Pipe joint construction management device, pipe joint construction management method, and pipe joint construction management program

Abstract

This invention aims to provide a pipe joining construction management device that improves the quality of construction management and the quality of pipe joining by electrofusion in the construction management of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion. [Solution] The pipe joint construction management device 1 includes an imaging unit 11 that takes an inspection image Di for determining the joint state of the joint portion between joined pipes P, an inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 that determines whether the inspection image Di is appropriate or not, and a joint state determination unit 13 that determines whether the joint state of the joint portion is appropriate or not based on the inspection image Di. The inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 determines that an inspection image Di that satisfies the appropriate image criteria is an appropriate inspection image Di. The joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint portion included in the inspection image Di that the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 has determined to be appropriate is in an appropriate joint state if it satisfies the appropriate joint criteria.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joining construction management device, a pipe joining construction management method, and a pipe joining construction management program for performing construction management of a joining operation for joining resin pipes by electric fusion.

Background Art

[0002] Devices for performing construction management of a joining operation for joining resin pipes by electric fusion are known. As such a device, for example, in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a pipe joining construction pipe device that images a joining portion between the resin pipes by an imaging unit and stores the imaging time and the captured image when the joining portion between the resin pipes is photographed in a storage unit.

[0003] The pipe joining construction pipe device has a display control unit that controls a photographed image display unit for displaying the image. The display control unit performs a display for assisting the imaging of the joining portion by the imaging unit on the photographed image display unit. The display control unit, for example, causes the photographed image display unit to display the imaging timing, the imaging position, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By utilizing the function of assisting the imaging of the joining portion between the resin pipes, the pipe joining construction pipe device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can image the joining portion between the resin pipes easily and more reliably.

[0006] However, the pipe joining construction device disclosed in Patent Document 1 assists the imaging unit in taking images so that the joint portion between the resin pipes can be properly photographed, but it does not determine whether the captured image is an image that can confirm the state of the joint between the resin pipes. Furthermore, the pipe joining construction device does not determine whether the state of the joint portion between the resin pipes is proper based on the captured image.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of construction management for joining resin pipes by electrofusion and to improve the quality of pipe joining by electrofusion by obtaining inspection images that allow confirmation of the joining state between the resin pipes and determining whether the joining state between the resin pipes is appropriate or not.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to realize a pipe joining construction management device that improves the quality of construction management and the joining quality of pipes joined by electrofusion in the construction management of joining work in which resin pipes are joined together by electrofusion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pipe joining construction management device according to one embodiment of the present invention performs construction management of joining work in which resin pipes are joined together by electrofusion. The pipe joining construction management device includes an imaging unit that takes an inspection image for determining the joining state of the joined resin pipes, an inspection image appropriateness determination unit that determines whether the inspection image is appropriate or not, and a joining state determination unit that determines whether the joining state of the joined portion is appropriate or not based on the inspection image. The inspection image appropriateness determination unit determines that an inspection image that meets the appropriate image criteria is an appropriate inspection image. The joining state determination unit determines that the joined portion included in the inspection image that the inspection image appropriateness determination unit has determined to be appropriate is in an appropriate joining state if it meets the appropriate joining criteria (first configuration).

[0010] In the above configuration, the joint state determination unit determines the joint state of the joint between the resin pipes based on the inspection image appropriateness determination unit's determination that the appropriate image criteria are met. In other words, the quality of the joint is managed by the appropriate inspection images captured by the imaging unit that confirm that the pipes are properly joined. Therefore, the joint state between the resin pipes can be confirmed by the appropriate inspection images without the need for special judgment techniques, the quality of the inspection images taken by multiple different workers is stable, and the joint state of the joint can be objectively confirmed. Furthermore, if the inspection image is not appropriate, it will not be determined to be a proper joint state, so pipe joining management by electrofusion is carried out properly. This improves the quality of construction management in joining resin pipes by electrofusion and improves the joining quality of pipe joining by electrofusion.

[0011] In the first configuration described above, the inspection image suitability determination unit binarizes the inspection image to extract the contour lines of the joined portion, and determines, based on the contour lines, whether or not the inspection image satisfies the suitability image criteria that allow for the determination of the joined state of the joined portion (second configuration).

[0012] In the above configuration, in order to extract the contour line of the joint portion in the inspection image, the inspection image is binarized and divided into a region of the pipe image including the joint portion and a region of the background image. The inspection image suitability determination unit determines whether the inspection image is a proper inspection image based on the contour line of the joint portion. By binarizing the inspection image, the amount of data is significantly reduced. As a result, the inspection image suitability determination process in the inspection image suitability determination unit is simplified, improving the accuracy of the inspection image determination and reducing the probability of misdetermination. This makes it possible to improve the quality of construction management in joining resin pipes by electrofusion.

[0013] In the first configuration described above, the inspection image suitability determination unit has an inspection image determination model, which is a machine learning model used to determine whether or not the inspection image is capable of determining the joining state of the joining portion based on the image of the joining portion. The inspection image suitability determination unit uses the inspection image determination model to determine whether or not the inspection image is capable of determining the joining state of the joining portion based on the image of the joining portion (third configuration).

[0014] In the above configuration, by utilizing an inspection image judgment model formed by machine learning of a large number of inspection images, the inspection images can be judged more flexibly than when the inspection images are judged based on a single criterion. Therefore, even if the shape, size, color, surrounding environment, etc. of the joint portion change, the suitability of the inspection image can be properly determined. This improves the quality of construction management in joining resin pipes by electrofusion.

[0015] In the first configuration described above, the joint state determination unit binarizes the inspection image to extract the contour line of the joint portion, and determines whether the joint state of the joint portion satisfies the appropriate joint criteria based on the contour line (fourth configuration).

[0016] In the above configuration, in order to extract the contour lines of the joint portions between the resin pipes in the inspection image, the inspection image is binarized and divided into the region of the joint portion and the pipe image and the region of the background image. The joint state determination unit determines whether the joint portion is in a proper joint state based on the contour lines of the joint portion. By binarizing the inspection image, the amount of data is significantly reduced. As a result, the determination processing of the inspection image by the joint state determination unit is simplified, so the determination accuracy of the inspection image is improved and the probability of misdetermination can be reduced. This makes it possible to improve the quality of construction management in the joining of resin pipes by electrofusion.

[0017] In the first configuration described above, the joint state determination unit includes a joint state determination model, which is a machine learning model used to determine whether the joint state of the joint portion is appropriate based on an image of the joint portion. The joint state determination unit uses the joint state determination model to determine whether the joint state of the joint portion in the inspection image, which has been determined to be able to determine the joint state of the joint portion, is appropriate (fifth configuration).

