Liquid level measurement system

Abstract

To improve convenience in managing the liquid level of liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid level measurement system includes: a transmitter 1 that emits a signal that reaches within a predetermined distance range; a float 2 that floats on the surface of liquid whose transition is to be measured and has the transmitter disposed inside; a receiver 3 that detects a distance h from the transmitter 1 by receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter 1 disposed inside the float 2 while the float 2 is floating on the surface of the liquid; and a measurement device 4 that measures a liquid level H of the surface of the liquid based on the distance h detected by the receiver 3 and outputs information based on the liquid level H.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid level measurement system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the measurement of the liquid level has been widely performed. In order to improve the convenience of measuring the liquid level, for example, a technique of measuring the water level using a laser has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it cannot be said that the conventional technology including Patent Document 1 has sufficiently met the user's demands.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to improve the convenience in liquid level management of a liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a liquid level measurement system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a transmission device that transmits a signal that reaches within a predetermined distance range, a housing that floats on the surface of the liquid to be measured for transition and houses the transmission device therein, a receiving device that detects the distance from the transmission device by receiving the signal transmitted from the transmission device disposed inside the housing in a state where the housing floats on the surface of the liquid, A measuring device that measures the liquid level of the surface of the liquid based on the distance detected by the receiving device and outputs information based on the liquid level; is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, convenience in liquid level management of a liquid can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overview of a liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of a liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] The liquid level measurement system shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a transmitter 1, a float 2, a receiver 3, and a measuring device 4.

[0012] The transmitter 1 is a device that transmits signals such as radio waves and infrared rays that reach within a predetermined range, for example, a beacon. The float 2 floats on the liquid surface Wa to be measured for the liquid level while storing the transmitter 1. When the receiver 3 receives a signal transmitted from the transmitter 1, it detects the distance from the transmitter 1 based on the signal and outputs information indicating the distance (hereinafter referred to as "distance information"). Based on the distance information output from the receiver 3, the measuring device 4 detects the distance Ha from the reference water level to the liquid surface where the float 2 is floating, that is, the liquid level of the liquid surface, and outputs information based on the liquid level. Here, the information based on the liquid level refers to information indicating the liquid level itself or a predetermined physical quantity calculated based on the liquid level (for example, the remaining amount (volume) of the container described later). In the example of FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the information based on the liquid level is assumed to be information indicating the liquid level (hereinafter referred to as "liquid level information").

[0013] Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the float 2 is floating on the liquid surface Wa at the liquid level Ha from the reference water level, and the distance between the transmitter 1 stored in the float 2 and the receiver 3 is separated by a distance ha. In this case, when the receiver 3 receives a signal from the transmitter 1, it detects the distance ha based on the signal and outputs distance information indicating the distance ha. Here, an identifier ID for uniquely identifying the transmitter 1 is superimposed on the signal transmitted from the transmitter 1. Therefore, the distance information output from the receiver 3 includes the identifier ID as well as the distance ha. Therefore, hereinafter, such distance information is described as "distance information (ha, ID)". The measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Ha of the liquid surface Wa based on the distance information (ha, ID) and outputs liquid level information indicating the liquid level Ha of the liquid surface Wa. Here, the liquid level information includes the identifier ID as well as the liquid level Ha of the liquid surface Wa. Therefore, hereinafter, such liquid level information is described as "liquid level information (Ha, ID)".

[0014] After that, the situation changes, and the float 2 floats on the liquid surface Wb at the liquid level Hb from the reference water level, and the distance between the transmitter 1 stored in the float 2 and the receiver 3 is separated by a distance hb. In this case, when the receiver 3 receives a signal from the transmitter 1, it detects the distance hb based on the signal and outputs distance information (hb, ID). The measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Hb of the liquid surface Wb based on the distance information (hb, ID) and outputs liquid level information (Hb, ID).

[0015] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a specific application example of the above-described liquid level measurement system will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific application example of the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 2, the object to be measured for the liquid level is included in a predetermined container, and as information based on the liquid level, information indicating the remaining amount (volume) of the container (hereinafter referred to as "remaining amount information") is adopted.

[0016] In the example of FIG. 2, the set of the transmitter 1 (float 2) and the receiver 3 is arranged in each of a plurality of containers. Specifically, for example, in the example of FIG. 2, liquids are respectively enclosed in each of N containers C1 to Cn (n is an arbitrary integer value of 1 or more), and floats 2-1 to 2-n (n is an arbitrary integer of 1 or more) are respectively floating on the liquid surfaces of each, and transmitters 1-1 to 1-n are respectively stored in the floats 2-1 to 2-n. Further, receivers 3-1 to 3-n are respectively fixed on the upper surfaces of each of the N containers C1 to Cn.

