Water pressure monitoring device, water pressure monitoring system, and water pressure monitoring method

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of appropriately detecting an abnormality in water pressure.SOLUTION: A water pressure monitoring device according to the present disclosure includes a measurement value acquisition unit configured to acquire a measured water pressure value at any interval, a monitoring condition storage unit configured to store threshold information defining a normal range of a water pressure and an allowable number of times that is a number of times that a water pressure value out of the normal range is allowed to occur, and a determination unit configured to determine a state of the water pressure. The determination unit compares the water pressure value with the threshold value information, counts the number of times of occurrence when a case where it is determined that the water pressure value is out of the normal range occurs continuously with respect to an upper limit or a lower limit of the normal range, and determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of times of occurrence reaches the allowable number of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water pressure monitoring device, a water pressure monitoring system, and a water pressure monitoring method. [Background technology]

[0002] Gravity-flow water facilities distribute water by taking advantage of the difference in elevation, from a reservoir installed at a higher elevation to consumers located at lower elevations. Therefore, to ensure a stable supply, it is necessary to maintain appropriate water pressure in the distribution pipes, which requires technology to monitor water pressure in real time, such as pressure-reducing valves installed along the pipes.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a water pressure monitoring device that increases the ease and safety of checking the normal operation of a pressure reducing valve by providing pressure gauges on the ground or at the surface of the earth that allow the water pressure in the distribution pipe and the water pressure in the supply pipe to be visible, and that does not require the installation of measuring equipment that requires electricity.The water pressure monitoring device in Patent Document 1 connects a pipe (4) for carrying clean water on the distribution pipe side and a pipe (5) for carrying clean water on the supply pipe side to the clean water inlet on the distribution pipe side and the clean water outlet on the supply pipe side of the pressure reducing valve (3), respectively, and provides pressure gauges (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) at the end of each pipe that can be seen on the ground.

[0004] In addition, one of the applicants has developed and implemented a water pressure monitoring system that can remotely monitor the water pressure in small water distribution pipes in real time, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-353242 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hitachi Systems, Ltd., "Providing IoT water pressure monitoring devices to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks for installation at 120 fire hydrants in Tokyo," [online], April 15, 2022, [Retrieved June 5, 2023], Internet<URL: https: / / www.hitachi-systems.com / news / 2022 / 20220415.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In order to maintain an appropriate water pressure in distribution pipes, pressure reducing valves are sometimes installed in distribution pipes. Such pressure reducing valves are usually used to reduce the pressure on the primary side and maintain an appropriate water pressure on the secondary side. However, it is known that hunting, where the water pressure fluctuates unstably, can occur due to constant changes in water usage and the valve opening. Hunting is a phenomenon that occurs under normal operating conditions, but water pressure monitoring systems often cannot distinguish whether it is a phenomenon that occurs under normal operating conditions or a phenomenon that is caused by an abnormality in the equipment. However, such a problem is not considered in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, the above problem is not considered in Non-Patent Document 1 either. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can appropriately detect abnormalities in water pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, one representative water pressure monitoring device of the present invention comprises a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals, a monitoring condition memory unit that stores threshold information that defines the normal range of water pressure and the allowable number of times that water pressure values ​​outside the normal range are allowable to occur, and a judgment unit that judges the state of water pressure.The judgment unit compares the water pressure value with the threshold information, and counts the number of times that the water pressure value is judged to be outside the normal range when the number of occurrences occurs consecutively at either the upper or lower limit of the normal range, and judges that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, abnormalities in water pressure can be detected appropriately. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing monitoring of water pressure in a conventional water pressure monitoring device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water pressure monitoring system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration and data flow of the water pressure monitoring system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing water pressure monitoring in the water pressure monitoring system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of abnormality transmission and regular transmission among the flowcharts of water pressure monitoring. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the monitoring condition information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the monitoring information display unit of the UI unit of the terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing monitoring of water pressure in the water pressure monitoring device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water pressure monitoring system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing water pressure monitoring in the water pressure monitoring system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the monitoring condition information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numerals with different subscripts.

[0012] In this disclosure, water pressure hunting refers to a state in which the water pressure fluctuates unstably up and down due to a continuous change in the opening of the pressure reducing valve.

[0013] <Conventional example> A method for dealing with a hunting state in water pressure monitoring in a conventional example will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing monitoring of water pressure in a water pressure monitoring device in a conventional example.

