Information processing apparatus, display processing method, and program

Abstract

To easily grasp a place where an abnormality of a pipe occurs.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an embodiment includes a display processing unit that displays, on a screen of a display device, an image in which decoration for improving visibility of at least a thickness of a pipe is applied to information indicating a plurality of reflected waves obtained by an ultrasonic sensor transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the pipe in the pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a display processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Pipes such as water pipes are underground. Therefore, when inspecting pipes, a camera is inserted into the pipe from a fire hydrant or other location, and the presence or absence of rust or deposits on the pipe is investigated through the images captured by the camera. In addition, by inserting a sensor head equipped with an ultrasonic sensor into the pipe and obtaining a signal from the reflected waves of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor toward the pipe wall, the thickness of the pipe wall (pipe thickness) can be measured. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-101197 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Using ultrasonic sensors, it is possible to obtain measurements such as the thickness of the pipe wall, but it is difficult to determine where abnormalities (defects, corrosion, etc.) due to pipe deterioration have occurred simply by looking at the numerical data shown by the measurement results.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide an information processing device, a display processing method, and a program that make it possible to easily grasp the location of an abnormality in a pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the embodiment includes a display processing unit that displays on the screen of a display device an image decorated to enhance the visibility of at least the thickness of the pipe, in response to information indicating multiple reflected waves obtained when an ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic waves to the pipe inside the pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a piping inspection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the characteristics of various reflected waves received after ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 1 toward the pipe wall. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which gates are provided for each of the reflected waves W1, W2, and W3 in the graph of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method for determining the reception timing of the reflected wave W1 and the reflected wave W2 in the graph of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the process of step S16 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a specific layer structure of the tube 4. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example (part 1) in the first display format. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example (part 2) in the first display format. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example (part 1) in the second display format. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example (part 2) in the second display format. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example (part 3) in the second display format. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example in the third display format. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example in the fourth display format. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example in the fifth display format. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example in the sixth display format. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example in the seventh display format. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a piping inspection system according to an embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, some of the dimensions of the parts shown are made larger or smaller than their actual sizes to make the structure easier to understand. Therefore, the size relationships between the dimensions of the parts shown in the figure differ from their actual sizes. Also, in FIG. 1, some components are omitted from the illustration to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0010] The piping inspection system according to the embodiment includes a sensor head 11, a cable 5, a connection device 6, a repair valve 7, and an information processing device 100 as basic elements.

[0011] The sensor head 11 includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors 1, a plurality of support parts 2, a cylindrical sensor head main body 3, and an actuator 31. In addition to the ultrasonic sensor 1, the sensors include a temperature sensor 40, an acceleration sensor 41, and a distance sensor 42. The temperature sensor 40 and the acceleration sensor 41 are installed in the sensor head main body 3. The distance sensor 42 is installed on the ground. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic sensor 1, the temperature sensor 40, the acceleration sensor 41, and the distance sensor 42 may be collectively referred to as various sensors.

[0012] The number of support parts 2 may be three or more. In this example, the number of support parts 2 is four. The support parts 2 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the periphery of the sensor head main body 3, and open and close radially with the axial center of the sensor head main body 3 as the reference.

[0013] The sensor head 11 can inspect each section (each measurement point) of a pipe 4, such as a water pipe, without interrupting the water supply. The sensor head 11 is inserted into the pipe 4 with each support section 2 closed. The connection device 6 is connected to a repair valve 7 already installed on the road, and is used to insert the sensor head 11 into the pipe 4. When the sensor head 11 is inserted into the pipe 4, each support section 2 is in an open state.

[0014] The cable 5 is connected to the sensor head 11 and also to the information processing device 100. By pushing or pulling the cable C from the ground, the sensor head 11 can be moved in the X direction in Fig. 1 or in the opposite direction. The operation of pushing or pulling the cable C can be performed manually, but in this example it is performed automatically using an actuator or the like installed on the ground.

[0015] The information processing device 100 performs various processes related to the pipe inspection. For example, the information processing device 100 controls the operation of the sensor head 11 via the cable 5, performs various calculation processes (such as a process of calculating the thickness of each part of the pipe 4) using measurement results obtained from various sensors in the sensor head 11, and performs various display processes (such as a process of creating information in various display formats that show the thickness of each part of the pipe 4, the presence or absence of defects, etc. in an easily visible form, and displays it on a display device).

[0016] An ultrasonic sensor 1 protected by a resin member (not shown) is provided at the end of each support portion 2. The term "resin" as used here does not necessarily mean a member made of resin such as Teflon (registered trademark), but also includes a member made of synthetic rubber or natural rubber. The resin member may be provided with a tire (not shown). The tire is capable of moving in the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the pipe 4 while in contact with the inner wall surface of the pipe 4. The resin member and tire are formed so as not to interfere with the transmission of ultrasonic waves from the sensor head 11 and the reception of the reflected waves.

[0017] Each ultrasonic sensor 1 has an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and is disposed on each support unit 2 so that the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit faces the inner wall surface of the pipe 4 during pipe thickness measurement. During pipe thickness measurement, each ultrasonic sensor 1 transmits ultrasonic waves toward the wall of the pipe 4 and receives the reflected waves. The distance from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit of each ultrasonic sensor 1 to the inner wall surface of the pipe 4 is set to a constant distance. The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit of each ultrasonic sensor 1 are incident perpendicularly on the wall surface of the pipe 4. The received signals are sent to the information processing device 10 via wiring and cables 5 (not shown).

[0018] An actuator 31 is connected to the sensor head main body 3. The actuator 31 is a motor that generates a driving force, and rotates the sensor head main body 3 under the control of the information processing device 100. The actuator 31 may be configured to be able to open and close the support part 2 under the control of the information processing device 100.

[0019] When measuring pipe thickness, with each support part 2 open inside the pipe 4, the sensor head main body 3 is rotated by the actuator 31 and the cable 5 is pushed and pulled, causing each support part 2 and each ultrasonic sensor 1 to rotate in the circumferential direction of the pipe 4 and move in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 4, and each ultrasonic sensor 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to each part of the pipe 4 and receives reflected waves.

