State quantity measurement system

Abstract

To propose a wireless measuring module and a state quantity measuring system that reduce repair costs when the state quantity of a structure is measured.SOLUTION: A transmitter 10 of the present invention includes: a sensor 11 that is fixed to a structure and detects a state quantity of the structure; an AFE board 13 that converts analog data of the state quantity into digital data; a battery 14; a radio device 15; and a relay board 16 that controls the AFE board 13 and the radio device 15. The AFE board 13, the battery 14, the radio device 15 are connected to the relay board 16 with detachable sockets (131, 141, 151, and 161-163), respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides Condition This paper relates to a state measurement system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been active research and development into technology for wirelessly measuring strain in structures located in environments where radio waves are difficult to reach, such as mountain tunnels. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a strain measurement system in which wireless communication is performed between a slave unit installed near the measurement site and a master unit that controls the slave unit. The slave unit converts analog data signals detected by a strain gauge sensor installed at the measurement location into digital data signals, modulates the digital data signals into wireless communication signals, and transmits the wireless communication signals as wireless signals (electromagnetic waves) to the master unit via an antenna unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-234361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional wireless measurement modules, such as the slave unit of Patent Document 1, had to be prepared for each of the many structures constructed at a construction site, and were packaged (integrated) for ease of portability and installation. In other words, conventional wireless measurement modules were configured such that multiple components of the wireless measurement module were inseparably assembled. However, with such a conventional configuration, if even one component failed, it was not possible to replace only the failed component; all components had to be replaced. This resulted in a problem of high repair costs when measuring the state quantities (strain, etc.) of structures. From this viewpoint, the present invention aims to reduce repair costs when measuring the state quantity of a structure. Condition The objective of this study is to propose a state quantity measurement system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a wireless measurement module including a sensor fixed to a structure and detecting a state quantity of the structure, an AD conversion board that converts analog data of the state quantity into digital data, a battery, a radio, and a relay board that controls the AD conversion board and the radio, wherein the AD conversion board, the battery, and the radio are each connected to the relay board by a detachable socket. A state quantity measurement system comprising: is. With this configuration, if the AD conversion board fails, the failed AD conversion board can be separated from the relay board, allowing only the AD conversion board to be replaced. Furthermore, if the battery fails or is depleted, the failed battery can be separated from the relay board, allowing only the battery to be replaced. Furthermore, if the radio fails, the failed radio can be separated from the relay board, allowing only the radio to be replaced. Furthermore, if the relay board fails, the failed relay board can be separated from the AD conversion board, battery, and radio, allowing only the relay board to be replaced. In other words, even if at least one of the AD conversion board, battery, radio, and relay board fails, it is not necessary to replace all of the AD conversion board, battery, radio, and relay board. This reduces the repair costs of the wireless measurement module.

[0006] It is also preferable that the device includes a box that houses the AD conversion board, the battery, the radio, and the relay board, and that the box has an openable and closable lid and a hole through which wiring connecting the sensor and the AD conversion board is inserted. This configuration makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate into the box, preventing the AD conversion board, battery, radio, and relay board from malfunctioning due to moisture, and also facilitating the replacement of malfunctioning or worn-out components.

[0007] The present invention also provides a state quantity measurement system comprising the wireless measurement module, a receiver that communicates wirelessly with the wireless measurement module, and a computer that is communicatively connected to the receiver, wherein the receiver and the computer are mounted on a mobile body, and when the distance between the mobile body and the wireless measurement module becomes less than a predetermined distance, the radio transmits the digital data to the receiver. With this configuration, even if the wireless measurement module is installed in an environment where radio waves are difficult to reach, such as a mountain tunnel, the mobile object equipped with the receiver can be brought close to the wireless measurement module, allowing the receiver to communicate with all wireless measurement modules.