[0018] In the above configuration, by utilizing a joint state determination model formed by machine learning of a large number of inspection images, the joint state of the joint can be determined more flexibly than when the inspection images are judged based on a single criterion. Therefore, even if the shape, size, color, surrounding environment, etc. of the joint change, the joint state of the joint can be properly determined. This improves the quality of construction management in joining resin pipes by electrofusion.

[0019] In the first configuration described above, the pipe joint construction management device further includes an inspection result acquisition unit that inputs the inspection results of the joint portion. If the inspection image suitability determination unit cannot acquire an inspection image that allows it to determine the joint state of the joint portion, the inspection result acquisition unit acquires an inspection result other than the inspection image (sixth configuration).

[0020] In the above configuration, if it is difficult to obtain proper inspection images, inspection results other than the aforementioned images can be obtained through visual inspection, ultrasound inspection, etc. This allows for quality control of pipe joints even when it is difficult to obtain proper inspection images due to the surrounding environment, weather, pipe installation conditions, etc.

[0021] A pipe joining construction management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing the construction of joining work in which resin pipes are joined together by electrofusion. The pipe joining construction management method includes an imaging step of photographing the joining state of the joined portion of the joined resin pipes; an inspection image appropriateness determination step of determining whether the inspection image acquired in the imaging step is appropriate or not; and a joining state determination step of determining the joining state of the joined portion based on the inspection image. In the inspection image appropriateness determination step, the inspection image that satisfies the appropriate image criteria is determined to be an appropriate inspection image. In the joining state determination step, the joined portion included in the inspection image that the inspection image appropriateness determination step determined to be appropriate, and that satisfies the appropriate joining criteria, is determined to be in an appropriate joining state (first method).

[0022] In the above configuration, the inspection image suitability determination process determines whether a suitable inspection image that meets the suitability image criteria meets the suitability joining criteria. In other words, the quality of the joint portion between electrofused resin pipes is managed using suitable inspection images from among the inspection images taken in the imaging process that confirm that the resin pipes are properly joined together. Therefore, the state of the joint between the resin pipes can be confirmed using the suitable inspection images without the need for special judgment techniques, the quality of the inspection images taken by multiple different workers is stable, and the state of the joint portion can be objectively confirmed. Furthermore, if the inspection image is not suitable, it will not be judged as a proper joint, so the pipe joint management by electrofusion is carried out properly. This improves the quality of construction management in the joining of resin pipes by electrofusion and improves the joining quality of pipe joints by electrofusion.

[0023] The program for pipe joint construction management according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for performing construction management of a joining operation for joining resin pipes by electric fusion. The program for pipe joint construction management causes a computer to cause an imaging unit to capture an inspection image for determining a joint state of the joined resin pipes, and causes an inspection image propriety determination unit to determine whether or not the inspection image is a proper inspection image that satisfies a proper image standard. In the joint portion included in the inspection image determined to be proper by the inspection image propriety determination unit, a joint portion that satisfies the proper joint standard is determined to be in a proper joint state (first program).

[0024] In the above configuration, the computer is caused to determine whether or not the proper joint standard is satisfied for a proper inspection image determined to satisfy the proper image standard. That is, among the inspection images captured by the imaging unit by the computer, the quality of the joint portion of the resin pipes joined by electric fusion is managed by a proper inspection image that can confirm that the resin pipes are properly joined. Therefore, even without a special determination technique, the joint state of the resin pipes can be confirmed by the proper inspection image, the quality of the inspection images captured by a plurality of different operators is stabilized, and the joint state of the joint portion can be objectively confirmed. Further, if the inspection image is not proper, it is not determined as a proper joint state, so that the pipe joint management by electric fusion is properly performed. As a result, the quality of the construction management in the joining of resin pipes by electric fusion can be improved, and the joint quality of the pipe joint by electric fusion can be improved. [[Effect of the Invention]]

[0025] The pipe joint construction management device according to an embodiment of the present invention performs construction management of a joining operation for joining resin pipes by electric fusion. The pipe joint construction management device includes an imaging unit that captures an inspection image for determining the joint state of the joined resin pipes, an inspection image propriety determination unit that determines whether the inspection image is proper, and a joint state determination unit that determines the joint state of the joint portion based on the inspection image. The inspection image propriety determination unit determines an inspection image that satisfies a predetermined standard as a proper inspection image. The joint state determination unit determines that the joint state is proper by performing image processing on the image determined to be proper by the inspection image propriety determination unit.

[0026] A pipe joint construction management method for performing construction management of a joining operation for joining resin pipes by electric fusion according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging step of capturing the joint state of the joint portion of the joined resin pipes, an inspection image propriety determination step of determining whether the inspection image obtained in the imaging step is proper, and a joint state determination step of determining the joint state of the joint portion based on the inspection image. In the inspection image propriety determination step, the inspection image that satisfies the proper image standard is determined as the proper inspection image. In the joint state determination step, in the joint portion included in the inspection image determined to be proper in the inspection image propriety determination step, the joint portion that satisfies the proper joint standard is determined as a proper joint state.

[0027] A pipe joint construction management program for performing construction management of a joining operation for joining resin pipes by electric fusion according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to cause an imaging unit to capture an inspection image for determining the joint state of the joined resin pipes, cause an inspection image propriety determination unit to determine whether the inspection image is a proper inspection image that satisfies the proper image standard, and cause the joint portion included in the inspection image determined to be proper by the inspection image propriety determination unit to determine that the joint portion that satisfies the proper joint standard is a proper joint state.

[0028] This improves the quality of construction management in the construction management of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion, and also improves the quality of the pipe joining by electrofusion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the process of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion using a fusion splicer. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the process of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion using a fusion splicer. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a diagram illustrating the process of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion using a fusion splicer. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of an inspection image that has been determined to be an appropriate inspection image by the pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a pipe joint construction method, including a pipe joint construction management method performed by the pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of an image that has been binarized by the pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a pipe joint construction method, including a pipe joint construction management method performed by the pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a pipe joint construction method, including a pipe joint construction management method performed by the pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joint construction management device according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The following describes each embodiment with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components or the dimensional ratios of each component.

[0031] [Embodiment 1] (Pipe joint construction management device) Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pipe joint construction management device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image being determined by the pipe joint construction management device 1 as to whether or not it is an appropriate inspection image Di. The pipe joint construction management device 1 manages the construction of joining work in which water pipes are joined together by electrofusion using a fusion machine W. The water pipes are, for example, resin pipes such as polyester. The water pipes may be made of other materials as long as they are electrofused materials.

