Utility Pole Monitoring System

Abstract

To provide a utility pole monitoring system capable of monitoring the state of a utility pole with high accuracy using a simple configuration. [Solution] The utility pole monitoring system S comprises an attachment 1 attached to a utility pole P and having a weight sensor 11 that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data, and a monitoring server 100 that receives the utility pole weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the utility pole's condition based on the weight data. The attachment 1 is attached to each of a plurality of utility poles P1 to P4 that are located in close proximity. The monitoring server 100 receives the weight data for each of the utility poles P1 to P4 that are located in close proximity, determines whether a given utility pole is in an abnormal state based on the weight data for each utility pole, and outputs the determination result.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a utility pole monitoring system, and more particularly to a utility pole monitoring system that uses a weight sensor to monitor the condition of a utility pole. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, utility pole monitoring systems are known that attach tilt detectors such as tilt sensors to utility poles and monitor utility poles for abnormalities based on tilt data of the utility poles obtained from the tilt sensors. For example, when a large number of power lines are cut due to a typhoon or traffic accident, it is important to use a utility pole monitoring system to quickly determine which utility poles are damaged and to restore them.

[0003] Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose a monitoring system consisting of a tilt detection communication terminal (tilt sensor module) attached to a utility pole, and a monitoring center (monitoring server) that receives tilt data of the utility pole from the tilt detection communication terminal and monitors abnormalities in the utility pole. The above system makes it possible to monitor abnormal conditions, such as when strong winds cause the power lines to vibrate and pull on the power pole, based on the degree of tilt of the pole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0005] Incidentally, in utility pole monitoring systems such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there was a demand for the system to be able to accurately determine not only abnormal conditions caused by the utility pole tilting, but also abnormal conditions such as when the electric wire connected by the utility pole is cut or when a heavy object gets caught on the utility pole. There was also a need for a system that could monitor abnormal conditions in utility poles with a simple configuration and while keeping costs down, without having to install complex judgment devices to determine whether the utility poles were abnormal. When using a tilt sensor, it is possible to determine abnormal conditions such as a tilted utility pole, but it is difficult to determine abnormal conditions such as a cut power line or a flying object attached to a power line.

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

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the utility pole monitoring system of the present invention, which is a utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the state of a utility pole, and is attached to the utility pole, Regarding An attachment having a weight sensor for measuring weight and acquiring weight data, and a Engraved a monitoring server that receives weight data and monitors the status of the utility pole based on the weight data, and the attachment a first attachment attached to a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor for measuring a weight related to the first utility pole; a second attachment attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and having a second weight sensor for measuring a weight related to the second utility pole; and a third attachment attached to a third utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and on the opposite side from the second utility pole and having a third weight sensor for measuring a weight related to the third utility pole; The monitoring server From the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles The weight data The weight change of each of the utility poles is calculated, and when the weight of the second utility pole changes more and decreases relative to the weight change of the first utility pole, and when the weight of the third utility pole changes more and increases relative to the weight change of the first utility pole, it is determined that the first utility pole is leaning; Outputting the judgment result and, is solved by The above configuration makes it possible to realize a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles with a simple configuration. More specifically, in the above utility pole monitoring system, a weight sensor (attachment with weight sensor) is attached to each of multiple utility poles located in close proximity, and the monitoring server determines the abnormal state of the utility pole based on the weight data of each nearby utility pole. In this way, by using multiple weight sensors to grasp the weight changes of each nearby utility pole, the status of utility poles can be monitored accurately despite the simple configuration.

[0008] At this time, The attachment is attached to a member of the utility pole that supports the electric wires, and the weight sensor measures the total weight of the weight of the member of the utility pole that supports the electric wires and the weight of the electric wires connected to the utility pole as the weight of the utility pole, thereby acquiring the weight data. and good 。

[0009] The problem is also solved by a utility pole monitoring system that monitors the condition of utility poles, comprising: an attachment that is attached to the utility pole and has a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole to obtain weight data; and a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the condition of the utility pole based on the weight data, wherein the attachments include a first attachment that is attached to a first utility pole and has a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment that is attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and has a second weight sensor that measures the weight of the second utility pole; and a third attachment having a third weight sensor attached to a third utility pole located on the opposite side of the second utility pole and configured to measure the weight of the third utility pole, wherein the monitoring server periodically acquires the weight data from the weight sensors attached to each of the plurality of utility poles, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, and when the weight of the first utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, and when the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, determines that an abnormal state has occurred in which the electric wire connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole has been cut, and outputs the determination result.