[0020] The temperature sensor 40 is installed inside or on the outer surface of the sensor head main body 3 and measures the temperature inside the sensor head main body 3 or the water temperature. The temperature may be measured when ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received, or may be measured periodically. The measurement results of the temperature sensor 40 are sent to the information processing device 10 via wiring and a cable 5 (not shown).

[0021] The acceleration sensor 41 is installed inside or on the outer surface of the sensor head main body 3 and measures the acceleration and movement direction of the installation location of the acceleration sensor 41. Because there is a certain angular difference between the movement direction of the installation location of the acceleration sensor 41 and the movement direction of the installation locations of each of the four ultrasonic sensors 1, the movement direction of the installation location of each of the four ultrasonic sensors 1 can be determined from the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 41. In other words, the circumferential position of each of the four ultrasonic sensors 1 (i.e., the circumferential position of the pipe wall being measured) can be determined. In addition, the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 41 can also provide information such as the tilt, vibration, and positional deviation of the sensor head 11. The measurement results of the acceleration sensor 41 are sent to the information processing device 10 via wiring and a cable 5 (not shown).

[0022] The distance sensor 42 measures the penetration length of the cable 5 from the reference position (i.e., the position of each ultrasonic sensor 1 in the X-axis direction from the reference position). The distance sensor 42 may be realized by a linear encoder that measures the distance traveled by the cable 5. Alternatively, the distance sensor 42 may use a drum around which the cable 5 is wound and stored, and measure the distance traveled by the cable 5 based on the number of rotations of the drum. Alternatively, the distance sensor 42 may measure the distance traveled by attaching marks to the cable 5 at regular intervals and reading the marks with an optical sensor. The measurement results of the distance sensor 42 are sent to the information processing device 10 via wiring (not shown) and the cable 5.

[0023] (Configuration of information processing device 100) FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100.

[0024] The information processing device 100 is realized using, for example, a computer, and includes a processor 20, a transmission / reception circuit 21, a data acquisition unit 22, an input unit 23A, a display unit 23B, etc. The processor 20 has various functions including a control unit 24, an arithmetic processing unit 25, a display processing unit 26, etc. The various functions of the processor 20 are constructed, for example, as programs to be implemented by a computer. The information processing device 100 further includes a memory 27, a data recording unit 28, a known data holding unit 29, and an actuator control circuit 30.

[0025] The transmission / reception circuit 21 includes a transmission circuit that applies a transmission frequency and voltage to the ultrasonic sensor 1, a reception circuit that amplifies the signal of the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic sensor 1, and a switching circuit that switches between transmission and reception. The transmission frequency can be controlled from the information processing device 100.

[0026] The data acquisition unit 22 converts the signal amplified by the receiving circuit of the transmitting / receiving circuit 21 into a digital value and supplies it to the processor 20 .

[0027] The input unit 23A corresponds to an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device, and sets and changes various types of information used by the processor 20 in response to input operations by the user.

[0028] The display unit 23B corresponds to a display device such as a display, and displays various information generated by the display processing unit .

[0029] The control unit 24 has the function of performing various controls necessary for performing internal pipe inspection, such as obtaining the measurement results of various sensors and recording them in the data recording unit 28, controlling the movement of the sensor head 11 during pipe thickness measurement, and controlling the processing of the transmission / reception circuit 21.

[0030] For example, based on the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 41 and the distance sensor 42, the control unit 24 determines the position of the pipe wall that is the subject of pipe thickness measurement (i.e., the position within the pipe where the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 1 are incident on the wall surface), and controls the movement of the sensor head 11, controls the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by each ultrasonic sensor 1, and analyzes the reflected waves of each received ultrasonic wave.

[0031] The calculation processing unit 25 has the function of performing calculations such as determining the thickness of the pipe 4 from the results of measuring both the reflected waves reflected on the inner surface of the pipe 4 and the reflected waves reflected on the outer surface of the pipe 4 by transmitting ultrasonic waves having a predetermined transmission frequency.

[0032] Display processing unit 26 has a function of performing display processing to create information in various display formats that show the thickness of each part of pipe 4, the presence or absence of defects, and the like in an easily visible form using the measurement results of the various sensors and the calculation processing results of calculation processing unit 25, and to display the created information on display unit 23B. For example, display processing unit 26 performs display processing to display on display unit 23B an image that is decorated to enhance the visibility of at least the thickness of pipe 4, in response to information showing a plurality of reflected waves obtained from the measurement results of each ultrasonic sensor 1. Specific examples of display processing and images will be described in detail later.

[0033] The memory 27 stores programs and data used by the processor 20.

[0034] The data recording unit 28 records the measurement results obtained from the various sensors, information such as the pipe thickness calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 25, information generated by the display processing unit 26, and the like.

[0035] The known data storage unit 29 stores known data such as the pipe thickness of the pipe 4 when it is normal (a brand new state with no rust or other deposits or peeling of the pipe material), the arrival time (or reception timing) and signal strength (signal level) of the reflected wave from the inner surface and the outer surface of the pipe 4 after transmitting ultrasonic waves, the speed of sound in the pipe, the relationship between the speed of sound and temperature, and the relationship between the speed of sound and the arrival time (or reception timing). The arrival time here refers to the time from when an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter of the ultrasonic sensor 1 until the reflected wave arrives at the ultrasonic receiver.

[0036] The known data storage unit 29 also stores data indicating the thickness (standard value) for each year since installation of the pipe 4 (specifically, data indicating the thickness of the pipe body and data indicating the thickness of the lining, which will be described later). The thickness of the pipe body tends to decrease over the years since installation due to deterioration (the occurrence of defects, corrosion, etc.).

[0037] The actuator control circuit 30 is a circuit for operating the actuator 31 under the control of the processor 20 .

[0038] (Pipe thickness measurement based on reflected waves) Figure 3 shows a graph of the characteristics of various reflected waves received after ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the pipe wall from the ultrasonic sensor 1. To avoid complicating the explanation, we will not consider the reflected waves reflected at the boundary between the lining of the pipe 4 and the pipe body.