[0008] It is also preferable that the computer includes a non-volatile storage unit. With this configuration, even if the power supply installed in the mobile object is cut off, the data acquired by the computer from the receiver, i.e., the digital data acquired by the receiver from the wireless measurement module, can be prevented from being lost.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the AD conversion board operates intermittently in accordance with a control signal from the relay board, and that the computer performs at least one of the following processes: calculating a moving average value of the state quantity using a predetermined number of digital data for the set of digital data converted from the set of analog data collected within a first period; calculating an average value of the state quantity using digital data collected within a predetermined period from the set of digital data; and discarding the digital data collected within a second period from the detection start timing of the first period to a first timing within the first period. According to this configuration, the reliability of the digital data can be improved, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the state quantities of a structure. When an inexpensive AFE board is used as an AD conversion board, it has been confirmed that there is a certain degree of variability in the collected analog data, and that the initial fluctuations in operation are large. This is especially true when the AFE board operates intermittently. If the AFE board operates constantly, the effects of the initial fluctuations in operation can be eliminated, but this is not a preferable method because it consumes a lot of battery power. According to the present invention, the computer performs processing to reduce or remove the initial fluctuations in operation, thereby improving the reliability of the digital data and the measurement accuracy of the state quantities of a structure even in intermittent operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce repair costs when measuring the state quantities of a structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a state quantity measurement system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an internal side view of the transmitter. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a state quantity measurement system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In each drawing, common or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0013] First Embodiment [composition] As shown in FIG. 1, the state quantity measurement system of the first embodiment includes a plurality of transmitters 10, a receiver 20, a router 30, and a personal computer 40. The transmitter 10 is a wireless measurement module that measures state quantities of structures such as linings and supports in mountain tunnels, etc. The state quantity is, for example, but is not limited to, the strain quantity of the structure, and may also be displacement, velocity, acceleration, earth pressure, water pressure, tilt angle, etc. The transmitters 10 are appropriately disposed on the structure itself or near the structure. Each transmitter 10 is equipped with a sensor 11 fixed to any one location on the structure and can measure the state quantity at that location. The sensor 11 is, for example, but is not limited to, a strain gauge sensor. The sensor 11 is electrically connected to the main body (box 12) of the transmitter 10 by wiring 17. The transmitter 10 can transmit data indicating the state quantity to the receiver 20 via wireless communication with the receiver 20. The receiver 20 is a device that receives data from each of the transmitters 10. The receiver 20 can be fixedly placed at a position that allows it to communicate with each of the transmitters 10 (fixed communication method). The receiver 20 can communicate with, for example, up to 200 transmitters 10 and store data received from each of the transmitters 10. Note that multiple frequencies can be prepared for the carrier waves of the wireless communication between the transmitters 10 and the receiver 20; for example, seven different carrier frequencies can be prepared for the transmitter 10 to use in communication with the receiver 20, and the receiver 20 can simultaneously communicate wirelessly with up to seven transmitters 10. In addition, taking into account problems with wireless communication, the memory (not shown) of the receiver 20 can store, for example, 100 pieces of data. The router 30 is a relay device that is communicably connected to the receiver 20. The router 30 can transmit data stored in the receiver 20 to the personal computer 40 via wireless communication with the personal computer 40. The personal computer 40 is a computer that processes data received from the router 30. The personal computer 40 includes hardware such as an input unit, an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. For example, if the control unit is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), information processing by the computer including the control unit is realized by program execution processing by the CPU. Furthermore, the storage unit included in the computer stores various programs for realizing the functions of the computer in response to instructions from the CPU. This realizes collaboration between software and hardware. The programs can be provided by recording them on a recording medium or via a network. The output unit may include the function of a display unit that displays information on a screen.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 10 includes a sensor 11 (not shown in FIG. 2), a box 12, an AFE (analog front end) board 13, a battery 14, a radio 15, and a relay board 16. The box 12 is a housing for the transmitter 10. The box 12 includes a base 121 and a lid 122. The base 121 can accommodate the AFE board 13, the battery 14, the radio 15, and the relay board 16. The lid 122 is a part that forms the upper part of the box 12. The lid 122 is connected to the base 121 by a hinge or the like (not shown), and can be opened and closed relative to the base 121. For example, the base 121 can use a height adjustment member (not shown) to adjust the height positions of the AFE board 13, the radio 15, and the relay board 16. Also, a hole 121a is formed in the upper edge of the base 121. The wiring 17 connecting the sensor 11 and the AFE board 13 can be inserted through the hole 121a. Although not shown, a waterproof sealant may be provided in the hole 121a.

