Utility pole monitoring system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a utility pole monitoring system capable of accurately monitoring a state of a utility pole with a simple configuration.　This utility pole monitoring system (S) comprises: an attachment (1) that is attached to a utility pole (P) and has a weight sensor (11) that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; and a monitoring server (100) that receives the weight data of the utility pole from the weight sensor (30) and monitors a state of the utility pole on the basis of the weight data. The attachment (1) is attached to each of a plurality of utility poles (P1) to (P4) positioned close to each other. The monitoring server (100) receives the weight data of each of the utility poles (P1) to (P4) positioned close to each other, determines whether or not a predetermined utility pole is in an abnormal state on the basis of the weight data of each of the utility poles, and outputs the determined result.

Description

Electric Pole Monitoring System

[0006] ,

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an electric pole monitoring system that attaches an inclination detector such as an inclination sensor to an electric pole and monitors the abnormality of the electric pole based on the inclination data of the electric pole obtained from the inclination sensor. For example, when a large-scale power line cut occurs due to a typhoon or a traffic accident, it is important to quickly grasp which electric poles have been damaged by the electric pole monitoring system and to restore them.

[0003] According to Patent Documents 1 and 2, a monitoring system composed of an inclination detection communication terminal (inclination sensor module) attached to an electric pole and a monitoring center (monitoring server) that receives the inclination data of the electric pole from the inclination detection communication terminal and monitors the abnormality of the electric pole is disclosed. With the above system, it is possible to monitor abnormal states such as when the power line vibrates due to strong wind and the electric pole is pulled, based on the degree of inclination of the electric pole. <00000​​​​​​The objective of the present invention is to provide a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles (normal state, abnormal state) with a simple configuration. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles based on the condition of other nearby utility poles.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by the utility pole monitoring system of the present invention, which is a utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a utility pole, comprising: an attachment attached to the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; and a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the condition of the utility pole based on the weight data, wherein the attachment is attached to a first utility pole and has a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole, and a second attachment 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 The system includes an attachment and a third attachment which is attached to a third utility pole adjacent to the first utility pole and on the opposite side from the second utility pole, and has a third weight sensor that measures the weight of the third utility pole. The monitoring server acquires weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the multiple utility poles as needed, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, and determines that the first utility pole is tilting when the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, and the weight of the third utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, and outputs the determination result. With the above configuration, a utility pole monitoring system that can accurately monitor the condition of utility poles with a simple configuration can be realized. More specifically, in the above utility pole monitoring system, weight sensors (attachments with weight sensors) are provided on each of the multiple utility poles in close proximity, and the monitoring server determines the abnormal condition of the utility pole based on the weight data of each of the utility poles in close proximity. In this way, by using multiple weight sensors to understand the weight changes of each nearby utility pole, it is possible to accurately monitor the condition of the utility poles with a simple configuration.

[0008] In this case, the attachment is mounted on a member of the utility pole that supports the power lines, and the weight sensor measures the total weight of the member of the utility pole that supports the power lines and the power lines connected to the utility pole as the weight of the utility pole, and acquires the weight data.

[0009] Furthermore, the above problem relates to a utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a utility pole, comprising: an attachment mounted on the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; and a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the condition of the utility pole based on the weight data, wherein the attachment comprises: a first attachment mounted on a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment mounted on 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 The monitoring server includes a third attachment which is attached to a third utility pole on the opposite side of the second utility pole and has a third weight sensor for measuring the weight of the third utility pole, and the monitoring server acquires the weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles as needed, 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 the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, the monitoring server determines that an abnormal condition has occurred in which the power lines connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole have been severed, and outputs the determination result.

[0010] Furthermore, the above problem relates to a utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a utility pole, comprising: an attachment mounted on the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; and a monitoring server that receives the weight data from the weight sensor and monitors the condition of the utility pole based on the weight data, wherein the attachment comprises: a first attachment mounted on a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment mounted on 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 adjacent to the first utility pole, The monitoring server includes a third attachment attached to a third utility pole on the opposite side of the second utility pole, which has a third weight sensor for measuring the weight of the third utility pole. The monitoring server acquires weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the multiple utility poles as needed, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, and determines that an abnormal condition has occurred where a heavy object is caught on the power lines connected by the first and second utility poles when the weight of the first utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the third utility pole, and outputs the determination result.