[0039] In the graph of Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents the time after ultrasonic waves are transmitted, and the vertical axis represents the signal strength (signal level) of the received reflected waves. Reflected waves W1, W2, and W3 in the graph of Figure 3 are reflected waves that arrive at ultrasonic sensor 1 at different times after ultrasonic waves are transmitted from ultrasonic sensor 1 toward the pipe wall. Reflected wave W1 is a reflected wave reflected from the inner surface of pipe 4, reflected wave W2 is a reflected wave reflected from the outer surface of pipe 4, and reflected wave W3 is a reflected wave that is multiplexedly reflected from the outer surface of pipe 4 (for example, a reflected wave that is reflected from the outer surface of pipe 4, then reflected from the inner surface of pipe 4, and then reflected again from the outer surface of pipe 4).

[0040] Here, if the signal strength of the reflected wave W1 and the signal strength of the reflected wave W2 received by the ultrasonic sensor 1 are each above a certain level, the reflected wave W1 and the reflected wave W2 can be measured, and the thickness of the pipe 4 can be measured from the time difference Δt between the arrival time of the reflected wave W1 and the arrival time of the reflected wave W2.

[0041] The signals of each reflected wave received by the ultrasonic sensor 1 with a time difference are transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 1 to the information processing device 100 and transmitted to the processor 20 via the transmission / reception circuit 21 and data acquisition unit 22 shown in Figure 2.

[0042] Within the processor 20, the control unit 24 analyzes each reflected wave with a time difference and measures both reflected waves W1 and W2 that have a signal strength equal to or greater than a certain value. Specifically, the control unit 24 acquires data on the signal strength and arrival time for signals received by the ultrasonic sensor 1 that have a signal strength equal to or greater than a certain value, compares this data with the signal strength and arrival time data for each of the reflected waves W1 and W2 indicated by known data in the known data storage unit 29, and checks the degree of agreement between the two to attempt to identify the type of each reflected wave.

[0043] If the reflected waves W1 and W2 can be identified in this way, the calculation processing unit 25 calculates the time difference Δt from the arrival time of the reflected wave W1 and the arrival time of the reflected wave W2, and calculates the pipe thickness using the sound speed data (specifically, the sound speed data corresponding to the pipe type of the pipe 4) included in the known data in the known data storage unit 29. The pipe thickness can be calculated by multiplying the time difference Δt by the sound speed.

[0044] In order to accurately identify the reflected waves W1, W2, and W3, it is desirable to set in advance a time position range (hereinafter referred to as a "gate") in which the reflected waves W1, W2, and W3 are expected to appear by using known information (such as pipe type, material, and installation years). The known information is included in the known data stored in the known data storage unit 29.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an example in which gates are provided for each of the reflected waves W1, W2, and W3 in the graph of FIG.

[0046] The timing of arrival of reflected waves from each layer of pipe 4 can be predicted from known information such as pipe type, material, and age of installation, so by setting gates with time widths for each reflected wave, it is possible to easily extract the desired reflected wave from within each gate, even when there is a lot of unnecessary noise. When calculating the signal strength of each of the reflected waves W1, W2, and W3, the acoustic impedance of pipe 4 is taken into consideration, and the maximum strength of the phase (+ or -) of each reflected wave is used, for example.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a method for determining the reception timing of the reflected waves W1 and W2 in the graph of Figure 3. In the graph of Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the time after ultrasonic transmission, and the vertical axis represents the signal strength (signal level) of the received reflected wave.

[0048] In the example of Figure 5, the reflected wave from the target passes through each of the points P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. There is a level difference H1 between P1 and P2. There is a level difference H2 between P3 and P4. There is a level difference H3 between P5 and P6.

[0049] When determining the reception timing of the target reflected wave, the acoustic impedance of the pipe 4 is taken into consideration, and in the case of a positive phase, for example, the midpoint of the range where the signal changes from the negative side to the maximum value on the positive side is taken as the reception timing. In the example of Figure 5, the midpoint of the range M where the signal changes from P3 to P4 is taken as the reception timing. On the other hand, in the case of a negative phase, the opposite correspondence to the case of a positive phase is used. That is, in the example of Figure 5, the midpoint of the range where the signal changes from P4 to P5 is taken as the reception timing.

[0050] The reception timing may be set to the midpoint as described above, but weighting may be applied in the case of a positive phase to set the reception timing closer to the positive side. The same applies to the case of a negative phase.

[0051] The calculation processing unit 25 determines the reception timing of the reflected waves from each of the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe 4, and then calculates the thickness using the speed of sound of the material from the time difference Δt between the reflected waves from the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe 4. The timing, signal strength, and thickness data of each reflected wave are stored in the data recording unit 28.

[0052] (Example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0053] The operation example shown here is merely an example, and is not limited to this example, and can be modified as appropriate. The pipe thickness of each portion of the pipe 4 can be measured by moving the sensor head main body 3 in the longitudinal direction while rotating it in the circumferential direction of the pipe 4, or by rotating the sensor head main body 3 one full rotation in the circumferential direction of the pipe 4 while stopping the longitudinal movement, then moving it longitudinally a predetermined distance, and again rotating the sensor head main body 3 one full rotation in the circumferential direction of the pipe 4 while stopping the longitudinal movement. This example shows an example of using the former method.

[0054] The sensor head 11 is inserted from an inlet or outlet of the repair valve 7 with each support part 2 closed, and sent into the inside of the pipe 4 such as a water pipe.

[0055] When the sensor head 11 is sent to the inside of the large-diameter pipe 4, the control unit 24 opens the individual support parts 2 attached to the sensor head main body 3, for example, by the actuator 31, so that the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver parts of each ultrasonic sensor 1 are directly facing the inner wall surface of the pipe 4 (step S11).

[0056] Next, the control unit 24 causes the actuator 31 to rotate the sensor head main body 3 at a constant speed, and causes each ultrasonic sensor 1 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves (steps S12 and S13).

[0057] The movement of the sensor head main body 3 in the longitudinal direction may be performed after the sensor head main body 3 has made one rotation, or may be performed at a constant speed simultaneously with the rotation. The control unit 24 moves the sensor head main body 3 in the longitudinal direction by causing an actuator or the like installed on the ground to push out or pull back the cable 5.