[0015] The AFE board 13 is an AD conversion board equipped with a circuit that converts state quantity data detected by the sensor 11, i.e., analog data, into digital data. The AFE board 13 has a function of amplifying the analog data. The AFE board 13 includes a socket 131. The socket 131 is detachably coupled to a socket 161 of the relay board 16, and is a member that electrically connects the AFE board 13 and the relay board 16. The battery 14 supplies power to the AFE board 13, the radio 15, and the relay board 16. The battery 14 includes a socket 141. The socket 141 is detachably coupled to a socket 162 of the relay board 16, and is a member that electrically connects the battery 14 and the relay board 16. The radio 15 is a board on which an IC chip for wireless communication with the receiver 20 is mounted. The radio 15 includes a socket 151. The socket 151 is detachably coupled to a socket 163 of the relay board 16, and is a member that electrically connects the radio 15 and the relay board 16. Relay board 16 is a board on which circuits that control AFE board 13 and radio 15 are mounted. Relay board 16 includes sockets 161, 162, and 163. For example, relay board 16 can determine the operation pitch of transmitter 10, the measurement pitch by sensor 11, the number of measurements, the data transmission pitch by radio 15, etc., and can store data.

[0016] [Operation] The transmitter 10 operates intermittently under the control of the relay board 16. While the transmitter 10 is running, the sensor 11 detects the amount of strain in the target structure as analog data at predetermined intervals. The battery 14 supplies power to the sensor 11 only when the sensor 11 is in detection mode, thereby reducing power consumption. The AFE board 13 amplifies the analog data detected by the sensor 11 and converts it into digital data. The radio 15 transmits the digital data via wireless communication to the receiver 20. The receiver 20 stores the digital data received from each transmitter 10 and transmits the digital data to the personal computer 40 via the router 30 at predetermined intervals. The personal computer 40 processes the digital data to analyze the amount of strain in the structure.

[0017] (Parts replacement) If the AFE board 13 in the transmitter 10 breaks down, a worker can open the lid 122 of the box 12, pull the socket 131 of the AFE board 13 out of the socket 161 of the relay board 16, and remove the broken AFE board 13. Then, the socket 131 of the new AFE board 13 can be connected to the socket 161 of the relay board 16. In this way, the broken AFE board 13 can be separated from the relay board 16, so that only the AFE board 13 can be replaced. Furthermore, if the battery 14 malfunctions or becomes depleted, a worker can open the lid 122 of the box 12, pull the socket 141 of the battery 14 out of the socket 162 of the relay board 16, and remove the malfunctioning battery 14. The socket 141 of a new battery 14 can then be connected to the socket 162 of the relay board 16. In this way, the malfunctioning battery 14 can be separated from the relay board 16, allowing only the battery 14 to be replaced. Furthermore, if the radio 15 breaks down, the worker can open the lid 122 of the box 12, pull the socket 151 of the radio 15 out of the socket 163 of the relay board 16, and remove the broken radio 15. The socket 151 of a new radio 15 can then be connected to the socket 163 of the relay board 16. In this way, the broken radio 15 can be separated from the relay board 16, so that only the radio 15 can be replaced. Furthermore, if relay board 16 breaks down, a worker can open lid 122 of box 12, pull out each of sockets 161 to 163 of relay board 16 from sockets 131, 141, and 151, and remove the broken relay board 16. Then, each of sockets 161 to 163 of a new relay board 16 can be connected to sockets 131, 141, and 151. In this way, since the broken relay board 16 can be separated from AFE board 13, battery 14, and radio 15, only relay board 16 can be replaced.

[0018] As described above, even if at least one of AFE board 13, battery 14, radio 15, and relay board 16 fails, it is not necessary to replace all of AFE board 13, battery 14, radio 15, and relay board 16. This reduces the repair cost of transmitter 10. Furthermore, in the past, data loggers that convert analog data of the amount of strain into digital data were expensive, which increased the repair costs of the wireless measurement module. However, according to the first embodiment, the AFE board 13, which is cheaper than a data logger, is used, so the repair costs of the transmitter 10 in the event of a failure of the AFE board 13 can be reduced.

[0019] (waterproof) AFE board 13, battery 14, radio 15, and relay board 16 are housed in base 121 of box 12. Wiring 17 connecting sensor 11 and AFE board 13 is inserted through hole 121a. Therefore, closing lid 122 of box 12 makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate into box 12, thereby preventing moisture-related breakdowns of AFE board 13, battery 14, radio 15, and relay board 16. Furthermore, for example, by filling the gap between hole 121a and wiring 17 with packing or a sealant, or by matching the diameter of hole 121a with the diameter of wiring 17, moisture can be reliably prevented from penetrating into box 12 with lid 122 closed.