[0011] In this case, the attachment is located close to the first utility pole and is mounted on a fourth utility pole that is different from the second and third utility poles, and includes a fourth weight sensor that measures the weight of the fourth utility pole. The monitoring server may then determine whether the first utility pole is in an abnormal state based on the weight changes of the first, second, and third utility poles, using the weight of the fourth utility pole as a reference.

[0012] In this case, when the monitoring server determines that a predetermined utility pole is in an abnormal state, it is preferable to increase the frequency of acquiring weight data from the weight sensor installed on the predetermined utility pole, thereby acquiring the weight data as needed. With the above configuration, the monitoring server can quickly identify further abnormalities after the power line has been cut by increasing the frequency of acquiring weight data from the first utility pole (second utility pole) when the power line has been cut. For example, if foreign objects get caught in the severed power line after it has been cut, it becomes a considerably dangerous situation. Furthermore, if power is still being supplied, it becomes an extremely dangerous situation. Therefore, after a power line has been cut, it is important to increase the frequency of acquiring weight data from the relevant utility pole to identify utility poles in a more dangerous state and to prioritize their restoration.

[0013] According to the utility pole monitoring system of the present invention, it is possible to accurately monitor the status of utility poles (normal state, abnormal state) with a simple configuration. Furthermore, it is possible to accurately monitor the status of utility poles by using the status of other nearby utility poles as a reference.

[0014] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the utility pole monitoring system of this embodiment. This is a front view of the utility pole, power lines, and attachment with a weight sensor. This is a top view of the utility pole, power lines, and attachment with a weight sensor. This is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the utility pole monitoring system. This is a diagram illustrating the functions of the monitoring server. This is a diagram showing that the utility pole is in a "normal state". This is a diagram showing that the first utility pole is tilted, indicating an "abnormal state". This is a diagram showing that the power lines between the first and second utility poles are cut, indicating an "abnormal state". This is a diagram showing that an object has become caught in the cut power lines, indicating an "abnormal state". This is a diagram showing that a heavy object has become caught in the power lines between the first and third utility poles, indicating an "abnormal state". This is a processing flow diagram showing a method of monitoring utility poles using the utility pole monitoring system.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. This embodiment relates to a "utility pole monitoring system" that enables accurate monitoring of the condition of utility poles (normal state, abnormal state) with a simple configuration using a weight sensor.

[0016] <Overview of the Utility Pole Monitoring System> As shown in Figure 1, the utility pole monitoring system S is a monitoring system that quickly identifies abnormal conditions of utility poles and power lines when they are damaged by typhoons, traffic accidents, etc., and restores the affected utility poles and power lines. More specifically, the utility pole monitoring system S uses a weight sensor 30 to continuously acquire weight data of utility poles P, and determines whether a given utility pole P is in an abnormal condition based on the weight (weight change) of the utility pole P, and outputs the determination result.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the utility pole monitoring system S includes 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 status of the utility pole P based on the weight data. After describing the utility pole P, the attachment 1 with the weight sensor and the monitoring server 100 will be described.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the utility pole P is a pole for supporting electric wires W that transmit power and electrical signals while they are suspended 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 member 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 member Pb is a member that supports multiple electric wires W, and supports the electric wires W via, for example, electric wire support members Pc (insulators). In addition to electric wires W, the support member Pb can also support various linear members such as communication lines. An attachment 1 having a weight sensor 30 is fixed to the upper part of the utility pole P.

[0019] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an attachment 1 having a weight sensor 30 is attached to each of the first utility pole P1, second utility pole P2, third utility pole P3, and fourth utility pole P4. That is, the weight sensor 30 makes it possible to measure the weight data of each of the four utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4. The second utility pole P2 is installed adjacent to the first utility pole P1. The third utility pole P3 is installed adjacent to the first utility pole P1, but on the opposite side from the second utility pole P2. The fourth utility pole P4 is installed in close proximity to the first utility pole P1, but not adjacent to the first utility pole P1, and adjacent to the third utility pole P3.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, attachment 1 is a fitting (utility pole fitting) that can be detachably attached to a utility pole P, and is attached, for example, by wrapping it around the upper part of the utility pole body Pa. Attachment 1 is provided with a sensor module 20 in contact with the utility pole body Pa and support Pb, and is capable of measuring the weight of the utility pole P. Attachment 1 has a strip-shaped fitting body 10 that can be wrapped around the utility pole body Pa, and a sensor module 20 attached to the fitting body 10 for measuring the weight of the utility pole.

