Inundation detection device

Abstract

To provide an inundation detection device capable of preventing inundation detection errors due to battery depletion.SOLUTION: When a water battery 30 is submerged, electric power is supplied to a control circuit 20 to start operation. Inundation determination means 22 of the control circuit 20 starting the operation measures an output voltage of the water battery 30, and when the output voltage is equal to or greater than a first prescribed value, determines that a situation is "inundation detected". Communication means 24 uses a communication circuit 26 to transmit the determined situation (in the above case, "inundation detected") to a server device (not illustrated). Even after the water has receded, the control circuit 20 continues to operate using the power stored in a storage battery 32. The inundation determination means 22 of the control circuit 20 measures an output voltage of the water battery 30, and when the output voltage is equal to or lower than a second prescribed value, determines that a situation is "inundation resolved". The communication unit 24 uses the communication circuit 26 to transmit the determined state (in the above case, "inundation resolved") to the server device (not illustrated). When the storage battery 32 runs out of power, it returned to an initial state and the control circuit 20 shuts down.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water ingress detection device for detecting the presence or absence of water ingress. [Background technology]

[0002] Floods occur due to torrential rains, and buildings and roads become submerged. If such flooding conditions could be detected and reported in real time at various locations, it could be used to evacuate residents and prevent or minimize damage.

[0003] For this purpose, devices for detecting water ingress have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water ingress detection device 2 as shown in FIG.

[0004] The control circuit 6 and the communication unit 8 are operated by power supplied from a battery 10. The control circuit 6 monitors the output voltage of the water battery 4.

[0005] The water battery 4 does not output an output voltage until flooding occurs. When flooding occurs and the water battery 4 is submerged, the water battery 4 generates an output voltage. The control circuit 6 detects that this output voltage has increased and thus detects that the water battery 4 has been submerged.

[0006] The control circuit 6 uses the communication unit 8 to transmit a signal to a server device (not shown) notifying the occurrence of the submersion in water.

[0007] If a water inundation detection device 2 as shown in FIG. 20 is provided at each monitoring location, the server device can obtain information about which locations are flooded.

[0008] In the water flood detection device 2 of Patent Document 1, the control circuit 6 detects the voltage generated by the water battery 4, so there is no need for the control circuit 6 to apply a voltage or current for detection. This allows the battery 10 to last longer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7194467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, the conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 have the following problems.

[0011] In the prior art, it is possible to maintain a long life of the battery 10 and extend the monitoring time of the water ingress detection device 2. However, if the battery 10 becomes depleted through long-term use, it is conceivable that the water ingress detection device 2 will not function and will not be able to detect water ingress.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a water submersion detection device that can solve the above problems and prevent missed water submersion detection due to battery depletion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Several independently applicable features of the present invention are listed below.

[0014] (1)(2) The water flood detection system of the present invention is a water flood detection system comprising a plurality of water flood detection devices provided at a plurality of monitored locations, a server device provided to be able to communicate with the water flood detection devices, and a terminal device provided to be able to communicate with the server device, wherein the water flood detection devices are provided at a position to detect water flooding and comprise a water battery that generates an electromotive force when water floods, a storage battery that stores the output power of the water battery, and a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery or the storage battery, and the control circuit comprises a water flood determination means that acquires the output voltage of the water battery and determines the situation based on the value of the output voltage, and a communication means that transmits the determined situation to the server device using a communication circuit, The control circuit is characterized in that, even after the flooding has disappeared, it operates the flooding determination means and communication means for a predetermined period of time by receiving power from the storage battery that stored power during the flooding, and the server device receives the status from the flooding detection device and records it in association with the monitored locations where the flooding detection device is installed, and the terminal device acquires and outputs the status associated with each monitored location recorded in the server device.

[0015] Therefore, it is possible to provide a water submersion detection device that is less likely to fail to detect water submersion due to battery depletion.

[0016] (3) The water flood detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the water flood judgment means judges the situation to be “water flood detected” when the output voltage of the water battery is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and judges the situation to be “water flood resolved” when the output voltage of the water battery is equal to or less than a second predetermined value.

[0017] Therefore, the presence or absence of flooding can be appropriately determined.