[0010] The problem is also solved by a utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the status of utility poles, comprising: an attachment attached to the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole to obtain weight data; and a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the status of the utility pole based on the weight data, wherein the attachments include a first attachment attached to a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and having a second weight sensor that measures the weight of the second utility pole; and a third attachment having a third weight sensor attached to a third utility pole located on the opposite side of the second utility pole and configured to measure the weight of the third utility pole, wherein the monitoring server periodically acquires the weight data from the weight sensors attached to each of the plurality of utility poles, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, and when the weight of the first utility pole changes and increases more in relation to the weight change of the third utility pole, and when the weight of the second utility pole changes and increases more in relation to the weight change of the third utility pole, determines that an abnormal state has occurred in which a heavy object has become caught in the electric wire connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole, and outputs the determination result.

[0011] At this time, The attachment includes a fourth attachment that is attached to a fourth utility pole that is close to the first utility pole and different from the second utility pole and the third utility pole, and that has a fourth weight sensor that measures the weight of the fourth utility pole, and the monitoring server determines whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on changes in the weights of the first utility pole, the second utility pole, and the third utility pole, using the weight of the fourth utility pole as a reference. and good 。

[0012] At this time, the monitoring server The designated utility pole When it is determined that an abnormal condition exists, The predetermined It is advisable to increase the frequency with which the weight data is acquired from the weight sensor provided on the utility pole so that the weight data can be acquired at any time. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can increase the frequency with which it acquires weight data for the first utility pole (second utility pole) when the power line is cut, thereby quickly detecting any further abnormalities that may occur after the power line is cut. For example, if a power line is cut and a foreign object gets caught on the cut line, it is a very dangerous situation. Furthermore, if power continues to be supplied, it is an extremely dangerous situation. Therefore, after a power line is cut, it is important to increase the frequency of collecting weight data for the affected utility pole, identify utility poles that are in a more dangerous state, and prioritize their restoration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the utility pole monitoring system of the present invention, it is possible to accurately monitor the state of a utility pole (normal state, abnormal state) with a simple configuration. In addition, it becomes possible to monitor the state of a utility pole with high accuracy by using the state of other nearby utility poles as a reference. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a utility pole monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a utility pole, electric wires, and an attachment with a weight sensor. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a utility pole, a power line, and an attachment with a weight sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a utility pole monitoring system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functions of a monitoring server. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a utility pole in a "normal state." [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing that the first utility pole is in an "abnormal state" where it is leaning. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an "abnormal state" in which the electric wire between the first utility pole and the second utility pole is cut. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an "abnormal state" in which a flying object has been caught on a cut electric wire. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an "abnormal situation" in which a heavy object is caught on the electric wire between the first and third electric poles. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram showing a utility pole monitoring method using a utility pole monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to a "utility pole monitoring system" that makes it possible to accurately monitor the state (normal state, abnormal state) of a utility pole with a simple configuration using a weight sensor.

[0017] <Outline of utility pole monitoring system> As shown in Figure 1, the utility pole monitoring system S is a monitoring system that quickly identifies abnormal conditions in utility poles and power lines when damage to those poles or power lines occurs due to typhoons, traffic accidents, etc., and restores the affected utility poles and power lines. In more detail, the utility pole monitoring system S is a system that uses a weight sensor 30 to acquire weight data of the utility pole P at any time, determines whether a specific utility pole P is in an abnormal state based on the weight (weight change) of the utility pole P, and outputs the determination result.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the utility pole monitoring system S comprises an attachment 1 that is attached to a utility pole P and has a weight sensor 30 that measures the weight of the utility pole P and acquires weight data, and a monitoring server 100 that receives the weight data of the utility pole P from the weight sensor 30 and monitors the condition of the utility pole P based on the weight data. The utility pole P will be explained first, and then the weight sensor attachment 1 and the monitoring server 100 will be explained.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the utility pole P is a pillar for supporting electric wires W that transmit electric power and electric signals in a stretched state in the air, and is installed so as to rise from the ground. The utility pole P comprises a utility pole body Pa that extends upward while being partially buried in the ground, and a support body Pb that is fixed to the upper part of the utility pole body Pa and extends horizontally from the utility pole body Pa. The support body Pb is a member that supports a plurality of electric wires W, and supports the electric wires W via, for example, electric wire support members Pc (insulators). Note that the support body Pb is capable of supporting various linear members such as communication lines in addition to the electric wires W. An attachment 1 having a weight sensor 30 is fixed to the upper part of the utility pole P.