[0021] The sensor module 20 continuously acquires weight data of the utility pole P through the weight sensor 30 and transmits the acquired weight data to the monitoring server 100 as needed. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sensor module 20 mainly consists of a weight sensor 30 that detects the weight of the utility pole P and acquires weight data, a wireless communication unit 40 that receives the weight data and transmits it wirelessly to the outside, a control unit 50 that processes the weight data obtained by the weight sensor 30 and transmits it to the wireless communication unit 40, and a power supply unit 60 that supplies power.

[0022] The weight sensor 30 is a weight measuring device (weight detector) that measures the weight of the utility pole P, and measures the weight of the utility pole P in real time. By accumulating weight data of the utility pole P, it is possible to determine 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 is equivalent to a microcomputer and is a control controller that comprehensively performs electrical control. The power supply unit 60 is composed of a circuit that supplies low voltage power, for example. Although the weight of the utility pole P can also be calculated using a pressure sensor in addition to the weight sensor, the weight sensor is preferred because it can measure the weight at a lower cost.

[0023] "Measuring the weight of a utility pole P" is a broad concept that includes measuring the weight of the entire utility pole P, as well as measuring the weight of a part of the utility pole P. Furthermore, if a power line W is connected to the utility pole P, it means measuring the total weight of the utility pole P itself plus the weight of the power line W connected to and acting on the utility pole P. In this embodiment, the weight sensor 30 is installed below the support Pb of the utility pole P and measures the total weight of "the support Pb and power line support member Pc of the utility pole P itself" and "the weight of the power line W connected to the utility pole P (the weight of the power line W when one side of the power line W is supported)." Thus, "measuring the weight of a utility pole P" has the meaning of measuring the weight of the utility pole P and the power line W connected to it. For example, the "weight of the first utility pole P1" shown in Figure 6 represents the total weight of the support Pb and wire support member Pc of the first utility pole P, plus the weight of the wire W attached to the first utility pole P, and is "30 kg".

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, attachment 1 includes a first attachment 1A having a first weight sensor 30A, a second attachment 1B having a second weight sensor 30B, a third attachment 1C having a third weight sensor 30C, and a fourth attachment 1D having a fourth weight sensor 30D. 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. Attachment 1 may be attached to three utility poles P, or to five or more utility poles P. Alternatively, attachment 1 may be attached to two utility poles P.

[0025] 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) in a communicative manner. The monitoring server 100 determines the state of a predetermined utility pole P based on the weights of each utility pole P1 to P4 measured by each weight sensor 30A to 30D, and outputs the determination result. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 monitors the state of the first utility pole P1 based on the weight (weight change) of the adjacent fourth utility pole P4, comparing it with the weights of the adjacent second utility pole P2 and third utility pole P3. It then determines whether the first utility pole P1 is in a "normal state" or an "abnormal state" and outputs the determination result. The monitoring server 100 may output the above determination result (determination result data) by displaying it on a display screen or by transmitting it to an external communication terminal.

[0026] The condition of the utility poles P is explained in detail below. Figure 6 shows that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state". Figure 7 shows that the first utility pole P1 is tilted, indicating an "abnormal state". Figure 8 shows that the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is severed, indicating an "abnormal state". Figure 9 shows that a flying object is caught on the severed power line W, indicating an "abnormal state (more urgent)". Figure 10 shows that a heavy object is caught on the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, indicating an "abnormal state".

[0027] <Control by the Monitoring Server> As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring server 100, in terms of its functionality, mainly consists of a storage unit 101 that temporarily stores various programs and various data, a communication unit 102, a determination unit 103, and an output unit 104. These are composed of a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, HDD, communication IF, and various programs. The storage unit 101 stores a "utility pole monitoring program," "determination data (determination master data)" for determining the state (abnormal state) of utility pole P, and "deterioration correction data" for correcting the deterioration of the weight sensor 30. The "determination data" is master data that associates the weight change of utility pole P (multiple utility poles P) with predetermined abnormal states, and is centrally managed in the storage unit 101.