[0017] In the example of FIG. 2(A), the measuring device 4 is provided in total one unit for N sets (that is, the set of the transmitter 1-1 and the receiver 3-1 to the set of the transmitter 1-n and the receiver 3-n), and in the example of FIG. 2(B), one unit is provided individually for each of the N sets. That is, the number of the measuring devices 4 is not particularly limited to FIGS. 2(A) and (B), and any number may be used as long as it can comprehensively output information based on the liquid level (remaining amount information in the example of FIG. 2) for each of the N sets.

[0018] Specifically, for example, in a predetermined container Ck (k is an arbitrary integer value among 1 to n), a float 2-k is floating on a liquid surface Wk of a liquid level Hk from a reference water level, and it is assumed that the distance from the transmitter 1-k stored in the float 2-k to the receiver 3-k is separated by a distance hk. In this case, when the receiver 3-k receives a signal from the transmitter 1-k, it detects the distance hk based on the signal and outputs distance information (hk, Ck). Here, in the example of FIG. 2, since a predetermined single transmitter 1-k is arranged in the container Ck, it is assumed that the identifier ID of the transmitter 1-k is used as the identifier Ck indicating the container Ck. Accordingly, when the measuring device 4 receives the distance information (hk, Ck), it can recognize that the distance information (hk, Ck) belongs to the container Ck specified by the identifier Ck. Based on the distance information (hk, Ck), the measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Hk of the liquid surface Wk in the container Ck, multiplies this by the bottom area of the container Ck to calculate the remaining amount Vk, and outputs the remaining amount information (Hk, Ck).

[0019] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, an example of a service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") that can be provided by a urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of this service that can be realized by a urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0020] This service provides urea water for purifying the gas (mainly nitrogen oxides NOx) discharged from diesel engine vehicles to each of a plurality of sales stores G managed by the distributor A. The containers in which this urea water is contained are unloaded from the service provider to the distributor A and provided by the distributor A to each of the plurality of sales stores G. That is, containers C are respectively arranged in each of the plurality of sales stores G. According to this service, the remaining amounts of the urea water in each of the containers arranged in each of the plurality of sales stores G are sequentially grasped, and based on the remaining amounts in the containers, the urea water is delivered to each of the containers (the plurality of sales stores G)C. This delivery of urea water is performed by a truck managed by the distributor A.

[0021] The service provider S is an operator or the like that provides urea water and the container C, and manages the server 6. Although details will be described later, each of the containers C arranged in each of the plurality of sales stores G is respectively equipped with the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Agent A is an operator that receives urea water from service provider S and wholesales the urea water to multiple dealerships G.

[0023] Driver D receives urea water from an agent with a contractual relationship and delivers it to each of the multiple dealerships G. That is, driver D visits dealership G and replenishes urea water to each container C placed at each of the multiple dealerships G.

[0024] Dealership G is an operator such as a gas station, etc., and sells urea water to general users who drive diesel engine vehicles. That is, a container C filled with urea water is placed at each of the multiple dealerships G.

[0025] Hereinafter, the outline of the flow of this service will be described in detail along steps ST1 to ST3 of FIG. 3. First, prior to the description of the steps, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the outline of container C used in this service will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the container used in the service of FIG. 3, that is, the container in which one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention is arranged.

[0026] The configuration of container C used in this service is shown in FIGS. 4(A) and (B). As shown in FIG. 4(A), container C has a predetermined volume. In this embodiment, for example, a cube-shaped container with a side length of 1 m, that is, a 1000-liter tank is adopted as container C. By adopting a container C with a known volume in this way, since the bottom area is fixed (1 square meter in this example), if the liquid level H of the urea water in container C is detected by one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention, the remaining amount V (volume V) of the urea water can be easily and accurately calculated.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4(B), container C is used in a state of being arranged horizontally, and urea water is enclosed inside container C. On the upper surface inside the container C, the tag F is installed so as to be suspended in the direction in which gravity acts. The tag F has a length equal to the height of the container C, that is, a length of 1 m in this embodiment. Further, a weight X is joined to the tip of the tag F on the side in contact with the bottom surface. To the liquid level of the urea water, a float 2 joined with a string-like loop L is floated on the liquid level with the tag F passed through the loop L. Further, a transmitter 1 is stored in the float 2. The receiver 3 is fixed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the container C.

[0028] By adopting the container C having such a configuration, the remaining amount V of the container C can be accurately calculated. That is, as described above, the float 2 joined with the string-like loop L is floated on the liquid level with the tag F passed through the loop L. As a result, the float 2 is prevented from floating on the liquid surface (the position in the horizontal plane direction changes), so that an error occurring in the distance h between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 3 can be suppressed. Also, as described above, a weight X is joined to the tip of the tag F on the side in contact with the bottom surface. As a result, the tag F is prevented from swaying in the horizontal direction. As a result, the position of the float 2 in the horizontal plane direction is prevented from changing, so that an error occurring in the distance h between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 3 can be suppressed. By arranging one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention in each of the containers C having such characteristics, liquid level information and remaining amount information, that is, the liquid level H and the remaining amount V of the liquid can be accurately output.

