Water purification equipment, systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To enable proper management of water purification systems that use ion exchange resins. [Solution] The water purification device is a portable water purification device that has a housing section for housing replaceable ion exchange resin, a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the housing section, a water quality acquisition section for acquiring water quality information relating to the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification section, a position acquisition section for acquiring position information relating to the position of the device, and an output section for outputting the position information based on the water quality information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water purification device, a system, a method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus including an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data showing an image of a filler filled in a container into which water flows and flows out as treated water, a calculation unit that calculates the state of the filler included in the image data by inputting the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit into a learned model that has performed machine learning, and an output unit that outputs the result of the calculation performed by the calculation unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By making the most of the water purification function of the ion exchange resin and appropriately managing the water purification device using the ion exchange resin, it is possible to suppress wasteful disposal of the ion exchange resin. An object of the present invention is to enable appropriate management of a water purification device using an ion exchange resin.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To this end, the present disclosure provides a portable water purification device comprising: a housing for housing replaceable ion exchange resin; a water purification unit for purifying water by passing water through the housing; a water quality acquisition unit for acquiring water quality information relating to the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification unit; a position acquisition unit for acquiring position information relating to the position of the device; and an output unit for outputting the position information based on the water quality information.

[0006] Here, the output unit may output the position information along with the replacement time when the replacement time for the ion exchange resin is determined based on the water quality information. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide another position acquisition unit within the housing unit together with the ion exchange resin to acquire positional information. Furthermore, the other position acquisition units should be larger than the size of each individual ion exchange resin. Furthermore, the device may be equipped with an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing section of the housing used when replacing the ion exchange resin, and the output unit may output the position information when the opening / closing detection unit detects the opening or closing. Furthermore, the output unit may output the water quality information and the location information when the remaining charge of the battery supplying power to at least one of the water quality acquisition unit, the location acquisition unit, and the output unit falls below a predetermined standard.

[0007] Furthermore, for the purposes described herein, the present disclosure provides a portable water purification device comprising: a housing for housing a replaceable ion exchange resin; a water purification unit for purifying water by passing water through the housing; a status detection unit for detecting usage information regarding the usage status of the ion exchange resin in the housing; a location acquisition unit for acquiring location information regarding the location of the device; and an output unit for outputting the location information based on the usage information.

[0008] Here, the output unit may output the position information according to the frequency of use of the ion exchange resin. Furthermore, the output unit may output the position information at the time water is first passed through the ion exchange resin.

[0009] Furthermore, for the purposes described herein, the present disclosure provides a system comprising: a transportable water purification device having a storage section for housing replaceable ion exchange resins; a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the storage section; a water quality acquisition section for acquiring water quality information relating to the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification section; a location acquisition section for acquiring location information relating to the location of the water purification device; and a generation section for generating exchange information that promotes the exchange of the ion exchange resins in the storage section based on the water quality information and the location information.

[0010] Here, the generating unit may generate the exchange information, which includes information regarding the timing of the exchange of the ion exchange resin, identified according to the position information. Furthermore, the generation unit may generate the replacement information when it determines the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin based on the change in water quality. Furthermore, the system may include a flow rate identification unit that identifies flow rate information relating to the flow rate of water passing through the containment unit, and the generation unit may generate the exchange information based on the water quality information and the flow rate information. Furthermore, the generation unit may generate the exchange information on the condition that the position information cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the system may include a state detection unit that detects state information relating to the state of the ion exchange resin, and the generation unit may generate the exchange information based on the state information and the water quality information. Furthermore, it is preferable to transmit the location information and the water quality information to the generating unit via a mobile terminal capable of sending and receiving information.

[0011] Furthermore, for the purposes described herein, the present disclosure provides a method comprising the steps of: acquiring water quality information relating to the water quality of water that has passed through a water purification section provided in a portable water purification device, which purifies water by passing water through a housing section containing replaceable ion exchange resin; acquiring location information relating to the location of the water purification device; and outputting the location information based on the water quality information.

[0012] Furthermore, for the purposes described herein, this disclosure provides a program for a computer in a portable water purification device that includes the following functions: a function to acquire water quality information relating to the water quality of water that has passed through a water purification unit that purifies water by passing it through a housing unit containing replaceable ion exchange resin; a function to acquire location information relating to the location of the water purification device; and a function to output the location information based on the water quality information.

[0013] Furthermore, for the purposes described herein, the present disclosure provides a system comprising: a water purification device having a housing section for housing a replaceable ion exchange resin; a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the housing section; a water quality acquisition section for acquiring water quality information relating to the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification section; a generation section for generating replacement information relating to the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin based on the water quality information; and an output section for outputting the replacement information.

[0014] Furthermore, for the purposes described herein, the present disclosure provides a method comprising the steps of: acquiring water quality information relating to the water quality of water that has passed through a water purification unit, which is provided in a water purification device and purifies water by passing water through a housing unit that houses a replaceable ion exchange resin; generating replacement information relating to the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin based on the water quality information; and outputting the replacement information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, water purification systems using ion exchange resins can be properly managed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the water treatment equipment that constitutes the water treatment equipment management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the water treatment equipment in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing other operations of information processing in a water treatment facility. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing a prediction information curve generated to specify the replacement time of water treatment materials. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a device included in a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a device. [Figure 16] It is a sequence diagram explaining the processing flow in a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing the operation of information processing in a device according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a water treatment facility constituting a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram showing a water treatment facility constituting a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 21]This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing flow in a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] This sequence diagram illustrates other processing flows in a water treatment facility management system according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] This flowchart shows the operation of information processing in a device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] <First Embodiment> For example, in a pure water production facility, an ion exchange resin tower, which is typically filled with anion exchange resins or cation exchange resins individually or in mixtures as water treatment materials, is usually placed together with activated carbon towers and various filter equipment to remove impurities such as ionic components and humic substances from the raw water.

[0018] In water treatment facilities using such ion exchange resin towers, the amount of ion exchange resin is 1 m³ 3 These water treatment systems come in a variety of specifications, from large towers to small cartridge cylinders of about 5 liters. Furthermore, these water treatment facilities are used in diverse industrial fields as pure water production equipment, such as for cooling wire cutting machines, demineralized condensate in power plants, various types of water in food processing plants, washing water in pharmaceutical manufacturing, washing water in semiconductor factories, and pure water in research institutions.

[0019] The causes of water quality deterioration due to the reduced performance of ion exchange resins can be broadly categorized into two main types: when the surface of the ion exchange resin is covered by irreversible adsorption of organic matter, and when the ion exchange resin is oxidized and degraded by oxidizing substances contained in the treated water, causing functional groups to detach and reducing the ion exchange capacity. When the ion exchange capacity decreases due to these causes, impurities that cannot be treated leak out of the resin tower, making it impossible to ensure stable water quality.

[0020] Currently, in the production of pure water by removing impurities from water, water quality meters are used to manage the quality of the treated water. There are two types of water quality meters: one that displays water quality on a monitor, and a simpler type that uses a warning light to indicate abnormal water quality. The purpose of water quality management is to maintain appropriate water quality, and if the water quality exceeds the specified value, the water treatment materials need to be replaced.

[0021] The timing for replacing ion exchange resin is usually when the water quality of the treated water from the resin tower deteriorates, or before the water quality deteriorates, as a matter of equipment maintenance. The annual usage of ion exchange resin in Japan is 8,000 m³. 3 Once used, ion exchange resins are generally disposed of in landfills as industrial waste or recycled into chemicals at recycling plants.

[0022] For example, if the downstream equipment of an ion exchange resin tower is not significantly affected by the purity of the treated water, the ion exchange resin is replaced with new or recycled resin only after the water quality deteriorates. In this case, even if there are no problems in the short term, impurities leaking from the ion exchange resin tower may affect the downstream equipment in the long term, potentially leading to risks such as decreased thermal efficiency due to scale deposition or material corrosion.

[0023] On the other hand, when high water treatment quality is required, ion exchange resins are replaced with new ones before they have sufficiently deteriorated in order to maintain quality. In this case, the increase in waste is a concern because still usable resins are discarded and new ones are filled in. In other words, if ion exchange resins are replaced periodically to prevent water quality deterioration, problems with water treatment quality, i.e., the inflow of impurities into downstream equipment, can be almost completely prevented. However, even though the ion exchange performance is still usable, the ion exchange resins are discarded or chemically recycled unnecessarily for safety reasons.

[0024] Furthermore, in plants equipped with chemical regeneration facilities, such as large-scale ion exchange resin towers, ion exchange resins are replaced periodically as soon as or before water quality deterioration is detected. Used ion exchange resins are chemically regenerated, and the regenerated ion exchange resins are returned to the plant (filled into ion exchange resin towers) for reuse. In such large-scale facilities, efficiency has been improved by centrally managing and monitoring water quality meter data in real time, but there is a tendency to replace water treatment materials earlier than necessary due to prioritizing safety.

[0025] On the other hand, in small-scale facilities that do not have chemical recycling equipment, used ion exchange resins have long been recycled using chemicals at external factories or other facilities for reuse. In such small-scale facilities, management is often insufficient to reduce personnel costs, and inefficient operation can lead to an increase in the waste of ion exchange resins.