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

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the attachment 1 is a metal fitting (electric pole fitting) that can be detachably attached to an electric pole P, and is attached by being wrapped around the upper part of the electric pole main body Pa, for example. The attachment 1 is provided with the sensor module 20 in contact with the utility pole main body Pa and the support body Pb, and is capable of measuring the weight of the utility pole P. The attachment 1 has a belt-shaped metal fitting body 10 that can be wrapped around the utility pole body Pa, and a sensor module 20 that is attached to the metal fitting body 10 and measures the weight of the utility pole.

[0022] The sensor module 20 acquires weight data of the utility pole P via the weight sensor 30 at any time, and transmits the acquired weight data to the monitoring server 100 at any time. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sensor module 20 is mainly composed of a weight sensor 30 that detects the weight of the utility pole P and acquires weight data, a wireless communication unit 40 that receives the weight data and wirelessly transmits it to the outside, a control unit 50 that performs processing to transmit the weight data obtained by the weight sensor 30 to the wireless communication unit 40, and a power supply unit 60 that supplies power.

[0023] The weight sensor 30 is a weight measuring device (weight detector) that measures the weight of the utility pole P, and constantly measures the weight of the utility pole P. By accumulating the weight data of the utility pole P, it is possible to know whether the state of the utility pole P is "normal" or "abnormal." The wireless communication unit 40 connects to an external computer (monitoring server 100) using wireless communication technology, and transmits and receives data signals. The control unit 50 corresponds to a microcomputer and is a controller that performs overall electrical control. The power supply unit 60 is configured, for example, by a circuit that supplies low-voltage power. In addition to a weight sensor, a pressure sensor can also be used to calculate the weight of the utility pole P, but a weight sensor is preferable because it can measure weight at a lower cost.

[0024] "Measuring the weight of utility pole P" refers to a broad concept that includes not only measuring the weight of the entire utility pole P, but also measuring the weight related to utility pole P (the weight of a portion of utility pole P). Also, if an electric wire W is connected to utility pole P, it means measuring the total weight of utility pole P itself and the weight of the electric wire W connected to utility pole P and hanging from utility pole P. In this embodiment, the weight sensor 30 is provided below the support Pb of the utility pole P and measures the total weight of the "weight of the support Pb of the utility pole P and the electric wire support member Pc themselves" and the "weight of the electric wire W connected to the utility pole P (the weight of the electric wire W when one side of the electric wire W is supported)." In this way, "measuring the weight of the utility pole P" includes measuring the weight of the utility pole P and the electric wire W connected to the utility pole P. For example, the "weight of the first utility pole P1" shown in Figure 6 indicates the total weight of the support body Pb and the electric wire support member Pc of the first utility pole P and the weight of the electric wires W hanging on the first utility pole P, and is "30 kg".

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

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the monitoring server 100 is a computer having a CPU (processor), a storage device (ROM, RAM, HDD), and a communication interface (communication IF), and is connected to the weight sensors 30 (30A to 30D) so that they can communicate with each other. The monitoring server 100 determines the state of a given utility pole P based on the weight of each of the utility poles P1 to P4 measured by the weight sensors 30A to 30D, and outputs the determination result. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 monitors the state of the first utility pole P1 based on the weight of the first utility pole P1 in comparison with the weights of the adjacent second utility pole P2 and third utility pole P3, using the weight (weight change) of the nearby fourth utility pole P4 as a reference, and then determines whether the first utility pole P1 is in a "normal state" or an "abnormal state" and outputs the determination result. The monitoring server 100 may output the above-mentioned determination result (determination result data) by displaying it on a display screen or transmitting it to an external communication terminal.