[0029] As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the remaining amount information output from the measuring device 4 includes information that can identify the container C, that is, information that can identify the sales store G where the container C is arranged. That is, since the container C (sales store G) and the remaining amount V of the container C (sales store G) are linked and managed as remaining amount information, the remaining amount V of each of the plurality of containers C (plural sales stores G) is clearly distinguished from the remaining amount V of other containers C and can be easily identified.

[0030] Next, an example of the container C used in this service is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the container used in the present service of FIG. 3, that is, the container in which one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention is arranged.

[0031] FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing a "float type" container C configured such that the tag F to which the weight X is joined is passed through the loop L portion of the float 2. Since such a "float type" container C has been described above with reference to FIG. 4(B), it will be omitted here.

[0032] On the other hand, FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing a "three-point fixed type" container C in which three floats 2-1 to 2-3 are fixed at equal intervals in the direction in which gravity acts at a predetermined position of the tag F. Similar to FIG. 4(B), on the upper surface inside the container C shown in FIG. 5(B), the tag F is installed so as to be suspended in the direction in which gravity acts. In the tag F, the floats 2-1 to 2-3 in which the respective signal lights 1-1 to 1-3 are stored are fixed so as to divide the length of the tag F into four equal parts, that is, at intervals of 25 cm in this embodiment. In such a "three-point fixed type" container C, three transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 and one receiver 3 are arranged as a set. In addition, each of the transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 has at least a function of floating on the liquid surface in a state of being stored in the float 2, that is, as the transmitters 1-1 to 1-3, a transmitter having a function of emitting a signal when the fixed position and the liquid level become equal is adopted.

[0033] Specifically, for example, in FIG. 5(B), when the receiver 3 receives a signal transmitted from the transmitter 1-1, it can recognize that the signal is transmitted from the transmitter 1-1 from the identifier included in the signal. Therefore, the receiver 3 outputs that the liquid level H1 is 75 cm and the remaining amount V is 750 liters based on the distance h (25 cm in this embodiment) between the transmitter 1-1 and the receiver 3. After that, the situation changes. The receiver 3 receives the signal transmitted from the transmitter 1-2 and recognizes it as being transmitted from the transmitter 1-2 based on the identifier included in the signal. In this case, the receiver 3 outputs that the liquid level H2 is 50 cm and the remaining amount V is 500 liters based on the distance h (50 cm in this embodiment) between the transmitter 1-2 and the receiver 3. Note that the identifiers of the transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 are associated with the containers C in which the transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 are arranged, and are also used as information that can identify the containers C. By adopting various types of such containers C, the liquid level information and the remaining amount information, that is, the liquid level H and the remaining amount V of the aqueous urea solution, can be accurately output.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 3, the outline of the flow of this service will be described.

[0035] In step ST1, the liquid level information and the remaining amount information of the container C output by the measuring device 4 (not shown in FIG. 3) are transmitted to the server 6 as the remaining amount data of the container C. Then, based on the received remaining amount data of the container C, the server 6 recognizes which container C the remaining amount data belongs to, that is, which sales store G it belongs to, and then executes a predetermined analysis process. Here, it is assumed that such an analysis process is executed separately for each distributor A. That is, the server 6 executes a predetermined analysis process in units of one or more sales stores G (containers C) under the jurisdiction of the distributor A. For example, as such an analysis process, the server 6 extracts one or more containers C (sales stores G) that require replenishment of the aqueous urea solution based on the received remaining amount data of the container C. Further, the server 6 generates delivery information including a delivery route for delivering the aqueous urea solution to each of the one or more containers C (sales stores G) based on the one or more containers C (one or more sales stores G) that require replenishment of the aqueous urea solution and the location information of each of the one or more containers C (one or more sales stores G).

[0036] In step ST2, the delivery information thus generated is provided to the driver D, the agent A (agent A that has jurisdiction over the above one or more sales stores G), the service provider S, and the like.

[0037] In step ST3, the driver D visits each of the one or more sales stores G based on the provided delivery information and delivers the aqueous urea solution to each.

[0038] In this way, according to this service, the liquid level information (liquid level H) and remaining amount information (remaining amount V) of the aqueous urea solution sealed in each container C of one or more sales stores G under the jurisdiction of a predetermined agent A are obtained, and based on the liquid level information and remaining amount information of each container C, one or more containers C that need to be replenished are extracted from among the containers C. The information thus extracted is provided to the driver D, the agent A, the service provider S, and the like. Since the sales store G does not need to measure the liquid level H or the remaining amount V of the container C by itself, or place an order for the aqueous urea solution by itself based on the liquid level H or the remaining amount V, and the required aqueous urea solution is automatically delivered as needed, it is possible to easily and safely manage the remaining amount (inventory) of the aqueous urea solution. Also, for example, since the containers C that need to be replenished are automatically extracted, the agent A can unload the aqueous urea solution in a planned manner without running out of stock for each of the one or more sales stores G (containers C) under its jurisdiction. As a result, the agent A can operate its business in a planned manner, and thus can expect an increase in sales.