[0026] However, if ion exchange resin is only replaced after deterioration of the outlet water quality of the ion exchange resin tower is observed, impurities may temporarily migrate (flow) into the downstream equipment during that time, potentially negatively impacting the safety and reliability of the downstream equipment in the long term and shortening the equipment's lifespan. Such a situation increases the long-term burden on the environment and is undesirable from the perspective of reducing global environmental impact. Regardless of the scale of the equipment, waste reduction through the management of water quality and water treatment materials has long been a subject of consideration.

[0027] Therefore, from the perspective of reducing waste from water treatment materials and protecting the environment, it will become increasingly important to properly manage the quality of treated water, evaluate the performance of water treatment materials such as ion exchange resins, and replace water treatment materials (ion exchange resins) at the optimal time.

[0028] Therefore, it is important to appropriately assess the condition of ion exchange resins in multiple water treatment facilities and efficiently replace water treatment materials according to the condition of the ion exchange resins in each water treatment facility. In other words, by centrally managing the condition of water treatment materials in water treatment facilities of various specifications, from large towers to small cartridge cylinders, and replacing and recovering ion exchange resins at the appropriate timing according to the water quality requirements of each water treatment facility, it is possible to ensure the long-term safe and stable operation of water treatment facilities and reduce the wasteful disposal of ion exchange resins.

[0029] In this embodiment, we describe an example of a water treatment device in which ion exchange resin is housed in a small cartridge cylinder as an example of a water treatment material that can be regenerated. This example assumes that the state of the ion exchange resin in the water treatment device can be monitored, and that the ion exchange resin can be efficiently replaced or recovered (reprocessed or disposed of) at an appropriate time.

[0030] The embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention and are subject to various technical limitations. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these forms unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[0031] (System Configuration) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the water treatment equipment that constitutes the water treatment equipment management system of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the water treatment equipment in this embodiment.

[0032] In this first embodiment, the water treatment equipment 100 constitutes the water treatment equipment management system. The water treatment equipment 100 is a so-called standalone type. Therefore, the water treatment equipment 100 constitutes the water treatment equipment management system in the narrow sense. Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 100 in this embodiment is, for example, small in size and weight that can be carried by a person.

[0033] In this embodiment, the water treatment equipment 100 includes a control unit 20 on which a program for controlling the entire equipment is installed. The control unit 20 outputs predetermined information when the program for controlling the entire equipment is executed.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the water treatment equipment 100 includes a water purification cylinder 10, a water quality meter 11 for measuring water quality, a first GPS sensor 12 for acquiring location information, and a second GPS sensor 13 for acquiring location information. The water treatment equipment 100 also includes a water flow detection sensor 14 for detecting water flow, an open / close detection sensor 15 for detecting open / closed states, an ion sensor 16 for detecting the state of the ion exchange resin, a flow meter 17 for measuring the flow rate of water flowing into the cylinder 10, and an output unit 18 for outputting various types of information.

[0035] In this embodiment, the water treatment equipment 100 acquires water quality information regarding the water quality of the water that has passed through the cylinder 10, acquires location information regarding the location of the water treatment equipment 100, and outputs location information based on the water quality information. By outputting location information of the water treatment equipment 100 based on water quality information related to the water purification capacity of the ion exchange resin 2, it becomes possible to manage the ion exchange resin 2 in the water treatment equipment 100. For example, the timing of replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 can be identified based on the water quality information, and a location for retrieving the water treatment equipment 100 can be identified from the location information of the water treatment equipment 100.

[0036] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 100 in this embodiment detects the usage status of the ion exchange resin 2 in the cylinder 10, acquires location information regarding the location of the water treatment equipment 100, and outputs location information based on the usage status information. By outputting location information of the water treatment equipment 100 based on usage status information related to the water purification capacity of the ion exchange resin 2 in this way, it becomes possible to manage the ion exchange resin 2 in the water treatment equipment 100. For example, the timing of replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 can be identified based on the usage status information, and the location of the water treatment equipment 100 can be identified from the location information of the water treatment equipment 100.

[0037] In particular, by using information on the frequency of use of the ion exchange resin 2 as information on its usage status, the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2 can be determined with greater accuracy. Examples of usage frequency include the water flow rate through the ion exchange resin 2, the water flow time through the ion exchange resin 2, and the number of times the water flow and stop cycles of the ion exchange resin 2 are considered as one set.

[0038] The water treatment equipment 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0039] Cylinder 10 is a central component in the water treatment facility 100 for purifying the supplied raw water, and is a small cartridge cylinder having a housing section 1 for housing water treatment materials. Examples of water treatment materials include ion exchange resin, activated carbon, and zeolite, but in this embodiment, it will be described as ion exchange resin 2. Therefore, in cylinder 10, raw water is purified by passing it through the ion exchange resin 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the cylinder 10 is not limited to a small cartridge cylinder that can be carried by a person, as in this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "cylinder"), but may also be a large tower installed in a predetermined location. In other words, the water treatment equipment 100 as a whole may not be transportable and may be a fixed type that is not intended to be transported. Furthermore, each cylinder 10 is assigned a uniquely identifiable identification number. In addition, the ion exchange resin 2 of this embodiment can be assigned a uniquely identifiable identification number. This identification information can be output in association with information obtained from individual cylinders 10, such as water quality information and location information, which will be described later. Furthermore, in addition to location information from the GPS installed in the cylinder 10 (described later), location information based on the address of the user, such as a company or research institute using the cylinder 10, may be pre-associated with the identification information and managed in a storage medium such as the water treatment equipment management device 30 (described later).

[0041] The water quality meter 11 is a device that measures the water quality of treated water (purified water) that has passed through the ion exchange resin 2 contained in the containment section 1. In this embodiment, the water quality meter 11 is attached to the cylinder 10. In this embodiment, the water quality meter 11 is a water quality meter (electrical conductivity sensor) that measures the electrical conductivity of treated water.

[0042] In this embodiment, the water quality meter 11, upon receiving instructions from the control device, for example, confirms the start of use of the water treatment equipment 100 by detecting the flow of water, and then measures the water quality of the treated water at predetermined flow rates (according to the cumulative value of the flow rate). The water quality meter 11 may also measure the water quality of the purified water at arbitrary timings, such as at predetermined intervals, or in response to irregular requests. Furthermore, the water quality meter 11 is designed to stop measuring water quality when the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 becomes low, based on instructions from the control device.

[0043] The first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 are both devices (hereinafter referred to as "GPS sensors") that utilize GPS (Global Positioning System), a global positioning system that uses a network of artificial satellites, that is, a system that receives signals from artificial satellites and calculates position, distance, time, etc., to determine the current location.

[0044] The first GPS sensor 12 is installed on the cylinder 10 and acquires location information (hereinafter referred to as "location information") that allows for the identification of the installation location of the cylinder 10. In other words, the cylinder 10 is equipped with a transmission function via the first GPS sensor 12.

[0045] On the other hand, the second GPS sensor 13 is housed together with the ion exchange resin 2 in the housing 1 and acquires location information that allows for the identification of the location of the ion exchange resin 2. In other words, the second GPS sensor 13 can be considered as the ion exchange resin 2 having a location information transmission function. The second GPS sensor 13 makes it possible to determine the location of the recovered ion exchange resin 2 even if it is separated from the cylinder 10 and moved due to replacement of the ion exchange resin 2.

[0046] This allows the system to manage the location information of the second GPS sensor 13 in conjunction with manufacturing information, such as when, where, and by whom the ion exchange resin 2 was manufactured. This enables the system to understand and manage the lifespan, reliability, and distribution route of the ion exchange resin 2. Furthermore, the system of this embodiment makes it possible to establish traceability for the ion exchange resin 2.

[0047] Furthermore, the second GPS sensor 13 is larger than the size of the individual particles that make up the ion exchange resin 2. In other words, the second GPS sensor 13 is larger than the size of the individual ion exchange resin 2. The second GPS sensor 13 can be housed in a capsule about the size of a ping-pong ball, for example. This allows the second GPS sensor 13 to be housed in the housing 1 together with the ion exchange resin 2, and even if it is recovered together when the ion exchange resin 2 is replaced, it can be separated from the ion exchange resin 2 as needed during the regeneration process or disposal of the ion exchange resin 2. In other words, the second GPS sensor 13 can be easily removed from the ion exchange resin 2.

[0048] These first GPS sensors 12 and second GPS sensors 13 acquire location information respectively in conjunction with the measurement of water quality by the water quality meter 11, based on instructions from the control device. Furthermore, the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 each acquire location information of the cylinder 10 at the start of use, based on instructions from the control device. The first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 each acquire location information, for example, when the water flow detection sensor 14 detects the flow of water supplied to the cylinder 10. Furthermore, the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 acquire location information respectively when the open / close detection sensor 15 detects the opening or closing of the replacement port (inlet of the cylinder 10) of the housing unit 1 for replacing the ion exchange resin 2, in accordance with instructions from the control device.

[0049] Furthermore, the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 acquire location information respectively when the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 or the battery supplying power to themselves (first GPS sensor 12, second GPS sensor 13) becomes low, in response to instructions from the control device. Furthermore, the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 may acquire location information after receiving an instruction signal, which is issued by turning on an arbitrary start button or the like, in accordance with instructions from the control device.

[0050] The water flow detection sensor 14 is a device that detects the flow (water passage) and moisture content of raw water supplied to the cylinder 10. The water flow detection sensor 14 is installed on the cylinder 10.