[0028] The communication unit 102 continuously receives weight data from the weight sensor 30. The determination unit 103 acquires the weight data received by the communication unit 102 and, while referring to the "determination data," determines the state of the utility pole P (normal state, abnormal state) based on the weight data. The output unit 104 outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit 103.

[0029] In this way, the monitoring server 100 refers to the "judgment data" and, based on the weight changes of the utility poles P1 to P4 obtained from each weight sensor 30A to 30D, determines whether a given utility pole P is in an abnormal state and outputs the judgment result. This allows for the rapid detection of an abnormal state of a utility pole P when damage occurs to the utility pole P or power lines W, and enables restoration work to be carried out on the utility pole P and power lines W. Specifically, the "normal state" and "abnormal state" of a utility pole P are as follows.

[0030] <<Normal State of Utility Poles>> Figure 6 shows that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state". Weight sensors 30A to 30D are installed on each of the utility poles P1 to P4, and weight data is acquired as needed and transmitted to the monitoring server 100. According to the embodiment in Figure 6, the weight of each utility pole P1 to P4 is "30 kg". The monitoring server 100 determines that utility poles P1 to P4 are in a "normal state" when the weight of utility poles P1 to P4 obtained by the weight sensors 30A to 30D does not change (does not change much), that is, when there is no weight change (almost no change). For example, it is preferable to determine that utility pole P is in a "normal state" when the "degree of change" between the weight of utility pole P at a predetermined timing (weight data) and the weight of utility pole P at the next timing is within a range of ±2%, preferably within a range of ±1%. Furthermore, if the weight sensor 30 is used for a long period of time, it will deteriorate over time. Therefore, it is recommended to perform deterioration correction by multiplying it by a deterioration coefficient that takes into account the deterioration of the weight sensor 30 over time, referring to the "deterioration correction data" described later.

[0031] <<Abnormal condition where utility poles are tilted>> Figure 7 shows an "abnormal condition" where the first utility pole P1 is tilted toward the second utility pole P2 as a result of being pulled toward the second utility pole P2. According to the embodiment in Figure 7, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "31 kg", "27 kg", "34 kg", and "30 kg", respectively. This means that when the first utility pole P1 tilts, the wire W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 slackens, causing the weight of the first utility pole P1 to change slightly (or remain unchanged), the weight of the second utility pole P2 to decrease, and the weight of the third utility pole P3 to increase. The weight of the fourth utility pole does not change (or hardly changes).

[0032] At this time, the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the multiple utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is tilting towards the second utility pole P2 because, in addition to the weight change of the first utility pole P1 (30 kg to 31 kg), the weight of the second utility pole P2 has changed and decreased more (30 kg to 27 kg), and the weight of the third utility pole P3 has changed and increased more (30 kg to 34 kg). In other words, the monitoring server 100 determines that the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" due to tilting, and outputs the determination result.

[0033] Furthermore, even if the first utility pole P1 is slightly tilted, if there is no change (or almost no change) in the weight distribution of the first utility pole P1 to the third utility pole P3 over time, the first utility pole P1 can continue to be used, and the monitoring server 100 may determine that the first utility pole P1 is in a "minor abnormal state (normal state)". On the other hand, if the first utility pole P1 tilts so much towards the second utility pole P2 that there is no slack in the power line W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3, there is a possibility that the first utility pole P1 will collapse. If the first utility pole P1 is tilted to the extent that there is a risk of collapse, that is, if there is a large change in the weight of the first utility pole P1 to the third utility pole P3, the monitoring server 100 may determine that the first utility pole P1 is in an "urgent abnormal state".

[0034] <<Correction of weight data based on other utility poles (sensor degradation correction)>> In order to determine the state of the first utility pole P1 with greater accuracy, it is advisable to correct the weight data (sensor degradation correction) not only by using the "past weight data of the first utility pole P1" as a reference, but also by using the "current weight data of the fourth utility pole P4", which is in the same environment and is functioning normally, as a reference. When correcting the weight data, it is advisable to consider the "degradation of the weight sensor". Regarding the "degradation of the weight sensor", by correcting the "weight data" of weight sensors 30A to 30C using the "weight data" of other weight sensors 30D as a reference, it is possible to calculate the weight (weight change) that takes into account the degradation of weight sensor 30 over time. For example, it is advisable to calculate the standard deviation of similar data from weight sensors receiving the same load as a group, and then correct the weight (weight data) by multiplying it by a "sensor degradation coefficient" based on the standard deviation. The storage unit 101 of the monitoring server 100 stores "degradation correction data" for correcting the degradation of weight sensor 30, and it is advisable to update it as needed.