[0014] In Figure 1, the horizontal axis represents water pressure over time, and the vertical axis represents water pressure value. The solid line WP indicates the expected change in water pressure. Water pressure values ​​are acquired at a predetermined interval P1, and t0 to t7 represent the time when the water pressure was measured. When the water pressure monitoring device detects that the acquired water pressure value is outside the normal range defined by thresholds W1 and W2, it determines that an abnormality has occurred and sends a notification of the abnormality to the monitoring device (hereinafter also referred to as an "abnormality notification").

[0015] Measurements at times t1, t4, and t5 detect water pressure values ​​exceeding threshold value W1. Measurement at time t2 detects water pressure values ​​below threshold value W2. In either case, the water pressure monitoring device determines that an abnormality has occurred and notifies the monitoring device of the abnormality.

[0016] Here, the water pressure waveform between time t0 and time t2 shows a state in which hunting has occurred. Hunting is an expected phenomenon during normal operation, but during hunting the waveform may fluctuate greatly, causing the water pressure value to deviate from the normal range. On the other hand, in an expected abnormality, as shown in the water pressure waveform between time t3 and time t6, the water pressure value will either rise (biased toward the high pressure side) or fall (biased toward the low pressure side). When measurements are taken at specified intervals, it is not possible to determine the cause: whether the measurements are of the oscillating water pressure during hunting or of the water pressure when the abnormality occurred.

[0017] [First embodiment] (Outline of configuration) The configuration of the water pressure monitoring system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the water pressure monitoring system. The water pressure monitoring system 1 comprises a plurality of water pressure monitoring devices 1001 to 100 N (N is a positive integer), a data server 400, and a terminal device 500. Note that the mobile phone base station 200 and carrier (communication line operator) 300 are shown to provide a detailed explanation of the path for sending and receiving data in the water pressure monitoring system 1. The mobile phone base station 200 and carrier 300 are not included in the configuration of the water pressure monitoring system 1.

[0018] The water pressure monitoring device 1001 includes a pressure sensor 110, a power supply unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The water pressure monitoring device 1001 is placed in a buried chamber where a pressure reducing valve is installed, a buried chamber where an air valve of a water supply facility or a fire hydrant is installed, or a buried chamber prepared for measuring water pressure.

[0019] The water pressure monitoring system 1 includes a plurality of water pressure monitoring devices 1001 to 100 N Therefore, in the following description, the water pressure monitoring device designated as the monitoring target will be described, and will be referred to as water pressure monitoring device 100.

[0020] The pressure sensor 110 measures the water pressure downstream of a pressure reducing valve in a water distribution pipe in which the pressure reducing valve is installed. The pressure sensor 110 may be, for example, a semiconductor diaphragm pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 110 may include a detector and a converter, and converts an analog pressure signal into a digital value. The digitized pressure value is acquired by a communication unit. The pressure sensor 110 may be, for example, equipped with a battery and powered by the battery.

[0021] The power supply unit 120 supplies power to the pressure sensor 110 and the communication unit 130, which will be described later. The power supply unit 120 can use, for example, an alkaline battery as its power source. That is, the communication unit 130 is driven by receiving power from the battery-powered power supply unit 120.

[0022] The communication unit 130 transmits the water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 110 to the data server 400 (described later). The communication unit 130 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as NB-IoT (Narrow Band-IoT) or LTE-M, which is a cellular LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication method, and transmits information indicating the water pressure value to the data server 400 via a communication line provided by the mobile phone base station 200 and the carrier 300. The communication unit 130 can also periodically transmit water pressure value data acquired at a predetermined first interval (e.g., every minute) at a predetermined second interval (e.g., every hour). The above-mentioned communication standard enables power-saving operation, and periodic transmission can reduce power consumption. The communication unit 130 is not limited to periodic transmission, and can also transmit immediately if an abnormality occurs.

[0023] As a communication standard, non-cellular LPWA such as eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication), LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) (registered trademark), and sigfox (registered trademark) can also be applied.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the pressure sensor 110, the power supply unit 120, and the communication unit 130 are installed as a single unit in a water pipe, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present disclosure can be applied to any configuration that has a measurement function, a communication function, and a power supply function.

[0025] The data server 400 stores data transmitted and received between the water pressure monitoring device 100 and the terminal device 500. In addition, the data server 400 provides the stored data to the terminal device 500 in response to a request sent from the terminal device 500. Note that the data server 400 is not limited to being configured as hardware, and may also be configured to use a server function provided by a cloud service.

[0026] The terminal device 500 is operated by a user of the water pressure monitoring system 1. A PC, tablet device, or the like can be used as the terminal device 500. Through the user interface of the terminal device 500, the user can understand the monitoring status acquired by the water pressure monitoring system 1 and change the monitoring conditions.