[0058] As the sensor head body 3 rotates and moves longitudinally, the ultrasonic beams of the ultrasonic sensors 1 move circumferentially and longitudinally of the pipe 4, scanning each part of the pipe 4 continuously.

[0059] A signal indicating the individual reflected wave obtained from each ultrasonic sensor 1 is transmitted to the information processing device 100 via a cable 5 .

[0060] The control unit 24 acquires information indicating the measurement results from each of the various sensors, that is, the ultrasonic sensor 1, the temperature sensor 40, the acceleration sensor 41, and the distance sensor 42, and analyzes the acquired information (step S14).

[0061] For example, with respect to the measurement results of the ultrasonic sensors 1, the control unit 24 analyzes the signals received by each ultrasonic sensor 1 to obtain information including various reflected waves. With respect to the measurement results of the temperature sensor 40, information on the temperature or water temperature inside the sensor head body 3 is obtained.

[0062] The measurement results of the acceleration sensor 41 include information on the acceleration at the installation location of the acceleration sensor 41 and its movement direction, and from this information, information on the circumferential positions of the four ultrasonic sensors 1 (i.e., the circumferential positions of the pipe wall being measured) and information on the tilt, vibration, positional deviation, etc. of the sensor head 11. Note that the calculation-related processing may be performed by the calculation processing unit 25.

[0063] As a result of the measurement by the distance sensor 42, information on the penetration length from the reference position of the cable 5 is obtained, and from this information, information on the position of each ultrasonic sensor 1 in the X-axis direction from the reference position is obtained.

[0064] The calculation processing unit 25 calculates the thickness of the pipe 4 (step S15) based on information including various reflected waves obtained from the measurement results of the ultrasonic sensor 1. Data indicating the calculated thickness is recorded in the data recording unit 28 together with data indicating the position of the measurement target.

[0065] Display processing unit 26 uses the measurement results of the various sensors and the calculation results of calculation processing unit 25 to create information in various display formats that represent the thickness of each part of pipe 4, the presence or absence of defects, etc. in a form that is easy to see, and displays the created information on display unit 23B (step S16). Note that the user can select one or more display formats to be displayed on display unit 23B from various display formats (various formats of graphs, tables, etc.) prepared in advance via input unit 23A. Display processing unit 26 displays information corresponding to the display format selected by the user on the screen of display unit 23B.

[0066] The control unit 24 determines whether to end the inspection depending on whether processing such as pipe thickness measurement has been completed for all measurement targets in the pipe 4 (step S17). If the inspection is not to be ended (No in step S17), the processing from step S12 is repeated to perform pipe thickness measurement for the remaining measurement targets. On the other hand, if the inspection is to be ended (Yes in step S17), the control unit 24 causes the actuator 31 to stop the rotation of the sensor head main body 3 (step S18).

[0067] Finally, the control unit 24 causes the actuators 31 to close the individual support parts 2 (step S19).

[0068] Next, a specific example of the process of step S16 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0069] Based on information including various reflected waves obtained from the measurement results of the ultrasonic sensor 1, the calculation processing unit 25 extracts the reception timing (arrival time) of each reflected wave used to measure the pipe thickness from within the range indicated by each gate that has been set in advance (step S21).

[0070] Next, the arithmetic processing unit 25 calculates the time difference from the reception timing (arrival time) of each reflected wave obtained within the range indicated by each gate (step S22).

[0071] Finally, the calculation processing unit 25 refers to the known data, obtains the corresponding sound speed from the reception timing, and calculates the thickness of the pipe 4 from the time difference and sound speed (step S23).

[0072] In the explanation up to this point, in order to avoid complicating the explanation, we have not specifically mentioned the reflected waves reflected at the boundary surface between the lining applied to the pipe 4 and the pipe body, but below we will also explain the reflected waves reflected at this boundary surface.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows an example of a specific layer structure of the tube 4.

[0074] 8, the pipe 4 has a lining 4b on the inner diameter side of a pipe body 4a. The pipe body 4a is made of, for example, ductile cast iron. The lining 4b is made of, for example, mortar, hard rubber, or resin.

[0075] The main reflected waves measured are, in order, the reflected wave reflected from the inner surface Q1 of the lining 4b (the inner surface of the pipe 4) (hereinafter referred to as "reflected wave W1"), the reflected wave reflected from the boundary surface Q2 between the pipe main body 4a and the lining 4b (hereinafter referred to as "reflected wave W12"), and the reflected wave reflected from the outer surface Q3 of the pipe main body 4a (the outer surface of the pipe 4) (hereinafter referred to as "reflected wave W2").In addition, there are also reflected waves that are multiple-reflected at the boundary surface Q2 (such as a reflected wave that is reflected at the boundary surface Q2, then reflected at the inner surface Q1, and then reflected again at the boundary surface Q2), and reflected waves that are multiple-reflected at the outer surface Q3, etc.

[0076] (Examples of display processing and images) As described above, the display processing unit 26 uses the measurement results of various sensors and the calculation processing results of the calculation processing unit 25 to create information in various display formats that show the thickness of each part of the pipe 4, the presence or absence of defects, etc. in an easily visible form, and displays the created information on the display unit 23B.

[0077] The user can select one or more display formats to be displayed on the display unit 23B from various display formats (various formats of graphs, tables, etc.) prepared in advance through the input unit 23A. The graphs in the display formats shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described above can also be selected as images to be displayed.

[0078] The display processing unit 26 displays information corresponding to the display format selected by the user on the screen of the display unit 23B.

[0079] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 18, information such as images and tables, such as graphs, in various display formats that the display processing unit 26 can display on the screen of the display unit 23B will be described.

[0080] First display format Fig. 9 shows a display example (part 1) in the first display format. Fig. 10 shows a display example (part 2) in the first display format. Each display can be performed for each measurement point of the pipe 4.

[0081] The display example in Figure 9 shows an image in which a decorated graph in a format known as an A-scan is displayed. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates the radial position of the tube 4 (i.e., the arrival time of the reflected wave), and the vertical axis indicates the signal strength of each reflected wave.