[0020] (wireless jig) The receiver 20 stores the identifier of the transmitter 10 and can store digital data for each transmitter 10. If the receiver 20 breaks down, it must be replaced with a new receiver 20 to communicate with the transmitter 10. However, in the past, it was necessary to re-register the setting information for all transmitters 10 for the replaced receiver 20, which was cumbersome. The setting information can include, for example, the transmitter 10 ID, operation pitch, measurement pitch, number of measurements, transmission pitch, radio channel, and clock, but is not limited to these. Therefore, it is advisable to introduce a method of updating the setting information of all transmitters 10 using a wireless jig. The wireless jig can be, for example, but is not limited to, a tablet terminal. For example, a worker uses the wireless jig to wirelessly communicate with the replaced receiver 20 and update the setting information of all transmitters 10. Note that, for example, a personal computer 40 stores the setting information of the transmitter 10, and the wireless jig can obtain the setting information from the personal computer 40. By using the wireless jig to communicate with the receiver 20, maintenance work for malfunctioning receivers 20 can be simplified.

[0021] Second Embodiment When describing the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of overlapping points will be omitted. [composition] 3, the state quantity measurement system of the second embodiment further includes a notebook computer 50 in addition to the transmitter 10, receiver 20, router 30, and personal computer 40 of the first embodiment. The receiver 20 and the notebook computer 50 are mounted on a mobile object 60. The receiver 20 and the notebook computer 50 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via, for example, a LAN cable. The notebook computer 50 is a computer that processes data received from the receiver 20. Like the personal computer 40, the notebook computer 50 includes hardware such as an input unit, an output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The mobile object 60 is, for example, a battery car or a construction vehicle, but is not limited to these.

[0022] [Operation] The mobile body 60 can approach the transmitters 10 that are located in an environment where radio waves are difficult to reach, such as a mountain tunnel. Therefore, the receiver 20 mounted on the mobile body 60 can approach the transmitters 10 to within a predetermined distance at which communication with the transmitters 10 is possible, and can reliably communicate with all transmitters 10 (mobile communication method). The operation of the transmitters 10 and the exchange between the transmitters 10 and the receiver 20 are the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the mobile communication method of the second embodiment, the receiver 20 can allocate communication slots based on the number of transmitters 10 with which it can communicate simultaneously and the number of stored data items, and can be set to reliably communicate with the transmitters 10. The transmitter 10 may be normally stopped and may be activated when the receiver 20 approaches the transmitter 10 within a predetermined distance, triggering the operation of detecting state quantities such as distortion. This can further reduce the power consumption of the transmitter 10.

[0023] The receiver 20 stores the digital data received from each transmitter 10 and transmits the digital data to the laptop computer 50 at a predetermined timing. The laptop computer 50 can process the digital data to analyze the state quantities of the structure. Here, the storage unit of the laptop computer 50 can be a non-volatile storage unit. This prevents the loss of the digital data acquired by the laptop computer 50 from the receiver 20 even if the power supply mounted on the mobile object 60 is lost and the laptop computer 50 is forced to shut down. Furthermore, the laptop computer 50 can transmit the digital data received from the receiver 20 and the processing results of the data (such as the analysis results of the amount of distortion) to the personal computer 40 via wireless communication with the personal computer 40.

[0024] (Measurement method) Although the AFE board 13 is inexpensive, it has been confirmed that the analog data collected from the sensor 11 varies to some extent, resulting in large initial fluctuations in operation. This is especially true when the AFE board 13 operates intermittently. While the effects of initial fluctuations in operation can be eliminated when the AFE board 13 operates constantly, this is not a desirable method because it consumes a significant amount of battery power. Therefore, the notebook computer 50 can perform processing on the digital data received from the receiver 20 to reduce or eliminate the initial fluctuations in operation. This processing is performed for each transmitter 10.

[0025] For example, the notebook computer 50 may execute a process (first process) to calculate a moving average value of the amount of distortion using a predetermined number (a number smaller than N1) of digital data for a set of digital data (N1 data sets) converted from a set of analog data (N1 data sets) collected within a first period T1. The first period T1 may be the entire operation period of the intermittent operation of the transmitter 10. For example, the sampling interval of the collected analog data may be constant (T1 / N1) and sufficiently shorter than the first period. The first process smoothes the digital data arranged in time series. For example, taking a moving average using 20 or more digital data sets can reduce the variation in the amount of distortion to about 1 / 10. Furthermore, for example, the notebook computer 50 can execute a process (second process) that calculates an average value of the amount of distortion using digital data collected within a predetermined period T3 (shorter than the first period T1) from the set of digital data. It has been confirmed that digital data with large variations is distributed over a certain period. Therefore, for example, the notebook computer 50 can identify the maximum period from the distribution of the digital data as the predetermined period T3 and average the digital data within the identified maximum period. The second process can reduce variations even in digital data with variations that are too large to be handled by the first process. Furthermore, for example, the notebook computer 50 can execute a process (third process) to discard digital data collected during a second period T2 (T1>T2) from the detection start timing of the first period T1 to the first timing within the first period. The second period T2 can be the period from the start of the transmitter 10 until the initial fluctuation settles down.