[0018] (4) The water flooding detection device of the present invention is characterized in that the water flooding judgment means further judges the situation to be “continued water flooding” when the state in which the output voltage of the water battery exceeds a first predetermined value continues for a first predetermined time, and judges the situation to be “continued water flooding resolution” when the state in which the output voltage of the water battery is equal to or lower than a second predetermined value continues for a second predetermined time.

[0019] Therefore, the flooding state can be determined more accurately.

[0020] (5) A water submersion detection device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control circuit further includes data acquisition means for receiving operational setting parameters from a setting server device using the communication circuit in a data acquisition mode.

[0021] Therefore, the operational setting parameters can be obtained from the setting server device.

[0022] (6) The water flood detection device of the present invention is a water flood detection device that is provided within a frame body provided at a position for detecting water flooding and includes a water battery that generates an electromotive force when water floods, and a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery, wherein the control circuit includes a water flood determination means that acquires the output of a water detection sensor and determines the situation based on the output of the sensor, and a communication means that transmits the determined situation to a server device using a communication circuit, and the frame body has a hole for introducing and discharging water above the water level required for the water battery to generate an electromotive force.

[0023] Therefore, it is possible to provide a water submersion detection device that is less likely to fail to detect water submersion due to battery depletion.

[0024] (7) The water flooding detection device of the present invention is a water flooding detection device that is provided at a position to detect water flooding and includes a water battery that generates an electromotive force when water floods the device, and a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery. The control circuit is characterized in that while operating by power supplied from the water battery, it transmits information indicating that the device is submerged in water to a server device at predetermined intervals using a communication circuit.

[0025] Therefore, it is possible to provide a water submersion detection device that is less likely to fail to detect water submersion due to battery depletion.

[0026] (8) The water flooding detection device of the present invention is a water flooding detection device that is provided at a position to detect water flooding and includes a water battery that generates an electromotive force when water floods, and a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery. The control circuit includes a water flooding determination means that acquires the output voltage of the water battery and determines that the device is submerged if the output voltage exceeds a predetermined value, and a communication means that transmits the determination that the device is submerged using a communication circuit to a server device.

[0027] Therefore, it is possible to provide a water submersion detection device that is less likely to fail to detect water submersion due to battery depletion.

[0028] In this embodiment, steps S5, S10, S15, and S20 correspond to the "flooding determination means."

[0029] In the embodiment, steps S6, S11, S16, S21, etc. correspond to the "communication means."

[0030] The term "apparatus" is a concept that includes not only one consisting of one computer, but also one consisting of multiple computers connected via a network, etc. Therefore, when the means of the present invention (or a part of the means) is distributed among multiple computers, these multiple computers correspond to the apparatus.

[0031] The term "program" is a concept that includes not only programs that can be executed directly by a CPU, but also programs in source format, compressed programs, encrypted programs, programs that work in conjunction with an operating system to perform their functions, and the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 2 illustrates a functional configuration of a water submersion detection device 50 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows the external appearance of a water ingress detection device 50. [Diagram 3] This shows the system configuration of a flood detection system. [Figure 4] 2 shows the hardware configuration of the water ingress detection device 50. [Diagram 5] 1 shows the hardware configuration of a management server device S (terminal device T). [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a control program 70. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a control program 70. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of a control program 70. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of a control program 70. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of transmission data. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing base stations B1 to B4 and a tracking server device C. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing recorded situation data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing recorded situation data. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing recorded situation data. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a map as an output example. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing the structure of a power supply chamber 57 and a measurement chamber 59 according to another example. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a functional configuration diagram of a water submersion detection device 50 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart of a control program. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart of a control program according to another example. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional water submersion detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Functional configuration FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration diagram of a water submersion detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The water battery 30 generates an electromotive force in response to water. The control circuit 20 operates using the power from the water battery 30 as a power source, so the control circuit 20 does not operate until the water battery 30 is submerged in water.

[0035] When the water battery 30 is submerged, power is supplied to the control circuit 20 and operation begins. The water flood determination means 22 of the control circuit 20 that has started operation measures the output voltage of the water battery 30, and if the output voltage is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, determines that the situation is "water flood detected."

[0036] The communication means 24 uses the communication circuit 26 to transmit the determined state (eg, "water submersion detected") to a server device (not shown).