[0027] (Data flow in the system) The flow of data between the components included in the water pressure monitoring system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram that schematically shows the configuration and data flow of the water pressure monitoring system. In the water pressure monitoring device 100, the pressure sensor 110 measures the water pressure value and transmits it to the communication unit 130. Equipment status information indicating the status of the pressure sensor 110 is also acquired by the communication unit 130.

[0028] The power supply unit 120 supplies power to the communication unit 130. The communication unit 130 acquires the remaining battery charge of the power supply unit 120. Note that although the pressure sensor 110 is shown as being battery-powered, the present disclosure is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the power supply unit 120 to supply power to the pressure sensor 110.

[0029] The communication unit 130 includes a measurement value acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, and a monitoring condition storage unit 133. The measurement value acquisition unit 131 acquires measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals. In addition to water pressure values, the measurement value acquisition unit 131 acquires device status information, which indicates the state of the pressure sensor 110, and the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 120. The arbitrary interval can be set as appropriate by the user. For example, acquisition of water pressure values ​​may be triggered by the water pressure value exceeding a predetermined value. In the following description, a case where the arbitrary interval is a predetermined interval is exemplified, but the present disclosure is not limited to this case. For example, it is possible to configure the timing of execution of each process, namely, water pressure value measurement by the pressure sensor 110, water pressure value acquisition by the measurement value acquisition unit 131, and determination by the determination unit 132 (described later), to be set separately for each process.

[0030] The determination unit 132 determines the state of the water pressure. Specifically, the determination unit 132 compares the water pressure value with threshold information (described later) at the timing of water pressure measurement, and counts the number of times that the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range when the water pressure value is determined to be outside either the upper or lower limit of the normal range consecutively, and determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches an allowable number. The determination conditions are acquired from the monitoring condition storage unit 133 (described later). The detailed determination method will be described later.

[0031] The monitoring condition storage unit 133 stores monitoring conditions for the water pressure state. Specifically, the monitoring condition storage unit 133 stores threshold value information that defines the normal range of water pressure and the allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur. The water pressure threshold value information and information indicating the allowable number of times are set by the user via the terminal device 500, as will be described later.

[0032] The communication unit 134 transmits and receives data to and from the data server 400. When the communication unit 134 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water pressure state, it transmits an abnormality notification to the data server 400. Specifically, the communication unit 134 transmits abnormality information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the water pressure state to the data server 400. The abnormality information includes, for example, the detected water pressure value and warning information indicating the occurrence of an abnormality.

[0033] In addition to the anomaly information transmitted when an abnormality occurs, the communication unit 134 also transmits periodic information. For example, if the arbitrary interval is a predetermined interval, the communication unit 134 transmits the water pressure value determined by the determination unit 132 to be within the normal range to the data server 400 at a predetermined transmission interval that is longer than the predetermined interval.

[0034] The communication unit 134 also receives monitoring condition information, including water pressure threshold information and the allowable number of times, from a data server 400, which will be described later.

[0035] The measurement value acquisition unit 131, the determination unit 132, and the communication unit 134 each have a timer function, and are able to perform the above-described operations at any interval, predetermined measurement, and predetermined transmission intervals. Although the measurement value acquisition unit 131, the determination unit 132, and the communication unit 134 each have a timer function, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The timer function may also be configured to be shared by the communication unit 130.

[0036] The data server 400 includes a monitoring information storage unit 410 and a monitoring target setting unit 420. The monitoring information storage unit 410 stores monitoring information, which is information transmitted from the communication unit 130. Specifically, the monitoring information includes water pressure values, equipment status information, and remaining battery power. The monitoring information storage unit 410 also stores abnormality information. The monitoring target setting unit 420 sets the water pressure monitoring devices 1001 to 100 N The identification information and monitoring condition information of the water pressure monitoring device to be monitored are stored.

[0037] The terminal device 500 includes a receiving unit 510 and a UI (user interface) unit 520. The receiving unit 510 receives anomaly information. Specifically, software such as a mailer is applied as the receiving unit 510. The notification is made in a manner that allows the user to intuitively grasp the occurrence of an anomaly by including an indication such as "anomaly has occurred" in the text message. Any other configuration having an alert function that allows the user to recognize that anomaly information has been received can be applied as the receiving unit 510.