[0039] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a specific application example of this service will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific application example of this service that can be realized by an aqueous urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, it is assumed that each of the containers C1 to C9 is arranged in each of the sales stores G1 to G9. That is, in the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the agent A has jurisdiction over the sales stores G1 to G9 (containers C1 to C9).

[0041] In step SF1, the liquid level information and remaining amount information of each of the containers C1 to C9 are periodically transmitted to the server 6 as remaining amount data together with identifiers that can identify each of the containers C1 to C9 (i.e., identifiers that can identify each of the stores G1 to G9).

[0042] In step SF2, in the server 6 managed by the service provider S, predetermined analysis processing is executed based on the remaining amount data of each of the containers C1 to C9. For example, as such analysis processing, the server 6 extracts one or more containers C among the containers C1 to C9 that require replenishment of the aqueous urea solution based on the remaining amount data of each of the containers C1 to C9. Then, the server 6 generates delivery information for delivering the aqueous urea solution to each of the one or more extracted containers C based on the one or more extracted containers C and the position information of each of the one or more containers C. Specifically, for example, in the example of FIG. 6, as the containers C that require replenishment of the aqueous urea solution, the containers C1 to C8 (stores G1 to G8) are extracted. Then, based on the extracted containers C1 to C8 (stores G1 to G8) and the position information of each of the containers C1 to C8 (stores G1 to G8), delivery information for delivering the aqueous urea solution to each of the containers C1 to C8 (stores G1 to G8) is generated.

[0043] Here, the delivery information generated in the server 6 will be described more specifically using the above specific example. The server 6 classifies each of the extracted containers C1 to C8 (stores G1 to G8) into one or more delivery groups. Here, the delivery group refers to a set of one or more containers C (stores G) that a driver D can visit in a predetermined truck per day for delivering the aqueous urea solution. The set of one or more containers C (stores G) belonging to each of such delivery groups is determined, for example, by the working hours of the driver D in a day, the maximum load capacity of the truck, the remaining amount V (amount requiring replenishment) of each container C, the position information of the container C (store G), and the like. That is, the server 6 classifies each of the extracted containers C1 to C8 (sales stores G1 to G8) into one or more delivery groups. In this embodiment, the delivery groups are the delivery group of containers C1 to C3, the delivery group of containers C4 and C5, and the delivery group of containers C6 to C8. Furthermore, the server 6 generates an optimal route as a delivery route for delivering the aqueous urea solution to each of the containers C (sales stores G) belonging to the delivery group to be processed, with each of the classified delivery groups as the processing target. In this way, the server 6 generates delivery information including a delivery route for delivering the aqueous urea solution to each of one or more containers C (sales stores G) that require replenishment.

[0044] In step SF3, each of the classified delivery groups is assigned to each of the drivers D1 to D3 who are on duty on the day by the vehicle dispatching reader AL belonging to the agency A. Then, each of the drivers D1 to D3 sequentially visits one or more containers C (sales stores G) belonging to the delivery group assigned to themselves based on the generated delivery information, and delivers the aqueous urea solution to each of the containers C (sales stores G). As a result, the driver D can efficiently deliver the aqueous urea solution within a predetermined time. In addition, since the operating time of the truck is reduced, the load on the environment is reduced.

[0045] Here, the effects achieved by providing this service will be described while comparing with the prior art.

[0046] Conventionally, the remaining amount V of the aqueous urea solution contained in the container C was grasped by the agency A visiting the sales store G individually or calling the sales store G. As a result, when it was determined that the container C needed to be replenished, the aqueous urea solution was replenished as appropriate. However, in such a conventional method, the agency A had to respond even when an emergency replenishment request was made from the sales store G, such as "today's today" or "today's tomorrow", and it was difficult to control the schedule. In addition, since it is necessary to frequently check the remaining amount V of the aqueous urea solution in order to prevent the stock of the retailer G from running out, there has been a problem that it is time-consuming.

[0047] Therefore, according to such a service, the remaining amount V of the aqueous urea solution in a plurality of containers C arranged in each of a plurality of retailers G is sequentially grasped, and the containers C (retailers G) that need to be replenished are automatically extracted. As a result, the distributor A can plan the delivery of the aqueous urea solution, so that the work efficiency is improved. In addition, when the remaining amount of the aqueous urea solution in the retailer G decreases, the aqueous urea solution is automatically delivered, so that the retailer G only needs to "wait". As a result, the retailer G will not run out of stock, so that it can carry out stable sales activities.

[0048] Conventionally, there has been a problem of unfair competition among distributors, such as the distributor A unloading the aqueous urea solution purchased from outside the service provider S to the retailer G, or the distributor A unloading the aqueous urea solution to a container (retailer) other than the container C (retailer G) with which it has a contract, so as to compete for customers (retailers G).