[0027] The condition of utility pole P is explained in detail below. FIG. 6 shows that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state." FIG. 7 shows that the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" where it is leaning. FIG. 8 shows an "abnormal state" in which the electric wire W between the first electric pole P1 and the second electric pole P2 is cut. FIG. 9 shows an "abnormal situation (more urgent situation)" in which a flying object gets caught on a cut electric wire W. FIG. 10 shows an "abnormal state" in which a heavy object is caught on the electric wire W between the first electric pole P1 and the third electric pole P3.

[0028] <Control by monitoring server> 5, the monitoring server 100 mainly comprises a storage unit 101 for temporarily storing various programs and various data, a communication unit 102, a determination unit 103, and an output unit 104. These are made up of a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, HDD, communication IF, various programs, etc. The memory unit 101 stores a "utility pole monitoring program," "judgment data (judgment master data)" for judging the state (abnormal state) of the utility pole P, and "deterioration correction data" for correcting the deterioration of the weight sensor 30. The "determination data" is master data in which weight changes of the utility pole P (plurality of utility poles P) are associated with predetermined abnormal states, and is managed in a unified manner in the storage unit 101.

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

[0030] In this way, the monitoring server 100 refers to the "determination data" and determines whether a specific utility pole P is in an abnormal state based on the weight changes of the utility poles P1 to P4 obtained from each weight sensor 30A to 30D at any time, and outputs the determination result. This allows for the abnormal state of the utility pole P to be quickly identified when damage occurs to the utility pole P or the electric wire W, and for restoration work to be carried out on the utility pole P or the electric wire W. The "normal state" and "abnormal state" of utility pole P are specifically as follows.

[0031] <<The "normal state" of the utility pole>> FIG. 6 shows that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state." Weight sensors 30A to 30D are attached to the utility poles P1 to P4, respectively, and acquire weight data as needed and transmit the weight data to the monitoring server 100. According to the example of FIG. 6, the weight of each of the utility poles P1 to P4 is shown as "30 kg." The monitoring server 100 determines that the utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state" when the weights of the utility poles P1 to P4 obtained by the weight sensors 30A to 30D do not change (do not change significantly), that is, when there is no change in weight (almost no change). For example, when the "degree of change" between the weight (weight data) of utility pole P at a given timing and the weight of utility pole P at the next timing is within a range of ±2%, preferably within a range of ±1%, utility pole P can be determined to be in a "normal state." In addition, if the weight sensor 30 is used for a long period of time, the weight sensor 30 will deteriorate over time, so it is recommended to refer to the ``deterioration correction data'' described below and perform deterioration correction by multiplying it by a deterioration coefficient that takes into account the deterioration of the weight sensor 30 over time.

[0032] <<An abnormal situation where utility poles are leaning>> FIG. 7 shows an "abnormal state" in which the first utility pole P1 is pulled toward the second utility pole P2, causing the first utility pole P1 to lean toward the second utility pole P2. According to the example of FIG. 7, the weights of the utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "31 kg," "27 kg," "34 kg," and "30 kg," respectively. This means that when the first utility pole P1 tilts, the electric wire W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 becomes loose, causing the weight of the first utility pole P1 to change slightly (or not change), the weight of the second utility pole P2 to decrease, and the weight of the third utility pole P3 to increase. The weight of the fourth utility pole does not change (or changes almost nothing).

[0033] At this time, the monitoring server 100 acquires "weight data" from the weight sensors 30A to 30D provided on each of the utility poles P1 to P4 as needed, and calculates the change in weight of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is leaning toward the second utility pole P2 because the weight of the second utility pole P2 has changed more significantly (30 kg ⇒ 27 kg) compared to the change in weight of the first utility pole P1 (30 kg ⇒ 31 kg) and the weight of the third utility pole P3 has changed more significantly (30 kg ⇒ 34 kg). That is, the monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" where it is leaning, and outputs the determination result.