[0051] The open / close detection sensor 15 is a device installed on the cylinder 10 that detects the opening and closing of the replacement port (inlet of the cylinder 10) of the housing section 1 for replacing the ion exchange resin 2. For example, a proximity sensor capable of measuring the distance between two objects can be used as the open / close detection sensor 15.

[0052] The ion sensor 16 is housed in the containment section 1 of the cylinder 10 together with the ion exchange resin 2. The ion sensor 16 detects the state of the ion exchange resin 2, for example, whether specific ions such as sodium and chlorine are present in the water treated by the ion exchange resin 2 above a certain level, and their concentration.

[0053] The flow meter 17 is a device that detects the flow rate of raw water flowing into the cylinder 10. The flow meter 17 is installed in the cylinder 10. In this embodiment, the flow meter 17 measures the water velocity at a point where the cross-sectional area (inner diameter) of the flow path through which the raw water flows is specified. Based on the flow path cross-sectional area and the flow velocity, the flow meter 17 determines the flow rate of water flowing into the cylinder 10.

[0054] The output unit 18 is a means that, upon instruction from the control device, outputs information regarding water quality measured by the water quality meter 11 (hereinafter referred to as "water quality information") and the respective location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 to a predetermined external location. The location information includes identification information for the cylinder 10 and identification information for the ion exchange resin 2. The output unit 18 can output location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 based on the water quality information. Furthermore, output to a device other than the cylinder 10 can be, for example, transmitted to the monitor 3 mounted on the cylinder 10.

[0055] The output unit 18 further includes a function that, upon instruction from the control device, outputs location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13, respectively, after the water flow detection sensor 14 detects the flow of water supplied to the cylinder 10 when the cylinder 10 is first put into use. In other words, the output unit 18 is configured to output location information at the time when water is first passed through the ion exchange resin 2 of the cylinder 10. Furthermore, the output unit 18 is equipped with a function to output the location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13, respectively, when the inlet of the cylinder 10 is opened and closed.

[0056] Furthermore, the output unit 18 is equipped with a function that, upon instruction from the control device, outputs information regarding the remaining battery levels of the batteries, along with location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13, respectively, when the battery levels of the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 or the batteries supplying power to the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 become low. Thus, in this embodiment of the system, the location information of the water treatment facility 100 and the water quality information at that time are obtained at a time when it is possible to output location information. This makes it possible, for example, to predict the replacement time of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the last obtained location information and water quality information, to go to the location of the cylinder 10, and to plan to retrieve the cylinder 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the output unit 18 is equipped with a function to output replacement guidance information prompting the replacement of the ion exchange resin 2, provided that the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 is unable to acquire location information, as instructed by the control device. The replacement guidance information may include information instructing replacement and information on the replacement timing (lifespan) of the ion exchange resin 2. The replacement guidance information may also include identifying information that uniquely identifies the cylinder 10. Additionally, the replacement guidance information can be output in association with the location information and water quality information of the cylinder 10.

[0058] Furthermore, the output unit 18 is equipped with the function of outputting replacement guidance information prompting the replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 at the time of replacement of the water treatment material identified based on the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11, as well as location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13, in accordance with instructions from the control device. Furthermore, the output unit 18 may also be equipped with a function to output location information acquired by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13, respectively, after receiving an instruction from a start button separately provided in the water treatment equipment 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 100 is operated by the control unit 20 according to the installed program. The control unit 20 includes a measurement information management unit 21, a location information management unit 22, a water flow information management unit 23, an open / close information management unit 24, a battery level confirmation unit 25, a replacement timing identification unit 26, and a status information management unit 27.

[0060] The measurement information management unit 21 manages the measurement of the water quality of the water treated with the ion exchange resin 2 (purified water) by the water quality meter 11, and is a means that has the function of acquiring water quality information of the purified water measured by the water quality meter 11, i.e., electrical conductivity information. Specifically, after the water flow detection sensor 14 detects the flow of water (confirms the start of use), it acquires the water quality information of the purified water measured by the water quality meter 11 at predetermined flow rates, at predetermined intervals, or according to individual instructions associated with the measurement.

[0061] The location information management unit 22 is a means that manages the determination of location by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 in conjunction with the measurement of water quality by the water quality meter 11, that is, when the measurement information management unit 21 acquires electrical conductivity information, and acquires the location information determined by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13.

[0062] Furthermore, the location information management unit 22 manages the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 to determine location information in response to the water flow detection sensor 14 detecting water flow or moisture, and also has the function of acquiring the location information determined by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13.

[0063] Furthermore, the location information management unit 22 manages the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 to identify location information in response to the opening / closing detection sensor 15 detecting the opening or closing of the replacement port (inlet of the cylinder 10) of the housing unit 1 for replacing the ion exchange resin 2, and also has the function of acquiring the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13.

[0064] Furthermore, the location information management unit 22, in conjunction with the battery level confirmation unit 25 checking the battery levels of the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 and the batteries supplying power to the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 respectively, manages when the battery levels of the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 or the battery supplying power to itself (first GPS sensor 12, second GPS sensor 13) become low, and acquires the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13.

[0065] Furthermore, the location information management unit 22 may also be equipped with a function to manage the identification of location information by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 after receiving an instruction signal issued by turning on a start button or the like which can be optionally provided on the water treatment equipment 100, and to acquire the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13.

[0066] The water flow information management unit 23 is a means that has the function of acquiring information (hereinafter referred to as "water flow information") regarding the flow of water detected by the water flow detection sensor 14 when raw water is supplied to the cylinder 10. When the water flow information management unit 23 acquires water flow information, that information is notified to the location information management unit 22 or the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13.

[0067] The opening / closing information management unit 24 is a means that has the function of acquiring information regarding the opening and closing of the inlet of the cylinder 10 (hereinafter referred to as "inlet opening / closing information") detected by the opening / closing detection sensor 15 when the inlet of the cylinder 10 is opened or closed. When the opening / closing information management unit 24 acquires the inlet opening / closing information, that information is notified to the location information management unit 22 or the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13.

[0068] The battery level check unit 25 is a means that has the function of checking the remaining battery level of the battery that supplies power to the water quality meter 11. The battery level check unit 25 checks the remaining battery level, for example, at predetermined intervals, at predetermined flow rates, or according to individual instructions associated with the measurement. Furthermore, the battery level check unit 25 also has the function of checking the remaining battery levels of each battery that supplies power to the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13, respectively. In addition, the battery level check unit 25 has the function of checking the remaining battery levels of the output unit 18 and the control unit 20 itself.

[0069] The replacement timing determination unit 26 is a means that has the function of determining the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11, that is, electrical conductivity information acquired by the measurement information management unit 21. Specifically, it predicts the change in electrical conductivity according to the cumulative processing amount from the relationship between the cumulative processing amount of water processed by the ion exchange resin 2 and the electrical conductivity, and considers the time when this electrical conductivity reaches a predetermined standard value as the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2, and determines the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 from the cumulative processing amount when the standard value is reached. Furthermore, the replacement timing determination unit 26 also has a function of correcting the replacement timing that was initially determined based on the location information determined by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13, respectively.

[0070] The state information management unit 27 is a means that has the function of acquiring information regarding the concentration of specific ions detected by the ion sensor 16 (hereinafter referred to as "specific ion information"). The specific ion information acquired by the status information management unit 27 is notified to the replacement timing determination unit 26, which also has the function of determining the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 and the specific ion information detected by the ion sensor 16.

[0071] As described above, the water treatment equipment 100, which constitutes the water treatment equipment management system according to this embodiment, functions as a device including a measurement information management unit 21, a location information management unit 22, a water flow information management unit 23, an open / close information management unit 24, a battery level confirmation unit 25, a replacement time identification unit 26, and a status information management unit 27, when a program is executed by the control unit 20. The water treatment equipment 100 controls the monitor 3, a water quality meter 11, a first GPS sensor 12, a second GPS sensor 13, a water flow detection sensor 14, an open / close detection sensor 15, an ion sensor 16, a flow meter 17, and an output unit 18, when a program is executed by the control unit 20.

[0072] Next, the processing flow in the water treatment equipment 100, which constitutes the water treatment equipment management system according to this embodiment, will be described. Figures 3 to 12 are flowcharts illustrating examples of water treatment equipment management processes according to this embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates the basic treatment flow in a water treatment facility. Figures 4 through 12 illustrate the associated treatment flows.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, in step S301, the measurement information management unit 21 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11. If the measurement information management unit 21 has received the water quality information (YES in S301), the process proceeds to step S302. If the measurement information management unit 21 has not received the water quality information (NO in S301), the determination in step S301 is repeated.

[0074] In step S302, the location information management unit 22 determines whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S302), it proceeds to step S303. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S302), it repeats the determination in step S302.

[0075] Then, in step S303, the output unit 18 performs processing to output water quality information and location information to the outside. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0076] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow after the start of use of the water treatment equipment 100 is detected. Here, the start of use of the water treatment equipment 100 is determined by detecting the flow (water passage) of raw water supplied to the cylinder 10. As shown in Figure 4, in step S401, the water flow information management unit 23 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water flow information detected by the water flow detection sensor 14. If the water flow information management unit 23 has received the water flow information (YES in S401), the process proceeds to step S402. If the water flow information management unit 23 has not received the water flow information (NO in 401), the operation of the water treatment equipment 100 ends (END).