[0082] The graph in FIG. 9 shows various reflected waves including reflected waves W1, W12, and W2.

[0083] The display processing unit 26 displays, in the image, a gate (first range indication information) G1 that indicates the range in which the reflected wave W12 is expected to appear based on known information, and also displays a gate (second range indication information) G2 that indicates the range in which the reflected wave W2 is expected to appear. The gates G1 and G2 are displayed in different colors to make them easy to distinguish.

[0084] As mentioned above, the timing at which the reflected waves from each layer of pipe 4 will arrive can be predicted from known information such as the pipe type, material, and number of years installed, so gates with a certain time width can be set for each reflected wave W12.

[0085] The display processor 26 also displays a line T1 indicating the position of the reflected wave W1 in the image, as well as a line (first position indication information) T2 indicating the position of the reflected wave W12 and a line (second position indication information) T3 indicating the position of the reflected wave W2. In particular, the positions indicated by the lines T2 and T3 are obtained by extracting the reflected waves W12 and W2 from the ranges indicated by the gates G1 and G2 and then determining their respective center positions using the method described in FIG. 5. The lines T1, T2, T3, and T4 are displayed in different colors for easy identification. The line type of each line is not limited to that shown in the figure and may be changed as appropriate, for example, to a thick solid line. The line T4 indicates the position of the reflected wave that is doubly reflected at the boundary surface Q2. The line T4 is located at a position corresponding to twice the time from the line T1 to the line T2.

[0086] The thickness of the pipe body 4a decreases with age, and its outer surface tends to move closer to the boundary surface Q2. That is, in the graph of Figure 9, the position of reflected wave W2 tends to move closer to the position of reflected wave W12. Therefore, the longer the pipe 4 is installed, the closer the left end of gate G2 moves to gate G1, and the wider the predicted time span becomes.

[0087] In the example graph of Figure 9, gates G1 and G2 and their corresponding lines T2 and T3 are displayed in color for easy identification, so the user can easily confirm from the screen that the reflected wave W12 corresponding to the boundary surface Q2 has been properly measured, and that the reflected wave W2 corresponding to the outer surface Q3 has been properly measured.

[0088] Furthermore, in some cases, multiple reflected waves can be seen at gate G2, and decorations can be applied to make these easier to see. In this case, for example, the reflected wave with the second strongest signal (different from reflected wave W2) from gate G2 is extracted. The extracted reflected wave is considered a defect, and a different colored line is displayed for that reflected wave.

[0089] The reflected waves that are multiply reflected at the boundary surface Q2 (hereinafter referred to as "lining multiply reflected waves") appear at a reception timing corresponding to n times the thickness of the lining 4b. In areas where such reflected waves appear, multiple lines similar to line T4 may be displayed in different colors to make their location clear, making the lining multiply reflected waves easier to identify. In this way, it is possible to check whether the reception timing of the reflected waves from the outer surface Q3 of the pipe main body 4a is approaching the reception timing of the lining multiply reflected waves, making it easier to understand the situation.

[0090] Furthermore, if the outer surface Q3 of the pipe body 4a becomes corroded, the reflected wave W2 from the outer surface Q3 may not be measured correctly. In this case, the gate G2 may extract the lining multiple reflected wave. To address this issue, for example, if the following conditions are met: a reflected wave assumed to be the outer surface Q3 reflected wave W2 is located at a reception timing position that is at least a certain distance from the reception timing position of the lining multiple reflected wave, and the measurement result of this reflected wave is not continuous compared to other surrounding reflected waves, it can be determined that the lining multiple reflected wave has been measured. By displaying information indicating this determination result, the user can understand the situation.

[0091] If it is determined that lining multiple reflected waves are being measured, the line T3 may be displayed in a different color than normal, or the line may not be displayed on the graph, but information indicating that lining multiple reflected waves are being measured may be displayed.

[0092] The above-mentioned individual determination processes may be performed by the display processing unit 26, or may be performed by the control unit 24 or the calculation processing unit 25.

[0093] The graph in FIG. 10 shows a different example from the graph in FIG.

[0094] Assuming that the thickness of the tube main body 4a approaches 0 mm, the left end of gate G2 may be set to be located within the range of gate G1, or may be set to be in contact with the range of gate G1. The range of gate G2 may also be set to a range equivalent to the thickness of the tube main body 4a. In this case, the display processing unit 26 may display a gate (dead band range indication information) D in the image indicating the range of a dead band that disables part of the range in which the reflected wave W2 is expected to appear, so that part of the reflected wave W12 is not mistaken for the reflected wave W2.

[0095] In this way, for example, when the wave number of the reflected wave from the boundary surface Q2 is large, the wave near the gate G1 will not be mistakenly perceived as the reflected wave W2 corresponding to the outer surface Q3, and the reflected wave W2 corresponding to the outer surface Q3 will be correctly measured, and this information will be communicated to the user through the screen, giving the user a sense of security.

[0096] Second display format Fig. 11 shows a display example (part 1) in the second display format. Fig. 12 shows a display example (part 2) in the second display format. Fig. 13 shows a display example (part 3) in the second display format.

[0097] 11 is an image showing the signal strength of each reflected wave at each position in the radial and circumferential directions of the pipe 4. The horizontal axis of the image shows the radial position (depth or distance) of the pipe 4, and the vertical axis shows the circumferential position of the pipe 4 (time at which the ultrasonic sensor moved to the position).

[0098] The image in FIG. 11 shows portions B1, B2, and B3 corresponding to the above-mentioned reflected waves W1, W12, and W2.

[0099] The display processing unit 26 displays in the image the portions corresponding to the positive phase and the portions corresponding to the negative phase of each reflected wave in different colors so that they can be distinguished from each other.

[0100] In the example image of Figure 11, the part of the reflected wave signal that corresponds to the negative phase is represented, for example, in blue, the part that corresponds to the positive phase is represented in white, and the other part (background) is represented in black.