[0038] To explain the UI unit 520 in more detail, the UI unit 520 includes a monitoring information display unit 521 and a monitoring condition input unit 522. The monitoring information display unit 521 displays to the user the monitoring information (i.e., including water pressure values, equipment status information, and remaining battery power) stored in the data server 400. The monitoring condition input unit 522 also accepts input of identification information and monitoring conditions for the water pressure monitoring device to be monitored.

[0039] Although the communication unit 130 is shown as a functional block having a storage function for each piece of information to be stored, such as the measurement value acquisition unit 131 and the monitoring condition storage unit 133, the present disclosure is not limited to this. A configuration having a single storage device is also possible. The same applies to the monitoring information storage unit 410 and the monitoring target setting unit 420 of the data server 400. The data server 400 also functions as a web server and an AP server, and is able to respond to requests from the terminal device 500. The water pressure monitoring system 1 can also be configured to have a web server and an AP server. Furthermore, the data server 400 and the terminal device 500 each have a communication function, and a communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication is applied between the data server 400 and the terminal device 500.

[0040] (Processing in water pressure monitoring system) The processing procedure in the water pressure monitoring system will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of water pressure monitoring in the water pressure monitoring system. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of abnormality transmission and regular transmission in the water pressure monitoring flowchart.

[0041] A user of the water pressure monitoring system 1 sets the identification information and monitoring condition information of the water pressure monitoring device 100 to be monitored via the terminal device 500. The terminal device 500 transmits the monitoring condition information and the identification information of the water pressure monitoring device to the data server 400 (step S1).

[0042] The data server 400 stores the monitoring condition information and identification information transmitted from the terminal device 500 in the monitoring target setting unit 420. The data server 400 transmits the monitoring condition information to the water pressure monitoring device, which is the target device designated by the identification information (step S2).

[0043] The water pressure monitoring device 100 sets the monitoring conditions based on the received monitoring condition information (step S3). Specifically, the monitoring condition storage unit 133 updates the threshold information and the allowable number of times based on the monitoring condition information. The measurement value acquisition unit 131 and communication unit 134 also set the predetermined interval and transmission interval specified in the monitoring condition information and initialize the timer information to 0. The determination unit 132 initializes the occurrence count, which is the number of consecutive measurements of water pressure values ​​outside the normal range relative to the upper or lower limit of the normal water pressure range, to 0. After the monitoring condition setting process (step S3) has been performed, the water pressure monitoring device 100 begins the water pressure monitoring process. When the process begins, the timer function is activated and timing is measured using the timer information.

[0044] After a predetermined interval has elapsed (step S4), the water pressure value is measured by the pressure sensor 110 (step S5), and the measurement value acquisition unit 131 receives the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor 110 and acquires the water pressure value (step S6).

[0045] The determination unit 132 compares the water pressure value with the threshold value information (step S7). The comparison of the water pressure value with the threshold value information is performed sequentially for the acquired water pressure values. Therefore, the comparison interval is approximately equal to a predetermined interval. Furthermore, if the water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 110 is constantly acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 131, the comparison of the water pressure value with the threshold value information in step S7 is performed at predetermined intervals.

[0046] If the water pressure value is equal to or less than the upper threshold value (No in step S7), the determination unit 132 initializes the number of occurrences (i.e., assigns 0 to the number of occurrences) (step S8). The measurement value acquisition unit 131 stores the water pressure value and maintains the stored state (step S15).

[0047] If the water pressure value is greater than the upper threshold value (Yes in step S7), the determination unit 132 determines whether the number of occurrences has reached the allowable number (step S9). If the number of occurrences has not reached the allowable number (No in step S9), the determination unit 132 adds 1 to the number of occurrences (step S10). The measurement value acquisition unit 131 stores the water pressure value and maintains the stored state (step S15).

[0048] On the other hand, if the number of occurrences has reached the allowable number (Yes in step S9), the communication unit 130 performs an abnormality transmission (step S11). As shown in Fig. 5(a), in the abnormality transmission process, the determination unit 132 causes the communication unit 134 to transmit abnormality information (step S111). In addition, the determination unit 132 initializes the number of occurrences (step S112).

[0049] After the communication unit 130 has performed the abnormality transmission, the data server 400 receives the abnormality information from the communication unit 134 (step S12).

[0050] Based on the received anomaly information, the terminal device 500 notifies the UI unit 520 of the anomaly (step S13). Furthermore, the terminal device 500 notifies the user of the anomaly information via the receiving unit 510 (step S14).