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

[0035] <<Correction of weight data based on other utility poles (correction for sensor deterioration)>> Here, in order to more accurately determine the condition of the first utility pole P1, it is advisable to correct the weight data (correct for sensor deterioration) not only based on the ``past weight data of the first utility pole P1'' but also based on the ``current weight data of the fourth utility pole P4'' which is normal in the same environment. When correcting weight data, it is advisable to take into consideration "deterioration of the weight sensor." Regarding "weight sensor deterioration," by correcting the "weight data" of weight sensors 30A to 30C using the "weight data" of another weight sensor 30D as a reference, it is possible to calculate the weight (weight change) taking into account the deterioration of weight sensor 30 over time. For example, it is advisable to calculate the standard deviation for a group of similar data from weight sensors under the same load, and then multiply the data by a "sensor degradation coefficient" based on the standard deviation to correct the weight (weight data). The storage unit 101 of the monitoring server 100 stores "deterioration correction data" for correcting the deterioration of the weight sensor 30, and the data is preferably updated as needed.

[0036] That is, the monitoring server 100 may determine whether the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" based on the weight changes of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3, using the weight (weight change) of the fourth utility pole P4 as a reference. 7, the weight of utility pole P4, which is not adjacent to first utility pole P1, has not changed (30 kg ⇒ 30 kg), but if the weight of utility pole P4 has changed slightly due to sensor deterioration (e.g., 30 kg ⇒ 29.5 kg), the weights (weight change) of first utility pole P1, second utility pole P2, and third utility pole P3 can be corrected for deterioration taking into account this slight change (0.5 kg), and the condition of utility pole P1 can be determined based on the weight change after the deterioration correction. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 can refer to the "deterioration correction data" to calculate the corrected weight change, and determine the condition of utility pole P1 based on this weight change. The process of correcting the weight changes of the first utility pole P1 to the third utility pole P3 using the weight data of the fourth utility pole P4 as a reference can also be used in the subsequent determination process.

[0037] <<An abnormal condition where the power line is cut>> Figure 8 shows an "abnormal state" in which the electric wire W between the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is cut. Such an "abnormal state" is difficult to determine using only the tilt data obtained from the tilt sensor. According to the example of FIG. 8, the weights of the utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are shown as "17 kg," "15 kg," "32 kg," and "30 kg," respectively. This means that, as a result of the complete severance of the electric wire W, the weight of the first electric pole P1 (17 kg) and the weight of the second electric pole P2 (15 kg) have been reduced to about half of the normal weight of the first electric pole P1 and the second electric pole P2 (30 kg) (and the weight of the fourth electric pole P4 (30 kg) has also been reduced to about half), and the weight of the third electric pole P3 has increased slightly (from 30 kg to 32 kg).

[0038] At this time, the monitoring server 100 acquires "weight data" from the weight sensors 30A to 30D provided on each of the utility poles P1 to P4 as needed, and calculates the change in weight of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that the electric wire W has been cut based on the fact that the weight of the first electric pole has changed more significantly (30 kg ⇒ 17 kg) compared to the change in weight of the third electric pole P3 (30 kg ⇒ 32 kg) and the weight of the second electric pole P2 has changed more significantly (30 kg ⇒ 15 kg). That is, the monitoring server 100 determines that the electric wire W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is in an "abnormal state" in which it is disconnected, and outputs the determination result. The monitoring server 100 may determine that the electric wire W has been cut based on the weight changes of the first electric pole P1, the second electric pole P2, and the third electric pole P3 relative to the weight data (30 kg) of the fourth electric pole P4.

[0039] <<An "urgent abnormal situation" occurred when a flying object got caught on a downed power line>> Figure 9 shows an "abnormal state" in which a flying object has become caught on a cut electric wire W. It is difficult to determine such an "abnormal state" using an inclination sensor or the like. According to the example of FIG. 9, the weights of the utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "22 kg," "15 kg," "32 kg," and "30 kg," respectively. This means that after the electric wire W is completely cut, a flying object gets caught on the electric wire W due to wind and rain. In this state, if the electric wire W gets wet with a puddle or the like and power is still being supplied, it means that it is an extremely dangerous situation. In such a situation, it is necessary to monitor the utility pole P more frequently, for example, every 10 minutes, rather than every hour. Then, by quickly confirming the unstable weight change after the electric wire W is cut, the monitoring server 100 can notify the worker to prioritize the restoration work on the utility pole P.