[0032] The fusion splicer W is a device that joins two resin pipes P together by electrofusion. The fusion splicer W melts and joins the joint S and the pipe P inserted inside it by passing current through an electric wire embedded inside the cylindrical joint. The configuration of the fusion splicer W is the same as that of conventional splicers. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the configuration of the fusion splicer W will be omitted.

[0033] Figures 2A to 2C illustrate the process of joining pipes P together by electrofusion using a fusion splicer W. The following explanation will use Figures 2A to 2C to describe the electrofusion joining process of pipes P together using a fusion splicer W.

[0034] First, when joining two pipes P, although not specifically shown in the diagram, the pipes to be joined are cut to a predetermined length and the outer surface of the joining portion of the pipes is cut. Then, as shown in Figure 2A, the ends of the pair of pipes P are inserted into the cylindrical joint S so as to butt together. In Figure 2A, the insertion direction of the pipes P into the joint S is indicated by a white arrow. Reference numeral S1 denotes an electric wire S1 embedded in the joint S. Reference numeral S2 denotes a cable insertion part S2 into which the output cable V of the fusion splicer W is inserted. Reference numeral S3 denotes the base S3 of an indicator that shows the molten state at the joining portion of the pair of pipes P.

[0035] The storage status of pipes P (number, size, minimum bending radius, etc.) may be monitored by the pipe joint construction management device 1 or other construction management devices not shown. Information regarding the storage status of pipes P may be reflected in at least one of the construction information and construction plan information. For example, if the minimum bending radius of a pipe is large at the construction site, another pipe may be used and that information may be reflected in at least one of the construction information and construction plan information.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2B, while holding the ends of a pair of pipes P inserted into the joint S, the output cable V of the fusion splicer W is electrically connected from the cable insertion part S2 to the electric wire S1 inside the joint S. Then, by supplying power from the fusion splicer W to the electric wire S1 via the output cable V, the resin at the joint portion of the joint S and pipes P is melted and joined.

[0037] In this process, the molten resin expands inside the joint S, but its axial movement is restricted by the unmolten resin. As a result, a portion of the molten resin in the joint S protrudes onto the outer surface of the joint S, forming a protrusion S4 on the base S3 on the outer surface, as shown in Figure 2C. This protrusion S4 serves as an indicator that the resins of the joint S and the pipe P are molten at the joint. The pair of pipes P are properly joined when the protrusion S4 is formed with the protrusion S4 extending from the base S3.

[0038] Subsequently, the joint S and the pair of pipes P are joined by cooling them while holding them in the state shown in Figure 2C for a predetermined time.

[0039] In the examples shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the case where a joint S and a pair of pipes P are joined is described, but other pipes may also be joined to a pipe that has an integrated joint. Three or more pipes may also be joined to a single joint.

[0040] The pipe joint construction management device 1 manages the construction of the joining work in which the joint S and a pair of pipes P are joined by electrofusion using a fusion splicer W, as described above. The pipe joint construction management device 1 manages each step of the joining work.

[0041] More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the pipe joint construction management device 1 includes an imaging unit 11, an inspection image suitability determination unit 12, a joint state determination unit 13, a display unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The pipe joint construction management device 1 may be implemented by, for example, a computing device such as a computer, or by a portable terminal capable of computing.

[0042] The pipe joint construction management device 1 may be implemented by a combination of a mobile terminal and a server that can communicate with each other. In this case, the mobile terminal has some of the components of the pipe joint construction management device 1 described below, and the server has other components of the pipe joint construction management device 1.

[0043] The imaging unit 11 is an imaging device capable of photographing the joint portion formed by the fusion splicer W. The image captured by the imaging unit 11 is stored as image data in the storage unit 15. The imaging unit 11 may be configured to photograph areas other than the joint portion. The imaging unit 11 may be an imaging device provided in a mobile terminal or a dedicated imaging device.

[0044] The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines whether the inspection image Di captured by the imaging unit 11 is an inspection image capable of determining the bonding state of the bonding portion. The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 acquires the inspection image Di from the imaging unit 11. The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 has appropriate image reference information Si, which is an appropriate image reference for determining whether the inspection image Di is an inspection image Di capable of determining the bonding state of the bonding portion.

[0045] The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines, based on the appropriate image reference information Si, whether the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image Di capable of determining the joint state of the joint portion. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image capable of determining the joint state of the joint portion, it outputs the suitable inspection image Di to the joint state determination unit 13. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is not suitable, it displays a message on the display unit 14 indicating that the inspection image Di is not suitable and requests re-shooting. In this case, the pipe joint construction management device 1 will not proceed to the next pipe joint construction management step until the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is suitable.

[0046] The appropriate image reference information Si includes, for example, at least one image judgment criterion that can determine the joining state of the joining portion in the inspection image Di, such as the contrast, brightness, focus, number of pixels, color tone, clarity of the contour line C of the joining portion, the presence or absence of a predetermined subject (cable insertion portion S2, base portion S3, and protruding portion S4), the position, size, ratio, shooting direction, and shooting angle of the subject relative to a reference portion.

[0047] The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines, for example, based on the appropriate image reference information Si, that the cable insertion part S2 and the base part S3 are recognizable separately on the inspection image Di, and that the ratio of the height L2 of the cable insertion part S2 to the height L3 of the base part S3 is less than or equal to a reference value, that the inspection image Di was taken at an angle that allows for the determination of whether or not there is a protruding part S4 protruding from the base part S3 (see Figure 3). Note that the determination method by the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 is not limited to the method of this embodiment, but any method that can determine whether or not the inspection image Di is appropriate is acceptable.

[0048] The bonding state determination unit 13 determines whether the bonding state of the bonding portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di, which the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 has determined to be appropriate, is appropriate or not. The bonding state determination unit 13 obtains the appropriate inspection image Di from the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12. The bonding state determination unit 13 has appropriate bonding criterion information Sj, which is an appropriate bonding criterion for determining whether the bonding state of the bonding portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di is appropriate or not.

[0049] The joint state determination unit 13 determines, based on the appropriate joint criterion information Sj, that the joint portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di satisfies the appropriate joint criterion information Sj and is in an appropriate joint state. If the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state of the joint portion is appropriate, it outputs the determination result and the appropriate inspection image Di to the storage unit 15. The joint state determination unit 13 also displays the determination result on the display unit 14. If the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state of the joint portion is not appropriate, it displays on the display unit 14 that the joint state of the joint portion is not appropriate and requests rejoining. In this case, the pipe joint construction management device 1 will not proceed to the next pipe joint construction management work process until the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state is appropriate.