[0051] The measurement value acquisition unit 131 determines whether a predetermined transmission interval has elapsed (step S16). If the transmission interval has elapsed (Yes in step S16), the communication unit 130 performs periodic transmission (step S17). As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the periodic transmission process, the determination unit 132 causes the communication unit 134 to transmit, to the data server 400, information indicating the water pressure values ​​stored in the measurement value acquisition unit 131 during the transmission interval (step S171). Furthermore, the communication unit 134, determination unit 132, and measurement value acquisition unit 131 initialize the timer information to 0 (step S172).

[0052] After the periodic transmission is completed, the measurement value acquisition unit 131 can also erase the information indicating the stored water pressure values. By erasing the data once, it is possible to ensure storage capacity for subsequently acquired water pressure values. Since there is no need to secure more storage capacity than necessary for the measurement value acquisition unit 131, it is possible to reduce the cost required for the communication unit 130. The timing for erasing data is not limited to every periodic transmission, but can be set as appropriate.

[0053] The data server 400 receives monitoring information from the measurement value acquisition unit 131 of the communication unit 130 (step S18). The monitoring information includes the water pressure information transmitted by the periodic transmission (step S17). The measurement value acquisition unit 131 can also acquire device status information indicating the status of the pressure sensor 110 and the remaining battery power of the power supply unit 120, and transmit these together with the monitoring information.

[0054] The data server 400 transmits the monitoring information in response to a request from the terminal device 500. The terminal device 500 presents the monitoring information to the user (step S19).

[0055] The water pressure is monitored in steps S4 to S19 until the monitoring conditions are newly set (steps S1 to S3).

[0056] Since an abnormality in water pressure occurs when the water pressure value is biased toward either the high or low pressure side, at least two thresholds are set to indicate the upper and lower limits of the normal range for detecting abnormalities. If the processing from steps S7 to S11 is considered an abnormality determination process, the abnormality determination process is performed for each threshold. For the upper threshold, the abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 4 is performed, but for the lower threshold, the abnormality determination process is performed after changing the comparison in step S7 to "water pressure value < threshold value." In the following explanation, we will describe the case where the water pressure value is greater than the upper threshold, but we will omit the explanation for the case where the water pressure value is less than the lower threshold. However, the same explanation as for the upper threshold can be applied to the case where the water pressure value is greater than the upper threshold.

[0057] (Example of monitoring condition information) The monitoring condition information will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the monitoring condition information. A user of the water pressure monitoring system 1 sets the monitoring condition information 523 via the monitoring condition input unit 522 of the terminal device 500.

[0058] The monitoring condition information 523 includes a management ID, monitoring station number, address, reception interval, measurement interval, and the allowable number of hunting attempts. The management ID "XXXXX" is identification information assigned to the water pressure monitoring device. By specifying the management ID, it is possible to specify which of multiple water pressure monitoring devices to monitor. The monitoring station number "YYYYZZZZ" is information that identifies the terminal device 500. The address "C, B, District A, City Z" indicates the installation location of the water pressure monitoring device corresponding to the management ID. The reception interval "60 minutes" specifies the interval at which regular transmissions are received from the water pressure monitoring device, and corresponds to the specified transmission interval in the above explanation. The monitoring station number and address are identification information for the water pressure monitoring device. The measurement interval "1 minute" corresponds to the specified interval in the above explanation. The predetermined interval is the interval at which the measurement value acquisition unit 131 of the communication unit 130 acquires the value of the pressure sensor 110, but it is considered easier for users to understand this as the interval at which measurements are made by the pressure sensor 110, so it is expressed as the measurement interval. The allowable number of hunting attempts "3 times" corresponds to the allowable number of attempts in the above explanation. The threshold value (upper limit) "0.4" is the upper limit threshold value used when determining whether there is an abnormality in the water pressure. The threshold value (lower limit) "0.2" is the lower limit threshold value used when determining whether there is an abnormality in the water pressure.

[0059] The monitoring condition information 523 is set by the user via the monitoring condition input unit 522. As an input / output method, input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel can be applied.

[0060] The monitoring condition information 523 designated in this manner is transmitted from the terminal device 500 via the data server 400 for each terminal device to be monitored.

[0061] Note that the monitoring condition information 523 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if the threshold can be set in two stages, the monitoring condition information 523 may include the thresholds in two stages.

[0062] (Example of display in the UI section) The UI of the terminal device 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the monitoring information display unit 521 of the UI unit 520 of the terminal device 500.