[0035] In other words, the monitoring server 100 should determine whether the first utility pole P1 is in an "abnormal state" based on the weight changes of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3, using the weight (weight change) of the fourth utility pole P4 as a reference. As shown in Figure 7, the weight of utility pole P4, which is not adjacent to the first utility pole P1, has not changed (30 kg ⇒ 30 kg). However, if the weight of utility pole P4 has changed slightly due to sensor deterioration (e.g., 30 kg ⇒ 29.5 kg), the monitoring server 100 should consider this slight change (0.5 kg) and correct the weight (weight change) of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3 for deterioration, and then determine the state of utility pole P1 based on the weight change after deterioration correction. Specifically, the monitoring server 100 should refer to the "deterioration correction data" to calculate the weight change after correction, and then determine the state of utility pole P1 based on that weight change. Furthermore, the process of correcting the weight changes of the first to third utility poles P1 to P3 based on the weight data of the fourth utility pole P4 can also be used for subsequent judgment processes.

[0036] <<"Abnormal Condition" with Severed Power Lines>> Figure 8 shows an "abnormal condition" where the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is severed. Such an "abnormal condition" is difficult to determine using tilt data obtained from a tilt sensor. According to the embodiment in Figure 8, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "17 kg", "15 kg", "32 kg", and "30 kg", respectively. This means that because the power line W was completely severed, the weight of the first utility pole P1 (17 kg) and the second utility pole P2 (15 kg) decreased to about half of the normal weight of the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 (30 kg) (and the weight of the fourth utility pole P4 (30 kg) decreased to about half), and the weight of the third utility pole P3 increased slightly (30 kg ⇒ 32 kg).

[0037] At this time, the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the multiple utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that the power line W has been cut when it finds that the weight of the first utility pole has changed and decreased more than the weight change of the third utility pole P3 (30 kg to 32 kg), (30 kg to 17 kg), and the weight of the second utility pole P2 has changed and increased more than the weight change of the second utility pole P2 (30 kg to 15 kg). In other words, the monitoring server 100 determines that the power line W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 has been cut, which is an "abnormal state," and outputs the determination result. The monitoring server 100 may also determine that the power line W has been cut based on the weight changes of the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3 relative to the weight data of the fourth utility pole P4 (30 kg).

[0038] <<"Emergency Abnormal Condition" When Flying Objects Get Caught on a Severed Power Line>> Figure 9 shows an "abnormal condition" where flying objects get caught on a severed power line W. It is difficult to determine such "abnormal conditions" using tilt sensors or the like. According to the embodiment in Figure 9, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "22 kg," "15 kg," "32 kg," and "30 kg," respectively. This means that after the power line W has been completely severed, flying objects have become caught on the power line W due to wind and rain. In such a state, if the power line W is wet from puddles and power is still being supplied, it means that it is an extremely dangerous situation. In such situations, it is necessary to increase the monitoring frequency, for example, to every 10 minutes, rather than monitoring the utility pole P every hour. It would be good if the monitoring server 100 notifies the workers to prioritize the restoration work on the utility pole P once the unstable weight change after the power line W has been quickly confirmed.

[0039] At this time, the monitoring server 100 determines that the power line W connected by the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2 is severed, which is an "abnormal state." The monitoring server then increases the frequency of acquiring weight data from the weight sensor 30 installed on the first utility pole P1 (second utility pole P2), acquiring weight data continuously. If the weight of the first utility pole P1 (second utility pole P2) fluctuates significantly from normal, the monitoring server 100 determines that an object has become caught in the severed power line W and outputs (notifies) that this is an "urgent abnormal state." Specifically, the monitoring server 100 determines that an object has become caught in the power line W connected to the first utility pole P1 when the weight of the first utility pole P1 increases significantly (17 kg ⇒ 22 kg) and the weights of the other utility poles P2, P3, and P4 do not change (or hardly change). The monitoring server then outputs this determination result.