[0050] The appropriate joining criterion information Sj includes, for example, at least one image determination criterion that can determine the state of the protruding portion S4, such as the amount of protrusion L4, the protrusion state, and the shape of the protruding portion of the protruding portion, which is an indicator of the joining state of the joining portion included in the inspection image Di.

[0051] The joint state determination unit 13 determines, for example, that the joint of the pair of pipes P is proper based on the appropriate joint criterion information Sj, if the amount of protrusion L4 of the protrusion S4 from the base S3 is greater than zero on the inspection image Di, that is, if the presence of the protrusion S4 can be recognized (see Figure 3). Note that the determination method by the joint state determination unit 13 is not limited to the method of this embodiment, but any method that can confirm the presence or absence of the protrusion S4 using known image processing technology is acceptable.

[0052] The storage unit 15 stores the inspection image Di captured by the imaging unit 11. The storage unit 15 also stores the judgment result of the joint state determination unit 13 and the determined inspection image Di. The storage unit 15 may also store information related to the fusion of the pair of pipes P, such as the fusion conditions of the fusion machine W, information about the pair of pipes P, the judgment result of the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 and the determined inspection image Di. The judgment result of the joint state determination unit 13 and the determined inspection image Di are linked to, for example, a construction management database and treated as part of the construction management information for pipe joining work. This makes it possible to easily and efficiently manage the construction of pipe joining work.

[0053] The pipe joint construction management device 1 of this embodiment performs construction management of joint work in which pipes P are joined together by electrofusion. The pipe joint construction management device 1 includes an imaging unit 11 that takes an inspection image Di for determining the joint state of the joined pipes P, an inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 that determines whether the inspection image Di is appropriate or not, and a joint state determination unit 13 that determines whether the joint state of the joint portion is appropriate or not based on the inspection image Di. The inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 determines that an inspection image Di that satisfies the appropriate image criterion information Si is an appropriate inspection image Di. The joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint portion included in the inspection image Di that the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 has determined to be appropriate satisfies the appropriate joint criterion information Sj and is in an appropriate joint state.

[0054] As a result, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that a suitable inspection image Di satisfies the suitable image criterion information Si, and the joint portion satisfies the suitable joint criterion information Sj, and determines that it is in a suitable joint state. In other words, the quality of the joint portion between electrofused pipes P is managed by using a suitable inspection image Di from among the inspection images Di captured by the imaging unit 11 that confirms that the pipes P are properly joined together. Therefore, the state of the joint between pipes P can be confirmed by a suitable inspection image Di without the need for special judgment techniques, the quality of inspection images Di taken by multiple different workers is stabilized, and the joint state of the joint portion can be objectively confirmed. Furthermore, if the inspection image Di is not suitable, it will not be determined to be in a suitable joint state, so the management of pipe joints by electrofusion is carried out properly. This improves the quality of construction management in the joining of pipes P by electrofusion and improves the joining quality of pipe joints by electrofusion.

[0055] (Pipe joint construction management method) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a pipe joining construction method, including a pipe joining construction management method performed by the pipe joining construction management device 1 having the above-described configuration. The pipe joining construction method will be explained below using Figure 4. In this embodiment, the process starts from a state where the fusion of a pair of pipes P is complete and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, first, when the flow starts (START), in step SA1, the imaging unit 11 of the pipe joint construction management device 1 captures an inspection image Di of the joint portion of the joint S (specifically, the portion including the cable insertion portion S2, the base portion S3 as an indicator, and the protruding portion S4). Here, step SA1 corresponds to the imaging process.

[0057] In step SA2, the imaging unit 11 outputs the inspection image Di to the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 of the pipe joint construction management device 1. The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 acquires the inspection image Di output from the imaging unit 11.

[0058] In step SA3, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 of the pipe joint construction management device 1 determines whether the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image Di. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image Di that can determine the joint state of the joint portion (YES), the process proceeds to step SA4, and the inspection image Di is output to the joint state determination unit 13. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is not a suitable inspection image Di (NO), the process proceeds to step SA8, where the display unit 14 displays a message requesting re-shooting, and the process proceeds to step SA1. The pipe joint construction management device 1 will not proceed to the next step until the joint portion has been re-photographed. Here, step SA3 corresponds to the inspection image suitability determination process.

[0059] In step SA4, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 outputs a suitable inspection image Di to the joint state determination unit 13 of the pipe joint construction management device 1. The joint state determination unit 13 acquires the inspection image Di output from the imaging unit 11.

[0060] In step SA5, the joint state determination unit 13 of the pipe joint construction management device 1 determines whether the joint included in the inspection image Di is in a proper joint state. If the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state of the joint is proper (YES), the device proceeds to step SA6 and outputs the determination result and the inspection image Di to the storage unit 15. If the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state of the joint is not proper (NO), the device proceeds to step SA8, where the display unit 14 displays a message requesting rejoining of the joint and re-photography after the rejoining, and then proceeds to step SA1. The pipe joint construction management device 1 will not proceed to the next step until the pair of pipes P are rejoined and the joint is re-photographed. Here, step SA5 corresponds to the joint state determination process.

[0061] In step SA6, the display unit 14 of the pipe joint construction management device 1 displays a message indicating that the joint is in a proper connection state. In the following step SA7, the judgment result and the inspection image Di are stored in the storage unit 15 of the pipe joint construction management device 1. After that, this flow ends (END).

[0062] The pipe joint construction management method according to this embodiment is a method realized by a pipe joint construction management device 1 that manages the construction of a jointing operation in which pipes P are joined together by electrofusion. The pipe joint construction management method includes an imaging step of photographing the joint state of the joined pipes P, an inspection image appropriateness determination step of determining whether or not the inspection image Di acquired in the imaging step is appropriate, and a joint state determination step of determining the joint state of the joint portion based on the inspection image Di. In the inspection image appropriateness determination step, an inspection image Di that satisfies the appropriate image criterion information Si is determined to be an appropriate inspection image Di. In the joint state determination step, among the joint portions included in the inspection image Di that the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 has determined to be appropriate, the joint portion that satisfies the appropriate joint criterion information Sj is determined to be in an appropriate joint state.