[0063] The management ID column 524 shows the management ID of the water pressure monitoring device being monitored. The monitoring information display section 521 shows the monitoring information obtained from the water pressure monitoring device corresponding to the management ID "XXXXX" in the management ID column 524. The jurisdiction area column 525 shows the installation location of the water pressure monitoring device being monitored. The water pressure monitoring device being monitored is installed at the address "C, B, District A, City Z." The observation data column 526 shows the water pressure values ​​obtained from the water pressure monitoring device being monitored as a time series graph.

[0064] The threshold value column 527 indicates the upper and lower threshold values ​​for determining the state of water pressure. The upper threshold value is set to 0.4, and the lower threshold value is set to 0.2. In the time series graph of the observation data column 526, the threshold values ​​are displayed as thick lines.

[0065] The latest water pressure in the facility information 528 corresponds to the device status information of the pressure sensor 110. Furthermore, the remaining battery power in the facility information 528 corresponds to the remaining battery power of the power supply unit 120. The latest water pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 110 is 0.34, and the remaining battery power of the power supply unit 120 is 49.1%.

[0066] The abnormality notification display 529 highlights when an abnormality in water pressure is detected in the observation data 526. The abnormality notification display 529 allows the user to intuitively grasp the period during which the abnormality occurred.

[0067] The display in the monitoring information display unit 521 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. If the monitoring information and monitoring condition information include another index, the other index may also be displayed in the monitoring information display unit 521. The display format is also not limited to that disclosed herein. For example, the observation data 526 is displayed as a time series graph, but it may also be displayed in a table format. The abnormality notification display 529 may also be displayed in a format such as highlighting the marker on the time series graph or displaying hatching on the background of the time series graph.

[0068] (Determining water pressure status) Determining the state of water pressure in the water pressure monitoring device will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing monitoring of water pressure in the water pressure monitoring device in the first embodiment. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis indicates the water pressure over time, and the vertical axis indicates the water pressure value. The normal range of water pressure is indicated between the upper threshold value W1 and the lower threshold value W2. The solid line WP indicates the expected change in water pressure (hereinafter also referred to as "water pressure WP"). The water pressure value is acquired at a predetermined interval P1, and t0 to t7 indicate the time when the water pressure is measured.

[0069] In the explanation of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the allowable number of times is set to three.

[0070] In the region Ra, the water pressure WP oscillates, causing hunting. At time t0, a water pressure value greater than threshold value W1 is measured. At time t1, a water pressure value less than threshold value W1 is measured. At time t2, the water pressure value measured is between threshold values ​​W1 and W2.

[0071] In the conventional water pressure monitoring device, an abnormality is detected at time t1 and time t2 and an abnormality information is notified. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the water pressure value does not exceed the threshold value for three consecutive measurements. Therefore, no water pressure abnormality is detected in area Ra.

[0072] On the other hand, in region Rb, the water pressure WP is biased toward the upper limit, indicating an abnormality. Because water pressure values ​​greater than threshold W1 are measured three times in succession, which is the allowable number of times, the water pressure monitoring device detects an abnormality in water pressure in region Rb.

[0073] In region c, only two measurements are shown, at times t6 and t7, but it is clear that no water pressure values ​​outside the normal range are measured three times in a row. Therefore, no abnormal water pressure is detected in region Rc.

[0074] (Actions and Effects) In water pressure hunting, the vibrations tend not to be periodic. When measurements are taken periodically, by determining whether water pressure values ​​greater than a threshold value occur consecutively, an abnormality is determined based on multiple measurements rather than a single measurement at the time of measurement, making it possible to distinguish between the occurrence of hunting and the occurrence of an abnormality. In this way, the present disclosure allows for appropriate detection of water pressure abnormalities.

[0075] Furthermore, because water pressure abnormalities vary depending on the environment in which the water distribution pipe is used, in this disclosure the threshold value, allowable number of times, optional interval, and transmission interval used to determine abnormalities can be set according to the situation in which the water pressure monitoring device is installed. Since water pressure can be monitored after setting the determination conditions for each water pressure monitoring device, the accuracy of water pressure monitoring can be improved.

[0076] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the determination of water pressure abnormality is based on whether or not an allowable time has elapsed. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be simplified or omitted.

[0077] (Outline of configuration) The configuration of a water pressure monitoring system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water pressure monitoring system.

[0078] The monitoring condition storage unit 133a in the water pressure monitoring system 1a of the second embodiment stores an allowable time, which is the time allowed for the occurrence of a water pressure threshold value outside the normal range. Information indicating the allowable time is set by the user via the terminal device 500. The determination unit 132a compares the water pressure value with the threshold information, and when cases in which the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range occur consecutively at either the upper or lower limit of the normal range, measures the interval between occurrences, and determines that an abnormality has occurred if the occurrence interval exceeds the allowable time.