[0037] When the water recedes and the water battery 30 is no longer submerged, the output voltage of the water battery decreases and finally the output voltage disappears. Therefore, the control circuit 20 cannot receive power supply from the water battery 30.

[0038] However, while the water battery 30 is submerged, its output voltage is provided to the storage battery 32. The output voltage of the storage battery 32 is provided as a power source for operating the control circuit 20. Therefore, even after the water has receded, the operation of the control circuit 20 continues due to the power stored in the storage battery 32.

[0039] The flooding determination means 22 of the control circuit 20, which continues to operate in this manner, measures the output voltage of the water battery 30, and if the output voltage is equal to or lower than a second predetermined value, determines that the situation is "flooding resolved."

[0040] The communication means 24 uses the communication circuit 26 to transmit the determined status (in the above example, "water inundation resolved") to a server device (not shown).

[0041] When the power of the storage battery 32 is used up, the initial state is restored and the control circuit 20 is shut down.

[0042] In this embodiment, the control circuit 20 is operated using the water battery 30 as a power source, so there is no unnecessary power consumption until flooding occurs. In addition, a storage battery 32 is provided to store the output voltage of the submerged water battery 30, which also enables the control circuit 20 to operate. Therefore, even after the submersion is resolved, the control circuit 20 can continue to operate and transmit the situation to the server device.

[0043] 1.2 Appearance of the water ingress detection device 2 shows the physical structure of the water ingress detection device 50. The water battery 30 is provided in the lower part of the housing 52. An opening 53 is provided in the bottom and side of the housing 52 so that water can be introduced into the housing 52 in the event of water ingress.

[0044] A watertight chamber 56 is provided at the top of the water battery 30, and the interior is kept watertight by closing it with a lid 58. The control circuit 20 is provided inside the watertight chamber 56, and is designed not to be submerged in water even in the event of flooding.

[0045] The water battery 30 and the control circuit 20 are connected by a power line 25 while maintaining the watertightness of the control circuit 20. The power line 25 is connected to a power terminal of the control circuit 20 and is also connected to a storage battery 32 provided in a watertight chamber 56.

[0046] Furthermore, the housing 52 is provided with a button switch 21 that is kept watertight and is connected to the control circuit 20 .

[0047] A lid 54 is attached to the rear surface of the housing 52 with screws (not shown) or the like to cover it.

[0048] Such a flood detection device 50 is attached to an electric pole, a utility pole, a street light pole, or the like at the location to be monitored.

[0049] 1.3 System and hardware configuration The system configuration of the water inundation detection system is shown in Figure 3. The water inundation detection device 50 transmits radio waves such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The tracking server device C acquires information from the water inundation detection device 50 via a base station (not shown) and acquires the position of the water inundation detection device 50.

[0050] The management server device S is capable of communicating with the tracking server device C via the Internet. The management server device S is capable of acquiring information from the water submersion detection device 50 and its position.

[0051] Therefore, the management server device S records the status detected by each water submersion detection device 50. The terminal device T can obtain the status of each water submersion detection device 50 recorded in the management server device S via the Internet.

[0052] 4 shows the hardware configuration of the water submersion detection device 50. In this embodiment, the control circuit 20 is configured using a CPU 60.

[0053] The CPU 60 is connected to a memory 62, an LPWA communication circuit 26, a non-volatile memory 64, the button switch 21, and a voltage sensor 66. The LPWA communication circuit 26 is a circuit that transmits radio waves by wireless communication using the LPWA system.

[0054] The non-volatile memory 64 stores an operating system 68 and a control program 70. The control program 70 cooperates with the operating system 68 to fulfill its functions.

[0055] The control circuit 20 operates using power from the water battery 30 or the storage battery 32 as a power supply voltage. The storage battery 32 is connected so as to be charged by the water battery 30. The voltage sensor 66 measures the output voltage (electromotive force) of the water battery 30.

[0056] 5 shows the hardware configuration of the management server device S. A memory 81, a display 82, an SSD 83, a DVD-ROM drive 84, a keyboard / mouse 85, and a communication circuit 86 are connected to a CPU 80.