[0077] Next, in step S402, the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S402), it proceeds to step S403. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S402), it repeats the determination in step S402. Then, in step S403, the output unit 18 performs a process to output the position information to the outside.

[0078] Subsequently, similar to steps S301 to S303 described above, the measurement information management unit 21 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 (step S404), the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 (step S405), and the output unit 18 performs a process to output the water quality information and location information to the outside (step S406). After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0079] This allows us to determine when the cylinder 10 was first used, triggered by the confirmation of water flow, enabling efficient management of the water treatment facility 100 without constant monitoring. In addition to detecting the water flow with the water flow detection sensor 14, other means of determining when to start using the water treatment equipment 100 include reporting (notifying) that the cylinder 10 has been installed in the water treatment equipment 100, or when the flow meter 17 continuously detects the water flow for a certain period of time.

[0080] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the treatment flow when the ion exchange resin 2 is replaced in the water treatment facility 100. Here, the replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 is determined by detecting the opening and closing of the replacement port of the housing section 1 for replacing the ion exchange resin 2 in the cylinder 10. As shown in Figure 5, in step S411, the open / close information management unit 24 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the open / close information of the cylinder 10 inlet detected by the open / close detection sensor 15. If the open / close information management unit 24 has received the open / close information (YES in S411), the process proceeds to step S412. If the open / close information management unit 24 has not received the open / close information (NO in S411), the operation of the water treatment equipment 100 ends (END).

[0081] Next, in step S412, the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S412), it proceeds to step S413. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S412), it repeats the determination in step S412. Then, in step S413, the output unit 18 performs a process to output the position information to the outside.

[0082] Subsequently, similar to steps S401 to S406 described above, the water flow information management unit 23 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water flow information detected by the water flow detection sensor 14 (step S414), the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 (step S415), and the output unit 18 performs a process to output the location information to the outside (step S416). In addition, the measurement information management unit 21 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 (step S417), the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 (step S418), and the output unit 18 performs a process to output the water quality information and location information to the outside (step S419). After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0083] This allows the system to detect when the opening and closing of the replacement port in cylinder 10 triggers the confirmation that the ion exchange resin 2 in the water treatment facility 100 has been replaced, and then, by detecting the water flow, it can determine whether use has resumed. This enables efficient management of the water treatment facility 100 without constant monitoring.

[0084] Figure 6 illustrates the process when the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 becomes low on charge. As shown in Figure 6, in step S501, the battery level check unit 25 checks the remaining battery level of the battery supplying power to the water quality meter 11 and determines whether it is below a predetermined threshold. If the battery level check unit 25 determines that the remaining battery level is below the threshold (a predetermined standard) (YES in S501), the process proceeds to step S502. If the battery level check unit 25 does not determine that the remaining battery level is below the threshold (NO in S501), the process proceeds to step S505.

[0085] Next, in step S502, the battery level confirmation unit 25 performs a process to instruct the measurement information management unit 21 to stop measuring water quality with the water quality meter 11. Next, in step S503, the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S503), the process proceeds to step S504. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S503), the determination in step S503 is repeated. Then, in step S504, the output unit 18 performs processing to output battery level information and location information to the outside. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0086] On the other hand, in step S501, if the battery level confirmation unit 25 determines that the battery level is not below a threshold (NO in 501), it performs basic processing in the same way as in steps S301 to S303 described above. That is, the measurement information management unit 21 performs processing to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 (step S505), the location information management unit 22 performs processing to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 (step S506), and the output unit 18 performs processing to output the water quality information and location information to the outside (step S507). After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0087] This allows for efficient detection of low battery levels in the water quality meter 11 installed in the water treatment facility 100. Furthermore, by charging the battery as needed, the risk of losing the opportunity to measure water quality information at the water treatment facility 100 can be avoided in advance. In other words, while the battery of the water quality meter 11 will not run out immediately, its management becomes difficult over time, and it may become apparent that the battery has run out because water quality measurements are not being taken. Therefore, to allow for a calm and reassuring response even if battery management is neglected, the system is designed to allow for advance detection of low battery levels in the water quality meter 11.

[0088] Furthermore, the process of outputting information to the monitor 3 and the water treatment equipment management device 30 when the battery level is low is not limited to the above example. In other words, not only water quality information and location information, but also information identified by various sensors and the control unit 20 (for example, replacement guidance information) can be output. In addition, examples of batteries that are subject to monitoring of battery level include those that supply power to the first GPS sensor 12, the second GPS sensor 13, the water flow detection sensor 14, the open / close detection sensor 15, the ion sensor 16, the flow meter 17, the output unit 18, and the control unit 20, respectively.

[0089] Figure 7 illustrates the process when the remaining battery level of each battery supplying power to the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 becomes low. As shown in Figure 7, in step S511, the battery level check unit 25 checks the remaining battery level of each battery that supplies power to the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13, and determines whether it is below a predetermined threshold. If the battery level check unit 25 determines that the remaining battery level is below the threshold (YES in S511), the process proceeds to step S512. If the battery level check unit 25 determines that the remaining battery level is not below the threshold (NO in S511), the process proceeds to step S514.

[0090] Next, in step S512, the location information management unit 22 determines whether or not it has received location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13, whose battery level is below a threshold. If the location information management unit 22 has received location information (YES in S512), it proceeds to step S513. If the location information management unit 22 has not received location information (NO in S512), it repeats the determination in step S512. Then, in step S513, the output unit 18 performs a process to output battery level information and location information indicating that the battery level is below a threshold to the outside. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0091] On the other hand, in step S511, if the battery level confirmation unit 25 determines that the battery level is not below a threshold (NO in 511), it performs basic processing in the same way as in steps S301 to S303 described above. That is, the measurement information management unit 21 performs processing to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 (step S514), the location information management unit 22 performs processing to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 (step S515), and the output unit 18 performs processing to output the water quality information and location information to the outside (step S516). After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0092] This allows for efficient detection of low battery levels in the first GPS sensor 12 or second GPS sensor 13 installed in the water treatment facility 100, and by charging the battery as needed, the risk of losing the opportunity to acquire location information at the water treatment facility 100 can be avoided in advance. In other words, although the batteries of the first GPS sensor 12 or second GPS sensor 13 do not run out immediately, similar to the water quality meter 11, if the period of use is long, management may be neglected, and it may become apparent that the battery has run out when location information is not acquired. Therefore, in order to allow for a calm and reassuring response even if battery management is neglected, it is possible to detect in advance when the battery level of the first GPS sensor 12 or second GPS sensor 13 is running low.

[0093] Figure 8 illustrates the process when the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13 cannot acquire location information. As shown in Figure 8, in step S601, the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S601), the process proceeds to step S602. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S601), the process proceeds to step S603. Then, in step S602, the output unit 18 performs a process to output the position information to the outside. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0094] On the other hand, in step S603, the output unit 18 outputs information about the replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 along with the location information in order to indicate that it was not possible to obtain the location information. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0095] This allows the system to output information about the replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 if there is a risk of any trouble, such as the battery running out of the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13. This then prompts inspection of the water treatment equipment 100 and early contact with the management company of the water treatment equipment 100. In other words, by checking the status of the ion exchange resin 2, it becomes clear that this replacement notice is incorrect, and by suspecting that the battery of the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13 is running out, the cause can be identified early, and the water treatment equipment 100 can be managed efficiently.

[0096] Figure 9 illustrates the process for determining when to replace the ion exchange resin 2. As shown in Figure 9, in step S701, the measurement information management unit 21 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11. If the measurement information management unit 21 has received the water quality information (YES in S701), the process proceeds to step S702. If the measurement information management unit 21 has not received the water quality information (NO in S701), the determination in step S701 is repeated.

[0097] Furthermore, in step S702, the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S702), the process proceeds to step S703. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S702), the determination in step S702 is repeated.

[0098] Next, in step S703, the replacement timing determination unit 26 performs a process to generate predictive information about the water quality that changes according to the amount of water supplied to the cylinder 10, based on the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11. Furthermore, in step S704, the replacement timing determination unit 26 performs a process to determine the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the generated prediction information. Then, in step S705, the output unit 18 performs a process to output the ion exchange guide information for the ion exchange resin 2 to the outside along with the position information. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0099] This makes it possible to predict when water quality is likely to exceed predetermined standards. Therefore, the replacement and regeneration of ion exchange resin 2 can be planned and carried out efficiently. Furthermore, by replacing or regenerating ion exchange resin 2 before water quality exceeds predetermined standards, water quality deterioration can be prevented and a certain level of quality can be maintained.

[0100] Figure 10 illustrates the process for adjusting the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 according to the region. Since the water quality supplied to the water treatment facility 100 varies from region to region and is expected to affect the treatment capacity of the ion exchange resin 2, this will be corrected and the replacement timing will be determined.

