not receive identification information from another tracking device 200 for a certain period of time in the second stage sleep mode (sleep mode 2 in FIG. 14), the mode switching unit 202 transitions from the second stage sleep mode to the third stage sleep mode (sleep mode 3 in FIG. 14).

[0167] In the third stage sleep mode, the relay communication unit 201 transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the second stage sleep mode. For example, the relay communication unit 201 transmits the identification information every hour in sleep mode 2, and every four hours in sleep mode 3.

[0168] In the sleep mode, the mode switching unit 202 transitions the tracking device 200 to the free space mode when the relay communication unit 201 receives identification information (radio waves) via the antenna unit from another tracking device 200. In addition, in the sleep mode, when the vibration determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the vibration sensor is an artificial vibration, the mode switching unit 202 transitions the tracking device 200 from the sleep mode to the free space mode.

[0169] Also, in the submerged mode, if the vibration determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the vibration sensor is an artificial vibration, the mode switching unit 202 may transition the tracking device 200 from the submerged mode to the free space mode.

[0170] In the sleep mode or the submerged mode, if the vibration determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the vibration sensor is a vibration (seismic wave) caused by an earthquake, the mode switching unit 202 transitions the tracking device 200 to the original mode (sleep mode or submerged mode).

[0171] For example, if the vibration determination unit 203 determines that the vibration detected by the vibration sensor during sleep mode 1 is vibration caused by an earthquake (seismic waves), the mode switching unit 202 returns the tracking device 200 to sleep mode 1.

[0172] In addition, if the vibration sensor detects vibrations (e.g., artificial vibrations or vibrations caused by an earthquake) in the sleep mode or submersion mode, the mode switching unit 202 may be configured to transition from the sleep mode or submersion mode to the free space mode.

[0173] As described above, the configuration of the present invention can provide a new technology for monitoring cables to more appropriately prevent theft of cables and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 0 Anti-theft system 1 Anti-theft device 11 Receiving unit 12 Judgment section 13 Notification Department 14 Storage section 2. Tracking Device 3. User terminal 4 Cables 100 Surveillance System 1000 monitoring devices 1001 Receiver 1002 Generation part 1003 Display processing unit 1004 Storage section 200 Tracking Device 201 Relay Communications Department 202 Mode switching section 203 Vibration determination section C1 Cable C2 Cable NW Network

Claims

1. A monitoring system for a cable inserted into a buried pipe, comprising: The monitoring system comprises a plurality of tracking devices installed at predetermined intervals on the cable to form a bus or star network, and a monitoring device located at the root of the network; The tracking device an antenna unit that has a resonant frequency where λ / 2 is equal to or less than the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section of a rectangular buried pipe, and that radiates non-directional radio waves; a relay communication unit that performs relay communication from downstream to upstream by receiving identification information from the other tracking devices via the antenna unit and transmitting the received identification information and its own identification information; The monitoring device a generation unit that generates a network configuration based on the identification information acquired through the relay communication; Surveillance system.

2. The antenna unit radiates a circularly polarized wave. The monitoring system of claim 1 .

3. The tracking device a mode switching unit that has a vibration sensor, and transitions from a free space mode to a sleep mode when the vibration sensor does not detect vibration for a certain period of time, and transitions from the sleep mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration; the relay communication unit transmits its own identification information at regular intervals in the free space mode, and further transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the transmission intervals in the free space mode in the sleep mode, and further performs the relay communication at least in the sleep mode; The monitoring system of claim 1 .

4. the sleep mode includes at least a first stage sleep mode and a second stage sleep mode; the mode switching unit transitions from the first sleep mode to the second sleep mode when no identification information is received from the other tracking device for a certain period of time, the relay communication unit transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the first sleep mode in the second sleep mode. The monitoring system of claim 3 .

5. the mode switching unit transitions from the sleep mode to the submerged mode when it does not receive identification information from the other tracking devices for a certain period of time, and transitions from the submerged mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration, the relay communication unit transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the sleep mode in the submerged mode, and does not perform the relay communication in the submerged mode; The monitoring system of claim 3 .

6. the sleep mode includes at least a first stage sleep mode and a second stage sleep mode; the mode switching unit transitions from the sleep mode to the submerged mode when it does not receive identification information from the other tracking devices for a certain period of time, and transitions from the submerged mode to the free space mode when the vibration sensor detects vibration, the relay communication unit transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the first sleep mode in the second sleep mode, and further transmits the identification information at intervals longer than the intervals at which the identification information is transmitted in the submerged mode in the sleep mode, and further does not perform the relay communication in the submerged mode. The monitoring system of claim 3 .

7. the relay communication unit transmits relay count information that can determine how many times relay communication has been performed when transmitting the identification information of the own device and the identification information received from the other tracking device; the generation unit generates a network configuration including an installation order of the tracking devices based on the identification information and the relay count information. The monitoring system of claim 1 .

8. The antenna unit has a configuration in which signals having a relative phase difference of 90 degrees are input to two feeding points, or a configuration in which two diagonally opposite corners of a substantially rectangular patch are cut off. The monitoring system of claim 1 .

9. A monitoring method performed by a monitoring system for a cable inserted into a buried pipe, comprising: The monitoring system comprises a plurality of tracking devices installed at predetermined intervals on the cable to form a bus or star network, and a monitoring device located at the root of the network; The tracking device: a radiation step of radiating omnidirectional radio waves at a resonant frequency where λ / 2 is equal to or less than the diameter of a circular buried pipe or the length of a long side of a rectangular cross section of a rectangular buried pipe; a relay communication step of receiving identification information from the other tracking devices and transmitting the received identification information and the tracking device's own identification information, thereby performing relay communication from downstream to upstream; The monitoring device a generating step of generating a network configuration based on the identification information acquired through the relay communication; Monitoring method.

Images