[0079] (Processing in water pressure monitoring system) The processing procedure in the water pressure monitoring system will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of water pressure monitoring in the water pressure monitoring system. In the second embodiment, step S20, which is processing related to the hunting allowable time, is added.

[0080] The water pressure monitoring device 100 sets the monitoring conditions based on the received monitoring condition information (step S3). Specifically, the communication unit 134 receives the monitoring condition information, including threshold value information, the allowable number of times, and the allowable time, and the monitoring condition storage unit 133 updates the threshold value information, the allowable number of times, and the allowable time based on the monitoring condition information. The monitoring condition storage unit 133 stores the allowable time based on the received monitoring condition information. In addition, the measurement value acquisition unit 131 and the communication unit 134 set the predetermined interval, transmission interval, and allowable time specified in the monitoring condition information, and initialize the timer information to 0. The determination unit 132 initializes the occurrence count or occurrence interval to 0.

[0081] If the water pressure value is greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S7), the determination unit 132 determines whether the number of occurrences has reached the allowable number of times (step S9). If the number of occurrences has not reached the allowable number of times (No in step S9), the determination unit 132 determines whether the occurrence interval has exceeded the allowable time (step S20). Here, the occurrence interval is the time from when a water pressure value greater than the upper threshold value is measured until the next water pressure value greater than the upper threshold value is measured (i.e., until step S20 is reached).

[0082] If the occurrence interval has exceeded the allowable time (Yes in step S20), the communication unit 130 performs abnormality transmission (step S11). On the other hand, if the occurrence interval has not exceeded the allowable time (No in step S20), the determination unit 132 adds 1 to the occurrence count while continuing to measure (time) the occurrence interval (step S10). The measurement value acquisition unit 131 saves the water pressure value and maintains the stored state (step S15).

[0083] Since the threshold values ​​are set on the upper and lower limit sides, the processes from step S7 to step S11 and step S20 are also performed for each threshold value.

[0084] (Example of monitoring condition information) The monitoring condition information will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the monitoring condition information. A user of the water pressure monitoring system 1 sets the monitoring condition information 523a via the monitoring condition input unit 522 of the terminal device 500.

[0085] The monitoring condition information 523a differs from the monitoring condition information 523 of the first embodiment in that it includes an "allowed hunting time." The allowed hunting time of "5 minutes" corresponds to the above-mentioned allowed time.

[0086] Furthermore, if the hunting allowable time and the measurement interval are set to the same time (for example, the hunting allowable time is set to 3 minutes and the measurement time is set to 3 minutes), the processing in the water pressure monitoring system 1a in the second embodiment will be the same as the processing in the water pressure monitoring system 1 in the first embodiment.

[0087] As described above, even if a situation occurs in which the water pressure value exceeds one of the water pressure values ​​and the number of occurrences has not reached the allowable number, if the occurrence interval exceeds the allowable time, the communication unit 130 will perform abnormality communication with the data server 400 (step S11) without going through regular transmission (step S17). Possible cases in which the occurrence interval exceeds the allowable time include a situation in which an abnormality has occurred in the pressure sensor 110, or a situation in which an abnormality has occurred in communication between the pressure sensor 110 and the communication unit 130. Even if such a situation occurs, the water pressure monitoring system of the second embodiment can notify the user of abnormality information.

[0088] (Actions and Effects) By adding a judgment based on the hunting allowable time, it becomes possible to detect abnormalities that are more suited to the site.

[0089] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0090] For example, although the present disclosure has been described with respect to monitoring water pressure, it can be applied to monitoring pressures other than water pressure (such as gas pressure) if fluctuations similar to hunting are expected to occur. Furthermore, although the present disclosure has described monitoring of water pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve, by combining it with monitoring of water pressure upstream of the pressure reducing valve, more efficient and effective monitoring of water pressure is possible.