[0049] Therefore, according to such a service, since the remaining amount V of the container C is monitored in real time, it is also possible to extract and identify only the container C in which, for example, the aqueous urea solution has increased. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned unfair competition occurs, it can be easily discovered, and as a result, problems such as the income gap between distributors and troubles can be avoided.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an aqueous urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system including a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0051] The urea water distribution system is configured to communicate with each other via a predetermined network N such as the Internet, including a set of n transmitters 1-1 to 1-n and receivers 3-1 to 3-n, N liquid level measurement systems each composed of n measuring devices 4-1 to 4-n, n store terminals 5-1 to 5-n, a server 6, p agent terminals 7-1 to 7-p, and q driver terminals 8-1 to 8-q.

[0052] A set of n transmitters 1-1 to 1-n and receivers 3-1 to 3-n, and n measuring devices 4-1 to 4-n are installed in each of the N containers C1 to Cn. Each of the n store terminals 5-1 to 5-n is managed by each of the stores G1 to Gn. The server 6 is managed by the service provider S. The server 6 acquires remaining amount data such as liquid level information and remaining amount information, executes predetermined analysis processing, and generates distribution information for delivering urea water to each of the containers C that require urea water replenishment. The server 6 executes control to provide the remaining amount data thus acquired, the results of the analysis processing, and the generated distribution information via each of the store terminals 5-1 to 5-n, agent terminals 7-1 to 7-p, and driver terminals 8-1 to 8-p. Each of the p agent terminals 7-1 to 7-p is managed by each of the agents A1 to Ap. Each of the q driver terminals 8-1 to 8-q is managed by drivers D1 to Dq.

[0053] In the following, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the transmitters 1-1 to 1-n, the receivers 3-1 to 3-n, and the measuring devices 4-1 to 4-n, they are collectively referred to as the transmitter 1, the receiver 3, and the measuring device 4. Also, in the following, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the store terminals 5-1 to 5-n, agent terminals 7-1 to 7-p, and driver terminals 8-1 to 8-q, they are collectively referred to as the store terminal 5, the agent terminal 7, and the driver terminal 8.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a measurement device in a urea water delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0055] The measurement device 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a bus 44, an input / output interface 45, an output unit 46, an input unit 47, a storage unit 48, a communication unit 49, and a drive 50.

[0056] The CPU 41 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 42 or a program loaded from the storage unit 48 into the RAM 43. In the RAM 43, data and the like necessary for the CPU 41 to execute various processes are also appropriately stored.

[0057] The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 are interconnected via the bus 44. The input / output interface 45 is also connected to this bus 44. The output unit 46, input unit 47, storage unit 48, communication unit 49, and drive 50 are connected to the input / output interface 45.

[0058] The output unit 46 is composed of a display such as a liquid crystal and a speaker. The input unit 47 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, and various information is input. The storage unit 48 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like and stores various data. The communication unit 49 communicates with other devices via a network N including the Internet.

[0059] A removable medium 51, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted on the drive 50. The program read from the removable medium 51 by the drive 50 is installed in the storage unit 48 as necessary. In addition, the removable medium 51 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 48, just like the storage unit 48. Although not shown, since each of the sales store terminal 5, the server 6, the agency terminal 7, and the driver terminal 8 of the urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 is applied has basically the same configuration as the hardware configuration of the measurement device 4 shown in FIG. 8, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0060] By the cooperation of such various hardware and various software, it becomes possible to execute the remaining amount data output process and the information providing process. As a result, the service provider can provide the above-described service.

[0061] The remaining amount data output process refers to a series of processes until the liquid level information and the remaining amount information of the container C are output as the remaining amount data. The information providing process refers to a series of processes until the results of predetermined analysis and the like of the output remaining amount data of the container C are provided to the agency A, the sales store G, the driver D, and the like.

[0062] The measurement device 4 and the server 6 have a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 9 when executing the remaining amount data output process and the information providing process.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0064] First, the functional configuration of the remaining amount data output process on the measurement device 4 side will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when the execution of the remaining amount data output process is controlled, in the CPU 41 of the measuring device 4, the distance information acquisition unit 411, the container recognition unit 412, and the detection unit 413 function. Also, when the execution of the information providing process is controlled, in the CPU 61 of the server 6, the remaining amount data acquisition unit 611, the analysis unit 612, and the providing unit 613 function.

[0065] When the execution of the remaining amount data output process is controlled, the distance information acquisition unit 411 acquires the distance information transmitted from the receiver 3. The container recognition unit 412 recognizes which container the distance information belongs to based on the identifier ID for identifying the transmitter 1 among the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 411. That is, the container recognition unit 412 recognizes that the distance information belongs to the container C based on the ID that uniquely identifies the transmitter 1 included in the distance information.

[0066] The detection unit 413 of the CPU 41 includes a liquid level detection unit 431 and a remaining amount detection unit 432.