[0040] At this time, the monitoring server 100 determines that the electric wire W connected by the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is in an "abnormal state" in which it is disconnected, and increases the frequency of acquiring weight data from the weight sensor 30 installed on the first utility pole P1 (second utility pole P2), thereby acquiring weight data at any time. If the weight of the first utility pole P1 (second utility pole P2) fluctuates more than usual, the monitoring server 100 determines that a flying object has become caught on the cut electric wire W, and outputs (alerts) that an "urgent abnormal condition" exists. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 determines that an "urgent abnormal state" has occurred, in which a flying object has been caught on the electric wire W connected to the first electric pole P1, based on the fact that the weight of the first electric pole P1 has increased significantly (from 17 kg to 22 kg) while the weights of the other electric poles P2, P3, and P4 have not changed (or have barely changed).Then, the monitoring server 100 outputs the determination result.

[0041] <<An abnormal situation where a heavy object was caught on an electric wire>> FIG. 10 shows an "abnormal state" in which a heavy object is caught on the electric wire W between the first electric pole P1 and the third electric pole P3. It is difficult to determine such an "abnormal state" using a tilt sensor or the like. According to the example of FIG. 10, the weights of the utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are shown as "36 kg", "32 kg", "36 kg", and "32 kg", respectively. This means that a heavy object got caught on the electric wire W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, causing a large increase in the weight of the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, and a slight increase in the weight of the second utility pole P2 and the fourth utility pole P4. This type of "abnormal state" is often observed in accidents, such as when a heavy object such as a crane, temporary construction scaffolding, or tree falls and gets caught on something. In the "abnormal state" described above, a change occurs in the weight of the entire adjacent utility poles P1 to P4, and therefore, the advantage of providing a weight sensor 30 on each of the multiple utility poles P is realized.

[0042] At this time, the monitoring server 100 acquires "weight data" from the weight sensors 30A to 30D provided on each of the utility poles P1 to P4 as needed, and calculates the change in weight of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that a heavy object has been caught on the electric wire W based on the fact that the weight of the first electric pole P1 has changed more and increased (30 kg ⇒ 36 kg) compared to the change in weight of the second electric pole P2 (30 kg ⇒ 32 kg), and that the weight of the third electric pole P3 has changed more and increased (30 kg ⇒ 36 kg).

[0043] As described above, the utility pole monitoring system S uses multiple weight sensors 30 to constantly monitor the weight of nearby utility poles P, thereby making it possible to accurately grasp various "abnormal conditions" of utility poles P. Furthermore, when a specific utility pole P is determined to be in an "abnormal condition," by increasing the frequency of monitoring the weight of the utility pole P, utility poles P that are in a more dangerous condition can be identified and restored as a priority.

[0044] <Monitoring control of utility poles using a monitoring server (utility pole monitoring method)> Next, the processing of the utility pole monitoring control (utility pole monitoring program) by the utility pole monitoring system S will be described with reference to FIG. The program is executed upon receiving an operation instruction from the supervisor, and is repeatedly executed until a stop instruction is received from the supervisor.

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

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

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

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

[0049] In step 6, if the processing of the utility pole monitoring program by the monitoring server 100 is terminated by the operation of the monitor (step 6: Yes), the process of FIG. 11 is terminated. On the other hand, if the processing of the utility pole monitoring program has not been completed, the process returns to step 1.

[0050] The utility pole monitoring method using the utility pole monitoring system S described above allows for accurate monitoring of the state (normal state, abnormal state) of the utility pole P with a simple configuration. Specifically, by using the weight sensor 30, the state of the utility pole P can be monitored with higher accuracy using the state of other utility poles P in the vicinity as a reference.