[0101] As shown in Figure 10, steps S711 to S714 are the same as the processes described above from steps S701 to S704, so their explanation will be omitted. Next, in step S715, the replacement timing determination unit 26 performs a process to correct the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13, i.e., the water quality information of the area. Then, in step S716, the output unit 18 performs a process to output the ion exchange guide information for the ion exchange resin 2 to the outside along with the position information. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0102] As described above, the water treatment equipment 100 of this embodiment generates replacement guidance information that includes information regarding the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2, which is identified according to the location information. This allows for the appropriate management of the replacement of ion exchange resins 2 in the water treatment facilities 100 in each region. In other words, water quality, such as the hardness of the supplied water, may differ from region to region, which may lead to differences in the treatment capacity of the ion exchange resins 2 from region to region. Therefore, by correcting this using location information, the timing of replacement of the ion exchange resins 2 can be appropriately determined.

[0103] Figure 11 illustrates the process for correcting the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 according to the condition of the treated water. Here, the state of the treated water is determined by the ion sensor 16 detecting whether a specific ion is present in the water treated by the ion exchange resin 2 at a certain level or higher, and by detecting its concentration.

[0104] As shown in Figure 11, in step S721, the measurement information management unit 21 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11. If the measurement information management unit 21 has received the water quality information (YES in S721), the process proceeds to step S722. If the measurement information management unit 21 has not received the water quality information (NO in S721), the determination in step S721 is repeated.

[0105] Furthermore, in step S722, the location information management unit 22 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S722), the process proceeds to step S723. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S722), the determination in step S722 is repeated.

[0106] Next, in step S723, the replacement timing determination unit 26 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the specific ion information detected by the ion sensor 16. If the replacement timing determination unit 26 has received the specific ion information (YES in S723), the process proceeds to step S724. If the replacement timing determination unit 26 has not received the specific ion information (NO in S723), the determination in step S723 is repeated. Subsequently, in step S724, the replacement timing determination unit 26 performs a process to generate predictive information about the water quality that changes according to the amount of water supplied to the cylinder 10, based on the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11.

[0107] Furthermore, in step S725, the replacement timing determination unit 26 performs a process to determine the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the specific ion information detected by the ion sensor 16 and the generated prediction information. Then, in step S726, the output unit 18 performs a process to output the ion exchange guide information for the ion exchange resin 2 along with the position information to the outside. After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0108] This makes it possible to appropriately determine the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2 based on two aspects: water quality (electrical conductivity) and specific ion concentration.

[0109] Here, the generation of water quality prediction information, which is carried out in steps S703, S713, and S724 described above, is performed by determining the relationship between the cumulative flow rate, which represents the total amount of water treated by the ion exchange resin 2 contained in the cylinder 10, and the acquired electrical conductivity. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the electrical conductivity is measured according to the integrated value of the flow rate, and a graph showing the relationship between the integrated flow rate and the electrical conductivity is generated. In the graph shown in Figure 12, the horizontal axis is the integrated flow rate, and the vertical axis is the electrical conductivity.

[0110] Then, as shown in the graph, points where the change in electrical conductivity (slope) is larger than others are identified, and future measured values ​​(electrical conductivity) are predicted based on the rate of change. In other words, when the capacity of ion exchange resin 2 decreases, ion exchange resin 2 can no longer ionically bond with ions in the raw water, and the electrical conductivity increases. When viewed on a graph, a rising curve is obtained as the electrical conductivity becomes relatively high. Therefore, the point at which the electrical conductivity rises is used as an alert for when to replace ion exchange resin 2, and a line that fits this rising curve (hereinafter referred to as "fitting curve C") is identified. In other words, water quality trend prediction is performed. This fitting curve C can be generated, for example, by the least squares method. Furthermore, by extrapolating (extending) fitting curve C to the unmeasured cumulative flow rate, it is possible to predict the water quality for the unmeasured cumulative flow rate.

[0111] In this embodiment, the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2 is predicted from this fitting curve C. In other words, there is a reference value for the electrical conductivity at which the ion exchange resin 2 should be replaced. Using the fitting curve C, it is possible to predict the cumulative flow rate at which this reference value is reached. Therefore, it is possible to determine the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2 from this water quality information.

[0112] In this embodiment, by predicting the replacement time using the fitting curve C shown in Figure 12, the replacement time can be identified at an earlier timing compared to outputting the replacement time when the replacement time is actually reached or when the replacement time is imminent. In this embodiment, the water treatment equipment 100 can output information regarding the predicted replacement time to the monitor 3 and the water treatment equipment management device 30 when the replacement time for the ion exchange resin 2 has been identified.

[0113] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 100 in this embodiment can identify the cumulative flow rate at which the ion exchange resin 2 should be replaced. The water treatment equipment 100 can output the amount of purified water used until the ion exchange resin 2 is replaced by displaying the difference between the current cumulative flow rate and the cumulative flow rate at which replacement is needed. In addition, if the amount of purified water used per unit time by the user can be identified, the replacement time for the ion exchange resin 2 can be output as a date and time.

[0114] Furthermore, the fitting curve C shown in Figure 12 can be displayed on the monitor 3 of the water treatment equipment 100. Alternatively, numerical data for displaying the fitting curve C may be output to the monitor 3 or the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0115] As described above, this system uses water quality information and location information to notify users of the measures necessary to improve or maintain water quality. Furthermore, by acquiring only location information and outputting it externally, it is possible to properly manage the water treatment equipment. Specifically, location information is acquired and output externally when water is detected flowing into cylinder 10, when the opening and closing of the cylinder's replacement port is detected, or when the battery level of the water quality meter or GPS sensor becomes low. When outputting only location information, a code or message is attached to the location information so that it is clear what factor caused the location information to be acquired (which sensor information it was based on).

[0116] Furthermore, this system accumulates measurement data (electrical conductivity) from monitoring with a water quality meter, and generates a fitting curve C based on this data and the cumulative amount of water treated, thereby enabling the prediction of water quality deterioration trends. In other words, if the water quality is constant (stable), it is possible to predict water quality deterioration trends using only the cumulative amount of water treated. However, if the water quality changes during treatment, it becomes difficult to predict water quality deterioration trends simply by using the cumulative amount of water treated. However, by using fitting curve C, which identifies changes in water quality and predicts future water quality, it becomes possible to appropriately determine the timing of ion exchange resin replacement in response to unexpected changes in water quality.

[0117] Furthermore, while it is relatively easy to predict the deterioration of water quality based on the cumulative water treatment volume when the ion exchange resin is new, its performance tends to deteriorate with repeated regeneration. Therefore, by generating a fitting curve C tailored to each individual ion exchange resin and identifying the replacement timing for the ion exchange resin, it is possible to properly manage the water treatment equipment.

[0118] Furthermore, by introducing this system into large-scale water treatment facilities, it becomes possible to properly manage the timing of ion exchange resin replacement, ordering of ion exchange resin, and instructions regarding inventory. This makes it possible to prevent the unnecessary disposal of ion exchange resin and the inflow of impurities into water treatment facilities.

[0119] <Second Embodiment> Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system can be configured to appropriately monitor the state of water treatment materials in multiple water treatment facilities from an external source, and to efficiently replace and recover water treatment materials at the appropriate timing according to the water quality requirements of each water treatment facility. In other words, while water quality management is basically performed within the water treatment facilities, it can be performed externally in a supplementary or efficient manner. Therefore, this configuration differs from the first embodiment described above in that it outputs predetermined information to an external device that is connected to a predetermined network N, such as the Internet, in a communicable manner.

[0120] In the other embodiments described below, the focus will be on the differences from the first embodiment described above. Therefore, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, they will be considered identical.

[0121] (System Configuration) Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of a second water treatment facility management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the second water treatment equipment management system 200 in this embodiment consists of a water treatment facility 100 and a water treatment equipment management device 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the water treatment equipment 100 and the water treatment equipment management device 30 are described as being connected to each other one-to-one via a predetermined network N such as the Internet, but the number of water treatment equipment 100 is not limited to this and may be two or more.

[0122] Therefore, the water treatment equipment 100 shown in Figure 13 not only purifies raw water using ion exchange resin 2, but also outputs predetermined information to the outside that corresponds to the efficient replacement and recovery (reprocessing and disposal) of ion exchange resin 2 at the appropriate timing. Here, "external" refers to a water treatment facility management device 30 that is connected to a predetermined network N, such as the Internet, in a way that enables communication. Therefore, "output" refers to a transmission to the water treatment facility management device 30.

[0123] The water treatment equipment 100, as in the first embodiment described above, includes at least a cylinder 10, a water quality meter 11, a first GPS sensor 12, a second GPS sensor 13, a water flow detection sensor 14, an open / close detection sensor 15, an ion sensor 16, a flow meter 17, and an output unit 18.

[0124] The water treatment equipment management device 30 is a device that acquires and centrally manages predetermined water treatment information (such as identification information, water quality information, and location information) output from multiple water treatment equipment 100, and has computational processing functions and communication functions, and functions as a server in this system. In this embodiment, the water treatment equipment management device 30 is implemented by electronic equipment such as a personal computer. In the following explanation, the water treatment equipment management device 30 may be referred to as a "server."

[0125] (Hardware configuration) Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the water treatment equipment management device 30 according to this embodiment. The water treatment equipment management device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a bus 34, an input / output interface 35, an output unit 36, an input unit 37, a storage unit 38, and a communication unit 39.

[0126] The CPU 31 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 32 or the program loaded from the storage unit 38 into the RAM 33. In other words, the CPU 31 is a processor that controls the operation of the entire server 30, executing various processes according to the program. The program is, for example, an operating system (system software) for operating each part of the server 30, or application software for realizing the functional blocks described later.