[0040] <<"Abnormal Condition" When a Heavy Object Gets Caught in the Power Line>> Figure 10 shows an "abnormal condition" where a heavy object gets caught in the power line W between the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3. It is difficult to determine such an "abnormal condition" using tilt sensors or the like. According to the embodiment in Figure 10, the weights of utility poles P1, P2, P3, and P4 are "36 kg," "32 kg," "36 kg," and "32 kg," respectively. This means that the weight of the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3 increased significantly, and the weights of the second utility pole P2 and the fourth utility pole P4 increased slightly, due to a heavy object getting caught in the power line W connecting the first utility pole P1 and the third utility pole P3. Such "abnormal conditions" are often observed in accidents, for example, when heavy objects such as cranes, temporary scaffolding for construction, or trees fall and get caught. In the above-mentioned "abnormal condition," a change occurs in the total weight of the adjacent utility poles P1 to P4, thus demonstrating the advantage of equipping each of the multiple utility poles P with a weight sensor 30.

[0041] At this time, the monitoring server 100 continuously acquires "weight data" from weight sensors 30A to 30D installed on each of the multiple utility poles P1 to P4, and calculates the weight change of each utility pole. The monitoring server 100 determines that a heavy object has become caught on the power line W when it finds that the weight of the first utility pole P1 has changed and increased more than the weight change of the second utility pole P2 (30 kg to 32 kg) (30 kg to 36 kg), and the weight of the third utility pole P3 has also changed and increased more than the weight change of the third utility pole P3 (30 kg to 36 kg).

[0042] As described above, the utility pole monitoring system S uses multiple weight sensors 30 to continuously monitor the weight of nearby utility poles P, thereby accurately identifying various "abnormal conditions" of utility poles P. Furthermore, when a designated utility pole P is determined to be in an "abnormal condition," the frequency of monitoring the weight of the utility pole P is increased, allowing for the identification of utility poles P in more dangerous conditions and their restoration to be prioritized.

[0043] <Monitoring Server's Pole Monitoring Control (Pole Monitoring Method)> Next, the processing of the pole monitoring control (pole monitoring program) by the pole monitoring system S will be described based on FIG. 11. The above program is executed upon receiving an operation instruction from a monitor and is repeatedly executed until a stop instruction is received from the monitor.

[0044] In the processing flow shown in FIG. 11, first, in step 1 (S1), the monitoring server 100 acquires "weight data" from the weight sensors 30A to 30D provided in each of the poles P1 to P4 at any time and calculates the weight change of each pole. Note that the monitoring server 100 may acquire "weight data" from the weight sensors 30A to 30C provided in the poles P1 to P3 at any time. That is, when determining the state of the first pole P1, it is not always necessary to acquire the "weight data" of the fourth pole P4.

[0045] In step 2, based on the weight changes of the first pole P1, the second pole P2, and the third pole P3, the monitoring server 100 determines the state (normal state, abnormal state) of the first pole P1 with reference to the weight of the fourth pole P4. In step 3, the monitoring server 100 outputs the determination result.

[0046] In step 4, when the monitoring server 100 determines that the first pole P1 is in a predetermined "abnormal state" (step 4: Yes), it proceeds to step 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first pole P1 is not in the "abnormal state" (step 4: No), it proceeds to step 6.

[0047] In step 5, when the monitoring server 100 determines that the first pole P1 is in the "abnormal state", it increases the frequency of acquiring weight data from the first weight sensor 30A provided in the first pole P1 and acquires this weight data at any time. This enables early detection of the case where the first pole P1 falls into a more dangerous state and allows the first pole P1 to be prioritized for restoration.

[0048] In step 6, when the processing of the utility pole monitoring program by the monitoring server 100 ends due to an operation by the monitor (step 6: Yes), the process of FIG. 11 ends. On the other hand, if the processing of the utility pole monitoring program has not ended, the process returns to step 1.

[0049] In the case of the utility pole monitoring method by the above utility pole monitoring system S, the state (normal state, abnormal state) of the utility pole P can be accurately monitored with a simple configuration. Specifically, by using the weight sensor 30, the state of the utility pole P can be monitored more accurately based on the states of other adjacent utility poles P.