[0101] The brightness of a blue hue changes from black to blue to white, and the brightness of a white hue changes from black to gray to white. The colors do not intersect during each phase change, making the change easy to see. However, blue is just an example, and other colors may be used.

[0102] In other words, the colors are divided into the part corresponding to the negative phase of the reflected wave signal, the part corresponding to the positive phase, and the part corresponding to the background. The color scheme is selected from maximum brightness (white), minimum brightness (black), and other hues (colors other than white and black) in the HSL space. Brightness indicates the signal strength of each reflected wave. Saturation is set to 100%, but is not limited to this.

[0103] By doing this, even if positive and negative signals or low frequency signals are included, the presence of such signals can be easily confirmed from the image, and if there is a defect, its presence can be easily found.

[0104] On the other hand, in the example image of FIG. 12, gates G11 and G12 are further displayed in addition to the image of FIG.

[0105] The image in FIG. 12 also shows portions B1, B2, and B3 corresponding to the above-mentioned reflected waves W1, W12, and W2.

[0106] That is, the display processing unit 26 displays a gate G11 in the image, which indicates the range in which the reflected wave W12 is expected to appear based on known information, and also displays a gate G12 in which the reflected wave W2 is expected to appear. As with the gates G1 and G2 described above, the gates G11 and G12 are displayed in different colors to make them easy to distinguish.

[0107] Furthermore, the method of using the gate G3, gate D, and lines T1, T2, T3, and T4 in addition to the gates G1 and G2 described above may be applied to this example as appropriate.

[0108] 13 is an image showing the signal intensity of each reflected wave at each position on a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 4. The horizontal axis of the image indicates the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction), and the vertical axis indicates the Z-direction (height direction).

[0109] The image in FIG. 13 shows portions B11, B12, and B13 corresponding to the reflected waves W1, W12, and W2 described above.

[0110] As with the image in Fig. 12, the display processing unit 26 displays the portions corresponding to the positive phase and the negative phase of each reflected wave in different colors so that they can be distinguished from each other in the image in Fig. 13. Details of the changes in brightness, color scheme, and saturation in this case have already been described.

[0111] By doing this, even if positive and negative signals or low frequency signals are included, the presence of such signals can be easily confirmed from the image, and if there is a defect, its presence can be easily found.

[0112] Third display format FIG. 14 shows a display example in the third display format.

[0113] The display processing unit 26 displays, for each ultrasonic sensor, information that numerically represents the positions of at least the inner surface Q1, boundary surface Q12, and outer surface 2 of the pipe 4, as well as the thickness of each layer, and, if there is a defect in the pipe 4, displays information that numerically represents the position of the defect on the screen of the display unit 23B. This information is displayed in a table format.

[0114] Specifically, the table shown in FIG. 14 has various items such as "Serial," "Scan," "Ch," "Inner surface, us, mm," "Boundary, us, mm," "Outer surface, us, mm," "Defect, us, mm," "Distance mm," and "Angle," and specific numerical information on these items is listed for each ultrasonic sensor.

[0115] "Serial" indicates a number that identifies each measurement point. "Scan" indicates the number of measurement points. "Ch" indicates a number that identifies each ultrasonic sensor.

[0116] "Inner surface, us, mm" indicates the distance (millimeters) from the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic sensor 1 to the inner surface Q1, the time difference (microseconds), and the distance taking into account the speed of sound in the propagation path.

[0117] "Boundary, us, mm" indicates the number of points from the inner surface Q1 to the boundary surface Q2, the time difference (microseconds), and the thickness (millimeters) of the lining 4b taking into account the sound speed in the propagation path.

[0118] "Outer surface, us, mm" indicates the thickness (millimeters) of the tube body 4a taking into account the number of points from the boundary surface Q2 to the outer surface Q3, the time difference (microseconds), and the sound speed in the propagation path.

[0119] Regarding the speed of sound, "inner surface, us, mm" refers to the speed of water, "boundary, us, mm" refers to the speed of sound of the material of the lining 4b, and "outer surface, us, mm" refers to the speed of sound of the material of the pipe body 4a, i.e., ductile cast iron.

[0120] "Defect, us, mm" indicates the number of points from interface Q2 to the defect (the point corresponding to the reflected wave extracted from gate G2 as the second strongest signal, as mentioned above), the time difference (microseconds), and the distance (millimeters) to the defect, taking into account the speed of sound in the propagation path. If there is no defect, the values ​​are entered as "0.0 / 0.00 / 0 / 0."

[0121] "Distance mm" indicates the penetration length of the cable 5 from the reference position.

[0122] The "angle" is the angle representing the circumferential position of the pipe wall that is the measurement target of the ultrasonic sensor 1 for each channel. In other words, it indicates the angle formed by a line segment pointing in a predetermined direction (for example, the Z direction) with the axial center of the sensor head main body 3 as the reference, and a line segment pointing in the direction where the ultrasonic sensor 1 is located.

[0123] By displaying the inspection results in the form of a table with specific numerical values ​​in this way, it is possible to grasp the state of each layer, the presence or absence of defects, and the location of defects if any.

[0124] Fourth display format FIG. 15 shows a display example in the fourth display format.

[0125] The image shown in Fig. 15 (dashed line) shows the signal intensity of each reflected wave at each position on a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of pipe 4. The horizontal axis of the image indicates the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction), and the vertical axis indicates the Z-direction (height direction). The image defined by the X-axis and Y-axis shown in Fig. 15 reflects the values ​​measured by acceleration sensor 41.

[0126] The image in FIG. 15 shows portions B21, B22, and B23 corresponding to the above-mentioned reflected waves W1, W12, and W2.

[0127] The display processing unit 26 displays the portions B21, B22, and B23 corresponding to the reflected waves W1, W12, and W2 in the image in different colors so that they can be distinguished.

[0128] Furthermore, if there is a defect in the tube 4, the display processing unit 26 displays the corresponding portion in the image in a predetermined color. The position of the defect in the image can be determined, for example, from the information "Defect, us, mm" in the table described in FIG. 14. As shown in the example image of FIG. 15, the defective portion B30 is displayed in a color (e.g., yellow) different from the other portions. This makes it easier for the user to understand from the screen where the defect is located in the tube 4.

