Overhead Cable Route Location Using Cover-Induced Fiber Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for specifying the route of overhead cables, such as optical fibers, often require direct disturbance, which can affect communication and are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A facility position specification system using a cylindrical cover with lamellas that transmits vibration to the overhead cable, combined with an optical measuring instrument to detect scattered light changes, allowing non-invasive route specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If barcodes are attached to equipment, then equipment identification and tracking become possible, but the aesthetic appearance of the equipment is degraded and the risk of barcode damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical marking (projecting light patterns) to create a virtual copy of identification information in the air space above the equipment, eliminating the need for physical barcode stickers. This optical copy can be captured by imaging devices without attaching anything to the equipment surface, thus preserving aesthetic appearance while enabling identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the equipment and the identification system. Instead of directly attaching barcodes to the equipment, the system projects light patterns that represent identification data into the space around the equipment. This intermediary optical layer enables identification without physical contact or aesthetic degradation.
2Loss of information
If barcodes are attached to equipment in harsh environments, then equipment identification is enabled, but the barcodes are prone to damage from chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of identification information using projected light patterns that exist temporarily in the air space. This optical copy leaves no physical residue on the equipment that could be damaged by harsh environmental conditions. The identification data is reproduced optically rather than physically attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical barcode stickers with an optical system that projects light patterns. This substitution eliminates the mechanical attachment process and the physical material that would be susceptible to chemical degradation, thermal expansion, and mechanical stress in harsh environments.
3Loss of information
If detailed equipment information is displayed on fixed physical labels, then information completeness is improved, but the flexibility to update and adapt information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static physical labels to dynamic optical projections. The projected light patterns can be changed, updated, or modified in real-time without physical reattachment. This dynamic capability allows the same equipment to display different information sets at different times, enhancing adaptability while maintaining information completeness through programmable content.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical projection system serves multiple functions: it can display identification information, operational status, maintenance schedules, and other variable data. A single projection system can adapt to display different types of information as needed, making the identification system universal and highly adaptable to various operational requirements.
4Loss of information
If multiple labels are placed on equipment to provide comprehensive information, then information completeness improves, but the equipment appearance becomes cluttered and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves identification information from the two-dimensional equipment surface to the three-dimensional air space surrounding the equipment. By projecting light patterns into the spatial volume around the equipment rather than attaching labels to the surface, the system provides comprehensive information without occupying physical space on the equipment, thus maintaining clean surfaces and easy access for maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a facility position specification system, a cover, and a facility position specification method capable of specifying a route of an overhead cable without directly giving disturbance to the overhead cable itself. The facility position specification system according to the present invention includes an optical fiber 25 along an overhead cable 26, a cylindrical cover 40 covering the overhead cable 26 at an arbitrary position on the overhead cable 26 in a longitudinal direction, an optical measuring instrument 20 connected to an end of the optical fiber 25 and configured to acquire temporal change in scattered light from the optical fiber 25 when vibration is applied to the overhead cable 26 from the cover 40 as temporal change in a scattered optical intensity distribution of the optical fiber 25 in a longitudinal direction, and a signal processing unit 21 configured to specify a vibration position on the optical fiber 25 to which the vibration is applied based on the scattered optical intensity distribution, and specify an actual position of the overhead cable 26 to which the vibration is applied by associating the vibration position on the optical fiber 25 with a position of the overhead cable 26 on a map.