[0050] <Others> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the weight sensor 30 is provided for each utility pole P, but it is not particularly limited. For example, when determining the state of the first utility pole P1 among the adjacent utility poles P1 to P4, the weight sensor 30 may be provided only for the first utility pole P1, the second utility pole P2, and the third utility pole P3, or may be provided only for the first utility pole P1 and the second utility pole P2. Alternatively, the weight sensor 30 may be provided only for 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.

[0051] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the weight sensor 30 is attached to each of the adjacent utility poles P1, P2, and P3, but it is not particularly limited. For example, the weight sensor 30 may be attached to each of the non-adjacent but nearby utility poles P, and the "abnormal state" of a predetermined utility pole P may be determined based on the weight data obtained from these weight sensors 30. More specifically, the weight sensor 30 may be attached to the utility pole P group at every other pole, or may be concentratedly attached to the utility pole P group in an area where earthquakes are likely to occur or in a steep slope area.

[0052] The above embodiments primarily described a utility pole monitoring system according to the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention. In particular, what is described in the above embodiments is merely an example and does not limit the present invention.

[0053] S Utility pole monitoring system 1 Attachment 1A First attachment 1B Second attachment 1C Third attachment 1D Fourth attachment 10 Metal fitting body 20 Sensor module 30 Weight sensor 30A First weight sensor 30B Second weight sensor 30C Third weight sensor 30D Fourth weight sensor 40 Wireless communication unit 50 Control unit 60 Power supply unit 100 Monitoring server 101 Storage unit 102 Communication unit 103 Judgment unit 104 Output unit P Utility pole Pa Utility pole body Pb Support Pc Electric wire support member (insulator) P1 First utility pole (utility pole) P2 Second utility pole P3 Third utility pole P4 Fourth utility pole W Electric wire

Claims

1. A utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of utility poles, comprising: an attachment mounted on the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; 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 attachment includes: a first attachment mounted on a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment mounted on 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 mounted on 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 that measures the weight of the third utility pole, wherein the monitoring server acquires the weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles as needed, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, A utility pole monitoring system characterized in that, when the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, and the weight of the third utility pole changes and increases more than the weight change of the first utility pole, it is determined that the first utility pole is tilting and the determination result is output.

2. The utility pole monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment is attached to a member of the utility pole that supports the power lines, and the weight sensor measures the total weight of the member of the utility pole that supports the power lines and the power lines connected to the utility pole as the weight related to the utility pole, and acquires the weight data.

3. A utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of utility poles, comprising: an attachment mounted on the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; 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 attachment includes: a first attachment mounted on a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment mounted on 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 mounted on 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 that measures the weight of the third utility pole, wherein the monitoring server acquires the weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles as needed, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, A utility pole monitoring system characterized in that, when the weight of the first utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole changes and decreases more than the weight of the third utility pole, it determines that an abnormal condition exists in which the power lines connected by the first utility pole and the second utility pole are severed, and outputs the determination result.

4. A utility pole monitoring system for monitoring the condition of utility poles, comprising: an attachment mounted on the utility pole and having a weight sensor that measures the weight of the utility pole and acquires weight data; 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 attachment includes: a first attachment mounted on a first utility pole and having a first weight sensor that measures the weight of the first utility pole; a second attachment mounted on 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 mounted on 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 that measures the weight of the third utility pole, wherein the monitoring server acquires the weight data from the weight sensors provided on each of the plurality of utility poles as needed, calculates the weight change of each utility pole, A utility pole monitoring system characterized in that, when the weight of the first utility pole changes and increases more than the weight of the third utility pole, and the weight of the second utility pole changes and increases more than the weight of the third utility pole, it determines that an abnormal condition has occurred in which a heavy object has become caught on the power lines connected by the first and second utility poles, and outputs the determination result.

5. The utility pole monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment is located close to the first utility pole and is mounted on a fourth utility pole different from the second and third utility poles, and includes a fourth weight sensor for measuring the weight of the fourth utility pole, and the monitoring server 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 utility pole monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the monitoring server determines that a predetermined utility pole is in an abnormal state, it increases the frequency of acquiring the weight data from the weight sensor installed on the predetermined utility pole and acquires the weight data as needed.

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