[0129] In the case of water pipes, the thickness of the lining 4b and pipe body 4a is relatively thin compared to the diameter, making it difficult to see corroded areas when displayed at actual scale. Therefore, it is desirable to change the scale so that the thickness of the pipe body 4a is thicker so that defects are easier to see. For example, in the case of a type 1 ductile cast iron pipe with a nominal diameter of 100, the thickness of the pipe body 4a is 7.5 mm, but this is scaled down to, for example, 10 mm or 11 mm. Not only the thickness of the pipe body 4a, but also the thickness of the lining 4b and the distance from the ultrasonic sensor 1 to the inner surface Q1 are scaled down in the same way.

[0130] It is also desirable to display a mark in the image so that the direction of measurement can be determined. In the example image of FIG. 9, the direction of measurement is indicated by four white lines D and a dashed circle. It is also desirable to display a mark at the center position of the rotation of the sensor head 11. In the example image of FIG. 9, the center position of the rotation of the sensor head 11 is indicated by a "+" mark C. This makes it possible to visually check whether the rotation axis of the sensor head 11 is misaligned with respect to the pipe 4.

[0131] Additionally, it is desirable to display the portions of the image corresponding to the measurement results of the inner surface Q1, boundary surface Q2, and outer surface Q3, i.e., portions B21, B22, and B23 corresponding to the reflected waves W1, W12, and W2, in different colors, as mentioned above. In this case, for the outer surface Q3, it is desirable to display the thinned portions (portions with a specified thickness) in a different color from the others, and to display even thinner portions in a different color from the others. This makes it easier to see how the outer surface is thinning. The thickness for which the color is changed may reflect the corrosion depth indicated in the deterioration level ranking specified in the Water Supply Maintenance Guidelines. When corrosion depth is indicated by color, the corrosion depth is calculated from the difference from the nearby normal range. When thickness is indicated by color, the corrosion depth and the remaining thickness of the ductile cast iron pipe are calculated.

[0132] The measurement results shown in the image of FIG. 9 may be displayed together with a plurality of measurement results with a certain margin of, for example, ±5 [mm] or ±10 [mm] in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 4.

[0133] In addition to the measurement results for the inner surface Q1, the boundary surface Q2, and the outer surface Q3, information indicating the positions of the reflected waves reflected multiple times by each layer, such as the lining multiple reflected waves, may be superimposed and displayed.

[0134] If there are four ultrasonic sensors 1 as in this example, the four measurement results are displayed together in one image. If the user wants to see the measurement results of a specific channel, they can select that channel and only the measurement results of that channel will be displayed. Also, if they deselect that channel, the display of the measurement results of that channel may be canceled.

[0135] 5th display format FIG. 16 shows a display example in the fifth display format.

[0136] The image shown in Figure 16 shows the thickness of the pipe body 4a in the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the pipe 4. The horizontal axis of the image indicates the longitudinal direction of the pipe 4, and the vertical axis indicates the circumferential direction of the pipe 4. The image shows a development of the wall surface of the pipe 4 onto a flat surface. Mark Q in the image indicates the position being measured, and range A indicates the area that has already been measured.

[0137] The display processing unit 26 displays the difference in thickness of the tube main body 4a in different colors in the image.

[0138] Furthermore, if there is a defect in the tube 4, the display processing unit 26 displays the corresponding part in the image in a predetermined color. The position of the defect in the image can be obtained from the information "Defect, us, mm" in the table explained in Fig. 14, for example. In this way, the user can easily grasp from the screen where the defect is located in the tube 4.

[0139] If there are four ultrasonic sensors 1 as in this example, the four measurement results are displayed together in one image. If the user wants to see the measurement results of a specific channel, they can select that channel and only the measurement results of that channel will be displayed. Also, if they deselect that channel, the display of the measurement results of that channel may be canceled.

[0140] The measurement results are reflected in the development diagram in real time, and the measured areas are colored in sequentially. Unmeasured areas in the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the pipe 4 are not colored, so the user can easily identify areas that have not been measured.

[0141] 6th display format FIG. 17 shows a display example in the sixth display format.

[0142] The image of the graph shown in FIG. 17 is an image showing the positions of the inner surface Q1, the boundary surface Q2, and the outer surface Q3 in the longitudinal and radial directions of the pipe 4.

[0143] The display processing unit 26 uses different colors to indicate the differences in the positions of the inner surface Q1, the boundary surface Q2, and the outer surface Q3 in the graph. A mark R in the image indicates the position of the measurement object.

[0144] The vertical axis of the graph indicates the distance or time from a reference position in the radial direction of the pipe 4 (ultrasonic wave arrival time), and the horizontal axis indicates the distance or time from a reference position in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 4 (elapsed inspection time).

[0145] That is, either "distance" or "time (ultrasound wave arrival time)" can be selectively used on the vertical axis, and either "distance" or "time (elapsed examination time)" can be selectively used on the horizontal axis.

[0146] Therefore, when displaying a graph, one of four display formats can be selectively adopted. The user can freely select one of the four display formats by performing a predetermined input operation on the screen.

[0147] If there are four ultrasonic sensors 1 as in this example, the four measurement results are displayed together in one image. If the user wants to see the measurement results of a specific channel, they can select that channel and only the measurement results of that channel will be displayed. Also, if they deselect that channel, the display of the measurement results of that channel may be canceled.

[0148] 7th display format FIG. 18 shows a display example in the seventh display format.

[0149] The display processing unit 26 displays an image of a graph showing the inclination of the sensor head 11 on which the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted, which changes over time.

[0150] The horizontal axis of the graph represents time (elapsed inspection time) in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 4, and the vertical axis represents the tilt angle of the sensor head 11 and the temperature. The tilt angle of the sensor head 11 is obtained from the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 41. The temperature corresponds to the temperature or water temperature inside the sensor head main body 3 measured by the temperature sensor 40.

[0151] The graph in FIG. 18 shows angles XM, YM, and ZM in the three axis directions, angle S defined by these three angles, and temperature V.