[0067] The liquid level detection unit 431 detects the liquid level H of the container C based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 411 and the information regarding the container C recognized by the container recognition unit 412 (for example, the length in the direction in which the gravity of the container C acts).

[0068] The remaining amount detection unit 432 detects the remaining amount V of the container C based on the liquid level H detected by the liquid level detection unit 431 and the information regarding the container C recognized by the container recognition unit 412 (for example, the bottom area of the container C).

[0069] The functional configuration of the remaining amount data output process on the measuring device 4 side has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the information providing process on the server 6 side will be described.

[0070] When the execution of the information providing process is controlled, the remaining amount data acquisition unit 611 of the CPU 61 acquires the liquid level information and the remaining amount information of the container C detected by the detection unit 413 as the remaining amount data.

[0071] The analysis unit 612 performs a predetermined analysis based on the liquid level information and the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount data acquisition unit 611. Specifically, for example, the analysis unit 612 extracts one or more containers C that need replenishment from among the respective containers C based on the liquid level information and the remaining amount information of the container C. At this time, the analysis unit 612 may execute a process of displaying, for example, a container C with no remaining amount as "none", a container C with a decreasing remaining amount as "decreasing", a container C with a medium remaining amount as "medium", and a container C close to full as "full" based on the liquid level information and the remaining amount information of each container C.

[0072] The analysis unit 612 classifies each of the one or more containers C (sales store G) that need replenishment into, for example, a set of containers C (sales store G) that can be delivered under predetermined conditions, that is, one or more delivery groups.

[0073] The analysis unit 612 creates a delivery route for delivering the aqueous urea solution to a predetermined container C. That is, the analysis unit 612 generates a delivery route based on, for example, the working hours of the driver D in one day, the maximum load capacity of the truck, the remaining amount V (amount required for replenishment) of each container C, the position information of the container C (sales store G), etc. as predetermined conditions.

[0074] The providing unit 613 executes control to provide the results of the above-described analysis process, delivery information, etc. to the sales store terminal 5, the agency terminal 7, and the driver terminal 8. Thereby, the agency A can easily extract the container C that needs replenishment from among, for example, one or more containers C under its jurisdiction, so that it can unload the aqueous urea solution to the sales store G in a planned manner. In addition, the retailer G will be able to grasp the liquid level information and remaining quantity information of the container C in real time. Also, for example, when the amount of urea water becomes less than a predetermined liquid level H or remaining quantity V, it will be automatically delivered from the agency A, so that the retailer G can stably sell urea water without worrying about running out of stock. The functional configuration of the information providing process on the server 6 side has been described above.

[0075] By executing each of the remaining quantity data output process and the information providing process in this way, the liquid level information and remaining quantity information of the container C are monitored in real time, so that the retailer G and the agency A can easily, accurately and safely manage the urea water.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on each of various terminals. That is, for example, FIG. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the agency terminal 7. On the display screen B of the agency terminal 7, a schematic diagram showing the remaining quantity information of each of a plurality of containers C (retailer G) is displayed. Based on the remaining quantity information output in this way, the agency A can easily identify at a glance the container C (retailer G) that needs to be replenished. Also, a "notification of inquiry date" button is displayed on the screen B. By tapping this button or the like, the agency A can notify the retailer G that needs urea water delivery of the replenishment date (visit date).

[0077] Also, FIG. 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the driver terminal. That is, on the screen D of the driver terminal 8, the remaining quantity information of a predetermined container C (retailer G) for which the driver D is in charge of delivery is displayed.

[0078] In this way, since the remaining quantity information is managed for each container C (sales store G), information such as the situation of the remaining quantity of the container C (sales store G) can be grasped in real time. As a result, each of the sales store G, the agency A, and the driver D can display the remaining quantity information of the container C in an arbitrary form according to their respective purposes on the terminals they manage.

[0079] FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing examples of management screens displayed on the agency terminal.

[0080] FIG. 11 shows an example of a management screen displayed on the agency terminal 7. The display screen VS1 is configured to include display areas FS1 to FS3. The name of the agency A is displayed in the display area FS1 of the display screen VS1. Here, the agency A displayed in the display area FS1 can be extracted, for example, by prefecture where it is located or by name. Also, each of the agencies A can be arranged and displayed in the order of the 50 - sound order or the order of the number of containers C in the contractual relationship.

[0081] The remaining quantity information of the containers C under the jurisdiction of each of the agencies A is schematically shown in the display area FS2. In the display area FS2, each of the containers C under the jurisdiction of the agency A is classified and displayed into delivery groups No1 to No10 respectively. Also, one delivery group is composed of a set of one or more containers C (sales stores G) that the driver D can visit with a predetermined truck per day to deliver the aqueous urea solution. That is, for example, the delivery group No7 includes 5 containers C (sales stores G), and the remaining quantities of 4 of the containers C (sales stores G) are displayed as "none", and the remaining quantity of the remaining 1 container C (sales store G) is displayed as "decreasing". When each of such delivery groups is assigned to each of the drivers D1 to D10, each of the drivers D1 to D10 will sequentially stop by the containers C (sales stores G) included in the assigned delivery group and deliver a predetermined amount of the aqueous urea solution.