[0127] RAM33 also stores data and other information necessary for the CPU31 to perform various processes. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are interconnected via a bus 34. An input / output interface 35 is also connected to this bus 34. The input / output interface 35 is connected to an output unit 36, an input unit 37, a storage unit 38, and a communication unit 39.

[0128] The output unit 36 ​​consists of a display, speakers, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 37 consists of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, etc., and inputs various information according to the received instructions and operations. For example, the output unit 36 ​​and the input unit 37 may be integrated and implemented using a touch panel.

[0129] The storage unit 38 stores various data necessary for the server 30 to perform information processing, and is composed of, for example, a hard disk or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The communication unit 39 communicates with other devices via a network N, including the Internet.

[0130] The server 30 may also be equipped with a drive that can be appropriately fitted with removable media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, or semiconductor memory. This drive allows programs read from the removable media to be installed in the storage unit 38. Furthermore, the removable media can store various types of data stored in the storage unit 38, just as the storage unit 38 does.

[0131] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment management device 30 is not limited to a standalone device; it may also be a distributed server system or a cloud server that operates cooperatively by communicating via the network N.

[0132] (Water treatment equipment management device 30) Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a water treatment equipment management device 30 that functions as a server in this embodiment. The water treatment equipment management device 30 includes at least a water treatment information management unit 311 and a replacement timing identification unit 312.

[0133] The water treatment information management unit 311 is a means that receives water treatment information, including water quality information and location information, output from the water treatment equipment 100 as predetermined information, and manages the water quality information for each water treatment equipment 100, that is, for each ion exchange resin 2, based on the location information. The water treatment information received by the water treatment information management unit 311 may be stored in the storage unit 38 as a water treatment information DB, for example. Furthermore, the water treatment information management unit 311 also has the function of receiving only location information and managing the ion exchange resin 2.

[0134] The replacement timing determination unit 312, like the replacement timing determination unit 26 of the water treatment equipment 100, is a means that has the function of determining the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on water quality information included in the water treatment information, that is, electrical conductivity information acquired by the measurement information management unit 21. In other words, the determination of the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2, which was previously performed in the water treatment equipment 100, is now performed efficiently in the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0135] Furthermore, the replacement timing determination unit 312 also has the function of correcting the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on position information, and the function of determining the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on specific ion information detected by the ion sensor 16.

[0136] The water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment generates replacement guidance information (an example of replacement information) that includes information regarding the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2, which is determined according to the location information. Specifically, as explained with reference to Figure 10, the area where the water treatment equipment 100 is installed is identified based on the location information. The water quality, such as the hardness of the raw water, differs from region to region. Therefore, the lifespan of the ion exchange resin 2 will differ depending on the location information (region). Accordingly, the water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment outputs the replacement timing, which is determined according to the location information, as part of the replacement guidance information.

[0137] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment generates replacement guidance information (an example of replacement information) when it determines the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on changes in water quality. Specifically, as explained with reference to Figure 12, this system can dynamically monitor changes in the water quality of water after it has passed through the containment section 1, with the cumulative flow rate as the first axis and water quality as the second axis, based on the water quality information of the water treatment equipment 100. Moreover, in this embodiment, it is possible to predict the replacement timing based on changes in water quality. Therefore, the water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment outputs the replacement timing in the replacement guidance information at the timing when it has been possible to predict the replacement timing, that is, at the timing when the onset of the water quality change has been grasped.

[0138] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment generates replacement guidance information (an example of replacement information) based on water quality information and flow rate information. In this embodiment, as described above, it is possible to predict the replacement timing from changes in water quality based on water quality information. On the other hand, it is also possible to predict the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 simply according to the cumulative flow rate by accumulating conventional data. Therefore, the replacement timing may be determined using both the replacement timing predicted from changes in water quality based on water quality information and the replacement timing predicted according to the cumulative flow rate. Accordingly, the water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment outputs the replacement timing information determined based on water quality information and flow rate information as part of the replacement guidance information.

[0139] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment management device 30 of this embodiment generates exchange guidance information (an example of exchange information) on the condition that location information cannot be obtained. In this embodiment, if location information cannot be obtained from the water treatment equipment 100, it is highly likely that the operation of the first GPS sensor 12, etc., has simply stopped. Therefore, the exchange guidance information is output with the location information that was received last, for example, before communication was interrupted.

[0140] Next, the processing flow in the second water treatment equipment management system 200 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a second water treatment facility management system 200 according to another embodiment. In step S801, the water treatment equipment 100 measures water quality information (electrical conductivity). Furthermore, in step S802, the water treatment equipment 100 acquires location information. Then, in step S803, the water treatment equipment 100 transmits (outputs) water treatment information, including the measured water quality information and the acquired location information, to the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0141] In step S804, the water treatment equipment management device 30 receives water treatment information, including water quality information and location information, transmitted from the water treatment equipment 100. Furthermore, in step S805, the water treatment equipment management device 30 checks and monitors the status of each water treatment facility 100 based on the water treatment information. Specifically, the water treatment equipment management device 30 checks the type of information contained in the water treatment information transmitted from the water treatment facility 100, categorizes the information by type, and stores it in a water treatment information database, for example, so that the history can be tracked.

[0142] In step S806, the water treatment equipment management device 30 generates predictive water quality information based on the received water quality information. That is, it generates predictive information about future water quality that changes according to the amount of water supplied to the cylinder 10. Next, in step S807, the water treatment equipment management device 30 determines the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2 based on the generated prediction information.

[0143] Then, in step S808, the water treatment equipment management device 30 outputs replacement guidance information, indicating the time for replacing the identified ion exchange resin 2, along with the received location information, to an external source. Here, "external source" refers to transmission to a communication terminal used by the person in charge of the water treatment equipment 100, a communication terminal of the company that manages the water treatment equipment 100, such as maintenance, or a communication terminal of a company that sells, replaces, reprocesses, or recovers the ion exchange resin 2.

[0144] Next, the processing flow in the water treatment equipment management device 30, which constitutes the second water treatment equipment management system 200 of this embodiment, will be described. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the basic processing flow in the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0145] As shown in Figure 17, in step S901, the water treatment information management unit 311 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water treatment information transmitted from the water treatment equipment 100. If the water treatment information management unit 311 has received the water treatment information (YES in S901), the process proceeds to step S902. If the water treatment information management unit 311 has not received the water treatment information (NO in S901), the determination in step S901 is repeated.

[0146] Furthermore, in step S902, the water treatment information management unit 311 checks and monitors the status of the water treatment equipment 100 based on the received water treatment information. Next, in step S903, the replacement timing identification unit 312 performs a process to generate predictive information about water quality that changes according to the amount of water supplied to the water treatment equipment 100, based on the water quality information contained in the received water treatment information.

[0147] Furthermore, in step S904, the replacement timing identification unit 312 performs a process to identify the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 used in the water treatment facility 100 based on the generated prediction information. Then, in step S905, the communication unit 39 performs a process to output the ion exchange resin 2 exchange guidance information along with the position information to a predetermined external location. After that, the operation of the water treatment equipment management device 30 ends (END).

[0148] This allows the water treatment information transmitted from multiple water treatment facilities 100 to be centrally managed and analyzed by the water treatment facility management device 30, thereby enabling an accurate assessment of the state of the ion exchange resins 2 in each of the multiple water treatment facilities 100. In other words, even without separate personnel to measure water quality at each location of the water treatment facilities 100, the state of multiple water treatment facilities 100 (ion exchange resins 2) can be centrally checked and monitored externally, allowing for advance detection of water quality deterioration and appropriate responses. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently handle the replacement, recovery, and regeneration of ion exchange resins 2 in each individual water treatment facility 100 according to their state.

[0149] Furthermore, since the water treatment equipment management device 30 manages individual water treatment information based on location information that allows for the identification of the installation location of the water treatment equipment 100, customer information (personal information) such as the names, company names, and addresses of users of each water treatment equipment 100 is unnecessary, and subsequent maintenance such as the replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 can be easily carried out. In other words, when replacing the ion exchange resin 2, the installation location of the water treatment equipment 100 can be identified based on the location information included in the water treatment information, so the location of the water treatment equipment 100 can be identified even without customer information.

[0150] Furthermore, when replacing the ion exchange resin 2, the location of the water treatment equipment 100 can be identified based on the location information included in the water treatment information, thus eliminating the need to search for the location of the water treatment equipment 100 using a map. In other words, by using the location information directly, for example, the location can be quickly displayed on a map application, and by transmitting the location information to the communication terminal of the company that manages the maintenance of the water treatment equipment 100, or to the communication terminal of the company that sells, replaces, reprocesses, and recovers the ion exchange resin 2, the replacement, recovery, and regeneration of the ion exchange resin 2 can be carried out efficiently.

[0151] Furthermore, based on water quality information and location information, the order of replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 is determined while considering the priority of replacement, and the location of the water treatment facility 100 and its route (replacement route) can be displayed on a map using a navigation system with a map application. Furthermore, by placing orders for the ion exchange resin 2 via the water treatment equipment management device 30, taking into account the delivery date, it becomes possible to reduce the storage space required for the ion exchange resin 2, thereby enabling more efficient replacement of the ion exchange resin 2.