[0026] By performing the first to third processes, the notebook computer 50 performs processes to reduce or remove initial fluctuations in the operation of the transmitter 10, thereby improving the reliability of the digital data and the measurement accuracy of the amount of strain in the structure even during intermittent operation. As a result, the reliability of the digital data and the measurement accuracy of the amount of strain in the structure can be improved. In the first embodiment, the personal computer 40 can execute the first to third processes.

[0027] [Variations] (a): The AFE substrate 13 is an example of an AD conversion substrate, and other types of AD conversion substrates may also be used. (b): The sensor 11 and the AFE board 13 may be connected by a socket to enable electrical connection. As a result, if the sensor 11 breaks down, the broken sensor 11 can be removed from the AFE board 13. A new sensor 11 can then be connected to the AFE board 13 via the socket. In this way, the broken sensor 11 can be separated from the AFE board 13, so that only the sensor 11 can be replaced. The same applies to the case where the AFE board 13 breaks down. Furthermore, multiple sensors 11 may be electrically connected to one AFE board 13. In this case, some or all of the multiple sensors 11 may be connected to the AFE board 13 by sockets to enable electrical connection. (c) The hole 121a can be provided at any position on the wall of the box 12. (d) The transmitter 10 may operate intermittently, but may also operate dynamically without any particular regularity. (e): In the second embodiment, the notebook computer 50 performs the first to third processes on the digital data converted by the AFE board 13. However, for example, the relay board 16 may perform the first to third processes on part or all of the digital data, and the results of the first to third processes may be transmitted from the transmitter 10 to the notebook computer 50 via the receiver 20. (f): The processing performed by a computer such as the personal computer 40 of the first embodiment, the personal computer 40 of the second embodiment, or the notebook computer 50, and the storage of the processing results may be realized as the processing and storage of a cloud service (e.g., IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)) that uses virtualization technology, or a server equipped with a hypervisor.

[0028] (g) It is also possible to realize a technology that appropriately combines the various technologies described in this embodiment. (h) The software described in this embodiment can be realized as hardware, and vice versa. (i) In addition, the constituent elements of the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 10 Transmitter (wireless measurement module) 11 Sensors 12 boxes 13 AFE board (AD conversion board) 14 Batteries 15 Radio 16 Relay board 17 Wiring 20 Receiver 30 Router 40 PC 50 laptops 60 Mobile 121 Base 121a Hole 122 Lid 131,141,151,161,162,163 sockets

Claims

1. A wireless measurement module comprising: a sensor fixed to a structure and detecting a state quantity of said structure; an AD conversion board that converts analog data of said state quantity into digital data; a battery; a radio; and a relay board that controls said AD conversion board and said radio, wherein said AD conversion board, said battery, and said radio are each connected to said relay board by detachable sockets; a receiver that communicates wirelessly with the wireless measurement module; a computer communicably connected to the receiver, the receiver and the computer are mounted on a moving object, A state quantity measuring system in which, when the distance between the moving body and the wireless measurement module becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the wireless device transmits the digital data to the receiver.

2. 2. The state quantity measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the computer comprises a nonvolatile storage unit.

3. The AD conversion board performs an intermittent operation in accordance with a control signal from the relay board, 3. The state quantity measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the computer performs at least one of the following processes: calculating a moving average value of the state quantity using a predetermined number of digital data for the set of digital data converted from the set of analog data collected within a first period; calculating an average value of the state quantity using digital data collected within a predetermined period of the set of digital data; and discarding the digital data collected within a second period from a detection start timing of the first period to a first timing within the first period.

4. The wireless measurement module a box that houses the AD conversion board, the battery, the radio, and the relay board; The box has an openable and closable lid and The state quantity measuring system according to claim 1 , further comprising a hole through which a wire connecting the sensor and the AD conversion board is inserted.

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