[0082] In the display area FS3, a button for selecting today's route is displayed. When this today's route button is tapped, the screen transitions to VS2 in FIG. 12.

[0083] FIG. 12 shows an example of the management screen displayed on the agency terminal 7. On the display screen VS2, a map is displayed, and information regarding each container C (sales store G) that needs replenishment and the delivery route are superimposed and displayed on such a map. That is, the driver D7 can surely deliver the urea water in a short time by performing the delivery of the urea water based on the displayed delivery route.

[0084] FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing examples of the management screen displayed on the driver terminal.

[0085] FIG. 13(A) is the screen at the time of login. FIG. 13(B) is the home screen. That is, on FIG. 13(B), a plurality of sales stores G that the driver D has scheduled to deliver urea water today and buttons indicating the respective working statuses are displayed. Also, at the bottom of FIG. 13(B), a today's route button is arranged. By browsing such a home screen, the driver D can browse each of the one or more containers C (sales stores G) assigned to himself / herself (scheduled for delivery today). Also, although details will be described later, the driver D can display a route map for the delivery of the urea water by tapping the today's route button. FIG. 13(C) is an input screen for the work content. That is, the driver D can input information such as the amount of urea water delivered and other items delivered. Figure 13(D) is a display screen of the route map. By tapping the today's route button shown in FIG. 13(B) described above, the driver D can superimpose and display information regarding each of a plurality of containers C (sales stores G) assigned to himself / herself (scheduled for delivery today), such as the location of the container C (sales store G) and the remaining quantity V, and the route for delivering the aqueous urea solution to each container C (sales store G). Figure 13(E) is a display screen of the work history. That is, in FIG. 13(E), the work history of the driver D is displayed for each year, month, and day. The driver D can re-check the work history for today, for example, by narrowing down the search by today's date. Further, when the delivery work to a plurality of sales stores G for which the delivery of the aqueous urea solution is scheduled today is completed, the driver D can send a report email to the agency A by tapping the work report button arranged at the lower part of FIG. 13(E). Figure 13(F) is a completion screen of the report transmission. Figure 13(G) is a screen of the my page. The driver D can change his / her nickname and password by tapping the edit button.

[0086] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0087] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 9 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system is applied is equipped with a function capable of executing the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example of FIG. 9. Also, the locations of the functional blocks and the database are not particularly limited to FIG. 9 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least a part of the functional blocks and the database required for executing various processes may be transferred to the dealer terminal 5, the agency terminal 7, the driver terminal 8, etc. Conversely, the functions of the dealer terminal 5, the agency terminal 7, the driver terminal 8, etc. may be transferred to the measuring device 4, the server 6, etc. Also, one functional block may be configured by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

[0088] Also, for example, when a series of processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose smartphone or personal computer in addition to a server.

[0089] Also, for example, the recording medium containing such a program is not only composed of a removable medium (not shown) distributed separately from the apparatus main body for providing the program to users (providers, agencies, sellers, drivers, etc. of this service), but also composed of a recording medium or the like provided to users in a state pre-installed in the apparatus main body.

[0090] Note that in this specification, the steps of describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only the processes performed in chronological order according to the order, but also the processes that are not necessarily processed in chronological order and are executed in parallel or individually. In addition, in this specification, the term "system" shall mean the entire device composed of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, etc.

[0091] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the liquid level information and the remaining amount information of the container C are output, but it is not limited thereto. That is, only either the liquid level information or the remaining amount information of the container C may be output.

[0092] Here, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, an example in which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to measure the water level of a river will be described. FIGS. 15 and 16 are image diagrams showing an example in which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to measure the water level of a river.

[0093] In the example of FIGS. 15 and 16, the set of the transmitter 1 (float 2) and the receiver 3 is arranged on the river surface and the bridge. A float 2 is floating on the liquid surface of the river, and the transmitter 1 is stored in the float 2. Further, the receiver 3 is fixed to the underside B2 of the bridge girder. The float 2 is arranged in the hollow portion inside the cylindrical tube T arranged so as to contact the bridge pier B1. That is, the float 2 is floated on the liquid surface while being stored in the fixed tube T. As a result, since the float 2 is prevented from floating on the liquid surface (the position in the horizontal plane direction changes), an error occurring in the distance hr between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 3 can be suppressed. When the receiver 3 receives a signal from the transmitter 1, it detects the distance hr based on the signal and outputs distance information indicating the distance hr. The measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Hr of the liquid surface Wr based on the distance information and outputs liquid level information indicating the liquid level Hr of the liquid surface Wr. Here, since the output liquid level information includes the identifier ID, for example, it is possible to recognize how much the liquid level information is at the underside B2 of the bridge. Also, as the material of the tube T, for example, vinyl chloride is suitable from the viewpoints of stability, durability, etc.