[0152] 18 is the angle of inclination (angle with respect to the reference direction) of the sensor head 11 measured by the acceleration sensor 41. The angle S is determined from the angles (angles with respect to the reference direction) XM, YM, and ZM of the acceleration directions in the three axial directions that define the angle.

[0153] 18 indicates how much the tip of the sensor head 11 is drooping, and when the sensor head 11 rotates, the distance to the inner surface of the entire circumference indicates the deviation between the rotation axis of the sensor head 11 and the central axis of the pipe 4. For example, when the drooping angle of the sensor head 11 and the deviation from the center exceed a certain level, information indicating that the sensor head 11 is tilted may be displayed on the screen.

[0154] To check the vibration of the sensor head 11, the frequency is calculated from the amplitude of each axis of the acceleration sensor 41. If the amplitude is large, it will affect the tilt of the sensor head 11, so if the amplitude exceeds a certain level, information indicating that the amplitude is large may be displayed on the screen.

[0155] Regarding the vibration of the sensor head 11 due to the flow of water, the relationship between the frequency and the flow velocity may be grasped in advance, and an estimated value of the flow velocity may be calculated from the frequency and displayed on the screen.

[0156] For example, if the angles YM and ZM show that the sensor head 11 is in the center and tilted in the X-axis direction, the pipe 4 will be placed in an inclined position, so it is desirable to check the installation status of the pipe 4 that is placed.

[0157] The information such as the graphs and tables described above can be displayed using an editing function that is pre-installed in the information processing device 100, allowing the user to appropriately change various parameters such as the sound velocity, threshold value, gate width, etc., and reflect the reset parameters in the graphs, tables, etc. Furthermore, the video playback function that is pre-installed in the information processing device 100 allows the measurement results to be played back. By playing back the measurement results, it is possible to reproduce the state in which the measurement is actually being performed.

[0158] As described above in detail, according to the embodiment, it is possible to easily grasp the location of an abnormality in a pipe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1...ultrasonic sensor, 2...support part, 3...sensor head main body, 4...pipe, 5...cable, 6...connection device, 7...repair valve, 11...sensor head, 20...processor, 21...transmitter / receiver circuit, 22...data acquisition part, 23A...input part, 23B...display part, 24...control part, 25...arithmetic processing part, 26...display processing part, 27...memory, 28...data recording part, 29...known data holding part, 30...actuator control circuit, 31...actuator, 40...temperature sensor, 41...acceleration sensor, 42...distance sensor, 100...information processing device.

Claims

1. and a display processing unit that displays, on a screen of a display device, an image decorated to enhance the visibility of at least the thickness of the pipe, in response to information indicating a plurality of reflected waves obtained by an ultrasonic sensor transmitting ultrasonic waves to the pipe inside the pipe. Information processing device.

2. The plurality of reflected waves include a first reflected wave reflected on the inner surface of the pipe, a second reflected wave reflected on the outer surface of the pipe, and a third reflected wave reflected on the interface between the lining and the pipe body of the pipe. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the image is an image showing a relationship between a radial position of the pipe and signal intensities of the plurality of reflected waves; the display processing unit displays, in the image, range indication information indicating a range in which the third reflected wave is expected to appear based on known information, and also displays range indication information indicating a range in which the second reflected wave is expected to appear. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the display processing unit displays, in the image, position indication information indicating the position of the third reflected wave and position indication information indicating the position of the second reflected wave. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the display processing unit displays, in the image, dead zone range indication information indicating the range of a dead zone that disables part of the range in which the second reflected wave is expected to appear, so that part of the third reflected wave is not mistaken for the second reflected wave.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the image is an image showing signal intensities of the plurality of reflected waves at each position in the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the pipe; the display processing unit displays in the image a portion corresponding to a positive phase of the plurality of reflected waves and a portion corresponding to a negative phase of the plurality of reflected waves in different colors so that the portions can be distinguished from each other. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. the display processing unit displays, in the image, range indication information indicating a range in which the third reflected wave is expected to appear based on known information, and also displays range indication information indicating a range in which the second reflected wave is expected to appear. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the image is an image showing signal intensities of the plurality of reflected waves at each position on a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe, the display processing unit displays in the image a portion corresponding to a positive phase of the plurality of reflected waves and a portion corresponding to a negative phase of the plurality of reflected waves in different colors so that the portions can be distinguished from each other. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

9. the display processing unit displays, as numerical values, information on the positions of at least the inner surface, the outer surface, and the boundary surface of the pipe and the thickness of each layer, and, if there is a defect in the pipe, displays information on the position of the defect as a numerical value. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

10. the image is an image showing signal intensities of the plurality of reflected waves at each position on a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe, the display processing unit displays portions of the image corresponding to the first reflected wave, the second reflected wave, and the third reflected wave in different colors so that the portions can be distinguished from each other. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

11. the image is an image showing the thickness of the pipe body in the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction of the pipe; The display processing unit displays differences in thickness of the tube body in different colors in the image. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

12. If there is a defect in the tube, the display processing unit displays the corresponding part in the image in a predetermined color. The information processing device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. the image is an image showing the positions of the inner surface, the outer surface, and the boundary surface in the longitudinal direction and the radial direction of the pipe, the display processing unit expresses differences in the positions of the inner surface, the outer surface, and the boundary surface in different colors in the image; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

14. the vertical axis of the image represents a distance from a reference position in the radial direction of the tube or an ultrasonic wave arrival time; The horizontal axis of the image indicates the distance from a reference position in the longitudinal direction of the tube or the elapsed time of the inspection. The information processing device according to claim 13.

15. The display processing unit displaying information indicating the tilt of a sensor head equipped with the ultrasonic sensor, which changes over time; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

16. A pipe inspection method including displaying, on a display device screen, an image decorated to enhance the visibility of at least the thickness of the pipe, in response to information indicating a plurality of reflected waves obtained when an ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic waves to the pipe inside the pipe, using an information processing device.

17. On the computer, A program for realizing the function of displaying on the screen of a display device an image decorated to enhance the visibility of at least the thickness of the pipe, in response to information indicating multiple reflected waves obtained when an ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic waves to the pipe inside the pipe.

Images