[0091] The following are examples of possible embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these. (Aspect 1) a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals; a monitoring condition storage unit that stores threshold information defining a normal range of water pressure and an allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur; a determination unit for determining the state of water pressure, The determination unit The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the number of occurrences is counted; A water pressure monitoring device that determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number. (Aspect 2) the monitoring condition storage unit stores an allowable time, which is a time during which the occurrence of a threshold value outside the normal range is allowed; The determination unit The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the interval between occurrences is measured; The water pressure monitoring device according to aspect 1, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred if the occurrence interval exceeds the allowable time. (Aspect 3) Further provided is a pressure sensor that measures the water pressure value, 3. The water pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor measures the water pressure downstream of a pressure reducing valve in a water distribution pipe in which the pressure reducing valve is installed. (Aspect 4) The water pressure monitoring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a communication unit that transmits abnormality information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the water pressure state to a data server. (Aspect 5) A water pressure monitoring device described in any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein, when the arbitrary interval is a predetermined interval, the communication unit transmits to the data server a water pressure value that the judgment unit has determined to be within the normal range at a predetermined transmission interval that is longer than the predetermined interval. (Aspect 6) the communication unit receives monitoring condition information including the threshold value information, the permissible number of times, and the permissible time; A water pressure monitoring device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the monitoring condition storage unit updates the threshold value information, the permissible number of times, and the permissible time based on the monitoring condition information. (Aspect 7) a measurement value acquisition step of acquiring measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals; a monitoring condition storage step for storing threshold information defining a normal range of water pressure and an allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur; a determination step of determining the state of water pressure. The determining step The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the number of occurrences is counted; A water pressure monitoring method in which it is determined that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number. (Aspect 8) A water pressure monitoring system including a water pressure monitoring device and a terminal device, Water pressure monitoring devices include: a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals; a monitoring condition storage unit that stores threshold information defining a normal range of water pressure and an allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur; a determination unit for determining the state of water pressure, The terminal device setting the threshold value information and the allowable number of times; The determination unit The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the number of occurrences is counted; A water pressure monitoring system that determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1, 1a Water pressure monitoring system, 100, 1001-100 N Water pressure monitoring device, 110 pressure sensor, 120 power supply unit, 130 communication unit, 131 measurement value acquisition unit, 132, 132a judgment unit, 133, 133a monitoring condition storage unit, 134 communication unit, 200 mobile phone base station, 300 carrier (communication line operator), 400 data server, 410 monitoring information storage unit, 420 monitoring target setting unit, 500 terminal device, 510 receiving unit, 520 UI unit, 521 monitoring information display unit, 522 monitoring condition input unit, 523, 523a monitoring condition information, 524 management ID field, 525 jurisdiction area field, 526 observation data field, 527 threshold field, 528 facility information, 529 abnormality notification display

Claims

1. a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals; a monitoring condition storage unit that stores threshold information defining a normal range of water pressure and an allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur; a determination unit for determining the state of water pressure, The determination unit The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the number of occurrences is counted; A water pressure monitoring device that determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number.

2. the monitoring condition storage unit stores an allowable time, which is a time during which the occurrence of a threshold value outside the normal range is allowed; The determination unit The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the interval between occurrences is measured; The water pressure monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred when the occurrence interval exceeds the allowable time.

3. Further provided is a pressure sensor that measures the water pressure value, The water pressure monitoring device according to claim 2 , wherein the pressure sensor measures the water pressure downstream of a pressure reducing valve in a water distribution pipe in which the pressure reducing valve is installed.

4. The water pressure monitoring device according to claim 2 , further comprising a communication unit that transmits abnormality information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the water pressure state to a data server.

5. A water pressure monitoring device as described in claim 4, wherein when the arbitrary interval is a predetermined interval, the communication unit transmits to the data server a water pressure value that the judgment unit has determined to be within the normal range at a predetermined transmission interval that is longer than the predetermined interval.

6. the communication unit receives monitoring condition information including the threshold value information, the permissible number of times, and the permissible time; The water pressure monitoring device according to claim 5 , wherein the monitoring condition storage unit updates the threshold value information, the permissible number of times, and the permissible time based on the monitoring condition information.

7. a measurement value acquisition step of acquiring measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals; a monitoring condition storage step for storing threshold information defining a normal range of water pressure and an allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur; a determination step of determining the state of water pressure. The determining step The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the number of occurrences is counted; A water pressure monitoring method in which it is determined that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number.

8. A water pressure monitoring system including a water pressure monitoring device and a terminal device, Water pressure monitoring devices include: a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires measured water pressure values ​​at arbitrary intervals; a monitoring condition storage unit that stores threshold information defining a normal range of water pressure and an allowable number of times that a water pressure value outside the normal range is allowed to occur; a determination unit for determining the state of water pressure, The terminal device setting the threshold value information and the allowable number of times; The determination unit The water pressure value is compared with the threshold information, and when the water pressure value is determined to be outside the normal range consecutively with respect to either the upper limit or the lower limit of the normal range, the number of occurrences is counted; A water pressure monitoring system that determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of occurrences reaches the allowable number.

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