[0063] The pipe joint construction management device 1 manages the quality of the joint portion by selecting an appropriate inspection image Di from among the inspection images Di captured in the imaging process that confirms that the pipes P are properly joined together. Therefore, the joining state of the joint portion can be confirmed by an appropriate inspection image Di even without special judgment techniques, the quality of inspection images Di taken by multiple different workers is stable, and the joining state of the joint portion can be objectively confirmed. Furthermore, if the inspection image Di is not appropriate, it will not be judged as an appropriate joining state, so pipe joint management by electrofusion is carried out properly. As a result, the quality of construction management in joining pipes P together by electrofusion can be improved, and the joining quality of pipe joints by electrofusion can be improved.

[0064] (Program for managing pipe joint construction) The program in this embodiment (pipe joint construction management program) is any program that causes a computer to execute steps SA1 to SA5 shown in Figure 4. By executing this program on a computer, the pipe joint construction management device 1 in this embodiment can be realized. In this case, the computer that executes the program may be a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. The computer that executes the program may, for example, be equipped with a CPU, and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs the calculation processing.

[0065] The pipe joining construction management program according to this embodiment is a program for managing the construction of joining work in which pipes P are joined together by electrofusion. The pipe joining construction management program causes the computer to have the imaging unit 11 capture an inspection image Di for determining the joining state of the joined portion of the joined pipes P, to have the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determine whether the inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di that satisfies the proper image criterion information Si, and to determine that the joint portion included in the inspection image Di that the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 has determined to be proper is in a proper joining state if it satisfies the proper joining criterion information Sj.

[0066] This allows the computer to manage the quality of the joint by selecting appropriate inspection images Di from those captured by the imaging unit 11 that confirm that the pipes P are properly joined together. Therefore, the joining state of the joint can be confirmed by appropriate inspection images Di without the need for special judgment techniques, the quality of inspection images Di taken by multiple different workers is stabilized, and the joining state of the joint can be objectively confirmed. Furthermore, if the inspection image Di is not appropriate, it will not be judged as a proper joining state, so pipe joining management by electrofusion is carried out properly. This improves the quality of construction management in joining pipes P by electrofusion and improves the joining quality of pipe joining by electrofusion.

[0067] [Embodiment 2] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joint construction management device 100 of Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image that is binarized by the pipe joint construction management device 100. The pipe joint construction management device 100 of this embodiment differs from the pipe joint construction management device 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it uses a binarized inspection image Di for determination by the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12 and the joint state determination unit 13. In the following, components similar to those of the pipe joint construction management device 1 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the pipe joint construction management device 100 includes an imaging unit 11, an inspection image suitability determination unit 12, a joint state determination unit 13, a display unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a binarization processing unit 16.

[0069] The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 outputs the inspection image Di acquired from the imaging unit 11 to the binarization processing unit 16.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the binarization processing unit 16 is an image processing device that binarizes the inspection image Di captured by the imaging unit 11. Binarization is a process that separates an image into two colors, white and black, based on characteristic values ​​related to the image of pixels, such as brightness and hue. The binarization processing unit 16 obtains the inspection image Di from the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 (see Figure 6(a)). As a preprocessing step, the binarization processing unit 16 converts the inspection image Di to grayscale and smooths it (see Figure 6(b)). Next, the binarization processing unit 16 binarizes the grayscaled and smoothed inspection image Di (see Figure 6(c)). For example, the binarization processing unit 16 converts the image of the joining portion included in the inspection image Di to a black image, and binarizes the image of the parts other than the joining portion (background portion), such as the background, to a white image. The binarization processing unit 16 extracts the contour lines C of the black image (see Figure 6(d)). The binarization processing unit 16 outputs the binarized inspection image Di to the inspection image suitability determination unit 12.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 obtains the binarized inspection image Di from the binarization processing unit 16. Based on the appropriate image reference information Si, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 uses the contour lines C extracted by the binarization process to determine whether the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image Di. The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 outputs the suitable inspection image Di to the joining state determination unit 13.

[0072] The bonding state determination unit 13 obtains an appropriate inspection image Di from the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12. The bonding state determination unit 13 outputs the appropriate inspection image Di to the binarization processing unit 16.

[0073] The binarization processing unit 16 performs binarization processing on the appropriate inspection image Di. The binarization processing unit 16 outputs the binarized inspection image Di to the joining state determination unit 13.

[0074] The joining state determination unit 13 obtains the binarized inspection image Di from the binarization processing unit 16. Based on the appropriate joining criterion information Sj, the joining state determination unit 13 uses the contour lines C extracted by the binarization process to determine whether the joining state of the joining portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di is appropriate. If the joining state determination unit 13 determines that the joining state of the joining portion is appropriate, it outputs the determination result and the appropriate inspection image Di before binarization to the storage unit 15.

[0075] The inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines whether the inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di based on the contour line C of the joint portion. The joint state determination unit 13 also determines whether the joint portion is in a proper joint state based on the contour line C of the joint portion. The amount of data is significantly reduced when the inspection image Di is binarized. As a result, the determination process of the inspection image Di in the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 and the joint state determination unit 13 is simplified, improving the determination accuracy of the inspection image Di and reducing the probability of misdetermination. This improves the quality of construction management in the joining of pipes P by electrofusion.

[0076] Furthermore, the binarization process of the inspection image Di by the binarization processing unit 16 in the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 and the joining state determination unit 13 may be configured such that the inspection image Di that has been binarized in the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 is used for determination in the joining state determination unit 13.

[0077] (Pipe joint construction management method) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a pipe joint construction method, including a pipe joint construction management method performed by the pipe joint construction management device 100 having the above-described configuration. The pipe joint construction method will be explained below using Figure 7. In Figure 7, steps SB1 and SB2 are the same as steps SA1 and SA2 in Figure 4 of Embodiment 1. Step SB5 is the same as step SA4 in Figure 4 of Embodiment 1. Steps SB8 and SB9 are the same as steps SA6 and SA7 in Figure 4 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the explanation of steps SB1, SB2, SB5, SB8, and SB9 will be omitted.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, in step SB3, the binarization processing unit 16 of the pipe joint construction management device 100 binarizes the inspection image Di acquired from the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 and extracts the contour line C of the joint portion. Subsequently, the binarization processing unit 16 outputs the binarized inspection image Di to the inspection image suitability determination unit 12.