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

[0052] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the weight sensor 30 is attached to each of the utility poles P1, P2, and P3 located adjacent to each other, but this is not particularly limited. For example, a weight sensor 30 may be attached to each of utility poles P that are located close to each other but are not adjacent to each other, and the "abnormal state" of a given utility pole P may be determined based on the weight data obtained from these weight sensors 30. More specifically, weight sensors 30 may be attached to every other utility pole P in a group, or weight sensors 30 may be attached to a group of utility poles P in areas prone to earthquakes or areas with steep slopes in a concentrated manner.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the utility pole monitoring system according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the above-described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] S Utility Pole Monitoring System 1 Attachment 1A First Attachment 1B Second attachment 1C Third Attachment 1D 4th Attachment 10 Metal fittings 20 Sensor Module 30 Weight Sensor 30A 1st weight sensor 30B Second weight sensor 30C 3rd weight sensor 30D 4th weight sensor 40 Radio Communication Department 50 control section 60 Power supply section 100 monitoring servers 101 Storage section 102 Communications Department 103 Judgment section 104 Output section P utility pole Pa Utility pole body Pb support Pc wire support member (insulator) P1 First utility pole (utility pole) P2 Second utility pole P3 Third utility pole P4 4th electric pole W electric wire

Claims

1. A utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the status of a utility pole, an attachment having a weight sensor attached to the utility pole and configured to measure a weight related to the utility pole and acquire weight data; a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the state of the utility pole based on the weight data, The attachment is a first attachment attached to a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the first utility pole; a second attachment attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and having a second weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the second utility pole; a third attachment attached to a third pole adjacent to the first pole and opposite the second pole, the third attachment having a third weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the third pole; The monitoring server The weight data is acquired from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles at any time, and a weight change of each of the utility poles is calculated; A utility pole monitoring system characterized by determining that the first utility pole is leaning when the weight of the second utility pole changes more and decreases relative to the change in weight of the first utility pole, and when the weight of the third utility pole changes more and increases relative to the change in weight of the first utility pole, and outputting the determination result.

2. The attachment is attached to a member of the utility pole that supports an electric wire, The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the weight sensor measures the total weight of the utility pole, which is the weight of the component of the utility pole that supports the electric wires and the weight of the electric wires connected to the utility pole, to acquire the weight data.

3. A utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the status of a utility pole, an attachment having a weight sensor attached to the utility pole and configured to measure a weight related to the utility pole and acquire weight data; a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the state of the utility pole based on the weight data, The attachment is a first attachment attached to a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the first utility pole; a second attachment attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and having a second weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the second utility pole; a third attachment attached to a third pole adjacent to the first pole and opposite the second pole, the third attachment having a third weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the third pole; The monitoring server The weight data is acquired from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles at any time, and a weight change of each of the utility poles is calculated; A utility pole monitoring system characterized by determining that an abnormal state has occurred in which the electric wire connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole has been cut when the weight of the first utility pole changes and decreases more in relation to the change in weight of the third utility pole, and when the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more in relation to the change in weight of the third utility pole, and outputting the determination result.

4. A utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the status of a utility pole, an attachment having a weight sensor attached to the utility pole and configured to measure a weight related to the utility pole and acquire weight data; a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the state of the utility pole based on the weight data, The attachment is a first attachment attached to a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the first utility pole; a second attachment attached to a second utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and having a second weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the second utility pole; a third attachment attached to a third pole adjacent to the first pole and opposite the second pole, the third attachment having a third weight sensor for measuring a weight associated with the third pole; The monitoring server The weight data is acquired from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles at any time, and a weight change of each of the utility poles is calculated; A utility pole monitoring system characterized by determining that an abnormal condition has occurred in which a heavy object has become caught on the electric wire connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole when the weight of the first utility pole changes and increases more in relation to the change in weight of the third utility pole, and when the weight of the second utility pole changes and increases more in relation to the change in weight of the third utility pole, and outputting the determination result.

5. the attachments include a fourth attachment attached to a fourth utility pole that is adjacent to the first utility pole and different from the second utility pole and the third utility pole, the fourth attachment having a fourth weight sensor that measures a weight of the fourth utility pole; The monitoring server The utility pole monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it determines whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on the weight changes of the first utility pole, the second utility pole, and the third utility pole, using the weight of the fourth utility pole as a reference.

6. The monitoring server When it is determined that a specified utility pole is in an abnormal state, 5. The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of obtaining the weight data from the weight sensor provided on the specified utility pole is increased, and the weight data is obtained at any time.

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