[0152] <Third Embodiment> Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the system can be configured to reduce battery consumption when outputting predetermined information to an external device. In other words, it differs from the second embodiment described above in that it transmits predetermined information from the water treatment equipment 100 to a predetermined communication terminal without using a predetermined network N such as the Internet, and it differs from the first embodiment described above in that it outputs predetermined information to an external device, such as a water treatment equipment management device 30, which is connected to a predetermined communication terminal via a predetermined network N such as the Internet.

[0153] (System Configuration) Figure 18 shows an example of the configuration of the third water treatment facility management system 300 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the third water treatment equipment management system 300 in this embodiment consists of a water treatment facility 100, a water treatment equipment management device 30, and a user terminal 50.

[0154] The water treatment equipment 100 not only purifies raw water using ion exchange resin 2, but also outputs information to a predetermined external source that corresponds to the efficient replacement and recovery (reprocessing and disposal) of ion exchange resin 2 at the appropriate timing. Here, "external" refers to a user terminal 50 that is connected via short-range wireless communication, such as using Bluetooth®. Therefore, "output" refers to transmission to the user terminal 50. Furthermore, "output" also includes transmitting predetermined information via the user terminal 50 to a water treatment facility management device 30 that is connected to the device via a predetermined network N, such as the Internet.

[0155] The water treatment equipment 100, as in the first embodiment described above, includes at least a cylinder 10, a water quality meter 11, a first GPS sensor 12, a second GPS sensor 13, a water flow detection sensor 14, an open / close detection sensor 15, an ion sensor 16, a flow meter 17, and an output unit 18. In this embodiment, the output unit 18 is equipped with a communication function that enables the sending and receiving of information with the user terminal 50, and is a means that outputs water treatment information to the user terminal 50 via communication.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the water treatment equipment 100, similar to the first embodiment described above, includes a measurement information management unit 21, a location information management unit 22, a water flow information management unit 23, an open / close information management unit 24, a battery level confirmation unit 25, a replacement timing identification unit 26, and a status information management unit 27, all of which are executed by the control unit 20 according to the installed program, and also includes a code generation unit 28.

[0157] The code generation unit 28 is a means that has the function of generating two-dimensional information (two-dimensional code) 4 including water quality information and / or location information. That is, the code generation unit 28 generates a two-dimensional code 4 that includes water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 and location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13, respectively. Two-dimensional codes 4 display information in both horizontal and vertical directions. Examples include stacked two-dimensional codes such as PDF417, which consist of multiple barcodes stacked on top of each other, and matrix two-dimensional codes such as QR code (registered trademark), which have a grid-like appearance.

[0158] As shown in Figure 20, the two-dimensional code 4 generated by the code generation unit 28 is output to the monitor 3. This two-dimensional code 4 may contain only water quality information, only location information, or both water quality information and location information.

[0159] As described above, the water treatment equipment 100 constituting the third water treatment equipment management system 300 according to this embodiment functions as a device including a measurement information management unit 21, a location information management unit 22, a water flow information management unit 23, an open / close information management unit 24, a battery level confirmation unit 25, a replacement timing identification unit 26, a status information management unit 27, and a code generation unit 28, when a program is executed by the control unit 20, and controls the monitor 3, water quality meter 11, first GPS sensor 12, second GPS sensor 13, water flow detection sensor 14, open / close detection sensor 15, ion sensor 16, flow meter 17, and output unit 18.

[0160] The water treatment equipment management device 30, like the second embodiment described above, includes at least a water treatment information management unit 311 and a replacement timing identification unit 312. Furthermore, the water treatment equipment management device 30 is connected to the user terminal 50 via a predetermined network N such as the Internet, and is capable of transmitting predetermined information.

[0161] The user terminal 50 is a computer operated by the person in charge of the water treatment facility 100, and is a portable communication terminal with arithmetic processing functions, communication functions, and two-dimensional information reading functions. This user terminal 50 can be implemented as, for example, a tablet computer or a mobile device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, as described above, the user terminal 50 is pre-paired with the water treatment equipment 100 in order to enable short-range wireless communication with the water treatment equipment 100. In the example shown in Figure 18, only one user terminal 50 is shown, but the number is not particularly limited.

[0162] Next, the processing flow in the third water treatment facility management system to which this embodiment is applied will be described. Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a third water treatment facility management system 300 according to another embodiment. In step S1001, the water treatment equipment 100 measures water quality information (electrical conductivity). Furthermore, in step S1002, the water treatment equipment 100 acquires location information.

[0163] In step S1003, the user terminal 50 receives water treatment information, including water quality information and location information, via short-range wireless communication with the water treatment equipment 100. Furthermore, in step S1004, the user terminal 50 transmits the water treatment information received from the water treatment equipment 100 to the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0164] Then, in step S1005, the water treatment equipment management device 30 receives water treatment information, including water quality information and location information, transmitted from the user terminal 50. Subsequently, similar to the second embodiment described above, the water treatment equipment management device 30 checks and monitors the status of each water treatment equipment 100 based on the water treatment information, generates predictive water quality information based on the received water quality information, and further identifies the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2.

[0165] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, in the third water treatment facility management system 300 to which this embodiment is applied, water treatment information can also be transmitted from the water treatment facility 100 to the user terminal 50 by other means. Figure 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of another process in the third water treatment facility management system 300 according to another embodiment. In step S1101, the water treatment equipment 100 measures water quality information (electrical conductivity). Furthermore, in step S1102, the water treatment equipment 100 acquires location information.

[0166] Next, in step S1103, the water treatment equipment 100 generates a two-dimensional code 4 that includes water quality information and location information. Then, in step S1104, the water treatment equipment 100 outputs the generated two-dimensional code 4 to the monitor 3.

[0167] In step S1105, the user terminal 50 reads the two-dimensional code 4 displayed on the monitor 3 of the water treatment equipment 100. Furthermore, in step S1106, the user terminal 50 transmits the two-dimensional code 4 read from the water treatment equipment 100 to the water treatment equipment management device 30. At this time, the user terminal 50 may transmit the two-dimensional code 4 read from the water treatment equipment 100 directly to the water treatment equipment management device 30, or it may transmit the water quality information and location information decoded from the read two-dimensional code 4 to the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0168] Then, in step S1107, the water treatment equipment management device 30 receives a two-dimensional code 4 (water treatment information including water quality information and location information) transmitted from the user terminal 50, which includes water quality information and location information. Subsequently, similar to the second embodiment described above, the water treatment equipment management device 30 checks and monitors the status of each water treatment equipment 100 based on the water treatment information, generates predictive water quality information based on the received water quality information, and further identifies the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin 2.

[0169] Alternatively, instead of reading the two-dimensional code 4 displayed on the monitor 3 of the water treatment equipment 100, the user terminal 50 may photograph the two-dimensional code 4 using its own imaging means (camera) and transmit the image information to the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0170] Next, the processing flow in the water treatment equipment 100, which constitutes the third water treatment equipment management system 300 of this embodiment, will be described. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the treatment flow in the water treatment facility 100.

[0171] As shown in Figure 23, in step S1201, the measurement information management unit 21 performs a process to determine whether or not it has received the water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11. If the measurement information management unit 21 has received the water quality information (YES in S1201), the process proceeds to step S1202. If the measurement information management unit 21 has not received the water quality information (NO in S1201), the determination in step S1201 is repeated.

[0172] In step S1202, the location information management unit 22 determines whether or not it has received the location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 or the second GPS sensor 13. If the location information management unit 22 has received the location information (YES in S1202), it proceeds to step S1203. If the location information management unit 22 has not received the location information (NO in S1202), it repeats the determination in step S1202.

[0173] Furthermore, in step S1203, the code generation unit 28 generates a two-dimensional code 4 that includes water quality information measured by the water quality meter 11 and location information identified by the first GPS sensor 12 and the second GPS sensor 13. Then, in step S1204, the output unit 18 processes the output of the two-dimensional code 4 generated by the code generation unit 28 to an external device (monitor 3). After that, the operation of the water treatment facility 100 ends (END).

[0174] As a result, the user terminal 50 can read the two-dimensional code 4 displayed on the monitor 3 of the water treatment equipment 100, allowing the user terminal 50 to check water quality information and location information. Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 100 can transmit the read two-dimensional code 4 (or the decoded water quality information and location information) to the water treatment equipment management device 30 via the user terminal 50 without consuming battery power.

[0175] In this embodiment of the water treatment equipment management system, the determination of the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the water quality information described above is not limited to being performed by the water treatment equipment 100 or the water treatment equipment management device 30. For example, the control unit (CPU) of the user terminal 50 may perform a process to predict the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on water quality information. In this case, the user terminal 50 acquires information such as water quality information and flow rate from the water treatment equipment 100 via communication or the monitor 3. The user terminal 50 then generates replacement guidance information for the ion exchange resin 2 based on the information acquired from the water treatment equipment 100. The user terminal 50 may then transmit the generated replacement guidance information to an external server, such as the water treatment equipment management device 30.

[0176] Furthermore, while the location information of the water treatment equipment 100 is identified using GPS sensors in each of the embodiments described above, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, each water treatment equipment 100 can be uniquely identified by a specific identification number, and the location information of the place where the water treatment equipment 100 is installed can be associated with this identification and managed. Thus, it is not essential to install GPS sensors on the water treatment equipment 100 to obtain its location information.