[0079] In step SB4, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 of the pipe joint construction management device 100 determines whether the inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di based on the contour lines C in the binarized inspection image Di. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di that allows for the determination of the joint state of the joint portion (YES), the process proceeds to step SB5, and the inspection image Di before binarization is output to the joint state determination unit 13. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines that the inspection image Di is not a proper inspection image Di (NO), the process proceeds to step SB10, where the display unit 14 displays a message requesting re-shooting, and the process proceeds to step SB1. The pipe joint construction management device 100 will not proceed to the next step until the joint portion is re-photographed. Here, step SB4 corresponds to the inspection image suitability determination process.

[0080] In step SB6, the binarization processing unit 16 of the pipe joint construction management device 100 binarizes the inspection image Di acquired from the joint state determination unit 13. Subsequently, the binarization processing unit 16 outputs the binarized inspection image Di to the joint state determination unit 13.

[0081] In step SB7, the joint state determination unit 13 of the pipe joint construction management device 100 determines whether the joint included in the binarized inspection image Di is in a proper joint state, based on the contour line C in the binarized inspection image Di. If the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state of the joint is proper (YES), the device proceeds to step SB8 and outputs the determination result and the inspection image Di before binarization to the storage unit 15. If the joint state determination unit 13 determines that the joint state of the joint is not proper (NO), the device proceeds to step SB10, where the display unit 14 displays a message requesting rejoining of the joint and re-photography after the rejoining, and then proceeds to step SB1. The pipe joint construction management device 100 will not proceed to the next step until the pair of pipes P are rejoined and the joint is re-photographed. Here, step SB7 corresponds to the joint state determination process.

[0082] The pipe joint construction management method of this embodiment includes binarization processing steps SB3 and SB6 for binarizing the inspection image Di. In binarization processing steps SB3 and SB6, the binarization processing unit 16 divides the joint portion and the pipe P region into a background image region. Furthermore, in binarization processing steps SB3 and SB6, the binarization processing unit 16 extracts the contour line C of the pipe P region.

[0083] As a result, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines whether the inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di based on the contour line of the joint portion. The joint state determination unit 13 also determines whether the joint portion is in a proper joint state based on the contour line C of the joint portion. The amount of data in the binarized inspection image Di is significantly reduced. As a result, the determination process of the inspection image Di in the joint state determination unit 13 is simplified, improving the determination accuracy of the inspection image Di and reducing the probability of misdetermination. This improves the quality of construction management in the joining of pipes P by electrofusion.

[0084] (Program for managing pipe joint construction) The program in this embodiment (pipe joint construction management program) is any program that causes a computer to execute steps SB1 to SB5 shown in Figure 7. By executing this program on a computer, the pipe joint construction management device 100 in this embodiment can be realized. In this case, the computer that executes the program may be a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. The computer that executes the program may, for example, be equipped with a CPU, and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs the calculations.

[0085] The pipe joint construction management program of this embodiment causes the computer to perform binarization processing and determine whether the inspection image Di is appropriate based on the contour line C of the joint portion extracted from the inspection image Di, and to determine whether the joint is in an appropriate state.

[0086] As a result, the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 determines whether the inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di based on the contour line C of the joint portion. The joint state determination unit 13 also determines whether the joint portion is in a proper joint state based on the contour line C of the joint portion. The amount of data in the binarized inspection image Di is significantly reduced. As a result, the determination process of the inspection image Di in the joint state determination unit 13 is simplified, improving the determination accuracy of the inspection image Di and reducing the probability of misdetermination. This improves the quality of construction management in the joining of pipes P by electrofusion.

[0087] [Embodiment 3] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joint construction management device 200 of Embodiment 3. The pipe joint construction management device 200 of this embodiment differs from the pipe joint construction management device 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it uses a machine learning model to determine the inspection image Di. In the following, components similar to those of the pipe joint construction management device 1 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, the pipe joint construction management device 200 includes an imaging unit 11, an inspection image suitability determination unit 17, a joint state determination unit 19, a display unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0089] The inspection image suitability determination unit 17 determines whether the inspection image Di captured by the imaging unit 11 is an inspection image Di capable of determining the bonding state of the bonding portion. The inspection image suitability determination unit 17 acquires the inspection image Di from the imaging unit 11. The inspection image suitability determination unit 17 has an inspection image determination model 18 used to determine whether the inspection image Di is an inspection image Di capable of determining the bonding state of the bonding portion.

[0090] The inspection image judgment model 18 is an algorithm (inference model) that uses machine learning to identify patterns and rules of inspection images Di that can determine the bonding state of the bonding portion based on a large number of inspection images Di, and predicts and classifies whether an inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di or an improper inspection image Di. The inspection image judgment model 18 only needs to be an AI that can determine whether an inspection image Di is a proper inspection image Di or not.

[0091] The inspection image suitability determination unit 17 uses the inspection image determination model 18 to determine whether the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image Di capable of determining the joint state of the joint portion. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 17 determines that the inspection image Di is a suitable inspection image Di capable of determining the joint state of the joint portion, it outputs the suitable inspection image Di to the joint state determination unit 19. If the inspection image suitability determination unit 17 determines that the inspection image Di is not suitable, it displays a message on the display unit 14 indicating that the inspection image Di is not suitable and requests re-shooting. In this case, the pipe joint construction management device 200 will not proceed to the next step until the inspection image suitability determination unit 17 determines that the inspection image Di is suitable.

[0092] The bonding state determination unit 19 determines whether the bonding state of the bonding portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di, which the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 17 has determined to be appropriate, is appropriate or not. The bonding state determination unit 13 obtains an appropriate inspection image Di from the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 12. The bonding state determination unit 13 has a bonding state determination model 20 that is used to determine whether the bonding state of the bonding portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di is appropriate or not.

[0093] The junction state determination model 20 is an algorithm (inference model) for predicting and classifying whether an inspection image Di contains an inspection image Di with an appropriate junction state or an inspection image Di with an improper junction state, by machine learning patterns and rules of inspection images Di containing the junction portion with an appropriate junction state based on a large number of inspection images Di. The junction state determination model 20 can be any AI capable of determining whether the junction state of the junction portion is appropriate or not.

[0094] The joint state determination unit 19 uses the joint state determination model 20 to determine whether the joint state of the joint portion included in the appropriate inspection image Di is appropriate. If the joint state determination unit 19 determines that the joint state of the joint portion is appropriate, it outputs the determination result and the appropriate inspection image Di to the storage unit 15. The joint state determination unit 19 also displays the determination result on the display unit 14. If the joint state determination unit 19 determines that the joint state of the joint portion is not appropriate, it displays on the display unit 14 that the joint state of the joint portion is not appropriate and requests rejoining. In this case, the pipe joint construction management device 200 will not proceed to the next step until the joint state determination unit 19 determines that the joint state is appropriate.