[0057] The communication circuit 86 is a circuit for connecting to the Internet. An operating system 87 and a server program 88 are recorded in the SSD 83. The server program 88 performs its functions in cooperation with the operating system 87. These programs were recorded on a DVD-ROM 89 and installed via a DVD-ROM drive 84 (they may also be installed by downloading, etc.).

[0058] The terminal device T has a similar hardware configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses in Fig. 5 indicate the terminal device T. Note that in the terminal device T, a terminal program 98 is recorded in the SSD 93 instead of the server program 88.

[0059] 1.4 Water ingress detection processing 6 shows a flowchart of the control program 70 of the water submersion detection device 50. As described above, the control circuit 20 operates using the output voltage of the water battery 30 as a power source. Therefore, the control circuit 20 does not operate until submersion occurs. In other words, no radio waves are transmitted by the LPWA communication circuit 26. This allows the management server device S to determine that no water submersion has occurred in the water submersion detection device 50.

[0060] When the water level rises to the level of the flood detection device 50 attached to a utility pole or the like due to a disaster or abnormal weather, the water battery 30 becomes flooded and generates an electromotive force. Therefore, when the output voltage of the water battery 30 exceeds the minimum driving voltage of the control circuit 20 (for example, 1.5 V), the control circuit 20 starts up. The output voltage of the water battery 30 is also applied to the storage battery 32. Therefore, the storage battery 32 is charged by the water battery 30.

[0061] Upon startup, the CPU 60 sets the status to "normal" and records this in the non-volatile memory 64 (step S1). Although the CPU 60 has already started up because flooding has occurred, there is a possibility of some kind of malfunction, and so the status is changed to "flooded" only when certain conditions are met, as shown below.

[0062] The CPU 60 judges the current situation in step S2, and since it is "normal" in this case, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0063] The CPU 60 acquires a measurement value of the output voltage of the water battery 30 from the voltage sensor 66 (step S3). The CPU 60 judges whether the acquired measured voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 2 V) (step S4). If the measured voltage is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S7, and after a measurement waiting time (e.g., 15 seconds), step S2 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed.

[0064] If the output voltage of the water battery 30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined whether this level has remained above the predetermined value for a first predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) (step S5). If this level has not remained for the first predetermined time, step S7 is executed, and steps S2 and onward are executed repeatedly. If this level has remained for the first predetermined time, the CPU 60 determines that the situation is "flooded." In this way, since the voltage of the water battery 30, which indicates a flooded state, has exceeded a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the situation is "flooded," and therefore erroneous determination can be prevented.

[0065] Furthermore, the CPU 60 records "flooded" as the situation, and transmits the current situation via the LPWA communication circuit 26 (step S6).

[0066] 10 shows the structure of the transmission data sent from the LPWA communication circuit 26. The ID is an identification code uniquely assigned to the LPWA communication circuit 26 (i.e., the water submersion detection device 50) and is pre-recorded in the LPWA communication circuit 26 at the time of manufacture. The event is data indicating the status of the water submersion detection device 50, and as shown in the event correspondence table, a status is associated with each of 0 to 3. The battery voltage is data indicating the voltage of the water battery 30 detected by the voltage sensor 66.

[0067] The LPWA radio waves transmitted from the LPWA communication circuit 26 are received by one of the base stations installed in various locations that is located near the water-submersion detection device 50. Figure 11 shows the relationship between the water-submersion detection device 50, base stations B1 to B4, and tracking server device C. The radio waves from the LPWA communication circuit 26 of the water-submersion detection device 50 are received by base stations B1, B2, B3, and B4. Each of the base stations B1 to B4 demodulates data from the received radio waves and transmits it to the tracking server device C together with the radio wave intensity at the time of reception.

[0068] The tracking server device C receives this data (ID, event, battery voltage, reception date and time, etc.) and transmits it to the management server device S. At this time, it also calculates the position and position accuracy (error radius) of the water submersion detection device 50 based on the radio wave strength received at the base stations B1 to B4, and transmits this as well to the management server device S. The accuracy of the calculated position varies depending on the number of base stations used in the calculation. In other words, if the estimation is based on the radio wave strength from many base stations, the position accuracy will be high, and if the estimation is based on the radio wave strength from a few base stations, the position accuracy will be low.