[0094] In addition to the above, the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various applications. Specifically, for example, the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an embedded underground fuel tank installed in a transportation company or the like. In such an embedded underground fuel tank, rainwater may enter through flanges or manholes when heavy rain falls, and fuel may be used without being noticed, resulting in vehicle troubles. Therefore, by applying the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the increased liquid can be monitored in real time, so that countermeasures can be taken before troubles occur.

[0095] Also, for example, the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a fuel tank installed in a greenhouse. Conventionally, in agriculture, a large amount of fuel such as kerosene, light oil, and heavy oil has been consumed to raise the temperature inside the greenhouse. The decrease in fuel is confirmed by the agricultural operator, and when the amount that can generally be refueled is conveyed to the fuel vendor, the fuel vendor replenishes the fuel. In such a case, if the fuel supply is delayed, some problems may occur to the plants inside the greenhouse, such as quality deterioration, and in the worst case, the products cannot be shipped. Therefore, by applying the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the remaining amount can be managed in real time, so that the above problems can be solved.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the application of the urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, a delivery route is automatically provided to the driver D who replenishes the fuel. As a result, the driver D can efficiently deliver goods while visiting a plurality of customers in the vicinity. As a result, the fuel consumption of large vehicles such as tank lorries can be reduced, which can also contribute to environmental protection.

[0097] For example, the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to a kerosene tank used for a stove installed in a general household in a cold region or the like. Even in such a case, by applying the urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, real-time remaining quantity management and generation of an appropriate delivery route are performed, so that the same effects as described above can be achieved.

[0098] In other words, the liquid level measurement system to which the present invention is applied can have the following configuration and can take various embodiments.

[0099] That is, the liquid level measurement system to which the present invention is applied a transmission device that transmits a signal that reaches within a predetermined distance range (for example, the transmitter 1 in FIG. 1), a housing that floats on the surface of a liquid to be measured for its change (for example, urea water) (for example, the liquid surface Wa in FIG. 1) and houses the transmission device inside (for example, the float 2 in FIG. 1), a receiving device that detects the distance from the transmission device (for example, the distance ha in FIG. 1) by receiving the signal transmitted from the transmission device disposed inside the housing while the housing is floating on the surface of the liquid (for example, the receiver 3 in FIG. 1), a measuring device that measures the liquid level of the surface of the liquid (for example, the liquid level Ha in FIG. 1) based on the distance detected by the receiving device and outputs information based on the liquid level (for example, the measuring device 4 in FIG. 1), and includes. Thereby, liquid level information and remaining quantity information of the liquid are automatically output. As a result, it becomes possible to safely and easily manage the liquid level and remaining quantity of the liquid.

[0100] Also, the liquid (for example, urea water) is respectively contained in N (N is an integer value of 2 or more) containers (for example, the containers C1 to Cn in FIG. 2), The housing (e.g., floats 2-1 to 2-n in FIG. 2) and the transmission device (e.g., transmitters 1-1 to 1-n in FIG. 2) and the reception device (e.g., receivers 3-1 to 3-n in FIG. 2) arranged inside thereof are each arranged in at least one set in each of the N containers. The signals transmitted by the N transmission devices arranged in each of the N containers include identification information (e.g., identifier ID) that uniquely identifies the container in which the transmission device is arranged. The measuring device Based on the identification information, a container recognition means (e.g., container recognition unit 412 in FIG. 9) that recognizes the container to be detected among the N containers, measures the liquid level (e.g., W1 to Wn in FIG. 2) of the surface of the liquid inside the container to be detected, and a remaining amount calculation means (e.g., detection unit 413 in FIG. 9) that calculates the remaining amount of the container to be detected as information based on the liquid level. is provided. Thereby, the liquid level information and remaining amount information of each of the plurality of containers can be recognized in real time and at a glance. It becomes possible to safely and easily perform the management of the liquid level and remaining amount of the liquid.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1... transmitter, 2... float, 3... receiver, 4... measuring device, 5... store terminal, 6... server, 7... agency terminal, 8... driver terminal, 411... distance information acquisition unit, 412... container recognition unit, 413... detection unit, 431... liquid level detection unit, 432... remaining amount detection unit, 600... container information DB, 611... remaining amount data acquisition unit, 612... analysis unit, 613... providing unit

Claims

[Claim 1] a transmitter that transmits a signal that reaches within a predetermined distance; a housing that floats on the surface of the liquid whose transition is to be measured and that accommodates the transmitter; a receiving device that detects a distance from the transmitting device by receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitting device disposed inside the housing while the housing is floating on the surface of the liquid; a measuring device that measures a liquid level of the surface of the liquid based on the distance detected by the receiving device and outputs information based on the liquid level; Equipped with The liquid is water from a natural body of water, A tube is provided to prevent the housing from changing its horizontal position, The housing floats inside the tube. Liquid level measurement system.

Images