[0095] In the above configuration, by utilizing the inspection image judgment model 18 formed by machine learning of a large number of inspection images Di, the inspection image Di can be judged more flexibly than when the inspection image Di is judged based on a single criterion. Similarly, by utilizing the joint state judgment model 20, the joint state of the joint can be judged more flexibly than when the inspection image Di is judged based on a single criterion. Therefore, even if the shape, size, color, surrounding environment, etc. of the joint part change, it is possible to determine whether the inspection image Di is appropriate and whether the joint state is appropriate. This improves the quality of construction management in joining pipes P by electrofusion.

[0096] (Pipe joint construction management method) Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a pipe joint construction method, including a pipe joint construction management method performed by the pipe joint construction management device 200 having the above-described configuration. The pipe joint construction method will be explained below using Figure 10. In Figure 9, steps SC1, SC2, SC4, SC6, and SC7 are the same as steps SA1, SA2, SA4, SA6, and SA7 in Figure 4 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the explanation of steps SC1, SC2, SC4, SC6, and SC7 will be omitted.

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, in step SC3, the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 17 of the pipe joint construction management device 200 uses the inspection image determination model 18 to determine whether the inspection image Di is an appropriate inspection image Di. If it is determined that the inspection image Di is an appropriate inspection image (YES), the process proceeds to step SC4, and the inspection image Di is output to the joint state determination unit 19. If the inspection image appropriateness determination unit 17 determines that the inspection image Di is not an appropriate inspection image (NO), the process proceeds to step SC8, where the display unit 14 displays a message requesting re-shooting, and the process proceeds to step SC1. The pipe joint construction management device 200 will not proceed to the next step until the joint portion is re-shot. Here, step SC3 corresponds to the inspection image appropriateness determination process.

[0098] In step SC5, the joint state determination unit 19 of the pipe joint construction management device 200 uses the joint state determination model 20 to determine whether the joint included in the inspection image Di is in a proper joint state. If it is determined that the joint state of the joint is proper (YES), the device proceeds to step SC6 and outputs the determination result and the inspection image Di to the storage unit 15. If the joint state determination unit 19 determines that the joint state of the joint is not proper (NO), the device proceeds to step SC8, where the display unit 14 displays a message requesting rejoining of the joint and re-photography after the rejoining, and then proceeds to step SC1. The pipe joint construction management device 200 will not proceed to the next step until the pair of pipes P are rejoined and the joint is re-photographed. Here, step SC5 corresponds to the joint state determination process.

[0099] In the above configuration, by utilizing the inspection image judgment model 18 formed by machine learning of a large number of inspection images Di, the inspection image Di can be judged more flexibly than when the inspection image Di is judged based on a single criterion. Similarly, by utilizing the joint state judgment model 20, the joint state of the joint can be judged more flexibly than when the inspection image Di is judged based on a single criterion. Therefore, even if the shape, size, color, surrounding environment, etc. of the joint portion change, the suitability of the inspection image Di can be properly determined. This improves the quality of construction management in joining pipes P by electrofusion.

[0100] (Program for managing pipe joint construction) The program in this embodiment (pipe joint construction management program) is any program that causes a computer to execute steps SC1 to SC5 shown in Figure 9. By executing this program on a computer, the pipe joint construction management device 200 in this embodiment can be realized. In this case, the computer that executes the program may be a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. The computer that executes the program may, for example, be equipped with a CPU, and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs the calculation processing.

[0101] The pipe joint construction management program of this embodiment causes a computer to use an inspection image determination model 18 to determine whether or not an inspection image Di is capable of determining the joint state of the joint based on an image of the joint.

[0102] Furthermore, the pipe joint construction management program of this embodiment causes the computer to use the joint state determination model 20 to determine whether the joint state of the joint portion in the inspection image Di, which has been determined to be able to determine the joint state of the joint portion, is appropriate or not.

[0103] Therefore, even if the shape, size, color, and surrounding environment of the joint portion change, the joining state of the joint portion can be properly determined. This improves the quality of construction management in joining pipes P together by electrofusion.

[0104] [Embodiment 4] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joint construction management device 300 of Embodiment 4. The pipe joint construction management device 300 of this embodiment differs from the pipe joint construction management device 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it acquires inspection results other than the inspection image Di. In the following, components similar to those of the pipe joint construction management device 1 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0105] As shown in Figure 10, the pipe joint construction management device 300 includes an imaging unit 11, an inspection image suitability determination unit 12, a joint state determination unit 13, a display unit 14, a storage unit 15, and an inspection result acquisition unit 21.

[0106] The inspection result acquisition unit 21 acquires inspection results other than the judgment result from the inspection image Di. The inspection result acquisition unit 21 acquires inspection results other than the inspection image Di, such as visual inspection and ultrasonic inspection. The inspection result acquisition unit 21 acquires inspection results from, for example, a touch panel or the like that constitutes the display unit 14. When the inspection result acquisition unit 21 acquires an inspection result indicating that the joint state of the joint is appropriate, it outputs the inspection result and inspection method to the storage unit 15. The inspection result acquisition unit 21 also displays the judgment result on the display unit 14. When the inspection result acquisition unit 21 acquires an inspection result indicating that the joint state of the joint is not appropriate, it displays on the display unit 14 that the joint state of the joint is not appropriate and requests rejoining. In this case, the pipe joint construction management device 1 will not proceed to the next pipe joint construction management work process until the inspection result acquisition unit 21 acquires an inspection result indicating an appropriate joint state.

[0107] With the above configuration, the pipe joint construction management device 300 can acquire inspection results other than inspection images Di, such as visual inspection and ultrasonic inspection, when it is difficult to capture appropriate inspection images Di. This allows for quality control of pipe joints even when it is difficult to obtain appropriate inspection images Di due to the surrounding environment, weather, pipe installation conditions, etc.

[0108] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0109] In each of the above embodiments, the pipe joint construction management devices 1,100, 200, and 300 perform construction management of joint work in which water pipes are joined together by electrofusion. However, the pipe joint construction management devices may also perform construction management of joint work in which pipes including sewer pipes, gas pipes, underground buried pipes, agricultural waterways, etc., are joined together.

[0110] In each of the above embodiments, if the inspection image suitability determination units 12 and 17 determine that the inspection image Di is not appropriate, the pipe joint construction management device 1100, 200, and 300 will not proceed to the next step until the inspection image suitability determination units 12 and 17 determine that the inspection image Di is appropriate. However, the pipe joint construction management device may proceed to the next step if the inspection image suitability determination unit determines that the inspection image Di is not appropriate.