[0069] In this way, the accuracy, which is determined by factors such as the number of base stations, is calculated as the error radius. It can be said that the correct position is generally within the error radius centered on the calculated position.

[0070] The CPU 80 of the management server device S (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as management server device S) receives the ID, reception date and time, event, battery voltage, and location from the tracking server device C, and records them in the SSD 83 as status data.

[0071] The recorded situation data is shown in Fig. 12. For each water-submersion detection device 50 (i.e., for each ID), the type of event, the date and time of occurrence (date and time of reception by the tracking server device 30), the location, and the battery voltage are recorded. In Fig. 12, "water submersion" (event = 0) transmitted in the above-mentioned step S6 is recorded.

[0072] 6, after transmitting "flooded" in step S6, the CPU 60 executes step S2 via step S7. In step S2, the current situation has changed to "flooded", so the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.

[0073] The CPU 60 acquires the measured voltage (the output voltage value of the water battery 30) of the voltage sensor 66 (step S8). The CPU 60 determines whether the measured voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S9).

[0074] If the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined whether the state where the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value has continued for a second predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes after the state was determined to be "flooded") (step S10). If the state has not continued for the second predetermined time, step S12 is executed, and step S8 and subsequent steps are executed repeatedly. If the state has continued for the second predetermined time, the CPU 60 determines that the state is "flooded and continues," and transmits this from the LPWA communication circuit 26. This causes the management server device S to record that the flooded state is continuing.

[0075] After that, if the measured voltage continues to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value, a message "flooding continues" is transmitted at second predetermined time intervals and recorded in the management server S. FIG. 13 shows the status data thus recorded in the management server device S.

[0076] When the water recedes in the flood detection device 50, the output voltage of the water battery 30 decreases according to the degree of flooding, and eventually it stops outputting voltage. However, the control circuit 20 continues to operate using the storage battery 32 that was being charged by the water battery 30, even if the voltage from the water battery 30 is lost.

[0077] When the measured voltage of the water battery 30 falls below a predetermined value in step S9 of Fig. 7, the CPU 60 advances the process to step S13 of Fig. 8. In step S13, the CPU 60 obtains the measured voltage and determines whether it is less than the predetermined value (steps S13, S14).

[0078] If the state where the value is less than the predetermined value has not continued for the first predetermined time, the CPU 60 goes through step S17 and repeatedly executes step S13 and subsequent steps. If the state where the value is less than the predetermined value has continued for the first predetermined time, the CPU 60 determines that the situation is "waterlogging resolved" and transmits this from the LPWA communication circuit 26 (step S16).

[0079] If the CPU 60 determines that "flooding has been eliminated," it proceeds through step S2 in Fig. 6 and to step S18 in Fig. 9. In step S19, the CPU 60 obtains the measured voltage, and determines whether it is less than a predetermined value (steps S18 and S19).

[0080] If the state where the value is less than the predetermined value has not continued for a second predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes after it has been determined that the flooding has been resolved), the CPU 60 goes through step S22 and repeats step S18 and subsequent steps. If the state where the value is less than the predetermined value has continued for the second predetermined time, the CPU 60 determines that the status is "flooding has continued to be resolved" (i.e., "normal"), and transmits this from the LPWA communication circuit 26 (step S21).

[0081] After that, if the measured voltage continues to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value, a "water inundation resolved and continuing" message is transmitted at second predetermined time intervals and recorded in the management server S. Figure 13 shows the status data thus recorded in the management server device S.

[0082] Thereafter, when the power of the storage battery 32 is consumed, the control circuit 20, which is no longer supplied with power, stops operating.

[0083] In this manner, the status of each water flood detection device 50 stored in the management server device S can be viewed from the terminal device T. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, a map can be generated in the management server device S in which the position and status of each water flood detection device 50 are plotted on a map, and the map can be transmitted to the terminal device T. For example, by indicating water flood detection devices 50 in a "continued flooded" state with a mark SP, water flood detection devices 50 in a "continued flood release" state with a mark SPF, and water flood detection devices 50 that have not yet reached flooding with a mark F, it can be easily determined which areas are flooded.