[0177] In this case, the water treatment equipment management system is installed in a transportable water treatment equipment 100 (an example of a water purification device) and has a storage unit 1 that houses a replaceable ion exchange resin 2. It also has a cylinder 10 (an example of a water purification unit) that passes water through the storage unit 1 to purify the water, and acquires water quality information regarding the water quality of the water that has passed through the cylinder 10. Based on the water quality information, it generates replacement guidance information (an example of replacement information) regarding the timing of replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 and outputs the replacement guidance information. Even with a system configured in this way, it becomes possible to properly manage water purification devices that use ion exchange resin 2.

[0178] As described above, in this embodiment, the state of water treatment materials in water treatment facilities of various specifications, from large towers to small cartridge cylinders, can be centrally managed, and the water treatment materials can be replaced or recovered at the appropriate timing according to the water quality requirements of each water treatment facility. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the long-term safe and stable operation of water treatment facilities and reduce the wasteful disposal of water treatment materials.

[0179] In other words, according to this embodiment, safe and stable management of water quality in water treatment facilities (plants) becomes possible, and by making maximum use of the performance of ion exchange resin, the amount of ion exchange resin waste can be reduced, and the amount of plastic product waste can be reduced. Furthermore, even in a single facility, by managing cartridge cylinders with GPS sensors, centralized management at the facility site can be simplified, and centralized management from the external supplier side can also be enabled. This makes it possible to properly manage water treatment materials from single-unit to complex facilities, and contributes to reducing waste of water treatment materials such as ion exchange resins.

[0180] Furthermore, by replacing water treatment materials at the appropriate time through practical water quality management, rather than replacing them based on periodic performance surveys, unnecessary waste can be reduced, and long-term safe and stable operation can be promoted. Specifically, since the water quality to be managed differs depending on the water quality requirements of the ion exchange resin tower, it becomes possible to repurpose ion exchange resin discarded from the ion exchange resin tower with the strictest water quality requirements for use in ion exchange resin towers with less stringent management requirements, based on performance evaluations, thereby achieving an overall reduction in ion exchange resin waste.

[0181] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the water treatment equipment 100 outputs location information based on water quality information, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the water treatment equipment 100 may detect usage information regarding the usage status of the ion exchange resin 2 in the cylinder 10, acquire location information regarding the location of the water treatment equipment 100, and output the location information to the monitor 3 or the water treatment equipment management device 30 based on the usage information. As an example of usage information, the status of water flow to the ion exchange resin 2 contained in the storage section 1 of the cylinder 10 can be used. The water flow status can be identified by a water flow detection sensor 14 or a flow meter 17. For example, one water flow is defined as the period from when water starts flowing into the storage section 1 until it stops flowing. In the water treatment equipment 100, the usage status of the ion exchange resin 2 can be identified by counting the number of these water flow cycles.

[0182] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above use examples that assume the output of location information of the water treatment equipment 100, outputting location information is not essential. For example, the water treatment equipment 100 may be a fixed-type facility and may not move. In a system including such water treatment equipment 100, it is preferable to generate replacement guidance information (an example of replacement information) including the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin 2 based on water quality information, and to output the generated replacement guidance information.

[0183] Specifically, in the above system, the cylinder 10 has a storage section 1 that houses a replaceable ion exchange resin 2, and water is purified by passing it through the storage section 1. The water quality meter 11 acquires water quality information regarding the water quality of the water that has passed through the cylinder 10, and the control unit 20 generates replacement information regarding the timing of replacement of the ion exchange resin 2 based on the water quality information. This replacement information is then displayed on the monitor 3 or communicated to the water treatment equipment management device 30. This system also allows for proper management of the water treatment facility 100 in which the ion exchange resin 2 is used.

[0184] In this embodiment, "output" includes displaying predetermined information on a monitor 3 or the like, communicating predetermined information via short-range wireless communication or a network, printing predetermined information on paper or the like, and outputting predetermined information as electronic data on a storage medium or the like.

[0185] The series of processes described above are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Therefore, they can be executed by hardware or implemented by software. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have the functionality to execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize this functionality are not particularly limited to the examples given above.

[0186] Here, the water treatment equipment 100 is an example of a water purification device or system. The cylinder 10 is an example of a water purification unit. The water quality meter 11 and measurement information management unit 21 are examples of water quality acquisition units. The first GPS sensor 12 and location information management unit 22 are examples of location acquisition units. The output unit 18 is an example of an output unit. The second GPS sensor 13 is an example of another location acquisition unit. The open / close detection sensor 15 and open / close information management unit 24 are examples of open / close detection units. The ion sensor 16 and status information management unit 27 are examples of status detection units. The flow meter 17 is an example of a flow rate identification unit. The water flow detection sensor 14 and flow meter 17 are examples of status detection units. The replacement time identification unit 26 is an example of a generation unit.

[0187] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 1...Housing unit, 2...Ion exchange resin, 3...Monitor, 10...Cylinder, 11...Water quality meter, 12...First GPS sensor, 13...Second GPS sensor, 14...Water flow detection sensor, 15...Open / close detection sensor, 16...Ion sensor, 17...Flow meter, 18...Output unit, 20...Control unit, 21...Measurement information management unit, 22...Location information management unit, 23...Water flow information management unit, 24...Open / close information management unit, 25...Battery level check unit, 26...Replacement timing identification unit, 27...Status information management unit, 28...Code generation unit, 30...Water treatment equipment management device, 50...User terminal, 100...Water treatment equipment

Claims

1. A portable water purification device, It has a housing section for housing replaceable ion exchange resin, and a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the housing section, A water quality acquisition unit that acquires water quality information regarding the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification unit, A position acquisition unit that acquires positional information regarding the location of this device, An output unit that outputs the position information based on the water quality information, A water purification system equipped with the following features.

2. The water purification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the position information along with the replacement time when the replacement time of the ion exchange resin is determined based on the water quality information.

3. The water purification apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another position acquisition unit provided in the housing unit together with the ion exchange resin for acquiring positional information relating to the position.

4. The water purification apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the other position acquisition unit is larger than the size of each of the ion exchange resins.

5. The system includes an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing part of the housing used when replacing the ion exchange resin, The water purification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the position information when the opening / closing detection unit detects the opening or closing.

6. The water purification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the water quality information and the location information when the remaining charge of the battery that supplies power to at least one of the water quality acquisition unit, the location acquisition unit, and the output unit falls below a predetermined standard.

7. A portable water purification device, It has a housing section for housing replaceable ion exchange resin, and a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the housing section, A status detection unit that detects usage information regarding the usage status of the ion exchange resin in the aforementioned storage unit, A position acquisition unit that acquires positional information regarding the location of this device, An output unit that outputs the position information based on the usage information, A water purification system equipped with the following features.

8. The water purification apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output unit outputs the position information according to the frequency of use of the ion exchange resin.

9. The water purification apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output unit outputs the position information when water is first passed through the ion exchange resin.

10. A portable water purification device is provided, and has a housing section for housing replaceable ion exchange resin, and a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the housing section, A water quality acquisition unit that acquires water quality information regarding the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification unit, A position acquisition unit that acquires positional information regarding the location of the water purification device, A generating unit that generates exchange information to promote the exchange of the ion exchange resin in the containment unit based on the water quality information and the position information, A system equipped with these features.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the generating unit generates the exchange information, which includes information regarding the timing of the exchange of the ion exchange resin identified according to the position information.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the generating unit generates the replacement information when it determines the timing for replacing the ion exchange resin based on the change in water quality.

13. The system includes a flow rate identification unit that identifies flow rate information relating to the flow rate of water passing through the aforementioned storage unit, The system according to claim 10, wherein the generation unit generates the exchange information based on the water quality information and the flow rate information.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the generation unit generates the exchange information on the condition that the position information cannot be obtained.

15. The system includes a state detection unit that detects state information regarding the state of the ion exchange resin, The system according to claim 10, wherein the generation unit generates the exchange information based on the state information and the water quality information.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein the location information and the water quality information are transmitted to the generating unit via a mobile terminal capable of sending and receiving information.

17. A step of obtaining water quality information regarding the water quality of water that has passed through a water purification section, which is provided in a portable water purification device and contains a replaceable ion exchange resin, and A step of acquiring location information regarding the location of the water purification device, A step of outputting the location information based on the water quality information, A method that includes [a certain feature].

18. In the computer for the portable water purification system, A function to acquire water quality information regarding the water quality of water that has passed through a water purification section that purifies water by passing water through a housing section containing replaceable ion exchange resin, A function to acquire location information regarding the location of the water purification device, A function to output location information based on the water quality information, A program that makes this a reality.

19. A water purification device is provided, and has a housing section for housing a replaceable ion exchange resin, and a water purification section for purifying water by passing water through the housing section, A water quality acquisition unit that acquires water quality information regarding the water quality of the water that has passed through the water purification unit, A generating unit that generates replacement information regarding the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin based on the water quality information, An output unit that outputs the aforementioned exchange information, A system equipped with these features.

20. A step of obtaining water quality information regarding the water quality of water that has passed through a water purification section, which is provided in a water purification device and contains a replaceable ion exchange resin, A step of generating replacement information regarding the replacement timing of the ion exchange resin based on the water quality information, The step of outputting the aforementioned exchange information, A method that includes [a certain feature].

Images