[0111] In each of the above embodiments, the pipe joint construction management devices 1,100, 200, and 300 will not proceed to the next step until the joint state determination units 13 and 19 determine that the joint state is correct, if the joint state determination units 13 and 19 determine that the joint state is correct. However, the pipe joint construction management device may proceed to the next step even if the joint state determination unit determines that the joint state is incorrect. Alternatively, if the joint state determination unit cannot determine whether the joint state is correct, the pipe joint construction management device may proceed to the next step by having the operator input the determination result of the joint state.

[0112] In each of the above embodiments, the pipe joint construction management devices 1,100, 200, and 300 determine whether the inspection image Di is appropriate using the inspection image appropriateness determination units 12 and 17. In this case, the inspection image appropriateness determination unit may be configured to receive information about the joint, such as the pipe manufacturer, the type of joint, the cable insertion part, and the shape of the protruding part, in order to identify the shape of the joint.

[0113] In each of the above embodiments, the pipe joint construction management devices 1,100,200,300 have inspection image suitability determination units 12 and 17 that determine whether the inspection image Di is appropriate, and joint state determination units 13 and 19 that determine whether the joint state is appropriate. However, the inspection image suitability determination unit or the joint state determination unit may also be configured to determine whether the inspection image Di is appropriate and whether the joint state is appropriate.

[0114] In each of the above embodiments, if the pipe joint construction management devices 1,100, 200, and 300 determine that the inspection image suitability determination units 12 and 17 are not suitable inspection images Di, they display a message on the display unit 14 requesting a re-shoot of the inspection image Di. However, the pipe joint construction management devices 1,100, and 200 may also display messages, symbols, figures, etc., on the display unit to assist in the shooting process.

[0115] In the above embodiment 2, the pipe joint construction management device 100 determines the inspection image Di, which has been binarized by the binarization processing unit 16, in the inspection image suitability determination unit 12 and the joint state determination unit 13. However, the inspection image suitability determination unit and the joint state determination unit may also be configured to determine the binarized inspection image Di using machine learning models, which are the suitability image determination model and the joint state determination model. [Industrial applicability]

[0116] This invention can be used in a pipe joining construction management device that manages the construction of joining work in which pipes are joined together by electrofusion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1, 100, 200, 300 pipe joint construction management device 11 Imaging Unit 12, 17 Image Appropriateness Judgment Unit 13, 19 Joint state determination unit 14 Display section 15 Storage section 16. Binarization Processing Unit 18. Image Interpretation Model 20. Bonding state determination model Si Appropriate Image Standards Information Sj Appropriate Joining Standards Information P tube S-type joint S1 wire S2 Cable insertion port S3 base S4 protrusion Height of L2 cable insertion point L3 Base height L4 Protrusion amount V output cable W Fusion Splicer C Outline Di examination images

Claims

1. A pipe joining construction management device that manages the construction work of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion, An imaging unit that captures an inspection image to determine the bonding state of the joint portion between the joined resin pipes, An inspection image appropriateness determination unit that determines whether the inspection image is appropriate or not, A joint state determination unit that determines whether the joint state of the joint portion is appropriate based on the inspection image, It has, The aforementioned inspection image suitability determination unit is: The inspection image that meets the appropriate image criteria is determined to be an appropriate inspection image. The aforementioned bonding state determination unit is The inspection image suitability determination unit determines that, among the jointed portions included in the inspection image that it has determined to be suitable, the jointed portion that satisfies the suitability criteria is in a suitable joint state. Pipe joint construction management device.

2. In the pipe joint construction management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned inspection image suitability determination unit is: The inspection image is binarized to extract the contour lines of the joined portion, and based on the contour lines, it is determined whether the inspection image satisfies the appropriate image criteria that allow for the determination of the joining state of the joined portion. Pipe joint construction management device.

3. In the pipe joint construction management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned inspection image suitability determination unit is: The system includes an inspection image determination model, which is a machine learning model used to determine whether or not an inspection image is capable of determining the bonding state of the bonding portion based on an image of the bonding portion. Using the aforementioned inspection image determination model, it is determined whether or not the inspection image is capable of determining the bonding state of the bonding portion based on the image of the bonding portion. Pipe joint construction management device.

4. In the pipe joint construction management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned bonding state determination unit is The inspection image is binarized to extract the contour line of the joint portion, and based on the contour line, it is determined whether or not the joint state of the joint portion meets the appropriate joint criteria. Pipe joint construction management device.

5. In the pipe joint construction management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned bonding state determination unit is The system includes a joint state determination model, which is a machine learning model used to determine whether the joint state of the joint is appropriate based on an image of the joint, Using the aforementioned bonding state determination model, it is determined whether the bonding state of the bonding portion in the inspection image, which has been determined to allow determination of the bonding state of the bonding portion, is appropriate or not. Pipe joint construction management device.

6. In the pipe joint construction management device according to claim 1, The system further includes an inspection result acquisition unit that inputs the inspection results of the aforementioned joint portion. The aforementioned inspection result acquisition unit is: If the inspection image appropriateness determination unit cannot obtain an inspection image that allows for the determination of the bonding state of the bonding portion, an inspection result other than the inspection image is obtained. Pipe joint construction management device.

7. A pipe joining construction management method for managing the construction work of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion, An imaging step to photograph the joint state of the joint portion between the joined resin pipes, An inspection image appropriateness determination step, which determines whether or not the inspection image acquired in the imaging step is appropriate, A bonding state determination step, which determines the bonding state of the bonding portion based on the inspection image, It has, In the aforementioned inspection image suitability determination process, The inspection image that meets the appropriate image criteria is determined to be an appropriate inspection image. In the bonding state determination step, In the inspection image suitability determination step, among the jointed portions included in the inspection image that have been determined to be suitable, the jointed portions that meet the suitability criteria are determined to be in a suitable joint state. Pipe joint construction management method.

8. A pipe joining construction management program for managing the construction work of joining resin pipes together by electrofusion, On the computer, An inspection image is captured by the imaging unit to determine the bonding state between the joined resin pipes. The inspection image suitability determination unit is instructed to determine whether the inspection image is a proper inspection image that meets the appropriate image standards. In the joint portion included in the inspection image that the inspection image appropriateness determination unit has determined to be appropriate, the joint portion that satisfies the appropriate jointing criteria is determined to be in an appropriate joint state. A program for managing pipe joint construction.

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