[0084] 1.5 Parameter Settings Before (or after) installing the water submersion detection device 50, it is necessary to record the threshold value of the measured voltage, the first specified time, the second specified time, etc. in the non-volatile memory 64. These default values ​​are recorded in advance, but if you wish to change them, you can do so as follows.

[0085] First, the water battery 30 is immersed in water to activate the control circuit 20. After that, when the operator double-clicks the button switch 21 (see FIG. 2), the CPU 60 goes into parameter setting mode and transmits a request to download setting data via the LPWA communication circuit 26.

[0086] The tracking server device C (setting server device) that receives this transmits the setting data to the water submersion detection device 50. The LPWA communication circuit 26 of the water submersion detection device 50 receives the setting data, and records the threshold value of the measured voltage, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, etc. in the non-volatile memory 64 based on this.

[0087] Furthermore, while the CPU 60 is performing the above processing, it stops transmitting status information such as "flooding" or "flooding continues" so that such information is not transmitted erroneously.

[0088] 1.6 Variations (Other) (1) In the above embodiment, "water inundation detection" is transmitted in two stages, "water inundation" and "water inundation continues", and "water inundation release" is transmitted in two stages, "water inundation resolved" and "water inundation resolved and continues". However, it may be transmitted in one stage or in three or more stages.

[0089] (2) In the above embodiment, the first and second predetermined times are the same when the device is submerged in water and when the device is removed from water. However, the first and second predetermined times may be different values ​​when the device is submerged in water and when the device is removed from water.

[0090] (3) In the above embodiment, the threshold value of the measured voltage is the same when the device is submerged in water and when the submersion is removed. However, the threshold value may be different when the device is submerged in water and when the submersion is removed.

[0091] (4) In the above embodiment, radio waves are transmitted using LPWA communication. However, other wireless communication such as wireless communication in a mobile phone may be used. Furthermore, information may be transmitted to the server device through wired communication using a telephone line, a signal line, a power line, or the like.

[0092] (5) In the above embodiment, the tracking server device C calculates the position of the water submersion detection device 50 based on radio wave intensity. However, when the water submersion detection device 50 is installed, the installation position may be recorded in the management server device S in association with the device ID.

[0093] (6) In the above embodiment, the situation stored in the management server device S is transmitted to the terminal device T as a map. However, the situation may be transmitted to the terminal device T in another format, such as a list of stored data.

[0094] (7) In the above embodiment, the water battery 30 and the control circuit 20 are housed in one housing 52. However, the water battery 30 and the control circuit 20 may be provided separately.

[0095] (8) In the above embodiment, the output of the water battery 30 is used to charge the storage battery 32 so that the control circuit 20 can continue to operate even after the water has receded. However, a structure as shown in FIG. 16 may be used without using the storage battery 32.

[0096] A power supply chamber 57 (frame) and a measurement chamber 59 are provided side by side in the lower part of the housing 52. An opening 59a is provided in the bottom of the measurement chamber 59 so that water can be guided into the measurement chamber 59 when it is submerged. The water guided to the measurement chamber 59 passes through the communication hole 57a at the top and is guided to the power supply chamber 57. At this time, an opening 57b is provided to smoothly introduce water into the power supply chamber 59.

[0097] Therefore, when flooding occurs, both the power supply chamber 57 and the measurement chamber 59 will be filled with water. The water battery 30 is provided in the power supply chamber 57, which operates the control circuit 20. In the above embodiment, the control circuit 20 measures the output voltage of the water battery 30, but in this example, it measures the resistance value (which may be capacitance or inductance, etc.) between two electrodes 35 (sensors). This makes it possible to determine whether flooding has occurred.

[0098] When the water recedes and the flooding is resolved, there is no water in the measurement chamber 59 and the measured resistance value becomes infinite. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the water has receded. At this time, in the power supply chamber 57 (frame body), the holes 57a, 57b are provided only above the water level at which the water battery 30 can generate an electromotive force (preferably above the water level at which the water battery 30 is completely submerged). Therefore, water remains in the power supply chamber 57 even after the water has receded. The remaining water causes the water battery 30 to output a voltage, and until this water evaporates, the electromotive force of the water battery 30 can operate the control circuit 20.

[0099] In the above, a sensor using the electrode 35 is provided in the measurement chamber 59, but instead, the water battery 30 may be used as the sensor. The control circuit 20 can determine the presence or absence of flooding by measuring the output voltage of the water battery 30 in the measurement chamber 59.

[0100] (9) In the above embodiment, each of the means shown in Fig. 1 is realized by using the CPU 60. However, some or all of them may be configured by logic circuits.

[0101] (10) The above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. Also, the embodiments and modifications may be implemented in combination with other embodiments and modifications.

[0102] 2. Second embodiment 2.1 Functional configuration FIG. 17 shows a functional configuration diagram of a water submersion detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The water battery 30 generates an electromotive force in response to water. The control circuit 20 operates using the power from the water battery 30 as a power source, so the control circuit 20 does not operate until the water battery 30 is submerged in water.

[0104] When the water battery 30 is submerged, power is supplied to the control circuit 20 and operation begins. When operation begins, the water ingress determination means 22 of the control circuit 20 measures the output voltage of the water battery 30, and if the output voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determines that the water battery is submerged. The communication means 24 transmits, via the communication circuit 26, a message indicating that the water battery is submerged at predetermined intervals.

[0105] When the water recedes, the output voltage of the water battery 30 drops and the control circuit 20 stops operating (or when the control circuit 20 is operating but the output voltage of the water battery 30 falls below a predetermined value), the transmission of the submersion status will stop.

[0106] In this embodiment, the water battery 30 generates an electromotive force when the device is submerged in water, which activates the control circuit 20 to send a message indicating that the device is submerged in water. Therefore, the device can detect the device being submerged in water without requiring any extra power.

[0107] 2.2 Appearance of water intrusion detection device The appearance of the water submersion detection device 50 is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0108] 2.3 System configuration and hardware configuration The system configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3. The hardware configuration is also similar to that of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. However, in this embodiment, the storage battery 32 is not provided in Fig. 4 showing the hardware configuration of the water submersion detection device 50.

[0109] 2.4 Water ingress detection processing 18 shows a flowchart of the control program 70 of the water submersion detection device 50. As described above, the control circuit 20 operates using the output voltage of the water battery 30 as a power source. Therefore, the control circuit 20 does not operate until submersion occurs. In other words, no radio waves are transmitted by the LPWA communication circuit 26. This allows the management server device S to determine that no water submersion has occurred in the water submersion detection device 50.

[0110] When the water level rises to the level of the flood detection device 50 attached to a utility pole or the like due to a disaster or abnormal weather, the water battery 30 becomes flooded and generates an electromotive force. Therefore, when the output voltage of the water battery 30 exceeds the minimum driving voltage of the control circuit 20 (for example, 1.5 V), the control circuit 20 starts up.

[0111] Upon startup, the CPU 60 acquires a measurement of the output voltage of the water battery 30 from the voltage sensor 66 (step S3). The CPU 60 determines whether the acquired measured voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 2 V) (step S4). If the measured voltage is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S7, where a measurement waiting time (e.g., 15 seconds) is allowed to elapse, and step S2 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed.

[0112] If the output voltage of the water battery 30 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined whether this level has remained above the predetermined value for a first predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) (step S5). If this level has not remained above the first predetermined time, step S7 is executed, and step S2 and subsequent steps are executed repeatedly. If this level has remained above the first predetermined time, the CPU 60 determines that the situation is "submerged."

[0113] Furthermore, the CPU 60 records the status as "submerged in water" and transmits the current status via the LPWA communication circuit 26 (step S6).

[0114] When the water recedes and the output voltage of the water battery 30 drops, it no longer continues to exceed the predetermined value, so the "submerged" message is not sent. If the output of the water battery 30 drops further, the control circuit 20 stops operating, and the "submerged" message is not sent.

[0115] In this manner, the "submerged" signal is transmitted only when the device is submerged.

[0116] 2.6 Modifications (Other) (1) In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the water battery 30 is configured to stop generating electromotive force when the water recedes. However, the water battery 30 may be configured to continue generating electromotive force even after the water recedes, as shown in the power supply chamber 57 in Fig. 16 (in this case, the measurement chamber 59 is not necessary). (2) In the above embodiment, the output voltage of the water battery 30 is measured by the voltage sensor 66. However, the processing may be performed without providing the voltage sensor 66.

[0117] A flow chart for this case is shown in Fig. 19. As in the above embodiment, the control circuit 20 does not operate and does not transmit a signal indicating that the device is submerged in water until the device is submerged in water.

[0118] When the device is submerged in water and the control circuit 20 is activated by the electromotive force of the water battery 30, a signal indicating that the device is submerged in water is transmitted every predetermined time (steps S6 and S7).

[0119] (3) In the above embodiment, each of the means shown in Fig. 17 is realized by using the CPU 60. However, some or all of them may be configured by logic circuits.

[0120] (4) The above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination with each other. Also, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in combination with other embodiments and modifications.

Claims

1. A water-submersion detection system including a plurality of water-submersion detection devices provided at a plurality of monitoring target locations, a server device provided to be capable of communicating with the water-submersion detection devices, and a terminal device provided to be capable of communicating with the server device, The water ingress detection device is a water battery that is provided at a position for detecting flooding and generates an electromotive force when flooded with water; A storage battery that stores the output power of the water battery; a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery or the storage battery; Equipped with The control circuit includes: a flooding determination means for obtaining an output voltage of the water battery and determining a flooding situation based on the value of the output voltage; A communication means for transmitting the determined status to a server device using a communication circuit; Equipped with the control circuit continues to operate the flooding determination means and the communication means for a predetermined period of time after the flooding has ceased, by receiving power from the storage battery in which power was stored during the flooding; The server device includes: receiving a status from the flood detection device and recording the status in association with a monitoring target location where the flood detection device is installed; The terminal device A flood detection system characterized by acquiring and outputting conditions associated with each monitored location recorded in the server device.

2. a water battery that is provided at a position for detecting flooding and generates an electromotive force when flooded with water; A storage battery that stores the output power of the water battery; a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery or the storage battery; A water ingress detection device comprising: The control circuit includes: a flooding determination means for obtaining an output voltage of the water battery and determining a flooding situation based on the value of the output voltage; A communication means for transmitting the determined status to a server device using a communication circuit; Equipped with The control circuit is characterized in that it receives power from a storage battery in which power was stored during the flooding for a predetermined period of time even after the flooding has disappeared, to operate the flooding determination means and communication means.

3. The water immersion detection device according to claim 2, The flooding determination means is If the output voltage of the water battery is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the situation is determined to be "water inundation detected." A water flood detection device characterized in that, when the output voltage of the water battery is equal to or lower than a second predetermined value, the device judges the situation to be "water flood resolved."

4. The water immersion detection device according to claim 3, The flooding determination means is If the state in which the output voltage of the water battery exceeds the first predetermined value continues for a first predetermined time, the state is further determined to be "water inundation continues"; A water flood detection device characterized in that if a state in which the output voltage of a water battery remains below a second predetermined value continues for a second predetermined time, the device determines that the situation is "water flooding resolved and continues."

5. The water immersion detection device according to claim 2, The water submersion detection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a data acquisition means for receiving, in a data acquisition mode, operation setting parameters from a setting server device using the communication circuit.

6. a water battery that is provided in a frame provided at a position for detecting flooding and generates an electromotive force when flooded with water; a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery; A water ingress detection device comprising: The control circuit includes: a flooding determination means for obtaining an output of a sensor that detects water and determining a situation based on the output of the sensor; A communication means for transmitting the determined status to a server device using a communication circuit; Equipped with A water immersion detection device characterized in that the frame has a hole for introducing and discharging water above a water level required for the water battery to generate an electromotive force.

7. a water battery that is provided at a position for detecting flooding and generates an electromotive force when flooded with water; a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery; A water ingress detection device comprising: The control circuit includes: A water submersion detection device characterized by transmitting information indicating that the device is submerged in water to a server device using a communication circuit at predetermined intervals while operating using power supplied from a water battery.

8. a water battery that is provided at a position for detecting flooding and generates an electromotive force when flooded with water; a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the water battery; A water ingress detection device comprising: The control circuit includes: a flooding determination means for obtaining an output voltage of the water battery and determining that the water battery is submerged when the output voltage exceeds a predetermined value; a communication means for transmitting the determination of the water submersion to a server device using a communication circuit; A water ingress detection device.

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